Nārada’s Stotra to Kṛshṇa in Goloka

This stotra was sung by Nārada to Bhagavān Kṛshṇa when he saw him face to face in Goloka. It is found in the Vāsudeva Māhātmya of the Vaishṇava Khaṇḍa of the Skanda Purāṇa, Chapter 17, verses 27–37. Nārada praises Bhagavān Kṛshṇa as the supreme Brahman without attributes, as Vāsudeva who dwells in all, and as the cause of all causes whom the Vedas proclaim. He asks for one vara only: that his devotion to Kṛshṇa’s lotus feet may always stay firm.

The setting

Nārada first crossed the seven cosmic regions and the eight sheaths (āvaraṇa) of the universe. He then crossed the Vīrajā river, Mount Śataśṛṅga, Vṛndāvana and the sixteen doorkeepers of Goloka.

There he stood before Bhagavān Kṛshṇa. Kṛshṇa sat on a throne of precious stones. He was dark in colour and held a flute. The Śrīvatsa mark was on his chest. Rādhā and all his devotees sat around him.

Nārada was full of love and fell flat before him like a staff. Kṛshṇa welcomed him with words sweet like nectar. Nārada then came to himself and sang this stotra.

The stotra

Verse 27. Nārada said: “Be victorious, O Śrī Kṛshṇa, Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa, master of the world. You are Vāsudeva, who dwells in all (the name Vāsudeva comes from the root vas, to dwell, and this verse confirms it). You are always dear to your own exclusive devotees.”

Verse 28. “Your most wonderful feet are worthy of the worship of Rādhikā and Kamalā. You are the highest bliss, and the supreme refuge of those who seek it.”

Verse 29. “You are the eternal among the eternal ātmās. You are the ātmā, the awareness in all beings who are aware. You are beyond the perishable and the imperishable. You are the Supreme Brahman, O Hari.”

Verse 30. “The great purity and the supernatural power that come from the highest devotion to you are not gained by men through other means, even through tapas.”

Verse 31. “Only the divine moonlight of your feet can at once destroy the thick darkness in the hearts of those who long for moksha, O noble master.”

Verse 32. “O Bhagavān Kṛshṇa, cause of all causes, the Vedas proclaim you as the only one to be worshipped, pleased and known.”

Verse 33. “The auspicious, blissful, bright radiance that rests in every pore of your skin shines brighter than the light of a crore of moons.”

Verse 34. “You, the supreme Person without attributes, always dwell in this imperishable abode, free of attributes, called Amṛta, which is a mass of light.”

Verse 35. “By the power of pleasing you, your devotees become free from Kāla, who strikes fear into the universe, and from the great fear of Māyā.”

Verse 36. “I have come to you for refuge. You are the master of the universe, the ātmā that dwells in all, the all-pervading Brahman, the great imperishable Purusha.”

Verse 37, the request for a vara. “O master of the devas, please grant me the favour by which my devotion to your lotus feet will always be firm.”

Kṛshṇa’s reply

Bhagavān Kṛshṇa was pleased with the stotra and answered with words sweet like nectar. He named the conditions for his darśana (sight):

  • non-violence
  • celibacy
  • keeping to one’s own duties
  • calm
  • distaste for worldly enjoyment
  • knowledge of the Self
  • company of sants
  • eight-limbed yoga
  • full control of the senses
  • living on the food of ṛshis
  • tapas
  • freedom from faults
  • complete devotion that comes after knowing his greatness

Kṛshṇa then gave Nārada the vara he asked for. He gave him a great vīṇā (lute) for singing his praise. He told him to go to Badarikāśrama to please Nārāyaṇa, the son of Dharma.

Sources

  • Skanda Mahā Purāṇa, Vaishṇava Khaṇḍa, Vāsudeva Māhātmya, Chapter 17, verses 27–37 (the stotra)
  • Skanda Mahā Purāṇa, Vaishṇava Khaṇḍa, Vāsudeva Māhātmya, Chapters 17–18 (Kṛshṇa’s reply)