Navina Nirada Syamam

I bow to Krishna, whose complexion is dark like a fresh raincloud, whose eyes are like blue lotuses, who delights the cowherd women, in his form as Gopala.

His dark, curling hair bound up with a glittering peacock plume, adorned with a forest garland strung from kadamba flowers.

Golden earrings swinging against the circle of his cheeks; his chest illumined by a necklace of large, thick pearls.

His form resplendent with a crown to match his golden armlets, his garments stirred and fluttering in a gentle breeze.

The sweet sound of the flute at his lovely joined lips, again and again enchanting the hearts of the radiant cowherd girls.

A bee at the lotus-faces of the cowherd women, stirring their minds with his smiling, sidelong glances.

Surrounded by the cowherd women, their youthful bodies close together, adorned in wondrous garments and ornaments.

Eager for playful sport in the dark waters of the Kalindi, sometimes engaging the cowherd boys in mock combat, calling out to the herds of cows.

Standing sometimes in Vrindavana in the shade of a kadamba tree, cooled by breezes off the waters of the Kalindi.

Seated upon a jeweled throne set against a jeweled hill, within a golden pavilion amid wish-fulfilling trees.

Standing on the beautiful Govardhana hill, its horizons made fragrant by spring flowers, eager for the mellow of the rasa dance.

Holding the best of hills upon the palm of his left hand like an umbrella, as the fury of the defeated Indra poured down torrents like showers of pearls.

Watched constantly by the herds of cows and their calves, faces uplifted, bellowing in the joy stirred by the sound of his flute.

Beautified by the cowherd boys, who sing of Krishna alone and follow wholly under the sway of his lead, sticks and ropes raised in their hands.

Praised, with affectionate and tender words, by the greatest of sages headed by Narada, masters of the Vedas and their supplements — he who is greater than the greatest.

Whoever thus meditates on the Lord and praises him with devotion three times a day, to him this Lord, being pleased, grants the desired boon.