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 golden armlets, anklets and crown, 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 drinking the honey of 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 clouds released by 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.
About Navina Nirada Syamam
A sixteen-verse Sanskrit meditation hymn attributed to Vyasa, moving systematically down Krishna's Gopala form — hair, earrings, chest, crown, flute, then his pastimes swimming the Yamuna, playing with the cowherd boys, and lifting Govardhana — structured for formal visualization in worship, and closing with the promise that reciting it three times daily earns the Lord's chosen boon.
- Composer
- Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa
- Verses
- 16
Frequently asked
Who wrote Navina Nirada Syamam?
Navina Nirada Syamam was composed by Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa.
What is the meaning of 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.
How many verses does Navina Nirada Syamam have?
Navina Nirada Syamam has 16 verses.
Can I download Navina Nirada Syamam as a PPT or PDF?
Yes. A ready-to-display slide deck for Navina Nirada Syamam — verse and translation on each slide — is available to download in both PowerPoint (.pptx) and PDF formats from this page, for use in kirtan or temple programs.