Gopal Chalisa: Devotional Hymn to Lord Krishna

Introduction

Hinduism is enriched with devotional hymns that allow devotees to connect with the divine. Among the many hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Gopal Chalisa holds a special place. "Gopal" is one of the most endearing names of Krishna, meaning "the protector of cows", symbolizing his role as a divine caretaker and nourisher of all beings. The Gopal Chalisa is a forty-verse devotional composition that glorifies Krishna’s childhood, his divine pastimes (Leelas), and his supreme compassion. Chanting this sacred hymn brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.

Who is Lord Gopal?

Lord Krishna, in his Gopal form, is worshipped as the mischievous yet adorable divine child of Vrindavan. He is often depicted as a young boy playing the flute, herding cows, and performing miracles for his devotees. Gopal is beloved for his innocence, charm, and boundless love. Stories of Makhan Chor (butter thief), Govardhan Lila, and his playful interactions with the Gopis highlight his divine nature. Devotees see Gopal as a source of unconditional love and supreme wisdom.

Significance of Gopal Chalisa

The Gopal Chalisa is a powerful hymn that describes Krishna’s divine qualities, his childhood miracles, and his role as a protector. It is recited by devotees to:

• Seek Krishna’s blessings for happiness and prosperity
• Attain peace of mind and spiritual upliftment
• Remove obstacles and negative energies
• Strengthen faith and devotion in Krishna

Regular recitation of this Chalisa is believed to bring divine protection, wisdom, and inner peace.

Structure and Meaning of Gopal Chalisa

The Gopal Chalisa follows a structured format of forty verses, each filled with praise and devotion. The hymn is melodic and rhythmic, making it easy to chant. It generally consists of:

1. Invocation (Mangalacharan) – The hymn begins by invoking Lord Gopal and seeking his divine presence.
2. Praise of Gopal’s Divine Form – His radiant beauty, peacock-feathered crown, flute, and enchanting smile are glorified.
3. His Childhood Leelas (Miracles) – The hymn narrates his acts of mischief, such as stealing butter, and his divine miracles, including lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers.
4. Krishna as the Savior – Gopal is described as the one who destroys evil forces, protects devotees, and spreads dharma.
5. Conclusion – The Chalisa ends with prayers for Krishna’s love, blessings, and guidance in life.

Benefits of Reciting Gopal Chalisa

Chanting the Gopal Chalisa brings numerous spiritual and material benefits:

1. Peace and Prosperity – Fosters happiness, harmony, and success in life.
2. Protection from Negative Energies – Krishna’s blessings remove obstacles and negativity.
3. Divine Love and Devotion – Strengthens faith and deepens the spiritual connection with Krishna.
4. Removal of Sins and Karma – Helps in purifying the heart and attaining inner peace.
5. Wisdom and Guidance – Krishna’s teachings provide clarity and wisdom in life’s challenges.

Conclusion

The Gopal Chalisa is a beautiful and powerful hymn that fills the heart with devotion and divine joy. It reminds devotees of Krishna’s unconditional love and guidance, helping them lead a righteous and fulfilling life. By chanting this Chalisa regularly, one can experience spiritual awakening, protection, and eternal bliss in Krishna’s presence.

Would you like me to include a specific verse or a deeper analysis of any part? 😊

Gopal Chalisa is a sacred composition dedicated to Lord Krishna, the divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Chalisa, meaning forty, refers to the forty verses that comprise this devotional hymn. Gopal Chalisa is recited by devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna, who is revered as the embodiment of love, compassion, and divine playfulness. In this article, we explore the significance of Gopal Chalisa, delve into its verses, and understand the spiritual essence it holds.

 

INTRODUCTION TO GOPAL CHALISA

Gopal Chalisa holds great importance in the worship and devotion of Lord Krishna. It serves as a medium to express love, devotion, and adoration towards the Lord. Each verse of Gopal Chalisa describes the various divine qualities, pastimes, and virtues of Lord Krishna. Through the recitation of this hymn, devotees seek the divine presence of Lord Krishna in their lives and experience his grace and blessings.

 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOPAL CHALISA

Gopal Chalisa carries deep significance for devotees who seek a spiritual connection with Lord Krishna. The recitation of Gopal Chalisa is believed to purify the mind, uplift the soul, and awaken divine love and devotion. Each verse describes the divine attributes of Lord Krishna, his enchanting form, his divine leelas (pastimes), and his role as the protector and savior of his devotees. Devotees recite Gopal Chalisa with utmost reverence, surrendering themselves to the divine presence of Lord Krishna.

 

THE VERSES OF GOPAL CHALISA

Gopal Chalisa consists of forty verses, each beautifully depicting the divine glory of Lord Krishna. Each verse reflects upon the divine qualities, leelas, and teachings of Lord Krishna. These verses describe the charming appearance of Lord Krishna, his divine flute playing, his role as the beloved of Radha, and his guidance to attain spiritual enlightenment. The verses of Gopal Chalisa not only invoke the divine presence of Lord Krishna but also inspire devotees to lead a righteous and devotional life.

 

Gopal Chalisa Lyrics in English

 

॥ Doha ॥

 

Shri Radhapada Kamala Raja,Shri Yamuna Kula।

Varano Chalisa Sarasa,Sakala Sumangala Mula॥

 

॥ Chaupai ॥

Jai Jai Purana Brahma Bihari।Dushta Dalana Lila Avatari॥

Jo Koi Tumhari Lila Gave।Bina Shrama Sakala Padaratha Pave॥

Shri Vasudeva Devaki Mata।Prakata Bhaye Sanga Haladhara Bhrata ॥

Mathura Son Prabhu Gokula Aye।Nanda Bhavana Mein Bajata Badhaye॥

Jo Visha Dena Putana Ayi।So Mukti Dai Dhama Pathai॥

Trinavarta Rakshasa Samharyau।Paga Badhaya Sakatasura Maryau॥

Khela Khela Mein Mati Khai।Mukha Mein Saba Jaga Diyo Dikhai॥

Gopina Ghara Ghara Makhana Khayo।Jasumati Bala Keli Sukha Payo॥

Ukhala Son Nija Anga Bandhai।Yamalarjuna Jada Yoni Chhudai॥

Baka Asura Ki Choncha Vidari।Vikata Aghasura Diyo Sanhari॥

Brahma Balaka Vatsa Churaye।Mohana Ko Mohana Hita Aye॥

Bala Vatsa Saba Bane Murari।Brahma Vinaya Kari Taba Bhari॥

Kali Naga Nathi Bhagawana।Davanala Ko Kinhon Pana॥

Sakhana Sanga Khelata Sukha Payo।Shridama Nija Kandha Chadhayo॥

Chira Harana Kari Sikha Sikhayi।Nakha Para Giravara Liyo Uthayi॥

Darasha Yajna Patnina Ko Dinhon।Radha Prema Sudha Sukha Linhon॥

Nandahin Varuna Loka So Laye।Gwalana Ko Nija Loka Dikhaye॥

Sharada Chandra Lakhi Venu Bajayi।Ati Sukha Dinhon Rasa Rachayi॥

Ajagara So Pitu Charana Chudayo।Shankhachuda Ko Muda Girayo॥

Hane Arishta Sura Aru Keshi।Vyomasura Maryo Chala Veshi॥

Vyakula Braja Taji Mathura Aye।Mari Kansa Yaduvansha Basaye॥

Mata Pita Ki Bandi Chudayi।Sandipana Griha Vigha Payi॥

Puni Pathayau Braja Udhau Gyani।Prema Dekhi Sudhi Sakala Bhulani॥

Kinhin Kubari Sundara Nari।Hari Laye Rukmini Sukumari॥

Bhaumasura Hani Bhakta Chhudaye।Surana Jiti Surataru Mahi Laye॥

Dantavakra Shishupala Sanhare।Khaga Mriga Nriga Aru Badhika Udhare॥

Dina Sudama Dhanapati Kinhon।Paratha Ratha Sarathi Yasha Linhon॥

Gita Gyana Sikhavana Hare।Arjuna Moha Mitawana Hare॥

Kela Bhakta Bidura Ghara Payo।Yuddha Mahabharata Rachavayo॥

Drupada Suta Ko Chira Badhayo।Garbha Parikshita Jarata Bachayo॥

Kachchha Machchha Varaha Ahisha।Bavana Kalki Buddhi Munisha॥

Hwai Nrisimha Prahlada Ubaryo।Rama Rupa Dhari Ravana Maryo॥

Jai Madhu Kaitabha Daitya Hanaiya।Ambariya Priya Chakra Dharaiya॥

Byadha Ajamila Dinhen Tari।Shabri Aru Ganika Si Nari॥

Garudasana Gaja Phanda Nikandana।Dehu Darasha Dhruva Nayananandana॥

Dehu Shuddha Santana Kara Sanga।Badhai Prema Bhakti Rasa Ranga॥

Dehu Divya Vrindavana Basa।Chhute Mriga Trishna Jaga Asha॥

Tumharo Dhyana Dharata Shiva Narada।Shuka Sanakadika Brahmana Visharada॥

Jai Jai Radharamana Kripala।Harana Sakala Sankata Bhrama Jala॥

Binasain Bighana Roga Duhkha Bhari।Jo Sumare Jagapati Giradhari॥

Jo Sata Bara Padhai Chalisa।Dehi Sakala Banchhita Phala Shisha॥

 

॥ Chhanda ॥

Gopala Chalisa Padhai Nita,Nema Son Chitta Lavai।

So Divya Tana Dhari Anta Mahana,Goloka Dhama Sidhavai॥

Sansara Sukha Sampatti Sakala,Jo Bhaktajana Sana Mahan Chahain।

'Jayaramadeva' Sadaiva So,Gurudeva Daya Son Lahain॥

 

॥ Doha ॥

Pranata Pala Asharana Sharana,Karuna-Sindhu Brajesha।

Chalisa Ke Sanga Mohi,Apanavahu Pranesha॥

 

 

Gopal Chalisa Lyrics in Hindi

 

॥ दोहा ॥

श्री राधापद कमल रज,सिर धरि यमुना कूल।

वरणो चालीसा सरस,सकल सुमंगल मूल॥

 

॥ चौपाई ॥

जय जय पूरण ब्रह्म बिहारी।दुष्ट दलन लीला अवतारी॥

जो कोई तुम्हरी लीला गावै।बिन श्रम सकल पदारथ पावै॥

श्री वसुदेव देवकी माता।प्रकट भये संग हलधर भ्राता॥

मथुरा सों प्रभु गोकुल आये।नन्द भवन में बजत बधाये॥

जो विष देन पूतना आई।सो मुक्ति दै धाम पठाई॥

तृणावर्त राक्षस संहार्यौ।पग बढ़ाय सकटासुर मार्यौ॥

खेल खेल में माटी खाई।मुख में सब जग दियो दिखाई॥

गोपिन घर घर माखन खायो।जसुमति बाल केलि सुख पायो॥

ऊखल सों निज अंग बँधाई।यमलार्जुन जड़ योनि छुड़ाई॥

बका असुर की चोंच विदारी।विकट अघासुर दियो सँहारी॥

ब्रह्मा बालक वत्स चुराये।मोहन को मोहन हित आये॥

बाल वत्स सब बने मुरारी।ब्रह्मा विनय करी तब भारी॥

काली नाग नाथि भगवाना।दावानल को कीन्हों पाना॥

सखन संग खेलत सुख पायो।श्रीदामा निज कन्ध चढ़ायो॥

चीर हरन करि सीख सिखाई।नख पर गिरवर लियो उठाई॥

दरश यज्ञ पत्निन को दीन्हों।राधा प्रेम सुधा सुख लीन्हों॥

नन्दहिं वरुण लोक सों लाये।ग्वालन को निज लोक दिखाये॥

शरद चन्द्र लखि वेणु बजाई।अति सुख दीन्हों रास रचाई॥

अजगर सों पितु चरण छुड़ायो।शंखचूड़ को मूड़ गिरायो॥

हने अरिष्टा सुर अरु केशी।व्योमासुर मार्यो छल वेषी॥

व्याकुल ब्रज तजि मथुरा आये।मारि कंस यदुवंश बसाये॥

मात पिता की बन्दि छुड़ाई।सान्दीपनि गृह विद्या पाई॥

पुनि पठयौ ब्रज ऊधौ ज्ञानी।प्रेम देखि सुधि सकल भुलानी॥

कीन्हीं कुबरी सुन्दर नारी।हरि लाये रुक्मिणि सुकुमारी॥

भौमासुर हनि भक्त छुड़ाये।सुरन जीति सुरतरु महि लाये॥

दन्तवक्र शिशुपाल संहारे।खग मृग नृग अरु बधिक उधारे॥

दीन सुदामा धनपति कीन्हों।पारथ रथ सारथि यश लीन्हों॥

गीता ज्ञान सिखावन हारे।अर्जुन मोह मिटावन हारे॥

केला भक्त बिदुर घर पायो।युद्ध महाभारत रचवायो॥

द्रुपद सुता को चीर बढ़ायो।गर्भ परीक्षित जरत बचायो॥

कच्छ मच्छ वाराह अहीशा।बावन कल्की बुद्धि मुनीशा॥

ह्वै नृसिंह प्रह्लाद उबार्यो।राम रुप धरि रावण मार्यो॥

जय मधु कैटभ दैत्य हनैया।अम्बरीय प्रिय चक्र धरैया॥

ब्याध अजामिल दीन्हें तारी।शबरी अरु गणिका सी नारी॥

गरुड़ासन गज फन्द निकन्दन।देहु दरश ध्रुव नयनानन्दन॥

देहु शुद्ध सन्तन कर सङ्गा।बाढ़ै प्रेम भक्ति रस रङ्गा॥

देहु दिव्य वृन्दावन बासा।छूटै मृग तृष्णा जग आशा॥

तुम्हरो ध्यान धरत शिव नारद।शुक सनकादिक ब्रह्म विशारद॥

जय जय राधारमण कृपाला।हरण सकल संकट भ्रम जाला॥

बिनसैं बिघन रोग दुःख भारी।जो सुमरैं जगपति गिरधारी॥

जो सत बार पढ़ै चालीसा।देहि सकल बाँछित फल शीशा॥

 

॥ छन्द ॥

गोपाल चालीसा पढ़ै नित,नेम सों चित्त लावई।

सो दिव्य तन धरि अन्त महँ,गोलोक धाम सिधावई॥

संसार सुख सम्पत्ति सकल,जो भक्तजन सन महँ चहैं।

'जयरामदेव' सदैव सो,गुरुदेव दाया सों लहैं॥

 

॥ दोहा ॥

प्रणत पाल अशरण शरण,करुणा-सिन्धु ब्रजेश।

चालीसा के संग मोहि,अपनावहु प्राणेश॥

 

 

 

THE SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF RECITING GOPAL CHALISA

Reciting Gopal Chalisa with devotion and understanding is believed to bestow numerous spiritual benefits upon devotees. Some of the significant benefits include:

 

Devotional Connection: Gopal Chalisa helps devotees establish a deep devotional connection with Lord Krishna. Through the recitation of each verse, devotees express their love, reverence, and surrender to the divine form of Lord Krishna. It nurtures their spiritual bond and intensifies their devotion.

 

Divine Blessings: The recitation of Gopal Chalisa invokes the blessings and grace of Lord Krishna. Devotees believe that by chanting the hymn with sincerity and devotion, they receive divine blessings, guidance, and protection from Lord Krishna in their spiritual journey and everyday life.

 

Purification of Mind and Soul: Gopal Chalisa purifies the mind and soul of the devotees. The divine vibrations created by the recitation of each verse help in clearing negative thoughts, uplifting the consciousness, and fostering inner peace and harmony.

 

Inspiration for Righteous Living: The verses of Gopal Chalisa inspire devotees to lead a righteous and virtuous life. They reflect upon the teachings of Lord Krishna, emphasizing the importance of love, compassion, selflessness, and devotion. The hymn encourages devotees to imbibe these qualities in their daily lives.

 

CONCLUSION

Gopal Chalisa is a devotional hymn that encapsulates the divine glory of Lord Krishna. Through the recitation of its verses, devotees seek the divine presence of Lord Krishna and experience his love, grace, and blessings. Gopal Chalisa nurtures devotion, purifies the mind and soul, and inspires devotees to lead a righteous and devotional life. By reciting Gopal Chalisa with utmost devotion and understanding, devotees can deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Krishna and receive his divine grace.

 

FAQS (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q1. Can anyone recite Gopal Chalisa?

 Yes, Gopal Chalisa can be recited by anyone who has faith and devotion towards Lord Krishna. There are no restrictions based on gender, age, or religious background. Devotees recite Gopal Chalisa to seek the divine blessings and presence of Lord Krishna in their lives.

 

Q2. When is the best time to recite Gopal Chalisa?

 While there is no specific time restriction, many devotees prefer to recite Gopal Chalisa during the early morning hours or in the evening. These times are considered auspicious and conducive to spiritual practices. However, devotees can recite Gopal Chalisa at any time that is convenient and allows for a peaceful and focused state of mind.

 

Q3. Are there any specific guidelines to follow while reciting Gopal Chalisa?

 While there are no strict guidelines, it is recommended to recite Gopal Chalisa in a clean and serene environment. Observing purity of body and mind, along with deep concentration, enhances the spiritual experience. Some devotees also light incense, offer flowers or sweets to Lord Krishna's image or idol, and maintain a meditative posture while reciting the hymn.

 

Q4. Can I recite Gopal Chalisa for specific purposes or wishes?

 Yes, Gopal Chalisa can be recited for specific purposes or wishes. Devotees often seek the blessings and grace of Lord Krishna for various reasons, such as spiritual upliftment, success in endeavors, healing, and overcoming challenges. By focusing on their intentions and reciting the chalisa with devotion, they believe that Lord Krishna's divine grace can fulfill their sincere prayers and aspirations.

 

Q5. Can I recite Gopal Chalisa in any language?

 Yes, you can recite Gopal Chalisa in any language that you are comfortable with. While the original chalisa is in Hindi or Sanskrit, translations and transliterations in various languages, including English, are available. The key is to understand the meaning and significance of the verses and recite them with deep devotion and reverence.