Shri Gopalaka Vimsati Stotram

Shri Gopalaka Vimsati Stotram (literally meaning "Twenty Verses to Lord Gopala") is a magnificent 20-verse Sanskrit hymn composed by Swami Sri Vedanta Desika (1268–1369 CE), one of the greatest polymath philosophers and saints of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

Legend states that Vedanta Desika composed this stotram while visiting the famous temple of Rajagopalaswamy at Thiruvendipuram (or Mannargudi). Filled with deep devotion, Desika describes Lord Gopala's divine childhood in Vrindavan, His peacock feather crown, His sweet flute music, His stealing of butter, and His supreme mercy towards devotees.

The stotram begins with the celebrated opening line: "Vande Vṛndāvanacāraṃ Śrīmad-Vakṣassthala-Sthitam" ("I bow to Lord Gopala who wanders in Vrindavan, on whose chest Goddess Lakshmi resides!").

• Verse 1: Salutations to Gopala who wanders in Vrindavan, on whose chest resides Lakshmi.
• Verse 2: I meditate on butter-thief Gopala, who lifted Govardhana mountain on His fingertip.
• Verses 3–19: Describing Gopala's peacock crown, flute, yellow silk, Yamuna sports, and defeat of demons.
• Verse 20: Victory to Devakinandana, light of Vrishni dynasty, dark like cloud, remover of earth's burdens!
• Verse 21 (Phalashruti): Reciting or listening to Desika's Gopalaka Vimsati pleases Lord Gopala.

Spiritual Significance

Gopalaka Vimsati is a poetic masterpiece:

1. Lifting Govardhana (Verse 2): Visualizes Krishna holding Govardhana mountain effortlessly on His pinky finger.
2. : Praises Krishna's playful butter-stealing sports ().

According to scriptural tradition and verse 21 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Gopalaka Vimsati grants the following blessings:

• Attainment of Lord Gopala's Grace: Destroys all past sins and grants unshakeable faith.
• Grant of Righteous Progeny (Santana Gopala Phala): Blesses childless couples with virtuous children.
• Protection from Enemies and Calamities: Shields against negative planetary impacts.
• Attainment of Vaikuntha Abode: Grants eternal service (Kainkaryam) at Sriman Narayana's lotus feet.

Gopālaka-Viṃśatikam-Idaṃ Desika-Saṃskṛtam ।
Paṭhatāṃ Śṛṇvatāṃ Nṛṇāṃ Śrī-Gopālah Prasīdati ॥ 21 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites or listens to this Gopalaka Vimsati composed by Swami Sri Vedanta Desika will be blessed with the direct grace and protection of Lord Gopala.

1. When should Gopalaka Vimsati be chanted?

Daily during morning prayers, Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, and Saturdays.

2. Can couples seeking children chant this?

Yes! It is traditionally recommended alongside Santana Gopala Mantra for couples seeking progeny.