Shri Krishnashtakam Stotram

Shri Krishnashtakam Stotram (literally meaning "Eight Verses to Lord Krishna") is an 8-verse devotional hymn composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

This stotram begins with the immortal verse: "Vasudeva-Sutaṃ Devaṃ Kaṃsa-Cāṇūra-Mardanam | Devakī-Paramānandaṃ Kṛṣṇaṃ Vande Jagad-Gurum" ("I bow to Lord Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, slayer of Kamsa and Chanura, the supreme joy of Devaki, and the Guru of the entire universe!").

Each verse praises Krishna's divine form, peacock feather crown (Barhapidabhiramangam), flute playing, slaying of demons (Kamsa, Chanura, Pootana), and protection of the Pandavas. Each verse concludes with the sacred refrain: "Kṛṣṇaṃ Vande Jagad-Gurum" ("I bow to Lord Krishna, the World Teacher!").

• Verse 1: I bow to Krishna, son of Vasudeva, slayer of Kamsa and Chanura, bliss of Devaki, World Guru.
• Verse 2: I bow to Krishna, radiant like Atasi flower, adorned with necklaces, anklets, and armlets.
• Verse 3: I bow to Krishna with curly hair, full-moon face, and shining earrings.
• Verses 4–8: Praising Krishna's four hands, peacock feather, Rukmini's consort, Srivatsa mark, holding Conch and Discus.
• Verse 9 (Phalashruti): Morning recitation erases sins of 10 million lifetimes.

Spiritual Significance

Krishnashtakam highlights Krishna as the supreme teacher:

1. Krishnam Vande Jagadguru: Proclaims Lord Krishna as the universal Guru who gave Bhagavad Gita to humanity.
2. : Verse 2 praises Krishna's dark complexion blue like the (Flax) flower.

According to scriptural tradition and verse 9 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Krishnashtakam grants the following blessings:

• Eradication of Sins of Million Births (Koti-Janma-Kritam-Papam): Destroys sins accumulated over millions of past births.
• Grant of Wisdom and Intellect: Enhances memory, focus, and spiritual clarity.
• Freedom from Sorrows and Diseases: Brings physical health and emotional joy.
• Attainment of Vaikuntha Abode: Grants eternal devotion and liberation (Moksha).

Kṛṣṇāṣṭakam-Idaṃ Puṇyaṃ Prātar-Utthāya Yaḥ Paṭhet ।
Koṭi-Janma-Kṛtaṃ Pāpaṃ Smaraṇena Vinaśyati ॥ 9 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites this holy Krishnashtakam every morning upon waking up will have sins committed across ten million past births instantly erased (Koti-Janma-Kritam-Papam Vinasyati).

1. When should Krishnashtakam be chanted?

Every morning upon waking up (Pratar Utthaya), Janmashtami, and Saturdays/Wednesdays.

2. Why is Krishna called "Jagadguru"?

Because Lord Krishna taught the eternal wisdom of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna and all humanity.