Bhaja Govindam
భజ గోవిందం
31 verses; total ~12 minutes recitation · Composed by Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE) · Composed in Kashi/Varanasi after Shankara encountered an old pundit drilling Sanskrit grammar; 31 verses (1 main verse + 12 by Shankara + 14 by his disciples + 4 phalashruti)
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
भज गोविन्दं भज गोविन्दं गोविन्दं भज मूढमते । सम्प्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नहि नहि रक्षति डुकृञ्करणे ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
Bhaja Govindaṃ Bhaja Govindaṃ Govindaṃ Bhaja Mūḍha-mate / Samprāpte Sannihite Kāle Nahi Nahi Rakṣati Ḍukṛñ-Karaṇe
English Translation
Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, O foolish-minded one. When the appointed time (of death) arrives, your grammatical rules will not save you — no, not at all.
About the Bhaja Govindam
Bhaja Govindam (also called Moha-Mudgara, "The Hammer that Destroys Delusion") is among the most beloved compositions of Adi Shankaracharya. According to tradition, Shankara composed it in Varanasi when he encountered an elderly pandit obsessively memorizing Sanskrit grammatical rules ("ḍukṛñ" — a memorization aid). Shankara spontaneously sang: "Worship Govinda, fool — when death comes, grammar will not save you." The opening verse is Shankara's; the next 12 are also his; 14 are by his immediate disciples (each contributing one verse); the last 4 are phalashruti (verses on the merit of recitation). The text relentlessly punctures every form of attachment — to wealth, learning, family, body, beauty, fame — and points instead to Govinda (Vishnu) as the only refuge. It is the preferred chant at Hindu funerals across South India. For the elderly, those facing death, or anyone questioning their priorities, Bhaja Govindam is the prescribed text. Famously sung in M.S. Subbulakshmi's recording, it has been translated into every major Indian language. Recite seated comfortably; no special ritual required — Shankara himself emphasized that this is for everyone, scholar and householder alike.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Cultivates detachment from material attachments; prepares the mind for death; clarifies priorities; reduces ego attachment to learning, wealth, family; primary text for those approaching old age; spiritual liberation.
Pronunciation Notes
Each "Bhaja Govindam" should be chanted with rising intensity. The closing "Mūḍha-mate" (O foolish-minded one) is addressed to oneself, not to others.
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 1 daily for spiritual practice. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bhaja Govindam?
Bhaja Govindam (also called Moha-Mudgara, "The Hammer that Destroys Delusion") is among the most beloved compositions of Adi Shankaracharya. According to tradition, Shankara composed it in Varanasi when he encountered an elderly pandit obsessively memorizing Sanskrit grammatical rules ("ḍukṛñ" — a m...
How many times should I recite Bhaja Govindam daily?
1 daily for spiritual practice; 11 during times of grief or major life decision
When is the best time to recite Bhaja Govindam?
Morning; before death (preferred funeral hymn); during periods of materialism or attachment
Who composed the Bhaja Govindam?
Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE), from Composed in Kashi/Varanasi after Shankara encountered an old pundit drilling Sanskrit grammar; 31 verses (1 main verse + 12 by Shankara + 14 by his disciples + 4 phalashruti).
What are the benefits of reciting Bhaja Govindam?
Cultivates detachment from material attachments; prepares the mind for death; clarifies priorities; reduces ego attachment to learning, wealth, family; primary text for those approaching old age; spiritual liberation.
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.