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The shloka Achyutam Keshavam is a devotional shloka (hymn) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, celebrating his various incarnations and forms, particularly those of Krishna and Rama. This shloka is recited with deep reverence by devotees, as it encapsulates the many aspects of Vishnu's divine nature.
The shloka is:
Achyutam Keshavam Rama Narayanam
Krishna Damodaram Vaasudevam Harim
Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham
Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhaje
“Achyutam Keshavam Rama Narayanam”
Achyutam means, the infallible one, a name of Vishnu signifying his eternal and unchanging nature. Keshavam is a name for Krishna, also representing Vishnu, meaning the one with beautiful hair or the destroyer of the demon Keshi. Rama means the virtuous prince and an avatar of Vishnu, known for his adherence to dharma (righteousness). Narayanam is another name for Vishnu, meaning the refuge of all beings.
"Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim"
Krishna is the all-attractive one, representing the playful and loving aspects of Vishnu. Damodaram refers to the incident where young Krishna was tied by his mother Yashoda with a rope (dama) around his belly (udara).Vasudevam is the son of Vasudeva, another name for Krishna, emphasizing his role as the son of his earthly parents. Harim means the remover of sins and obstacles, a name for Vishnu.
"Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham"
Shridharam is the one who holds Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and fortune), referring to Vishnu. Madhavam is another name for Krishna, meaning the consort of Lakshmi (Madhavi) or the one born in the Yadu dynasty.Gopika Vallabham is the beloved of the Gopis (cowherd maidens), highlighting Krishna’s role as the divine lover.
“Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhaje”
Janaki Nayakam is the lord of Janaki (Sita), signifying Rama as the devoted husband of Sita. Ramachandram Bhaje means “I worship Lord Ramachandra, expressing deep devotion to Rama, the ideal king and incarnation of Vishnu”.
Intent
The intent of chanting this shloka is to offer devotion and praise to the various forms of Lord Vishnu, particularly in his incarnations as Krishna and Rama. Each name in the shloka represents a different aspect of the divine, and by chanting them, devotees seek to connect with these divine qualities, invoking protection, guidance, and blessings.
Significance
The shloka Achyutam Keshavam is significant in Hindu devotional practices because it captures the essence of Lord Vishnu's various incarnations. It reminds devotees of the many roles Vishnu plays as the preserver of the universe, a compassionate deity who incarnates to protect dharma and defeat evil. Chanting this shloka reinforces devotion and provides spiritual solace.
Genesis
The shloka draws from the rich traditions of Bhakti (devotional) poetry, where saints and poets would sing praises of the Lord using his many names and attributes. These names are deeply embedded in epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas, where Vishnu’s avatars, Krishna and Rama, are central figures. The tradition of invoking the Lord through his many names has been a long-standing practice in Hinduism, emphasizing the power of the divine name.
Trivia
Damodara Leela is the name "Damodara" refers to a well-known childhood episode of Krishna, where he is bound by a rope to a mortar around his waist by his mother, Yashoda, as a punishment for his habit of stealing butter. Krishna couldn’t release himself so he decided to go by the river where his friends would help him. He started walking through the forest when he got stuck between two trees that were growing very close to one another.
Krishna simply tugged hard enough to move and ended up uprooting the trees. (That the two trees were Kubera’s sons who were cursed and thus released from the curse by Krishna is a story for a different day). Yashoda ran to the site to see if her little boy was hurt but saw how he had felled two trees so easily. This incident made her realise more about Krishna’s extraordinary powers.
Chanting technique and physical posture
To chant "Achyutam Keshavam," one should sit in a comfortable and meditative posture, such as Padmasana (lotus pose) or Sukhasana (easy pose). The spine should be straight, with hands placed on the knees in Gyan Mudra or held together in Anjali Mudra. The chanting should be done with full concentration, preferably in the early morning or evening. It can be chanted slowly and rhythmically, allowing each name to resonate within.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami, the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is a perfect occasion to chant this shloka. The shloka, with its invocation of Krishna’s many names, is especially relevant during Janmashtami celebrations, as it highlights the divine qualities and pastimes of Krishna, reinforcing the spirit of devotion and reverence that the festival embodies. |