Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

The Aarti “आरती कुंजबिहारी की, श्री गिरिधर कृष्ण मुरारी की” is a devotional hymn sung in praise of Lord Krishna, a central figure in Hinduism. This Aarti is particularly dedicated to Krishna’s form as Kunj Bihari, the beloved of Radha, and Giridhar, the lifter of the Govardhan Hill. It celebrates his divine beauty, his playful nature, and his loving relationship with Radha. The Aarti is a vital part of Krishna worship, often performed during evening prayers and festivals like Janmashtami.

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki: Experience the Divine Beauty and Playful Love of Lord Krishna

॥ Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki, Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki ॥

Gale Mein Vaijayanti Mala, Bajave Murali Madhur Bala.
Shravan Mein Kundal Jhalakala, Nand Ke Anand Nandalala.
Gagan Sam Ang Kanti Kali, Radhika Chamak Rahi Aali.
Latan Mein Thade Banamali; Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak,
Chandra Si Jhalak; Lalit Chhavi Shyama Pyari Ki॥
Shri Giridhar Krishnamurari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Kanakamay Mor Mukut Bilasai, Devata Darasan Ko Tarasai.
Gagan So Suman Raas Barasai; Baje Murchang, Madhur Mridang,
Gwalin Sang; Atul Rati Gop Kumari Ki॥
Shri Giridhar Krishnamurari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Jahan Te Prakat Bhai Ganga, Kalush Kali Harini Shri Ganga.
Smarn Te Hot Moh Bhanga; Basi Siv Sees, Jata Ke Beech,
Harai Agh Keech; Charan Chhavi Shri Banwari Ki॥
Shri Giridhar Krishnamurari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Chamakti Ujjwal Tat Renu, Baj Rahi Vrindavan Benu.
Chahun Disi Gopi Gwal Dhenu; Hansat Mridu Mand, Chandani Chand,
Katat Bhav Fand; Ter Sun Din Bhikhari Ki॥
Shri Giridhar Krishnamurari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki, Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki॥
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki, Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki॥
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Meaning and Interpretation

Verse 1:

Gale Mein Vaijayanti Mala, Bajave Murali Madhur Bala.
Translation: Lord Krishna wears a garland of Vaijayanti flowers and plays a sweet melody on his flute.
Interpretation: Krishna is adorned with a Vaijayanti garland, symbolizing purity and divinity. The melodious tunes from his flute captivate the hearts of all, drawing them closer to his divine presence.

Verse 2:

Shravan Mein Kundal Jhalakala, Nand Ke Anand Nandalala.
Translation: His earrings sparkle, and he is Nandalala, the joy of Nanda.
Interpretation: Krishna’s shining earrings add to his divine beauty. He is Nandalala, the beloved son of Nanda, who brings immense joy to his parents and all who behold him.

Verse 3:

Gagan Sam Ang Kanti Kali, Radhika Chamak Rahi Aali.
Translation: His body shines dark like the sky, and Radhika stands beside him, glowing brilliantly.
Interpretation: Krishna’s dark complexion is likened to the infinite sky, representing his vastness and mystery. Radha’s presence beside him highlights her divine connection and her radiant beauty.

Verse 4:

Latan Mein Thade Banamali; Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak, Chandra Si Jhalak; Lalit Chhavi Shyama Pyari Ki.
Translation: He stands in the forest, with hair curling like bees, a musk tilak on his forehead, and a face shining like the moon; his graceful form is beloved by Shyama (Radha).
Interpretation: Krishna’s charming features, such as his curly hair, musk tilak, and moonlike face, embody his divine beauty, making him the beloved of Radha.

Verse 5:

Kanakamay Mor Mukut Bilasai, Devata Darasan Ko Tarasai.
Translation: He wears a golden peacock crown, and even the gods yearn to see him.
Interpretation: Krishna’s majestic appearance, adorned with a golden peacock crown, symbolizes his divine authority, which even celestial beings desire to witness.

Verse 6:

Gagan So Suman Raas Barasai; Baje Murchang, Madhur Mridang, Gwalin Sang; Atul Rati Gop Kumari Ki.
Translation: Flowers rain from the sky, the murchang and sweet mridang play as he is surrounded by gopis; this love is incomparable.
Interpretation: The divine celebration is marked by celestial flowers showering from the heavens and harmonious music, symbolizing the joyful and eternal love between Krishna and his devotees.

Verse 7:

Chamakti Ujjwal Tat Renu, Baj Rahi Vrindavan Benu.
Translation: The bright dust of the banks (of Yamuna) is shimmering, and the sound of Krishna’s flute is echoing through Vrindavan.
Interpretation: This verse paints a vivid picture of the divine atmosphere in Vrindavan, where even the dust on the banks of the Yamuna River shines brightly in Krishna’s presence. His flute’s melody spreads throughout Vrindavan, symbolizing the charm and spiritual ecstasy Krishna’s presence brings to the sacred land.

Verse 8:

Chahun Disi Gopi Gwal Dhenu; Hansat Mridu Mand, Chandani Chand,
Translation: In all directions, the gopis, cowherds, and cows are present, smiling softly, while the moonlight gently illuminates everything.
Interpretation: This line describes the blissful and serene environment in Vrindavan, where the gopis, cowherds, and cows are joyfully immersed in Krishna’s presence. The gentle moonlight adds to the tranquility of the scene, reflecting the peaceful and harmonious nature of Krishna’s divine play (leela) in Vrindavan.

Verse 9:

Katat Bhav Fand; Ter Sun Din Bhikhari Ki.
Translation: The traps of worldly attachments are cut, and even the most destitute of souls find salvation by hearing your name.
Interpretation: This line emphasizes the liberating power of Krishna’s name and presence. Those who surrender to Krishna, even if they are burdened by worldly desires or hardships, are freed from the bonds of material life. Krishna’s grace is accessible to all, no matter their station or struggles in life, bringing them peace and spiritual freedom.

Verse 9:

Shri Giridhar Krishnamurari Ki॥
Translation: Glory to Lord Krishna, the lifter of Govardhan, and the beloved of all.
Interpretation: The verse ends by glorifying Krishna as “Giridhar” (lifter of Govardhan Hill) and “Murari” (the slayer of the demon Mura). It emphasizes Krishna’s divine role as both protector and savior, celebrated by all devotees for his boundless grace and love.

 Cultural and Religious Significance

The Aarti “Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki” is an essential part of Hindu worship, particularly in the devotion of Lord Krishna. It is often sung during festivals like Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, and in daily rituals. The Aarti beautifully encapsulates the divine play (leela) of Krishna, highlighting his enchanting beauty and his deep, loving relationship with Radha.

 Conclusion

The Aarti “Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki” is a hymn of deep devotion that celebrates the divine qualities and the enchanting form of Lord Krishna. Singing this Aarti allows devotees to connect with Krishna on a spiritual level, invoking feelings of love, devotion, and joy. Understanding the meanings behind the verses enhances the spiritual experience, making the practice of Aarti a profound and meaningful ritual.