ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ is a direct and urgent Advaita ଭକ୍ତି stotram composed by ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ. It speaks to the human tendency to become absorbed in learning, wealth, family, youth, ritual, and social identity while forgetting the certainty of death and the need for God-centered wisdom. Its refrain asks the seeker to worship Govinda, not as a rejection of learning, but as a correction of learning that has not become liberating knowledge.
Traditional accounts remember Shankaracharya composing this hymn after seeing an elderly scholar absorbed in grammar rules while life itself was passing away. The famous opening reference to ଡୁକୃଂକରଣେ points to grammar study that remains external if it does not lead to discrimination and devotion. Shankara uses the moment compassionately: he does not mock learning, but turns learning toward ଗୋଵିଂଦ, the Lord who alone can carry the seeker across ସଂସାର.
The stotram is deeply rooted in Upanishadic and Gita teaching. It repeatedly returns to ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, mature dispassion; ସତ୍ସଂଗ, the company that reshapes the mind; ଵିଵେକ, discrimination between the lasting and the passing; ଆତ୍ମଜ୍ଞାନ, knowledge of the Self; and ନାମସ୍ମରଣ, remembrance of the divine name. Its force comes from translating high Vedanta into daily warnings: wealth will not save, youth will pass, relationships change, and only God-remembrance joined with Self-knowledge brings lasting freedom.
The stotram's concepts work like practical medicines for self-deception. ଭଜନ is not only singing; it is the repeated reorientation of memory, speech, and desire toward Govinda. ମୂଢମତି names the intelligent but misdirected mind that treats grammar, money, status, or pleasure as final goals. ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ cuts fascination with what cannot last, ସତ୍ସଂଗ gives the mind a better atmosphere, and ବ୍ରହ୍ମପଦ points to the freedom that becomes possible when devotion and knowledge mature together.
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ମୂଢମତେ ।
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ - Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings
ମୂଢମତେ - O deluded mind
ପ୍ରାରଂଭ - the opening movement that sets the devotional and contemplative direction
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, O deluded mind.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଭଜ (worship, seek, lovingly remember), ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ (Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings), ମୂଢମତେ (O deluded mind). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In daily life, this passage calls for a concrete correction: loosen one attachment, remember the divine name, choose good company, and act humbly before time removes what we took for granted. Skill should become service, affection should become responsibility, and success should remain guided by ଧର୍ମ.
ସଂପ୍ରାପ୍ତେ ସନ୍ନିହିତେ କାଲେ
ନହି ନହି ରକ୍ଷତି ଡୁକୃଂକରଣେ ॥ 1 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସଂପ୍ରାପ୍ତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ସନ୍ନିହିତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
କାଲେ - at the time, especially the final time
ନହି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ରକ୍ଷତି - a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation
ଡୁକୃଂକରଣେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ - Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
When the final time approaches, grammar rules and external learning alone will not protect; remember Govinda before that moment comes.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ସଂପ୍ରାପ୍ତେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ସନ୍ନିହିତେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), କାଲେ (at the time, especially the final time), ନହି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A practical response is to examine one habit of clinging and replace it with remembrance, service, or study. In work, let competence serve others; in family, let love become responsibility rather than possession.
ମୂଢ ଜହୀହି ଧନାଗମତୃଷ୍ଣାଂ
କୁରୁ ସଦ୍ବୁଦ୍ଧିଂ ମନସି ଵିତୃଷ୍ଣାମ୍ ।
ୟଲ୍ଲଭସେ ନିଜକର୍ମୋପାତ୍ତଂ
ଵିତ୍ତଂ ତେନ ଵିନୋଦୟ ଚିତ୍ତମ୍ ॥ 2 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମୂଢ - O deluded one
ଜହୀହି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଧନାଗମତୃଷ୍ଣାଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୁରୁ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସଦ୍ବୁଦ୍ଧିଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମନସି - in the mind
ଵିତୃଷ୍ଣାଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ୟଲ୍ଲଭସେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ନିଜକର୍ମୋପାତ୍ତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵିତ୍ତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Oh fool! Give up your thirst to amass wealth, devote your mind to thoughts to the Real. Be content with what comes through actions already performed in the past.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ମୂଢ (O deluded one), ଜହୀହି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଧନାଗମତୃଷ୍ଣାଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କୁରୁ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This teaching becomes useful when it changes priorities. Instead of postponing wisdom until old age, one can practice humility now, keep noble company now, and make choices that will still feel honorable later.
ନାରୀସ୍ତନଭର-ନାଭୀଦେଶଂ
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା ମା ଗା ମୋହାଵେଶମ୍ ।
ଏତନ୍ମାଂସଵସାଦିଵିକାରଂ
ମନସି ଵିଚିଂତୟ ଵାରଂ ଵାରମ୍ ॥ 3 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ନାରୀସ୍ତନଭର - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନାଭୀଦେଶଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୋହାଵେଶଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଏତନ୍ମାଂସଵସାଦିଵିକାରଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମନସି - in the mind
ଵିଚିଂତୟ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଵାରଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Do not get drowned in delusion by going wild with passions and lust by seeing a woman's navel and chest. These are nothing but a modification of flesh. Fail not to remember this again and again in your mind.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ନାରୀସ୍ତନଭର (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ନାଭୀଦେଶଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita teaches ଉଦ୍ଧରେଦାତ୍ମନାତ୍ମାନଂ, that one must lift oneself by oneself through discipline. This verse therefore becomes a practical Advaita reminder: do not wait for old age or crisis to begin turning the mind toward Govinda.
The verse asks us to bring mortality into daily decision-making without fear. Remembering that time is limited can make speech kinder, work cleaner, money less possessive, and relationships more sincere.
ନଲିନୀଦଲ-ଗତଜଲମତିତରଲଂ
ତଦ୍ଵଜ୍ଜୀଵିତମତିଶୟ-ଚପଲମ୍ ।
ଵିଦ୍ଧି ଵ୍ୟାଧ୍ୟଭିମାନଗ୍ରସ୍ତଂ
ଲୋକଂ ଶୋକହତଂ ଚ ସମସ୍ତମ୍ ॥ 4 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ନଲିନୀଦଲ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗତଜଲମତିତରଲଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତଦ୍ଵଜ୍ଜୀଵିତମତିଶୟ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଚପଲଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵିଦ୍ଧି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵ୍ୟାଧ୍ୟଭିମାନଗ୍ରସ୍ତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଲୋକଂ - world, universe, or all beings
ଶୋକହତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସମସ୍ତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
The life of a person is as uncertain as rain drops trembling on a lotus leaf. Know that the whole world remains prey to disease, ego and grief.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ନଲିନୀଦଲ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଗତଜଲମତିତରଲଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ତଦ୍ଵଜ୍ଜୀଵିତମତିଶୟ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ଚପଲଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In study, profession, and family life, the passage encourages disciplined simplicity. Reduce needless craving, keep the mind near God, and let achievement be measured by integrity as much as outcome.
ୟାଵଦ୍ଵିତ୍ତୋପାର୍ଜନସକ୍ତଃ
ତାଵନ୍ନିଜପରିଵାରୋ ରକ୍ତଃ ।
ପଶ୍ଚାଜ୍ଜୀଵତି ଜର୍ଜରଦେହେ
ଵାର୍ତାଂ କୋଽପି ନ ପୃଚ୍ଛତି ଗେହେ ॥ 5 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ୟାଵଦ୍ଵିତ୍ତୋପାର୍ଜନସକ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତାଵନ୍ନିଜପରିଵାରୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ରକ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଶ୍ଚାଜ୍ଜୀଵତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଜର୍ଜରଦେହେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଵାର୍ତାଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୋଽପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପୃଚ୍ଛତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗେହେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
So long as a man is fit and able to support his family, see what affection all those around him show. But no one at home cares to even have a word with him when his body totters due to old age.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ୟାଵଦ୍ଵିତ୍ତୋପାର୍ଜନସକ୍ତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ତାଵନ୍ନିଜପରିଵାରୋ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ରକ୍ତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପଶ୍ଚାଜ୍ଜୀଵତି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A small daily practice is to ask: what am I chasing that will not protect me, and what virtue should I strengthen today? That question turns the song into a guide for wiser ambition.
ୟାଵତ୍ପଵନୋ ନିଵସତି ଦେହେ
ତାଵତ୍ପୃଚ୍ଛତି କୁଶଲଂ ଗେହେ ।
ଗତଵତି ଵାୟୌ ଦେହାପାୟେ
ଭାର୍ୟା ବିଭ୍ୟତି ତସ୍ମିନ୍କାୟେ ॥ 6 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ୟାଵତ୍ପଵନୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିଵସତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଦେହେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ତାଵତ୍ପୃଚ୍ଛତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୁଶଲଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗେହେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଗତଵତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵାୟୌ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଦେହାପାୟେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଭାର୍ୟା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
When one is alive, his family members enquire kindly about his welfare. But when the soul departs from the body, even his wife runs away in fear of the corpse.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ୟାଵତ୍ପଵନୋ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ନିଵସତି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଦେହେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ତାଵତ୍ପୃଚ୍ଛତି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This passage can make success more mature by joining effort with detachment. Work hard, but do not worship status; love deeply, but do not control; learn well, but remain humble before truth.
ବାଲସ୍ତାଵତ୍କ୍ରୀଡାସକ୍ତଃ
ତରୁଣସ୍ତାଵତ୍ତରୁଣୀସକ୍ତଃ ।
ଵୃଦ୍ଧସ୍ତାଵଚ୍ଚିଂତାସକ୍ତଃ
ପରମେ ବ୍ରହ୍ମଣି କୋଽପି ନ ସକ୍ତଃ ॥ 7 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ବାଲସ୍ତାଵତ୍କ୍ରୀଡାସକ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତରୁଣସ୍ତାଵତ୍ତରୁଣୀସକ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵୃଦ୍ଧସ୍ତାଵଚ୍ଚିଂତାସକ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପରମେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ବ୍ରହ୍ମଣି - in Brahman, the Absolute Reality
କୋଽପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସକ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ - Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
The childhood is lost by attachment to playfulness. Youth is lost by attachment to woman. Old age passes away by thinking over many things. But there is hardly anyone who wants to be lost in parabrahman.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ବାଲସ୍ତାଵତ୍କ୍ରୀଡାସକ୍ତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ତରୁଣସ୍ତାଵତ୍ତରୁଣୀସକ୍ତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଵୃଦ୍ଧସ୍ତାଵଚ୍ଚିଂତାସକ୍ତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପରମେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita teaches ଉଦ୍ଧରେଦାତ୍ମନାତ୍ମାନଂ, that one must lift oneself by oneself through discipline. This verse therefore becomes a practical Advaita reminder: do not wait for old age or crisis to begin turning the mind toward Govinda.
In ordinary responsibilities, the teaching asks for remembrance before reaction. When desire, fear, or pride rises, return to the divine name and choose the action that preserves ଧର୍ମ.
କା ତେ କାଂତା କସ୍ତେ ପୁତ୍ରଃ
ସଂସାରୋଽୟମତୀଵ ଵିଚିତ୍ରଃ ।
କସ୍ୟ ତ୍ଵଂ କଃ କୁତ ଆୟାତଃ
ତତ୍ତ୍ଵଂ ଚିଂତୟ ତଦିହ ଭ୍ରାତଃ ॥ 8 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
କାଂତା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କସ୍ତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ପୁତ୍ରଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସଂସାରୋଽୟମତୀଵ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵିଚିତ୍ରଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କସ୍ୟ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତ୍ଵଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Who is your wife? Who is your son? Strange is this samsAra, the world. Of whom are you? From where have you come? Brother, ponder over these truths.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on କା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ତେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), କାଂତା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କସ୍ତେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In daily life, this passage calls for a concrete correction: loosen one attachment, remember the divine name, choose good company, and act humbly before time removes what we took for granted. Skill should become service, affection should become responsibility, and success should remain guided by ଧର୍ମ.
ସତ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵେ ନିସ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵଂ
ନିସ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵେ ନିର୍ମୋହତ୍ଵମ୍ ।
ନିର୍ମୋହତ୍ଵେ ନିଶ୍ଚଲତତ୍ତ୍ଵଂ
ନିଶ୍ଚଲତତ୍ତ୍ଵେ ଜୀଵନ୍ମୁକ୍ତିଃ ॥ 9 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସତ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ନିସ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵଂ - a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation
ନିସ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ନିର୍ମୋହତ୍ଵଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିର୍ମୋହତ୍ଵେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ନିଶ୍ଚଲତତ୍ତ୍ଵଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିଶ୍ଚଲତତ୍ତ୍ଵେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଜୀଵନ୍ମୁକ୍ତିଃ - liberation while living
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ - Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
From satsanga, company of good people, comes non-attachment, from non-attachment comes freedom from delusion, which leads to self-settledness. From self-settledness comes the ultimate liberation.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ସତ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ନିସ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵଂ (a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation), ନିସ୍ସଂଗତ୍ଵେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ନିର୍ମୋହତ୍ଵଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A practical response is to examine one habit of clinging and replace it with remembrance, service, or study. In work, let competence serve others; in family, let love become responsibility rather than possession.
ଵୟସି ଗତେ କଃ କାମଵିକାରଃ
ଶୁଷ୍କେ ନୀରେ କଃ କାସାରଃ ।
କ୍ଷୀଣେ ଵିତ୍ତେ କଃ ପରିଵାରଃ
ଜ୍ଞାତେ ତତ୍ତ୍ଵେ କଃ ସଂସାରଃ ॥ 10 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵୟସି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
କଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କାମଵିକାରଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଶୁଷ୍କେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ନୀରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
କାସାରଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କ୍ଷୀଣେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଵିତ୍ତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ପରିଵାରଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
What good is lust when youth has fled? What use is a lake which has no water? Where are the relatives when wealth is gone? Where is samsAra, the world, when the Truth is known?
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଵୟସି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଗତେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), କଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କାମଵିକାରଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This teaching becomes useful when it changes priorities. Instead of postponing wisdom until old age, one can practice humility now, keep noble company now, and make choices that will still feel honorable later.
ମା କୁରୁ ଧନ-ଜନ-ୟୌଵନ-ଗର୍ଵଂ
ହରତି ନିମେଷାତ୍କାଲଃ ସର୍ଵମ୍ ।
ମାୟାମୟମିଦମଖିଲଂ ହିତ୍ଵା
ବ୍ରହ୍ମପଦଂ ତ୍ଵଂ ପ୍ରଵିଶ ଵିଦିତ୍ଵା ॥ 11 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୁରୁ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଧନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଜନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ୟୌଵନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗର୍ଵଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ହରତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିମେଷାତ୍କାଲଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସର୍ଵଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମାୟାମୟମିଦମଖିଲଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Do not boast of wealth, friends, and youth. Each one of these is destroyed within a minute of time. Free yourself from the illusion of the world of Maya and attain the timeless Truth.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ମା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କୁରୁ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଧନ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଜନ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita teaches ଉଦ୍ଧରେଦାତ୍ମନାତ୍ମାନଂ, that one must lift oneself by oneself through discipline. This verse therefore becomes a practical Advaita reminder: do not wait for old age or crisis to begin turning the mind toward Govinda.
The verse asks us to bring mortality into daily decision-making without fear. Remembering that time is limited can make speech kinder, work cleaner, money less possessive, and relationships more sincere.
ଦିନୟାମିନ୍ୟୌ ସାୟଂ ପ୍ରାତଃ
ଶିଶିରଵସଂତୌ ପୁନରାୟାତଃ ।
କାଲଃ କ୍ରୀଡତି ଗଚ୍ଛତ୍ୟାୟୁଃ
ତଦପି ନ ମୁଂଚତ୍ୟାଶାଵାୟୁଃ ॥ 12 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଦିନୟାମିନ୍ୟୌ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସାୟଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପ୍ରାତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଶିଶିରଵସଂତୌ - a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation
ପୁନରାୟାତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କାଲଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କ୍ରୀଡତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗଚ୍ଛତ୍ୟାୟୁଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତଦପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Daylight and darkness, dusk and dawn, winter and springtime come and go. Time plays and life ebbs away. But the storm of desire never leaves.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଦିନୟାମିନ୍ୟୌ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ସାୟଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପ୍ରାତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଶିଶିରଵସଂତୌ (a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In study, profession, and family life, the passage encourages disciplined simplicity. Reduce needless craving, keep the mind near God, and let achievement be measured by integrity as much as outcome.
କା ତେ କାଂତା ଧନଗତଚିଂତା
ଵାତୁଲ କିଂ ତଵ ନାସ୍ତି ନିୟଂତା ।
ତ୍ରିଜଗତି ସଜ୍ଜନସଂଗତିରେକା
ଭଵତି ଭଵାର୍ଣଵତରଣେ ନୌକା ॥ 13 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
କାଂତା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଧନଗତଚିଂତା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵାତୁଲ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କିଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତଵ - your
ନାସ୍ତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିୟଂତା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତ୍ରିଜଗତି - world, universe, or all beings
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Oh mad man! Why this engrossment in thoughts of wealth? Is there no one to guide you? There is only one thing in three worlds that can save you from the ocean of samsAra, get into the boat of satsanga, company of good people, quickly.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on କା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ତେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), କାଂତା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଧନଗତଚିଂତା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A small daily practice is to ask: what am I chasing that will not protect me, and what virtue should I strengthen today? That question turns the song into a guide for wiser ambition.
ଦ୍ଵାଦଶ-ମଂଜରିକାଭିରଶେଷଃ
କଥିତୋ ଵୈୟାକରଣସ୍ୟୈଷଃ ।
ଉପଦେଶୋଽଭୂଦ୍ଵିଦ୍ୟା-ନିପୁଣୈଃ
ଶ୍ରୀମଚ୍ଛଂକର-ଭଗଵଚ୍ଛରଣୈଃ ॥ 14 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଦ୍ଵାଦଶ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମଂଜରିକାଭିରଶେଷଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କଥିତୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵୈୟାକରଣସ୍ୟୈଷଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଉପଦେଶୋଽଭୂଦ୍ଵିଦ୍ୟା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିପୁଣୈଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଶ୍ରୀମଚ୍ଛଂକର - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଗଵଚ୍ଛରଣୈଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ - Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
This bouquet of twelve verses (2-13) was imparted to a grammarian by the all-knowing Shankara, adored as the bhagavadpada. The following 14 form chaturdaSamaMjarikA.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଦ୍ଵାଦଶ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମଂଜରିକାଭିରଶେଷଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କଥିତୋ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଵୈୟାକରଣସ୍ୟୈଷଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This passage can make success more mature by joining effort with detachment. Work hard, but do not worship status; love deeply, but do not control; learn well, but remain humble before truth.
ଜଟିଲୋ ମୁଂଡୀ ଲୁଂଛିତକେଶଃ
କାଷାୟାଂବର-ବହୁକୃତଵେଷଃ ।
ପଶ୍ୟନ୍ନପି ଚ ନ ପଶ୍ୟତି ମୂଢଃ
ଉଦରନିମିତ୍ତଂ ବହୁକୃତଵେଷଃ ॥ 15 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଜଟିଲୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୁଂଡୀ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଲୁଂଛିତକେଶଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କାଷାୟାଂବର - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ବହୁକୃତଵେଷଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଶ୍ୟନ୍ନପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଶ୍ୟତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୂଢଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଉଦରନିମିତ୍ତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
There are many who go with matted locks, many who have clean shaven heads, many whose hairs have been plucked out; some are clothed in orange, yet others in various colors -all just for a livelihood. Seeing truth revealed before them, still the foolish ones see it not.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଜଟିଲୋ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମୁଂଡୀ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଲୁଂଛିତକେଶଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କାଷାୟାଂବର (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita teaches ଉଦ୍ଧରେଦାତ୍ମନାତ୍ମାନଂ, that one must lift oneself by oneself through discipline. This verse therefore becomes a practical Advaita reminder: do not wait for old age or crisis to begin turning the mind toward Govinda.
In ordinary responsibilities, the teaching asks for remembrance before reaction. When desire, fear, or pride rises, return to the divine name and choose the action that preserves ଧର୍ମ.
ଅଂଗଂ ଗଲିତଂ ପଲିତଂ ମୁଂଡଂ
ଦଶନଵିହୀନଂ ଜାତଂ ତୁଂଡମ୍ ।
ଵୃଦ୍ଧୋ ୟାତି ଗୃହୀତ୍ଵା ଦଂଡଂ
ତଦପି ନ ମୁଂଚତ୍ୟାଶାପିଂଡମ୍ ॥ 16 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅଂଗଂ - a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation
ଗଲିତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଲିତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୁଂଡଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଦଶନଵିହୀନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଜାତଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତୁଂଡଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵୃଦ୍ଧୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ୟାତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗୃହୀତ୍ଵା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Strength has left the old man's body; his head has become bald, his gums toothless and leaning on crutches. Even then the attachment is strong and he clings firmly to fruitless desires.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଅଂଗଂ (a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation), ଗଲିତଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପଲିତଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମୁଂଡଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In daily life, this passage calls for a concrete correction: loosen one attachment, remember the divine name, choose good company, and act humbly before time removes what we took for granted. Skill should become service, affection should become responsibility, and success should remain guided by ଧର୍ମ.
ଅଗ୍ରେ ଵହ୍ନିଃ ପୃଷ୍ଠେ ଭାନୁଃ
ରାତ୍ରୌ ଚୁବୁକ-ସମର୍ପିତ-ଜାନୁଃ ।
କରତଲ-ଭିକ୍ଷସ୍ତରୁତଲଵାସଃ
ତଦପି ନ ମୁଂଚତ୍ୟାଶାପାଶଃ ॥ 17 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅଗ୍ରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଵହ୍ନିଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପୃଷ୍ଠେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଭାନୁଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ରାତ୍ରୌ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଚୁବୁକ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସମର୍ପିତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଜାନୁଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କରତଲ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭିକ୍ଷସ୍ତରୁତଲଵାସଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Behold there lies the man who sits warming up his body with the fire in front and the sun at the back; at night he curls up the body to keep out of the cold; he eats his beggar's food from the bowl of his hand and sleeps beneath the tree. Still in his heart, he is a wretched puppet at the hands of passions.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଅଗ୍ରେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ଵହ୍ନିଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପୃଷ୍ଠେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ଭାନୁଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A practical response is to examine one habit of clinging and replace it with remembrance, service, or study. In work, let competence serve others; in family, let love become responsibility rather than possession.
କୁରୁତେ ଗଂଗାସାଗରଗମନଂ
ଵ୍ରତ-ପରିପାଲନମଥଵା ଦାନମ୍ ।
ଜ୍ଞାନଵିହୀନଃ ସର୍ଵମତେନ
ଭଜତି ନ ମୁକ୍ତିଂ ଜନ୍ମଶତେନ ॥ 18 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କୁରୁତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଗଂଗାସାଗରଗମନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵ୍ରତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପରିପାଲନମଥଵା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଦାନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଜ୍ଞାନଵିହୀନଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସର୍ଵମତେନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଜତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୁକ୍ତିଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
One may go to Ganga river, observe fasts, and give away riches in charity ! Yet, devoid of the true knowledge, nothing can give mukti even at the end of a hundred births.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on କୁରୁତେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ଗଂଗାସାଗରଗମନଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଵ୍ରତ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପରିପାଲନମଥଵା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This teaching becomes useful when it changes priorities. Instead of postponing wisdom until old age, one can practice humility now, keep noble company now, and make choices that will still feel honorable later.
ସୁରମଂଦିର-ତରୁ-ମୂଲ-ନିଵାସଃ
ଶୟ୍ୟା ଭୂତଲମଜିନଂ ଵାସଃ ।
ସର୍ଵ-ପରିଗ୍ରହ-ଭୋଗତ୍ୟାଗଃ
କସ୍ୟ ସୁଖଂ ନ କରୋତି ଵିରାଗଃ ॥ 19 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସୁରମଂଦିର - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତରୁ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୂଲ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିଵାସଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଶୟ୍ୟା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭୂତଲମଜିନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵାସଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସର୍ଵ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପରିଗ୍ରହ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭୋଗତ୍ୟାଗଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Take your residence in a temple or below a tree, wear the deerskin for the dress, and sleep with mother earth as your bed. Give up all attachments and renounce all comforts. Blessed with such vairgya, could any fail to be content?
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ସୁରମଂଦିର (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ତରୁ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମୂଲ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ନିଵାସଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita teaches ଉଦ୍ଧରେଦାତ୍ମନାତ୍ମାନଂ, that one must lift oneself by oneself through discipline. This verse therefore becomes a practical Advaita reminder: do not wait for old age or crisis to begin turning the mind toward Govinda.
The verse asks us to bring mortality into daily decision-making without fear. Remembering that time is limited can make speech kinder, work cleaner, money less possessive, and relationships more sincere.
ୟୋଗରତୋ ଵା ଭୋଗରତୋ ଵା
ସଂଗରତୋ ଵା ସଂଗଵିହୀନଃ ।
ୟସ୍ୟ ବ୍ରହ୍ମଣି ରମତେ ଚିତ୍ତଂ
ନଂଦତି ନଂଦତି ନଂଦତ୍ୟେଵ ॥ 20 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ୟୋଗରତୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭୋଗରତୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସଂଗରତୋ - a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation
ସଂଗଵିହୀନଃ - a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation
ୟସ୍ୟ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ବ୍ରହ୍ମଣି - in Brahman, the Absolute Reality
ରମତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଚିତ୍ତଂ - mind, inner instrument
ନଂଦତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
One may take delight in yoga or bhoga, may have attachment or detachment. But only he whose mind steadily delights in Brahman enjoys bliss, no one else.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ୟୋଗରତୋ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଵା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଭୋଗରତୋ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ସଂଗରତୋ (a bodily or visual image used for devotional contemplation). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In study, profession, and family life, the passage encourages disciplined simplicity. Reduce needless craving, keep the mind near God, and let achievement be measured by integrity as much as outcome.
ଭଗଵଦ୍ଗୀତା କିଂଚିଦଧୀତା
ଗଂଗାଜଲ-ଲଵକଣିକା ପୀତା ।
ସକୃଦପି ୟେନ ମୁରାରିସମର୍ଚା
କ୍ରିୟତେ ତସ୍ୟ ୟମେନ ନ ଚର୍ଚା ॥ 21 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଭଗଵଦ୍ଗୀତା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କିଂଚିଦଧୀତା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗଂଗାଜଲ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଲଵକଣିକା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପୀତା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସକୃଦପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ୟେନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୁରାରିସମର୍ଚା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କ୍ରିୟତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ତସ୍ୟ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Let a man read but a little from bhagavadgItA, drink just a drop of water from the Ganges, worship but once murAri. He then will have no altercation with Yama.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଭଗଵଦ୍ଗୀତା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କିଂଚିଦଧୀତା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଗଂଗାଜଲ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଲଵକଣିକା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A small daily practice is to ask: what am I chasing that will not protect me, and what virtue should I strengthen today? That question turns the song into a guide for wiser ambition.
ପୁନରପି ଜନନଂ ପୁନରପି ମରଣଂ
ପୁନରପି ଜନନୀଜଠରେ ଶୟନମ୍ ।
ଇହ ସଂସାରେ ବହୁଦୁସ୍ତାରେ
କୃପୟାଽପାରେ ପାହି ମୁରାରେ ॥ 22 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ପୁନରପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଜନନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମରଣଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଜନନୀଜଠରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଶୟନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଇହ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସଂସାରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ବହୁଦୁସ୍ତାରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
କୃପୟାଽପାରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ପାହି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Born again, death again, again to stay in the mother's womb! It is indeed hard to cross this boundless ocean of samsAra. Oh Murari! Redeem me through Thy mercy.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ପୁନରପି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଜନନଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମରଣଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଜନନୀଜଠରେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This passage can make success more mature by joining effort with detachment. Work hard, but do not worship status; love deeply, but do not control; learn well, but remain humble before truth.
ରଥ୍ୟାଚର୍ପଟ-ଵିରଚିତ-କଂଥଃ
ପୁଣ୍ୟାପୁଣ୍ୟ-ଵିଵର୍ଜିତ-ପଂଥଃ ।
ୟୋଗୀ ୟୋଗନିୟୋଜିତ-ଚିତ୍ତଃ
ରମତେ ବାଲୋନ୍ମତ୍ତଵଦେଵ ॥ 23 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ରଥ୍ୟାଚର୍ପଟ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵିରଚିତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କଂଥଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପୁଣ୍ୟାପୁଣ୍ୟ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵିଵର୍ଜିତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଂଥଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ୟୋଗୀ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ୟୋଗନିୟୋଜିତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଚିତ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ରମତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
There is no shortage of clothing for a monk so long as there are rags cast off the road. Freed from vices and virtues, onward he wanders. One who lives in communion with god enjoys bliss, pure and uncontaminated, like a child and as an intoxicated.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ରଥ୍ୟାଚର୍ପଟ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଵିରଚିତ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କଂଥଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପୁଣ୍ୟାପୁଣ୍ୟ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita teaches ଉଦ୍ଧରେଦାତ୍ମନାତ୍ମାନଂ, that one must lift oneself by oneself through discipline. This verse therefore becomes a practical Advaita reminder: do not wait for old age or crisis to begin turning the mind toward Govinda.
In ordinary responsibilities, the teaching asks for remembrance before reaction. When desire, fear, or pride rises, return to the divine name and choose the action that preserves ଧର୍ମ.
କସ୍ତ୍ଵଂ କୋଽହଂ କୁତ ଆୟାତଃ
କା ମେ ଜନନୀ କୋ ମେ ତାତଃ ।
ଇତି ପରିଭାଵୟ ସର୍ଵମସାରଂ
ଵିଶ୍ଵଂ ତ୍ୟକ୍ତ୍ଵା ସ୍ଵପ୍ନଵିଚାରମ୍ ॥ 24 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କସ୍ତ୍ଵଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୋଽହଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୁତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଆୟାତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଜନନୀ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତାତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପରିଭାଵୟ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Who are you? Who am I? From where do I come? Who is my mother, who is my father? Ponder thus, look at everything as essence-less and give up the world as an idle dream.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on କସ୍ତ୍ଵଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କୋଽହଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କୁତ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଆୟାତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In daily life, this passage calls for a concrete correction: loosen one attachment, remember the divine name, choose good company, and act humbly before time removes what we took for granted. Skill should become service, affection should become responsibility, and success should remain guided by ଧର୍ମ.
ତ୍ଵୟି ମୟି ଚାନ୍ୟତ୍ରୈକୋ ଵିଷ୍ଣୁଃ
ଵ୍ୟର୍ଥଂ କୁପ୍ୟସି ମୟ୍ୟସହିଷ୍ଣୁଃ ।
ଭଵ ସମଚିତ୍ତଃ ସର୍ଵତ୍ର ତ୍ଵଂ
ଵାଂଛସ୍ୟଚିରାଦ୍ୟଦି ଵିଷ୍ଣୁତ୍ଵମ୍ ॥ 25 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ତ୍ଵୟି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୟି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଚାନ୍ୟତ୍ରୈକୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵିଷ୍ଣୁଃ - Vishnu, the all-pervading Lord
ଵ୍ୟର୍ଥଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୁପ୍ୟସି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୟ୍ୟସହିଷ୍ଣୁଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଵ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସମଚିତ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସର୍ଵତ୍ର - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
In me, in you and in everything, none but the same Vishnu dwells. Your anger and impatience is meaningless. If you wish to attain the status of Vishnu, have samabhAva, equanimity, always.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ତ୍ଵୟି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମୟି (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଚାନ୍ୟତ୍ରୈକୋ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଵିଷ୍ଣୁଃ (Vishnu, the all-pervading Lord). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A practical response is to examine one habit of clinging and replace it with remembrance, service, or study. In work, let competence serve others; in family, let love become responsibility rather than possession.
ଶତ୍ରୌ ମିତ୍ରେ ପୁତ୍ରେ ବଂଧୌ
ମା କୁରୁ ୟତ୍ନଂ ଵିଗ୍ରହସଂଧୌ ।
ସର୍ଵସ୍ମିନ୍ନପି ପଶ୍ୟାତ୍ମାନଂ
ସର୍ଵତ୍ରୋତ୍ସୃଜ ଭେଦାଜ୍ଞାନମ୍ ॥ 26 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଶତ୍ରୌ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମିତ୍ରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ପୁତ୍ରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ବଂଧୌ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୁରୁ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ୟତ୍ନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵିଗ୍ରହସଂଧୌ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସର୍ଵସ୍ମିନ୍ନପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଶ୍ୟାତ୍ମାନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Waste not your efforts to win the love of or to fight against friend and foe, children and relatives. See yourself in everyone and give up all feelings of duality completely.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଶତ୍ରୌ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମିତ୍ରେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ପୁତ୍ରେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ବଂଧୌ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This teaching becomes useful when it changes priorities. Instead of postponing wisdom until old age, one can practice humility now, keep noble company now, and make choices that will still feel honorable later.
କାମଂ କ୍ରୋଧଂ ଲୋଭଂ ମୋହଂ
ତ୍ୟକ୍ତ୍ଵାଽଽତ୍ମାନଂ ପଶ୍ୟତି ସୋଽହମ୍ ।
ଆତ୍ମଜ୍ଞାନଵିହୀନା ମୂଢାଃ
ତେ ପଚ୍ୟଂତେ ନରକନିଗୂଢାଃ ॥ 27 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କାମଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କ୍ରୋଧଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଲୋଭଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୋହଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତ୍ୟକ୍ତ୍ଵାଽଽତ୍ମାନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଶ୍ୟତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସୋଽହଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଆତ୍ମଜ୍ଞାନଵିହୀନା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୂଢାଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Give up lust, anger, infatuation, and greed. Ponder over your real nature. Fools are they who are blind to the Self. Cast into hell, they suffer there endlessly.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on କାମଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କ୍ରୋଧଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଲୋଭଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମୋହଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita teaches ଉଦ୍ଧରେଦାତ୍ମନାତ୍ମାନଂ, that one must lift oneself by oneself through discipline. This verse therefore becomes a practical Advaita reminder: do not wait for old age or crisis to begin turning the mind toward Govinda.
The verse asks us to bring mortality into daily decision-making without fear. Remembering that time is limited can make speech kinder, work cleaner, money less possessive, and relationships more sincere.
ଗେୟଂ ଗୀତା-ନାମସହସ୍ରଂ
ଧ୍ୟେୟଂ ଶ୍ରୀପତି-ରୂପମଜସ୍ରମ୍ ।
ନେୟଂ ସଜ୍ଜନ-ସଂଗେ ଚିତ୍ତଂ
ଦେୟଂ ଦୀନଜନାୟ ଚ ଵିତ୍ତମ୍ ॥ 28 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଗେୟଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଗୀତା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନାମସହସ୍ରଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଧ୍ୟେୟଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଶ୍ରୀପତି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ରୂପମଜସ୍ରଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନେୟଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସଜ୍ଜନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସଂଗେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ଚିତ୍ତଂ - mind, inner instrument
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Regularly recite from the Gita, meditate on Vishnu in your heart, and chant His thousand glories. Take delight to be with the noble and the holy. Distribute your wealth in charity to the poor and the needy.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଗେୟଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଗୀତା (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ନାମସହସ୍ରଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଧ୍ୟେୟଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In study, profession, and family life, the passage encourages disciplined simplicity. Reduce needless craving, keep the mind near God, and let achievement be measured by integrity as much as outcome.
ସୁଖତଃ କ୍ରିୟତେ କାମାଭୋଗଃ
ପଶ୍ଚାଦଂତ ଶରୀରେ ରୋଗଃ ।
ୟଦ୍ୟପି ଲୋକେ ମରଣଂ ଶରଣଂ
ତଦପି ନ ମୁଂଚତି ପାପାଚରଣମ୍ ॥ 29 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସୁଖତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କ୍ରିୟତେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
କାମାଭୋଗଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଶ୍ଚାଦଂତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଶରୀରେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ରୋଗଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ୟଦ୍ୟପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଲୋକେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ମରଣଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଶରଣଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
He who yields to lust for pleasure leaves his body a prey to disease. Though death brings an end to everything, man does not give-up the sinful path.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ସୁଖତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କ୍ରିୟତେ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), କାମାଭୋଗଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପଶ୍ଚାଦଂତ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A small daily practice is to ask: what am I chasing that will not protect me, and what virtue should I strengthen today? That question turns the song into a guide for wiser ambition.
ଅର୍ଥମନର୍ଥଂ ଭାଵୟ ନିତ୍ୟଂ
ନାସ୍ତିତତଃ ସୁଖଲେଶଃ ସତ୍ୟମ୍ ।
ପୁତ୍ରାଦପି ଧନଭାଜାଂ ଭୀତିଃ
ସର୍ଵତ୍ରୈଷା ଵିହିତା ରୀତିଃ ॥ 30 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅର୍ଥମନର୍ଥଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭାଵୟ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
ନିତ୍ୟଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନାସ୍ତିତତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସୁଖଲେଶଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସତ୍ୟଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପୁତ୍ରାଦପି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଧନଭାଜାଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭୀତିଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସର୍ଵତ୍ରୈଷା - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Wealth is not welfare, truly there is no joy in it. Reflect thus at all times. A rich man fears even his own son. This is the way of wealth everywhere.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଅର୍ଥମନର୍ଥଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଭାଵୟ (dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation), ନିତ୍ୟଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ନାସ୍ତିତତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This passage can make success more mature by joining effort with detachment. Work hard, but do not worship status; love deeply, but do not control; learn well, but remain humble before truth.
ପ୍ରାଣାୟାମଂ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟାହାରଂ
ନିତ୍ୟାନିତ୍ୟ ଵିଵେକଵିଚାରମ୍ ।
ଜାପ୍ୟସମେତସମାଧିଵିଧାନଂ
କୁର୍ଵଵଧାନଂ ମହଦଵଧାନମ୍ ॥ 31 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ପ୍ରାଣାୟାମଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟାହାରଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିତ୍ୟାନିତ୍ୟ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵିଵେକଵିଚାରଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଜାପ୍ୟସମେତସମାଧିଵିଧାନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କୁର୍ଵଵଧାନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମହଦଵଧାନଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ - Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Regulate the prANa-s, life forces, remain unaffected by external influences and discriminate between the real and the fleeting. Chant the holy name of God and silence the turbulent mind. Perform these with care, with extreme care.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ପ୍ରାଣାୟାମଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ପ୍ରତ୍ୟାହାରଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ନିତ୍ୟାନିତ୍ୟ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଵିଵେକଵିଚାରଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita teaches ଉଦ୍ଧରେଦାତ୍ମନାତ୍ମାନଂ, that one must lift oneself by oneself through discipline. This verse therefore becomes a practical Advaita reminder: do not wait for old age or crisis to begin turning the mind toward Govinda.
In ordinary responsibilities, the teaching asks for remembrance before reaction. When desire, fear, or pride rises, return to the divine name and choose the action that preserves ଧର୍ମ.
ଗୁରୁଚରଣାଂବୁଜ-ନିର୍ଭରଭକ୍ତଃ
ସଂସାରାଦଚିରାଦ୍ଭଵ ମୁକ୍ତଃ ।
ସେଂଦ୍ରିୟମାନସ-ନିୟମାଦେଵଂ
ଦ୍ରକ୍ଷ୍ୟସି ନିଜହୃଦୟସ୍ଥଂ ଦେଵମ୍ ॥ 32 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଗୁରୁଚରଣାଂବୁଜ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିର୍ଭରଭକ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସଂସାରାଦଚିରାଦ୍ଭଵ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ମୁକ୍ତଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ସେଂଦ୍ରିୟମାନସ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିୟମାଦେଵଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଦ୍ରକ୍ଷ୍ୟସି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନିଜହୃଦୟସ୍ଥଂ - compassion, mercy, or tender grace
ଦେଵଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Oh devotee of the lotus feet of the Guru! May thou be soon free from Samsara. Through disciplined senses and controlled mind, thou shalt come to experience the indwelling Lord of your heart!
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଗୁରୁଚରଣାଂବୁଜ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ନିର୍ଭରଭକ୍ତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ସଂସାରାଦଚିରାଦ୍ଭଵ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ମୁକ୍ତଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita warns ଜାତସ୍ୟ ହି ଧ୍ରୁଵୋ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଃ, so this teaching should be heard against the certainty of death rather than as mere moral advice. The Gita also says ଅଂତଵତ୍ ତୁ ଫଲଂ ତେଷାଂ, reminding us that finite pursuits give finite results, and ମାମେଵ ୟେ ପ୍ରପଦ୍ୟଂତେ ମାୟାମେତାଂ ତରଂତି ତେ, placing surrender to the Lord at the center of freedom.
In daily life, this passage calls for a concrete correction: loosen one attachment, remember the divine name, choose good company, and act humbly before time removes what we took for granted. Skill should become service, affection should become responsibility, and success should remain guided by ଧର୍ମ.
ମୂଢଃ କଶ୍ଚନ ଵୈୟାକରଣୋ
ଡୁଃକୃଂକରଣାଧ୍ୟୟନଧୁରୀଣଃ ।
ଶ୍ରୀମଚ୍ଛଂକର-ଭଗଵଚ୍ଛିଷ୍ୟୈଃ
ବୋଧିତ ଆସୀଚ୍ଛୋଧିତ-କରଣଃ ॥ 33 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମୂଢଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କଶ୍ଚନ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଵୈୟାକରଣୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଡୁଃକୃଂକରଣାଧ୍ୟୟନଧୁରୀଣଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଶ୍ରୀମଚ୍ଛଂକର - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଗଵଚ୍ଛିଷ୍ୟୈଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ବୋଧିତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଆସୀଚ୍ଛୋଧିତ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
କରଣଃ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Thus a silly grammarian lost in rules cleansed of his narrow vision and shown the Light by Shankara's apostles.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ମୂଢଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), କଶ୍ଚନ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଵୈୟାକରଣୋ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion), ଡୁଃକୃଂକରଣାଧ୍ୟୟନଧୁରୀଣଃ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The କଠ ଉପନିଷଦ୍ calls the mature seeker with ଉତ୍ତିଷ୍ଠତ ଜାଗ୍ରତ ପ୍ରାପ୍ୟ ଵରାନ୍ନିବୋଧତ, "arise, awake, and learn from the wise." Shankara's Advaita teaching repeatedly makes the same move as this hymn: external learning becomes fruitful only when it produces ଵିଵେକ, ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ, and steady inquiry into the Self.
A practical response is to examine one habit of clinging and replace it with remembrance, service, or study. In work, let competence serve others; in family, let love become responsibility rather than possession.
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ମୂଢମତେ ।
ନାମସ୍ମରଣାଦନ୍ୟମୁପାୟଂ
ନହି ପଶ୍ୟାମୋ ଭଵତରଣେ ॥ 34 ॥
ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ଭଜ ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ ...
Word Meanings (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଭଜ - worship, seek, lovingly remember
ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ - Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings
ମୂଢମତେ - O deluded mind
ନାମସ୍ମରଣାଦନ୍ୟମୁପାୟଂ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ନହି - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ପଶ୍ୟାମୋ - a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion
ଭଵତରଣେ - dative form, addressed in reverent offering or salutation
Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, Oh fool! Other than chanting the Lord's names, there is no other way to cross the life's ocean.
Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The force of this verse turns on ଭଜ (worship, seek, lovingly remember), ଗୋଵିଂଦଂ (Govinda, the Lord known through the Vedas and protector of beings), ମୂଢମତେ (O deluded mind), ନାମସ୍ମରଣାଦନ୍ୟମୁପାୟଂ (a word in the verse's instruction on discrimination, devotion, or dispassion). These terms are not just decorative; they direct the mind toward the exact quality being praised or the exact attachment being corrected. Reading them slowly turns recitation into contemplation, so the sound of the verse also becomes a way of training understanding.
The Gita says ମନ୍ମନା ଭଵ ମଦ୍ଭକ୍ତୋ, asking the mind itself to turn toward the Lord. That supports this hymn's refrain: the point is not anti-intellectualism, but the transformation of intellect into devotion, discernment, and liberation-oriented action.
This teaching becomes useful when it changes priorities. Instead of postponing wisdom until old age, one can practice humility now, keep noble company now, and make choices that will still feel honorable later.
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