āratī kuṃjabihārī kī

The refrain offers arati to Kunj Bihari—Krishna who delights in the forest bowers—and to Giridhar, the lifter of Govardhan and destroyer of evil.

Krishna wears a Vaijayanti garland and plays his sweet flute. Earrings shine at his ears; he is Nanda’s beloved son. His dark body has the beauty of the sky or a rain cloud, while Radha shines beside him. Standing among the vines, the forest-garlanded Lord has curls like bees, a musk tilak and a moonlike glow.

His golden peacock-feather crown shines so beautifully that even the gods long for his sight. Flowers seem to rain from heaven, drums sound sweetly, and the cowherd maidens rejoice in incomparable love for Krishna.

From the Lord’s feet is remembered the sacred Ganga, remover of the impurities of the age of Kali. Remembering her breaks delusion; she rests in Shiva’s matted hair and washes away sin. The stanza praises the radiant feet of Banwari, Krishna of the forest.

The bright sands of the riverbank sparkle while Krishna’s flute sounds through Vrindavan. Gopis, cowherds and cows fill every direction; his gentle smile and moonlike beauty cut the bonds of worldly existence. May he hear the call of the humble devotee.