Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
The enchanting aarti of Lord Krishna, the divine lover of Vrindavan, sung at the conclusion of His worship.
About Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki is the quintessential evening aarti of Lord Krishna, sung in His temples at Vrindavan, Mathura, and throughout the Vaishnava world. 'Kunj Bihari' means 'one who sports in the groves' — a reference to Krishna's divine play (leela) in the forest groves of Vrindavan with Radha and the gopis.
The aarti beautifully describes Krishna's dark complexion (Ghanshyam), His peacock feather crown, the garland of forest flowers (vanamala), and the flute at His lips. The Yamuna river, the kadamba trees of Vrindavan, Radha-Rani, and the gopis are woven into the verses, painting a complete picture of the divine landscape of Krishna's world.
Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Krishna at midnight, is the most significant occasion for this aarti. The atmosphere of devotion, with lamps circling the beautiful idol of Bal Gopal, is considered among the most transcendent moments in Vaishnava worship.
Best Time to Perform
Evening aarti, Janmashtami midnight, Ekadashi
Occasion
Janmashtami
Aarti Lyrics
Lyrics (Devanagari)
आरती कुञ्जबिहारी की, श्री गिरिधर कृष्ण मुरारी की। गले में बैजन्ती माला, बजावत मुरली मधुर बाला॥
Transliteration
Aarti Kunj Bihari ki, Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari ki. Gale mein baijanti mala, bajawat murali madhur bala.
Meaning
The aarti of Kunj Bihari, of Sri Krishna the lifter of Govardhan Hill. He wears a Vaijayanti garland around His neck and plays the sweet flute as a beautiful youth.
Lyrics (Devanagari)
श्रवण में कुण्डल झलकाला, नन्द के आनन्द नन्दलाला। গগन सम अंग कांति काली, राधिका चमक रही आली॥
Transliteration
Shravan mein kundal jhalkala, Nand ke anand Nandlala. Gagan sam ang kanti kali, Radhika chamak rahi ali.
Meaning
His earrings sparkle in His ears; He is the joy and delight of Nanda. His dark complexion shines like the night sky, while Radhika glows radiantly beside Him.
Lyrics (Devanagari)
लतन में ठाढ़े बनमाली, भ्रमर सम कुन्तल कारी माली। भक्तन के संकट हरन लाली, सदा मन रहे यह माली॥
Transliteration
Latan mein thhadhe banmali, bhramar sam kuntal kari mali. Bhaktan ke sankat haran lali, sada man rahe yah mali.
Meaning
He stands amidst the creepers wearing the forest garland; His dark curling locks are like black bees. He who removes the distress of devotees — may He forever dwell in the mind.
Lyrics (Devanagari)
कमल मुख पर बिन्दु बनवारी, मुकुट मोर पखा छवि प्यारी। करत नृत्य मृदंग की तारी, जग मन मोहन भक्तन सुखकारी॥
Transliteration
Kamal mukh par bindu banwari, mukut mor pakha chhavi pyari. Karat nritya mridang ki tari, jag man mohan bhaktan sukhari.
Meaning
On His lotus face rests a beauty spot; His crown is adorned with a peacock feather — a sight so dear. He dances to the beat of the mridang drum — enchanter of the world, the joy of devotees.
Lyrics (Devanagari)
कुञ्ज बिहारी की आरती जो कोई गावे। कृष्ण कृपा से जन्म जन्म के दुख पावे। जय जय जय कृष्ण गोपाल हरे। जय श्री राधे गोविन्द हरे॥
Transliteration
Kunj Bihari ki aarti jo koi gave. Krishna kripa se janm janm ke dukh pave. Jai jai jai Krishna Gopal Hare. Jai Shri Radhe Govind Hare.
Meaning
Whoever sings this aarti of Kunj Bihari — by Krishna's grace, the sorrows of countless lifetimes are removed. Victory, victory, victory to Krishna Gopal Hari. Glory to Radhe Govinda Hari.
Spiritual Benefits
- ✓Fills the heart with divine love (bhakti) and the joy of Krishna's presence
- ✓Removes karmic sorrows accumulated over many lifetimes
- ✓Brings the devotee into the consciousness of Vrindavan's divine atmosphere
- ✓Particularly powerful on Janmashtami for receiving Krishna's special blessings
- ✓Cultivates qualities of love, playfulness, and surrender to the divine