Achyutam Keshavam
A popular Sanskrit bhajan stringing together sacred names of Vishnu, Rama and Krishna, sung from verse 1 of the Achyutashtakam.
Verses
I worship the imperishable Keshava, Krishna, Damodara — Rama, Narayana, beloved of Janaki; Shridhara, Madhava, beloved of the Gopis — lord of Janaki, Ramachandra.
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Wednesday (Budhwar), Thursday (Guruwar) & Ekadashi
Early Morning (Brahma Muhurta) or Sandhya (Twilight)
Tulsi leaves, Butter (Makhan), Mishri, Yellow flowers & Chandan
- Awakening of pure divine love (Prema Bhakti), mental joy, and freedom from anxiety
Background
This verse is a traditional Sanskrit shloka (a poetic verse) commonly used in Hindu devotional practice (bhakti). It belongs to the wider Vaishnava tradition, which venerates Vishnu and his incarnations, particularly Rama and Krishna. Such verses are often recited during daily prayers (puja), meditation, or as a form of japa (repetition of names) to cultivate devotion and inner peace. The names themselves—such as Achyuta (the infallible), Damodara (the one bound by love), and Janaki-vallabha (the beloved of Sita)—each highlight a different aspect of the divine's character and grace. The verse is the popular sung form of verse 1 of the Achyutashtakam stotra, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. The printed text (sanskritdocuments.org) reads its first line as Rama-Narayanam, Krishna-Damodaram, Vasudevam, Harim, whereas the bhajan rewords that line; the second line is the same in both.
About this Text
Composed by: Adi Shankaracharya · Classical Philosopher-Saint · 8th century CE, Kaladi (Kerala)
A philosopher and monk born in Kaladi, Kerala, credited with systematizing Advaita Vedanta (non-dual philosophy) and establishing four monastic seats (mathas) across India. Alongside his commentaries on the Upanishads and Brahma Sutras, he composed numerous devotional hymns to various deities in classical Sanskrit.
Did You Know?
Structure and Purpose
This verse is the sung form of verse 1 of the Achyutashtakam, a hymn that invokes multiple names of Lord Vishnu in his incarnations as Krishna and Rama. Each name highlights a specific divine attribute or pastime, such as "Damodara" (bound by a rope) referring to the childhood episode of Krishna tied by Mother Yashoda.
Sequence of Names
The verse pairs names of Krishna (Achyuta, Keshava, Krishna, Damodara) with those of Rama (Rama, Narayana, Janaki Vallabha, Ramachandra), and includes shared epithets like Shridhara and Madhava. This structure emphasizes the unity of Vishnu's avatars.
Meaning of Key Names
"Achyuta" means the infallible or imperishable one. "Keshava" refers to Krishna as the slayer of the demon Keshi or as one with beautiful hair. "Janaki Vallabha" means the beloved of Sita (Janaki), highlighting Rama's devotion to his consort.
Devotional Practice
This hymn is often chanted daily by devotees for protection, peace, and spiritual upliftment. The repetition of names (namasmarana) is a central practice in bhakti yoga, believed to purify the mind and bring one closer to the divine.
Poetic Form
The verse is composed in a rhythmic meter typical of Sanskrit stotras, making it easy to memorize and chant. The use of compound words (samasa) packs multiple meanings into a single line, a hallmark of classical Sanskrit devotional poetry.
Krishna
More from Hinduism
See allConnected Teachings
The same teaching, echoed across traditions