Hari Sundar Nand Mukunda
A joyful devotional song (bhajan) in Hindi that calls upon Lord Krishna by many of his beloved names, celebrating his beauty, playful childhood, and divine nature.
Verses
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 1
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 2
Hari Kesava, Hari Govinda, Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 3
Hari Kesava, Hari Govinda, Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 4
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 5
Hari Kesava, Hari Govinda, Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 6
Hari Kesava, Hari Govinda, Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 7
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 8
He who wears a forest garland, he who holds the flute, he who lifted the Govardhana mountain.
Verse 9
He who wears a forest garland, he who holds the flute, he who lifted the Govardhana mountain; he who daily steals butter, the charmer of the gopis' hearts.
Verse 10
Come, sing, O beloved of Gokula; come, O Kanha, beloved of Gokula.
Verse 11
Come, dance, perform the rasa; sing, dance, perform the rasa.
Verse 12
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 13
Hari Kesava, Hari Govinda, Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 14
Hari Kesava, Hari Govinda, Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 15
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 16
O you with a peacock crown, lifter of the mountain; Kanha, wearer of yellow garments.
Verse 17
O you with a peacock crown, lifter of the mountain; Kanha, wearer of yellow garments; you perform the rasa with the gopis; O charming one, holder of the flute.
Verse 18
Come, come, O charming lifter of the mountain; come, O Kanha, O Krishna, slayer of Mura.
Verse 19
Come, dance, perform the rasa; sing, dance, perform the rasa.
Verse 20
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 21
Hari Kesava, Hari Govinda, Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 22
Hari Kesava, Hari Govinda, Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 23
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 24
Hari, the beautiful Mukunda, son of Nanda; Hari Narayana, Hari Om.
Verse 25
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 bhajan is part of the rich Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism, which focuses on devotion to Lord Vishnu and his avatars, particularly Krishna. It is often sung in groups during kirtan (call-and-response devotional singing) at temples, homes, or community gatherings. The song's structure, with verses repeating names like 'Hari' (the remover), 'Keshav,' and 'Govind,' makes it easy for everyone to join in. These are among the names of Vishnu counted in the Vishnu Sahasranama, and the practice of chanting them is praised in the Bhagavata Purana (12.3.51). The lyrics also recall stories from Krishna's life, such as his childhood in Gokul, his love for butter, and his dance with the gopis. Recordings are many and no original author could be verified, so none is credited.
Did You Know?
Structure as a Call-and-Response Kirtan
This bhajan follows the classic call-and-response kirtan format, where lines are repeated to create a meditative, rhythmic chant. The repetition of names like 'Hari Sundar Nand Mukunda' helps devotees focus their mind on Krishna, turning the singing into a form of spiritual practice.
The Many Names of Krishna
Each name in the bhajan highlights a different divine quality. 'Hari' means the remover of sin and suffering, 'Keshav' refers to his beautiful hair, 'Govind' is the protector of cows, and 'Mukunda' means the giver of liberation. Chanting these names is believed to invoke his various blessings.
References to Krishna's Childhood Leelas
The verse 'Nit nit kar makhan chori' (daily stealing butter) and 'Gopi man hari' (stealing the hearts of the gopis) recall the playful stories of young Krishna in Vrindavan. These tales are central to Hindu devotional tradition, showing a God who is both divine and endearingly human.
Symbolism of the Peacock Crown and Flute
The bhajan mentions 'Mor mukut' (peacock crown) and 'Murali' (flute). The peacock feather represents Krishna's connection to nature and his role as the Lord of the universe, while the flute symbolizes the divine call that draws all souls toward him. His yellow garment (pitambhar) signifies purity and spiritual radiance.
Krishna
More from Hinduism
See allConnected Teachings
The same teaching, echoed across traditions