The Glory of Two Divine Names
This is a devotional song that celebrates the two beloved names of God in Hinduism — Rama and Krishna (also called Shyam) — praising their equal power, love, and grace.
Verses
In this world, two names are beautiful—whether you call them Krishna or Ram. Chant "Ram Ram Ram," chant "Shyam Shyam Shyam."
Verse 1
One steals butter in Vrindavan, the other eats berries offered by a Bhil woman. Both are filled with unique and loving moods, and each has its own divine play. Chant "Ram Ram Ram," chant "Shyam Shyam Shyam."
Verse 2
One slays the sinful Kamsa, the other annihilates the wicked Ravana. Both remove the sorrows of the humble and are abodes of strength. Chant "Ram Ram Ram," chant "Shyam Shyam Shyam."
Verse 3
One increases love in the heart, the other removes fever and affliction. Both are oceans of bliss and fulfill every desire. Chant "Ram Ram Ram," chant "Shyam Shyam Shyam."
Verse 4
One shines with Radha, the other sits beside Janaki. Whether you say "Sita-Ram" or call out "Radhe-Shyam," chant "Ram Ram Ram," chant "Shyam Shyam Shyam."
Verse 5
In this world, two names are beautiful—whether you call them Krishna or Ram. Chant "Ram Ram Ram," chant "Shyam Shyam Shyam."
Verse 6
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 wider Hindu devotional tradition that honors both Rama and Krishna as incarnations of Vishnu. It is often sung in congregational settings, kirtans, or personal worship to invoke a feeling of love and devotion. The simple, repetitive refrain encourages collective chanting, making it accessible to all. The leelas it recalls are told in the Valmiki Ramayana (Aranya Kanda, sarga 74, where Rama is welcomed by Shabari) and the Bhagavata Purana (Canto 10, chapters 8–9 for the butter-stealing and chapter 44 for Kamsa's death); the song itself is a popular devotional lyric with no known composer.
Did You Know?
Unity of Divine Names
This bhajan celebrates the equality of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna (Shyam) by showing that both names are equally beautiful and powerful. It encourages devotees to chant both names without preference, reflecting a core theme in Hinduism that different forms of God are manifestations of the same supreme reality.
Specific Leelas Referenced
The second verse alludes to two famous childhood stories: Krishna stealing butter in Braj (the region around Mathura) and Rama eating berries offered by the tribal woman Shabari (referred to as 'bhilni' in Hindi). These acts highlight the divine's willingness to accept simple, love-filled offerings.
Slaying of Demons
The third verse contrasts the destruction of Kamsa by Krishna and Ravana by Rama, showing that both incarnations are protectors who vanquish evil. It emphasizes that both are the abodes of strength ('bal ke dham') and remove the suffering of the poor and humble.
Consorts and Paired Names
The fifth verse introduces the divine couples: Radha with Krishna (Radheshyam) and Sita with Rama (Sitaram). It teaches that calling either name—Sitaram or Radheshyam—is equally valid, reinforcing the theme that the divine feminine is always united with the masculine.
Structure and Repetition
The bhajan is structured with four distinct verses followed by a repeated refrain ('Bolo Ram Ram Ram, Bolo Shyam Shyam Shyam'). This repetitive chanting pattern is common in devotional music to create a meditative rhythm and help fix the names in the devotee's heart and mind.
Krishna
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