Kabhi Ram Banke Kabhi Shyam Banke (Come, Lord, in Every Form)
A joyful bhajan inviting the Lord to come as Ram, Shyam, Shiva, Vishnu or Ganesha, each with consort and emblem.
Verses
Sometimes in the form of Rama, sometimes in the form of Krishna, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 1
Come in the form of Rama, come in the form of Rama, with Sita by Your side, with bow in hand, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 2
Sometimes in the form of Rama, sometimes in the form of Krishna, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 3
Come in the form of Krishna, come in the form of Krishna, with Radha by Your side, with flute in hand, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 4
Sometimes in the form of Rama, sometimes in the form of Krishna, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 5
Come in the form of Shiva, come in the form of Shiva, with Gauri by Your side, with damaru in hand, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 6
Sometimes in the form of Rama, sometimes in the form of Krishna, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 7
Come in the form of Vishnu, come in the form of Vishnu, with Lakshmi by Your side, with discus in hand, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 8
Sometimes in the form of Rama, sometimes in the form of Krishna, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 9
Come in the form of Ganapati, come in the form of Ganapati, with Riddhi and Siddhi by Your side, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 10
Sometimes in the form of Rama, sometimes in the form of Krishna, come, O Lord, come.
Verse 11
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Monday (Somwar) & Pradosham
Early Morning (Brahma Muhurta) or Evening Twilight (Sandhya)
Bilva leaves, Ganga water, Bhasma (sacred ash), Dhatura & White flowers
- Inner stillness, destruction of negative karma, and freedom from fear of death (Mrityunjaya)
Background
This is a popular Hindu devotional song (bhajan) often sung in group worship sessions called kirtans or bhajan sandhyas. It celebrates the idea that the one Supreme God can appear in many beloved forms, Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Vishnu and Ganesha, each with a divine consort and a special object. That idea echoes the Rigveda (1.164.46, 'the One Reality the wise call by many names') and the Bhagavad Gita (4.7-8). It is typically sung in call-and-response style, with a leader singing each verse and the group repeating the chorus. Kavitakosh carries it as a traditional bhajan with no author named, and none could be verified, so no composer is credited.
Did You Know?
Devotional Invocation
This bhajan is a heartfelt prayer inviting the divine to appear in multiple beloved forms. The refrain "Kabhi Ram Banke Kabhi Shyam Banke" emphasizes the Hindu belief that one supreme God manifests as different avatars to suit the devotion of the seeker.
Specific Divine Forms
Each verse calls upon a specific form of God: Ram (with Sita and bow), Shyam (Krishna with Radha and flute), Shiva (with Gauri and damaru), Vishnu (with Lakshmi and chakra), and Ganesha (with Riddhi and Siddhi). These are among the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism.
Musical and Poetic Structure
The bhajan follows a simple, repetitive structure with a refrain and alternating verses, making it easy to sing in groups. The use of "Prabhuji" (O Lord) adds a tone of reverence and intimacy.
Philosophical Underpinning
The bhajan reflects the concept of "Ishvara" (God) taking many forms for the sake of devotees, as taught in scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita (4.7-8), where Krishna says he incarnates whenever righteousness declines.
Popularity in Bhakti Tradition
This bhajan is a staple in many Hindu devotional gatherings and satsangs. Its accessible language (Hindi/Sanskrit mix) and joyful melody make it a favorite for inviting divine presence into one's home or temple.
Shiva
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The same teaching, echoed across traditions