First Govardhanastakam of Rupa

[madanmohandas]

First three verses from Sri Rupa's first Govardhanastakam.

When Govinda upon his sweet flute plays,
While on your slopes, O Govardhan, he strays,
The plumy peacocks hearing that sweet sound,
Responsive mew, and madly dance around;
And you are moistened with the brimming o'er,
Of rising waves from Radha-kundas' shore;
O gracious Govardhan, O sacred hill,
May you my longings all and hopes fulfil! 1

The goddesses of Vraja were amazed,
O Govardhan, and your great glory praised;
They proclaimed your supremest dignity,
And called you the best servant of Hari;
You radiate a pleasing lambent light,
And shine wondrous and abundantly bright;
O gracious Govardhan, O sacred hill.
May you my longings all and hopes fulfil! 2

Your caves and grottos, Govardhan divine,
Like lavishly furnished palaces shine;
And you abound with tubers esculent,
And mellowed fruits, tasty and succulent;
Your flowing rills and streamlets glisten bright,
Like strands of shining Lapis Lazulite;
Affording to Lord Hari much delight.
O gracious Govardhan, O sacred hill,
May you my longings all and hopes fulfil 3

[madanmohandas]

With abundance, Govardhan, you supply
Bright rocky pigments and colourful dye,
Wherewith Lord Krishna's beauty you augment,
Who is himself the worlds' bright ornament;
And when the flutes' delightsome strains resound,
Your caves and grottos re-echo the sound.
O gracious Govardhan, O sacred hill,
May you my longings all and hopes fulfil! 4

Your smooth and mighty boulders lustrous shine,
Where Krishna may comfortably recline;
And you supply grass bounteous to browse,
Out of your fondest friendship for the cows.
O gracious Govardhan, O sacred hill,
May you my longings all and hopes fulfil! 5

[madanmohandas]

The devastating rain clouds you defied,
Urged on by Jambha's foe in his great pride,
Who was of his old enmity relieved,
That for your brethren mountains he conceived;
O gracious Govardhan, O sacred hill,
May you my longings all and hopes fulfil! 6

Like a great umbrella held up on high,
To keep the cows and cowherds safe and dry,
The handle whereof Hari's arm became;
O Govardhan! most worthy of your name;
Since on Lord krishna's persuasive advice,
You were worshipped with Vedic sacrifice.
O gracious Govardhan, O sacred hill,
May you my longings all and hopes fulfil! 7

O Govardhan! the help and the support
Of Gandharva's playful amorous sport;
Within your shady groves and caves are found,
Her ornaments and garlands strewn around,
Which she had dropped during the Rasa dance,
And which your fame and splendour doth enhance.
O gracious Govardhan, O sacred hill,
May you my longings all and hopes fulfil! 8

O crest jewel of the mountain ranges high!
These eight verses your fortune glorify;
The most beloved of Krishna the Lord,
May you the gift of divine love afford
And joy, to whoso these verses recites,
And in your glory relishes delights;
May you thereby your great favour impart,
And bring them to the dear Lord of your heart. 9

Finis