Bhaja Govindam

Adi Shankaracharya composed a number of Vedantic works for imparting the knowledge of the Self. One of these hymns is the famous “Bhaja Govindam”. ‘Bhaja’ literally means ‘seek’, ‘Govindam’ means ‘the Lord’ – ‘the Truth’. The learned masters, out of deep compassion try to wake up humanity. They invite us to open our eyes to a higher dimension of living. The whole text of Bhaja Govindam in essence means ‘Wake up, seek the Lord, and stop seeking the primitive and superficial things in life.’ The compilation of thoughts presented in this book is applicable to one and all. Swami Sukhabodhananda in his unique style explains the verses with deep clarity and understanding.

Bhaja Govindam is the Smallest, Simplest, Sweetest Upanishad-like work penned by the great Master Adi Shankaracharya himself. In soul-stirring poetry, Sankara expounds the wisdom of attaining peace and nirvana. A beautiful work of the highest literary order that is sung in many Indian homes. मूढ जहीहि धनागमतृष्णाम् कुरु सद्बुद्धिमं मनसि वितृष्णाम् । यल्लभसे निजकर्मोपात्तम् वित्तं तेन विनोदय चित्तं ॥ २ ॥ mūḍha jahīhi dhanāgamatṛṣṇām kuru sadbuddhimaṃ manasi vitṛṣṇām । yallabhase nijakarmopāttam vittaṃ tena vinodaya cittaṃ ॥ 2 ॥ 02. O Young Man! Wealth shall surely pull you magnetically with tremendous force, weave out of its spell by pragmatic reasoning. The Special technique of escaping its tentacles gets revealed by honest hard work that naturally stems the inflow of intoxicating tendencies. Direct your peaceful moments gained by the strength of your sincere efforts in remembering the great Lord. Your mind shall surely feel that cooling sweetness of contentment. ------------------------------------ For the Sanskrit Enthusiast, - Each verse is in Original Devanagari with a Latin Transliteration. - Padachheda - Word boundary and Vibhakti - Case is listed. - Carefully chosen dictionary meaning of each word is given so that the earnest seeker can grasp the beauty and depth in the language.

In this book the essence of the Vedanta has been presented in simple sanskrit. The first Sholka is called a refrain. From second to the thirteenth verse we have twelve noble lessons. These were composed by Shankar himself. The next fourteen verses were composed disciples. In the last four verses he had blessed his disciples. Thus, in all, there thirty-one verses. This is a unique composition which makes people aware of their suffering causes by desires. Thus Bhaja Govindam will enlighten the readers.

In this exquisite piece of poetry, Adi Sankaracharya indicates the goal of realization and describes the path to be taken. He also reveals the causes for human misery and warns us of the consequences of continuing the present egocentric living. In the opening verse Sankara says "Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam, Govindam Bhaja Moodamate, Samprapte Sannihite Kale Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrinyakarane ". Meaning - Seek Govind, Seek Govind, O Fool! When the appointed time comes (death), the rules of grammar surely will not save you.

Vedanta provides the ultimate answers regarding our real nature, this life and the world we are in, and thus guides us in leading a life of peace and happiness. Bhaja Govindam reveals the subtle and profound message of Vedanta (the wisdom of the Upanishads) in a simple, direct and concise manner, and that too through exquisite poetry. Importantly, it presents practical ways to apply Vedanta to daily life, cutting through the numerous terms and concepts in spirituality. For most people, Bhaja Govindam – authored by Adi Shankaracharya – is just a beautiful song, ever filling their hearts with devotion towards Lord Krishna. But, in reality, every verse presents us with an understanding of life and shows us how to lead a life that is filled with peace and happiness, and finally leading us to fulfilment. Bhaja Govindam shows us how we suffer in life because of the wrong perceptions (delusions) regarding ourselves and life in this world. That is why this text is formally referred to as Moha-mudgara? (literally meaning: ‘the hammer that destroys delusion’). It helps us remove the wrong perceptions so that we can be free from suffering and be endowed with ever-lasting happiness. This book is a translation and commentary (in English) on Bhaja Govindam and offers quotes from other texts, including Bhagavad Gita, Vivekachoodamani, Srimad Bhagavatam and Upanishads. Thus, this book becomes a comprehensive guide for any spiritual seeker, even for those who are not familiar with the various concepts of Vedanta.

There are numerous books and works by Adi Shankara, the avatara of Parama Siva, to teach mankind devotion and duty. Out of all those works, Bhaja Govindam is world renowned. The slokas given in the book are very useful to understand the divine way by constant remembrance. These slokas can also be sung melodiously. By repeating these slokas, one can ward off momentary sensual desires by instantly concentrating and controlling one's mind, thereby reaching the highest truth. These slokas are also called moha mudgara (destroyers of passion). They are like hammers which destruct the very foundation of passion. Each sloka has its own independent meaning and is written in very soft, simple and easy words.

In a time when spiritual darkness veiled India, one man's light shone through. Witness the story of the 8th century's greatest philosopher and the verses that echoed through eternity. Adi Shankara, a legendary enlightened master, ignites a revolution in Varanasi. As he spreads the liberating wisdom of Vedanta philosophy and the Bhaja Govindam's message of devotion and transcendence, Shankara faces threats from forces fighting to preserve ignorance. Against this darkness, Shankara's divine vision transforms all in its path. When he encounters Raghav, a man trapped in superficial worship, Shankara's eternal teachings compel Raghav to confront his deepest desires and discover what immortality truly means. Torn between revenge and redemption, Raghav's journey unlocks the transformative power of spiritual understanding. His fate entwined with Shankara's, Raghav must choose: embrace wisdom or vengeance. Shankara's quest to spread the truth has made him a target of danger. Abducted from his disciples, even captivity cannot contain his grace. Experience the vision that triumphs over mortal retribution and feel the verses that set souls free. Discover the master who challenged eternity. Find what lasts forever in "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam: Chronicle of an Abduction in Varanasi". Feel the passion that ignited India's Age of Enlightenment. For in Varanasi, the light that liberates all still shines.

Sri Sankara, the Hindu sage, is said to have 'crossed the ocean of Maya as easily as one steps over a small irrigation channel in the field'. He wrote a number of texts and hymns to foster knowledge of the self and to foster the sense of devotion in the hearts of humankind. This offering is one of Sri Sankara's most famous hymns.

An Intellectual Exploration into the Infinite and the Eternal

A commentary on the introductory scriptural text by philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya. For those interested in the study of the scriptures, this book provides a short and simple beginning. The text provides the basic instructions on life. It highlights the two main motivations which propel the life of a human being viz.acquisition and enjoyment. The first motivation drives him to acquire, aggrandise, hoard wealth. And the second causes him to indulge in the enjoyment of the acquired wealth. The text points out the hollowness of these external pursuits. Directs you to seek the supreme Self within. And reach the eternal Abode of peace and bliss.