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Sri Vrunda devi ashtaka

By

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

( This great prayer is addressed to Vrunda devi who later became the Thulasi(ocimum sanctum) plant. There is a story that she was doing penance to marry Lord Vishnu and once when Ravana tried to molest her, she jumped in to the fire and became ash. This was written by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura also known as Sri Harivallabha dasa, who reached Brindavan (the forest of Thulasi plants) and stayed there. )

1.Gangeya champeya tadith vinindi-
Rocih pravaha snapitatma vrinde
Bandhuka bandhu dyuthi divya vaso
Vrnde namaste charanaravindam

My salutations to your lotus like feet ,Oh Vrinda devi,

Who is surrounded by the glow similar to Bandhuka flowers*,

Whose splendour puts to shame gold, Champaka** flower and lightning,

And by the flow of that same splendour you continuously anoint your devotees,

*Red Ixora flowers. **michelia champaka

2.Bimbadharo udithvara manda hasya-
Nasagra mukta dyuti dipitaysye
Vichitra rathnabharana sriya adhye
Vrnde namaste charanaravindam

My salutations to your lotus like feet ,Oh Vrinda devi,

Who has a very pretty rising smile beaking,

Out of her reddish lips resembling Bimba fruits,

Whose pearl nose ring illuminates the tip of her nose ,

And who wears several amazing gem studded ornaments.

3.Samasta vaikunta- siromanau sri
Krishnasya vrindavana dhanya dhamni
Datta adhikare vrsuhaabhanu-putrya
Vrnde namaste charanaravindam

My salutations to your lotus like feet ,Oh Vrinda devi,

Who is the crown jewel of the entire land of Vaikunta,

And who has been given the power to rule the blessed Vrindavana,

By Radha who was the daughter of Vrusha Banu.

4.Thvad aajnaya pallava pushpa bhrnga,
Mrugadibhir Madhava keli kunja
Madhvadibhir bhanti vibhushyamana
Vrnde namaste charanaravindam

My salutations to your lotus like feet ,Oh Vrinda devi,

By whose order the garden of Lord Krishna,

Is decorated with blossoming flowers, bees,

Deer and other things, for enjoying his playful pastimes.

5.Thvadiya dhothyena nikunja-yunor
Athi yutkayoh keli vilasa siddhih
Thvat saubhagyam kena niruchyatam thad
Vrnde namaste charanaravindam

My salutations to your lotus like feet ,Oh Vrinda devi,

Due to the service rendered by you, the divine couple,

Were able to enjoy perfect playful acts in the grove,

And who can ever describe your very great luck?

6.Rasabhilasho vasatis cha vrunda-
Vane thvadeesa anghri Saroja seva
Labhya cha pumsam krupaya thavaiva
Vrnde namaste charanaravindam

My salutations to your lotus like feet ,Oh Vrinda devi,

Indeed, due to your great mercy the people of Brindavana,

Were able to do service to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna,

In fulfilling his desire to perform the Rasa leela.

7.Thvam kirthyase satvata tantra vidhibhir
Leela abhidhana kila Krishna sakthih
Thavaiva murthis tulasi nru loke
Vrnde namaste charanaravindam

My salutations to your lotus like feet ,Oh Vrinda devi,

The saints well versed in the science of pure strength,

Have praised you as the power of the sports of Lord Krishna,

And that the Thulasi plant is your form in the human world.

8.Bhakthyaa viheena aparadha lakshaih
Ksiptha scha kamaadhi taranga madhye
Krupamayi thvam saranam prapanna
Vrnde namaste charanaravindam

My salutations to your lotus like feet ,Oh Vrinda devi,

Being devoid of devotion and having committed millions of sins,

And having been thrown deep in the middle of the waves of passion,

Oh merciful one , I have completely surrendered to you.

9.Vrundashtakam yah srunuyat padeth va
Vrndavana adhisa padhabja bhrungah
Sa prapya vrundavana nitya vasam
That prema sevam labhate krutarthah

If this octet addressed to Vrunda devi is heard or read,

By one who is like the bee visiting the lotus like feet of the Lords of Brindavan,

He would reach and stay for ever in Brindavan,

And get loving service there and would br blessed.