Shri Govardhan Maharaj Aarti — Lyrics with Meaning
In Braj, Govardhan Hill is lovingly called 'Giriraj Ji' and worshipped as a form of Shri Krishna, who lifted it on his finger to shelter the people of Braj from Indra's rain. This folk aarti in Braj Bhasha is sung on Govardhan Puja and Annakut, the day after Diwali, and during the seven-kos parikrama.
Shri Govardhan Maharaj, o Maharaj, Tere mathe mukut viraj rahyo ||
Tope paan chadhe tope phool chadhe, Tope chadhe doodh ki dhaar ||
Teri saat kos ki parikamma, Aur Chakleshwar vishram ||
Tere gale mein kantha saaj rahyo, Thodi pe heera laal ||
Tere kanan kundal chamak rahyo, Teri jhanki bani vishal ||
Giriraj dharan prabhu teri sharan, Karo bhakt ka beda paar ||
Meaning
Verse 1
Shri Govardhan Maharaj, o Maharaj, Tere mathe mukut viraj rahyo ||
O Shri Govardhan Maharaj, a crown shines upon your brow.
Verse 2
Tope paan chadhe tope phool chadhe, Tope chadhe doodh ki dhaar ||
Betel leaves and flowers are offered to you, and streams of milk are poured over you.
Verse 3
Teri saat kos ki parikamma, Aur Chakleshwar vishram ||
Your circuit (parikrama) is seven kos long, and pilgrims rest at Chakleshwar Mahadev.
Verse 4
Tere gale mein kantha saaj rahyo, Thodi pe heera laal ||
A necklace adorns your neck and a diamond and a ruby glitter on your chin.
Verse 5
Tere kanan kundal chamak rahyo, Teri jhanki bani vishal ||
Earrings sparkle in your ears and your sacred display is grand and splendid.
Verse 6
Giriraj dharan prabhu teri sharan, Karo bhakt ka beda paar ||
O Lord who held up Giriraj, we take refuge in you; carry your devotee's boat safely across.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Govardhan Puja?
On Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the day after Diwali. Annakut, a mountain of food offerings, is also made that day.
How long is the Govardhan parikrama?
As the aarti says, seven kos — about 21 kilometres. Devotees walk it, often barefoot.
Why is Govardhan called Giriraj Ji?
'Giriraj' means king of mountains. In Braj, Govardhan Hill is believed to be a form of Krishna himself, so it is respectfully called Giriraj Ji.