श्री बालमुकुन्दाष्टकम् मीनिंग

Kara-Aravindena Pada-Aravindam

Mukha-Aravinde Vi-Niveshay-Antam.
Vattasya Patrasya Putte Shayaanam
Baalam Mukundam Manasaa Smaraami.
Samhrtya Lokaan Vatta-Patra-Madhye
Shayaanam-Aady[i]-Anta-Vihiina-Ruupam.
Sarve[a-Ii]shvaram Sarva-Hita-Avataaram
Baalam Mukundam Manasaa Smaraami.
Indiivara-Shyaamala-Komala-Anggam
Indra-[A]adi-Deva-Arcita-Paada-Padmam,
Santaana-Kalpadrumam-Aashritaanaam
Baalam Mukundam Manasaa Smaraami,
Lamba-Alakam Lamvita-Haara-Yassttim
Shrnggaara-Liila-Angkita-Danta-Pangktim,
Bimba-Adharam Caaru-Vishaala-Netram
Baalam Mukundam Manasaa Smaraami,
Shikye Nidhaaya Adya Payo-Dadhiini
Bahir-Gataayaam Vraja Naayikaayaam,
Bhuktvaa Yathessttam Kapattena Suptam
Baalam Mukundam Manasaa Smaraami,
Kalinda Ja Anta Sthita Kaaliyasya,
Phanna Agrar-Angge Nattana Priyantam,
Tat Puccha Hastam Sharad Indu vaktram,
Baalam Mukundam Manasaa Smaraami,
Ulukhale Baddham Udaara Shauryam
Uttungga Yugma Arjunam Angga Liilam,
Utphulla Padma ayata Caaru Netram,
Baalam Mukundam Manasaa Smaraami,
Aalokya Maatur Mukham Aadenna,
Stanyam Pibantam Sarasii-Ruha-Akssam,
Sact Cinmayam Devam Ananta Ruupam,
Baalam Mukundam Manasaa Smaraami,

 

Among the several forms of devotion in Hinduism, possibly one of the most easy is that of loving Him as if He is your baby. This devotional hymn on Lord Krishna follows that approach. Lord Krishna is supposed to sleep on a leaf of a banyan tree and float on the surging waters of final deluge. He is supposed to hold His feet by His hand and put His toe in to His mouth. This hymn in its first stanza brings this image of Lord Krishna and then goes on to describe the adventures of this God Child as a baby. The first stanza of this great prayer also occurs in Sri Krishna Karnamrutha, a great book by a poet called Leela Shuka. It is not known whether He is the author of this prayer also.