"Aarti Kunjbihari Ki" is one of the most soulful and popular aartis dedicated to Lord Krishna. Sung in temples across Vrindavan, Mathura, and homes worldwide, this hymn captures the playful yet divine essence of Krishna as the resident of the groves (Kunj). With its gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, it describes Krishna's beautiful form, his companions Radha and the Gopis, and his power to remove the fears of his devotees. It is a staple of evening prayers and Janmashtami celebrations.
Aarti Kunjbihari Ki Lyrics
Here are the complete lyrics in Hindi, followed by the English transliteration:
Hindi:
आरती कुंज बिहारी की, श्री राधा रमण मुरारी की
गले में बनमाला विराजे, कान में कुंडल झलकते नंदलाल के ॥
Transliteration:
Aarti Kunj Bihari ki, Shri Radha Raman Murari ki
Gale mein banmala viraje, kaan mein kundal jhalakte Nandalal ke ||
Hindi:
हाथ में खंजन शोभा पावे, चरणों में घुंघरियाँ छनकावे
पीताम्बर तन सोहे, यशोदा जसु गावे ॥
Transliteration:
Haath mein khanjan shobha paave, charanon mein ghungriyan chhanakave
Pitambar tan sohe, Yashoda jas gaave ||
Hindi:
झूमत माधव मदिरा मस्त, गोपियों संग रचत विलास
बांसुरी धुन पर नाचे सब, हरखित हो उठत उल्लास ॥
Transliteration:
Jhumta Madhav madira mast, Gopiyon sang rachat vilas
Bansuri dhun par naache sab, harshit ho utht ullas ||
Hindi:
राधा रानी संग विराजे, लटके मुकुट मोर पंख सजे
देखत ही मन मोह लेवे, भक्तन के दुख हर लेवे ॥
Transliteration:
Radha Rani sang viraje, latke mukut mor pankh saje
Dekhat hi man moh leve, bhaktan ke dukh har leve ||
Hindi:
कुंज बिहारी की आरती, जो कोई नर गावे
कहत शिव शंभु सुहावे, भक्ति लिप्त हो जावे ॥
Transliteration:
Kunj Bihari ki aarti, jo koi nar gave
Kahat Shiv Shambhu suhave, bhakti lipt ho jave ||
Hindi:
आरती कुंज बिहारी की, श्री राधा रमण मुरारी की
॥
Transliteration:
Aarti Kunj Bihari ki, Shri Radha Raman Murari ki ||
Meaning of the Aarti
Understanding the words deepens the devotion:
- Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki: This aarti is dedicated to Kunj Bihari (Krishna), who resides in the sacred groves of Vrindavan, and is the beloved consort of Radha.
- Gale Mein Banmala: A garland of forest flowers adorns his neck, and earrings sparkle in the ears of Nanda's son (Nandalal).
- Haath Mein Khanjan: He holds a fan made of peacock feathers or yak tail (Khanjan) in his hand, adding to his beauty. Anklets (ghungroo) tinkle at his feet, and he wears yellow silk (Pitambar).
- Jhumta Madhav: Krishna dances with intoxication (of divine love) along with the Gopis. Everyone dances to the tune of his flute, filled with joy and enthusiasm.
- Radha Rani Sang Viraje: He sits adorned with Radha Rani, with a crown decorated with peacock feathers. Just seeing him captivates the mind and removes the sorrows of devotees.
- Kunj Bihari Ki Aarti: Whoever sings this aarti pleases Lord Shiva and becomes immersed in pure devotion.
"The flute of Krishna calls not just the Gopis, but every soul longing for love. Singing his aarti is answering that call."
