Bhaja Govindam

Introduction by Rajaji – Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (10 December 1878 – 25 December 1972), a committed freedom fighter was the last Governor General of India(21 June 1948 – 26 January 1950). Chief Minister of Madras (10 April 1952 – 13 April 1954), Minister of Home Affairs (26 December 1950 – 25 October 1951), Governor of West Bengal (15 August 1947 – 21 June 1948),  Chief Minister of Madras Presidency (14 July 1937 – 9 October 1939) and Minister of Education (2 September 1946 – 14 August 1947).

He wrote an abridged retelling of the Mahabharata in English, translated the Thirukkural into English and wrote books on the Srimad Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads.

Below is Rajaji’s introduction to the Bhaja Govindam song : (text followed by his original voice recording)

“Adi Shankaracharya wrote a number of Vedantic works for imparting knowledge of the Self and the Universal Spirit. He also composed a number of hymns to foster Bhakti in the hearts of men. One of these hymns is the famous Bhaja Govindam. The way of devotion is not different from the way of knowledge or Jnana.

When intelligence matures and lodges securely in the mind, it becomes wisdom. When wisdom is integrated with life and issues out in action, it becomes Bhakti. Knowledge, when it becomes fully mature, is Bhakti. If it does not get transformed into Bhakti, such knowledge is useless tinsel. To believe that Jnana and Bhakti, knowledge and devotion, are different from each other, is ignorance.

If Sri Adi Shankara himself, who drank the ocean of Jnana (knowledge) as easily as one sip’s water from the palm of one’s hand, sang in his later years, hymns to develop devotion, it is enough to show that Jnana and Bhakti are one and the same. Sri Shankara has packed into the Bhaja Govindam song: the substance of all Vedanta, and set the oneness of Jnana and Bhakti to melodious music.” Rajaji.

Original voice recording of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari fondly known as Rajaji.

——————————————–

Have you ever wondered about the true meaning behind the captivating Bhaja Govindam song? Often recited and sung without understanding, this song holds profound wisdom that transcends mere prayer.

In the video below, I offer an English translation that unlocks the hidden messages within each Shloka. Additionally, I am providing below a PDF file containing the original Sanskrit Shlokas, transliteration, and translation for those who wish to explore further.

Contrary to popular belief, Bhaja Govindam is not exactly a conventional prayer song. It begins with the bold declaration, “O Fool,” setting the tone for a profound exploration of life’s responsibilities and truths. This song serves as a code for responsible living, urging individuals to shed ignorance and false beliefs.

In the video, I discuss how Shri Adi Shankara categorised his works into three groups, each tailored for individuals at different levels of understanding. However, throughout his teachings, Shankaracharya emphasises the importance of attaining SELF-knowledge (Atmagnyaana) and dispelling ignorance.

Moreover, I highlight the significance of gaining clarity of mind through understanding Vedanta, rather than blindly adhering to rituals and rites. In today’s world, where external influences seek to sway individuals from their spiritual path, it is crucial to grasp the essence of Vedantic teachings.

If you haven’t yet acquired my latest work, titled ‘The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering,’  please do so at your earliest convenience. The wisdom gained from exploring this song along with one or two reads of my book will undoubtedly bring clarity to your mind, leading to a peaceful, enjoyable, stress-free, calm, enriching, and fulfilling life.

Shri Adi Shankaracharya composed the Bhaja Govindam song during his famous pilgrimage to Kashi (Benares).  His fourteen disciples are said to have accompanied him.  The story goes that when he was walking along the streets of Kashi, he was pained to observe an elderly man trying hard to learn Sanskrit grammar.  At his advanced age, the remaining valuable little time of his life should have been used for worshipping Krishna, instead of wasting it on learning a language. This prompted Sri Sankara to burst out with this composition, a sort of rebuke to the foolish way of living.

The Acharya urges the man to turn towards Krishna and sing His glory instead of wasting his time and energy on mundane things. A censure is implied when the Acharya calls the man a fool (moodhamathé).  It may be added here that the tone of Bhajagovindam is somewhat striking, despite its exotic poetic beauty and perfection of composition.  This is no wonder because such a treatment is required to wake someone up from their slumber of ignorance, which is caused by delusion.  A milder approach would delay the matter.  The matter is urgent, as the Acharya explains in the next verse, for, when the hour of death approaches without any forewarning, the hard-learned verses of grammar are not going to save the poor soul.  Hence, the song rightly starts without any preamble.