The Madhurashtakam, a divine hymn composed by the great philosopher and saint Vallabhacharya, is a lyrical outpouring of adoration towards Lord Krishna.
Known for its enchanting melody and profound meaning, this eight-verse composition encapsulates the sweetness of every aspect of Krishna's persona.
The first verse, "Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram," translates to "Sweet are His lips, sweet is His face," setting the tone for the rest of the hymn.
Each subsequent verse continues this theme, painting a vivid picture of Krishna's eternal beauty and charm.
The Madhurashtakam is not just a poem; it is a spiritual experience that invites devotees to immerse themselves in the blissful contemplation of the divine.
Vallabhacharya's Madhurashtakam stands out for its simplicity and depth. Despite being composed in the 16th century, its appeal remains timeless.
The hymn captures the essence of bhakti (devotion), a core element of Hindu worship, by focusing on the personal and intimate relationship between the devotee and the deity.
Through the repetition of the word "madhuram" (sweet), the hymn emphasizes the all-encompassing sweetness of Krishna, symbolizing the ultimate beauty and joy found in the divine presence.
This repetition also serves as a meditative tool, drawing the devotee's mind into a deeper state of devotion and reverence.
मधुराष्टकम्: अधरं मधुरं वदनं मधुरं
अधरं मधुरं वदनं मधुरं नयनं मधुरं हसितं मधुरं ।
हृदयं मधुरं गमनं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरं ॥१॥
वचनं मधुरं चरितं मधुरं वसनं मधुरं वलितं मधुरं ।
चलितं मधुरं भ्रमितं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरं ॥२॥
वेणुर्मधुरो रेणुर्मधुरः पाणिर्मधुरः पादौ मधुरौ ।
नृत्यं मधुरं सख्यं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरं ॥३॥
गीतं मधुरं पीतं मधुरं भुक्तं मधुरं सुप्तं मधुरं ।
रूपं मधुरं तिलकं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरं ॥४॥
करणं मधुरं तरणं मधुरं हरणं मधुरं रमणं मधुरं ।
वमितं मधुरं शमितं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरं ॥५॥
गुञ्जा मधुरा माला मधुरा यमुना मधुरा वीची मधुरा ।
सलिलं मधुरं कमलं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरं ॥६॥
गोपी मधुरा लीला मधुरा युक्तं मधुरं मुक्तं मधुरं।
दृष्टं मधुरं सृष्टं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरं ॥७॥
गोपा मधुरा गावो मधुरा यष्टिर्मधुरा सृष्टिर्मधुरा ।
दलितं मधुरं फलितं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरं ॥८॥
- श्रीवल्लभाचार्य कृत
Madhurashtakam Adhram Madhuram Vadnam Madhuram
KRISHNAs Lips Are Sweet, HIS Face Is Sweet, HIS Eyes Are Sweet and HIS Smile Is Sweet।
KRISHNAs Heart Is Sweet and HIS Walk Is Sweet, Everything Is Sweet About The Lord of Sweetness॥1॥
KRISHNAs Words Are Sweet, HIS Character Is Sweet, HIS Garments Are Sweet and HIS Posture Is Sweet।
KRISHNAs Movements Are Sweet and HIS Wandering Is Sweet Everything Is Sweet about the Lord of Sweetness॥2॥
KRISHNAs Flute-playing Is Sweet, HIS Foot-dust Is Sweet, HIS Hands Are Sweet and HIS Feet Are Sweet।
KRISHNAs Dancing Is Sweet and HIS Company Is Sweet Everything Is Sweet about the Lord of Sweetness॥3॥
KRISHNAs Song Is Sweet, HIS Drinking Is Sweet, HIS Eating Is Sweet and HISsleeping Are Sweet।
KRISHNAs Beautiful Form Is Sweet and HIS 'tilak' Is Sweet Everything Is Sweet about the Lord of Sweetness॥4॥
KRISHNAs Deeds Are Sweet, HIS Conquest Is Sweet, HIS Stealing Is Sweet and HIS Love-play Is Sweet।
KRISHNAs Exuberance Is Sweet and HIS Relaxation Is Sweet, Everything Is Sweet About The Lord of Sweetness॥5॥
KRISHNAs Gunja-berry Necklace Is Sweet, HIS Garland Is Sweet, HIS Yamuna River Is Sweet and HIS Yamuna's Waves Are Sweet।
KRISHNAs Yamuna's Water Is Sweet and HIS Lotus Flowers Are Sweet, Everything Is Sweet About The Lord of Sweetness॥6॥
KRISHNAs 'gopis' Are Sweet, HIS Frolicking Is Sweet, HIS Union Is Sweet and HIS Deliverance Is Sweet।
KRISHNAs Glances Are Sweet and HIS Etiquette Is Sweet, Everything Is Sweet About The Lord of Sweetness॥7॥
KRISHNAs 'gopas' Are Sweet, HIS Cows Are Sweet, HIS Herding Stick Is Sweet and HIS Creation Is Sweet।
KRISHNAs Breaking Is Sweet and HIS Bringing to Fruition Is Sweet, Everything Is Sweet About The Lord of Sweetness॥8॥
Conclusion
The Madhurashtakam, with its recurring theme of divine sweetness, offers a glimpse into the profound love and devotion that characterized the bhakti movement.
Each verse is a testament to Krishna's boundless charm and beauty, encouraging devotees to see the divine in every aspect of their lives.
Vallabhacharya's composition transcends mere poetry, becoming a vehicle for spiritual connection and transformation. It reminds us that true devotion lies in recognizing and celebrating the divine sweetness in all things.
Through the Madhurashtakam, we are invited to develop a personal and loving relationship with the divine, seeing Krishna not just as a distant god but as a close and intimate friend.
The hymn's enduring popularity is a testament to its power to touch the hearts of devotees, fostering a sense of closeness and love towards the divine. By meditating on the sweetness of Krishna, we can cultivate a deeper sense of peace and joy in our own lives, finding solace in the eternal beauty of the divine.