Vedic · Sanskrit
Krishna Govinda Hare Murari (Krishna Kirtan Variant)
कृष्ण गोविन्द हरे मुरारे। हे नाथ नारायण वासुदेवा॥
Pronunciation: krish-nah · go-vin-dah · hah-reh · moo-rah-reh · / · heh · naht · nah-rah-yah-nah · vah-soo-deh-vah
Translation: Krishna, Govinda, Hare (the remover), Murari (slayer of the demon Mura). O Lord, Narayana, Vasudeva.
A widely-chanted Krishna kirtan combining six of his beloved names — Krishna, Govinda, Hare, Murari, Narayana, Vasudeva. Popular in Vaishnava devotional gatherings.
What this mantra is
Krishna Govinda Hare Murari is one of the most popular Krishna kirtans across Vaishnava traditions. The chant strings together six of Krishna's beloved names, each evoking a specific aspect of his character. The combination provides comprehensive devotional engagement — the various aspects of Krishna are honored together rather than focused on one aspect.
The chant is widely used in kirtan settings, particularly in northern Indian Vaishnava traditions, in temple ceremonies, and in personal devotional practice. Its melodic accessibility makes it suitable for group singing; its content is theologically rich enough to support sustained engagement.
Many devotional artists have recorded versions. The chant's appeal extends across Vaishnava traditions — Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Pushtimarg, Nimbarka, and broader Krishna devotional movements all use variations of this kirtan structure.
For practitioners building Krishna devotional practice, this chant complements the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra (the central ISKCON mantra) and the Krishna Govinda Govinda Gopala chant (already documented). All three serve different functions in Krishna kirtan tradition.
Meaning
A widely-chanted Krishna kirtan that strings together six of Krishna's beloved names. Krishna (the dark one), Govinda (cowherd / earth-finder), Hare (the remover, the one who removes obstacles and ignorance), Murari (slayer of the demon Mura), Nath (lord), Narayana (the cosmic Vishnu form), Vasudeva (son of Vasudeva, also the cosmic indweller). Each name evokes a specific aspect of Krishna's character; together they form a comprehensive devotional invocation.
History
Multi-name Krishna kirtan traditions developed across the medieval Bhakti movements (12th-17th centuries CE) and have continued in modern Vaishnava practice. The specific Krishna Govinda Hare Murari chant has been continuously sung for centuries. Modern Vaishnava devotional artists have recorded various versions, spreading the chant globally.
Associated deity / focus
Krishna in his multiple aspects — child Krishna, cowherd Krishna, cosmic Krishna, slayer of demons, the indwelling consciousness
How to use it
The chant is meant to be sung rather than recited. Learn from recordings or in group kirtan settings.
Group kirtan: leader chants, group responds. Build momentum gradually; allow the chant to develop devotional intensity over 10-30 minutes of sustained singing.
Daily practice: chant 10-30 minutes each morning or evening. The chant works through repetition and devotional engagement rather than through specific count requirements.
For Krishna devotional practice: this chant is one of multiple Krishna kirtans appropriate for daily practice. Combining with Hare Krishna Maha Mantra and Krishna Govinda Govinda Gopala provides varied Krishna devotional engagement.
Best time
Anytime. Pre-dawn and evening are traditional. Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday, August-September) is the highest annual day.
Benefits
Traditionally: cultivates Krishna devotion through engagement with his multiple aspects; provides accessible devotional kirtan; supports broader Krishna practice. Each name in the chant invokes a specific aspect of Krishna's character; the combination provides comprehensive devotional engagement.
Cultural context
Same as broader Krishna devotional practice — widely shared, appropriate for non-Hindu engagement with respect.
FAQ
What does Murari mean?
Murari means "slayer of the demon Mura." Mura was a demon defeated by Krishna in the Mahabharata. The name emphasizes Krishna's protective and demon-slaying aspect — alongside his cowherd-playful character. The combination in this chant of multiple Krishna names captures different aspects: cowherd (Govinda), remover (Hare), slayer (Murari), cosmic lord (Narayana), indweller (Vasudeva).
How is this different from Hare Krishna Maha Mantra?
The Hare Krishna Maha Mantra is the specific 16-name mantra of Gaudiya Vaishnavism ("Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare"). Krishna Govinda Hare Murari is a different multi-name chant with different names and different rhythm. Both are appropriate Krishna kirtans; they serve different functions in devotional practice.
Should I sing this in groups?
Yes — like all kirtan, this chant is most powerful in group call-and-response settings. The collective devotional energy compounds individual practice. ISKCON temples, Vaishnava kirtan groups, and broader Krishna devotional gatherings often include this chant.
What does Hare mean here?
Hare is a vocative form addressing the divine feminine principle — the energy of the divine that activates the divine masculine principle. In Vaishnava theology, Hare specifically addresses Radha (Krishna's eternal divine consort) or the broader Hari (Vishnu/Krishna). The word is multivalent — meaning both "O remover" (the one who removes obstacles, ignorance, suffering) and the divine feminine principle.
Can I use this without a tradition?
Yes, with respect. Krishna devotional practice has substantial cross-cultural reach. Practice with depth: study Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana, treat the deity as real, support actual Vaishnava traditions if possible.