Bhaja Govindam
Adi Shankaracharya's stirring call to turn the mind toward the divine and seek what truly endures.
About Bhaja Govindam
Bhaja Govindam (“Worship Govinda”) is a much-loved devotional and philosophical hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya. With memorable, direct verses it urges the listener to seek the eternal and not be lost in the fleeting attachments of worldly life.
The hymn is also known as Moha Mudgara (“the hammer that shatters delusion”). Its refrain — “Bhaja Govindam” — gently but firmly reminds us that grammar and worldly cleverness will not help at life's end; devotion will.
Stotradhwani teaches Bhaja Govindam with attention to meaning and pronunciation, so learners can absorb both its melody and its timeless message.
At a glance
- Composer
- Adi Shankaracharya
- Source
- Vedantic devotional hymn
- Verses
- 31 verses
- Language
- Sanskrit
- Tradition
- Advaita Vedanta
Why devotees chant Bhaja Govindam
- check_circleTraditionally chanted to cultivate detachment, discrimination, and devotion.
- check_circleShort, rhythmic verses make it memorable and easy to reflect upon.
- check_circleCombines heartfelt bhakti with the wisdom of Vedanta.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bhaja Govindam?expand_more
Bhaja Govindam is a Sanskrit devotional and Vedantic hymn by Adi Shankaracharya that urges the seeker to turn to Govinda (the divine) and rise above worldly attachment.
Who wrote Bhaja Govindam?expand_more
It was composed by Adi Shankaracharya. Tradition holds that several of his disciples added verses, which is why it is also called Dvadasha Manjarika or Moha Mudgara.
What does Bhaja Govindam mean?expand_more
It means “Worship Govinda” — a call to devote the mind to the eternal divine rather than to fleeting worldly pursuits.