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Vaishnavism / Gaudiya Vaishnava
गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति
Govinda Damodara Madhaveti
govinda dāmodara mādhaveti
"The beloved refrain of the Govinda Damodara Stotram — a sweet, continuous calling of three names of Krishna: Govinda, Damodara, and Madhava."
Word by Word
- Govinda — protector of the cows and the senses; Damodara — "bound at the belly by a rope" (dama = rope, udara = belly), the child Krishna tied by mother Yashoda's love; Madhava — Lord of sweetness and spring, husband of Lakshmi; iti — "thus" (so are His names called).
Full Translation
This is the recurring refrain of the Govinda Damodara Stotram, composed by Bilvamangala Thakura. Each verse returns to these three names, teaching the practice of remembering Krishna constantly — in joy and in sorrow, and especially at life's final moment. Jahnavi Harrison's "Like a River" sets the refrain to a flowing, contemplative melody.
Pronunciation Tips
go-VIN-dah DAH-mo-dar MAH-dhah-vay-tee