
A perspective on Bhajagovindam and other slokas from our scriptures
Updated: Jan 20
For context, please read our previous article here.

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam
govindam bhaja muudhamate
sampraapte sannihite kaale
nahi nahi rakshati dukrijnkarane
The lines, when translated from a devotional/religious context mean-
Worship/praise lord Govinda
Oh, ignorant mind, let govinda be the object of your worship
Regain your happiness at least at the end of your time
Your knowledge of grammar will not save you.
Here, I could see the abstract expression of the author on educating people about shifting our mindsets during the hour of crisis.
Govinda and Vishnu are two words used interchangeably in Indian scriptures, to represent the idea of leadership or an energy that spreads fast and deep among the people around us.
Ref: ( Naa vishnu: prithivi pati hi)
Vishnu: - Leadership qualities.
Naa - you cannot/No/Without
Pruthivi pathihi - Ruler/King/People’s Representative(In democratic structure).
Without leadership qualities one cannot rule the kingdom/land (even in democracy).
Bhaja(Bhajana) - focus
Govinda - leadership on our own lives
MoodhamatE - obsolete mind (a mind that has lost its relevance).
In telugu we call superstitions as moodha nammakaalu- a belief system that is obsolete (has no relevance).
SampraapTE - death here is an abstract reference to crisis (anything without progress (body/mind) is considered obsolete and obsoleteness is nothing but death/crisis)
SannihitE - very near
KaalE - time
Nahi - no
Rakshati - will not safeguard.
dukrijnkarane - your expertise in a subject.
Oh, obsolete mind, when there is crisis in front of you and you have no time, stop depending on your expertise(past laurels) that have no relevance, focus intead on leadership (adaptability), for your expertise cannot rescue you anymore.
//Moodha Jaheehi Dhanaagamatrishnaam
Kuru Sadbuddhim Manasi Vi trishnaam
//Yallabhase Nija karmopaattam
Vittam Tena Vinodaya Chittam
Regular meaning as we perceive
Moodha = oh unwise human
Jaheehi = leaving/abandoning
Dhanaagama thrushnaam = the desire of making money in multifold
Kuru = please make
Sadbudhim = me think of things like satya (truth)
Manasi = in my mind
Vithrushnaam = help me leave the desires
Yallabha sE(yath + labhasE) = whatever you are able to make
Nija KarmmOpaatham = whatever deeds you commit
Vitham = money
ThEna = because of that
Vinodaya = be content and happy
Chitham = your mind
Oh human mind instead of the desire of making/amassing money in multifolds, make me think of leaving/abandoning that desire(s) and make me think of things like “Satya/Truth” in my mind, whatever you are earning (or earned) is based on whatever deeds you did till date. Be happy with that and leave all the desires.
From alternative perspective
Moodha = obsolete
Jaheehi = shelving/leaving behind
Dhanaagama thrushnaam = past laurels or experience gained in an industry
Kuru = please make
Sadbudhim = look with a neutral mindset
Manasi = in my mind
Vithrushnaam = without any bias
Yallabha sE - yath = whatever
LabhasE = whatever you are able to make- whatever you have earned
Nija KarmmOpaatham = because of your past actions
Vitham = resources
ThEna = because
Vinodaya = be content and happy
Chitham = your mind
Oh, human, with an obsolete skill set, it is time to think about shelving/leaving your past laurels. Whatever experience and skill you have earned till date is based on your actions, so be happy with the resources you have and think of taking an action with a fresh mindset that is devoid of bias/insecurities.
Please stay tuned for next part.