What it means
In Sanskrit go can mean a cow, the senses or the earth, and Govinda is the one who looks after all three. The Bhagavatam tells how, after Krishna lifted Govardhan to shelter the people of Gokul, Indra and the divine cow Surabhi bathed him and gave him this name.
Where it comes from
Pilgrims climbing the seven hills to Tirupati call out Govinda Govinda as they go, and plenty of them say nothing else the whole way up. The same name runs through the Gaudiya kirtan Govinda jaya jaya, Gopala jaya jaya. It comes into its own on Govardhan Puja and Annakut.
How to chant it
Govinda Govinda has a rhythm that forms on its own; let it. Alone, use a mala. With others, call it out.
When: Mornings, Ekadashi and Govardhan Puja.
Try it now
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