Gopala Sahasranama Openingगोपाल सहस्रनाम प्रारम्भ
Devoted to Gopala Krishna
Source: Pancharatra Agama, Narada Pancharatra
Transliteration
om asya shri-gopala-sahasranama-stotra-mantrasya narada rishih anushtup chhandah shri-gopalo devata shrim bijam hrim shaktih klim kilakam shri-gopala-prityarthe jape viniyogah om klim devaki-nandanaya vidmahe vasudevaya dhimahi tanno krishnah prachodayat dhyanam phullendivara-kantim indu-vadanam barhavatamsa-priyam shrivatsankam udara-kaustubha-dharam pitambaram sundaram gopinam nayanotpalarchita-tanum go-gopa-sangha-vritam govindam kala-venu-vadana-ratam divyanga-bhusham bhaje
Meaning (English)
The opening of Gopala Sahasranama, taught by sage Narada in the Pancharatra tradition, sets the seer, metre, deity, seed and key syllables before the thousand-name garland begins. It establishes Klim as the Kama bija, Shrim as the bija of fortune and Hrim as the bija of Maya, all directed toward the cowherd boy of Vraja. The accompanying dhyana paints a vivid portrait of Krishna with lotus-blue complexion, peacock feather crown, kaustubha jewel, yellow silk, surrounded by gopis and cows, playing his flute in eternal lila.
Benefits (Phal)
Reciting the opening daily is considered enough to win the affection of Gopala when the full sahasranama is not feasible. It cultivates madhurya bhava, removes obstacles in conjugal and parental life, attracts prosperity through cows, milk and land, and steadies the wandering mind. Devotees report enhanced concentration, sweetness in speech, and growing taste for nama sankirtan.
When to Chant
Chant on Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Gopashtami, every Ekadashi, Wednesday, and during the month of Kartika. Also recited before any Krishna katha, raasa lila reading, or temple bhajan.
How to Chant
Sit facing east or north before a Krishna or Gopala vigraha, offer tulsi, butter, and a lamp. Chant the viniyoga, gayatri and dhyana three times slowly, then proceed to the namavali if time permits. Conclude by offering all phala to the Yugala feet of Radha-Krishna.
Book a pandit for Gopala Sahasranama Opening jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.