श्याम सुन्दरवा छोटे छोटे कनुवा Lyrics & Meaning

Contents

1 Origin & Spiritual Essence
2 Why Devotees Hold It Dear
3 Lyrics in Hindi (Devanagari)
4 English Transliteration
5 Simple English Meaning
6 When & How to Chant
7 Cultural Legacy
- 7.1 FAQs

श्याम सुन्दरवा छोटे छोटे कनुवा (Shyam Sundarva Chhote Chhote Kanuva) is a heartfelt invocation to Lord Krishna in his most enchanting form—Shyam Sundar (the dark, beautiful one). This bhajan is a plea for the divine child Kanha to grace the devotee’s home, bringing with him the playful joy of Vrindavan and the eternal love of the Gopis.

Origin & Spiritual Essence

While the specific composer of this folk-style bhajan is not widely documented in classical texts, it resonates deeply with the Pushti Marg (Vallabh Sampradaya) and the Nath Panth traditions, where the intimacy of Lord Krishna’s childhood (Bal Leela) is celebrated. The phalaśruti (spiritual fruit) of singing this bhajan is the awakening of Prema Bhakti (selfless love) and the removal of the barrier between the devotee and the Divine. It transforms the home into a temple, inviting the Lord to dwell within the walls of the heart.

Why Devotees Hold It Dear

Devotees cherish this bhajan because it captures the bhava (emotion) of Mother Yashoda and Radha Rani. It is not a prayer for worldly boons, but a longing for the playful, protective, and mesmerizing presence of Krishna. Sung softly in the evening or during family kirtans, it creates an atmosphere of satsang (divine company), making the mundane sacred.

Lyrics in Hindi (Devanagari)

श्याम सुन्दरवा छोटे छोटे कनुवा,
मेरे घर आया करो,
मेरे घर आया करो।।

छुम छुम नाचत हरत मेरो मनवा,
मेरे घर आया करो,
मेरे घर आया करो।।

छगन मगन मेरे नन्द जीके पूतवा,
गय्या चराया करो,
मेरे घर आया करो।।

माता यशोदा के प्यारे प्यारे ललवा,
माखन चुराया करो,
मेरे घर आया करो।।

मुरली सुनत भई राधा जी मगनवा,
रास रचाया करो,
मेरे घर आया करो।।

श्याम सुन्दरवा छोटे छोटे कनुवा,
मेरे घर आया करो,
मेरे घर आया करो।।

English Transliteration

Shyam Sundarva Chhote Chhote Kanuva,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo.

Chhum Chhum Naachat Harat Mero Manva,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo.

Chagan Magan Mere Nand Ji Ke Putva,
Gaiyya Charaya Karo,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo.

Mata Yashoda Ke Pyare Pyare Lalva,
Makhan Churaya Karo,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo.

Murali Sunat Bhaee Radha Ji Maganva,
Raas Rachaya Karo,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo.

Shyam Sundarva Chhote Chhote Kanuva,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo,
Mere Ghar Aaya Karo.

Simple English Meaning

Stanza 1: “O beautiful dark one, little child Kanu,” we invite you to come to our home. This is a plea for the divine child to leave the faraway forests and dwell in the devotee’s abode.

Stanza 2: “With the jingle of bells, you dance and captivate my mind.” The rhythmic movement of Krishna delights the soul, removing all traces of sorrow.

Stanza 3: “The beloved son of Nand Baba.” The bhajan describes Krishna as the playful cowherd who tends to the cows, symbolizing his grounding in nature and duty.

Stanza 4: “The darling child of Mother Yashoda.” This invokes the domestic, maternal affection of the Lord, specifically his mischievous act of stealing butter (Makhan Chori), which symbolizes stealing the hearts of devotees.

Stanza 5: “Listening to the flute, Radha Rani becomes entranced.” This stanza connects to the Raas Leela, the celestial dance of divine love, inviting that same mystical energy into the home.

When & How to Chant

Timing: Ideal for chanting during the Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) to invite purity, or in the Pradosh Kaal (twilight) to recreate the atmosphere of Vrindavan’s evening kirtans.

Offerings: Light a Ghee lamp (clarified butter) and offer fresh Tulsi leaves. If possible, offer a small portion of homemade butter or sweets.

Repetitions: Chant 11 or 21 times daily for mental peace. During Janmashtami, 108 repetitions invite immense blessings.

Cultural Legacy

This bhajan is a staple in Rajasthani and Madhya Pradesh folk kirtans. The rendition by Shri Goverdhaneshji Mahoday (referenced in the credits of the original content) brings a soulful, traditional melody that resonates with listeners of all ages. It is often performed in Garba circles during Navratri, celebrating the playful energy of the Divine.

FAQs

Who composed ‘Shyam Sundarva Chhote Chhote Kanuva’?

While the specific author is anonymous as it is a folk bhajan, it is deeply rooted in the Vaishnav tradition of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. It is often attributed to local poet-saints devoted to the Pushti Marg.

Can I listen to this bhajan while working?

Yes, the gentle rhythm and devotional lyrics help create a peaceful environment, reducing stress and keeping the mind focused on positive thoughts.

What is the significance of ‘Mere Ghar Aaya Karo’?

This line signifies the Yatra (journey) of the Lord from the external temple to the internal temple of the heart. It asks for Krishna’s constant presence in the devotee’s daily life.

Is this bhajan suitable for children?

Absolutely. It refers to the child Kanha, making it perfect for children to connect with the playful aspect of God.

How does this bhajan relate to Radha and Krishna?

It highlights the Raas Leela. The mention of the flute and Radha’s trance shows the magnetic pull of the Divine—where the Lord plays the flute, the soul (Radha) naturally dances in devotion.

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