Bhaja Govindam, one of Adi Shankaracharya’s most loved compositions, was born from a moment of deep compassion. According to a traditional account, as Shankaracharya walked through the streets of Kashi (Varanasi) with his disciples, he saw an aged scholar sternly drilling his students on Panini’s grammar rules for their mispronunciations.
Taking pity on the learned man so focused on technical knowledge, Shankara reminded him that intellectual knowledge alone cannot bring liberation. He underscored that at the hour of death, technical skill (even mastery of grammar) will not deliver him; only turning the mind to the Divine will.
Thus arose the opening verse:
भज गोविन्दं भज गोविन्दं गोविन्दं भज मूढमते ।
सम्प्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नहि नहि रक्षति डुकृञ्करणे ॥
Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam, Govindam Bhaja Moodhamate;
Samprapte Sannihite Kale, Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrin Karane.
“Worship Govinda, O foolish mind. When death draws near, rules of grammar will not save you.”
The composition, also known as Moha Mudgara (the hammer that shatters delusion), delivers a profound message: to rise above learning, greed, and attachment, and to seek liberation through devotion and inner awakening.
Another verse counsels:
मूढ जहीहि धनागमतृष्णां कुरु सद्बुद्धिं मनसि वितृष्णाम् ।
Moodha Jaheehi Dhanagama Trishnaam, Kuru Sadbuddhim Manasi Vitrishnaam.
“Abandon craving for wealth and cultivate wisdom and detachment within.”
At its heart, the hymn reminds seekers to orient life toward the Ultimate (Govinda) rather than fleeting pursuits—learning for its own sake, wealth, pleasure, or status—all of which vanish in time.
Bhaja Govindam bridges jnana, knowledge and bhakti, devotion. Though Shankaracharya is known for Advaita Vedanta’s nondual philosophy, here he speaks as a compassionate teacher emphasizing devotion as the doorway to realization. The hymn’s essence remains timeless: worldly success fades, but heartfelt remembrance of the Divine leads to enduring peace.
