Mhara Kanha Mhara Ram Lyrics
Mhara Kanha Mhara Ram is a Hindi song by Priyankit Jaiswal. These lyrics comprise a heartfelt devotional song, known as a bhajan in Indian tradition, that expresses profound love, reverence, and devotion to various forms of the divine in Hindu mythology and philosophy. The song begins with an introspective question, asking about the source of joy in one’s heart, inviting the listener to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the wellspring of their happiness.
The singer then proceeds to answer this question by enumerating different names and forms of God that bring joy, fulfillment, and spiritual satisfaction. This list is not merely a recitation of names but a celebration of the diverse aspects of divinity as understood in Hinduism. Each name carries deep significance and evokes particular qualities or stories associated with that form of God.
Kanha and Shyam both refer to Krishna, the beloved cowherd god known for his playful nature, divine love, and spiritual wisdom. Ram represents the ideal man and king, embodying righteousness and duty. Shambhu is a name for Shiva, the destroyer and transformer. Mohan, meaning “the enchanter,” typically refers to Krishna’s ability to captivate hearts with his beauty and divine flute music. Baka could be referring to Vakadevi, a form of the goddess associated with speech and learning. Laal, meaning “beloved,” is a term of endearment often used for Krishna or other deities.
Girdhar specifically refers to Krishna’s feat of lifting Mount Govardhan to protect his devotees, symbolizing divine protection. Ghanshyam, describing Krishna as “dark as rain clouds,” evokes his physical beauty and life-giving nature. Thakur is a respectful term for God or a deity, implying lordship and authority.
The repeated phrase “Mhara khyaal poora rakhta hai” (He takes care of all my thoughts/fulfills all my wishes) is central to the song’s message. It emphasizes the devotee’s unwavering faith that God, in all these forms, is constantly attentive to their needs, desires, and spiritual growth. This repetition serves multiple purposes: it creates a rhythmic, meditative quality typical of devotional music, helps in memorization, and reinforces the central theme of divine care and protection.
The use of “Mhara” (meaning “my” in some dialects, particularly Rajasthani) before each name is significant. It indicates a deeply personal and intimate relationship with these divine forms. Rather than seeing God as a distant, unapproachable entity, the singer claims a close, almost possessive bond with each aspect of the divine. This approach is characteristic of bhakti traditions in Hinduism, which emphasize personal devotion and an emotional connection to God.
The song’s structure, with its repetitions and variations, mirrors the cyclical nature of Hindu philosophy and the idea of divine play or “lila.” Just as the names are repeated with slight variations, so too is the divine seen as manifesting in various forms throughout cosmic cycles.
Moreover, the inclusivity of the song, mentioning various forms of God revered in different Hindu traditions, reflects the syncretic nature of popular Hinduism. It embraces diverse theological concepts, unifying them in a single expression of devotion.
In essence, this bhajan is not just a song but a spiritual practice in itself. Through its repetitive, melodious recitation of divine names and qualities, it serves as a form of japa (meditative repetition) and kirtan (devotional music), believed to purify the mind, open the heart, and bring the devotee closer to the divine. The song encapsulates the essence of bhakti yoga – the path of loving devotion – offering a way for individuals to connect with the divine through emotion, music, and personal relationship. Priyankit Jaiswal’s Mhara Kanha Mhara Ram lyrics are given below.