Santan Gopal mantra: meaning and how to chant

The Santan Gopal mantra, 'Devaki suta Govinda Vasudeva Jagatpate', is a prayer to Krishna, the son of Devaki. It is one of the most widely chanted prayers in India for couples hoping for a baby. In its simplest meaning it says: Krishna, Lord of the world, bless me with a child; I take refuge in you.

Couples usually chant it together in the morning, slowly, 3 or 11 times. Some families use a mala of 108 beads, but a few unhurried rounds are enough. Many mothers keep saying it after the good news and all through pregnancy, now as a prayer of thanks rather than a request. Hold each other's hand, sit comfortably, and let it be a few quiet minutes of hope that you share.

Two honest notes. First, in the old texts 'tanaya' can mean son or child. We read it as 'child', as many families do. Every child is a blessing. Second, this is a prayer of hope, not a fertility treatment. If conception is taking longer than you hoped, please see a gynaecologist or a fertility specialist. Prayer and medical care can go side by side. Read our disclaimer