Kasturi Tilakam | Krishna Sanskrit Shloka | Krishna Karnamritam

Kasturi Tilakam is a beautiful Sanskrit verse from Sri Krishna Karnamritam, traditionally attributed to the saint-poet Bilvamangala Thakura. Bilvamangala Thakura was a poet and devotee whose love for Krishna became the language of his life. He is traditionally remembered as a blind saint. And yet, the way he described Krishna feels almost like he was sitting right in front of Him—seeing every little detail. Krishna’s face, His eyes, the peacock feather, the flute, the yellow clothes, the flowers, the jewels… nothing seemed to escape his heart. Perhaps that is what makes his poetry so beautiful. He didn’t need ordinary sight to feel Krishna’s beauty. His devotion had its own way of seeing. Kasturi Tilakam carries a glimpse of that feeling. Line-by-line meaning: Kasturi Tilakam Lalaata Phalake A musk tilak adorns Krishna’s forehead. Vakshah Sthale Kaustubham The Kaustubha jewel shines upon His chest. Naasaagre Nava Mauktikam A fresh pearl adorns the tip of His nose. Karatale Venun Kare Kankanam The flute rests in His hand, while bracelets adorn His wrists. Sarvaange Hari Chandanam Cha Kalayan His entire body is adorned with fragrant sandalwood paste. Kanthe Cha Muktaavalim A beautiful string of pearls adorns His neck. Gopa Stri Pariveshtito Vijayate Surrounded by the Gopis, He shines gloriously. Gopaala Choodaamanih He is the crest-jewel of the cowherds.