Krishna Aarti The Aartis of Janmashtami
The aartis sung before the cradle at the midnight birth and through the festival. Open any one for the full lyrics in Devanagari with a singable transliteration.
Singing the aarti
After the midnight abhishekam, the family gathers before the infant Krishna in his jhula and sings Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki and Om Jai Jagdish Hare, and takes up the Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari dhun as the vigil deepens. Pick any below to sing along.
Aarti timings & puja
The main aarti is at the Nishita (midnight) hour for your city, with morning and evening aartis through the day. Browse the full Aarti Sangrah for aartis of every deity.
Frequently asked questions
Which aarti is sung on Janmashtami?
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki, Surdas's classic Krishna aarti, is the most sung at the midnight puja, along with the universal Om Jai Jagdish Hare and the Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari dhun.
Who wrote Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki?
The blind poet-saint Surdas. It praises Krishna as Kunj Bihari, the one who wanders the bowers of Vrindavan, playing the flute with Radha at his side.
When is the Krishna aarti performed?
At the Nishita (midnight) birth hour after the abhishekam and the rocking of the cradle, and again at the morning and evening puja through the day. See the Nishita muhurat for your city on the Janmashtami page.
Last updated 28 July 2026