Teri BansiPukare Radha Naam
‖ Krishna and Shyam are one — every note calls Radha’s name ‖
From Krishna’s flute every sound calls Radha’s name — and that same Krishna is Khatu Shyam of the Kali Yuga. In Anup Jalota’s classical voice, this bhajan is the essence of all Krishna-Shyam devotion.
This bhajan is a timeless jewel of Indian devotional music. Its original theme is the love-devotion of Krishna and Radha, but for Shyam devotees it holds a special meaning — because Baba Khatu Shyam is Krishna’s own form in the Kali Yuga.
Anup Jalota’s classical singing gives the bhajan a unique depth. His unhurried voice and subtle ornamentation immerse the listener in the eternal leela of Radha and Krishna.
Shyam Teri Bansi Pukare Radha Naam
Romanized so you can follow and sing along.
Refrain
Shyam teri bansi pukare Radha naam,
Log karein maakhan chori ka badnaam.
Mera tu hai, mera tu hai, mera tu hai,
Mera maakhan chor mera Gopal.
1 Morpankh tere sheesh sajaaye,
Murli teri man ko bhaaye.
Radha rani besudh ho jaaye,
Jab-jab tu murli bajaaye.
2 Dwarikadheesh tu, Khatu Naresh tu,
Har roop mein bas Shyam tu hi tu.
Bhakton ka pyaara, haare ka sahaara,
Shyam Baba ka naam hai nyaara.
Watch the bhajan
Anup Jalota’s classical rendering of the Ravindra Jain composition.
The opening line is deeply moving — "your flute calls Radha’s name". Every sound from Krishna’s flute is Radha’s name alone. It is the very summit of love-devotion.
The next line answers the world’s view — "people call him the butter-thief". The world calls Krishna a butter-thief, but to the devotee he is "mine" — my butter-thief, my Gopal.
In the closing feeling, Baba’s many names join — Dwarikadheesh, Khatu Naresh, Hare ka Sahara. All are one, taking different forms in the current of devotion.
When it is sung
Home satsang, temple bhajan evenings, the month of Shravan, Janmashtami — occasions of a sweet, tender mood.
Singers
Anup Jalota’s classical rendering. Various singers have their own versions of the original Ravindra Jain composition.
Original Hindi lyrics
श्याम तेरी बंसी पुकारे राधा नाम
The full Hindi page carries the original Devanagari lyrics, the complete meaning and the video.
- 1
Who sings "Shyam Teri Bansi Pukare Radha Naam"?
The well-loved classical rendering is by Anup Jalota; the original is a composition by Ravindra Jain, recorded by several singers.
- 2
How does this Krishna bhajan relate to Khatu Shyam?
Khatu Shyam is revered as Krishna’s own form in the Kali Yuga, so this Krishna-Radha bhajan is dear to Shyam devotees — and its closing verse names Baba as Khatu Naresh and Hare ka Sahara.
Items that help your bhakti
Some of these are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. These are not official temple products.