Ovalu Aarti Majhya Madan Gopala is an aarti to Shri Krishna — composed by Sant Eknath under his pen-name "Eka Janardani," sung during Krishna devotees' puja-aarti.
Composer: Eka Janardani (Sant Eknath, c. 1533–1599) — a Warkari saint-poet from Paithan, author of the Eknathi Bhagwat and the Bhavarth Ramayan. He signed his compositions "Eka Janardani" after his guru, Janardan Swami.
When to sing it: During Shri Krishna's daily puja-aarti; especially at the midnight puja of Gokulashtami/Krishna Janmashtami and during the aarti at Krishna temples.
Meaning (brief): An aarti to my beloved Madan Gopal (Krishna) — the dark, beautiful (shamsundar) form wearing a vaijayanti garland around his neck; his lotus feet (charankamal) are exceedingly delicate, marked with the auspicious signs of the flag, thunderbolt, and goad. His navel-lotus is the very seat from which Brahma arose, and on his chest shines the medallion of the Shrivatsa mark. The sight of his lotus face outshines millions of suns, so the mind is entranced and the gaze itself is lost in wonder. His jewel-studded crown is so radiant that its glow fills all three worlds. Eka Janardani says — beholding this form, I became one with the form itself.
The words and tune can vary slightly by household or sect. This text follows a traditional household Aarti Sangrah booklet.