The oldest memories of music take us to the hymns and prayers. The very first emotion that found expression through music was devotion. And hence, devotional songs or Bhakti songs always connect so deep. They are not just lyrics and melodies but a place of solace and hope.
These Bhakti geet have been sung in temples, homes, and festivals for centuries, offering people a way to express their faith, surrender, and love for the divine.
In this blog, let’s take a walk through some of the most popular devotional songs in India that continue to touch millions of hearts. Whether you are familiar with these bhakti songs or just starting your journey into devotional music, these songs will give you goosebumps and fill you with calm.
This devotional favorite describes what it means to be a true devotee: someone compassionate, humble, and kind. Vaishnava Jana To is a bhajan that teaches us to be a good human being. Written by saint Narsinh Mehta, it describes a true devotee as someone who feels the pain of others, helps without pride, and lives with kindness and humility.
When you listen to Vaishnava Jana To, you don’t just hear a tune—you feel a gentle call to become better, kinder, and more human. The simplicity of its melody makes it easy to sing, but the depth of its words lingers in the heart long after the music ends. It is one of those bhakti gana devotion that doesn’t just stay in the prayer room—it walks with you into your daily life, guiding your choices and actions.
Mahatma Gandhi loved this song and made it a part of the freedom movement because it carried values of compassion and service. Its tune is gentle, its words are deep. Even today, when we listen or sing it, we are reminded that devotion is not only prayer—it is how we live each day.
Shri Ram Chandra Kripalu Bhajamana is a beautiful bhajan written by the great poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas. It praises Lord Rama’s virtues—his kindness, courage, and gentle nature. Each line is filled with love and respect, painting Rama as an ideal king and protector.
The melody of this bhajan has a calming effect, filling hearts with peace and devotion. Many classical singers have sung this Bhakti geet in soulful ragas, making it timeless. When sung with faith, it feels like an invitation to surrender to Lord Rama’s grace and to live with the same goodness and strength he represents.
If you admire how classical music and devotion blend seamlessly, check out India’s best classical singers who continue to perform this bhajan.
Madhurashtakam - the honey-laced attributes of Lord Krishna weaved in eight verses. Composed by the saint Vallabhacharya, it is one of the sweetest hymns in devotion to Lord Krishna. In this song, every part of Krishna—his smile, words, actions, and presence—is described as madhura (sweet).
The repetition of this word makes the bhajan both poetic and deeply soothing. It is often sung in temples and devotional gatherings, filling the air with love and joy. Classical musicians have also embraced it, adding beauty through ragas. Listening or singing Madhurashtakam feels like being wrapped in Krishna’s love, reminding us that true devotion is both gentle and full of sweetness.
Hanuman Chalisa, written by the poet-saint Tulsidas, is one of the most loved hymns in India. With 40 verses, it praises Lord Hanuman’s courage, devotion, and unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama. People believe that reciting or listening to it brings strength, removes fear, and offers protection in times of difficulty.
For centuries, millions have sung it daily—in temples, homes, and gatherings—making it one of the most powerful Bhakti songs. Its rhythm and words carry energy that inspires both faith and confidence. The Hanuman Chalisa is more than a prayer; it is a source of courage and comfort for all.
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva. Mata Jaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva.
Here is the one who always dwells in love, luck and joy. He is loved by one and all because his Mother has created him with all her love. And this aarti resonates the same feeling. It just spells love through each of its verses.
Yes, we hail Lord Ganesha as Vighnaharta - the remover of obstacles. And we love to pamper him with mewa, laddu, modak and paan. This aarti is sung with a lot of love and smiles at the beginning of prayers, pujas, and festivals, setting a bright and uplifting tone. The lyrics are simple and easy to remember, making it popular in households, temples, and community gatherings.
With clapping, ringing bells, and smiling faces, this devotional song creates an atmosphere of celebration and faith. Singing it feels like inviting Ganesha’s blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and happiness, filling hearts with positivity and togetherness.
Aayi Giri Nandini, also known as the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, is a powerful hymn dedicated to Goddess Durga. It describes her victory over the demon Mahishasura and celebrates her strength, courage, and divine energy.
Sung especially during Navratri, its fast-paced, rhythmic verses fill the air with excitement and devotion. When sung in temples or gatherings, the hymn creates a sense of awe and reverence, reminding devotees of the protective power of the Goddess.
Aayi Giri Nandini is more than a bhakti song, it is an anthem of the divine feminine, inspiring courage and faith in everyone who listens.
Shiv Tandav Stotram is a powerful hymn that describes Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, the Tandava. Attributed to Ravana, it is filled with rich poetry that captures Shiva’s grandeur, energy, and fierce beauty.
The verses are fast-paced and intense, creating a rhythm that feels both majestic and divine. When sung with devotion, it fills the listener with awe and deep spiritual energy. This hymn is not only a song of praise but also an experience of Shiva’s power and presence. It is one of the most captivating Bakti geet dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most sacred mantras from the Rigveda. It is a universal prayer that asks for wisdom, clarity, and enlightenment. Chanting this mantra is believed to purify the mind, remove negativity, and open the heart to divine light.
Recited daily by millions across the world, it is considered one of the purest and most profound Bhakti gana. Its gentle rhythm calms the soul and elevates consciousness, making it timeless. The Gayatri Mantra reminds us that true prayer is about seeking inner light and guidance for living with goodness.
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the “death-conquering mantra,” is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is often chanted for healing, protection, and liberation from fear. People recite it during times of illness or challenge, believing its vibrations bring peace and strength.
The rhythmic repetition of this mantra is deeply calming, offering comfort to the heart and courage to the spirit. Among Bhakti gana, it is one of the most powerful and transformative. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra reminds us that faith can conquer fear, and devotion can guide us through life’s toughest moments.
Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo is a joyful kirtan dedicated to Lord Krishna. It praises him by calling out his many names—Govind, Hari, and Gopal—each filled with love and reverence. Sung in a call-and-response style, it invites everyone to join in, creating a lively and uplifting atmosphere.
When sung in chorus it completely elevates the vibrations of the place. Kirtan is a mode of attaining meditativeness while being in motion. It is where you move your body, open up your voice, arms, heart and soul to align with the higher self. When you meditate in silence with your eyes closed, you feel the vibrations inward. While Kirtan spreads it out - as far as the sound reaches.
With clapping and singing together, people feel connected not just to Krishna, but also to each other. It is a celebration of love, faith, and togetherness in devotion.
Devotional songs are living whispers to the soul. They carry our joys, our hopes, our surrender. The ten songs above are more than tracks on a playlist—they are companions on a spiritual journey.
If these songs move you, why not consider giving voice to your devotion? Begin with something simple. Explore your desire. Choose a quiet setting, headphones, or temple space. Just sing along quietly. The act of vocalizing devotion can open the heart. Pick one song, learn its lyrics and melody. Go deeper to understand what the lyrics mean or if you are already learning voice or classical music, use these songs as devotional repertoire.
And if reading about them inspires you to explore Hindustani classical or devotional singing for yourself, you can always check out hindustani music classes for personalized learning.
Bhakti songs are devotional songs that express love, faith, and surrender to a deity. They are sung to seek spiritual connection, peace, and divine blessings.
The main purpose is to inspire devotion (bhakti), purify the mind, and create a spiritual atmosphere during prayer, meditation, or worship.
Well-known Bhakti singers include Anup Jalota, Lata Mangeshkar, Jagjit Singh, Hari Om Sharan, Shankar Mahadevan, and Suresh Wadkar, among others.
You can listen to Bhakti songs on YouTube, Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Apple Music, and other music platforms. Many temples and devotional channels also stream them regularly.
Some popular Bhakti songs include: Vaishnava Jana To, Shri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajamana , adhurashtakam, Hanuman Chalisa, Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva, Aayi Giri Nandini, Shiva Tandava Stotram, Gayatri Mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo.