Guest guest Posted August 9, 2007 Report Share Posted August 9, 2007 !! Sri Rama Jayam !! Gita-Govindam describes the mystical love, separation, longing and union of Radha and Krishna, the cosmic duo, symbolizing metaphysically the interplay between Jivatma and Paramatma. Its spiritual essence, mystical imports, sensual overtones, aesthetic depictions and lyrical fluidity have baffled critics, bewildered scholars, mystified saints, charmed lovers, enlightened devotees and involved people at large emotionally and sentimentally. It has, over centuries, influenced religious faiths and beliefs, culture and traditions, literature and poetics, music and dance forms and has inspired art, architecture, painting and sculpture. Singing of Gita Govinda as a devotional song, before deities in temples and in religious shrines in different parts of India, has been traditionalized since centuries. It used to be the main topic for singing by Devadasis in the Jagannath temple at Puri. All classical dance forms in India include Gita Govinda in their repertoire for enactment and expression of sentiments (Bhava). Uniqueness of Gita Govinda It is the first lyrical dance drama (Gitakavya) composed in simplified Sanskrit, including vernacular idioms, which could be easily appreciated by people, compared to classical Sanskrit literature. It used to be enacted as a play with spiritual fervour on religious ceremonies at temple precincts. The lyrics, sweet, soft and soothing (Madhura, Komala, Kanta, Padavali) set to melodious Raga & Chhanda, with rich metaphors and rhythemic alliteration, touches the heart and soul. The dictions are so stimulating and penetrating that they evoke emotions readily. People sing the songs, at times, even without understanding the theme. In Gita Govinda, Jayadev, for the first time characterized Radha as the eternal consort of Krishna and his power of bliss (ananda sakti), as per doctrine of Nimbark, which paved the way for worship of Radha-Krishna duo as beloved deities of Vaisnavite cult. The four-handed Vishnu holding Sankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma standing alone or with his consort Lakshmi was replaced by twohanded Krishna holding flute and accompanied in the embrace posture of Radha. Jayadev, in Gita Govinda revolutionized the concept of Bhakti (devotion), propounded by Vedantin Vaisnavites like Ramanuja, Madhavacharya, Vallabhacharya, Nimbark etc. by introducing the element of Love (Prema) for communion with God and to attain eternal bliss (ananda). Jayadev, through his mystical love songs, has highlighted the intense desire of individuals for communion with divinity. This mysticism created far reaching philosophical and metaphysical connotations which had profound influence on the religious mindset and spiritual psyche of devotees. Jayadev has adopted sensual and erotic depictions (Vilas Kala) in developing the theme of Gita Govinda and in presenting the dalliance of Krishna with Radha and Gopis in accordance to the literary nuances of his era. These depictions, in addition to highlighting the importance of sustained sentiments (Sthayi Bhava), are pleasant to mundane human psyche, craving for passion and pleasure. This is one of the factors which made Gita Govinda very popular amongst the masses. Description of ten incarnations (Dashavatar) of Lord Vishnu, befitting to the theory of evolution, had universal acceptance. It has profound impact on the religious sentiments of people, who sing the song as a devotional prayer, in praise of the glory of Lord Vishnu. Jayadev consized the mythological description of several avatars to ten and included Budha as avatar. He propounded Krishna as the creator (Avatarian) of avatars in place of Himself being an avatar, as described in certain epics. Popularity of Gita Govinda can be judged from the fact that 132 imitations (Listed by Banamali Ratha) in manuscript and print forms commencing from 14th till 19th century have been created in different languages. Besides about 180 editions of Gita Govinda in all regional languages of India, several translations in English, German, French, Latin, Dutch, Hungarian and Singhalese languages between 18th-20th century have been published. More than 1500 unpublished manuscripts are still available in different museums in India and abroad and in libraries as well as with individual collectors. For more details please read attached. Hare Krishna Hare Rama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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