The journey of the Gita Govinda in Indian literature is a tale of prose transcending time, socio-economic and religious barriers. The world Jayadeva lived in has changed drastically in the centuries that followed his yet his tale of yearning, pain and eventual fulfilment continues to charm all who encounter it. His ode to Lord Krishna and Radha epitomises the ethos of ancient India that inspires a deeply self-aware approach to love, faith and life itself.
An epic poem that has influenced Indian art and culture for more than eight centuries, this 12th century classic is considered the greatest love story from India. It portrays the eternal and divine relationship between Radha and Krishna which is not found in any other text written prior to this. It is amazing that text reached all parts of India within less than a century and it continues to influence dance, music, theatre, art, sculpture, painting, craft and literature as well as designs almost all facets of art and culture.
What sets the story of the Gita Govinda apart is that, firstly, its impact is unprecedented among other comparable 12th century works or even older or modern compositions. Precious little is known about the author's origin. The power of Jayadeva’s craftsmanship alone carried it through the centuries. Few classical works in the history of contemporary literature enjoys the privilege of being recited daily at a prominent religious site for over 700 years.
The Gita Govinda allows believers to re-experience devotion more intimately, thereby releasing them from the stranglehold of dogma. In this classic, we find both forms of shringara – vipralambha shringara (love in separation) and sambhoga shringara (love in the union), each strengthening the other. Rasa, tone or flavour, is an important aspect of enjoying art. Of the nine rasas (navarasa) identified by Indian aestheticians, shringara rasa is the most popular. It is called rasa raja, the king of rasas. The Gita Govinda celebrates the sensuous while enriching the devotee’s soul. Jayadeva’s ability to embrace this dichotomy of faith and eroticism truly sets this work apart. The influence of Bharata’s Natyasastra and Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra is evident throughout the work.
Nearly eight centuries have gone by, and Jayadeva’s epic love song is still sung across the country and enjoyed...
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