Soft
glow radiated from the oil lamps create the illusion of moonlight. The assorted
fragrance of sandalwood, incense, jasmine and champak reminds of the gardens of
Vrindavan. The majestic Lord Jagannatha depicts the eternal lover Krishna . Trinkling of Manjeera and rhythm of Mridangam
echo within the inner sanctum of the Temple
“उत् मद मदन मनोरथ पथिक वधू जन जनित विलापे
अलि कुल संकुल कुसुम समूह निराकुल बकुल कलापे”
अलि कुल संकुल कुसुम समूह निराकुल बकुल कलापे”
(Travellers’ brides are
rent by passion, much they wander in their pain
To see Bakula flowers,
unruffled; with their swarm of honey bees.)
A celestial beauty is dancing with the music in the middle of
the chamber. Attired in blue saree and ornaments of flower; bearing the
expression of unrequited love she is reflection of Sri Radha, the lady love of
the Lord.
The symphony of dance and music illustrate the ultimate expression
of love. Presence of King Choda Gangadeva, minister Ananga Verma, chief priest
Martanda Devasharmana become elusive in the enchanting world of devotion.
0000000
A
mud hut with beautifully painted walls and a small courtyard remains recluse
from the nearby village. A part of the courtyard is bedded with variety of
flower plants; at the centre, the platform of sacred basil plant provides a
touch of domesticity. The hut is not far from the Puri Temple Temple
मेघैः मेदुरम् अंबरम् वन भुवः श्यामाः तमाल द्रुमैः
नक्तम्
भीरुः अयम् त्वम् एव तत् इमम् राधे गृहम् प्रापय इत्थम् नन्द निदेशितः
चलितयोः प्रति अध्व कुंज द्रुमम् राधा माधवयोः जयन्ति यमुना कूले रहः केलयः
भीरुः अयम् त्वम् एव तत् इमम् राधे गृहम् प्रापय इत्थम् नन्द निदेशितः
चलितयोः प्रति अध्व कुंज द्रुमम् राधा माधवयोः जयन्ति यमुना कूले रहः केलयः
(With the thickened cloud
and the darkened wood with Tamala tree;
Radha leads Madhava
towards home in the path indicated by Nanda,
Each branching arbor near
Yamuna helps her to win over Madhava.)
Poet has plunged into the charm of Radha-Madhava; passionate
love of the divinity is the subject of his new poetry.
Soft spring time breeze caresses the flower bed, mild gleam of
morning sun reflects in the adjacent verandah. Poet returns home after taking
bath and enters the hut in his wet clothes. At the corner of the room on a low
desk lie the palm leaves, wooden pen and ink pot in orderly manner. A garland
of fresh jasmine is placed over the unfinished writing. Burning incense is
positioned at the kulungi of the wall. An enchanted smile appears in Poet’s
handsome face. She came even today…, the neat arrangement of the room provides
evidence. The humble surrounding has turned into a mystic delight with her feminine
touch.
-
“Did Sri Radha also arrange Madhavi arbour for Krishna
in same way! Did she too prepare garland for her beloved!”
Poet changes clothes and sits at the writing corner. He writes
about impatient Radha awaiting her Lord.
It is almost sunset time; the sky is painted with saffron red.
Poet fondly waters the flower plants; his other passion in life. Soft chime of
trinkets make him look back. Color of the sky reflects on her already blushed
countenance; poet imagines Shyam beloved love struck Radha, waiting at the bank
of Yamuna.
-
“What have you written today Dev, wouldn’t you read it to me?”
-
“How could I deny you Padma? The couplets come live through your
dance portrayal. My poetry is incomplete without you.”
-
“Don’t say that! You are the great poet, favored by mighty king.
I am a temple dancer of humble origin.”
-
“You are not commonplace either; you are Sri Radha of my
imagination. Your devotion to the Lord Vanamali inspires me. Let me read out
the latest poem.”
माधविका परिमल ललिते नव मालिक जाति सुगन्धौ
मुनि मनसाम् अपि मोहन कारिणि तरुण अ कारण बन्धौ
मुनि मनसाम् अपि मोहन कारिणि तरुण अ कारण बन्धौ
(The springtime fragnance
of flowers like Madhavi, Jasmine
Can cause bafflement to
even heart of saints)
Padmavati soaks in to the passion of the poem, tears roll down.
She thinks inwardly;
-
“Lord, forgive me. My love is not unattached; I am committed to
the poet. I have worshiped you within him.”
Months pass by; poet carries on with his poetry. Padma’s life
goes on much the same way.
0000000
It is almost noon Poet is stuck at the nineteenth verse. At this
stage, the love of Radha-Madhava has evolved into the eternal ardor of
submission. Poet wants to write;-
स्मरगरलखण्डनं मम शिरसि मण्डनं
देहिपदपल्लवमुदारम्।
(To counteract the venom
of cupid, to ornament my cranium,
I seek for your lotus
feet.)
He hesitates, how could he make the Lord seek for mortal Radha’s
feet? Is it his own love for Padmavati that has put him in such consternation? Has
he failed in his complete devotion to Krishna ?
Devastated and perturbed, poet forgets about time.
-
“Haven’t you taken bath yet?”
Padmavati appears at the doorstep holding Maha Prasad.
-
“I have completely failed Padma. I can not write anymore.”
-
“You are agitated for some reason. Please take bath and have
Prasad. Then I shall listen to you.”
She
forces him to go for bath, meanwhile gets busy in laying the food.
-
“You finished so fast! Come and sit for food.” Padma smiles at poet.
-
“Padma, why do you take such great care of me? Is it because of
my poetry?”
She
keeps silent for some time, then answers,
-
“You know so much of Sri Radha’s feelings; yet, don’t understand
any of mine.”
-
“I understand Padma and I have just realized that I am imperfect
without you. If I snub this truth, my poetry will remain incomplete. I have
overcome all my hesitations; now I can finish the new couplet.”
Poet finishes food and sits at his desk. He completes the
couplet with the words he could not ink before;
‘Dehi Pada Pallava Mudaram’
(I seek for your lotus
feet.)
On finishing the line he comes to Padmavati,
-
“I am going now to meet the king and seek for your hand. Do you
accept me?”
Padmavati
breaks down at his feet, poet leaves. She waits at the doorstep, oblivious of
the time.
-
“Why are you sitting like this Padma? I am a bit late.” Poet
sounds apologetic.
Astounded
Padma asks,
-
“Are you trying to tease me Dev?”
-
“What are you saying Padma?”
-
“Haven’t you just finished your lunch? Look at the left over
still lying on your plate. Look at that palm leaf where you just finished your
couplet.”
Poet
flabbergasted, rushes to the desk where the ink is yet to dry on the freshly
written palm leaf.
‘I seek for your lotus
feet.’
-
“Lord, you have expunged my hesitation with your gracious
presence! Now I shall express your divine love through earthly emotions. Padma
was lucky to see you; I have only your writing to treasure for life.” Poet bows
down at the writing.
Epilogue
Poet marries Devdasi Padmavati. King Choda Gangadev has been too
glad to offer his blessing to the nuptials already approved by Lord Jagannatha
himself. Poet finishes his verse. The epic-poem is named ‘Geet-Govindam’. Poet Jayadeva
becomes immortal through his great creation and so is his lady love Padmavati.
Note:
Geet Govindam depicts the Radha Krishna Love saga through basic
mortal emotions that ultimately culminate into spirituality. It is not
imperative to say that Jayadeva inculcated his own emotions in his poetry and
visualized Padmavati as Radha. Many believe, Jayadeva was already married to
Padmavati while writing Geet Govindam, but I have taken liberty with the view
that the longing to embrace beloved and articulate love can only ignite in such
wonderful verse. Marrying a Devdasi was also against the norm of society which
can be justified with the legend of Lord Krishna appearing in disguise to
finish the couplet.
Vocabulary:
Manjeera – a musical instrument, speciality of eastern part of India
Mridangam – ancient form of Drums
Kulungi – a small cut in the wall, used for storing small
utilities
Madhava, Vanamali, Shyam – names of Lord Krishna
Madhavi – favourite flower of Lord Krishna, madhavi arbour was the
meeting place for Radha Krishna
Maha Prasad – Holy food offered to God
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