The “Gita Govind” is a renowned 12th-century Sanskrit poem composed by the poet-saint Jayadev. The work is written in the form of a dramatic narrative, depicting the love story of Radha and Krushna. It is a seminal work in the Bhakti movement and a masterpiece of Indian literature. The poem is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, profound spiritual themes, and its influence on Indian classical music and dance.

The “Gita Govind” is divided into twelve cantos (Sargas), which consist of twenty-four songs (Ashtapadis) and additional narrative verses. The “Gita Govind” is a renowned 12th-century Sanskrit poem composed by the poet-saint Jayadev. Each song is made up of eight couplets, known as Ashtapadis. The work is written in the form of a dramatic narrative, depicting the love story of Radha and Krushna.

At a mundane level, it narrates the love of Radha and Krushna as simple cowherds, but at a spiritual level the poem describes the union of JivAtma with ParamAtma. The Ashtakas are sung before Lord Jagannath during the annual festival. People were struck with the splendid music and poetry of Gita Govind and praised it highly. The fame of Jaya Dev reached far and wide.

Themes

1. Divine Love: The central theme of the “Gita Govind” is the divine love between Radha and Krushna. It portrays their intense emotions, including longing, separation, and ultimate union.
2. Bhakti (Devotion): The poem emphasizes the concept of Bhakti, or devotional worship, as a means to attain spiritual enlightenment and closeness to God.
3. Nature and Beauty: Jayadev vividly describes the natural surroundings, the beauty of the seasons, and the enchanting landscapes that form the backdrop for the divine play of Radha and Krushna.
4. Mystical Union: The poem explores the mystical union of the individual soul (Radha) with the divine (Krushna), symbolizing the ultimate goal of spiritual seekers.

Influence and Legacy

1. Music and Dance: The “Gita Govind” has had a profound impact on Indian classical music and dance, particularly the Odissi dance form. The Ashtapadis are often sung and performed in various classical styles.
2. Religious and Cultural Significance: The poem is revered in Vaishnavism and is recited and sung in temples and devotional gatherings. It has also been translated into several languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.
3. Literary Merit: The “Gita Govind” is considered a literary gem for its exquisite use of language, meter, and poetic devices. Jayadev’s ability to convey deep spiritual truths through captivating storytelling and lyrical expression is widely acknowledged.

Key Sections of the Gita Govind

1. Samsara Samharam: The opening section where Jayadev invokes the blessings of Lord Krushna.
2. Pravesakam: Introduction of the main theme and characters, setting the scene for the divine drama.
3. Ashtapadis: The twenty-four songs that form the core of the “Gita Govind”, each describing different aspects of the relationship between Radha and Krushna.
4. Phala Sruti: The concluding section that describes the benefits of reciting or listening to the “Gita Govind”.

The Sarga and the Ashtapadis

The “Gita Govinda” is composed of twenty-four songs, each known as an Ashtapadi, which means “eight-verse song.” These songs are divided into twelve cantos (Sargas), each depicting various aspects of the love and relationship between Radha and Krushna.

Let’s delve into the details of each canto (Sarga) and the Ashtapadis they contain within the “Gita Govind”:

First Canto: Samodadāmodara

Theme: Praise and invocation of Krushna, setting the stage for the divine love story.

1. Invocation and Praise of Krushna: This canto opens with praises of Krushna, highlighting his enchanting flute playing and his divine qualities that captivate the hearts of his devotees.

Second Canto: Akleshakeshava

Theme: Radha’s vexation and Krushna’s lament.

2. Srita Kamala: Radha’s friend describes Krushna’s divine qualities and urges Radha to unite with him.
3. Lalita Lavanga: Radha, adorned with flowers and ornaments, eagerly waits for Krushna.

Third Canto: Mugdhadamana

Theme: Krishna’s apology and Radha’s longing.

4. Chandana Charchita: Krushna, adorned with sandalwood paste and flowers, eagerly seeks Radha.
5. Sachara Chara: Krushna addresses Radha, praising her beauty and expressing his love.

Fourth Canto: Snigdhamadhusudana

Theme: Reconciliation and celebration.

6. Nindati Chandana: Radha, feeling neglected by Krushna, expresses her anguish and longing.
7. Rama Rama: Radha’s friend consoles her and describes Krushna’s deep love for her.

Fifth Canto: Sākāṅkṣa Puṇdarīkākṣa

Theme: Krishna’s persistent efforts and Radha’s emotional turmoil.

8. Hari Hari: Krushna, pained by Radha’s absence, laments and seeks to reunite with her.
9. Madhave Makuru: Radha’s friend advises her to abandon her pride and embrace Krushna’s love.

Sixth Canto: Dhrṣta Vaikuṇṭha

Theme: Radha’s refusal and Krishna’s desperation.

10. Yahi Madhava: Radha reproaches Krushna for his unfaithfulness and laments her plight.
11. Priye Charusheele: Krushna pleads with Radha to forgive him and return to him.

Seventh Canto: Nāgara Nārāyaṇa

Theme: Krushna’s persistent efforts to win back Radha.

12. Kuru Yadunandana: Radha’s friend urges her to forgive Krushna and accept his love.
13. Dehi Padapallavam: Krushna, overcome with love, surrenders himself at Radha’s feet.

Eighth Canto: Vilakṣyalakṣmīpati

Theme: Radha’s emotional turmoil and search for Krushna.

14. Vadasi Yadi: Radha expresses her deep love for Krushna and her desire to be with him.
15. Pashyati Dishi Dishi: Radha searches for Krushna, overcome with longing and desperation.

Ninth Canto: Mandamukunda

Theme: Radha’s friend’s intervention and Krishna’s joy.

16. Kshiti Tal: Radha, reunited with Krushna, basks in the joy of their union.
17. Rati Sukha: Krushna celebrates his reunion with Radha and the joy they share.

Tenth Canto: Chaturachaturbhuja

Theme: Krushna’s unwavering love and Radha’s forgiveness.

18. Viharati Vane: Radha and Krushna enjoy their time together in the beautiful Vrindavan.
19. Smarati Madhu: Krushna recalls the blissful moments spent with Radha.

Eleventh Canto: Sānandadāmodara

Theme: Blissful union and celebration.

20. Māmiyaṁ Chalita: Radha reproaches Krushna for his past behavior but ultimately forgives him.
21. Rādhe Mṛdū: Krushna praises Radha’s beauty and expresses his unwavering love.

Twelfth Canto: Suprīta Pītāmbara

Theme: Epilogue and benediction.

22. Ahaṁ Madhu: Radha, pleased with Krushna’s devotion, reciprocates his love.
23. Madhura Madhura: Radha and Krushna revel in the sweetness of their love and togetherness.
24. Nibhṛta Nikunja: Radha and Krushna’s divine love culminates in their blissful union, symbolizing the ultimate spiritual merger.

Key Sections of Each Canto

• Invocation and Praise: Each canto often begins with an invocation to Krushna, praising his divine qualities and setting the stage for the narrative.
• Dialogue and Emotions: The cantos depict the emotional exchanges between Radha, Krushna, and their friends (Sakhis), highlighting the complexities of their relationship.
• Ashtapadis: Each canto contains several Ashtapadis, which are lyrical songs that convey the deep emotions and spiritual messages of the text.

Significance

The “Gita Govind” is a profound exploration of divine love, capturing the human emotions and spiritual aspirations of devotees. Its structure, with twelve cantos and twenty-four Ashtapadis, offers a detailed and immersive narrative that continues to inspire and move readers, musicians, and dancers.