These are the sleeve notes from my album Krishn Kanhai, written by Meera Ravi.
Lord Krishna is the most personal of all the Gods in the Hindu pantheon. The eighth incarnation of Maha-Vishnu, His life story is replete with vivid imagery at every stage – as a naughty and lovable child-prince of the tribe of chieftain Nanda, as a handsome young man roaming Nanda’s vast and verdant territory, playing; the king-maker of Dwaraka and the philosopher and prophet of the Bhagavad Gita.
There is a Krishna for every one of us to love and make our own and He inspired some of the most moving poetry of the bhakti movement in India. Here is a collection to kindle your devotion for the Cowherd God – gems fired by the passionate love of the bhakti poets and polished at the well-spring of their genius.
1. Ram-Krishna Kahiyey Uthee Bhor
Poet: Nandadas
The poet Nandadas, draws a parallel between the two incarnations of Lord Vishnu, namely Lord Raama and Lord Shri Krishna. He contrasts the royal life of Lord Raama in the palace of Ayodhya and the carefree joy of Lord Krishna’s life in Braj-Mathura.
In the palace halls of Ayodhya,
Lord Raama sits on the bejewelled throne
As brothers Bharata, Lakshman and Shatrughna bear attendance
In Braj-Mathura, as Lord Krishna,
The Lord plays with his cowherd friends, clad in yellow silk dhoti (pitaamber)
With His Divine flute and head-dress adorned with peacock feather.
2. Sudamji ko dekhat Shyaam hasey
Poet: Soordas
Soordas, the blind bard of ‘braj’ was a very prominent poet of the Pushti cult founded by Vallabhacharya. He was the first poet to write in ‘braj-bhaashaa’- a dialect of Hindi. His compositions have an epic stature, and encompass the various phases in Lord Krishna’s life.
My Lord, who once was my boyhood friend, and who now rules Dwarka,
I have come to you with all I can afford –
A gift of three fistfuls of puffed rice
That my wife, your sister-in-law has sent with love.
In this poem, focuses on the beautiful bond of friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudamji who grew up together in the hermitage of guru Sandipani. Sudamji who has fallen on tough times, arrives at the Lord’s court in Dwarka, in ragged clothes and tattered slippers, bearing a humble gift of puffed rice, a childhood favourite of Lord Krishna. The song is a lovely testimony to a friendship that has transcended social barriers and the passage of time.
3. Mhaarey ghar aavo
Poetess: Meerabai
The devotional lyrics of the princess-poet Meera are eloquent in their description of the Lord. The sincerity and sweetness of the compositions are a part of the rich heritage of the mystic poetry of India. In this composition, Meera sings about complete surrender to the Lord. He is portrayed as the saviour of the masses [bakshan-haaraa] .
Lord, I am mired in faults and know not the way to salvation,
You are my Redeemer, the Absolver of all sins…
4. Akhiyaan, Hari darsan ko pyaasi
Poet: Soordas
Surdas, in this poem, describes the beauty of the Lord, which has captivated him. In the second stanza, Soordas describes, the restlessness felt by a seeker of the Lord’s Divine Grace, with wonderful eloquence and expressive imagery:
Lord, without a glimpse of Your Divine form,
The devotee is bereft and left tossing and turning
Like a trembling blade of grass.
5. Chalo ri murali suniye
Poet: Soordas
The Jamuna river, flowing langorously, the hypnotic strains of the celestial flute melodiously beckoning the gopikas in Vrindavan, is described vividly in this Soordas composition.
The tranquil sunset turns the River Jamuna into a molten golden flow,
In the twilit glow, the sound of Lord Kirshna’s flute
Fills all creatures with peace
And even the birds forget their even-song and the calves forget to suckle
As they listen to the Lord’s divine music.
The song urges the gopikas to drop everything and surrender themselves to the mystic and melodious music of the Lord.
6. Hori khelat hai Giridhari
Poetess: Meerabai
This lively composition by Meerabai, captures the vibrancy and joy of ‘Holi’- the spring festival of colours.
The fragrant swirls of sandalwood and saffron rise in the air
The women of vrindavan dance in joyful abandon
And Lord Krishna throwing fistfuls of crimson ‘gulal’ powder, around
These images are skillfully blended to create a vivid collage of Phagun- the spring season.
7. Mohey laagi lagan
Poetess: Meerabai
This poignant Meera bhajan, portrays her immutable faith in the Lord. Here the Lord is depicted as a beacon of hope and solace. He is the guiding anchor across the stormy seas of Life. Meera lays her faith and in fact her very being at His divine feet in total surrender.
Without the presence of My Lord, this life is a burden
And all the world a web of wasteful dross and illusion!
8. Matha kar moha tu
Poet: Kabirdas
A weaver by profession, Kabirdas ranks among the India’s greatest poets. Kabir’s poetry is relevant and helpful in guiding our lives, in both social and spiritual context. Simplicity and a straightforward approach are the hallmarks of his poetry and hold a universal appeal.
This powerful yet simple composition by Kabirdas, extols the virtue of leading a life that is enriched by praising the Lord- not however by merely a passive chanting. Kabirdas aptly describes spirituality as an infinite resource of riches as compared to the transitory nature of wealth defined by material possessions- a theme that still holds relevance today.
This voice has been given to you to sing the Lord’s praises,
And these hands – to give alms in His Name.
