Gita Govinda
| Hindu texts |
The Gita Govinda or the Song of the Shri Krishna is a work composed in the 12th century by Jayadeva Goswami. It describes the relationship between Krishna and the gopis (cowgirls) of Vrindavana, and in particular one gopi named Radha. This work has been of great importance in the development of the bhakti traditions of Hinduism.
Here is an extract from the translation by Sir Edwin Arnold (1832–1904) :
- "The sky is clouded and the wood resembles the sky
- Thick arched with black Tamala boughs;
- O Radha, Radha! Take this soul that trembles
- In life’s deep midnight, to thy golden house."
- So Nanda spoke, and led by Radha’s spirit,
- The feet of Krishna found the road aright;
- Wherefore, in bliss which all high hearts inherit,
- Together taste they Love’s divine delight.
- He who wrote these things for thee,
- Of the son of Wassoodee,
- Was the poet Jayadeva;
- Him Saraswati gave ever
- Fancies fair his mind to throng,
- Like picture palace walls along;
- Ever to his notes of love
- Lakshmi's mystic dancers move.