Invisible Poet*

(3 min read)

The poet was fully immersed in Krishna Bhakti. He had drunk deep from the ancient masters, studying the Bhagavata Purana, Hari Vamsa, Mahabharata, and all the scriptures that sang the glory of Krishna, the Dark Blue God.

But his thirst was still not quenched. He wished to create a poem, a prayer that would drive the reader or listener to such ecstasy and devotion as the poet had himself experienced.

He worked hard on his epic poem Gita Govinda, meditating over each word, phrase, and pada. Every stanza of the ashtapadi, seeking to capture in the mortal bodies of Krishna and Radha the sublime love of the divine consorts, was a challenge. Singing the glory of Krishna was all so easy, yet so very difficult. Everyone pined for Him, but how many became one with the Effulgent Being? How many could ever taste the elixir of advaita, rising above the limitations of flesh to catch a glimpse of that elusive and unattainable bliss?

A mere poem would not suffice. The epic song must be a vehicle to transport the devotee to a higher plane and to transmute her. One who read it, or heard it, or saw it performed by a dancer, would never be the same person again. She would be reborn in this very life.

He worked more, not satisfied with his several drafts. After several months of contemplation, he finally got it. The poem was now nearly complete. Just one pada eluded him.

Radha had been terribly hurt. How can her Krishna, for whom she had given all she had: her body and soul, name, honour, and even her pride, could accept the favours of another gopi, however attractive, artful, and voluptuous? A contrite Krishna was eager to make amends by offering a heartfelt apology. But a mere ‘sorry’ just won’t do, he knew.

The poet pondered long and deep. What must Krishna say or do to appease Radha? He just could not get the pada. Stuck at this point, he left his writing desk, with the manuscript open at the unfinished ashtapadi, and went for a bath. Upon his return, he found that someone had completed his poem.

Mama shirasi mandanam

Dehi pada pallavam udAram…**

says Krishna to Radha. Pray decorate my head by putting on it your feet, tender as leaf buds. I surrender and seek your forgiveness.

Jayadev was thrilled. His voice quivered when he spoke to Padmavati, his beautiful wife, his own Radha, and a highly talented dancer.

‘Can you believe it? When I was away at my bath, Krishna himself came and wrote the missing pada. Who else but Krishna would know how best to mollify Radha?’

Padmavati complimented Jayadev for completing Gita Govinda, at long last. But when she turned back to go to the kitchen, a faint smile played on her luscious lips.

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*Lead story of ‘Invisible Poet and Other Stories’ by the author.

(Image Credit: Based on verse of Gita Govindam-Krishna at Radha's feet-19th century-Pahari style-private collection; digital copy provided by Shri Narmada Prasad  Upadhyaya, author of 'Geet Govinda: Paintings in Kanheri Style' and several other books.)

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Glossary

Advaita-the philosophy of non-duality, and the essential oneness of atma (individual soul) and Paramatma (the Great Soul), popularized by Adi Shankara.

Ashtapadi-a verse with eight pada or feet. Jayadev composed his masterpiece, Gita Govinda in ashtapadis.

Bhakti-devotional fervour

Gopi-cow-girls of Vrindavan and female consorts of Krishna

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**Sanskrit Text & Meaning (sanskritdocuments.org)

स्मरगरलखण्डनम् मम शिरसिमण्डनम् देहि पदपल्लवमुदारम् ।

ज्वलतिमयिदारुणोमदनकद् अनानलो हरतुतदुपाहितविकारम्॥

(Chapter (Sarga) 10-1, Ashtapadi-19-7)

"O, love, that tender-leafy foot of yours is an antivenin to the venom of Lovegod, place it on my head, and make it my motif and my glory... for, that scorching fire of Lovegod is burning me intolerably... hence, tread my body to tread on that Lovegod, to tread out his fire and its abnormalities... [a pa 19-7]

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