Known throughout
India as the author of a Sanskrit text, 'Gita Govinda',
an erotic work of Krishan Maharaj and Radha
(a cow-herdess), Jaidev was born in a village called Kindu Bilvaa
to Bhojadev (father) and Radhadevi (mother). As a youth he spent
his time as an ascetic, and eventually settled down with a Brahmin
woman.
Jaidev
A painting depicting Jaidev, who eventually
married a beautiful maiden by the name of Padmaavati
At Katham Kanchli (now known as Jaidevpur)
he composed his famous work 'Gita Govinda' which has been explained
as the desire of the soul (as Radha) for the Almighty (Govinda).
Bhai Gurdas ji spoke of Jaidev thus:
'Being immersed within the loving devotion,
Jaidev, would sing praises of Govind [God].
He would expound the great accomplishments of the Almighty and
was treasured by the Lord.
He knew no words, but every evening would return home with his
book bound.
The house of all virtues, the Lord himself wrote all the songs
for him [Jaidev].
Upon seeing these words, Jaidev would be in high spirits.
Deep in the jungle, Jaidev saw a great tree, upon its leaves
were inscribed the songs of Govind [God].
He could not comprehend its mystery. God, loving his devotee
embraced him [Jaidev]. Between the Lord and his
devotees, there is no barrier.'
(Bhai Gurdas Ji, Vaar 10, Stanza 10)
Gita Govinda
A painting depicting a scene from Gita Govinda where Krishan
Maharaj and his cowherdess lover Radha engage in many a sensual
moment
It is said of Jaidev
that he was one of 5 poets honoured by the King of Bengal, Lakshman
Sen who eventually became his devotee. Additional works of Jaidev
include, 'Rasnaa Raaghav' and 'Chaanthlok'.
2 of Jaidev's hymns are to be found in Adi Guru Durbar.
