indian art - miniatures - archecticture - vedic philosophy
 
 
   

 
Classical - Kangra - Jayadeva Goswami's Gita-Govinda
 
Plate 9 - The Magic of Krishna's Flute  

 

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O rare voice, which is a spell
Unto all on earth who dwell!
O rich voice of rapturous love,
Making melody above!

Krishna's, Hari's one in two,
Sound these mortal verses through!
Sound like that soft flute which made
Such a magic in the shade

Calling deer-eyed maidens nigh,
Waking wish and stirring sigh,
Thrilling blood and melting breasts,
Whispering love's divine unrests.

This is an illustration of the following lines from Canto VIII of the Gita Govinda:

antarmohan amaulighur
nanachalan mandaravibhram sana
stambhakar shanadrip tiharshana
mahamantrah kurangidrisam

dripyaddana vaduyama nadivishad
durvaraduh khapadam
bhramsah kamsaripor vipolayatu
vah sreyamsi vamsiravah

"The sound of Krishna's flute charms the entire creation, animate as well as inanimate. The deer-eyed gopis of Vraja are so fascinated "herewith that mandara flowers which decorate their coiffure fall. May the sound of Krishna's flute, the enemy of Kamsa and saviour of gods, bless you all!"