Mystic Mantra: Bhagat Jaidev’s bhakti

Jaidev, a renowned Sanskrit saint and poet, is known for his work, Gita Govinda. He writes, “In the very beginning, was the Primal Lord, unrivalled, the Lover of Truth and other virtues. He is absolutely wonderful, transcending creation — remembering Him, all are emancipated”.

Jaidev, while extolling the attributes of the Almighty, dwells upon the name of the Lord. Name or nam-simran is the only way to realise the ultimate truth, which is solely based upon love and devotion. In his classic work, Gita Govinda, the love of Radha represents the soul of the devotee yearning to merge with Krishna, the Primal Being. Jaidev writes, “I worship the One who is worthy of being worshipped. I trust the One who is worthy of being trusted. Like water merging in water, I merge in the Lord.”

Jaidev was born at Kindu Bilva, presently known as Kenduli in Birbhum district of West Bengal. He was not only a distinguished poet but also an ascetic engrossed in the worship of God. He had few needs and it is recorded that he travelled with only a water pot and a rough cloth worn by the mendicants. He focused only on nam-simran to nourish the soul.Bhagat Jaidev’s notion of bhakti based on nam-simran earned him a place in the sacred Guru Granth Sahib. Two of his hymns, one in Raga Gujari and the other in Raga Maru, are included in the Granth. His hymns are sung with devotion and the devotees remember his words.

Kulbir Kaur teaches sociology at Shyama Prasad Mukherji College, Delhi University