Gita-Govinda (Nritya Natya) :: A synopsis
Direction : N. Tiken Singh

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A scene from Gita-Govinda (Nritya Natya) ( Jan 18 2017) :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Gita-Govinda (Nritya Natya)
by Progressive Artiste Laboratory; Direction : N. Tiken Singh

Director's Note

Gita-Govinda of Shri Jayadeva Kabi became deep rooted to Manipuri culture as it captivates the high class people as well as illiterate women and children. Even though the popularity of Sanskrit language becomes almost in the verse of extinction for the people of Manipur, the niceties of Gita-Govinda remain in their lips in singing and recital pattern.

It is worth to mention here that Sanskrit was a widespread language to communicate among the south Asian countries. Many scholars describe Sanskrit language should be the medium to bring national integration. Twenty to Sixty percent of words of major language of India are Sanskrit. Sanskrit was taught and learnt as higher study in Manipur much before the state merge to India.

In fact, Sanskrit literature contributes a great impact to Manipuri Literature besides its religious belief. Even other Sanskrit poets like Kalidasa influence to Manipuri literature are quite visible. But then the influence of Jayadeva's Gitagovinda of Manipuri culture will remain for years to come.

The Gita-Govinda dance-drama of Progressive artiste Laboratory (PAL) is another sincere effort to high light its deep impact to Manipuri culture to our new generation.

A scene from Gita-Govinda (Nritya Natya) ( Jan 18 2017) :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Synopsis

Shree Jayadeva Kabi believed to have born to Bhojdeva and Rama Devi of Village Kedu-Blva, Bengal during 2nd century AD. The Gita-Govinda, the only literary work of his lifetime is still regarded as one of the best of all the Sanskrit literature. It is believed that Jayadeva was blessed by the lord Jaganath. He achieved the blessing by narrating the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Mention may made here that he believed to complete the work by distancing from the worldly life but unable to search the right verses. On the other hand a Brahman came to the temple of Lord Jaganath Kshetra to pray for a girl child. Lord accepted out rightly with a condition that she should be sacrifice at the temple when she attends the maidenhood.

As directed the Brahman was blessed with a beautiful and lovely girl child and name her Padmabati. Once she attends the maidenhood, the Brahman did not want to comply the Lord's wish. In the meantime Padmabati, fell ill with an unknown disease.

Brahman thought that it may be becaused of his act that not to sacrifice her, hence he brought her to the temple of Jaganath. The moment he reaches the temple with her daughter the illness of Padmabati was heeled.

But Lord directed him get married off her daughter to Jayadava instead of sacrificing her. After getting Padmavati as a wife, Jayadeva could rediscover all the lyrical verses of his poem Gita-Govinda.

The present Dance-Drama is base on the beginning of Gita-Govinda to Khandita part over and above the historicity of Jayadeva Kabi. The songs used here in the Dance-Drama were composed by the then gurus.

See a photo gallery here