In Geetagovinda, Dr Subas Pani surrenders to the simple essence of bhaktiIt's called Jayadeva’s immortal creation, a total musical experience, one which escalates the mind, body and soul to a state of trance. “And it’s not just in the context of romance, but love at a spiritual level,” renowned scholar and composer, Dr Subas Pani introduces us to what was once the ‘oasis of culture’, Orissa, a centre for dissemination of Krishna bhakti, a historical place which gave us Geetagovinda. Out with a spiritual album on the same called the Sampoorna Geetagovinda, Dr Pani’s tryst with Jayadeva’s Geetagovinda began almost half a century ago when he was initiated into it by his father, Late Dr Raghunath Pani. “Ever since then, I’ve been engaged in research on Jayadeva, Geetagovinda and Jagannatha faith,” tells Dr Pani who has done his PhD on ‘Rediscovering Jayadeva and Shree Geetagovinda in the Context of Historical and Cultural Heritage of Orissa’. “Sampoorna Geetagovinda is a complete and unabridged version of Jayadeva’s immortal creation comprising all the 24 songs and 72 slokas,” he briefs us on the composition inspired by and steeped in the heritage of Orissa, especially the regional musical traditions prevailing around the great temple of Lord Jagannatha at Puri as well as the style and nuances of Odissi music and dance. For Dr Pani Jayadeva’s Geetagovinda is one of the best examples of padavali sangeeta - poems meant for singing and dancing rather than for reading and recitation. “More than the virtuosity of music, it emphasises on emotions, on interpretation of love.what’s outstanding is the conversation play between Radha, Krishna and Sakhi and the beautiful dramatic appeal it lends.” Composed in the 12th century, Jayadeva’s Geetagovinda, is considered an Indian classic and a part of the world cultural heritage. It presents the story of the love play of Radha and Krishna, their separation, sufferings, anger, annoyance, supplications and the final re-union. “Each song depicts a situation, an expression of a mood, a dominant feeling or rasa. The slokas are continuations of the songs or links providing choreographic instructions or transition from one song to the next,” Dr Pani is now looking forward to taking it to the stage as a choreographed presentation. “Hari smarana is a simple surrender, and it provides a pan Indian spiritual experience. Some believe Geetagovinda has medicinal powers, it relaxes you.that’s the beauty of India’s heritage and culture.so many precious gems and jewels waiting to be discovered.” For more log on to geetagovinda.org
