Spiritual Scale

In Geetagovinda, Dr Subas Pani surrenders to the simple essence of bhakti

It8217;s called Jayadeva8217;s immortal creation, a total musical experience, one which escalates the mind, body and soul to a state of trance. 8220;And it8217;s not just in the context of romance, but love at a spiritual level,8221; renowned scholar and composer, Dr Subas Pani introduces us to what was once the 8216;oasis of culture8217;, 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 Pani8217;s tryst with Jayadeva8217;s Geetagovinda began almost half a century ago when he was initiated into it by his father, Late Dr Raghunath Pani. 8220;Ever since then, I8217;ve been engaged in research on Jayadeva, Geetagovinda and Jagannatha faith,8221; tells Dr Pani who has done his PhD on 8216;Rediscovering Jayadeva and Shree Geetagovinda in the Context of Historical and Cultural Heritage of Orissa8217;. 8220;Sampoorna Geetagovinda is a complete and unabridged version of Jayadeva8217;s immortal creation comprising all the 24 songs and 72 slokas,8221; 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 Jayadeva8217;s Geetagovinda is one of the best examples of padavali sangeeta 8211; poems meant for singing and dancing rather than for reading and recitation. 8220;More than the virtuosity of music, it emphasises on emotions, on interpretation of love8230;what8217;s outstanding is the conversation play between Radha, Krishna and Sakhi and the beautiful dramatic appeal it lends.8221; Composed in the 12th century, Jayadeva8217;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. 8220;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,8221; Dr Pani is now looking forward to taking it to the stage as a choreographed presentation.

8220;Hari smarana is a simple surrender, and it provides a pan Indian spiritual experience. Some believe Geetagovinda has medicinal powers, it relaxes you8230;that8217;s the beauty of India8217;s heritage and culture8230;so many precious gems and jewels waiting to be discovered.8221;

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