The Gita Govinda of Sri Jayadev

The widely acclaimed lyrical composition of Gita Govinda of Sri Jayadev, the 12 century A.D. saint poet, has been a powerful influence on several genres of creative and performing arts in various parts of India. It is perhaps the most lyrical Sanskrit composition of the medieval era. The book highlights the living traditions of Gita Govinda in present day Orissa, besides giving a host of historical and cultural references on the life and times of the saint poet in and around the temple city of Puri and his claimed native palace nearby. Gita Govinda is a perennial source of visual imageries which helps to understand and appreciate the poet's society and the beautiful nature visualised in its various manifestations. Behind the lucidity of poetic narrations, Jayadev has narrated the facts of life in the society through his poetry. Jayadeva's Gita Govinda contributed lyrical devotional poetry of the highest calibre in the shape of a dance drama of rare quality. (Source: www.alibris.com)