Orissa Review

Postage Stamps on Jayadev and Geeta 's Dasavatar Nrusingha Dash

The celebrated saint poet Jayadeva as a have danced to the tune of the Geeta Govinda devotee of Madhaba, and Jagannath in all classical dances of India like Odissi, developed the Indian classical Manipuri and Bharatnatyam and in Palas and literature by his immortal and noted writing of Kirtans. The Geeta Govinda surpasses almost Geeta Govinda Kavya (piece of art), which is all preceding works of Sanskirt literature in the divinely decorated. Most probably the Kavya composite appeal of its music, poetry and was composed in the first half of the twelfth mystical content. It has enormously charmed, century. The Geeta enraptured, feasted Govinda created and charged the mind sensational impact in and the soul of the minds of the then people of India since people throughout 12th century A.D. India and also The great Geeta abroad all through Govinda has been the ages. sung, danced and Geeta enacted at Puri Govinda by saint Jagannath temple poet Jayadeva is a and in several other unique work in Indian temples throughout clasical Sanskrit India. literature and has Geetinatya or been a great source song drama is the of literary and artistic earliest type of inspiration for the last nine centuries. Composed traditional Sanskrit drama in India. Geeta in Sanskrit in the 12th century A.D. it has been Govinda marked the transition stage between translated into most of the modern Indian pure lyric and pure drama. It has the unique languages and many foreign languages like advantage of a poem, which could be enjoyed English, French and German as well people simply by having it recited or sung and could have enjoyed singing its melodious lyrics and also be adopted in dance form and dramatic

54 June - 2011 Orissa Review presentation. It has influenced the art, music, There was a debate and dispute on the dance and literature of India to such an extent birth place of this great poet, who wrote Geeta that it is almost impossible to find school of Govinda some time in twelfth century. The thought in India in the fields of literature, difference of opinion is now settled and the birth philosophy, visual and performing arts without place of Sri Jayadeva is established. the magic touch of Geeta Govinda. The Geeta Unquestionably, this great man was born in the Govinda painted on paper, palm leaf, village Kendubilwa / Kenduvilva or popularly Pattachitra and textile designs are available in known as Kenduli Sasan in Balipatana Block abundance in many parts of India. The pictorial of Khurda district. It is a Brahmin dominated traditions of Geeta Govinda extend from east village located near Prachi river. to west, touching Orissa, Bihar, Bengal, Sri Jayadeva had spent most of his life Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Rajasthan, at 'Srikshetra' or 'Jagannath Dham', the abode Gujurat and even in Nepal. Geeta Govinda of Lord Jagannath. At that time, enchanting singing has a very long tradition in Andhra Padmabati (daughter of a Brahmin named Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Keral and Debasharma from Southern India) was the Manipur. 'Devadasi' or 'Mahari' i.e. the temple dancer Jayadev, the author was not only a great at Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri. 'Devadasi' or 'Mahari' is the woman who is dedicated and singer and a poet but above all a great saint devoted to the deity in the temple for whose devotion for and Krishna and performance of dance and music. The Jagannath left an indelible lustre on the canvas celebrated poet was captivated by this charming of time. His influence on the Vaishnav Bhakti lady artist. He married her and spent his life at cult has been one of the most profound. the feet of Jagannath Mahapravu. It is believed Vaishnavism, which spread the message of that, Jayadeva has institutionalised the social harmony and united people all over India 'Devadasi' tradition in Sri Jagannath Temple, cutting across narrow class, language and caste Puri though this tradition was introduced much boundaries, took Geeta Govinda as one of its earlier from the time of Somavamsi kings. The major inspirations and instruments. The Bhakti great Geeta Govinda is not only sung in the cults of Radha, Madhav and Dasavatar temple of Jagannath Mahapravu but also gradually implanted and entrenched in the devotedly read by the rural folk in the villages Indian soil. throughout Orissa. Jayadeva was born on Akshaya Trutiya The 'Geeta Govinda' (a lyrical poetry) i.e. on the third day of bright fortnight in the aquires a distinctive and exceptional place in Hindu month Baishakha (April-May) at village the list of the celebrated religious scriptures on Kenduvilwa situated on the bank of river this earth. It consists of twelve chapters or 'Prachi'. This area in Toshali was part of Utkal, cantos. Each chapter is further sub-divided into famous from ancient times. Every year people twentyfour divisions called Prabandhas and of Orissa remember this great soul and each Prabandha contains couplets grouped into commemorate his birth day on this day with eights. So it is called 'Astapadi'. As a lyrical much display and pomp. poem, it depicts the love story of Radha and

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Krishna. It is a devotional romantic poetry. It occasions like 'Chandan Jatra', 'Rukmini was composed mainly for dance performance Bibaha', 'Niladree Bije', 'Solaha Puja' of Bimala during the night ritual of Lord Jagannath. The and during the period of Baladhupa in the month Geeta Govinda was composed so beautifully of Kartika. that it was easily fitted to the foot movements The first chapter of the Geeta Govinda of the danseuses. It was the first of its kind to may be called 'Dasavatara Strota'. It describes be included in the ritual service of Lord the ten Avataras or incarnations of Lord . Jagannath as an essential component of After that, the poet portrays the spring season worship. with feelings of Radha and her desire to meet Jayadeva's father was Shree Bhojadev Krishna. Subsequently, the poet describes the and mother was Smt. Bamadevi. Bhojadeva delightful dance of Krishna with Gopis in was a reputed scholar in Sanskrit. With his Brundabana. He was expert on 'Hindu Sastra' father's guidance, Jayadeva acquired a vast and 'Puranas'. He had also authority over music and dance. In this work, Sri Jayadeva has learning in Sanskrit literature and theology in a narrated the love scenes passionately. Krishna very short time. It was from Jagannath temple, is waiting Radha on the bank of river Jamuna Puri that the melodious music of Geeta Govinda restlessly. Depiction of the scene of Krishna reverberated to the distant corner of India and embracing Radha and madness of Radha to then fascinated people all over the world. meet Krishna etc. are matchless. In fact Jayadeva's devotional songs, including the Jayadeva has introduced and popularised the famous one describing the Dasavatar, have cult of Radha and Krishna in Odisha through inspired choreographers. Padmavati, wife of Sri this divine composition, the Geeta Govinda. This Jayadeva performed those dances in the Puri is considered as an important text in Shakti Jagannath Temple to the tunes of Gita Govinda. movement of Hindusim. The Talas and Ragas are such that they were meant for dance performance. It is believed that The Dasavatar Shlokas are chanted as in honour of Vishnu temples all over the Geeta Govinda as a dance drama was first India. enacted in the Puri temple of Sankha Kshetra during the reign of Kamarnava Deva. It is also The cycle of bither and death is an believed that Narasingha Deva-II had for the integral part of Hindu philosophy, which also first time introduced singing of the Geeta reaffirms the notion of the Dasavatar. This Govinda in the service of Jagannath concept of the Avatars reestablishes the idea Mahapravu. We may, however, avoid such that God has time and again taken a human form difference of opinions regarding introduction of to rid the earth of suffering and evil. The the Geeta Govinda in the Puri temple because, Avataras incarnate at a juncture when the world there is no denying the fact that the Geeta is in a crisis and when evil, injustice and Govinda was a divine grace. It is extremely inequality prevail. He removes negativity and inequality from this world and anchors in a popular not only in 'Srikshetra' but also positive new change creating a whole new throughout the country. As per the tradition, world order - a Golden Age. Devadasi of Srimandira at Puri used to sing the 'Geeta Govinda' and perform dance at different The concept of Dasavatara of Vishnu times of the auspicious day and on other special is a significant contribution of Sri Jayadeva,

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Krishna as an Avatar is not included in the incarnations (Dasavatar) of Lord Vishnu and Dasavatara hymns. The enumerated list of he evokes vishnu as Krishna Keshava. Avataras varies from four, six, ten, twentyfive O' Krishna, I offer my obeisance to you and thirtynine. The poet narrates only ten who appear in ten incarnations. In your Avatars which is universally accepted. appearance as Matsya, you rescued the Vedas, The concept of Vishnu's Avatara dates and as Kurma, You supported the mount back to the age spread Mandara on your back. As Varaha You lifted sporadically either in individual form or in group the Earth with your tusks, and as the Narasimha, (the number of Avatars varying from period to You tore open the chest of the demon period and from author to author). Historically, Hiranyakashyapu. In the form of Bamana, You archaeologically and literarily the Avatar Vada subdued Bali by asking him for three feets of of Vishnu became an integral part of Vaishnava land and then you took away the entire universe faith from the early centuries of Christian era. from him by expanding your steps. As Following the earlier Dasavatara tradition Sri Parshurama, You annihilated all the wicked Jayadeva made the cult more popular in the Kshatriya kings and as Ramachandra, You society in his lucid description. People killed the demon king, Ravana. In the form of irrespective of caste, community, sect, sex and Balarma, You drew the river Yamuna towards creed continuously chant the Dasavatara Slokas You. As Lord Buddha, you showed devotionally in the temples, shrines and even in compassion towards everyone and at the end of Kaliyuga, You appeared as Kalki to slay the their own houses, very often not knowing the (mlechhas) low-class men. meaning of hymns and the songs. By the time Sri Jayadeva appeared in the socio-religious Matsya Avatar arena of Odisha, the idiom of Dasavatara had already flourished in Odisha. The ending version of each Avatar 'Jaya Jagadisha Hare' is meant to invoke Sri Jagannath. The inscription of Avataras ranging from 7th century A.D. onwards reveals the sculptural depiction of the Avatars in the Vaishnava temples with high concentration in Prachi valley. The images of Avatars so far come to light in Odisha are too numerous to allude here. Undoubtedly the cult had a great influence on the mind's eye of the saint poet devotee Sri Jayadeva, who made it more popular and more acceptable in his lucid and lyrical description. DASAVATARS The fish incarnation of Vishnu "Pralaya Payodhi jale dhrutabanasivedam, In the first section of the famous Geeta vihitavahitra charitama khedam keshava Govinda the poet writes about the ten dhruta minasarira, Jaya Jagadisha Hare."

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Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of fish (minasarira), holding the Vedas like a vessel undeflected from its course in the deluge to preserve the knowledge of Vedas, you took the incarnation of fish ! Praise be to Jagadish! Lord of the Universe ! Kurma Avatar The Tortoise incarnation of Vishnu "Kshitiratibipulatare Tabatistati prusthe, Dharanidharanakina Gariste Kesavadruta Kachhaparupa, Jaya Jagadisha Hare." tusks the earth did dwell peacefully, resembling the digit of the moon. Praise be to Jagadish! Lord of the Universe ! Narasimha Avatar The Man-Lion incarnation of Vishnu "Tabakara kamalabare Nakhamadbhuta Shringam Dalita Hiranyakasipu Tanu Vringam Keshaba dhruta Naraharirupa, Jaya Jagadish Hare."

Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of Tortoise (Kachhaparupa), on your broad and vast back the world rests, creating circular marks. Praise be to Jagadish ! Lord of the Universe ! Varaha Avatar The Boar incarnation of Vishnu "Vasati Dasanashikhare Dharanitaba lagna Sasini kalanka kaleba Nimagna keshava dhruta sukararupa, Jaya Jagadish Hare." Oh Kesava (Vishnu) ! In the form of Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of the Boar (Sukara) ! Fixed on the tips of your Man-Lion (Naraharirupa) ! Your lotus hands

58 June - 2011 Orissa Review with sharp nails became wonderful claws that tore and shreded the body of demon Hiranyakashyapu protecting your devotee Prahallad. Praise be to Jagadish ! Lord of the Universe ! According to Padma Purana Narashimha is white in colour complex and wears red garments with suitable ornaments and a Karanda Mukuta. Vamana Avatar The Dwarf incarnation of Vishnu "Chhalayasi Vikramane Balimadbhuta Vamana Padanakha Nirajanita Jana Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of the Lord Pabana Keshava Dhruta Vamanarupa, of Bhrigus - Parshuram You have rid the earth Jaya Jagadisha Hare." of its tyrannous rulers, thus purifying it of sin and destroying the suffering of the world. Praise be to Jagadish ! Lord of the Universe ! Rama Avatar

Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of the Dwarf (Vamana) You cleverly deceived the king of the world Bali, the egoist by pressing your lotus feet. Praise be to Jagadish ! Lord the Universe ! Parsuram Avatar "Kshyatriyarudhira maye "Bitarasi dikshyurane dikpati Jagadapagata papam Shwapnayasi Payasi kamaniyam dasamukha mouli balim Samitava tapam Keshava Dhruta ramaniyam keshavadhruta Ramasarira, Vrigupatirupa, Jaya Jagadisha Hare." Jaya Jagadish Hare."

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Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of Lord Rama to uphold or righteousness, You prorated ten heads of Ravana in the ten directions, rendering the guardians thereof resplendent ! Oh Keshava ! You assumed the form of Rama ! Praise be to Jagadish ! Lord of the Universe. Balarama Avatar "Bahasi bapushi Bishade Basanam Jaladnavam Halahati Vitimilita Yamunabham Keshava Dhruta Haladhararupa, Jaya Jagadish Hare."

heart you have condemned the ritualistic fraction of Vedas proclaiming the killing of innocent animals. Praise be to Jagadish ! Lord of the Universe. Kalki Avatar "Mlechha Nibahanidhane Kalayasi Karabalam Dhumaketumiba Kimapi

Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of Balarama, the plough bearer ! You wear on your glowing body garments the colour of the cloud, blue like the river Yamuna flowing because of the fear of Your plough ! Oh Keshava ! You assumed the form of Balarama. Praise be to Jagadish ! Lord of the Universe. Buddha Avatar The enlightened one "Nindasi Yangya vidheraha rashruti Jatam Sadayahrudaya Karalam Keshava Dhruta Kalkisarira, Jaya Darshita Pashughatam Keshava Dhruta Jagadish Hare." Buddhasarira, Jaya Jagadish Hare." Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of the severe Oh Keshava (Vishnu) ! In the form of Buddha, Kalki to destroy the wicked, You carry a comet the enlightened one ! Out of compassion in your like sword in your hand, trailing a succession

60 June - 2011 Orissa Review of disasters upon the wicked and evil. Praise sheet was Rs.55/-. Each stamp sheet of this be to Jagadish ! Lord of the Universe. issue comprises sixtysix stamps, which cost Stamps on Jayadev and Dasavatar Rs.330/- and each sheet of stamps of this issue consists of six sets of stamps and each set of As a mark of utmost respect to this stamps also consists of eleven number of great poet of Odisha and his fine work Geeta different stamps. Similarly each miniature sheet Govinda Dasavatara, the Department of Posts, was furnished by a set of eleven number of Government of India released a set of eleven different type of stamps. There were total commemorative postage stamps on Jayadeva eleven number of stamps issued in a single issue and Geeta Govinda 'Dasavatar' (Ten programme. So it was unique event in history incarnation) on July 27th, 2009. This was of India Post. The stamps were depicted on indeed a historic and memorable moment for Jayadeva's imaginary image and Geeta each stamp collector and philatelist and also Govinda's Dasavatar (Ten incarnation). That is for India Post. Because in this stamp issue to say one stamp was on legendary poet programme India Post / Department of Posts Jayadev and rest ten were incarnation of Lord released for the first time a maximum (eleven) Vishnu known as Dasavatar in Hindu scripture. number of commemorative stamps at a time Each stamp of this issue was prepared and which was a record break event. Designing decorated on Jayadev and Geeta Govinda style of these stamps was very nice. This design Dasavatar narrating and furnishing a relevant style was based on Pattachitra painting, which Shloka / Strotra. The printing process of this is a famous folk art of Odisha. issue was photogravure and the stamps were The stamps and the first day cover of printed in India Security Press. this issue are depiction of Jayadeva's imaginary image composition on Dasavatara. On this occasion the Department of Posts / India Post have printed and issued total number of ten lakh stamps from each (Jayadeva and Geeta Govinda Dasavatar). Denomination of each stamp was Rs.5/-. Including it India post / Department of Posts had issued ten lakhs Nrusingha Dash lives at Baidyanath Sudharanee miniature sheet on Jayadev and Geeta Govinda Niwas, behind Irrigation Inspection Bungalow, Dasavatar also. The cost of each miniature Sakhigopal-752014, Puri.

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