Jaidev, a renowned Sanskrit saint and poet, is known for his work, Gita Govinda. He writes, “In the very beginning, was the Primal Lord, unrivalled, the Lover of Truth and other virtues. He is absolutely wonderful, transcending creation — remembering Him, all are emancipated”.
Jaidev, while extolling the attributes of the Almighty, dwells upon the name of the Lord. Name or nam-simran is the only way to realise the ultimate truth, which is solely based upon love and devotion. In his classic work, Gita Govinda, the love of Radha represents the soul of the devotee yearning to merge with Krishna, the Primal Being. Jaidev writes, “I worship the One who is worthy of being worshipped. I trust the One who is worthy of being trusted. Like water merging in water, I merge in the Lord.”
Jaidev was born at Kindu Bilva, presently known as Kenduli in Birbhum district of West Bengal. He was not only a distinguished poet but also an ascetic engrossed in the worship of God. He had few needs and it is recorded that he travelled with only a water pot and a rough cloth worn by the mendicants. He focused only on nam-simran to nourish the soul. He was so devoted to God that he would not even sleep under the same tree for two consecutive nights so as to not develop any attachment to it. To remember God without good deeds is regarded as a futile act. Bhagat Jaidev asks, “What is the good of practicing yoga, giving feasts and charity, and practicing penance?” He emphasises on the path of good conduct, to forsake greed and to not to look upon other men’s property and women. Bhagat Jaidev writes, “If you desire to escape the fear of the messenger of death, then praise the Lord joyfully, and do good deeds.”
Through meditation he could end duality and all false notions. He writes, “I am powerless — my power has been broken. My unstable mind has been stabilised, and my unadorned soul has been adorned. I drink in the ambrosial nectar. Within my mind, I chant the name of the Primal Lord God, the source of virtue. My vision, that You and I are separate, has melted away.”
Bhagat Jaidev’s notion of bhakti based on nam-simran earned him a place in the sacred Guru Granth Sahib. Two of his hymns, one in Raga Gujari and the other in Raga Maru, are included in the Granth. His hymns are sung with devotion and the devotees remember his words.
