Gitavali

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"A Collection of Songs"
by Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
-Originally published in 1893-

70 Bengali songs specifically composed for loud singing and glorification of the Supreme Lord

 

Translation by Dasharatha-suta dasa - Fall 1994

GV: Arunodaya-Kértan
Songs to be Sung at Dawn
-2 songs-

Song 1

(1)

udilo aruna puraba-bhage,
dwija-mani gora amani jage,
bhakata-samuha loiya sathe,
gela nagara-braje

1) When the eastern horizon became tinged with the redness that heralds the rising of the sun, the jewel among the twice-born brahmanas, Lord Gaurasundara, immediately awakened. Taking all His devotees with Him, He journeyed through the towns and villages of Nadéya.

(2)

'tathai tathai' bajalo khol,
ghana ghana tahe jhanjera rol,
preme dhala dhala sonara anga,
carane nupura baje

2) The mridangas resounded "tathai, tathai" in quick succession while the large jhanjha cymbals chimed in time. Lord Gauranga's golden form trembles again and again in ecstatic love of Godhead, and His footbells jingle.

(3)

mukunda madhava yadava hari,
bolena bolo re vadana bhori',
miche nida-bashe gelo re rati,
divasa sharéra-saje

3) Lord Chaitanya calls out to the townsfolk, "Fill your mouths with the holy names 'Mukunda! Madhava! Yadava! and Hari!' You spend your nights uselessly sleeping and your days decorating your bodies!

(4)

emana durlabha manava-deho,
paiya ki koro bhava na keho,
ebe na bhajile yashoda-suta,
carame podibe laje

4) "You have achieved this rare human body. Don't you care for this gift? If you do not worship the darling of Mother Yashoda now, then great sorrow awaits you at the time of your death.

(5)

udita tapana hoile asta,
dina gelo boli' hoibe byasta,
tabe keno ebe alasa hoy,
na bhaja hridoya-raje

5) "With every rising and setting of the sun, a day passes and is lost. Why then do you remain idle and not serve the Lord of the heart?

(6)

jévana anitya janaha sar,
tahe nana-vidha vipada-bhar,
namashraya kori' jatane tumi,
thakaha apana kaje

6) "You should understand this essential fact: Life is temporary and filled wlth various kinds of misery. Therefore, carefully take shelter of the holy name and remain always engaged in His service as your eternal occupation.

(7)

jévera kalyana-sadhana-kam,
jagate asi' e madhura nam,
avidya-timira-tapana-rupe,
hrid-gagane viraje

7) "Desiring to shower benedictions upon all living entities, this sweet name of Krishna has descended to this material universe and shines like the sun in the sky of the heart, destroying the darkness of ignorance."

(8)

krishna-nama-sudha koriya pan,
judao bhakativinoda-pran,
nama vina kichu nahiko ara,
caudda-bhuvana-majhe

8) Drink the pure nectar of the holy name of Krishna and thus satisfy the soul of Bhaktivinoda. Except for the holy name there is nothing within all the fourteen worlds.

Song 2

[Vibhasha]

(1)

jév jago, jév jago, gauracanda bole
kota nidra yao maya-péshacéra kole

1) "Wake up, sleeping souls! Wake up, sleeping souls!" Lord Gauranga calls, "You have slept so long in the lap of the witch Maya!"

(2)

bhajibo boliya ese somsara-bhitore
bhuliya rohile tumi avidyara bhore

2) "You came into this world saying, 'O my Lord I will certainly worship You,' but having forgotten this promise you remain in great ignorance.

(3)

tomare loite ami hoinu avatara
ami vina bandhu ara ke ache tomara

3) "I have descended to this world just to reclaim you. Other than Myself, who else is your true friend?

(4)

enechi aushadhi maya nashibaro lagi'
hari-nama maha-mantra lao tumi magi'

4) "I have brought the medicine for destroying the illusion of Maya. Now beg for this hari-nama-maha-mantra and take it."

(5)

bhakativinoda prabhu-carane podiya
sei hari-nama-mantra loilo magiya

5) Bhaktivinoda fell at the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga, and after begging for the holy name he indeed received that maha-mantra.

GV: Ärati-Kértan
Songs for the Greeting Ceremony of the Lord
-4 songs-

Song 1

Shré Surabhi-Kunje Shré Gaura-Govinda-arati

The Ceremony of Worshiping Shré Gaura-Govinda at Shré Surabhi Kunja

(1)

bhale gora-gadadharer arati nehari
nadéya-puraba-bhave jau bolihari

1) As I behold the wondrous arati of my Lords Gaura and Gadadhara, I enter into the mood of Their existence previous to appearing in Nadéya (Their Vrindavana léla as Shré Shré Radha and Krishna). It is simply indescribable.

(2)

kalpataru-tale ratna-simhasanopari
sabu sakhé-beshtita kishora-kishoré

2) Underneath a desire-tree, seated upon a jeweled throne, the ever-youthful couple named Kishora and Kishoré are surrounded by all of Their gopé friends.*

(3)

purata-jadita kota mani-gajamati
jhamaki' jhamaki' labhe prati-anga-jyotih

3) Shré Radhika and Lord Govindajé are decorated with many shining jewels and pearls inlaid with gold artwork, enhancing the sparkling splendor of each and every limb of Their transcendental forms.

(4)

néla nérada lagi' vidyut-mala
duhun anga mili' shobha bhuvana-ujala

4) The meeting of Their two bodily forms has generated a luster that brightens all the worlds, and may be compared to a garland of lightning (Radha) fixed upon a dark blue raincloud (Krishna).

(5)

shankha baje, ghanta baje, baje karatala
madhura mridanga baje parama rasala

5) On the occasion of Their meeting there is a concert produced by the sounding of conchshells, bells, karatalas and mridangas. Such kértana is supremely sweet and relishable to hear.

(6)

vishakhadi sakhé-vrinda duhun guna gaowe
priya-narma-sakhé-gana camara dhulaowe

6) The cowherd damsels of Vrindavana led by Vishakha Devé sing the glories of the Divine Couple while the priya-narma-sakhés cool Their Lordships by waving camara fans.

(7)

ananga manjaré cuya-candana deowe
malatéra mala rupa manjaré lagaowe

7) Ananga Manjaré offers Them sandalwood pulp scented with cuya while Rupa Manjaré places a garland of jasmine flowers about Their necks.

(8)

panca-pradépe dhori' karpura-bati
lalita-sundaré kore jugala-arati

8) The beautiful Lalita Sundaré holds a lamp of five flames scented with camphor and waves it aloft, offering arati to the Divine Couple.

(9)

devé-lakshmé-shruti-gana dharané lotaowe
gopé-jana-adhikara raowata gaowe

9) Parvaté, Lakshmé, and the personified Vedas cry in great happiness while rolling on the ground and singing of the fortunate position of the damsels of Vraja-bhumi.

(10)

bhakativinoda rohi' surabhéki kunje
arati-darashane prema-sukha bhunje

10) Bhaktivinoda resides at Surabhi Kunja in the land of Godruma-dwépa, relishing the joy of divine love at the sight of this beautiful arati.

Song 2

Gaura-arati

The Ceremony of Worshiping Lord Gauranga

(1)

jaya jaya goracander aratiko shobha
jahnavé-tata-vane jaga-mana-lobha

1) All glories, all glories to the beautiful arati ceremony of Lord Gaurachandra in a grove on the banks of the Jahnavé river! This Gaura-arati is attracting the minds of all living entities in the universe.

(2)

dakshine nitai-cand, vame gadadhara
nikate advaita, shrénivasa chatra-dhara

2) On Lord Chaitanya's right side is Lord Nityananda, and on His left is Shré Gadadhara. Before Him stands Shré Adwaita, and Shrévasa Thakura holds an umbrella over Lord Chaitanya's head.

(3)

bosiyache goracand ratna-simhasane
arati korena brahma-adi deva-gane

3) Lord Chaitanya is seated upon a jewelled throne while the demigods headed by Lord Brahma perform the arati ceremony.

(4)

narahari-adi kori' camara dhulaya
sanjaya-mukunda-vasu-ghosh-adi gaya

4) Narahari Sarakara and other associates fan Him with yak-tail whisks as Sanjaya Pandita, Mukunda Datta and Vasu Ghosha sing sweet kértan along with the other devotees for Lord Chaitanya's pleasure.

(5)

shankha baje ghanta baje baje karatala
madhura mridanga baje parama rasala

5) Conchshells resound, bells clang, karatals ring and the mridangas play very sweetly in that kértan, so melodious and relishable to hear.

(6)

bahu-koti candra jini' vadana ujjvala
gala-deshe vana-mala kore jhalamala

6) The brilliance of Lord Chaitanya's face conquers millions upon millions of moons, and the garland of forest flowers around His neck shines.

(7)

shiva-shuka-narada preme gada-gada
bhakativinoda dekhe gorara sampada

7) Lord Shiva, Shukadeva Goswamé and Narada Muni are all there, and their voices are choked with the ecstasy of transcendental love. Thus Bhaktivinoda envisions the glory of Lord Gaurachandra.

Song 3

Shré Yugala-arati

The Ceremony of Worshiping the Divine Couple

(1)

jaya jaya radha-krishna yugala-milana
arati karowe lalitadi sakhé-gana

1) All glories, all glories to the meeting of the transcendental pair, Shré Shré Radha and Krishna! The assembly of gopés, headed by Lalita, perform the arati ceremony for Their pleasure.

(2)

madana-mohana rupa tri-bhanga-sundara
pétambara shikhi-puccha-cuda-manohara

2) The beautiful three-fold bending form of Krishna, who is the attractor of Cupid, dressed in a yellow silk dhoté and wearing a crown decorated with the feathers of a peacock, is simply captivating to the mind.

(3)

lalita-madhava-vame brishabhanu-kanya
sunéla-vasana gauré rupe gune dhanya

3) Sitting to the left of the charming Lord Madhava is the beautiful daughter of King Vrishabhanu, dressed in a lovely deep blue saré. Her complexion is the color of molten gold, and all the characteristics of Her beauty and qualities are highly praiseworthy.

(4)

nana-vidha alankara kore jhalamala
hari-mano-vimohana vadana ujjvala

4) She is decorated with various shimmering, sparkling ornaments. Her face is so splendrous that it enchants the mind of Lord Hari.

(5)

vishakhadi sakhé-gana nana rage gaya
priya-narma-sakhé jata camara dhulaya

5) All the gopés headed by Vishakha sing many beautiful songs in various tunes, while the topmost class of gopés known as the priya-narma-sakhés soothe Radha and Krishna by waving camara fans.

(6)

shré-radha-madhava-pada-sarasija-ashe
bhakativinoda sakhé-pade sukhe bhase

6) Hoping to attain the lotus feet of Radhika and Madhava, Bhaktivinoda happily swims in the ocean of bliss found at the feet of the damsels of Vraja Dhama.

Song 4

Shré Surabhi-Kunjera Shré Bhoga-arati

The Ceremony of Offering Foodstuffs for the Noon Meal at Shré Surabhi-Kunja

(1)

bhaja bhakata-vatsala shré-gaurahari
shré-gaurahari sohi goshtha-biharé,
nanda-yashomaté-citta-haré

1) Just worship Shré Gaurahari, who is always very affectionate to His devotees. Shré Gaurahari of Navadvépa is Himself Krishna of Vrindavana, the same personality who has stolen the hearts of Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yashoda.

(2)

bela ha'lo, damodara, aiso ekhona
bhoga-mandire basi' karoha bhojana

2) Mother Yashoda calls to Krishna: "My dear Damodara! It is now very late! Please come and sit down in the dining hall to take Your lunch!"

(3)

nandera nideshe baise giri-vara-dharé
baladeva-saha sakha baise sari sari

3) On the direction of Nanda Maharaja, the holder of Govardhana Hill along with His elder brother Shré Baladeva and all their cowherd boyfriends sit down in rows to take lunch.

(4)

shukta-shakadi bhaji nalita kushmanda
dali dalna dugdha-tumbé dadhi moca-khanda

4) They are served a feast of shukta, various kinds of green leafy vegetables, then nice savories, a salad made of the green leaves of the jute plant, pumpkin, baskets of fruit, small square cakes made of lentils and cooked-down milk, then squash cooked with milk, thick yogurt and vegetable preparations made with the flowers of the banana tree.

(5)

mudga-boda masha-boda rotika ghritanna
shashkulé pishtaka khér puli payasanna

5) Then they have fried squares of mung dahl and urad dahl patties, capatés, and rice with ghee. Next they have sweetmeats made with milk, sugar and sesamum, rice flour cakes, thick cooked-down milk, sweet rolls, and sweet-rice.

(6)

karpura amrita-keli rambha khéra-sara
amrita rasala, amla dvadasha prakara

6) There is also sweet-rice tasting just like nectar due to its being mixed with camphor. There are bananas and cheese, which is nectarean and delicious, and luscious mangoes. They are also served twelve kinds of sour preparations made with tamarinds, limes, lemons, oranges and pomegranates.

(7)

luci cini sarpuré laddu rasabalé
bhojana korena krishna ho'ye kutuhalé

7) There are purés made with flour and white powdered sugar, purés filled with cream, laddus, and dahl patties boiled in sugared rice. Being very eager, Krishna eats all of the prasad.

(8)

radhikara pakka anna vividha byanjana
parama anande krishna korena bhojana

8) Krishna feels the greatest ecstasy and joy when He eats the various curries, sweets and pastries cooked by Shré Radhika.

(9)

chale-bale laddu khay shré-madhumangala
bagala bajay ara deya hari-bolo

9) Krishna's funny brahmana friend Madhumangala gets laddus to eat by hook or by crook. When Madhumangala eats the ladòus he shouts, "Give me more! Haribol!" and makes a funny sound by slapping his sides under his armpits with his hands.

(10)

radhikadi gane heri' nayanera kone
tripta ho'ye khay krishna yashoda-bhavane

10) Beholding Radhika and Her gopé friends out of the corners of His eyes, Krishna dines at the house of Mother Yashoda with great satisfaction.

(11)

bhojanante piye krishna suvasita bari
sabe mukha prakshaloy ho'ye sari sari

11) After lunch, Krishna drinks sweet rose-scented water. Then all His friends, standing in lines, wash their mouths.

(12)

hasta-mukha prakshaliya jata sakha-gane
anande vishrama kore baladeva-sane

12) After all the cowherd boys wash their hands and mouths, they take rest with Lord Baladeva in great bliss.

(13)

jambula rasala ane tambula-masala
taha kheye krishna-candra sukhe nidra gela

13) Krishna's servants named Jambula and Rasala provide betel nuts dressed with fancy spices. Chewing the pan, Krishna-candra then happily goes to sleep.

(14)

vishalaksha shikhi-puccha-camara òhulaya
apurva shayyaya krishna sukhe nidra jaya

14) While Krishna contentedly takes His rest upon an excellent bedstead, His servant Vishalaksha cools Him by gently waving a fan of peacock feathers.

(15)

yashomaté-ajna pe'ye dhanishtha-anéto
shré-krishna-prasada radha bhunje ho'ye préto

15) Receiving the order of Mother Yashoda, the gopé Dhanishtha brings remnants of food left on Shré Krishna's plate to Radha, who takes them with great delight.

(16)

lalitadi sakhé-gana avashesha paya
mane mane sukhe radha-krishna-guna gaya

16) Lalita-devé and the other gopés then receive the remnants of Radha, and within their heart-of-hearts they sing the glories of Radha and Krishna with great joy.

(17)

hari-léla eka-matra yahara pramoda
bhogarati gay thakur bhakativinoda

17) Thus Bhaktivinoda, whose only joy is the wonderful pastimes of Lord Hari, sings this Bhoga-arati song.

aaaa[The first song is to be sung before honoring the Lord's prasäd ]

Song 1

(1)

bhäi-re!
sharéra avidyä-jäl,  joòendriya tähe käl,
jéve phele vishaya-sägore
tä'ra madhye jihvä ati,  lobhamoy sudurmati,
tä'ke jetä kathina samsäre

1) O brothers! This material body is a network of ignorance, and the senses are one's deadly enemies, for they throw the soul into the ocean of material sense enjoyment. Among the senses, the tongue is the most voracious and verily wicked; it is very difficult to conquer the tongue in this world.

(2)

krishna baòo doyämoy,  koribäre jihvä jäy,
swa-prasäd-anna dilo bhäi
sei annämrita päo,  rädhä-krishna-guna gäo,
preme òäko chaitanya-nitäi

2) O brothers! Lord Krishna is very merciful-just to control the tongue He has given us the remnants of His own food! Now please eat these nectarean grains while singing the glories of Their Lordships Shré Shré Rädhä and Krishna, and in love call out "Chaitanya! Nitäi!"

Song 2

[The next two songs are to be sung while honoring the Lord's prasäd]

(1)

bhäi-re!
eka-dina shäntipure,  prabhu adwaitera ghare,
dui prabhu bhojane bosilo
shäk kori' äswädana,  prabhu bole bhakta-gana,
ei shäk krishna äswädilo

1) O brothers! One day at Shré Advaita's house in shäntipura, the two Lords-Chaitanya and Nityänanda-were seated for lunch. Lord Chaitanya tasted the green leafy vegetable preparation and addressed the assembly of His devotees, "This shäk is so delicious! Lord Krishna has definitely tasted it.

(2)

heno shäk-äswädane,  krishna-prema aise mane,
sei preme koro äswädana
jaòa-buddhi parihari',  prasäd bhojana kori',
'hari hari' bolo sarva jan

2) "At the taste of shäk like this, love of Krishna arises in the heart. In such love you should taste these remnants. Giving up all materialistic conceptions and taking the Lord's prasäd, all of you just chant 'Hari! Hari!'" [for more details of this pastime, see Chaitanya Bhägavata, Antya 4.234-299]

Song 3

(1)