Kangra painting of Gita Govinda series
Early 18th century.
The Sakhi (friend) has reconciled the lovers. Both have agreed to meet at night by the banks of Yamuna River. With her hand around Radha, the sakhi leads her to where Krishna is sitting and waiting for her. The sakhi says, according to Gita Govinda, " Enter, sweet Radha, the bower of Madhav; seek delight, O thou, whose bosom laughs with the foretaste of happiness. Enter, sweet Radha, the bower graced with a bed of Ashoka leaves: seek delight, O thou, whose garland leaps with joy on thr breast. Enter, sweet Radha, the bower illumined with gay blossoms; seek delight, O thou, whose limbs far excel them in softness. "
The painter has beautifully captured the darkness of the night, the flow of the river--all in muted colours--the shyness of Radha, with her head bent, both with a sense of hesitation and reverence, the anxiety of Krishna, who has just turned to look at the direction from where the footsteps can be heard. It is a moment of suspense, of reunion, of joy. The painting is lyrical and poetic. It captures the beauty of Jaydeva's poetry.
The sakhi is symbolic of the teacher who takes us on the path of enlightenment. It is the moment of enlightenment.
The painter has beautifully captured the darkness of the night, the flow of the river--all in muted colours--the shyness of Radha, with her head bent, both with a sense of hesitation and reverence, the anxiety of Krishna, who has just turned to look at the direction from where the footsteps can be heard. It is a moment of suspense, of reunion, of joy. The painting is lyrical and poetic. It captures the beauty of Jaydeva's poetry.
The sakhi is symbolic of the teacher who takes us on the path of enlightenment. It is the moment of enlightenment.
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