Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
by Justin E. Abbott | 1933 | 306,590 words
This is the English translation of Bhaktavijaya which is a Marathi poem written by Mahipati in 40,000 lines. The text documents the legends of Indian saints from various backgrounds and extensively covers figures like Ekanath, Tukaram, and Ramadasa, highlighting their contributions to scholarship, philosophy, poetry, and social reform. The Bhaktavi...
33.6: Surdas expert in singing
51. Tansen said to the king, ‘The greatest expert in singing is Surdas at Mathura, the avatar of Akrur.’
52. The king said further to him, ‘How many ragas (inodes of songs) does Surdas sing?’ Tansen brought a handful of sand from the Bhagirathi river,
53. and said, ‘He knows as many as there are grains of sand.’ The king hearing this was surprised. He sent a palanquin to Mathura and brought Surdas from there.
54. Honouring him in many ways the king prostrated himself before him. Because Surdas was a Vaishnava he worshipped him, making him sit upon the golden throne.
55. All the singers then assembled and sat down in the assembly ball, and Tansen then pleaded with Surdas.
56. He said, ‘Cause all to listen to a Kirtan sung by your lips. The king has invited you to come here with that purpose in mind.’
57. Surdas said to Tansen, ‘I am a dweller in Vaikunth [Vaikuntha] (heaven). From there I have come to this world of mortals. There I sing the qualities of Hari.
58. If you have a liking for the same, I will describe for you in brief the qualities of Hari.’ Then taking the vina in his hand he properly tuned it with the seven musical notes.
59. As Surdas was singing, Ganesh sounded the cymbals, and Sarasvati taking the vina helped him in his sweet tone.
60. All the Gandharvas (heavenly singers) became absorbed in the music. So also Rambha, Urvashi and Menaka, and the Husband of Rama (Vishnu) while he was performing the kirtan [kirtana] came there and danced in joy.
61. Even He whom the yogis when sitting on iron spikes are unable to bring into their contemplation, even He danced in Surdas’ kirtan [kirtana]. It was wonderful.
62. Although the munis perform austerities, they cannot attain Him by their ceremonial rites. Yet at the kirtan [kirtana] of Surdas He danced. This is novel indeed.
63. He whose limits are unknown by Indra, Chandra (the moon), Brahmadev and Shiva, even He in joy danced in front of Surdas.
64. Thus singing, he (Surdas) performed his kirtan [kirtana] with the loud acclaim of God’s name. He described the good deeds performed in the avatarship of Krishna.
65. For one month Surdas remained at Avanti (Ujjain) city. He set all the men and women of the city to worshipping God. Full of love, they wagged their heads.