The Kirton Ghosha by Shree Manta Shankardev
The Kirton Ghosha by Shree Manta Shankardev --- A Brief Summary
By Kishur Boruah
The Kirtan Ghosha by Srimanta Sankardev is one of the most celebrated religious texts in Assamese literature. It is a compilation of devotional songs or kirtans meant to propagate the Ekasarana Naam Dharma, the monotheistic Vaishnavite faith founded by Sankardev in Assam during the 15th-16th centuries. The text consists of several sections, each focusing on key aspects of devotion, morality, and spirituality as derived from the Bhagavata Purana.
The Kirtan Ghosha consists of 26 sections and 31 narratives about Krishna. Srimanta Sankardev composed most of these kirtans, except one by Ratnakar Kandali and another by Madhabdev. Before his passing, Sankardev instructed Madhabdev to gather the scattered kirtans. Later, Ramcharan Thakur, Madhabdev's nephew, compiled them into a single text. Two of Sankardev's kirtans were added after the compilation, and some versions also include a kirtan by Sridhar Kandali.
Chapters of The Kirton Ghosha
1) Chaturvimsati avatara varnana
2) Pasanda mardana
3) Namaparadha
4] Dhyana Varnana
5] Ajamilopakhyana
6] Prahlada carita
7] Haramohana
8] Balichalana
9] Gajendropakhyana
10] Sisulila
11] Rasa krida
12] Kamsa vadha
13] Gopi udhava samvada
14] Kujir vancha purana
15] Akrurar vancha purana
16] Jarasandhar yuddha
17] Kaalyavana vadha
18] Mucukunda stuti
19] Syamanta harana
20] Naradar krishna darsana
21] Vipra putra anayana
22] Damodara upakhyana
23] Daivakir putra anayana
24] Veda stuti
25] Krishna lilamala
26] Srikrishnar vaikuntha prayana
27] Bhagavatar tatparya
28] Uresa varnana
The Kirton Ghosha textual description
Each kirtan consists of a ghoxa ( ঘোষা) or refrain followed by a number of verses, called padas (পদ), written in different meters.
Jhuna (জুনা)
Laghu payara (লঘূ পয়াঁৰ)
Dulari (দুলৰি)
Chabi (ছবি)
The Kirton Ghosha
The Kirtan Ghosha is a sacred collection of hymns composed by Srimanta Sankardev, focusing on devotion to Lord Krishna. Among the nine forms of devotion, hearing and chanting are most important, with kirtan (chanting or singing the divine name and pastimes of Lord Krishna) holding a central place. Sankardev created these kirtans at different times during his teachings, but they were initially scattered across various places like Hajo, Barpeta, and others. The Kirtan Ghosha serves as a compilation of these scattered hymns, forming a significant part of Assamese Vaishnavite literature, akin to the Ram Charit Manas in North India.
Some sections of the Kirtan Ghosha, such as the Sahasra Nambrittanta and Ghunucha Kirtan, were composed by other poets, Ratnakar Kandali and Sridhar Kandali, but most of the work is attributed to Sankardev himself.
The Kirtan Ghosha highlights the merciful nature of Lord Krishna, who is compassionate towards all beings. This grace is referred to as the Prasad Tattva in Vaishnavism. The hymns also emphasize selfless devotion (bhakti), the importance of association with the pious (satsang), the doctrine of divine incarnations, and the earthly glory of Krishna.
Aesthetic and artistic in nature, the Kirtan Ghosha presents Krishna’s stories with diverse characters and settings, showcasing the beauty of human values and devotion. The kirtans portray different characters, but all ultimately convey the essence of devotion, uniting the devotees in love for God. Sankardev’s Kirtan Ghosha is not just an artistic work; it plays a crucial role in strengthening social unity and spiritual growth. It is a timeless creation, enriching both the heart and society.
The First Chapter of Kirton Ghosha
1) The Chaturvimsati Avatara Varnana
(চতুৰ্ব্বিংশতি অৱতাৰ)
The Chaturvimsati Avatara Varnana (Description of the Twenty-Four Avatars) from Kirtan Ghosha is a section where Srimanta Sankardev describes the twenty-four incarnations of Lord Vishnu. These avatars are manifestations of Vishnu, each appearing to fulfill a specific purpose, uphold righteousness (dharma), and restore cosmic balance.
1. Adi Purush: First Avatar of Vishnu
2. Four Kumaras: Traveled the world as children
3. Narada: Traveller and storyteller
4. Nara Narayana: Twin-Brother Avatar of Vishnu
5. Kapila: Spiritual Teacher
6. Dattatraya: Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh
7. Yajna: Avatar of Fire
8. Rishabha: Founder of Jainism
9. Prithu: Avatar of King Vena
10. Dhanvantari: Avatar that hold Amrit in Hand
11. Mohini: Only Female Avatar of Vishnu
12. Hayagreeva: Human Body with Horse Face
13. Vyasa: Avatar of Maharshi
14. Matsya: Half Human & Half Fish
15. Kurma: Half Human & Half Tortoise
16. Varaha: Human Body with Boar Face
17. Narasimha: Half Human & Half Lion
18. Vamana: Avatar of Sage Kashyapa
19. Parshuram: Sage with Axe in his Hand
20. Rama: King of Ayodhya
21. Balarama: Elder Brother of Krishna
22. Krishna: Most worship Avatar of Vishnu
23. Buddha: Founder of Buddhism
24. Kalki: Final Avatar of Vishnu (Not came Yet)
Key Highlights of the Section:
1. Purpose of Incarnations: Sankardev explains that Vishnu assumes various forms whenever there is a decline in righteousness and the rise of evil forces, as stated in the Bhagavad Gita. Each incarnation serves to protect devotees, destroy the wicked, and establish divine order.
2. Descriptions of the Avatars:
The section provides a concise account of each avatar, from the initial Matsya (fish) form to the Kalki avatar (future manifestation).
Each narrative illustrates how Vishnu adapts to different circumstances, showing His infinite compassion and wisdom in guiding humanity and the universe.
3. Philosophical Insights: Sankardev emphasizes that these incarnations are not limited to physical forms but represent the eternal and omnipresent nature of Vishnu. They are symbolic of divine intervention in response to the needs of time.
Key Message:
The Chaturvimsati Avatara Varnana teaches that God is ever-present and intervenes to protect creation. It inspires faith in divine justice and reminds devotees of Vishnu's boundless mercy and commitment to the welfare of the world.
2) Namaparadha (Offenses Against the Name) (নাম অপৰাধ)
This section lists the various offenses that one must avoid while chanting the name of God (Hari-nam). Sankardev warns against hypocrisy, insincerity, and attachment to worldly desires while engaging in devotion. He emphasizes that chanting God's name with a pure heart is the only way to achieve liberation.
Key Message: Avoiding offenses ensures the purity of one’s devotion and facilitates spiritual progress.
3. Dhyan Varnana (Description of Meditation) ধ্যান বৰ্ণনা
Sankardev provides guidelines for meditation, emphasizing the importance of focusing on Lord Krishna’s form and attributes. This section serves as a practical guide for spiritual seekers on how to cultivate mindfulness and deepen their devotion.
Key Message: Meditation on God’s name and form is essential for spiritual advancement.
4. Ajamilopakhyana (The Story of Ajamila)
(অজামিল উপাখ্যান)
This section narrates the story of Ajamila, a sinner who achieved salvation by uttering the name of Narayana (a form of Krishna) at the time of his death. Sankardev uses this tale to highlight the redeeming power of chanting God's name, regardless of past sins.
Key Message: The name of God has the power to absolve even the gravest sins.
5) Prahlada Charitra (The Story of Prahlada)
(প্ৰহ্লাদ চৰিত্ৰ)
The story of Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, is recounted in this section. Despite facing severe persecution by his demon father Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada remains steadfast in his devotion. Sankardev praises Prahlada’s unwavering faith and the protective grace of Lord Vishnu.
Key Message: Unshakeable devotion and faith in God triumph over all adversities.
6. Gajendra Upakhyana (The Story of Gajendra) (গজেন্দ্ৰ উপাখ্যান)
This section narrates the tale of Gajendra, the elephant king, who was saved from a crocodile by Lord Vishnu. The story illustrates God’s readiness to help His devotees in their time of need, provided they surrender completely to Him.
Key Message: Sincere surrender to God invokes His immediate protection.
7) Shishu Leela (The Leela of Krishna) শিশু লীলা
The birth of Lord Krishna is narrated in this section, highlighting the divine intervention to protect dharma (righteousness) and destroy evil forces. Sankardev portrays Krishna’s birth as a moment of cosmic significance, bringing hope and joy to His devotees.
This section narrates the story of Lord Krishna defeating the serpent Kaliya, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Sankardev uses this narrative to emphasize the protective nature of Krishna, who saves his devotees from all forms of danger and sin.
Key Message: God incarnates to restore righteousness and protect His devotees. Surrendering to Krishna ensures protection from all evils.
8. Rasa Krida (The Dance of Divine Love)
ৰাস ক্ৰীয়া
The Rasa Krida section depicts the divine play (rasa-lila) of Lord Krishna with the gopis (cowherd women) of Vrindavan. Sankardev presents this as an allegory for the soul’s longing for union with the divine. The rasa-lila symbolizes the boundless love of God and the ecstatic joy experienced in His presence.
Key Message: Divine love transcends all earthly attachments and leads to spiritual ecstasy.
9) Kirtan and Nama Mahima (Glory of Chanting God’s Name) নাম মহিমা
This section extols the virtues of chanting Hari-nam (the name of God) as the most accessible and effective path to salvation in the age of Kali (the present age of decline). Sankardev declares that singing God’s name with devotion is sufficient to cleanse the soul of all impurities.
Key Message: Chanting God’s name is the supreme spiritual practice for all.
10) Bhagavata Mahatmya (Glory of the Bhagavata) ভাগৱত মাহাত্ম্য
This section glorifies the Bhagavata Purana, the source of many stories and teachings in Kirtan Ghosha. Sankardev emphasizes the importance of studying and reciting the Bhagavata to understand God’s nature and achieve spiritual liberation.
Key Message: The Bhagavata Purana is a divine scripture that illuminates the path to salvation.
Conclusion
It is not easy to write a summary of Srimanta Sankardev's Kirtan Puthi. I have only written the main points of a few chapters. There is much more to it. Please forgive me for this summary. I do not have the audacity to summarize the Kirtan Puthi.
Kirtan Ghosha is a spiritual masterpiece that combines devotion, moral instruction, and philosophical insight. Each section emphasizes the transformative power of Hari-nam and devotion to Lord Krishna. Sankardev’s text is not merely a collection of hymns but a comprehensive guide for living a life aligne
d with divine principles. It inspires readers to lead a life of purity, surrender, and unwavering faith, making it a timeless source of spiritual wisdom.
Thank you 🙏
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