Great Songs : English translation of Srimanta Sankaradeva’s Bargît

A new book 'Great Songs' was released on August 26, 2012. I have translated Srimanta Sankaradeva’s unique lyric composition, Bargît in this book. His spiritual lyrics Bargîts were a class in itself. He eulogized the name of God in these lyrics and sang glory of lord Krishna. These were sung as prayer songs and also presented on other occasions. Srimanta Sankaradeva created a new classical school of music, known as Sankari music with his Bargît. He created new Râgas for singing the lyrics known as Bargît. These Bargîts or great songs are one of the main modes of conveying the principles of the Eka Sharana Nâma Dharma, the Vaishnavite order founded by Srimanta Sankaradeva. The saint had composed these lyrics in the Brajâwalî form of Assamese language. These lyrics, composed in 15th-16th century, are considered great treasure of Assamese literature.

The book was released by Prof K.M. Pathak in presence of Sri Devananda Deva Goswami (Sattradhikar of Narowa Sattra and President of Bordowa Than Management Committee), Ripu Mahanta (Vice President, Asom Sattra Mahasabha), Jatindra Kumar Borgohain (Economist/Author), Dr Pradip Mahanta (Secy of Batadrava Than Management Committee), Surjya Hazarika (Film Director), Dr Durlov Chamua (MLA of Nagaon and a distinguished promoter of Sankari culture), author Thaneswar Malakar, activist Sankar Das and others.

A news of the book release in 'Eastern Chronicle'

Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva has published the book. Bani Mandir of Guwahati is its distributor. Bani Mandir's phone no is +91 94351 47832. One can also contact our co-ordinator Pradip Hazarika. His contact no is +91 94351 60281 and email is pradiphazarika.909@gmail.com.