Braj sahitya literature evolved around Krishna in Brajbhoomi - Vrindavan and its surrounding areas. Braj sahitya has lived in the oral tradition through music. Bhajan, sawaiya, dohe, pad, shloka, styles of writing poetry all find a place here. Similarly, the languages are as varied as the tongues that devotees' could speak. Sanskrit, the local dialect Braj-bhasha, Bangla, Marwari, and more regional dialects find place in Braj literature.
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This Meera bhajan, sung by Kishori Amonkar is a fine example of Braj literature. This song is a greeting to Banke Bihari. It also describes him and Radha.More...
Patanjali Yoga Sutra is a compilation of Yogic wisdom experienced and shared by sages down the ages.
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Shankaracharya penned the Sanskrit poem: Krishna-ashtak, eight verses describing Krishna in Vrindavan. It makes for delightful singing, with or without instrumental accompaniments. The rhythm is such...More...
Vishnu Sahastranam, was written in Sanskrit, the language of gods. It is a part of the world's longest epic: Mahabharat Purana or Jai-granth, which translates as 'the scripture of victory'.
Vishnu Sahastranam gives a 1000 names of Vishnu. These were told by Bhishma to Yudhishtir in answer to six questions put to him by Yudhishthir. Yudhishthir wanted to know who to look up to as the highest ideal. Bhishma gave him a 1000 names of God, elaborating on God's qualities, the reason for choosing God as the best friend. Chanting or singing this piece of poetry is said to have therapeutic effect on the body and mind.More...
Suryashtak is an eight-versed tribute in Sanskrit to the sun - the source of all energy. The Sanskrit text for Surya-ashtak is familiar to those familiar with Indian ritual worship. It is mostly recited as the Gayatri mantra is, to the accompaniment of a water offering to the sun at sunrise, or Sandhya puja. It is recommended for wellness in body and mind.
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