Manuscript used for recitation and contemplation and is a poetic exploration of the amorous relationship between the Hindu deities Kṛṣṇa and Rādhā. Kṛṣṇa is presented not as an avatar of Viṣṇu, but as the essence of the universe itself. First literary work to fully develop the figure of Rādhā, the cow herdess, and her relationship with Kṛṣṇa. Poem is often approached as a devotional text by modern Vaiṣṇavas. Manuscript is incomplete, starting at the end of the fourth section (sarga).
Title from colophon (f. 23v).; Written in 9-10 lines per leaf.; 14 leaves foliated 10-23, upper left and lower right verso.; Colophon: iti śrīkenduvilvasthaśrīkavirājajayadevakṛtau gītagovindesuprītapītāmvaro nāmadvādaśaḥ sargaḥ // sa[ṃ]vat 1858 bhā - śu - 1 vu - // śrīkṛṣṇāya namaḥ // (f. 23v).; Dated saṃvat 1858 (1801) (f. 23v).; Mistakes covered over in yellow or blacked out; some corrections and additions in margins; significant syllables, words, or phrases highlighted in red throughout.; In Sanskrit (Devanāgarī)
Physical Location:
Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, Manuscripts, Ms. Coll. 390
The Penn Libraries makes materials accessible to improve information equity and enhance teaching, research,
and learning. See our Sensitive Materials Statement
for more information.