Abstract
Gīta Govindam is a lyrical poem written by the great poet Jayadeva of the twelfth Century A.D. The poem presents in dramatic form the story of the two lovers – Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, their attraction, estrangement, yearning and final reconciliation through the help of a Sakhī (female confidant). While on the surface this poem conveys the love sport of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, in the deeper layers, devotion of the individual soul, it’s pining for God realization and finally attaining the consummation in service of God is interwoven.
