The Bhajagovinda: A Hindu Devotional Composition by Shankaracharya
The Bhajagovinda is a Hindu devotional composition by Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara or Shankarabhagavadpada. This work emphasizes the importance of Bhakti, or devotion to God, in the spiritual journey. The composition is said to have been inspired by a story where Shankara encountered an old scholar teaching Sanskrit grammar and advised him to focus on worship and devotion to God instead.
The Bhajagovinda consists of 12 verses contributed by Shankara himself, titled Dvadashamanjarika Stotram, and 14 verses added by his disciples, known as Chaturdashamanjarika Stotram. While Shankara is primarily known for his work on Advaita Vedanta, the unity of the Atman and the Nirguna Brahman, the Bhajagovinda also emphasizes the importance of Bhakti as a means to spiritual development and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Scholars believe that this composition encapsulates the essence of Vedantic thought found in Shankara's other works.
In summary, The Bhajagovinda is a significant Hindu devotional composition that highlights the importance of devotion to God in the spiritual journey, as expressed by Shankaracharya and his disciples.
