#surdas

@sundaralekhan Day 6 + Day 7: Pride + Creator's Choice

Combinging my free day with the Day 6 prompt. Anyone who has interacted with my content in the past year would probably already get why.

For the last prompt, I'm choosing to highlight Uddhav Sandesh by Surdas and the subculture and plethora of works it inspired. This scene is specifically based on Uddhav Shatak by Jagannath Das Ratnakar — an anthology of 100+ couplets in Braj Bhasha from 1874 about Uddhav's journey from Mathura to Braj with Krishna's letters to his parents, Radha, and the gopis.

Illustration is based on specifically these couplets by Ratnakar, after Uddhav's return from Braj:

ब्रज-रजरंजित सरीर सुभ ऊधव कौ धाइ बलबीर ह्वै अधीर लपटाए लेत । कहै रतनाकर सु प्रेम-मद-माते हेरि थरकति बाँह थामि थहरि थिराए लेत ॥ कीरति-कुमारी के दरस-रस सद्य ही की छलकनि चाहि पलकनि पुलकाए लेत । परन न देत एक बूँद पुहुमी की कौंछि पौंछि-पौंछि पट निज नैननि लगाए लेत ॥

(Rough) Translation :

Bathed in the rajas (guna) of Braj Uddhav's body becomes pious. Krishna embraces him impatiently. Says Ratnakar look at the one intoxicated with love, shaking arms are held (by Krishna) and (Uddhav) is steadied. Seeing the glorious maidens (Uddhav's) eyes wish to shed (tears of) joy. (Krishna) doesn't let one drop fall to the earth, (he) dabs (Uddhav's tears) and applies them to his own eyes.

Surdas' Uddhav Sandesh details the very same trip, Uddhav's travel from Mathura to Braj with letters for Yashoda, Nanda, Radha, and the gopis from a very distraught Krishna worried about their well being and their pain of separation from him. Uddhav questions their sadness, proposes they part with their despair born from 'worldly love' and instead meditate on the formless Supreme Being, since Krishna is very much that. However, his preaching of devotional love does not please or satiate the gopis who just want their Kanha back and they end up changing Uddhav's mind, gaining his empathy.

sharad chandra ki poornima,

ras-barsa ki raat,

kadam-tale kanha khade,

liye muraliya haath. (x)

One of my absolute favourite bollywood retakes on old bhakti-era literature, this song holds a special place in my heart alongside songs such as Radhike Tune Bansari Churayi (x), Radha Na Bole (x), Bansuri Tihari Nanda-lal (x), Thumak Thumak Mat Chalna (x), and Murali Manohar Krishna Kanhaiya (x).

It's very interesting to see the sub-genres of Radha maan-bhanjan (x) or Shuk-Shari conversationals (x) (prominently seen in Bengali folk as a unique genre, but elements of it are obviously found countrywide and beyond) living on, beyond Geeta-Govindam, and resurfacing at honestly, very unexpected moments!

It invokes a special feeling, when songs such as these explore Radha and Krishna navigating a normal (albeit tumultuous) relationship with the tadka of constant 'break-ups' and 'patch-ups', with the flute, standing in for 'intimacy', and it's interpretations standing in between. Dehi pada-pallavam-udaaram...(x)

It is truly heartwarming to see how this one historically controversial couple have somehow saturated the soul of our country with such an indelible passion, that even in the present day at least 1/10 songs chosen in random will include at least a cheeky nod to their love. In so many forms, in so many contexts, with almost every state in India contributing at least one unique chapter in their story.

It would be true academic achievement too to be able to delve into the Radha-Krishna traditions of each Indian state, and map their dependence as well as independence from each other!

Another interesting facet to be observed is how fluidly bollywood has always adapted regional literature (here I must say, I can only speak for Hindi/Bengali remakes). While the foremost example would obviously be the infamous "Piya Ghar Aaya" by Bulle Shah (x), but there have been so many such songs that have quietly slipped under the radar. Another semi-famous example would be Turab's Neeki Lagat Mohe (x), being remade into the famous "Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" (x).

In the context of Radha-Krishna, one example that comes to mind is Md. Rafi's Radhike Tune Bansari Churayi (x), which is adapted from K L Saigal's rendition of Surdas' Radhe Pyari De Daro Na (x), which was then also adapted synonymously into a Hindi-language Meera Bhajan (x) by Hridayanath and Lata Mangeshkar.

Uddhav ko Braj Bhejna/Sending Uddhav to Braj (Part 1)

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(Translation notes under the cut.)

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

अंतरजामी कुंवर कन्हाई । गुरु गृह पढ़त हुते जहँ विद्या, तहँ ब्रज-बासिनि की सुधि आई ॥ गुरु सौं कह्यौ जोरि कर दोऊ, दछिना कहौ सो देउँ मँगाई । गुरु-पतनी कह्यौ पुत्र हमारे, मृतक भये सो देहु जिवाई ॥ आनि दिए गुरु-सुत जमपुर तैं, तब गुरुदेव असीस सुनाई । सूरदास प्रभु आइ मधुपुरी, ऊधौ कौं ब्रज दियौ पठाई ॥1॥

Antarjami kunwar kanhai. Guru grih padhat hute jahan vidya, tahan braj-basini ki sudhi aai. Guru saun kahyon jori kar dou, dachhina kahau so deun mangai. Guru-patni kahyau putra hamare, mritak bhaye so dehu jivai. Aani diye guru-sut jampur ten, tab gurudev asees sunai. Soordas prabhu aai madhupuri, Udhau kaun braj diyau pathai. (1)

The omniscient young Lord Krishna. What guru learns by reading the planets, (a) dweller of braj already knows. Guru says this emphatically, (they) ask for donations/dakshina. Guru's wife says my son, can bring a dead man back to life. When the guru and his son arrive in Yampur, then the guru preaches. Surdas says the Lord comes to Madhupuri*, (and) sends Uddhav to Braj. (1)

जदुपति जानि उद्धव रीति । जिहिं प्रगट निज सखा कहियत, करत भाव अनीति ॥ बिरह दुख जहँ नाहिं-नैकहूँ, तहँ न उपजै प्रेम । रेख, रूप न बरन जाकैं, इहिं धर्यौ वह नेम ॥ त्रिगुन तन करि लखत हमकौं, ब्रह्म मानत और । बिना गुना क्यौं पुहुमि उघरै, यह करत मन डौर ॥ बिरस रस के मंत्र कहुऐ, क्यौ, चलै संसार । कछु कहत यह एक प्रगटत, अति भर्यौ अहंकार ॥ प्रेम भजन न नैंकु याकौं, जाइ क्यौं समुझाइ । सूर प्रभु मन यहै आनी, ब्रजहिं देउँ पठाइ ॥2॥ Jadupati jani Uddhav riti. Jihin pragat nij sakha kahiyat, karat bhav aneeti. Birah dukh jahan naahin-naikahoon, tahan na upajaye prem. Rekh, roop, na baran jaanke, ihin dharyau wah nem. Trigun tan kari lakhat humkon, brahma maanat aur. Bina guna kyaun puhumi ugharai, yah karat man daur. Biras ras ke mantra kahuye, kyau, chale sansar. Kachu kahat yah ek pragatat, ati bharyau ahankar. Prem bhajan na nainku yakaun, jai kyaun samujhai. Soor prabhu man yahai aani, brajahin deun pathai. (2)

Yadupati (Krishna) knows Uddhav's manner/ways The moment (Uddhav) appears (Krishna) calls him personal friend, loves him not adhering to the ways of the world. One who doesn't know the despair of separation, cannot cultivate love. One without lines, form, or colour, is the one who holds this form. (They) write me as a a body bestowed with the three guna**, others regard me Brahma. Without guna why does the world strip away, is what my mind ponders. Flavourless flavourful chants, why, make the world function. Whatever says manifests one (thing), extreme pride. One who doesn't know love hymns, why make them understand. Soor's lord's heart comes here, (he) sends it to Braj. (2)

संग मिलि कहौं कासौं बात । यह तौ कहत जोग की बातैं, जामै रस जरि जात ॥ कहत कहा पितु मातु कौन के, पुरुष नारि कह नात । कहाँ जसोदा सी है मैया, कहाँ नंद सम तात ॥ कहँ बृषभान-सुता सँग कौ सुख, वह बासर वह प्रात । सखी सखा सुख नहिं त्रिभुवन मैं, नहिं बैकुंठ सुहात ॥ वै बातें कहियै किहिं आगै, यह गुनि हरि पछितात । सूरदास प्रभु ब्रज महिमा कहि, लिकी बदत बल ब्रात ॥3॥

Sang mili kahaun kasaun baat. Yah tau kahat jog ki baatain, jamai ras jari jaat. Kahat kahaa pitu matu kaun ke, purush nari kah naat. Kahaan jasoda si hai maiya, kahan nanda sam taat. Kahan brishbhan-suta sang kau sukh, vah basar vah praat. Sakhi sakha sukh nahin tribhuvan main, nahin baikunth suhaat. Vai baaten kahiyau kihin aagai, yah guni hari pachitat. Soordas prabhu braj mahima kahi, liki badat bal braat. (3) Many sayings mesh together. They talk of yoga, where all flavour goes away. It says, what of a father or who's mother, man, woman, or what lord. Where is a mother like Yashoda, where is a father like Nanda. Where is the pleasure of companionship of Vrishbhanu-suta (Radha), that morning, that dawn. No pleasure of friends in the three realms, doesn't achieve Vaikunth. Saying these words, this guni Hari regrets. Surdas' lord speaks thus of the glory of Braj. (3)

तबहिं उपंग-सुत आइ गए । सखा सखा कछु अंतर नाहीं, भरि भरि अंक लए ॥ अति सुन्दर तन स्याम सरीखो, देखत हरि पछिताने । ऐसे कैं वैसी बुधि होती, ब्रज पठऊँ मन आने ॥ या आगैं रस-कथा प्रकासौं, जोग-कथा प्रगटाऊँ । सूर ज्ञान याकौ दृढ़ करिकै, जुवतिन्ह पास पठाऊँ ॥4॥

Tabahin upang-sut aayi gaye. Sakha sakha kachu antar naahin, bhari bhari ank laye. Ati sundar tan syaam sareekho, dekhat hari pachitane. Aise kain vaisi budhi hoti, braj pathaun man aane. Ya aangain ras-katha prakasaun, jog-katha pragataun. Soor gyaan yaakau dridh karikaye, juvatinh paas pathaun. (4) Just then arrives Upangasuta/Uddhav. The two friends don't look any different, they are drawn similarly. Extremely pretty darkskinned body, sees Hari and asks. Someone with a mind like this, my heart would like to send to Braj. His limbs illuminate with tasteful speak, talks of yoga I summon. Soor says preparing (him) with knowledge, I send to the maidens. (4)

हरि गोकुल की प्रीति चलाई । सुनहु उपँग-सुत मोहि न बिसरत, ब्रज बासी सुखदाई ॥ यह चित होत जाऊँ मैं अबहीं, इहाँ नहीं मन लागत । गोपी ग्वाल गाइ बन चारन, अति दुख पायौ त्यागत ॥ कहँ माखन-रोटी, कहँ जहँ जसुमति, जेंवहु कहि-कहि प्रेम । सूर स्याम के बचन हँसत सुनि, थापत अपनौ नेम ॥5॥

Hari gokul ki priti chalai. Sunahu Upang-sut mohi na bisarat, braj basi sukhdai. Yah chit hot jaaun main abahin, ihaan nahin man lagat. Gopi gwal gai ban charan, ati dukh payau tyagat. Kahan makhan-roti, kahan jahan Jasumati, jevahun kahi-kahi prem. Soor syam ke bachan hansat suni, thapat apnau nem. (5) Hari grows fond of Gokul. Listen Upangsut (Uddhav) I can't forget, the happiness Braj dwellers provided me. This heart wants to go (there) right now, the heart does not stick here. Gopis, cowherds, cows grazing forests, I'm extremely saddened leaving those behind. Where is my makhan-roti, where there is Yashomati (Yashoda), where there is love everywhere. Soor listens to Shyam's speech smiling, there lives my form***. (5)

Uddhav ko Braj Bhejna/Sending Uddhav to Braj (Part 2)

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Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

जदुपति लख्यौ तिहिं मुसुकात । कहत हम मन रही जोई, भई सोई बात ॥ बचन परगट करन कारन, प्रेम कथा चलाई । सुनहु ऊधौ मोहिं ब्रज की, सुधि नहीं बिसराइ ॥ रैनि सोवत दिवस जागत, नाहिं नै मन आन । नंद-जसुमति, नारि-नर-ब्रज तहाँ मेरौ प्रान ॥ कहत हरि सुनि उपँग सुत यह, कहत हौम रस रीति । सूर चित तैं टरति नाहीं, राधिका की प्रीति ॥6॥

Jadupati lakhyau tihin musukat. Kahat ham man rahi joi, bhai soi baat. Bachan pargat karan kaaran, prem katha chalai. Sunahu udhau mohin braj ki, sudhi nahin bisaraai. Raini sovat diwas jagat, naahin nai man aan. Nand-jasumati, nari-nar-braj tahaan merau pran. Kahat hari suni upang sut yah, kahat haum ras riti. Soor chit tain tarti naahin, radhika ki priti. (6) Yadupati sees him (Uddhav) and smiles. Says what's in my heart is what (I) speak. The reason to manifest speech is to talk about love. Listen Uddhav, I cannot forget thoughts of Braj. (I) sleep at night wake up in the day, my heart has no peace. Nanda-Yashomati, men and women of braj that's where my lifeforce is. Hearing this from Hari, Upang-sut says this is the way of attachment and closeness. Soor, your heart cannot discard, radha's love. (6)

सखा सुनि एक मेरी बात । वह लता गृह संग गोपनि, सुधि करत पछितात ॥ बिधि लिखी नहिं टरत क्यौं हूँ, यह कहत अकुलात । हँसि उपँग-सुत बचन बोले, कहा करि पछितात ॥ सदा हित यह रहत नाहीं, सकल मिथ्या जात । सूरप्रभु एक यह सुनो मोसौं, एक ही सौं नात ॥7॥

Sakha suni ek meri baat. Vah lata grih sang gopni, sudhi karat pachitat. Bidhi likhi nahin tarat kyaun hoon, yah kahat akulat. Hansi upang-sut bachan bole, kaha kari pachitat. Sada hit yah rahat nahin, sakal mithya jaat. Soorprabhu ek yah suno mosaun, ek hi saun naat. (7) Friend listen to what I say. The creeper-vine like gopi, suffer in nostalgia. How to get rid of what's not written in the manual, says this and grows uncertain. Upang-sut laughs and says, "Why suffer? This doesn't always mean well, everything becomes a lie. Soor's lord listen to what I say, hundreds of relations are just like one." (7)

जब ऊधौ यह बात कही । तब जदुपति अति ही सुख पायौ, मानी प्रगट सही । श्री मुख कह्यौ जाहु तुम ब्रज कौं, मिलहु जाइ ब्रज-लोग । मो बिनु, बिरह भरीं ब्रजबाला, जाउ सुनावहु जोग ॥ प्रेम मिटाइ ज्ञान परबोधहु, तुम हौ पूरन ज्ञानी । सूर उपंग-सुत मन हरषाने, यह महिमा इन जानी ॥8॥

Jab udhau yah baat kahi. Tab jadupati ati hi sukh payau, mani pragat sahi. Shri mukh kahyau jahu tum braj kaun, milahu jai braj-log. Mo binu, birah bharin brajabala, jau sunavahu jog. Prem mitai gyan parbodhahu, tum hau pooran gyani. Soor upang-sut man harshane, yah mahima in jaani. (8)

When Uddhav said this. Then Yadupati was delighted, as if truth manifested. Shri's mouth said go to Braj, meet the people of Braj. Without me, the separation saddens maidens of braj, go tell them about this solution. Love removes knowledge and sense, you are a complete scholar. Soor Upang-sut please (their) heart, tell (them) of this value. (8)

ऊधौ तुम यह निश्चय जानौ । मन, बच, क्रम, मैं तुमहिं पठावत, ब्रज कौं तुरत पलानौ ॥ पूरन ब्रह्म अकल अविनासी, ताके तुम हौ ज्ञाता । रेख न रूप जाति कुल नाहीं, जाके नहिं पितु माता ॥ यह मत दै गोपिनि कौं आवहु, बिरह नदी मैं भासत । सूर तुरत तुम जाइ कहौ यह, ब्रह्म बिना नहिं आसत ॥9॥

Udhau tum yah nishchay janau. Man, bach, kram, main tumhin pathavat, braj kaun turat palanau. Pooran brahm akal avinasi, take tum hau gyata. Rekh na roop jati kul naahin, jake nahin pitu mata. Yah mat dai gopini kaun aavahu, birah nadi main bhaasat. Soor turat tum jai kahau yah, brahm bina nahin aasat. (9)

Uddhav, know this for sure. Mind, speech, deeds, I'll teach you all and send you to Braj immediately. Complete creator, everything to do with Indestructible (God), you are learned about all of that. The one without lines or form or caste or clan, one without a father or mother. This wisdom give to the gopis and come, drown out their (despair from) separation in the river. Soor says immediately go and say this, without brahma there is no attachment. (9)

ऊधौ मन अभिमान बढ़ायो । जदुपति जोग जानि जिय साँचौ, नैन अकास चढ़ायौ ॥ नारिनि पै मोकौं पठवत हैं, कहत सिखावन जोग । मन ही मन अप करत प्रसंसा, यह मिथ्या सुख-भोग ॥ आयसु मानि लियौ सिर ऊपर, प्रभु आज्ञा परमान । सूरदास प्रभु गोकुल पठवत, मैं क्यौं हौं कि आन ॥10॥

Udhau man abhiman badhayo. Jadupati jog jani jiya saanchau, nain akaas chadhayau. Narini pai mokaun pathavat hain, kahat sikhavan jog. Man hi man ap karat prasansa, yah mithya sukh-bhog. Ayasu maani liyau sir upar, prabhu aagyaa parman. Soordas prabhu gokul pathavat, main kyaun haun ki aan. (10)

Uddhav's heart grew proud. Yadupati thinks of him as learned in yoga, raised him to the top of the world. Gave him the opportunity to teach the maidens, said go teach them yoga. You praise me in your heart, give me a false sense of happiness. Put me with the highest regards, the Lord's order is proof (of this). Surdas' lord sends (me) to Gokul, why/how can I become their peace. (10)

तुम पठवत गोकुल कै जैहौं । जौ मानिहैं ब्रह्म की बातें, तो उनसौं मै कैहौं ॥ गदगद बचन कहत मन प्रपूलित, बार-बार समझैहौं । आजु नहीं जो करौं काज तुव, कौन काज फुनि लैहौं ॥ यह मिथ्या संसार सदाई, यह कहिकै उठि ऐहौं । सूर दिना द्वै ब्रज-जन सुख दै, आइ चरन पुनि गैहौं ॥11॥

Tum pathavat gokul kai jaihaun. Jau manihain brahm ki baatein, to unsaun mai kaihaun. Gadgad bachan kahat man prapoolit, bar bar samjhaihaun. Aaju nahin jo karaun kaj tuv, kaun kaaj phuni laihaun. Yah mithya sansar sadai, yah kahikai uthi aihaun. Soor dina dwai braj-jan sukh dai, aai charan puni gaihaun. (11)

You learn (this) and go to Gokul. Those who adhere to words of the creator, I say to them. Delighted speech that pleases the heart, make them understand again and again. If you won't do this task today, then who else will take up this task. This world always lies, say this and come back. Soor give the braj people happiness, and then return back. (11)

तुरत ब्रज जाहु उपँग-सुत आजु । ज्ञान बुझाइ खबरि दै आवहु , एक पंथ द्वै काज ॥ जब तैं मधुबन कौं हम आए , फेरि गयौ नहिं कोइ । जुवतिनि पै ताही कौं पठवैं, जो तुम लायक होइ ॥ इक प्रवीन अरु सखा हमारे, ज्ञानी तुम सरि कौन । सोइ कीजौ जातैं ब्रज-बाला, साधन सीखैं पौन ॥ श्रीमुख स्याम कहत यह बानी, ऊधौ सुनत सिहात । आयसु मानि सूर प्रभु जैहौं, नारि मानिहैं बात ॥12॥

Turat braj jahu upang-sut aaju. Gyaan bujhai khabari dai aavahu, ek panth dwai kaaj. Jab tain madhuban kaun ham aaye, pheri gayau nahin koi. Juvatini pai tahi kaun pathavain, jo tum layak hoi. Ek praveen aru sakha humare, gyanji tum sari kaun. Soi keejau jatain braj-bala, sadhan seekhain paun. Shreemukh syaam kahat yah bani, udhau sunat sihaat. Aayasu maani soor prabhu jaihaun, nari manihain baat. (12)

Immediately go to Braj today Upang-sut, Preach knowledge and news, two birds in one stone. Till I reach Madhuban, no one should run around (?) Who else can teach the maidens, there is no one like you. My one skilled friend, who is learned like you. So go to the maidens of Braj, and teach them a thing or two. Shri-tongued Shyam says these words, and Uddhav listens as if whipped. Accepting the order of Soor's lord, preaching it to women (of Braj).

हलधर कहत प्रीति जसुमति की । कहा रोहिनी इतनी पावै, वह बोलनि अति हित की ॥ एक दिवस हरि खेलत मो सँग, झगरौ कीन्हौ पेलि । मौकौं दौरि गोद करि लीन्हौ, इनहिं दियौ कर ठेलि ॥ नंद बबा तब कान्ह गोद करि, खीजन लागे मोकौं । सूर स्याम नान्हौं तेरौ भैया, छोह न आवत तोकौं ॥13॥

Haldhar kahat priti jasumati ki. Kaha rohini itni paavaye, vah bolni ati hit ki. Ek diwas hari khelat mo sang, jhagrau keenhau peli. Maukaun dauri god kari leenhau, inahin diyau kar theli. Nand babaa tab kanh god kari, kheejan lage mokaun. Soor syam nanhaun terau bhauya, chhoh na aavat tokaun. (13)

Haldhar says the love of Yashomati. Where does one get Rohini's such well-wishing words. One day Hari was playing with me, (he) started fighting. Keeping me at a distance (he) went to get on the lap, pushing me aside. Nand baba took him on his lap, and I got scorned at. Soor's little Shyam your brother, (I) could not leave you behind (13)

जसुमति करति मोकौं हेत । सुनौ ऊधौ कहत बनत न, नैन भरि-भरि लेत ॥ दुहुँनि कौ कुसलात कहियौ, तुमहिं भूलत नाहिं । स्याम हलधर सुत तुम्हारे, और के न कहाहिं ॥ आइ तुमकौं धाइ मिलिहैं, कछुक कारज और । सूर हमकौ तुम बिना सुख, कौ नहीं कहुँ ठौर ॥14॥

Jasumati karti mokaun het. Sunau udhau kahat banat na, nain bhari-bhari let. Duhuni kau kusalat kahiyau, tumahin bhulat naahin. Syaam haldhar sut tumhare, aur ke n kahaahin. Aai tumkaun dhai milihain, kachuk karaj aur. Soor humkau tum bina sukh, kau nahin kahun thaur. (14)

Uddhav Braj aagman/Uddhav arrives in Braj (Part 1)

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Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

जबहिं चले ऊधौ मधुबन तैं, गोपिनि मनहिं जनाइ गई । बार-बार अलि लागे स्रवननि, कछु दुख कछु हिय हर्ष भई ॥ जहँ तहँ काग उड़ावन लागी, हरि आवत उड़ि जाहिं नहीं । समाचार कहि जबहिं मनावतिं, उड़ि बैठत सुनि औचकहीं ॥ सखी परस्पर यह कही बातैं, आजु स्याम कै आवत हैं । किधौ सूर कोऊ ब्रज पठयौ, आजु खबरि कै पावत हैं ॥1॥

Jabahin chale udhau madhuban tain, gopini manahin janai gai. Baar-baar ali lage sravanani, kachhu dukh kachhu hiya harsh bhai. Jahan tahan kaag udavan lagi, Hari aavat udi jaahin nahin. Samachar kahi jabahin manavatin, udi baithat suni auchakahin. Kidhau soor kou Braj pathayou, aaju khabari kai paavat hain. (1)

Just as Uddhav departs from Madhuban, the Gopis' hearts know. Repeatedly a bee buzzes by the ear, the heart saddens a little cheers up a little. The crows (that) fly about here and there, don't fly anymore for Hari is coming. Saying the news when a wish, flies up as (one) hears it suddenly. Friends (fem.) talk amongst themselves, today Shyam will come. Or Soor someone was sent to Braj, today (we will) receive news. (1)

आजु कोऊ नीकी बात सुनावै । कै मधुबन तैं नंद लाड़लौ, कैऽब दूत कोउ आवै ॥ भौंर एक चहूँदिसि तैं उड़ि-उड़ि, कानन लगि-लगि गावै । उत्तम भाषा ऊँचे चढ़ि-चढ़ि, अंग-अंग सगुनावै ॥ भामिनि एक सखी सौं बिनवै, नैन नीर भरि आवै । सूरदास कोऊ ब्रज ऐसौ, जो ब्रजनाथ मिलावै ॥2॥

Aaju kou neeki baat sunavaye. Kai Madhuban tain nand ladlau, kaiiab doot kou aavaye. Bhaunr ek chahoondisi tain udi-udi, kanan lagi-lagi gavaye. Uttam bhasha oonche chadhi-chadhi, ang-ang sagunavaye. Bhamini ek sakhi saun binavaye, nain neer bhari aavaye. Soordas kou Braj aisau, jo Brajnath milavaye. (2)

Someone brings good tidings today. What Madhuban and its beloved son, what kind of messenger now arrives. A black bee flies around, sticking to the groves it sings. (In the) best language it climbs up and up, brings good omens to each part. A lady a friend simply wishes this, eyes well up with tears. Soordas says this is what Braj is like, where one meets the lord of Braj. (2)

तौ तू उड़ि न जाइ रे काग । जौ गुपाल गोकुल कौं आवैं, तो ह्वै है बड़भाग ॥ दधि ओदन भरि दोनौं दैहौं, अरु अंचल कौ पाग । मिलि हौं हृदय सिराइ स्रवन सुनि, मेटि बिरह के दाग ॥ जैसें मातु पिता नहिं जानत, अंतर कौ अनुराग । सूरदास प्रभु करैं कृपा जब, तब तैं देह सुहाग ॥3॥

Tau tu udi na jai re kaag. Jau Gupal Gokul kaun aavayen, to hwai hai badbhag. Dadhi odan bhari donaun daihaun, aru anchal kau paag. Mili haun hriday sirai sravan suni, meti birah ke daag. Jaisen matu pita nahin janat, antar kau anurag. Soordas prabhu karain kripa jab, tab tain deh suhag. (3)

So don't fly about O crow. When Gopal comes to Gokul, then comes about immense luck. Fill up both milk and cooked rice, and tie up the end of your sarees. The heart grows tranquil as the ear listens, the stain of sad separation removed. Just like mother and father don't know, how to differentiate in love. Soordas' Lord when he cares, till then the body retains fortune. (3)

है कोउ वैसी ही अनुहारि । मधुबन तन तैं आवत सखि री, देखौ नैन निहारि ॥ वैसोइ मुकुट मनोहर कुँडल, पीत बसन रुचिकारि । वैसहिं बात कहत सारथि सौं, ब्रज तन बाँह पसारि ॥ केतिक बीच कियौ हरि अंतर, मनु बीते जुग चारि । सूर सकल आतुर अकुलानी, जैसें मीन बिनु बारि ॥4॥

Hai kou vaisi hi anuhari. Madhuban tan tain aavat sakhi ri, dekhau nain nihari. Vaisoi mukut manohar kundal, peet basan ruchikari. Vaisahin baat kahat saarathi saun, Braj tan baanh pasaari. Ketik beech kiyau hari antar, manu beete jug chari. Soor sakal aatur akulani, jaisen meen binu baari. (4)

Must be someone similar. The one whose form comes to Madhuban O Sakhi, gaze with your eyes. A crown like his, a heart stealing ear ornament, wearing yellow garments. Talks to the charioteer exactly like him, spreads his body and arm out. How could one differentiate between (him and) hari, four epochs will seemingly pass by (doing so). Soor everyone is excited and anxious, as if a fish without water. (4)

घर घर इहै सब्द पर्‌यौ । सुनत जसुमति धाइ निकसी, हरष हियौ भर्‌यौ ॥ नंद हरषित चले आगैं, सखा हरसित अंग । झुंड झुंडनि नारि हरषित, चलीं उदधि तरंग ॥ गाइ हरषित ते स्रवतिं थन, चौकरत गौ बाल । उमँगि अंग न मात कोऊ, बिरध तरुनऽरु बाल ॥ कोउ कहत बलराम नाहीं, स्याम रथ पर एक । कोउ कहत प्रभु सूर दोऊ, रचित बात अनेक ॥5॥

Ghar ghar ihai sabd paryau. Sunat Jasumati dhai nikasi, harash hiyau bharyau. Nand harshit chale aagain, sakha harsit ang. Jhund jhundni nari harshit, chalin udadhi tarang. Gai harshit te sravatin than, chaukarat gau baal. Umangi ang na maat kou, biradh tarunaru baal. Kou kahat balram naahin, Syaam rath par ek. Kou kahat prabhu soor dou, rachit baat anek. (5)

Every home this talk pervades. Hearing (which) Yashomati rushes out, full of joy. Nand comes over delighted, friends' (masc) with delighted limbs. Groups of women in joy, move (as if) waves in a sea. They sing in delight and (cow) teats flow, calfs jump around. Limbs surge there is no mother, aged tree or child. Some say there's no balaram, Shyam is alone on the chariot. Some say Soor's lords are two, many such talks crafted. (5)

कोउ माई आवत है तनु स्याम । वैसे पट बैसिय रथ वैठनि, वैसीयै उर दाम ॥ जो जैसैं तैसैं उठि धाईं, छाँड़ि सकल गृह काम ॥ पुलक रोम गदगद तेहीं छन, सोभित अँग अभिराम ॥ इतने बीच आइ गए ऊधौ, रहीं ठगी सब बाम । सूरदास प्रभु ह्याँ कत आवैं, बँधे कुबिजा रस-दाम ॥6॥

Kou mai aavat hai tanu syaam. Vaise pat baisiya rath vaithani, vaisiyai ur daam. Jo jaisain taisain uthi dhain, chhadi sakal grih kaam. Pulak rom taisain uthi dhaai, chhandi sakal grih kaam. Itne beech aai gaye Udhau, rahin thagi sab baam. Soordas prabhu hyaan kat aavayen, bandhe kubija ras-daam. (6)

Uddhav-Gopi Samvad/Uddhav-Gopi Dialogue (Part 1-1)

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(Translation notes under the cut.)

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

सुनौ गोपी हरि कौ संदेस करि समाधि अंतर गति ध्यावहु, यह उनकौ उपदेस ॥ वै अविगत अविनासी पूरन, सब-घट रहे समाइ । तत्व ज्ञान बिनु मुक्ति नहीं है, बेद पुराननि गाइ ॥ सगुन रूप तजि निरगुन ध्यावहु, इस चित इक मन लाइ । वह उपाइ करि बिरह तरौ तुम, मिलै ब्रह्म तब आइ ॥ दुसह सँदेस सुनत माधौ को, गोपी जन बिलखानी । सूर बिरह की कौन चलावै, बुड़तिं मनु बिनु पानी ॥1॥

Sunon gopi Hari kau sandes. Kari samadhi antar gati dhyavahu, yah unkau updes. Vai avigat avinasi pooran, sab-ghat rahe samai. Tattva gyan binu mukti nahin hai, bed puranani gai. Sagun roop taji nirgun dhyavahu, is chit ik man lai. Vah upai kari biraha tarau tum, milai brahma tab aayi. Dusaha sandes sunat Madhau ko, gopi jan bilakhani. Soor biraha ki kaun chalavai, budatin manu binu paani. (1)

Listen gopi Hari's message. Meditate and focus with your heart, this is his advice. That who is unknown invincible complete, assimilated into everyone's heart. There is no release without knowledge of the essence, sing veda and puranas. Leave the one with form and pray to the formless, your heart and mind will be one. With this solution break your separation, then you'll attain the creator. Listening to Madhau's unbearable message, the gopis were saddened. Soor who operates despair, the heart drowns without water. (1)

परी पुकार द्वार गृह-गृह तैं, सुनी सखी इक जोगी आयौ । पवन सधावन, भवन छुड़वन, रवन-रसाल, गोपाल पठायौ ॥ आसन बाँधि, परम ऊरध चित, बनत न तिनहिं कहा हित ल्यायौ । कनक बेलि , कामिनि ब्रजबाला, जोग अगिनि दहिबे कौं धायौ ॥ भव-भय हरन, असुर मारन हित, कारन कान्ह मधुपुरी छायौ । ब्रज मै जादव एकौ नाहीं, काहैं उलटौ जस बिथरायौ ॥ सुथल जु स्याम धाम मैं बैठौ, अबलनि प्रति अधिकार जनायौ ॥ सूर बिसारी प्रीति साँवरै, भली चतुरता जगत हँसायौ ॥2॥

Pari pukaar dwar grih-grih tain, suni sakhi ik jogi aayau. Pavan sadhavan, bhavan chhudavan, ravan-rasaal, Gopal pathayau. Aasan baandhi, param uradh chit, banat na tinahin kaha hit lyayau. Kanak beli, kamini brajbala, jog agini dahibe kaun dhayau. Bhav-bhay haran, asur maran hit, karan Kanh Madhupuri chhayau. Braj main Jadav ekau nahin, kahain ultau jas bithrayau. Suthal ju syaam dham main baithau, abalani prati adhikar janayau. Soor bisari priti Saanware, bhali chaturta jagat hansayau. (2)

Every door and house is beckoned with a call, listen friend a yogi has come. One who prays the wind, left his house, sent by sweet husband Gopal. Packing his seat, peak high chest, words cannot express the wellness he brings. Golden creepers, seductive maidens of Braj, (he) runs over to give (them) the fire of yoga. Capturer of all feelings and fears, for killing a demon, Kanha went to Madhupuri. No Yadav is left in Braj, why is prosperity being showered backwards. Wherever Shyam is that place is pious, he lauds his godliness over weak maidens. Soor the love of the Dusky One was lost, the one who made the world laugh with cunning. (2)

देन आए ऊधौ मत नीकौ । आवहु री मिलि सुनहु सयानी, लेहु सुजस कौ टीकौ ॥ तजन कहत अंबर आभूषन, गेह नेह सुत ही कौ । अंग भस्म करि सीस जटा धरि,सिखवत निरगुन फीकौ ॥ मेरे जान यहै जुवतिनि कौ, देत फिरत दुख पी कौ । ता सराप तें भयौ स्याम तन, तउ न गहत डर जी कौ ॥ जाकी प्रकृति परी जिय जेसी, सोच न भली बुरी कौ । जैसैं सूर ब्याल रस चाखैं, मुख नहिं होत अमी कौ ॥3॥

Den aaye udhau mat neekau. Avahu ri mili sunahu sayani, lehu sujas kau teekau. Tajan kahat ambar aabhushan, geh neh sut hi kau. Ang bhasm kari sees jata dhari, sikhavat nirgun pheekau. Mere jaan yahai juvatani kau, det phirat dukh pi kau. Ta saraap ten bhayau Syam tan, tau na gahat dar jee kau. Jaki prakriti pari jiya jesi, soch na bhali buri kau. Jaisain Soor byal ras chakhain, mukh nahin hot amee kau. (3)

Uddhav comes to give knowledge of love. Come O meet listen young women, take the mark of good fortune. Says to part with clothes and jewelry, house affection and sons. With ashes on the limbs and head tied with matted hair, the unsocial teaches of the formless. I came to know that to maidens, he gives sadness to drink. This curse was inflicted on Shyam's body, yet fear doesn't take root in his heart. One's heart is as their nature, no thought is good or bad. Just like Soor a snake when tastes a juice, its mouth does not fill with elixir. (3)

प्रकृति जो जाकैं अंग परी । स्वान पूँछ कोउ कोटिक लागै, सूधी कहुँ न करी ॥ जैसें काग भच्छ नहिं छाँड़ै, जनमत जौन घरी । धौए रंग जात नहिं कैसेहुँ, ज्यौं कारी कमरी ॥ ज्यौं अहि डसत उदर नहिं पूरत, ऐसी धरनि धरी । सूर होइ सो होइ सोच नहिं, तैसेइ एऊ री ॥4॥

Prakriti jo jaakain ang pari. Swan poonch kou kotik laagai, soodhi kahun na kari. Jaisen kaag bhachchh nahin chhandai, janamat jaun ghari. Dhaue rang jaat nahin kaisehun, jyaun kaari kamri. Jyaun ahi dasat udar nahin poorat, aisi dharani dhari. Soor hoi so hoi soch nahin, taisei eu ri. (4)

Nature is what is bestowed on whoever's part. A dog's tail looks curved to some, it can't be straightened. Just like a crow won't leave food no matter where it's born. Washed colours don't leave, a black blanket. The snake that cannot fill its belly without biting, this stance holds. Soor what happens doesn't remain a thought, this is just like that. (4)

समुझि न परति तिहारो ऊधौ । ज्यौं त्रिदोष उपजैं जक लागत, बोलत बचन न सूधौ ॥ आपुन कौ उपचार करो अति, तब औरनि सिख देहु । बड़ौ रोग उपयौ है तुमकौं भवन सबारैं लेहु । ह्वाँ भेषज नाना बाँतिन के, अरु मधु-रिपु से बैद । हम कातर डरपतिं अपनै सिर, यह कलंक है खेद ॥ साँची बात छाँड़ि अलि तेरी, झूठी को अब सुनिहै । सूरदास मुक्ताहल भोगी, हंस ज्वारि क्यौं चुनिहै ॥5॥

Samujhi na parti tiharo Udhau. Jyaun tridosh upjain jak lagat, bolat bachan na soodhau. Aapun kau upchar karo ati, tab aurani sikh dehu. Badau rog upyau hai tumkaun bhavan sabarain lehu. Hwan bheshaj nana baantin ke, aru madhu-ripu se baid. Hum katar darpatin apnai sir, wah kalank hai khed. Saanchi baat chhadi ali teri, jhoothi ko sab sunihai. Soordas muktahal bhoji, hans jwari kyaun chunihai. (5)

You are incomprehensible Uddhav. The three faults that emerge when Jak* takes root, make one speak not easily. Cure yourself quickly, then preach to others. You have contracted a massive disease take shelter soon. There you will find medicines for various things, and healers to create enmity with honey. We anxious fearful at our heads, bear the mark of sadness. Leave your true words behind O Bee, listen to the lies. Soordas the consumer of pearls, why does the swan choose the gambler. (5)

Uddhav ka gopiyon ko pati dena/Uddhav gives the letter to the gopis (Part 1)

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(Translation notes under the cut.)

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

ब्रज घर-घर सब होति बधाइ । कँचन कलस दूब दधि रोचन, लै वृँदाबन आइ ॥ मिली ब्रजनारि तिलक सिर कीनौ, करि प्रदच्छिना तासु । पूछत कुसल नारि-नर हरषत, आए सब ब्रज-बासु ॥ सकसकात तनधकधकात उर, अकबकात सब ठाढ़े । सूर उपँग-सुत बोलत नाहीं, अति हिरदै ह्वै गाढ़े ॥1॥

Braj ghar-ghar sab hoti badhai. Kanchan kalas doob dadhi rochan, laye Vrindaban aai. Mili Brajnari tilak sir keenau, kari pradacchina tasu. Poochat kusal nari-nar harshat, aaye sab braj-basu. Saksakat tankadhkat ur, akbakat sab thade. Soor Upang-sut bolat nahin, ati hirdai hvyai gadhe. (1)

Celebrations in every home of Braj. Gold, urns durva grass curd of love, bring to Vrindavan. Maidens of Braj meet (Uddhav) applying a mark on (his) forehead, they go around him. Ask of regards women and men with glee, come all dwellers of Braj. Bodies shake with fear hearbeat thumps in chests, stupefied all stand. Soor Upangsut says nothing, the heart grows denser. (1)

ऊधौ कहौ हरि कुसलात । कह्यौ आवन किधौं नाहीं, बोलिऐ मुख बात ॥ एक छिन जुग जात हमकौं, बिनु सुने हरि प्रीति । आपु आए कृपा कीन्हीं , अब कहौ कछु नीति ॥ तब उपँग-सुत सबनि बोले, सुनौ श्रीमुख जोग । सूर सुनि सब दौरि आईं, हटकि दीन्हौ लोग ॥2॥

Udhau kahau Hari kusalat. Kahyau aavan kidhaun nahin, boliae mukh bat. Ek chhin jug jaat humkaun, bin sune Hari priti. Aapu aaye kripa keenhin, ab kahau kachu niti. Tab Upang-sut sabani bole, sunau Shrimukh jog. Soor suni sab dauri aai, hatki deenhau log. (2)

Uddhav give us Hari's regards. Say he'll come or not, utter words from your mouth. One moment of ours doesn't pass by, without hearing of Hari's love. Your arrival is a blessing, now tell us the way. Then Upangsut speaks to everyone, listen to Shrimukh's answers. Soor everyone listens and runs over, people had to be held back. (2)

गोपी सुनहु हरि संदेस । गए संग अक्रूर मधुबन, हत्यौ कंस नरेस ॥ रजक मार्‌यौ बसन पहिरे, धनुष तोर्‌यौ जाइ । कुबलया, चानूर मुष्टिक, दिए धरनि गिराइ ॥ मातु पितु के बंद छोरे, बासुदेव कुमार । राज दीन्हौ उग्रसेनहिं, चौंर निज कर ढार ॥ कह्यौ तुमकौं ब्रह्म ध्यावन, छाँड़ि बिषय बिकार । सूर पाती दई लिखि मोंहिं, पढ़ौ गोप-कुमारि ॥3॥

Gopi sunahu Hari sandes. Gaye sang Akrur Madhuban, hatyau Kansa nares. Rajak maryau basan pahire, dhanush toryau jai. Kubalaya*, Chanur* Mushtik*, diye dharni girai. Matu pitu ke band chore, Basudev kumar. Raj deenhau Ugrasenahin, chaunr nij kar dhar. Kahyau tumkaun Brahma dhyavan, chhandi bishay bikar. Soor pati dai likhi monhi, padhau gopa-kumari. (3)

Cowherdesses, listen to Hari's message. Went to Madhuban with Akrur, killed King Kansa. Hit a washerman wore clothes, tore apart a bow. Kubalaya*, Chanur* Mushtik*, were killed by him. Mother and father released from prison, by the young Vasudev. The kingdom was given to Ugrasen, (Hari) himself held the whisk. Told you to meditate on Brahma, leave behind useless topics. Soor letters he has sent, read young cowherdesses. (3)

पाती मधुबन ही तैं आई । सुंदर स्याम आपु लिखि पठई, आइ सुनौ री माई ॥ अपने गृह तैं दौरीं, लै पाती उर लाई । नैननि निरखि निमेष न खंडित, प्रेम-तृषा न बुझाई ॥ कहा करौं सूनौ गह गोकुल, हरि बिनु कछु न सुहाई । सूरदास ब्रज चूक तैं, स्याम सुरति बिसराई ॥4॥

Pati Madhuban hi tain aain. Sundar Syam aapu likhi pathai, aai sunau ri mai**. Aapne grih tain daurin, lai pati ur laai. Nainani nirakhi nimesh na khaandit, prem-trisha na bujhai. Kaha karaun sunau gah Gokul, Hari binu kachu na suhai. Soordas Braj chook tain, Syam surati bisarai. (4)

Letter comes from Madhuban. Beautiful Shyam writes to you, come listen O Mothers**. From their homes come running, taking the letter to their chests. Inspecting with their eyes without blinking, their thirst for love unquenched. What to do listen Gokul, no wits left without Hari. Soordas misses Braj, Shyam's love is forgotten. (4)