Bhaktakobi Joydeb by Radhamadhab Mondal [Hardcover]

"Bhakta Kavi Jaydev" – The First Bengali Novel on the Poet of Gita Govinda

"Chandana-charchita-neela-kalevara, Peetavasana Banamali..."

Rooted in history and extensive research, Bhakta Kavi Jaydev is the first Bengali novel that intricately weaves the life of the legendary poet Jaydev. Set against the backdrop of Ajay River’s Kenduli, Mandira, and the Senpahari region of Kaksa, this novel brings to life the historical and cultural richness of Rarh Bengal. Kenduli, still revered for its association with Jaydev, is home to the ancient Makar Mela, a festival deeply intertwined with the poet’s legacy.

While Jaydev remains the central figure, this novel is more than just his biography—it is a vivid social and historical chronicle of Rarh Bengal. It introduces us to Lakshman Sen, the ruler of Bengal at the time, along with people from various social strata, including the Dhekaru blacksmiths. Blending history, mythology, and folklore, the narrative allows imagination to take flight, much like the devotion-filled verses of Gita Govinda.

The poetic essence of Jaydev's life permeates the novel, lending parts of it the lyrical beauty of verse. Alongside Jaydev’s journey, we encounter his contemporaries—his poet-friend Parashar, the patron king Bhojadev, and his beloved Padmavati. From the Maratha invasions to the sacred landscapes of Kashi and Puri, the novel transports readers through time, immersing them in an era of faith, poetry, and devotion.

A tale of time, destiny, and an extraordinary life—Bhakta Kavi Jaydev stands as a monumental tribute to one of India’s greatest poet-devotees.