A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.608

c5.608

GĪTĀ-GOVINDA. A lyrical poem by Jaya-deva on the early life of Krishna as Govinda the cowherd. It is an erotic work, and sings the loves of Krishna with Rādha, and other of the cowherd damsels, but a mystical interpretation has been put upon it. The poems are supposed to have been written about the twelfth or thirteenth century. There are some translations in the *Asiatic Researches* by Sir W. Jones, and a small volume of translations has been lately published by Mr. Edwin Arnold. There is also an edition of the text, with a Latin translation and notes, by Lassen, and there are some others.