Narsi Mehta Jayanti: Date, Significance, Literary Works, Celebration

Narsi Mehta Jayanti is celebrated in fond remembrance of Narsinh Mehta (Narsi Bhagat), the great Gujarati saint-poet who lived from the year 1414 and 1481. His lifetime is varied considered as 1409-1488 by some historians. That was the time when the Bhakti movement was in vogue and pioneered by the South Indian saints. Sri Narsi Mehta is a proponent of Vaishnava poetry and is celebrated as the ‘Adi Kavi’ in Gujarati literature (the first-ever poet). This year, Narsi Mehta Jayanti  falls on December.

Narsi Mehta Jayanti is a day celebrated in honor of the great saint-poet Narsinh Mehta, also known as Narsi Mehta. He was a 15th century Vaishnava poet-saint from Gujarat, India, famous for his devotional songs, bhajans, and his contributions to Gujarati literature. His most renowned work, “Vaishnava Jana To,” reflects his deep devotion and humanism, and it became a significant hymn during India’s independence movement.

About Narsi Mehta

Narsi Mehta was a Bhakti saint of 14-15th century AD, who hailed from Talaja, Gujarat. He lost his parents when he was around 5 years old and was brought up by his grandmother. History has it that he was not able to speak until the age of 8. With his extreme devotion and love for Lord Krishna, he had the fortune to get His vision on several occasions. Like other Bhakti saints, being emotional, he used to sing and dance in ecstasy, immensely absorbed in devotion to the lord.

Once, when he felt humiliated at home, he went to a forest and meditated for a week sitting near an isolated Shivalinga. According to history, Shiva appeared before him and on the poet’s request took him to Brindavan and allowed him the spectacle the ‘Raasleela’ of Lord Krishna and the gopis. The poet was engrossed in eternal bliss after getting the vision. At Lord Krishna’s command, he started singing His praise and the ecstatic experience of the ‘Rasa’.

Significance of Narsi Mehta Jayanti:

• Date of Celebration: Narsi Mehta Jayanti is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which usually falls in June or July. This is the birth anniversary of Narsi Mehta.
• Cultural Importance: The day is marked by cultural programs, bhajan recitals, and gatherings, especially in Gujarat. Devotees remember his teachings and life, which emphasized love, devotion, equality, and humility.
• Celebrations: In towns like Junagadh and Porbandar, where Narsi Mehta spent significant parts of his life, there are special events, processions, and performances of his works. Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna often organize special prayers and events.

Narsi Mehta: Places of Significance

Several places in Gujarat are of great significance in connection with the life of Narsi Mehta. These places are often visited by devotees and cultural enthusiasts who wish to honor his legacy:

1. Junagadh

Narsi Mehta’s Home: Junagadh is where Narsi Mehta spent a significant portion of his life and is often considered the epicenter of his spiritual journey. His home in Junagadh is a place of pilgrimage.

Narsinh Mehta Choro: This is a place in Junagadh where it is believed that Narsi Mehta used to conduct his devotional meetings and sing bhajans. It has become a cultural and spiritual site where devotees gather to remember him.

2. Porbandar

Narsi Mehta is believed to have been born in Talaja, near Bhavnagar, but he spent part of his life in Porbandar, which is also associated with Mahatma Gandhi. There are temples and memorials here that celebrate his contributions to devotional music and literature.

3. Talaja

Birthplace: Narsi Mehta was born in Talaja, a small town in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. There are memorials in the area commemorating his birth and early life. It is a significant place for devotees who wish to connect with his origins.

These places are culturally important in Gujarat, especially for those who follow Vaishnavism and appreciate devotional music. The sites are often visited during Narsi Mehta Jayanti and other

Literary Works of Narsi Mehta:

Narsi Mehta has written 22,000 kirtans or poetic compositions. His poetry on ‘Rasaleela’ of Radha and Krishna is classified as a “Shringar” composition. Some of his compositions are known by the following names: Pada, Prabhatiya and Aakhyan. It is widely accepted that many spiritual truths are revealed in his poems. Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite poem “Vaishnava Jan To” is from Sri Narsi Mehta’s poetic composition.

Narsi Mehta, also known as Narsinh Mehta, was a renowned saint-poet of Gujarat, whose literary contributions are foundational to Gujarati literature and devotional music. His works primarily focus on the themes of devotion to Lord Krishna, morality, and humanism. Here are some of his most notable literary works:

1. Vaishnava Jana To

Genre: Bhajan (Devotional song)

Significance: This is perhaps his most famous work, which became a symbol of compassion and moral conduct. The bhajan emphasizes the qualities of a true Vaishnava (devotee of Vishnu), such as empathy, humility, and service to others. Mahatma Gandhi popularized this song during India’s independence movement, making it an anthem for non-violence and selfless service.

2. Mānuṣa Nema

Genre: Poetry

Significance: “Mānuṣa Nema” is a collection of his poetic works that describe the moral and ethical duties of a human being. These poems are philosophical and reflect Narsi Mehta’s deep spiritual insights.

3. Sudama Charitra

Genre: Narrative poetry

Significance: This work recounts the story of Sudama, a poor Brahmin who visits his childhood friend, Lord Krishna, seeking help. The poem highlights themes of devotion, friendship, and the grace of God. Narsi Mehta’s rendition of the Sudama-Krishna story is popular in Gujarati folklore.

4. Govinda Gāman

Genre: Bhakti Poetry

Significance: This is a devotional composition that narrates the departure of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. It expresses the intense emotions of separation felt by the Gopis (milkmaids) when Krishna leaves. The poem is cherished for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

5. Surat Sangram

Genre: Narrative Poetry

Significance: This work details a battle between virtue and vice. Through this allegorical narrative, Narsi Mehta conveys spiritual lessons on overcoming internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.

6. Shri Purushottama-no Pad

Genre: Bhakti Poetry

Significance: This poem praises Lord Purushottama (a form of Lord Vishnu) and explores the concept of God as the ultimate savior and protector. It reflects Narsi Mehta’s deep devotion to Krishna and his vision of God as a loving and caring deity.

7. Raas Leela

Genre: Devotional Poetry

Significance: Narsi Mehta wrote extensively about the Raas Leela, the divine dance of Lord Krishna with the Gopis. His compositions in this genre are characterized by their lyrical beauty and deep emotional resonance, celebrating the joy and love between the divine and his devotees.

8. Pāda (Verses)

Genre: Poetry

Significance: Narsi Mehta composed numerous short verses (pāda), which are widely sung as devotional songs in Gujarat. These verses typically revolve around themes of devotion, surrender, and the virtues of a true devotee.
Narsi Mehta’s works are integral to the Bhakti movement and continue to be sung and revered in Gujarat and across India. His simple yet profound messages of devotion, equality, and love resonate with people of all backgrounds.

Narsi Mehta Jayanti

Narsi Mehta Jayanti is a celebration honoring the birth anniversary of Narsi Mehta, the 15th-century saint-poet from Gujarat, India. Known for his profound devotion to Lord Krishna and his contributions to Gujarati literature, Narsi Mehta’s works, especially his bhajans (devotional songs), continue to inspire generations.

Key Aspects of Narsi Mehta Jayanti:

Date: Narsi Mehta Jayanti is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi during the Hindu month of Ashadha, which typically falls in June or July.

Significance: The day is observed to commemorate the life and teachings of Narsi Mehta, who is revered for his contributions to the Bhakti movement. His work, “Vaishnava Jana To,” is particularly famous for its message of compassion, humility, and service.

Celebrations:

• Cultural Events: Across Gujarat, especially in places like Junagadh, Talaja, and Porbandar, cultural programs are organized, including recitations of his bhajans, lectures on his life, and performances of his literary works.
• Bhajan Recitals: Devotees and musicians perform Narsi Mehta’s bhajans in temples and community gatherings. These recitals create an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality.
• Processions: In some regions, processions are carried out in honor of the saint, with people singing and dancing to his devotional songs.
• Religious Observances: Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Narsi Mehta organize special prayers and ceremonies to celebrate his contributions to spirituality and devotion.

Key Locations for Celebrations:

• Junagadh: Known as the place where Narsi Mehta spent much of his life, Junagadh is a central location for the celebrations. The Narsinh Mehta Choro, a site where he is believed to have sung his devotional songs, is a focal point of the festivities.
• Porbandar: Another significant place, Porbandar, where Narsi Mehta spent part of his life, also hosts cultural and religious events on this day.
• Talaja: Narsi Mehta’s birthplace, Talaja, in Bhavnagar district, also sees gatherings and celebrations honoring the poet-saint.

Narsi Mehta Jayanti is not only a day of celebration but also a day of reflection on the values of compassion, humility, and devotion that Narsi Mehta advocate throughout his life and works.