This is a versified expression used by Mahapurush Shree Shree Madhabdeva on the basis of his spiritual life experiences. It is also described as Vedanta-based philosophy. As in the Bhagwat Purana, which is described as the essence of all the Vedas, Naam Ghosa is considered the epitome of celestial verses which describe the spiritual knowledge of devotion.
Born in Assam, Shree Shree Madhabdeva was a firm believer of the Shakti cult till he met his great master, Shree Shree Shankardeva, the Vaishnavite poet, artist and mystic born in the middle of the 15th century. At the time of Shankardeva’s birth, Assam was in the throes of turmoil. The country was disunited through various religious sects, heterogeneous faiths and practices. Saktism or worship of the Goddess who had many names through the sacrifice of animals was the common practice. In the midst of this practice of animal sacrifice, Shankardeva launched the Vaishnavite movement and its propagation through literature and music against all odds and opposition. He succeeded in bringing the people of Assam from a debased form of Shakti tantricism to the pure monotheism of Vaishnavite faith-the religion of Bhaktas, the essence of the sanskriti path (path of culture). Madhabdeva followed in his footsteps and set-up his monastery at Barpeta to compose the Naam Ghosa. A specimen or two is quoted below to give an idea of the theme of his compositions:
This compilation of poems composed by a great sage 500 years ago shows mankind the way to reach Godhead only through simple prayer and devotion. One can attain not only Godhead but also the ultimate salvation by reciting prayers through devotion to the Supreme God.
-Jayant Patel
(Promilla & Co., Bibliophile South Asia, C-127 Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi-110 017.)
