Vaishnava Janato
વૈષ્ણવ જન તો|Vaiṣṇava Jana To|A True Vaishnava (Devotee)
Also known as: Vaishnav Jan To · Vaishnava Jana · Vaishnav Jan · Vaishnava Janato Bhajan · Vaishnava Jana To · Vaishna Jan To · Vaishnav Jan Toh · Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye
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વૈષ્ણવ જન તો તેને કહીએ જે પીડ પરાઈ જાણે રે,પરદુઃખે ઉપકાર કરે તોયે મન અભિમાન ન આણે રે. ||૧||
સકળ લોકમાં સહુને વંદે, નિંદા ન કરે કેની રે,વાચ કાછ મન નિશ્ચળ રાખે, ધન ધન જનની તેની રે. ||૨||
સમદૃષ્ટિ ને તૃષ્ણા ત્યાગી, પરસ્ત્રી જેને માત રે,જિહ્વા થકી અસત્ય ન બોલે, પરધન નવ ઝાલે હાથ રે. ||૩||
મોહ માયા વ્યાપે નહિ જેને, દૃઢ વૈરાગ્ય જેના મનમાં રે,રામ નામ શું તાળી રે લાગી, સકળ તીરથ તેના તનમાં રે. ||૪||
વણલોભી ને કપટરહિત છે, કામ ક્રોધ નિવાર્યા રે,ભણે નરસૈંયો તેનું દર્શન કરતા, કુળ ઇકોતેર તાર્યા રે. ||૫||
તીર્થ સ્વરૂપ તેના દર્શન કરતા, કુળ ઇકોતેર તાર્યા રે.ભણે નરસૈંયો તેનું દર્શન કરતા, કુળ ઇકોતેર તાર્યા રે. ||૬||
(Note: The last two verses are often combined or presented as a single concluding thought in many popular renditions. The above structure represents a common lyrical flow.)
वैष्णव जन तो तेने कहिए जे पीड़ पराई जाणे रे, परदुःखे उपकार करे तोये मन अभिमान न आणे रे. ||१|| सकळ लोकमां सहुने वन्दे, निंदा न करे केनी रे, वाच काछ मन निश्चळ राखे, धन धन जननी तेनी रे. ||२|| समदृष्टि ने तृष्णा त्यागी, परस्त्री जेने मात रे, जिह्वा थकी असत्य न बोले, परधन नव झाले हाथ रे. ||३|| मोह माया व्यापे नहि जेने, दृढ़ वैराग्य जेना मनमां रे, राम नाम शुं ताळी रे लागी, सकळ तीरथ तेना तनमां रे. ||४|| वणलोभी ने कपटरहित छे, काम क्रोध निवार्या रे, भणे नरसैंयो तेनुं दर्शन करता, कुळ इकोतेर तार्या रे. ||५|| तीरथ स्वरूप तेना दर्शन करता, कुळ इकोतेर तार्या रे. भणे नरसैंयो तेनुं दर्शन करता, कुळ इकोतेर तार्या रे. ||६|| (टिप्पणी: अंतिम दो छंद अक्सर कई लोकप्रिय प्रस्तुतियों में संयुक्त या एक ही समापन विचार के रूप में प्रस्तुत किए जाते हैं। उपरोक्त संरचना एक सामान्य गीतात्मक प्रवाह का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है।)
Call them a Vaishnava (devotee of Vishnu) who feels the pain of others, Who helps those in sorrow, yet holds no pride in their mind. ||1|| Who bows to everyone in the world, and speaks ill of no one, Who keeps their words, deeds, and mind pure; blessed is their mother. ||2|| Who sees all with equality, has renounced all craving, and considers another's wife as their mother, Whose tongue never utters a lie, and whose hands never touch another's wealth. ||3|| Who is untouched by delusion and attachment, and whose mind is firm in detachment, Whose soul is absorbed in the name of Rama; all holy places reside within their body. ||4|| Who is free from greed and deceit, and has overcome lust and anger, Narsinh says, by merely seeing such a one, seventy-one generations are saved. ||5|| By merely seeing such a one, seventy-one generations are saved. Narsinh says, by merely seeing such a one, seventy-one generations are saved. ||6|| (Note: The last two verses are often combined or presented as a single concluding thought in many popular renditions. The above structure represents a common lyrical flow.)
The translation aims for a literal yet poetic rendering of Narsinh Mehta's Gujarati, preserving the original's devotional spirit and philosophical depth.
Vaishnava Janato is one of the most revered and iconic bhajans (devotional songs) in the Gujarati language, composed by the 15th-century poet-saint Narsinh Mehta. Born in Talaja, Gujarat, Mehta is considered the Adi Kavi (first poet) of Gujarati literature and a pivotal figure in the Bhakti movement of medieval India. His compositions, primarily bhajans and padas, are deeply rooted in Vaishnava philosophy, emphasizing devotion to Krishna and the moral virtues of a true devotee. 'Vaishnava Janato' stands out for its profound ethical message, outlining the characteristics of an ideal human being, transcending mere religious identity. Its timeless appeal lies in its universal principles of empathy, humility, truthfulness, and detachment, making it a cornerstone of Gujarati cultural heritage. Culturally, 'Vaishnava Janato' gained unparalleled prominence through its association with Mahatma Gandhi, who adopted it as his daily prayer. It was sung regularly at his ashrams and public gatherings, becoming an anthem of his non-violent freedom movement. Gandhi's choice elevated the bhajan from a regional devotional song to a national symbol of ethical conduct and spiritual strength. It is frequently performed during religious ceremonies, cultural events, and commemorative occasions, particularly those related to Gandhi Jayanti (Gandhi's birthday). The bhajan's simple yet profound verses resonate with people across all walks of life, serving as a moral compass and an inspiration for selfless service. The bhajan is typically performed in a simple, congregational style, often accompanied by traditional Indian instruments such as the harmonium, tabla, dholak, and cymbals (manjira). It can be sung solo, in a call-and-response format, or by a full choir. Its melody is often set to a folk-like tune, making it accessible and easy to learn for diverse audiences. While it doesn't adhere to strict classical raga-tala structures, its emotional depth and lyrical beauty are paramount. It is sung by devotees in temples, by families in their homes, and by artists on stage, reflecting its pervasive presence in Indian society. Today, 'Vaishnava Janato' remains a powerful symbol of India's spiritual and ethical legacy. It continues to be taught in schools, performed in cultural programs, and adapted by contemporary musicians, ensuring its relevance for new generations. Its message of universal compassion, non-violence, and moral integrity is more pertinent than ever in a world grappling with division and conflict. The preservation of this bhajan is crucial not just for its historical and literary value but also for its enduring capacity to inspire humanity towards a more virtuous and harmonious existence. It serves as a living testament to the power of poetry to shape character and guide societal values.
Historical Background
Composed by Narsinh Mehta in the 15th century during the Bhakti movement in Gujarat. Gained national prominence in the 20th century as Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan and an anthem of the Indian independence movement.
Cultural Significance
A cornerstone of Gujarati literature and Bhakti tradition. Symbolizes universal ethical values and Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and truth. Widely recognized as a national moral anthem.
Usage & Performance Context
Daily prayers, congregational singing, spiritual gatherings, cultural programs, Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, educational settings, personal reflection.
वैष्णव जन तो गुजराती भाषा के सबसे प्रतिष्ठित और पूजनीय भजनों में से एक है, जिसकी रचना 15वीं शताब्दी के कवि-संत नरसिंह मेहता ने की थी। गुजरात के तलाजा में जन्मे मेहता को गुजराती साहित्य का आदिकवि और मध्यकालीन भारत के भक्ति आंदोलन में एक महत्वपूर्ण व्यक्ति माना जाता है। उनकी रचनाएँ, मुख्य रूप से भजन और पद, वैष्णव दर्शन में गहराई से निहित हैं, जो कृष्ण के प्रति भक्ति और एक सच्चे भक्त के नैतिक गुणों पर जोर देती हैं। 'वैष्णव जन तो' अपने गहन नैतिक संदेश के लिए विशेष रूप से प्रसिद्ध है, जो केवल धार्मिक पहचान से परे एक आदर्श मनुष्य की विशेषताओं को रेखांकित करता है। इसकी कालातीत अपील सहानुभूति, विनम्रता, सत्यनिष्ठा और वैराग्य के सार्वभौमिक सिद्धांतों में निहित है, जो इसे गुजराती सांस्कृतिक विरासत का एक आधारशिला बनाती है। सांस्कृतिक रूप से, 'वैष्णव जन तो' को महात्मा गांधी के साथ जुड़ने के कारण अद्वितीय प्रसिद्धि मिली, जिन्होंने इसे अपनी दैनिक प्रार्थना के रूप में अपनाया। यह उनके आश्रमों और सार्वजनिक सभाओं में नियमित रूप से गाया जाता था, और उनके अहिंसक स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन का एक गान बन गया। गांधी के इस चुनाव ने भजन को एक क्षेत्रीय भक्ति गीत से नैतिक आचरण और आध्यात्मिक शक्ति के राष्ट्रीय प्रतीक के रूप में ऊपर उठाया। यह अक्सर धार्मिक समारोहों, सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रमों और स्मारक अवसरों पर गाया जाता है, विशेष रूप से गांधी जयंती (गांधी का जन्मदिन) से संबंधित आयोजनों पर। भजन के सरल लेकिन गहन छंद जीवन के सभी क्षेत्रों के लोगों के साथ resonate करते हैं, एक नैतिक कम्पास और निस्वार्थ सेवा के लिए प्रेरणा के रूप में कार्य करते हैं। यह भजन आमतौर पर एक सरल, सामूहिक शैली में प्रस्तुत किया जाता है, अक्सर हारमोनियम, तबला, ढोलक और मंजीरा जैसे पारंपरिक भारतीय वाद्ययंत्रों के साथ। इसे एकल, कॉल-एंड-रिस्पांस प्रारूप में, या एक पूर्ण कोरस द्वारा गाया जा सकता है। इसकी धुन अक्सर लोक-शैली की होती है, जिससे यह विविध दर्शकों के लिए सुलभ और सीखने में आसान हो जाती है। हालांकि यह सख्त शास्त्रीय राग-ताल संरचनाओं का पालन नहीं करता है, इसकी भावनात्मक गहराई और गीतात्मक सुंदरता सर्वोपरि है। इसे मंदिरों में भक्तों द्वारा, घरों में परिवारों द्वारा और मंच पर कलाकारों द्वारा गाया जाता है, जो भारतीय समाज में इसकी व्यापक उपस्थिति को दर्शाता है। आज भी, 'वैष्णव जन तो' भारत की आध्यात्मिक और नैतिक विरासत का एक शक्तिशाली प्रतीक बना हुआ है। इसे स्कूलों में पढ़ाया जाता है, सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रमों में प्रस्तुत किया जाता है, और समकालीन संगीतकारों द्वारा अनुकूलित किया जाता है, जिससे नई पीढ़ियों के लिए इसकी प्रासंगिकता सुनिश्चित होती है। विभाजन और संघर्ष से जूझ रही दुनिया में सार्वभौमिक करुणा, अहिंसा और नैतिक अखंडता का इसका संदेश पहले से कहीं अधिक प्रासंगिक है। इस भजन का संरक्षण न केवल इसके ऐतिहासिक और साहित्यिक मूल्य के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है, बल्कि एक अधिक सदाचारी और सामंजस्यपूर्ण अस्तित्व की दिशा में मानवता को प्रेरित करने की इसकी स्थायी क्षमता के लिए भी महत्वपूर्ण है। यह चरित्र को आकार देने और सामाजिक मूल्यों का मार्गदर्शन करने वाली कविता की शक्ति का एक जीवंत प्रमाण है।
Who composed 'Vaishnava Janato'?
'Vaishnava Janato' was composed by the 15th-century Gujarati poet-saint Narsinh Mehta, considered the Adi Kavi (first poet) of Gujarati literature.
Why is 'Vaishnava Janato' associated with Mahatma Gandhi?
Mahatma Gandhi adopted 'Vaishnava Janato' as his daily prayer and a central hymn in his ashrams. Its message of universal ethics, non-violence, and compassion deeply resonated with his philosophy, making it an anthem of the Indian freedom movement.
What is the main message of 'Vaishnava Janato'?
The bhajan describes the ideal qualities of a true Vaishnava (devotee), emphasizing empathy, humility, truthfulness, detachment from worldly desires, and the ability to see everyone with equality, transcending narrow religious identities.
In what language is 'Vaishnava Janato' originally written?
'Vaishnava Janato' is originally written in Gujarati, the official language of the Indian state of Gujarat.
Is 'Vaishnava Janato' a public domain work?
Yes, 'Vaishnava Janato' is a public domain work. It was composed in the 15th century, far exceeding the copyright protection period, making it freely available for use and adaptation.
Region
Language
Gujarati (Gujarati script)
Themes
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