Jadunandana Das, a popular Bengali Vaishnava author, was a contemporary of Srinivasa and Virachandra. Among his works the most important one is the "Karnananda", which was composed in 1607; the first edition of the book was published in Berhampur. After "Prema Vilasa", "Karnananda" is an important historical work of Bengal. The word "Karnananda" means joy of the ear.
Life of Jadunandana Das
Jadunandana Das, belonging to the Vaidya caste, was born in the Malihati or Melati village near Hathwa in Bihar. He was initiated into Vaishvism by Suvalachandra Thakura, the grandson of Srinivasa Achrya. Jadunandana was a great admirer of Hemalata Devi, daughter of Srivasa Achrya. She was married in the village of Budhuipada, where Jadunandana Das spent many years of his life. So, he got the chance to have a glimpse of her. All of his works have mentions of Hemalata Devi with great respect. She was extremely pleased with Jadunandana"s excellence of his composition in "Karnananda".
Writings in Karnananda
In "Karnananda", Jadunandana Das enters into the theological topics with greater ease and power. He also enlightens his tale with poetical descriptions and uses a facile and musical style. "Karnananda" is divided into seven "Niryasas" or chapters. The first Niryasa gives an account of the first disciples of Srinivasa; the second chapter is consisted of the followers of his disciples; the third one gives a sketch of Ramachandra Kaviraja. The next two Niryasas, fourth and fifth, are devoted to the descriptions of the religious queries made by Vira Hamvira and the answers to them by Ramachandra Kaviraja. These dialogues exhibit the time which Vaishnavism saw after the disappearance of Mahaprabhu Chaitanya. The last portion of the fifth "Niryasa" gives an account of Srinivasa`s interview with Gopala Bhatta and Jiva Goswami. The sixth chapter describes the legends of Chaitanya`s prophecy about Srinivasa. The seventh or the last Niryasa gives an account of the death of Raghunatha Das. Jadunandana was well versed in Sanskrit so he gave some preliminary verses in Sanskrit in "Karnananda" as well of his own compositions.
Other Works of Jadunandana Das
Apart from "Karnananda", Jadunandana was also famous as a translator. He translated some of the Sanskrit poems of Vaishnava Literature; for example "Govinda Lilamrta" by Krishnadas Kaviraj, "Vidagdha Madhava" by Rupa and "Krishnakarnamrta" by Vilvamangala. The translations are all metrical and lucid in their own styles. Among these translations, "Govinda Lilamrta" is the most remarkable work of him. Jadunandana Das has also composed many songs on Radha-Krishna, which can be found in "Padakalpataru" and some other anthologies of Vaishnava verse.
