("A [poem]
series dedicated to Krishna") Tulsidas (1532–1623?) wrote a series of
sixty-one short poems devoted to the deity Krishna in the Braj Bhasha style of
Hindi.
Tulsidas is known as a devotee (bhakta) of the deity Rama,
and much of his literary work is on Rama's achievements, hence this collection
is rare.
The Shrikrishnavali starts with poems about Krishna's
boyhood and youth in the Braj area, since it is a lyrical cycle about his life.
The majority of the text, on the other hand, describes the
grief of the cowherd girls (gopis) following Krishna's departure for his
kingdom in Mathura, as well as their scornful rejection of Krishna's messenger
Uddhava, who tries to persuade them that because Krishna is the supreme deity,
he is present everywhere.
This piece exemplifies Tulsidas' ecumenical, or universal,
inclinations, which may be observed throughout his writings.
He not only composed poetry in favor of another god,
breaking down sectarian boundaries, but he also broke down linguistic barriers
by composing these lyrics in Braj Bhasha, the most commonly read language of
his period, rather than his native Avadhi.
