Jaydev Kenduli: Difference between revisions

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==Geography==
==Geography==
Jaydev Kenduli stands of the bank of the [[Ajay River|Ajay]] and is a [[gram panchayat]] in the [[Ilambazar (community development block)]] in the [[Bolpur subdivision]] of Birbhum district. <ref name= ‘jaydev2’>{{cite web| url = https://www.boloji.com/articles/13851/jaydev-kenduli-baul-mela | title= Jaydev Kenduli Baul Mela | work= Indrajit Bandyopadhyay |publisher= Boloji | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>
Jaydev Kenduli stands of the bank of the [[Ajay River|Ajay]] and is a [[gram panchayat]] in the [[Ilambazar (community development block)]] in the [[Bolpur subdivision]] of Birbhum district.<ref name= "jaydev2">{{cite web| url = https://www.boloji.com/articles/13851/jaydev-kenduli-baul-mela | title= Jaydev Kenduli Baul Mela | work= Indrajit Bandyopadhyay |publisher= Boloji | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>


Jaydev Kenduli is 22 km from Durgapur. From [[Ilambazar]], on the [[Panagarh–Morgram Highway]], it is 2 km to the Jaydev Morh, and then 12 km to Jaydev Kenduli. It is 30 km from [[Bolpur]]. <ref name= ‘jaydev1’>{{cite web| url = https://www.theholidaystory.com/joydev-kenduli-mela-birbhum-baul/ | title= Joydev Kenduli Baul Mela Birbhum 2023 | work=  Ruma Dey Baidya, July 5, 2023 |publisher= The Holiday Story | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref><ref name= ‘jaydev4’>{{cite web| url = https://www.india.com/travel/articles/kenduli-mela-the-life-and-times-of-a-baul-3241411/ | title= Kenduli Mela: The Life And Times Of A Baul | work=  |publisher=india,com | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>
Jaydev Kenduli is 22&nbsp;km from Durgapur. From [[Ilambazar]], on the [[Panagarh–Morgram Highway]], it is 2&nbsp;km to the Jaydev Morh, and then 12&nbsp;km to Jaydev Kenduli. It is 30&nbsp;km from [[Bolpur]].<ref name= "jaydev1">{{cite web| url = https://www.theholidaystory.com/joydev-kenduli-mela-birbhum-baul/ | title= Joydev Kenduli Baul Mela Birbhum 2023 | work=  Ruma Dey Baidya, July 5, 2023 |publisher= The Holiday Story | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref><ref name= "jaydev4">{{cite web| url = https://www.india.com/travel/articles/kenduli-mela-the-life-and-times-of-a-baul-3241411/ | title= Kenduli Mela: The Life And Times Of A Baul | work=  |publisher=india,com | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>


During the Jaydev Kenduli mela time buses run directly from Durgapur railway station to the mela. One can also take an auto for a 45-minute journey. Another option is to take a bus from Durgapur railway station for Bolpur, get down at Muchulipara and take a trekker or auto to the mela. The nearest railway stations are at Bolpur and Durgapur.<ref name= ‘jaydev1’/>
During the Jaydev Kenduli mela time buses run directly from Durgapur railway station to the mela. One can also take an auto for a 45-minute journey. Another option is to take a bus from Durgapur railway station for Bolpur, get down at Muchulipara and take a trekker or auto to the mela. The nearest railway stations are at Bolpur and Durgapur.<ref name= "jaydev1"/>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Line 73: Line 73:


==Controversy==
==Controversy==
Scholars opine that [[Jayadeva]], the Sanskrit lyricist who composed the [[Gita Govinda]], was born at [[Kenduli Sasan]] in [[Odisha]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201547/http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/03nov14/national.htm#1 | title= Scholars provide new twist to Jayadev birth controversy  | work=  |publisher= United News of India (UNI) | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.bharatadesam.com/people/biographies/poets_composers/jayadeva.php | title= Biography of Jaydeava | work=  |publisher= Bharatadesam | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>However, in spite of what the learned scholars say, the people of West Bengal pay respect to the lyricist on [[Makar Sankranti]] day when a big fair is organized and people gather in thousands at Jaydev Kenduli. It is popular as Jaydev Mahotsav.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080704204329/http://www.hindubooks.org/temples/bengal/birbhum/page1.htm | title=  Kendubilla | work= Temples in Birbhum |publisher= Hindu Books Universe | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>
Scholars opine that [[Jayadeva]], the Sanskrit lyricist who composed the [[Gita Govinda]], was born at [[Kenduli Sasan]] in [[Odisha]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201547/http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/03nov14/national.htm#1 | title= Scholars provide new twist to Jayadev birth controversy  | work=  |publisher= United News of India (UNI) | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.bharatadesam.com/people/biographies/poets_composers/jayadeva.php | title= Biography of Jaydeava | work=  |publisher= Bharatadesam | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref> However, in spite of what the learned scholars say, the people of West Bengal pay respect to the lyricist on [[Makar Sankranti]] day when a big fair is organized and people gather in thousands at Jaydev Kenduli. It is popular as Jaydev Mahotsav.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080704204329/http://www.hindubooks.org/temples/bengal/birbhum/page1.htm | title=  Kendubilla | work= Temples in Birbhum |publisher= Hindu Books Universe | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>


==The Temple==
==The Temple==
In 1883, the estate of Senpahari, in [[Jungle Mahals]] was transferred to Bardhan.<ref name=omalley>O’Malley, L.S.S., ICS, ''Bankura'', ''Bengal District Gazetteers'', pp. 21-41, 1995 reprint, Government of West Bengal</ref>
In 1883, the estate of Senpahari, in [[Jungle Mahals]] was transferred to Bardhan.<ref name=omalley>O’Malley, L.S.S., ICS, ''Bankura'', ''Bengal District Gazetteers'', pp. 21-41, 1995 reprint, Government of West Bengal</ref>


The Maharani of [[Bardhaman Raj]] took the initiative to build the temple in 1683  at the request of then court-poet at Bardhaman, Jugal Kishore Mukhopadhyay, a resident of Jaydev Kenduli. The temple stands on birthplace of Jayadeva, who is believed to have been the court poet of Lakhsman Sen. He is believed to have composed the Gita Govinda in the 12th century. The nabaratna temple has exquisite terracotta carvings. <ref name= ‘jaydev2’/>Radha Govinda and Radha Vinod deities are worshipped in this temple. According to local hearsay, Jayadeva used to travel a long distance every day to have a bath in the holy [[Ganges]]. Maa Ganga took the matter with compassion and assured him that she would go every day to his place, and he could have his bath there itself. During high tide, the waters of the Ganges flow back into its tributary the [[ Ajay River|Ajay]]. <ref>{{cite web| url = https://thegaudiyatreasuresofbengal.com/2018/02/15/birthplace-jayadeva-goswami-kenduli-near-shantiniketan/ | title=  Jayadeva Gowami - Biography, Life and Teachings, Sripat Kenduli, near Shantiniketan | work=  |publisher= | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>It is a centrally protected monument,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://asi.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/West-Bengal-Kolkata-Circle-and-Raiganj-Circle.pdf | title= List of Centrally Protected Monuments / Sites under the jurisdiction of West Bengal (Kolkata Circle and Raiganj Circle) | work=  |publisher= Archaeological Survey of India| access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>
The Maharani of [[Bardhaman Raj]] took the initiative to build the temple in 1683  at the request of then court-poet at Bardhaman, Jugal Kishore Mukhopadhyay, a resident of Jaydev Kenduli. The temple stands on birthplace of Jayadeva, who is believed to have been the court poet of Lakhsman Sen. He is believed to have composed the Gita Govinda in the 12th century. The nabaratna temple has exquisite terracotta carvings.<ref name= "jaydev2"/> Radha Govinda and Radha Vinod deities are worshipped in this temple. According to local hearsay, Jayadeva used to travel a long distance every day to have a bath in the holy [[Ganges]]. Maa Ganga took the matter with compassion and assured him that she would go every day to his place, and he could have his bath there itself. During high tide, the waters of the Ganges flow back into its tributary the [[Ajay River|Ajay]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://thegaudiyatreasuresofbengal.com/2018/02/15/birthplace-jayadeva-goswami-kenduli-near-shantiniketan/ | title=  Jayadeva Gowami - Biography, Life and Teachings, Sripat Kenduli, near Shantiniketan | work=  |publisher= | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref> It is a centrally protected monument,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://asi.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/West-Bengal-Kolkata-Circle-and-Raiganj-Circle.pdf | title= List of Centrally Protected Monuments / Sites under the jurisdiction of West Bengal (Kolkata Circle and Raiganj Circle) | work=  |publisher= Archaeological Survey of India| access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>


==The Fair==
==The Fair==
The Jaydev Kenduli Mela, an annual event, has been continuing for over five-six centuries, honouring Jaydeva. It is organized on the occasion of [[Makar Sankranti]]. It starts on the last day of the [[Bengali calendar]] month of [[Poush]] and goes on till the second day of [[Magh (Bengali calendar)|Magh]]. It covers a large area, from the temple and extends for about 2 km. <ref name= ‘jaydev1’/><ref name= ‘jaydev2’/> <ref name= ‘jaydev3’>{{cite web| url = https://www.festivalsofindia.in/kenuli-mela/ | title= Kenduli Mela 2023 - Jan 14 2023 (Saturday) | work=  |publisher= Festivals of India | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>The other famous fair of Birbhum, the [[Poush Mela]] is held for three days from the seventh day of Poush.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wbtourism.com/fairs_festivals/festival_bengal.htm | title = Poush Mela | access-date = 15 July 2023 | publisher = West Bengal Tourism | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010222105932/http://www.wbtourism.com/fairs_festivals/festival_bengal.htm | archive-date = 22 February 2001 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
The Jaydev Kenduli Mela, an annual event, has been continuing for over five-six centuries, honouring Jaydeva. It is organized on the occasion of [[Makar Sankranti]]. It starts on the last day of the [[Bengali calendar]] month of [[Poush]] and goes on till the second day of [[Magh (Bengali calendar)|Magh]]. It covers a large area, from the temple and extends for about 2&nbsp;km.<ref name= "jaydev2"/><ref name= "jaydev1"/><ref name= "jaydev3">{{cite web| url = https://www.festivalsofindia.in/kenuli-mela/ | title= Kenduli Mela 2023 - Jan 14 2023 (Saturday) | work=  |publisher= Festivals of India | access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref> The other famous fair of Birbhum, the [[Poush Mela]] is held for three days from the seventh day of Poush.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wbtourism.com/fairs_festivals/festival_bengal.htm | title = Poush Mela | access-date = 15 July 2023 | publisher = West Bengal Tourism | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010222105932/http://www.wbtourism.com/fairs_festivals/festival_bengal.htm | archive-date = 22 February 2001 | url-status = dead }}</ref>


The fair is an occasion for local people to buy whatever they need: cooking utensils, fishing nets, plastic items, ready-made clothes et al. An impressive variety of local handicrafts is a major attraction, particularly for the tourists. Giant merry-go-rounds and other play attractions are there. The food stalls draw people in large numbers. The entire area is lit up in the evening. <ref name= ‘jaydev3’/>A day prior to the mela days [[Baul|bauls]], [[Kirtan|kirtaniyas]], [[Sant (religion)|sants]] and [[Satguru|satgurus]] are cordially welcomed. On the first day of the fair, which happens to be the [[Makar Sankranti]] day, people in large numbers take a dip in the cold waters of the [[Ajay River|Ajay]] and the fair formally commences. The mela comes to an end on the fourth day. In 1982, the district government authorities took charge of the fair. Since then, there has been improvements in sanitation, drinking water lighting security etc. <ref name= ‘jaydev3’/>
The fair is an occasion for local people to buy whatever they need: cooking utensils, fishing nets, plastic items, ready-made clothes et al. An impressive variety of local handicrafts is a major attraction, particularly for the tourists. Giant merry-go-rounds and other play attractions are there. The food stalls draw people in large numbers. The entire area is lit up in the evening.<ref name= "jaydev3"/> A day prior to the mela days [[baul]]s, [[kirtan]]iyas, [[Sant (religion)|sants]] and [[satguru]]s are cordially welcomed. On the first day of the fair, which happens to be the [[Makar Sankranti]] day, people in large numbers take a dip in the cold waters of the [[Ajay River|Ajay]] and the fair formally commences. The mela comes to an end on the fourth day. In 1982, the district government authorities took charge of the fair. Since then, there has been improvements in sanitation, drinking water lighting security etc.<ref name= "jaydev3"/>


Thousands of people gather at Joydev Kenduli to savour a piece of life in rural India. It is a three-day non-stop affair.<ref name= ‘jaydev4’/>The major attraction of the mela is the singing [[Baul|baul|. They entertain people throughout the night. It is ‘a unique blending of religion, music, songs, poetry, folk lore, and livelihood’. Many people refer to it as the baul mela. There are around 78 [[Akhara|akharas]] in Jaydev Kenduli and many of them set-up [[Pandal|pandals]] with stage, lights, and sound system. <ref name= ‘jaydev2’/> Bauls are a comparatively small group of mystic minstrels, who earn a livelihood by singing with the [[Ektara|ektara]], exert a substantial influence on the culture of Bengal. <ref name= ‘jaydev4’/>
Thousands of people gather at Joydev Kenduli to savour a piece of life in rural India. It is a three-day non-stop affair.<ref name= "jaydev4"/> The major attraction of the mela is the singing [[Baul|baul|. They entertain people throughout the night. It is ‘a unique blending of religion, music, songs, poetry, folk lore, and livelihood’. Many people refer to it as the baul mela. There are around 78 [[akhara]]s in Jaydev Kenduli and many of them set-up [[pandal]]s with stage, lights, and sound system.<ref name= "jaydev2"/> Bauls are a comparatively small group of mystic minstrels, who earn a livelihood by singing with the [[ektara]], exert a substantial influence on the culture of Bengal.<ref name= "jaydev4"/>


Quite a few years back, [[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] wrote, ‘The mela which is popularly known as the greatest baul mela in the state is gradually losing its character. This is because the bauls have been cornered as kirtan has gained more popularity here.’<ref>{{cite web| url =https://web.archive.org/web/20091029113659/http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=23&id=213503&usrsess=1  | title= Lost tunes of bauls | work=  |publisher= The Statesman| access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref>Now kirtanias dominate a majority of the akharas. <ref name= ‘jaydev3’/>
Quite a few years back, [[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] wrote, ‘The mela which is popularly known as the greatest baul mela in the state is gradually losing its character. This is because the bauls have been cornered as kirtan has gained more popularity here.’<ref>{{cite web| url =https://web.archive.org/web/20091029113659/http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=23&id=213503&usrsess=1  | title= Lost tunes of bauls | work=  |publisher= The Statesman| access-date = 15 July 2023}}</ref> Now kirtanias dominate a majority of the akharas.<ref name= "jaydev3"/>


==Accomodation==
==Accomodation==
There is no hotel in Jaydev Kenduli. Ashram accommodation is sometimes available but it is spartan. Villagers rent out rooms, mostly during the mela time.<ref name= ‘jaydev4’/>
There is no hotel in Jaydev Kenduli. Ashram accommodation is sometimes available but it is spartan. Villagers rent out rooms, mostly during the mela time.<ref name= "jaydev4"/>


==Jaydev Kenduli picture gallery==
==Jaydev Kenduli picture gallery==

Latest revision as of 00:17, 8 October 2023

Jaydev Kenduli
Village
Radhabinode temple
Radhabinode temple
Jaydev Kenduli is located in West Bengal
Jaydev Kenduli
Jaydev Kenduli
Location in West Bengal, India
Coordinates: 23°38′N 87°26′E / 23.63°N 87.43°E / 23.63; 87.43Coordinates: 23°38′N 87°26′E / 23.63°N 87.43°E / 23.63; 87.43
Country India
StateDistrict
DistrictBirbhum district
Population
 (2011)
 • Total3,280
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Literacy82.87%
Lok Sabha constituencyBolpur (Lok Sabha constituency)
Vidhan Sabha constituencyBolpur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)
Websitebirbhum.co.in

Jaydev Kenduli is a village in the Birbhum district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Geography[edit]

Jaydev Kenduli stands of the bank of the Ajay and is a gram panchayat in the Ilambazar (community development block) in the Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district.[1]

Jaydev Kenduli is 22 km from Durgapur. From Ilambazar, on the Panagarh–Morgram Highway, it is 2 km to the Jaydev Morh, and then 12 km to Jaydev Kenduli. It is 30 km from Bolpur.[2][3]

During the Jaydev Kenduli mela time buses run directly from Durgapur railway station to the mela. One can also take an auto for a 45-minute journey. Another option is to take a bus from Durgapur railway station for Bolpur, get down at Muchulipara and take a trekker or auto to the mela. The nearest railway stations are at Bolpur and Durgapur.[2]

Demographics[edit]

As per the cessus 2011, Jaydev Kenduli had a population of 3,280. It had a literacy rate of 82.87%.[4]

Controversy[edit]

Scholars opine that Jayadeva, the Sanskrit lyricist who composed the Gita Govinda, was born at Kenduli Sasan in Odisha.[5][6] However, in spite of what the learned scholars say, the people of West Bengal pay respect to the lyricist on Makar Sankranti day when a big fair is organized and people gather in thousands at Jaydev Kenduli. It is popular as Jaydev Mahotsav.[7]

The Temple[edit]

In 1883, the estate of Senpahari, in Jungle Mahals was transferred to Bardhan.[8]

The Maharani of Bardhaman Raj took the initiative to build the temple in 1683 at the request of then court-poet at Bardhaman, Jugal Kishore Mukhopadhyay, a resident of Jaydev Kenduli. The temple stands on birthplace of Jayadeva, who is believed to have been the court poet of Lakhsman Sen. He is believed to have composed the Gita Govinda in the 12th century. The nabaratna temple has exquisite terracotta carvings.[1] Radha Govinda and Radha Vinod deities are worshipped in this temple. According to local hearsay, Jayadeva used to travel a long distance every day to have a bath in the holy Ganges. Maa Ganga took the matter with compassion and assured him that she would go every day to his place, and he could have his bath there itself. During high tide, the waters of the Ganges flow back into its tributary the Ajay.[9] It is a centrally protected monument,[10]

The Fair[edit]

The Jaydev Kenduli Mela, an annual event, has been continuing for over five-six centuries, honouring Jaydeva. It is organized on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. It starts on the last day of the Bengali calendar month of Poush and goes on till the second day of Magh. It covers a large area, from the temple and extends for about 2 km.[1][2][11] The other famous fair of Birbhum, the Poush Mela is held for three days from the seventh day of Poush.[12]

The fair is an occasion for local people to buy whatever they need: cooking utensils, fishing nets, plastic items, ready-made clothes et al. An impressive variety of local handicrafts is a major attraction, particularly for the tourists. Giant merry-go-rounds and other play attractions are there. The food stalls draw people in large numbers. The entire area is lit up in the evening.[11] A day prior to the mela days bauls, kirtaniyas, sants and satgurus are cordially welcomed. On the first day of the fair, which happens to be the Makar Sankranti day, people in large numbers take a dip in the cold waters of the Ajay and the fair formally commences. The mela comes to an end on the fourth day. In 1982, the district government authorities took charge of the fair. Since then, there has been improvements in sanitation, drinking water lighting security etc.[11]

Thousands of people gather at Joydev Kenduli to savour a piece of life in rural India. It is a three-day non-stop affair.[3] The major attraction of the mela is the singing [[Baul|baul|. They entertain people throughout the night. It is ‘a unique blending of religion, music, songs, poetry, folk lore, and livelihood’. Many people refer to it as the baul mela. There are around 78 akharas in Jaydev Kenduli and many of them set-up pandals with stage, lights, and sound system.[1] Bauls are a comparatively small group of mystic minstrels, who earn a livelihood by singing with the ektara, exert a substantial influence on the culture of Bengal.[3]

Quite a few years back, The Statesman wrote, ‘The mela which is popularly known as the greatest baul mela in the state is gradually losing its character. This is because the bauls have been cornered as kirtan has gained more popularity here.’[13] Now kirtanias dominate a majority of the akharas.[11]

Accomodation[edit]

There is no hotel in Jaydev Kenduli. Ashram accommodation is sometimes available but it is spartan. Villagers rent out rooms, mostly during the mela time.[3]

Jaydev Kenduli picture gallery[edit]

Terracotta carvings in the temple

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Jaydev Kenduli Baul Mela". Indrajit Bandyopadhyay. Boloji. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Joydev Kenduli Baul Mela Birbhum 2023". Ruma Dey Baidya, July 5, 2023. The Holiday Story. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Kenduli Mela: The Life And Times Of A Baul". india,com. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  4. "Joydev Kenduli Population - Birbhum, West Bengal". Population census. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  5. "Scholars provide new twist to Jayadev birth controversy". United News of India (UNI). Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  6. "Biography of Jaydeava". Bharatadesam. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  7. "Kendubilla". Temples in Birbhum. Hindu Books Universe. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  8. O’Malley, L.S.S., ICS, Bankura, Bengal District Gazetteers, pp. 21-41, 1995 reprint, Government of West Bengal
  9. "Jayadeva Gowami - Biography, Life and Teachings, Sripat Kenduli, near Shantiniketan". Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  10. "List of Centrally Protected Monuments / Sites under the jurisdiction of West Bengal (Kolkata Circle and Raiganj Circle)" (PDF). Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Kenduli Mela 2023 - Jan 14 2023 (Saturday)". Festivals of India. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  12. "Poush Mela". West Bengal Tourism. Archived from the original on 22 February 2001. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  13. "Lost tunes of bauls". The Statesman. Retrieved 15 July 2023.