Vidyapati Padavali

This Vidyapati Padavali is significant because it was compiled by Benipuri. Benipuri, a renowned Hindi essayist, was not only a poet and short story writer but also a lifelong advocate for the poor, the oppressed, and the exploited. The editing of Vidyapatis Padavali by such a writer holds symbolic significance. The introduction written by Benipuri at the beginning of the book is innovative not only in terms of analysis and information but also in terms of a new interpretation of meaning. This helps us understand Vidyapati more fully than before. Vidyapatis Padavali is also significant in terms of the meaning of words. Benipuri was a connoisseur of words. He attempted to clarify the symbolic meanings of words in this Padavali, a rare feat elsewhere. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would enter into a trance while singing Vidyapatis Padavali. Anand Kumar Swami was very fond of Padavali from the perspective of poetic art and he also wrote it. This presentation of that Padavali is extremely useful. Benipuri ji used to call Vidyapati the Jaydev of Hindi and the Maithil Kokil. This version of his words, translated by Benipuri, will surely be of interest. In the preface, Benipuri, in his familiar style, describes the language and poetic sweetness of the verses in a way that is rare elsewhere. Benipuri ji has edited this book keeping in mind the respect accorded to Vidyapatis verses in everything from the kings skyscraper mansion to the poor mans broken thatched hut, and the prestige of the verses in the temple of Bhootnath and the Kohbar Ghar. This brings out the new meaning and brilliance of Vidyapati and his verses. From a curriculum perspective, this is the best.