
Step into a world where ancient Sanskrit verses are brought to life in vivid, lyrical English. This collection gathers some of the most beloved Indian poems—devotional songs from the Gîta Govinda, heroic couplets from the Mahâbhárata, and timeless wisdom from the Hitopadeśa—each rendered with a careful ear for rhythm and feeling. Listeners will hear the tender dialogue between Radha and Krishna, the soaring praise of celestial beings, and the gentle moral lessons that have guided generations.
The anthology opens with “The Indian Song of Songs,” a heartfelt hymn that invites the soul to join the divine dance of love and devotion. From reverent odes to Vishnu’s many forms to vivid portrayals of mythic battles, the poems weave nature, mythology, and spirituality into a seamless tapestry. As the verses unfold, the listener is carried through forests of black Tamâla, across storm‑tossed seas, and into the quiet glow of lotus‑lit temples, experiencing the timeless resonance of India’s poetic heritage.
Full title
Indian Poetry Containing "The Indian Song of Songs," from the Sanskrit of the Gîta Govinda of Jayadeva, Two books from "The Iliad Of India" (Mahábhárata), "Proverbial Wisdom" from the Shlokas of the Hitopadesa, and other Oriental Poems.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (197K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Sankar Viswanathan, Thierry Alberto, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-07-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1832–1904
Best known for The Light of Asia, he helped introduce many English-speaking readers to the life of the Buddha through vivid, narrative verse. He was also a journalist, editor, and widely traveled writer whose work drew on India, Japan, and the wider world.
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