Prarthana, Prayers of Loving Devotion

Srila Narottama dasa Thakura spent his days and nights relishing the pastimes of Radha and Krishna amongst the devotees. Prarthana and Prema-bhakti-candrika, the two most prominent works of Narottama dasa Thakura, are in reality the outpourings of a pure heart crying in separation from Gauranga Mahaprabhu and Radha-Govinda. The bhajanas in these books are full of humility, eagerness, and anxiety for devotional perfection. Singing these songs causes the mind to reflect the mood of pure devotion, and the heart to feel intense separation from Radha and Krishna.

Prarthana by Srila Narottama dasa Thakura contains many Bengali bhajanas glorifying Sri Guru, Gauranga Mahaprabhu, and Radha-Govinda. His songs are rich blends of sweet music and profound poetry. They represent the pure spiritual emotions of an aspiring devotee, and the ecstasy-filled loving feelings of a perfect saint.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura used to tell his disciples that to attain the perfection of life they must know, practice and realize the teachings contained within three books: Prarthana, Prema-bhakti-candrika, and Upadesamrta. With its transliterated Bengali and accurate translations, this present English edition of Prarthana is a most pleasing addition to the ever-expanding ocean of nectar now available to sincere souls seeking the essence of spiritual life.