2 verses · ~1 min
कहें क्या बातें आँखों की । चाल चलती हैं मनमानी । सदा पानी में डूबी रह । नहीं रख सकती हैं पानी ।।१।।
लगन है रोग या जलन है । किसी को कब यह बतलाया । जल भरा रहता है उनमें । पर उन्हें प्यासी ही पाया ।।२।।
इति
The Poet
अयोध्या सिंह उपाध्याय ‘हरिऔध’
Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay 'Hariaudh'
1865 · 1947
Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay, widely known by his pen name Hariaudh, fundamentally altered the course of modern Hindi poetry. Born in 1865 in Nizamabad, Uttar Pradesh, he initially wrote in Braj Bhasha before making a decisive shift to Khari Boli. This transition proved historic. In 1914, he published Priyapravas, universally recognized as the very first epic poem written in modern Hindi. Hariaudh did not just write a monumental text. He proved that the everyday language of the people possessed the aesthetic gravity necessary for grand mythological narratives. His poetry seamlessly blended profound devotion with contemporary social reform, reimagining the divine figures of Radha and Krishna as dedicated servants of humanity. He served for decades as a professor at Banaras Hindu University, mentoring an entire generation of modern writers. Passing away in 1947, Hariaudh left a legacy that permanently established the structural foundations of contemporary Hindi literature.
Paired Painting
Hanuman Revealing Rama and Sita in His Heart
This profound painting captures the absolute pinnacle of devotion, bhakti, showing the divine monkey hero Hanuman tearing open his own chest to reveal the eternal presence of Lord Rama and Sita seated gently within his heart. Created in the bustling precincts of nineteenth century Kolkata near the Kalighat temple, artists working in this vibrant folk style captured the spiritual pulse of pilgrims and city dwellers alike. The bold sweeping brushstrokes, deep indigo washes, and vibrant crimson heart speak directly to the soul, stripping away earthly vanities to display the pure sanctuary of faith. Hanuman embodies the selfless servant whose every breath resonates with the divine names, a timeless reminder that true devotion requires the complete offering of oneself.
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