Pocket Bhagavad-Gita with Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Author: Srila Krsna Dvaipayana Vedavyasa
Commentary by : Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Title: Pocket Bhagavad-Gita with Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Original translation from Bengali by: Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayan Goswami Maharaja
Translated from the Hindi edition of Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayan Goswami Maharaja by: BV Damodara Swami
Publisher: Sri Nitai Gaur Chandra Seva Trust; Gaudiya Vedanta Publications
Format: Paperback
Pages: 650
The pocket-sized edition of the Bhagavad-gita with the Rasika Ranjan commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura is an essential companion for sincere devotees of Lord Sri Krishna. The Bhagavad-gita, spoken by the supremely compassionate Bhagavan Sri Krishna to His dear friend Arjuna, embodies the essence of all the Vedas and serves as the ultimate guide for the upliftment of the entire world. Its teachings remain the sole means of true spiritual deliverance.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura noted that many existing Bhagavad-gita commentaries and Bengali translations leaned toward monistic interpretations, with pure devotional commentaries being rare. He observed that while Sankaracharya and Anandagiri’s works were strongly monistic, Sridhara Swami’s commentary reflected traces of suddhadvaita-vada. Sri Madhusudana Sarasvati’s commentary, though supportive of devotional service, lacked entirely beneficial conclusions. Sri Ramanuja Swami’s interpretation, grounded in devotional service, was significant, but Thakura emphasized the need for a commentary aligning with Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s acintya-bhedabheda philosophy to enhance the appreciation of pure devotion.
To fulfill this need, Bhaktivinoda Thakura published the Bhagavad-gita with the Bengali translation Rasika Ranjana, based on the commentary of Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. He regarded Cakravarti Thakura, a follower of Sri Gauranga, as a preeminent teacher whose commentary blended profound philosophy with the mellows of divine love. While acknowledging the philosophical depth of Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana’s commentary, Thakura highlighted Cakravarti Thakura’s eloquent Sanskrit and accessible explanations, especially in his Srimad Bhagavatam commentary, making it invaluable for devotees seeking pure devotional service.
