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Swami Haridas
Swami Haridas who was born in 1478A. D. and had his Nikunj Pravesh (Nirvan) in 1573 A. D. was a saint-poet, philosopher and the celebrated Guru of Baiju Bawraand Tansen and many other great musicians. he was one of the greatest saint musician poets of our country and was venerated as the incarnation of Lalita Sakhi. With him vaishnavism reached a distinct watershed in its highly inspiring and sophisticated career.
Sanctity and saintliness permeated the family of Swami Haridas. His father, Ashudheer, a scion of Saraswati Brahmin lineage was blessed with marvellous spiritual sensibilities and aesthetic sensitivities. Swami Haridas was blessed with an artistic bent of mind and even as a child, he would often run away to fields and woods and stand entranced at the enormous bounty of nature. Even after his marriage he would be swayed by emotions to renounce the worldly comforts and go to some place for meditating in solitude. His stay in Vrindaban can only be described as a consistent dedication to long hours of prayer and meditation. Nidhivan in his time became a secular shrine where people of all religion converged with the same fervour. Swami Haridas was the foreunner of the classical Dhrupad and Dhammar styles of classical rendition which was followed by his disciples. Tansen acquired the schooling in these styles directly from Swami Haridas and perfected it to such an extent that in course of time, he became the most brilliant and enduring of the nine-jewels of the Imperial Court of Akbar. Vrindaban has always been an important entity since Lord Krishna breached his first breath in its divine air. This continuity had been reawakened by Swami Haridas who with Narad and Tumburu has been one of the Patron Saints of never asked the caste and creed of theaspirant s who flocked to his feet to be initiated in the derive art of music. He taught them all with love and dedication.
Swamiji's contribution to the growthof his philosophy 'Ichcha Dwait' puts himin the front rank of Indian thinker. This has added a unique dimension to the whole concept of Bhakti by alleging it
with 'dwait' which is known as 'Madhurya' or 'Ananya Upasana'.
Swami Haridas was the mighty soul who gave a concrete shape to Dhrupad, Dhammar and Thumri. He blended the various styles into on transcendental unity. He created a supreme unity out of Banff diversity. In this respect, he was has forerunner of National-Integration and National-Unity. And all this form a man whose only possessions were Kopeen, Karua and Kantha. He gave to the world a rare and enduring musical system, philosophy, folk theatre and a system of worship which gives peas to the people even today.
Text courtesy: Shri. Swami Haridas Smriti Samiti Vrindaban.
The Department of Posts is proud to issue a special postage stamp in the memory of this Saint Musician-Swami Haridas.
Description Of Designs
The multi colour stamp in 100 P denomination shows Swami Haridas with his Kopeen, Kantha and Karua against trees of Nidhivan. The stamp has been designed by India Security Press, Nasik. The First Day Cover illustration is adopted from a miniature painting showing Emperor Akbar and Tansen with Swami Haridas. Cancellation has been designed by Nenu Bagga.
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