कौनो ठगवा नगरिया लूटल हो
चन्दन काठ के बनल खटोलना
ता पर दुलहिन सूतल हो

Kabeer, the sufi saint has been the real conscience keeper for centuries . We are really fortunate that his works and writings got documented for our generations (and beyond) and still sounds contemporary in today’s times.. Timeless writing, beyond the shelf-lives of cultures, religions, reigns and Historical Ages.

Much before Kabeer’s verses made way to my academic books, I was introduced to Kabeer’s poetry thru a few music records regularly being played in my house, of Nirgun Poetry rendered by Kumar Gandharva (courtesy my mother who has been a big fan of Kumar ji all thru her life)..

This bhajan caught my attention at a very young age, and despite not understanding the nuances and layers of poetry of Kabeer and singing of Kumar ji, I was drawn in to the world of Kabeer due to magical voice and rendition of Kumar ji. Such a strong voice, that captivates you completely into the aura of the voice and takes u away from all the surroundings to somewhere else..

—

आये जमराज पलंग चढ़ी बैठे

नैनं आंसू टूटल हो।

Saint Kabeer provided a brilliant imagery of mystique & realism with a philosophical point of view in his poetry. The words have not lost any meanings or shine even 500 years after he is gone.

चारी जाने मिली खाट उठाइन

चहुँ दिस धू धू उठल हो।

Here is a song of Death, the ultimate goodbye, a reality that no one can deny. Watch the brilliance of Kabeer with the visual imagery of death he has provided in this shok-geet as a nirgun bhajan. His philosophy is as eternal as the Death for the living beings.

कहत कबीर सुनो भाई साधो
जग से नाता टूटल हो।
कौन ठगवा नगरिया लूटल हो

The album Suranjali came around in those days only in the second half of 80s after demise of Jaidev as a tribute. Suranjali & Yaad Aati Rahi ( a 2 cassette tribute album of Jaidev songs), formed a new & strong foundation for appreciation for his art. Had been hearing his songs since childhood, but this was a new layer as an independent listener. and I was elated to find this Kabeer bhajan in Suranjali (for my childhood connect of Kumar Gandharva version).. What impressed me here (and continues till date) is the value addition Jaidev & Asha brings in this light film adaptation giving its own color and context. Later I saw the film (one of the first bought on VCD in late 90s), I loved the context in which this Bhajan was used in the film.