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RELIGIOUS SECTS
is said, of the object of his adoration. In his new condition he composed the Gitá Govinda, in which KRISHŇA himself assisted, for on one occasion, JAYADEVA being puzzled how to describe the charms of Rádhá, laid down the paper for a happier moment, and went to bathe. KRISHŇA, assuming his person, entered his house, and wrote the requisite description, much to the poet's astonishment on his return home.
Of the Giti Govinda it is said, that the Rújá of Nílúchala (Orissa) composed a poem similarly named, but when the two works were placed before JAGANNÁth, he took the work of JAYADEVA to his bosom, and threw that of the Rájú out of his temple. It is also said, that the Gitá Govinda was sung in the court of VIKRAMA, thus assigning to it an antiquity which there is no reason to suspect it can justly claim.
JAYADEVA being desirous of performing a particular rite for his idol, resumed his erratic habits, and succeeded in collecting a considerable sum of money for this purpose: on the road he was attacked by Thags, or thieves, who robbed him, and cut off his hands and feet. In this state he was found by a Rájá who took him home, and had his wounds healed. Shortly afterwards the thieves, disguised as religious mendicants, came to the court of the Rájá. JAYADEVA recognized them, and overwhelmed them with benefits. On their departure, two of the Rájá's people were sent to attend them to the confines of the Ráj, who on their way asked them how they had merited the saint's particular regard. To this they replied, that they had
