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Gopinath Kaviraj Biography
Gopinath Kaviraj, born on September 7, 1887, in Dhamrai, emerged as a prominent figure during the Indian Renaissance in the 19th century.
His early life was marked by the loss of his father, Sri Vaikunthanatha, a brilliant student and classmate of Vivekananda, just five months before Gopinath's birth.
Raised by his maternal uncle and foster grandmother in an atmosphere of fervent Vaisnava piety and Sanskrit learning, Gopinath's formative years were steeped in moral simplicity.
Photo: India Post, Government of IndiaHis education began at a primary school in Kanthalia, and he later moved to Dhamrai, studying traditional Sanskrit grammar under eminent pandits.
Gopinath showed remarkable zeal for learning English, acquiring an extensive vocabulary and composing poems in Bengali and English.
Despite financial challenges after the death of his maternal uncle, he continued his education at K.L. Jubilee High School in Dacca, passing the Entrance Examination in 1905.
Gopinath faced health issues but persevered, moving to Jaipur for college studies with the support of the Prime Minister of Jaipur, Sansar Chandra Sen.
Despite financial hardships, he excelled, passing the B.A. examination in 1910. The years at Jaipur marked a period of literary exploration and exposure to the nationalist wave, with Gopinath attending the Congress session in Calcutta in 1906.
His academic journey continued at Varanasi's Queen's College, where he pursued M.A. in Sanskrit, delving into Epigraphy, Navyanyāya,1 Pali, French, and German. Gopinath's academic achievements were exceptional, receiving record marks and offers of appointment from prestigious institutions.
In 1914, a shift occurred in Gopinath's focus towards mystical and esoteric literature. His association with Yogi Sivaramakinkara Yogatrayananda marked a turning point, leading to a deeper engagement with spiritual philosophy.
The death of his mentor, Dr. Venis, in 1918, and initiation from Sri Sri Visuddhananda, known as Gandhababa, marked a transition in his career.
Gopinath became Principal of Government Sanskrit College in 1924, retiring in 1937 to dedicate his life to spiritual pursuits, the same year his Guru, Sri Sri Visuddhananda, died.
Living in Varanasi until his death on June 12, 1976, Gopinath Kaviraj became a revered saint and savant. His contributions to literature, aesthetics, and philosophy were substantial.
Despite numerous honors, he remained humble and focused on guiding spiritual aspirants and scholars.
He declined the offers of Professorship from the Benares Hindu University and the Calcutta University as also the offer of the Vice-Chancellorship of the Sanskrit University, Varanasi.
Gopinath Kaviraj's life exemplified a unique blend of traditional and modern learning, simplicity, and profound spiritual wisdom.
Authored Books
• Sagara Sangita, 1922.
• Rasa O Saundarya, 1923.
• Rabindranath O Balākā, 1927.
• Pratyabhijñā Darśaner Bhumika, 1922.
• Gaudiya Vaişņava Darśana, 1925-1926
• The Viewpoint of Nyaya Vaisesika Philosophy, 1922
• Nirmana Kaya, 1922.
• Doctrine of Pratibha in Indian Philosophy, 1923-1924.
• Theism in Ancient India, 1923-1924.
• History and Bibliography of Nyaya-Vaisesika Literature, 1924-1929.
• The Problem of Causality in Sāṃkhya, 1925.
• The Conception of Physical and Superphysical Organism in Sanskrit Literature, 1938.
• Sanskrit Sahitya ke Itihasa mein Kasika Bhaga, 1985.
• Dharma ka Sanatana Adarsa, 1989.
• Pracina Advaitavada ke Satha Sankara ke Advaitavada ka Sambandha, 1993.
• Introduction to Brahmasūtras Acyutagranthamālā, 1936.
• Śri Śri Viśuddhānand Prasaṅga, 5 Vols, 1927-1931.
• Akhaṇḍa Mahāyoga, 1948.
• Sādhu Darśana O Satprasanga, 1962-1963.
• Tantra O Āgamasāstrer Digdarśana, 1963.
• Aspects of Indian Thought, 1966.
• Bharatiya Sadhanar Dhara, 1965.
• Sahityacinta, 1966.
• Bharatiya Sanskriti aur Sadhana, 2 vols., 1963-64.
• Tāntrika Vānmaya Mein Šākta Drsļi, 1963.
• Kasi ki Sarasvata Sadhana, 1965.
• Sri Kṛṣṇa Prasanga, 1967.
• Tāntrikasāhitya, 1972.
• Svātmasamvedana (Hindi tr. 1983).
Sources
• Nishtha Barad, Notes On Religion And Philosophy Gopinath Kaviraj,
• en.wikipedia.org
• en.banglapedia.org/
Footnotes
1. The Navya-Nyāya (sanskrit: नव्य-न्याय) or Neo-Logical darśana (view, system, or school) of Indian logic and Indian philosophy was founded in the 13th century CE by the philosopher Gangeśa Upādhyāya of Mithila and continued by Raghunatha Siromani of Nabadwipa in Bengal. It was a development of the classical Nyāya darśana.
Other influences on Navya-Nyāya were the work of earlier philosophers Vācaspati Miśra (900–980 CE) and Udayana (late 10th century). It remained active in India through to the 18th century.
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