Seva Lalasa

Seva Lalasa ("Hankering for Service") is a rare song-cycle by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. It was printed only after his departure, when Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura published it in the Sajjana-tosani (vol. 21, 1918). Every song is addressed to Srimati Radharani by a maidservant (manjari) who longs to serve her through the pastimes of the day: the end of night, early morning, late morning and afternoon. The text breaks off in the afternoon pastimes, so it was either left unfinished or its later part was lost. Sixteen songs survive, four for each time of day. These are confidential songs of raganuga-bhakti, best heard and studied under the guidance of a qualified guru.