Hindu Bhakti Literature in Awadhi Language

Awadhi is one of the dialects of Hindi spoken in and around
Awadha, the region around the holy city of Ayodhya. From the 14^th
century CE Awadhi language or dialect began to be used in Hindu bhakti
literature especially devotional poems. Sant Tulsidas reigns supreme not only
among Bhakti poets in Awadhi language but also among all Bhakti poets in general.

During is long 126 years of life on earth, he wrote
profusely spreading devotion among the masses in their spoken language. His
magnum opus Sri Ramacharitamanasa has been received by the masses as one of the
central cultural and spiritual texts for well over half a millennium. Tulsidas
revived the concept of Ramarajya. He wrote as many as 40 books of verse. But
apart from Sri Ramacharitamanasa, his most notable Bhakti composition is Vinaya
Patrika – a book of lyrical prayers of the highest order.

Pandit Dwarika Prasad Mishra also contributed significantly
to Bhakti literature in Awadhi through his long epic poem Krishnayana. This work
appeared almost in the middle of the 20^th century CE and commanded
great respect from scholars. He used Bhagavan Sri Krishna’s life story as the means
to resurrect ancient Hindu glory. The book did inspire people to revolt against
the British Raj. It highlights Krishna’s role in relieving the people of their
distress.