Introduction :
The composition of Shri Banithani Ji is very simple and is enriched by the pastimes of the divine couple Shri Shyamashyam. She expanded the fame of Her worshipful deity Shri Radha Krishn. She used to put Rasik Bihari imprint in her compositions. She had left everything and came to Vrindavan in the service of King Nagridas of Krishnagarh.
Shri Banithani Ji was the servant of Maharaj Shri Nagridas Ji (King of Krishnagarh). She used to stay in service of Shri Nagridas Ji. She must have been born in Krishnagarh itself. Her mother tongue was Marwari (Rajputani) which is known from her compositions. The time of Her birth is uncertain, but the disappearance day is the full moon of the month of Ashadh in 1765. It is inscribed on the Samadhi of Shri Banithani Ji in Vrindavan. Her samadhi is at the same place as the samadhi of Maharaj Sawant Singh Ji located, which is near the Daan Gali under the shades of the Tamal tree in Vrindavan. But with due time, there are few families who started living there, and nearby, there are few temples of Rajasthan.
Kunj Dvar Aage Neekau, Chauntara Samadhi Jut,
Beech Ek Gali Bhali Bhaanti Saun Lasat Hai.
Vrindavan Vaasi Hit-Parikar Aavai Jaahi,
Tinahin Lakhi Pyarau Nit Hiy Hulasat Hai.
Baal-Kaal Hi Saun Sada, Kiyau Jo Rasik Sang,
Taahi Kau Prabhaav Yah Nain Darasat Hai.
Baani Rasasaani Hi Saun Jaani Manamaani Baat,
Nagri Sakhi Saroop Dekhe Tarasat Hai.
- Shri Hita Chandra Lal Goswami, Vrindavan Prakash Mala (11)
Residence in Vrindavan :
Shri Banithani Ji lived in the service of Maharaj Nagridas Ji. Her heart was full of devotion. When Maharaj Nagridas Ji started living in Vrindavan after getting detached from all the bondages, Shri Banithani Ji also started living in Vrindavan with him and started serving the divine couple Shri Radha Krishn.
Composition :
Shri Banithani Ji kept her mark 'Rasik Bihari' in her poetry. Her compositions are in Braj language and Rajputani language and also mixed. The expressions are very beautiful, as in the compositions of the Rasik devotees and it is natural because She was the servant of such a Rasik Saint. Some of the verses composed by Her are cited. These verses are stored in Nagarsamuchaya, which is published from Gyansagar- Printing Bombay, and the total number of verses is 61. Some of His pads are mentioned below.
Today celebrations are going on in Nand Palace. All the Gopis filled with joy are coming to the Palace. A son has been born to Shri Yashoda, there is no limit to the happiness of all the Gopis. Seeing their life-breath Shri Shyamsundar, all the Gopis are giving blessings to Him.
(Raag Kafi)
Bajai Aaj Nandbhavan Badhaiyaan.
Gahamah Aanand Rangarali Ati Gopi Sab Mili Aaiyaan.
Mahari Yashomati Kain Bhayo Sut Phooli Ang Na Maiyaan,
Rasikvihari Praanjeevan Lakhi Det Asheesh Suhaiyaan.
Greetings to Maharaj Vrishabhanu Ji today. A crowd has gathered in Raval village today and Gopis are singing the auspicious songs. The Gopis are meeting each other with great joy and laughter. Shri Rasik Bihari has appeared in Gokul and here Shri Pyari Ju.
Aaj Vrishbhan Kai Badhayi.
Gahamah Bheer Bhayi Ravalmein Gaavat Ali Suhayi.
Hansi-Hansi Gopi Milat Paraspar Aanand Ur Na Samayi.
Pragat Bhaye Ut Rasikvihari It Pyari Nidhi Aayi.
Today Gopis are greeting each other. A crowd of devotees has come to Vrishbhanu Palace, a daughter is born to Queen Kirti. Gopijs are coming from their homes singing auspicious songs. The love of the heart of Shri Rasik Bihari Ju has manifested itself in the form of Shri Radha.
Badhaavnon He Heli ! Aaj Rali.
Bhayi Bheer Vrishbhan-Bhavanmein Kirati Veli Phali.
Yuvati- Vrind Sakal Ghar Gharate Mangal Gaavat Aat Chali.
Rasikvihari Chand Het Janu Pragati Kumud - Kali.
O Sakhis, today is an auspicious day. Shri Kishori Ji has taken birth and the sound of auspicious songs is coming from house to house. The square of the city is studded with pearls, everyone is blessing Shri Radha together. Shri Radha, the life force of Shri Rasikbihari Ju, has appeared to provide happiness to all.
(Raag Sorath)
Aaj Barsane Mangal Maayi.
Kunvari Laliko Janam Bhayo Hai Ghar-Ghar Bajat Badhayi.
Motin Chauk Puraavo Gaavo Dehu Asheesh Suhayi.
Rasikvihari Ki Yah Jeevani Pragat Bhayi Sukhdayi.
O Sakhis, today there are celebrations in Barsana, the abode of Maharaj Vrishabhanu. The Gopis of Braj are coming to the palace with an auspicious urn on their heads and singing auspicious songs. The Queen of beauty has appeared in the house of Queen Kirti. She is the heart of Shri Rasikbihari Ju, whose name is Shri Radha.
(Raag Naayki)
Aaj Vadhaavo Vrishbhanke Dham.
Mangal-Kalas Liye Aavat Gaavat Brajki Vaam.
Kiratike Kirati Pragati Hain Roop Dharain Abhiram.
Rasikvihari Ki Yah Jori Honi Radha Naam.
Today, there is a colourful night in the Kunjas of Vrindavan, please enter! Shri Radha, the colourful bride, and Shri Krishn, the colourful beloved who are the reservoirs of unlimited bliss.A colourful bed is decorated which is filled with various divine colours, even the Cupid Himself is raptured seeing it. Shri Bani Thani Ji wishes that both Shri Radha Krishn relish this nectar blissfully in this colourful night.
Kunj Padharo Rang-bhari Rain.
Rang Bhari Dulahin Rang Bhare Piya Shyam Sundar Sukh Dain. [1]
Rang Bhari Sej Rachi Jahan Sundar Rang Bharyo Ulahat Main.
‘Rasik Bihari’ Pyari Mili Dou Karau Rang Sukh-chain. [2]
Today, there is a colourful night in the Kunjas of Vrindavan, please enter! Shri Radha, the colourful bride, and Shri Krishn, the colourful beloved who are the reservoirs of unlimited bliss.A colourful bed is decorated which is filled with various divine colours, even the Cupid Himself is raptured seeing it. Shri Bani Thani Ji wishes that both Shri Radha Krishn relish this nectar blissfully in this colourful night.
Kunj Padharo Rang-bhari Rain.
Rang Bhari Dulahin Rang Bhare Piya Shyam Sundar Sukh Dain. [1]
Rang Bhari Sej Rachi Jahan Sundar Rang Bharyo Ulahat Main.
‘Rasik Bihari’ Pyari Mili Dou Karau Rang Sukh-chain. [2]