Stuti Chintamani of Bhima Bhoi: Gems of Soulful Prayer

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Stuti Chintamani, composed in poetic form by Bhima Bhoi, is considered a masterpiece of devotional literature. The work consists of 100 cantos, each containing 20 stanzas in which the poet sings the glory of Mahima Alekha; the concept of creation of the world and socio-cultural conditions of society. In this collection of poems, the poet prays to God to end the sufferings and injustices that humanity experiences in the Kaliyuga. The poet conveys how best benignity and goodness can be brought in and people can live with compassion and peace, away from destitution and intolerance.

Bhima Bhoi (c. 1847-1895) is one of the most revered saint poets of Odisha belonging to a tribal Kondh family. He was initiated into a religious sect, Mahima Dharma by Mahima Swami, a yogi and sanyasi. Mahima Dharma emphasised on simple living without materialistic desires, unsullied devotion to God and chanting God's name. The Mahima Dharma did not support idolatry, caste division and religious rituals. Through his works like Stuti Chintamani, Brahma Nirupama Gita, etc., Bhima Bhoi enlightened people and propagated the idea of attainment of real knowledge.

Dr Satyananda Swain is a noted scholar, writer and translator. He has done extensive research on the life and works of Bhima Bhoi as well as on Indian English literature. He has authored several books in both English and Odia including Jagat Uddhara Heu (published by NBT). He has been honoured with Kalinga Sahitya Akademi award and Mukti Translation award.

Bhima Bhoi was a little known genius of late Nineteenth Century Odisha. He was a poet, philosopher and saint. He was the poet of Mahima Dharma, the Universal Humanism propagated by Mahima Swami. Swami propagated the religious order through verbal instruction and training. He had good number of siddha sadhus to teach the tenets of Mahima Dharma. But neither the preceptor nor his followers wrote anything. Bhima Bhoi was instructed by Mahima Swami to write his teachings and the ways of action to follow. Endowed with spiritual prowess Bhima Bhoi wrote Bhajanas, Jananas, Chautisha and Stuti to appease Mahima Alekh and seek his anchorage for universal welfare. All these writings were chanted for their lyric grace. Their analysis found out the true ways of spiritual life. Essentially Bhima Bhoi gave vent to values like, truth, non-violence, compassion and selflessness.

Mahima Swami's new order became dearer to the public for the musical aspect of it. But beneath the lyrical composition lurks the complex philosophy of existence. A deep reading would reveal the echo of vedantic injunctions. Gradually, the Composition of Bhima Bhoi is coming to limelight. Today, the spiritual bard is no more a wildflower. He is enjoying a centre-stage in a democratic world with integration of values. He is praised all over the world as an advocate of the poor and suffering lot as he is ready to barter his soul for redemption of the world at large.