Gitanjali · Chapter
LXXXVIII explained
The poet addresses the deity of a ruined temple, where worship has ceased and the divine presence is neglected.
What happens
The poet addresses the deity of a ruined temple, where worship has ceased and the divine presence is neglected. The old worshipper returns with longing, but offerings are no longer made. The deity remains in deathless neglect while new images are built and forgotten.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the speaker surrenders to "glad humiliation" and "dim delight," abandoning the…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Pain of Separation and Longing
The old worshipper wanders with longing and hunger in his heart for the deity's favor.
- Death and Immortality
The deity remains in 'deathless neglect' while other images are carried to oblivion.
Characters to notice
- The Poet
The speaker who addresses the deity and describes the scene of neglect.
- The Divine
The deity of the ruined temple, unworshipped and neglected.
Key passages
“Deity of the ruined temple! The broken strings of Vina sing no more your praise.”
God of the abandoned temple, the broken instrument no longer plays songs in your honor.
Opening lament for the loss of worship.
“Only the deity of the ruined temple remains unworshipped in deathless neglect.”
Only the god of the ruined temple endures, forever ignored yet never dying.
Final contrast between transient human creations and enduring divine neglect.
