Studies in Jain Literature

SR No.: 001868
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 114
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Literature, & Story
File Size: 14 MB

Page 326

308 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE available items of knowledge from the identifiable verses and taking into account the discussions by critics, viz, Anandavardhana. Kuntaka, Abhinavagupta, Bhoja and Hemacandra, we get a good deal of information about the theme of Sarvasena's Harivijaya, its structure, language, style and poetic merits and its place in artistic epics : The Harivijaya of Sarvasena (4th century A. D.) The Title : The title means "The Victory of Hari (Krsna)', The object of Hari in the present epic is to carry off the Celestial Parijata tree from Indra's heaven. He marched against Indra with a view to securing the desired objectthe Parijata tree, the rise of the hero in the form of the conquest of the enemy (Indra) who himself surrendered and allowed him to carry the Parijata tree for Satyabhama. The Contents of the epic : Hari offers the Parijata manjari (given to him by Narada who had brought it from Indra's heavenly Nandana garden) to his beloved Rukmini, Although Satyabhama and the other wives of Hari (Jambavati, etc.) were hurt, Satyabhama alone showed her anger and jealousy-her feelings reflected her deep and abiding love for Hari. The rays of the moon, blended with the lustre of the sparkling Kaustubha gem, which should normally have increased her joy, actually aggravated her agony and made it just unbearable (because of Hari's offence--who offered the heavenly Parijata manjari to Rukmini but called on her empty-handed). When Hari met her, she sarcastically remarked : You have favoured Rukmini with a bunch of Parijata flowers from Heaven and me with your kind visit. Both your women should be satisfied with the equally distributed favours." Hari replied : "You are hurt, I know, because I gave the celestial Parijata flowers to Rukmini. But if I were to bring back the very flowers to gratify you it wouldn't be in keeping with my love for you, my delicate one, nor with my offence. I will soon get you the celestial Parijata tree itself, its leaves moist with spray of the rut of Airavata, its flowers along with the bees greedily sucking the nectar of their honey." At this Satyabhama's heart was overpowered with joy. And owing to the excitement thus caused, tears gathered in her eyes, and in spite of her attempts to suppress them, they still rolled down and fell on the back of Hari who was lying prostrate at her feet". Hari then appeased whatever little anger still was there in her heart by his conciliatory gesture, viz., falling prostrate at her feet--the feet of his beloved Satyabhama whose heart was still half-closed against him." "Her face promises to beam out any time now--the shades of displeasure are receding, a glow of joy is gradually spreading and the mixture of the two contrasting moods is increasing the beauty