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 575

TARAYANA (Taragana) : An Anthology of Bappabhatti 557 The general neglect in which Bappabhatti has fallen, which to Dr. Bhayani is rather a mystery may be explained by his being what Dr. Bhayani calls 'a vidagdha poet' (a pandita-poet or scholar poet)-a scholar who has spoilt his lucidity by his wide-ranging allusiveness : "In several verses the idea is complex and the use of slesa makes it further complicated". These verses would not have become intelligible but for the anonymous commentary which "meticulously explains various compound expressions", clarifies both the meanings of double-meaning expressions" and "brings out the precise meaning and purport of the verses." In style and diction Bappabhatti is closely akin to Sarvasena (?), Pravarasena and Vakpati-raja and diametrically opposed to Hala. The difficulty of his writing is perhaps responsible for his remaining in obscurity for several centuries past. He was not, however, totally forgotten or ignored by later writers. Dr. Bhayani has pointed out how Bappabhatti's ideas contained in two of his verses are borrowed by Vira, the author of Jambusamicariya, an Apabhramsa text and one more verse has been cited, anonymously, by Bhoja, a standard authority on Alamkarasastra, in his Srrgaraprakasa. In this context it may be pointed out here that there are quite a few other citations of Bappabhatti's verses in Bhoja's Srngaraprakasa (S'P) and Sarasvatikanthabharana (SK) and in Jinesvarasuri's Gaharayanakosa: The gatha opening with "The HT 3481)" (Tg v 131) is cited by Bhoja in S'P Vol II, p. 458 v4, again Vol III, p. 619 V1 and once again, Vol IV p. 1175 v.6. Further, it is also cited by him in SK Ch IV p. 498 v 155, and again Ch V, P 679 v 354. There is still another gatha cited by Bhoja in his S'P Vol IV p 1091 v3. The corrupt text of this gatha when restored closely agrees with Tg v 161. It is very interesting to note that the said citation in SP closely resembles GS (W). 840. On the authority of Sankuka who unhesitatingly attributes it to Gajapati ( a nom de plume a pseudonym of Bappabhatti). We may be justified in saying that Bhoja has drawn upon Bappabhatti's muktakas. Compared with Bhoja Jinesvarasuri who compiled his GRK in VS. 1251, draws heavily on Bappabhatti's muktaka verses. On scrutiny we find that Jinesvarasuri has taken over from TG the following fifteen gathas :