Kirti Kaumudi tatha Sukrut Sankirtan

SR No.: 002505
Original Sutra Author: Someshwar Mahakavi, Arisinh Thakkur Kavi
Publisher: Singhi Jain Shastra Shiksha Pith Mumbai
Publication Year: 1961
Total Pages: 168
Language: Sanskrit
Classification: Book_Devnagari & Literature
File Size: 10 MB

Page 59

82
Kathavate's introduction
temptation of praise. Many an administrator, even at the presezat day, may well study the precept contained in this. In one place he expresses his wonder at the bewilderment of man who neglects his duty, though the inner soul bears direct testimony to its paramount claim by rejoicing when it is fulfilled. This is another mode of expressing the doctrine that conscience is the final ethical sanction or standard. His style is generally clear and felicitous, and-barring the pens-the writing may be regarded as one of good taste. One accustomed to read Sanskrita poetry may not regard an hour or two spent in reading it as ill spent.
III
For those scholars who do not read Sanskrita, I propose to give a short abstract of the contents of this peom. It opens with an invocation of the blessing of Vishnu, Śiva and Pārvati and Siva and Vishnu in incorporate forms, and lastly, Sarasvati, the goddess of learning. Then, after making his obeisance to poets in general, the poet goes on to mention in particular Valmiki, Vyāsa, Kālidāsa, Māgha, Bhāravi and Bāna, paying some graceful compliment to each. Then follow more mudern and less generally known authors. They are Dhanpäla, Bihlana, Hemasūri, Nilakaniņa, Prahlādanadeva, Narachandra, Vijayasimha, Subhata, Harihara, Yašovira and Vastupāla. Next, a few verses are devoted to the praise of good men and to the deprecation of wicked men. Then the poet mentions that it was his sincere admiration of the virtues of Vastu pāla and the kindness which that minister always showed to him, which prompted him to write the poem. Thus finishing his introduction, the poet enters upon the subject of his poem. Anahillpura is described as a large city protected by a fortification. It has extensive gardens. The palaces in it are large, and the bright terraces seem as if they were all silver. On all sides are heard Vedas repeated, joyful songs sung and praises chanted by bards. There is a large temple of Mahādeva in it. The population is not exclusively Jaina, for sacrificial smoke is described as going up to heaven. The river Saraswati runs by its side. The women in the city are beautiful, and adorn their persons with rich ornaments. The dust raised by prancing horses is put down by the rut flowing from the temples of elephants. The palaces are lofty like mountains, and their tops are adorned by flags. Beautiful women attract the hearts of young men; yet no irregularity follows, as the administration of justice is perfect. Near the town there is a large lake surrounded on all sides by temples, and having on one side a triumphal column of enormous height.
In giving an account of Anāhillapura kings, the poet does not begin with Vanarāja, but begins with the accession of Mülarāja to the throne. The sovereignty of Gujarat is described as having offered herself of her free choice to Mularāja. This means, I suppose, that he was not the direct heir to the throne, but came by it through the influence of some leading men from the state. Of his exploits, his defeat of the Lāțas under the command of their general Bärapa and the seizure of his elephants and his fight with Laksha, called Lākha-Phulāni, are mentioned.?
His successor was Chāmundarāja.: His son Vallabharājasucceeded him. He
1 The triumphal column is now gone. One can still see the site of the lake. The basin is all filled up, but the limits are visible. It seems it extended over several miles; and presumably was used for agricultural and gardening purposes.
2 Vicharaśreni of Merutunga assigns to the accession of Malarāja the date 1017 Samvat. 3 This name is ommitted in Vichdesreni. 4 1052.