Jain Journal 1976 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 28

116
Kesava have inherited the tradition of conversational style from Apabhramsa poetry. Besides, Puspadanta has exhibited a great originality in the use of Alankaras. Dhvanitarupaka Alankara is the invention of the poet. As for example:
attahi ranu kayasuratthavanau attahi jayaum suratthavanau attahi viraham viyaliu lohiu attahi jagu samjharue sohiu, etc.
JAIN JOURNAL
--Mahāpurāna, 28.34.1-7
This type of Alankara may be seen in Prathivirajarāso also. Further researches may show many new Alankaras used by Puspadanta.
The linguistic influence of Puspadanta can be easily seen on the later poets of Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, etc. In his Kavyas many words of Dravidian origin alongwith many Deśya words are found. Dr. Ratna Shriyan has critically studied these words in her thesis. Thus the contribution of Puspadanta in the study of linguistic field is enormous.
Puspadanta's Jasaharacariu is an ample evidence to prove the dedication of the poet for the religion of Ahimsa. It seems from the study of this work that in his times an atmosphere of animal sacrifice was rampant. This work (Jasaharacariu) in various ways must have given a death-blow to such type of activities. Puspadanta's devotion to Jina brings forth his devotional attitude to him.
Thus both Svayambhu and Puspadanta are known for their excellent poetic diction, linguistic contribution and religious and moral fervour.
Read in the Seminar held in March, 1975 under the auspices of the Karnataka University, Dharwar.