Jain Journal 1986 07

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

Page 14

JULY, 1986
13
ideal in the body of his poem which in his own estimation is intended to lend priti to the cultured reader.15 Though somewhat ambiguous on the issue he seems to espouse śrngāra as the principal sentiment in poetry which he unhesitatingly elevates to a status higher than the bliss accruing from the realisation of Brahman.16 Alternatively, he recommends the heroic sentiment as the dominant rasa. However, whatever the main sentiment, śrngära invariably lends it a coveted flavour as does salt to food.17 The epithet śrngāravīrodbhūta applied to his poem is perhaps indicative of his preference for the erotic sentiment.
He also talks of experience as not being the sole cause of poetry.18 Casual blemishes in language unless they militate against sentiment do not detract from the worth of poetry.19 Visvanatha was also constrained to admit this simple truth even after subjecting the epithet adoşau in Mammata's definition of poetry to grusome criticism.20
Like Magha, Nayacandra was well-versed in the art of eroticssmarakalāvidura. The amourettes detailed in the middle of his poem, may be out of joint with the tragic denouement, they, however, testify to his proficiency in kāmaśāstra. In emulation of Magha herein Nayacandra has sought to illustrate different types of nâyikā and their varied expressions and actions like bibboka kuțţamita, kilakiñcita. As a matter of fact he has gone a step further in expressly describing inverted cohabitation, ejaculation and such other situations which in themselves smack of unabashed obscinities.21 If the erotist in Magha ever met discomfiture it was at the hands of the Jaina monks.
As a grammarian Nayacandra may not be a comparison to Bhatti or Magha, but his learning in grammar commands attention. According to him scholarship in grammar is achieved by close study of the Aştādhyāyi and its Vrtti (perhaps Kāśikā) along with its commentaries.22
15 sarasajanamanahpritaye kavyametat, HM, XIV. 34. 16 ratirasamparamatmarasadhikam, HM, VII. 104. 17 HM, XIV. 36. 18 Ibid., XIV. 29-32. 19 Ibid., XIV. 39.
See my paper.Nayacandra Sur-ke Sahityik Adars', Mahavir Smarika, Jaipur, 1974,
Pt. II, p. 63-66. 21 HM, VII. 83, 90, 101, 103, 112, 116, 121 etc. 22 Ibid., VIII. 105.