Jinamanjari 1995 09 No 12

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 11

10.30-32; 34.32-33; 42.15-16; 16.46-47). However it shows that he was quite familiar with the proper names of the forest and animal wealth of the country.
In the description of morning (2.11), sunrise (15.83), evening (2.99-100; 70,49) etc. the poet follows a bookish and conventional method.
Physcial Features
In describing physical features of men and women the poet follows a conventional pattern. The similes and metaphors are mostly borrowed from books and the same epithets are frequently repeated in the same context (see 2.16-18; 1.105-107; 15.61-63; 14.94-98; 26.99-101).
Ceremonies, Sports and Stutis
There are colourful flashes of the descriptions of svayamvara' ceremonies of Vidyadhari Srimala (6.159-175) and Sita (28.105-122), the religious ceremonies of the worship of the Jinas (66.20-30; 3.87-92) and the sports of princes with the agitated elephants in rut (8.172-179; 8. 217-223). But in all these cases there is a surface description. However, the 'stutis' addressed to the Jinas are captivating on account of their smooth and musical flow and inspired and elevated tone (1.18; 28.47-50).
Living Conditions
It is very striking to note that the poet has brought out effectively the contrast between the living conditions of the rich and the poor. The rich people lead luxurious life living in magnificent palaces, clad in beautiful robes, feeding on delicious dishes, indulging in varied fleshy pleasures amidst damsels, music, dances and perfumeries. And on the other hand the indigent ones do not get even the bare necessities of life. In chilly winters their bodies are sore, their tattered clothes cannot keep off the cold, fire in their only rescue (31.42-47).