Rustic Love Expressions of Maharashtra

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Nalini Joshi

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This anthology was first translated into German by Weber. It is available in English and French. Up till date, it is translated into all chief modern Indian languages. We find many imitations of this unique treatise in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Apabhramsha. Bihari Lal's Sata-sai in Vraja-bhaasha attained great popularity.
When a Prakritist cast a glance to the subject referred to in this anthology, a wide range of subjects is seen. There are the good sayings (subhaashitas), quotable quotes, the descriptions of good and bad persons (verses dedicated to sajjana and durjana), the ethical teachings, universal value judgments, the role of Destiny and Death in the worldly activities, the serene beauty of nature, the outlook of commoners towards the ways of life and so on. But it is observed that the spontaneous, natural and un-restricted outburst of erotic sentiment (singaara-rasa) is the soul of this anthology. Most of the verses are full of erotic ideas which are exhibited with unique imagery.
Studies from the view of rhetoricians, this anthology is full of poetic excellences but "dhvani' or suggestiveness is the salient feature of almost every verse. Several renounced commentators have exerted a lot to explain the hidden meaning (popularly known as "double meaning'). It may be believed that the vibhaava (ensuant feeling), anubhaava (manifestation of feeling), vyabhichaari-bhaava (accessory feeling), love in association or union, love in separation, even illicit and unbridled kind of love - all these agitate, everywhere and always, the human mind, in the same manner.
Men of taste can enjoy a good deal of delight from the suggestive words and expressions of various kinds of erotic ideas inlaid in them. It has been said in the last verse of the fourth century (viz. shataka i.e. chapter) that if read by men of sentiments, a "gaathaa' in this treatise may seen to him as sweeter than ambrosia.
Some beautiful examples exhibiting all possible shades of "love' will help the reader to know the essence of this anthology -
The initial benediction is dedicated to the intense love of god Shiva and Gauree. The verse runs like this -
pasuvaino rosaaruna-padimaa-samkanta-gori-muhaandam & gahiaggha - pankaam via samjhaa - salilanjalim namaha &&
Which means, "Salute the twilight offering of handful of water by Shiva, on which remains reflected the moon-like face of Gauree (Paarvatee), red in anger, and which therefore looks as if it bears the red lotus of adoration. "(1.1)