Durgapushpanjali - Book Summary

Certainly! Based on the provided pages of the "Durgapushpanjali" and its catalog, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Durgapushpanjali (दुर्गापुष्पाञ्जलिः) Author: Mahamahopadhyaya Pt. Durga Prasad Dwivedi (महामहोपाध्याय पं. श्री दुर्गाप्रसादजी द्विवेदी) Compiler/Editor: Ganga Dhar Dwivedi (श्री गङ्गाधर द्विवेदी) Publisher: Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jaipur (राजस्थान पुरातत्त्वान्वेषण मन्दिर, जयपुर) Part of the Series: Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala (राजस्थान पुरातन ग्रन्थमाला) Publication Year: 1876 Saka / 1957 AD (Vikram Samvat 2013)

Overall Summary:

"Durgapushpanjali" is a collection of devotional hymns (stotras) dedicated to the goddess Durga, presented as an offering of flowers (pushpanjali). The work is attributed to the esteemed scholar Mahamahopadhyaya Pt. Durga Prasad Dwivedi, a renowned scholar and poet from Jaipur. The book was published by the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute as part of its "Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala" series. The compilation and editing were done by Ganga Dhar Dwivedi, the author's grandson, who also provided a commentary called "Parimal" (परिमल) to enhance the understanding and utility of the text.

Key Aspects and Content:

Author's Background: Pt. Durga Prasad Dwivedi was a highly respected scholar who dedicated his life to the service of Sanskrit literature. He was known for his profound erudition, poetic talent, and philosophical insights. His works blended deep scholarship with poetic power. The publication of his previously unpublished works was championed by his grandson, Ganga Dhar Dwivedi.
Content Structure: The "Durgapushpanjali" is divided into two main sections, referred to as "Vishramas" (विश्राम):
- Pratham Vishram (First Section): This section primarily contains the "Pushpanjali" itself, comprising fifteen stotras. These hymns are dedicated to various aspects and forms of the Goddess, exploring philosophical concepts, divine manifestations, and devotional expressions.
- Dwitiya Vishram (Second Section): This section is described as a "Prakirna Pushpanjali" (प्रकीर्णक पुष्पाञ्जलि) or miscellaneous offering. It includes hymns and narratives that, while devotional in nature, also incorporate descriptive elements of sacred places, rivers, and philosophical discussions, often presented in a more purely poetic style.
Themes and Deities:
- Durga/Tripurasundari: The central deity is Goddess Durga, also identified with Tripurasundari and Shri Vidya in Tantric traditions. The hymns explore her multifaceted nature, including her cosmic role as the creator, sustainer, and destroyer, her motherly compassion, and her divine power.
- Philosophical Underpinnings: The stotras delve into philosophical concepts such as the identity of the individual soul (jiva) with the supreme reality (Brahman), the nature of the divine, the duality of Shiva and Shakti, and the path of spiritual realization.
- Mythological and Geographical References: The text references various Shakti Peethas (sacred sites associated with the Goddess), mythological narratives (like the stories of Mahishasuramardini, Daksha's sacrifice, and the creation of Shakti Peethas), and prominent rivers and sacred geography of India, such as the Sarayu, Gomati, Yamuna, and cities like Mathura and Ayodhya.
- Panchadhara and Puranic Deities: The introduction touches upon the worship of "Panchadhara" (five principal deities: Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Ganesha, and Surya) as a significant tradition, highlighting their interconnectedness and symbolic representation of divine power.
Commentary ("Parimal"): Ganga Dhar Dwivedi's "Parimal" provides explanations and elaborations on the stotras. The commentary aims to be concise and easily understandable, elucidating the profound meanings and Tantric significance of the hymns without unnecessary length, making the text accessible to a wider audience.
Author's Works: The publication also serves as a catalog of Pt. Durga Prasad Dwivedi's other significant works across various genres, including astrology, philosophy, and poetry, showcasing his prolific literary output.
Context and Significance: The book is presented as a contribution to Sanskrit literature, reflecting the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Rajasthan and India. It aims to be a valuable resource for scholars and devotees interested in devotional literature, Tantra, and Hindu philosophy.

In essence, "Durgapushpanjali" is a devotional and philosophical masterpiece by a celebrated scholar, offering profound hymns to the Divine Mother, enriched by insightful commentary and historical context, making it a significant addition to Sanskrit devotional literature.