Hansdutam

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Hansdutam

Summary

The provided text is a portion of a Jain text titled "Hansdutam" (हंसदूतम्), authored by Rupgoswami. The publisher is unknown. The text is written in Sanskrit, and the provided content seems to be primarily verses from the poem, along with some commentary or explanations.

Here's a summary based on the content:

Central Theme:

The "Hansdutam" appears to be a duta-kavya, a genre of Sanskrit poetry where a messenger (in this case, a swan - hamsa) is sent to convey a message, typically from a separated lover to their beloved. The context strongly suggests a Vaishnava theme, with Krishna as the beloved and Radha as the separated lover. The poem describes Radha's emotional state and her longing for Krishna, and her interactions with the swan as a messenger.

Key Elements and Narratives:

  • Radha's Distress: The verses depict Radha's deep sorrow and longing for Krishna after he has left for Mathura. She is described as being in a state of intense separation, experiencing emotional turmoil.
  • The Swan as Messenger: Radha entrusts a swan with a message to Krishna. She describes the swan's qualities and implores it to carry her words to her beloved.
  • Descriptions of Krishna: The text includes descriptions of Krishna's divine form, his enchanting qualities, and his divine abode.
  • Radha's Emotional Journey: The poem details Radha's various emotional states, including her sorrow, her hope, and her willingness to endure hardship for Krishna's love.
  • Krishna's Pastimes: There are references to Krishna's pastimes, such as lifting the Govardhan Hill, his interactions with the Gopis, and his divine play.
  • Metaphorical Language: The text uses rich metaphorical language, drawing parallels between Radha's emotions and natural phenomena, and employing elaborate similes and metaphors to describe the divine couple.
  • Instructions to the Swan: Radha gives specific instructions to the swan on how to approach Krishna, what to say, and how to navigate the journey. She also expresses her concerns and hopes regarding the message.
  • Themes of Devotion and Love: The underlying theme is profound devotion (bhakti) and the intensity of divine love between Radha and Krishna.
  • Encounters and Places: The poem mentions various locations associated with Krishna's life, such as Vrindavan, the Yamuna river, and Mathura. It also depicts interactions with Radha's friends (sakhis) who try to console her.

Specific Points Highlighted in the Text:

  • Radha is in deep sorrow, possibly at the Yamuna riverbank, when she encounters the swan.
  • She instructs the swan to carry her message to Krishna, emphasizing her deep love and the pain of separation.
  • There are verses describing Krishna's divine beauty and his playful nature.
  • Radha expresses her willingness to face any hardship or danger to be with Krishna.
  • The swan is portrayed as a trusted messenger, capable of conveying the nuances of Radha's emotions.
  • The poem seems to guide the swan on the path to Krishna, mentioning specific landmarks and events.
  • The latter part of the text appears to describe Radha's condition and her thoughts on various pastimes and interactions with Krishna, as recounted to the swan.

Overall Impression:

"Hansdutam" is a devotional poem that explores the intense love and longing of Radha for Krishna through the narrative of a swan messenger. It is rich in poetic imagery and conveys deep emotional and spiritual sentiments characteristic of Bhakti literature. The text appears to be an excerpt, and a full understanding would require the complete work.