Kavi Keshavkrut Neminath Fag - Book Summary

This document is a scholarly analysis and presentation of Kavi Keshavkrut Neminath Fagu, a Gujarati Jain poem. Here's a comprehensive summary in English:

I. Introduction and Background:

The article introduces the Fagu as a significant minor poetic form in ancient and medieval Gujarati literature, known for its specific form and subject matter.
It notes that approximately 78 Fagu poems are available, with about 50 published.
This particular work, "Neminath Fagu" by Kavi Keshav, a disciple of Lavanyaratna, is presented as an unpublished work.

II. Manuscript and Editing Process:

The analysis is based on a single manuscript found in the Hastprat Granthbhandar of Munishri Punyavijayji at the L.D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad (Manuscript No. 794).
Physical Description of the Manuscript:
- The first page features a colored illustration of a Tirthankara.
- Each leaf measures 24.7 x 11.0 cm, with 3.0 cm margins on both sides.
- Page numbers are written on the left side of the leaf.
- The manuscript is written in Devanagari script on thin paper, using red and black ink.
- Verse numbers are in red ink.
- The exact date of writing is not specified, but based on the script, it's estimated to be from the 18th century.
Editing: The editor, Shri Kanubhai V. Sheth, has maintained the original readings from the manuscript throughout the compilation.

III. Author: Kavi Keshav:

From the poem's accolades, it's confirmed that the author is Keshav, a disciple of Lavanyaratna.
The poem was composed in Samvat 1751 (1695 AD) on the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Phalguna in Patan.
Kavi Keshav's full name might be Keshavdas, and his alias could be Kushalsagar.
He belonged to the tradition of Sadhu Kirti of the Jinvijay branch of the Khartar Gaccha, and was a disciple of Lavanyaratna.
Besides this "Neminath Fagu," Kavi Keshav is known to have composed other works like "Keshav Bavani," "Matruka Bavani" (1680 AD), and "Virbhanu Udaybhan Ras" (1689 AD).

IV. "Neminath Fagu" as a Poem:

It is a Fagu poem of 115 verses.
Subject Matter: The poem narrates several episodes from the life of Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, within the Jain tradition.
Content Breakdown:
- Beginning: The poem starts with praise for Neminath and the glorification of celibacy (Shil).
  - "Celibacy is great in the world, through celibacy, liberation is attained. Anything desired is obtained through celibacy, along with the eight siddhis and nine nidhis."
- Neminath's Birth and Early Life:
  - The poem briefly describes Neminath's physical beauty during Indra's celebration of his birth.
  - It also quickly narrates the incident of Neminath and a "false-view" (Mithyādr̥ṣṭi) deity, highlighting Neminath's immense strength ("Anulī-bal Jinvar kahyā" - The Jinvara of incomparable strength).
- Journey to Dwarka and Ugrasen's Story:
  - The second canto describes Neminath's arrival in Dwarka from Sauripura.
  - It concisely recounts the story of King Ugrasen and a hermit (Tapasa). Ugrasen failed to fulfill a promise to feed the hermit, leading to the hermit's vow to become the king's destroyer. The hermit dies, and his son is born, embodying this vow. Kavi Keshav efficiently summarizes this in eight verses, showcasing his brevity.
- Kansa's Birth and Marriage:
  - The poem briefly describes Kansa's birth and his marriage to Jarasandha's daughter, Jayashā.
  - It dramatizes an encounter between Kansa's wife, Chivayashā, and the sage Atimukta. Intoxicated, Chivayashā makes improper advances to the sage.
  - Atimukta, using his father's knowledge, predicts that Chivayashā's seventh child will be born to Devaki and will kill Kansa. This prophecy humbles Chivayashā.
- Krishna's Deeds and Neminath's Encounter:
  - The poem briefly mentions Krishna's birth in the seventh womb, his killing of Kansa, reinstating Ugrasen, and his move to Saurashtra, where he founded Dwarka.
  - In just eight dohas between the second and third cantos, the poem swiftly narrates an accidental visit by Neminath to Krishna's armory, his challenging the bow and blowing the Panchajanya conch. It details the wrestling match between Krishna and Neminath, Krishna's defeat, his fear of losing his father's position, and a divine pronouncement. These brief descriptions showcase the poet's narrative skill.
- Description of Spring (Vasant):
  - The third canto features vivid descriptions of spring.
  - It paints a picture of the cuckoo's calls, the buzzing of bees, and their effect on the minds of maidens.
  - It also depicts Gopis adorned for spring festivities and their movement in the forest.
- Dialogue between Shivadevi and Gopis:
  - The conversation between Shivadevi (Neminath's mother) and the Gopis, worried about Neminath's indifference to marriage, is dramatic and pointed. Shivadevi challenges the Gopis to make him marry.
- Gopis' Playful Interaction with Neminath:
  - The poem vividly portrays Gopis' interaction with Neminath by the riverside, asking for his forehead to be decorated with saffron and sandalwood. The descriptions of their adornment and playful dialogue are notable.
- Gopis' Teasing and Neminath's Reaction:
  - The Gopis tease Neminath, comparing him to "ghevar" (a sweet) and asserting their control over him. Rukmini and Jambavati also make sarcastic remarks about Neminath's celibacy and character.
  - Neminath dismisses their remarks with a smile.
- Neminath's Renunciation:
  - Between the third and fourth cantos, in seven concise dohas, the poet briefly narrates the dramatic events of Neminath's arranged marriage with Rajimati, his departure for the wedding, his hearing the cries of animals on the way, his attainment of renunciation, and his return without getting married. This highlights the poet's fluid narrative style.
- Rajimati's Separation and Anguish:
  - The fourth canto extensively depicts Rajimati's grief and distress. She questions Neminath why he abandoned her.
  - She uses metaphors like a creeper without support and a fish without water to express her state.
  - She argues that Neminath's act of leaving her while showing compassion to animals was not true compassion, as he caused her suffering.
  - She calls Neminath's behavior cowardly, as he abandoned his commitment.
  - Her friends try to console her, suggesting she forget Neminath and marry someone else. However, Rajimati declares her love for Neminath is for eight lifetimes and cannot be easily broken.
- Neminath's Resolve and Enlightenment:
  - On one hand, relatives and friends persuade Neminath to return and marry. However, Neminath remains firm in his decision to embrace asceticism. He engages in Dharma Dhyana (meditation) and eventually attains Kevalgyan (omniscience).
- Neminath and Rajimati's Reunion in Asceticism:
  - The fifth canto describes the meeting of Neminath, now an ascetic on Girnar mountain, and Rajimati, who has also become a nun.
  - The poem describes Rajimati drying her wet clothes in a cave. At that moment, Neminath's brother, Rahunemi, sees her and is moved. Rajimati then preaches to him, bringing him back to the right path and liberating him.
- Liberation:
  - Rajimati attains liberation before Neminath. Neminath, after practicing asceticism for 700 years, also attains liberation. The poem concludes by stating they meet in the abode of liberation.
- Conclusion: The poem's praise section mentions its composition in Patan on Phalguna Shukla Trayodashi, Samvat 1751. The poet concludes by mentioning his guru and his own name, expressing the hope that listening to the poem will fulfill the listeners' desires.

V. References:

The article cites works by M. De. Desai and Bharati Vaidya for further reading on Jain poets and Ras literature.

In essence, the article provides a detailed critical analysis of Kavi Keshav's "Neminath Fagu," focusing on its manuscript, the poet's background, and the rich narrative content that covers key events in Neminath's life, his renunciation, and the emotional turmoil of Rajimati, all presented within the devotional and literary framework of a Jain Fagu poem.