Narsimha Mahetana Pado

This document is an edition of Narasimha Mehta's Unpublished Padas (Narsimha Mahetana Pado), compiled and edited by Ratilal V. Dave. It was published by the L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, as part of the L.D. Series 95.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the book's content and significance:

Core Content:

• Unpublished Padas of Narasimha Mehta: The primary contribution of this book is the collection and presentation of approximately 183 padas (devotional songs or poems) attributed to the renowned medieval Gujarati poet-saint Narasimha Mehta. These padas were previously unpublished and discovered by the editor through extensive research in manuscript collections across Gujarat and beyond.
• Scholarly Introduction and Analysis: The book includes a detailed introduction (Prastavana) by the editor, Dr. Ratilal V. Dave, and a foreword/introductory note by Harivallabh Bhayani. These sections discuss:
  • The significance of Narasimha Mehta: His role as a pioneer of Gujarati devotional poetry, his profound influence on later poets, and his mastery of various poetic forms and devotional themes.
  • The challenges of editing medieval poetry: The introduction delves into the complexities of textual criticism, the need for comparative analysis of manuscripts, the influence of oral traditions, the potential for interpolations, and the linguistic evolution that impacts the authenticity of the original text. It highlights the difficulties in establishing a definitive canon and authentic readings for works by poets like Narasimha Mehta.
  • Linguistic and stylistic analysis: The editor points out linguistic features, regional influences (like North Gujarat dialect), the use of various loanwords (Persian, Hindi, Marathi), and compares certain verses with those of Tulsidas, indicating stylistic parallels and influences.
  • Comparison with other scholars: The introduction references the work of previous editors and scholars like Ichharam Desai, K.K. Shastri, and Shivlal Jesalpura, positioning this work within the ongoing scholarly effort to understand Narasimha Mehta's oeuvre.
• Categorization of Padas: The collected padas are thematically organized into various sections, including:
  • Childhood Leelas (Balaleela na Pada)
  • Daan Leela (Kishna's playful interactions related to dairy products and tolls)
  • Raas Leela (Gopi-Krishna's dance)
  • Surat Sangram (Playful romantic encounters)
  • Vasant (Spring festival songs)
  • Hindola (Swing songs)
  • Merli Vishayak (Songs related to Krishna's flute)
  • Shringar (Songs of romantic love and devotion)
  • Bhakti (Devotional songs)
  • Tattvagnan (Philosophical and spiritual teachings)
  • Bodhak (Didactic or instructive poems)
  • Vaishnav Vishenu Pad (On the nature of a Vaishnava)
  • Atmacharitra (Autobiographical elements)
  • Prakruti (Nature)
  • Prakirna (Miscellaneous)
• Glossary (Shabdakosh): The book includes an extensive glossary of words used in the padas, with their meanings and references to the specific pada and line number. This is an invaluable resource for understanding the archaic language and nuances of the poetry.
• Manuscript Information: A significant portion of the book details the manuscripts used for the edition, including their collection details, script, and estimated dating. This demonstrates the scholarly rigor behind the compilation.

Significance:

• Contribution to Narasimha Mehta Studies: This publication significantly expands the corpus of known works attributed to Narasimha Mehta, providing new material for scholarly analysis and appreciation of his devotional and literary contributions.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: By unearthing and publishing these hitherto unknown padas, the book plays a crucial role in preserving a vital part of Gujarat's rich literary and spiritual heritage.
• Resource for Researchers and Devotees: The detailed annotations, glossary, and thematic organization make it a valuable resource for scholars studying medieval Indian devotional literature, Gujarati literature, and the life and works of Narasimha Mehta. It also serves the spiritual community interested in his devotional poetry.
• Linguistic Insights: The padas offer insights into the evolution of the Gujarati language during the period when they were composed and transcribed, showcasing linguistic variations and influences.

Overall, "Narasimha Mahetana Pado (Aprakashita)" is a monumental scholarly work that enriches our understanding of Narasimha Mehta's poetic legacy by presenting a substantial collection of his previously unknown devotional songs, accompanied by meticulous editing and insightful analysis.