Padmasundar Ki Ek Agyat Rachna Yadusundar

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the work "Yadusundar" by Padmasundar:

The article, "Padmasundar ki Ek Agyat Rachna Yadusundar" (An Unknown Work of Padmasundar: Yadusundar) by Dr. Satyavrat, introduces and analyzes "Yadusundar," an epic poem by the Jain scholar and poet Padmasundar. The author highlights Padmasundar's significant position in Jain literature, his close association with the Mughal emperor Akbar, and his considerable scholarly output across various fields.

About Padmasundar and "Yadusundar":

• Padmasundar: He was a prominent Jain monk known for his erudition in poetry, astrology, philosophy, lexicography, and literary criticism. He had a close relationship with Emperor Akbar, as confirmed by his own writings. His works, except for "Shringar Darpan," remain largely unpublished.
• "Yadusundar": This is an epic poem of twelve cantos (sargas) by Padmasundar. It is currently unpublished, and the only known manuscript is preserved at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Vidya Mandir in Ahmedabad. The provided analysis is based on this manuscript.

Content and Plot of "Yadusundar":

"Yadusundar" narrates the story of the marriage and post-nuptial revelries of Vasudev, the younger brother of Yaduraj Samudravijaya of Mathura, and Kanaka, a Vidyadhara princess. The narrative largely follows the structure and themes of Sriharsha's famous epic, "Naisadha Charita."

• Cantos 1-3: Introduce the city of Mathura, Vasudev's lineage, and Kanaka's longing for Vasudev, prompted by a swan's eulogy. Kubera acts as a messenger to Kanaka, attempting to persuade her to choose him, but Kanaka remains steadfast in her love for Vasudev. Kubera eventually reveals his true identity as a messenger.
• Cantos 4-6: Depict the swayamvara (self-choice ceremony) for Kanaka, attended by various kings and dignitaries. A confusion arises when Vasudev, through a magical ring, appears similar to Kubera. Kanaka eventually chooses Vasudev.
• Cantos 7-8: Detail the preparations for the wedding and the marriage ceremony itself, followed by the departure of the newlywed couple.
• Canto 9: Describes the six seasons (shadrutu varnana), showcasing Padmasundar's mastery of descriptive poetry.
• Canto 10: Features another swayamvara, where Princess Rohini of Arishtapur chooses Vasudev, leading to a conflict.
• Canto 11: Narrates the arrival of the couple in Mathura and their conjugal bliss.
• Canto 12: Concludes with descriptions of twilight, the moonrise, and the dawn.

Influence of "Naisadha Charita":

A central theme of the article is the profound influence of Sriharsha's "Naisadha Charita" on "Yadusundar." Padmasundar, though impressed by the grandeur of "Naisadha," found its length daunting. His primary aim in "Yadusundar" was to create a condensed adaptation of "Naisadha Charita."

• Narrative Structure: Padmasundar closely followed the plot, character portrayals, and thematic development of "Naisadha." Even minor plot points, like the swan's role as a messenger or the motif of the hero's disguised appearance, are mirrored.
• Descriptive Passages: Many descriptive passages in "Yadusundar," such as the portrayal of Kanaka's beauty, the descriptions of nature, and the depiction of the swayamvara, are directly inspired by or are adaptations of similar passages in "Naisadha."
• Psychological and Emotional Portrayals: The depiction of separation (vipralambha) and union (sambhoga) in "Yadusundar" echoes the emotional depth and psychological nuances found in "Naisadha." Padmasundar attempts to capture the emotional states of his characters, though the author notes instances where his imagination becomes overly complex or detached from the core emotion.
• Language and Style: While Padmasundar's own language is generally clear and simple, when directly adapting "Naisadha," his style becomes more complex and uses similar vocabulary. The article notes the presence of elaborate compounds, figures of speech (especially vakraukti or indirect expression), and extensive use of alliteration and yamaka (rhyme) in "Yadusundar," reflecting the influence of Sriharsha and other poets like Magha.

Critique and Padmasundar's Poetic Talent:

• Originality: The article acknowledges that "Yadusundar" owes much of its content to "Naisadha Charita," questioning its claim to originality. However, it still allows for an evaluation of Padmasundar's poetic talent based on his adaptation.
• Strengths: Padmasundar demonstrates skill in intricate descriptions, particularly in his depiction of nature and the various festivals and rituals. He also shows a keen understanding of shringara rasa (the erotic sentiment), even venturing into sensual descriptions that are noted as exceeding religious decorum.
• Weaknesses: The author points out that Padmasundar's relentless pursuit of imagery and complex wordplay sometimes overshadows the emotional core of the narrative, particularly in the depiction of separation. His attempt to condense "Naisadha" leads to an imbalance, with the swayamvara description taking up a disproportionately large portion of the poem. The inclusion of vulgarity and obscenity in some passages is also criticized as being contrary to his otherwise pious disposition.
• Comparison with Masters: While Padmasundar follows Sriharsha closely, he is noted to be less successful in achieving the psychological depth and emotional resonance that characterize the works of Kalidasa and Sriharsha, especially in delicate emotional moments.

Overall Significance:

Despite the lack of originality, "Yadusundar" is considered significant for its attempt to present a condensed adaptation of "Naisadha Charita" with new characters. The comparative study of "Yadusundar" and "Naisadha Charita" is deemed interesting and useful for understanding the evolution of Sanskrit poetic traditions and the impact of a masterwork on subsequent poets. The article concludes that the poem's lack of originality might be why only one manuscript is known to exist.