Rajasthan Ke Kavi Thukarsi - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the life and works of the Jain poet Thukarsi, a significant figure in Rajasthani literature. Here's a comprehensive summary:

Poet Thukarsi: A Gem of Rajasthani Literature

The text introduces Thukarsi as a prominent poet from Rajasthan, a land known for its valor, courage, and rich cultural heritage. Rajasthan has historically been a crucial part of Indian history, enduring many challenges, and its land has produced brave warriors. Similarly, it has nurtured literature and culture, and poets like Thukarsi have contributed significantly to this legacy.

Family and Background:

Thukarsi was the son of Kaviraj Ghelha, and his mother was a deeply religious woman.
He belonged to the Pahadya Gotra and was from the Khandelwal community.
His religious affiliation was Digambar Jain.
He is considered a notable poet of the 16th century.
Poetry was a familial inheritance for Thukarsi, as his father was also a good poet, although none of his father's works are currently available.

Literary Works:

Thukarsi has seven known works, all of which are currently unpublished. His poems are characterized by sweetness, clarity, and a flowing rhythm that engages the reader. His known works are:

Kripana Charitra (The Miser's Tale): This is one of his most significant works, with a manuscript available. It describes an incident witnessed by the poet himself and is written in 35 verses.
Parasnath Shravan Sattavisi: This work is a eulogy and life-story of the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanatha. It contains 27 verses and, though simple, is beautifully written and provides insight into the development of Hindi language in the 16th century. It also chronicles a historical event that occurred in Champaavati (present-day Chaksu) around 1521 CE (VS 1578).
Jain Chauvisi: This work is a praise of all 24 Jain Tirthankaras.
Meghmala Vratkatha: This is a detailed account of the Meghmala Vrata (a religious vow). The text mentions its discovery in a manuscript from the Ajmer Shastra Bhandar. It consists of 115 stanzas and 211 verses. The preface provides details about the inspiration behind the story, where it was composed, the reigning king, and the date of its creation.
Panchaindriya Veli (The Vine of the Five Senses): In this work, Thukarsi uses the metaphor of a vine to describe the five senses and imparts lessons on controlling them. He emphasizes the importance of mastering the senses for a virtuous life.
Nemisur ki Veli: This work details the life of the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Neminath, and his consort Rajamati. The composition is instructive.
Chintamani Jayamal: This is a 11-verse Jayamal (a devotional song or hymn) that serves as a praise of Lord Parshvanatha. It encourages a life of restraint, highlighting the power of self-control, citing the example of how it transformed a executioner's noose into a garland of flowers.

Key Themes and Notable Works:

The Miser (Kripana Charitra): This work is a vivid portrayal of a notoriously miserly man living in the same town as the poet. The miser's wife, in contrast, was liberal and learned. The story highlights the miser's extreme aversion to spending money, even on basic necessities and religious activities. He lied, cheated, and avoided all social and religious gatherings. The narrative includes a dialogue between the miser and his wife, where she tries to convince him to join a pilgrimage, but he refuses, prioritizing his wealth. The miser's eventual death and his remorse over not spending his wealth on dharma (righteousness) are depicted. The poet concludes that the miser went to an unfortunate state after death, and his wealth was eventually used for charitable purposes by his family.
The Historical Event in Parasnath Shravan Sattavisi: This work describes an incident during the invasion of Ranthambore by Shah Ibrahim. As the city of Champaavati was also in fear, the citizens sought refuge in the temple of Lord Parshvanatha. The poet describes how, after praying to Lord Parshvanatha, the impending danger miraculously subsided, leading to celebrations and praise for the Tirthankara. This historical depiction adds significant value to the work.
The Meghmala Vrat: This section details the Meghmala Vrata, which is to be observed from the first day of Bhadrapada. The text explains the rituals involved, including fasting, worship, and meditation for five years, followed by an Udyapan (conclusion ceremony). The work also mentions that many individuals in Champaavati, including those from the Khandelwal community of Ajmera and Pahadya gotras, observed this vow. It also mentions the presence of King Ramchandra and Bhattarak Prabhachandra during this time.
The Five Senses (Panchaindriya Veli): This is a philosophical and instructive work where Thukarsi eloquently describes the nature and dangers of attachment to the five senses.
- Touch (Sparshan): The poet uses the metaphor of an elephant attracted to a paper elephant, leading it into a pit of suffering.
- Taste (Rasana): He compares humans to fish trapped by bait, losing their homes and dignity for the sake of taste.
- Smell (Ghran): The example of a bee caught in a lotus, missing its chance to escape, illustrates the danger of olfactory attachment.
- Sight (Chakshu): The poet draws parallels between a moth attracted to a flame and humans captivated by beauty, leading to their downfall. He also mentions the instances of Ahilya and Tilottama as examples of how uncontrolled sight leads to ruin.
- Hearing (Shrotra): The poem uses the examples of a deer fatally attracted to a hunter's song and a serpent mesmerized by music to warn against the allure of sound. The poet emphasizes that the mind is the controller of the senses, and controlling the mind is the key to controlling the senses and achieving happiness.

Overall Significance:

Kaviraj Thukarsi's works, written in old Hindi with influences of Apabhramsa and local dialects, are valuable not only for their literary merit but also for their historical and cultural insights. The text calls for the publication and further research on his writings, recognizing their importance in understanding the literary and religious landscape of Rajasthan.