Saraswati Bar Maso

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Saraswati Bar maso" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided text:

The text "Saraswati Bar maso" is a devotional composition attributed to a Jain monk named Muni Bhudhar, likely composed in the 19th or 20th century. It is written in a mixed Marwadi language and is characterized by its unique subject matter, which focuses on Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and learning.

Key Features and Content:

• Unique Subject Matter: Unlike many other Jain compositions that might feature popular characters like Sthulabhadra, Koshā, Nēmirājula, or Krishna-Radha, this work centers entirely on Goddess Saraswati.
• Devotional Nature: The composition begins with a prayer to Saraswati, seeking her blessings. The introductory verses (first three) and the concluding verse (the 16th) clearly express this devotional tone.
• Descriptive but Lacking in Depth: While Saraswati is the central figure, the text surprisingly does not delve into detailed descriptions of her form, nature, life story, or powers. Instead, it presents a rather conventional and materialistic portrayal.
• "Bar Maso" Format: The core of the work follows the "Bar Maso" (twelve months) literary convention. Each month is described, likely reflecting the changing seasons and the associated human activities or sentiments. The descriptions, however, are generally "chiḷachālū" (commonplace) and "bhautiktābharyuṁ" (filled with materialism).
• Content of the Monthly Descriptions (as understood from the verses):
  • Chaitra (Verse 4): Describes the heat of the sun, evaporation of water, and the distress of fish in drying ponds. A prayer is made to Saraswati for comfort.
  • Vaishakh (Verse 5): Depicts hot days, new leaves and flowers, the blooming of mango trees, and the cooing of cuckoos.
  • Jyeshtha (Verse 6): Mentions intense heat, strong winds, dry earth, and the resulting anxiety for people and creatures.
  • Ashadha (Verse 7): Describes heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and the filling of rivers and streams.
  • Shravana (Verse 8): Focuses on the sweet songs of peacocks, the chirping of frogs, and the falling rain.
  • Bhadrapada (Verse 9): Notes the changing colors in the sky due to clouds, the appearance of rainbows, and overflowing rivers and streams.
  • Ashvina (Verse 10): Indicates the end of the rainy season, the removal of sadness, and women enjoying themselves by bathing.
  • Kartika (Verse 11): Mentions lamps being lit, sweet foods being prepared and enjoyed, and people gathering with loved ones.
  • Margashirsha (Verse 12): Describes the pleasant atmosphere of the month, the sweetness of flowers, and the bees enjoying nectar, suggesting romantic or leisurely activities.
  • Pausha (Verse 13): Depicts winter, cold days, the use of small fires or braziers, and the enjoyment of hearty food like khichdi. Women are shown wearing warm clothes and being tested by their husbands.
  • Magha (Verse 14): Describes people adopting simple lifestyles, seeking spiritual solace, and traveling, potentially related to devotional practices or economic pursuits.
  • Phalguna (Verse 15): Celebrates the blossoming of flowers, the use of perfumes, and joyful celebrations, suggesting a festive atmosphere.
• Concluding Prayer (Verse 16): The work concludes with a plea to Saraswati for wisdom, good intellect, fame, honor, and poetic skill. It is attributed to Muni Bhudhar, a disciple of Shri Jasraj Guru.
• Origin and Editing: The text was discovered in loose sheets in the Vadhavan Bhandar and was xeroxed, forming the basis for this edited edition by Vijayji.

In essence, "Saraswati Bar maso" is a devotional poem that uses the cyclical theme of the twelve months to offer praise to Goddess Saraswati. While its subject is significant, the poem itself provides rather ordinary descriptions of the months without offering profound insights into the goddess's attributes. Its primary value lies in its unique focus on Saraswati within the "Bar Maso" tradition and its devotional intent.