Sthulibhadra Barmasa

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sthulibhadra Barmasa" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sthulibhadra Barmasa Author: Shilchandrasuri (with commentary by Pandit Tattavijay Gani) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229632/1

This work, described as a "laghu-kavya" (short poetic composition) by Pandit Tattavijay Gani, centers on a poignant episode of separation and longing within a well-known love story: the separation of Sthulibhadra and Koshā. After a period of uninterrupted companionship and profound closeness, a life-altering, painful event led to the lovers' parting. The poet eloquently captures Koshā's deep anguish during this separation and her intense yearning for her beloved.

The introduction also mentions "Hari'āli," another composition by Pandit Tattavijay Gani, which is also included in the printed copy. "Hari'āli" is described as a riddle, problem, or cryptogram, but it is also an "adhyatmik, kavy-prakar" (spiritual poetic type). The introduction emphasizes that its meaning cannot be grasped by simply understanding the literal meaning of the words; its essence is revealed only when considered from a spiritual perspective, making it a "rahasyavadi kavy-prakar" (mystical poetic type).

The manuscript for this work, a two-page copy, belongs to the L.D. Vidyamandir in Ahmedabad (Accession No. 27766). It contains the "Baramasa" first, followed by "Hari'āli." The scribe of this copy is Muni Premvijayji, who is confirmed to have been alive in the early part of the 18th century.

Summary of "Sthulibhadra Barmasa" (The Twelve Months):

The "Sthulibhadra Barmasa" is a lyrical poem expressing the deep sorrow and longing of Koshā, who is separated from her beloved Sthulibhadra. The poem progresses through the twelve months of the year, highlighting how each month's characteristics amplify her pain and her yearning for his return.

• Month 1 (Ashadh): Koshā laments the arrival of Ashadh, a month of rain. She questions if the clouds are not raining, and if not, why is the earth receiving the downpour. She wonders why her beloved has left for a foreign land, abandoning her.
• Month 2 (Shravan): The gentle rain of Shravan awakens her longing. She questions who can bear such sorrow. She pleads with her beloved, her life's support, not to behave this way, and reminds him of their initial love, which should not be ended.
• Month 3 (Bhadarva): Bhadarva nights are filled with the breeze of separation. The traditional sixteen adornments are not pleasing to her; she feels consumed by separation. Her bed is like fire. Even fine silk clothes are not appealing to her without her beloved by her side.
• Month 4 (Aaso): She had hoped to play during the Navratri festival with her beloved, to feed him with her own hands. She questions how he, whose life is bound to hers, can be forgotten. She remembers him constantly, just as she remembered him before.
• Month 5 (Kartik): Kartik arrives, and everyone celebrates Diwali. She mentions sweets like Khaja, Laddu, and Sev, filled with joy in their hearts. However, her beloved is not at home, and she weeps alone.
• Month 6 (Magshir): Magshir brings the pain of Cupid (Madan). She reflects on the depth of their love, spanning twelve years. She questions the trustworthiness of such men who are without affection and who do not inquire about their well-being once their purpose is served.
• Month 7 (Posh): She wonders if their previous love is being upheld by her beloved. She wishes for the water of love to be sprinkled to alleviate her sorrow. She feels she has been cheated as her beloved has not returned. She questions why he has chosen the path of detachment when they were meant to enjoy pleasures.
• Month 8 (Mah): The month of Mah brings immense sadness. Her room, bed, and surroundings feel desolate. She wears clothes but feels no comfort. Her heart wanders to him day and night.
• Month 9 (Phagun): The strong winds of Phagun are blowing, and people are joyfully celebrating Holi with colors like red and gulal, abir, and saffron. Musical instruments like chang, mridang, and duff are playing with great rhythm.
• Month 10 (Chaitra): In Chaitra, beautiful women are weaving garlands of champak flowers, adorning their lovers' necks with joy. Her own flower garland, without her beloved, is like a black serpent. Even her embroidered clothes feel like fire.
• Month 11 (Vaishakh): In Vaishakh, mango branches are being decorated. People are enjoying sweet dishes like milk, sugar, ghee, and thin pancakes. She laments that eating without her beloved is unbearable. She requests him to return soon and feed her these delicious foods.
• Month 12 (Jeth): Jeth brings intense heat. Cool sandalwood paste and water feel like the fire of the jungle. She cannot find comfort sitting by the window. She wonders how she can forget the talk of her beloved.

The poem concludes with a note of hope: Koshā has completed her "Baramasa" (her sorrowful song through the twelve months) with love. Sthulibhadra returns during the Chaturmas (the four months of monsoon), bringing joy to her home. Koshā is purified as a nun (Shravika), and her worldly desires are extinguished. Pandit Tattavijay's aspiration for the fulfillment of his work is realized.