Sanskrit Saiva Kavyas: From 12th Century to 17th Century A.D. (Set of 2 Volumes)

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The Saiva Kavyas- the Haracaritacintamani of Jayadratha, the Bhiksatana of Utpreksavallabha, the Sivalilarnava of Nilakantha Diksita & the Natesavijaya of Venkatakrsna Diksita have been recognised as works of poetic literary merit by indologists, scholars and historians like M. Winternitz. S.N. Das Gupta & S.K. De, Vacaspati Garola, Baldev Upadhyaya, M.A. Stein etc.; but these kavyas could not pave a path of fame and popularity. As such no work had been done so far and a multidimensional study of these kavyas can be a source of inspiration for scholars and researchers to plunge deep into the texts full of hidden treasure of precious gems of literary poetic beauty and embellishments.

To facilitate the study of these kavyas, the original sanskrit text along with a. detailed and comperhensive introduction about the date, works, erudition of the author and general appraisal, critical appreciation & evaluation of the kavya has been done. It has been divided in 2 volumes. The 1st volume comprises of the critical and analytical study of the Haracaritacintamani of Jayadratha and the Bhiksatana of Utpreksavallabha along with original text of both the kavyas. The 2nd volume deals with the Sivalilarnava of Nilakantha Diksita and the Natesavijaya of Venkatakrsna Diksita along with their original texts.

Dr. Mrs. Kanta Gupta M.A., LL.B., Ph.D., Jyotish Visharad, Yoga Shiromani, worked as Reader in Department of Sanskrit, Kalindi College, Delhi University, Delhi.

Her entire academic career envisages thorough study of Vedic scriptures, ancient legends and lores, Hindu dharma, philosophy, yoga, meditation, astrology and other classical literary compositions. She has disseminated Hindu values through university education by inspiring the students to practise them in their lives, the only way of spiritual upliftment leading to universal brotherhood and happiness. She had been invited to particiapte in several International Conferences in India and abroad : World Aryan Conference in Mauritius (August, 1973), 1st World Yoga Conference in Delhi (December, 1986), 33rd International Congress of Asian and North African Studies in Toronto, Canada (August, 1990), 8th World Sanskrit Conference in Vienna, Austria (September, 1990), 34th .International Congress of Asian & North African studies in Hongkong (July, 1993), 9th World Sanskrit Conference in Melbourne, Australia (January 1994), Xth World Sanskrit Conference in Banglore, India (January, 1997), 35th International Congress of Asian and North African studies in Budapest, Hungary (July, 1997), World Sanskrit Conference in New Delhi, India (April 2001).

Her recent publication Yogavasistha - A Study highly appreciated by Sanskrit scholars all over the world. She was awarded the title of YOGA SHIROMANI by His Excellency Giani Zail Singh ji, the President of India in 1986.

The scope of the present study is limited to only four Saiva kavyas written during 12th cent A.D. to 17th cent A.D. These Kavyas viz the Haracaritacintamani of Jayadratha, the Bhiksatana of Utpreksavallabha, the Sivalilarnava of Nilakantha Diksita & the Natesavijaya of Venkatakrsna Diksita have been recognised as works of poetic literary merit by indologists, scholars & historians like M. Winternitz, S.N. Das Gupta & S.K. De, Vacaspati Garola, Baldev Upadhyaya, M.A. Stein etc; but they could not pave a path of fame and popularity. The vast field of unexplored study of these Kavyas was looming before my mental horizon & prompted me to undertake this study especially because no critical work had been done on these Kavyas and this study might prove to be a good contribution to the literary world.

To facilitate the study of these kavyas, the original sanskrit text along with a detailed and comperhensive introduction about the date, works, erudition of the author and general appraisal, critical appreciation & evaluation of the kavya has been done.

It has been divided in 2 volumes. The 1st volume comprises of the critical and analytical study of the Haracaritacintamani of Jayadratha and the Bhiksatana of Utpreksavallabha along with original text of both the kavyas. The 2nd volume deals with the Sivalilarnava of Nilakantha Diksita and the Natesavijaya of Venkatakrsna Diksita along with their original .texts. The present multidimensional study of these kavyas will be a source of inspiration for scholars and researchers to further plunge deep into the texts full of hidden treasure of precious gems of literary poetic beauty and embellishment thereby enriching Sanskrit literature.

My profound thanks are due to the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan for graciously granting financial help to get this voluminous work published, without which my efforts would not have seen the daylight.

It is doubtless a matter of great pleasure and privilege for me to express my gratitude to my Guru Late Prof. R.C. Dwivedi, Head of Sanskrit Department, Jaipur University, Jaipur, for giving me encouragement and valuable help and guidance in all my academic pursuits.

I owe indebtedness to all my friends and colleagues for their valuable suggestions from time to time. I shall be failing in my duty if I omit to thank my husband Shri Rajiv Lochan and my children for their ungrudging sincere help & support in the course of preparation of the work.

My special thanks are due to Shri Narendra Pratap and Shri Surenda Pratap of Nag Publishers of Jawahar Nagar, Delhi, who have taken great pains to ensure the quality of publication through their personal care and supervision.

Inspite of my sincere and honest efforts a few discrepancies or printing errors might have crept in for which I seek the indulgence of scholars. As further improvement is always possible, any suggestion will be welcome & incorporated in future edition.

The utility of this work will, however, be ascertained and judged by learned scholars & experts before whom I am placing my humble contribution.