Essay name: Sankalpa Suryodaya of Venkatanatha (Critical Study)
Author:
R. Laxmi
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
This is an English study of the Sankalpa Suryodaya—an allegorical Sanskrit drama by Venkatanatha, a distinguished philosopher-poet and dramatist of the Vishishtadvaita Vedanta tradition. This work of Venkata-natha (or, Vedanta Deshika). stands out for integrating allegory to convey moral and philosophical truths. The thesis examines its place in Sanskrit literature.
Chapter 3 - Significance
59 (of 85)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
102
not listen to wife's suggestion, and expresses his desire to enjoy his heart's content
in wife's company. Then he exists with his wife.
Now, come on the stage, Nārada and Tumburu playing on the musical
instrument. Nārada expresses optimism for the bright day has dawned for Viveka.
This day begins with the Sun-rise, dispelling the darkness, Vedic chanting and
disappearance of ignorance. Tumburu joins with Nārada at the beginning of bright
day. Both anticipate the battle in which Viveka gets Victory. Nārada again
expresses a glorious day for Viveka as the Sun's rays begin to spread sharply.
Nārada reminds the audiance about battle between Rāma and Rāvaṇa and again
speaks of ultimate victory for Viveka in his fight against Mahāmoha. He adds that
Viveka is sure to win a victory being assured by Brahman at whose realisation,
Mahāmoha is destroyed. Tumburu showing a little diffidence wants to know from
Nārada how he is sure of Viveka's victory because in a battle always an element of
luck is present. Nārada reposes confidence again. At this juncture, a loud voice is
heard behind the curtain. Then Nārada and Tumburu feel delighted. He compares a
noise to a Sumptuous feast to the ear. To him the noise is all divine music leading to
breaking open the doors of Svarga. Tumburu shares the feelings of Nārada. The
conversation between them gives a description of the battle. Nārada conveys to the
audiance, the fight between them is fierceful as weapons are discharged against
one another in large number. In charging against one another, both the armies of
Viveka and Mahāmoha seem to have become one. "In this exciting scene of the
battle of the two armies which display, respectively, the prowess of Viveka and
Moha, the goddess of victory enjoys, as it were, the pleasure of being seated on a
swing, for it is difficult to guess on which side she will turn." 5
"I bow to Lord Viveka, who, in battle, kills his angry foes and whose image is seen
in full reflection like the Sun in the fresh pool of blood which is as sweet as honey." 6
"6
5.
एतस्� संभृतविवेकविमोहभूम्न� सेनायुगस्य समराङ्कणसंभ्रमेण �
प्राये� संप्रत� विकल्पितया स्ववृत्त्य� दोलाधिरोहणरस� लभते जयश्री� � [etasya saṃbhṛtavivekavimohabhūmna� senāyugasya samarāṅkaṇasaṃbhrameṇa |
prāyeṇa saṃprati vikalpitayā svavṛttyā dolādhirohaṇarasa� labhate jayaśrī� || ] S.S. VIII-35, p. 701
6.
प्रणमामि विवेकदेव� प्रकुपितप्रतिपक्षप्रतिमथनप्रधनम् �
शोणितनवमधुप्रवाह� सूर्यमिव समग्रलग्नप्रतिमानम� [praṇamāmi vivekadeva� prakupitapratipakṣapratimathanapradhanam |
śoṇitanavamadhupravāhe sūryamiva samagralagnapratimānam ] II S.S. VIII-37, p. 703
