विद्या-सुंदर पंचाशिका एवं चौर पंचाशिका- Vidya-Sundar Panchashika And Chaura Panchashika

Introduction The Chaurapanchasika is a popular erotic poetry in Sanskrit literature. It has been translated in several languages on account of its popularity. This erotic poetry is found in many forms and versions among which the newly discovered "Vidya-Sundara panchasika" is the little known work. When the name of panchasika is mentioned, only the poetry beginning with '~ ~' comes in the forefront and the 'Vidya-Sundara panchasika' remains in the background due to its being unknown or little known in Sanskrit world.

The present work (Vidya-Sundara panchasika) has been rescued from oblivion and is being presented to the readers in full form with Hindi and English translation perhaps, for the first time. It has many similarities, with the Chaurapanchasika and also some dissimilarity. It has the same depth of feeling, flight of imagination and word imagery for which the prevalent form of Chaurapanchasika is known. This is also a work of unknown authorship like Chaurapanchasika.

It has fifty lyrical stanzas on secret love, a large part of which is taken-up by descriptive word pictures which appear to be circumstantial of stolen pleasure. As is mentioned earlier, the 'Vidyasundarapanchasika' is a little known or nearly unknown work in Sanskrit literature. It was first translated by Pandit Mahidhara, the resident of Tihari in old styled Hindi at the order of Maharaja Pratapasingh, the ruler of Tihari. This work was printed in Shri Venkateshwara Press, Bombay in V.S. 1951. It seems that the work remained confined within the boundary of the region and could not attain wide currency. That may be the cogent reason of its being nearly unknown or little known in Sanskrit World.

The Vidyasundarapanchasika has fifty lyrical stanzas on secret love. Whatever is said about Chaurapancha-sika, may also apply to the present work. "In spite of its repetition of conventional ideas,' imagery and situation, the swing of the Verses, the directness of expression and the minute and often charming description render the poem unique in Sanskrit remains uncontrollable and irresistible. A poet observes, "How can the fire of love be allayed, the cool pearl bracelet, the wet garment, the leaf of the lotus, the rays of the frosty moon, the refreshing sandier-paste all add fuel to the fire."

The present Vidya-Sundara panchasika certainly does not talk about ideals and heaven, but walks on the earth and speaks of the insatiable hunger of the body and intoxication of the senses. The verses of the present work are neither too sensual nor gross, but express a simple mode of the passion. The elaborate description of love sports is certainly embarrassing and even offensive to a man of religious taste. But the common man of modern world, it is hoped will not dislike this flavored description of feminine beauty which is conventional in Sanskrit poetry...

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