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Karuna Khandakavyam
This is a Malayalam literary classic.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2016
22 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Kumaran Asan
31 books21 followersN. Kumaran Asan (കുമാരനാശാന്) (1873–1924), also known as Mahakavi Kumaran Asan (the prefix Mahakavi, awarded by Madras University in the year 1922, means "great poet" and the suffix Asan means "scholar" or "teacher"), was one of the triumvirate poets of Kerala, South India. He was also a philosopher, a social reformer and a disciple of Sree Narayana Guru.
Kumaran Asan initiated a revolution in Malayalam poetry in the first quarter of the 20th century, transforming it from the metaphysical to the lyrical. Deep moral and spiritual commitment is evident in Asan's poetry. His works are an eloquent testimony of poetic concentration and dramatic contextualisation.
Kumaran Asan initiated a revolution in Malayalam poetry in the first quarter of the 20th century, transforming it from the metaphysical to the lyrical. Deep moral and spiritual commitment is evident in Asan's poetry. His works are an eloquent testimony of poetic concentration and dramatic contextualisation.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 17, 2021
Based on the Buddhist tale of Vasavadatta the courtesan, who fell in love with the tall beautiful youth Upagupta, one of Buddha's disciples. She was enamored at first sight, and sent him an invitation. Which he turned down, saying, "The time has not yet arrived, when Upagupta will visit Vasavadatta". This doesn't sit well with the courtesan, known as the Vishwasundari, and was courted by many rich and powerful men in Mathura. Nonetheless, she continued on, still holding the flame for him in her heart.
After a while, Vasavadatta became the object of jealousy, between two of her lovers; the influential chief of the artisans, and a rich merchant. Dazzled by the wealth of the merchant, and fearing retribution from the chief, she conspired to kill him, and afterwards concealed his body under a dung hill. The relatives of the deceased however, managed to uncover the body; Vasavadatta was tried for murder, her ears, nose, hands and feet were ordered to be cut off, and she was thrown into a graveyard. Vasavadatta, the object of adoration of all men in Mathura, found herself a cripple, with only a loyal maid by her side to take care of her, and drive away the buzzards.
It was in this situation that she was approached by none else than Upagupta. The disfigured former courtesan was frantic, ordering her maid to cover her up, so that the young man wouldn't get repulsed by her grotesque appearance.
To which he replied "I come not now, in search of pleasure Sister. I have seen Tathagatha (Buddha) walk the earth, and teach all his doctrine of peace and enlightenment. Before, you were not ready for those teachings, indulged and entrapped by passion and worldly desires, your senses were clouded. His teachings would have been ignored by you. But now, the charms of beauty, wealth and comfort, have left you, and you are ready, to reclaim your nobler self. To understand the doctrines of buddha, and through it, gain peace from the restless sensual pleasures of man."
Having taken refuge in Buddha, the Dharma, the sangha, Vasavadatta gained the calm spiritual bliss which comes with the acceptance of once suffering, and died a content soul.
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After a while, Vasavadatta became the object of jealousy, between two of her lovers; the influential chief of the artisans, and a rich merchant. Dazzled by the wealth of the merchant, and fearing retribution from the chief, she conspired to kill him, and afterwards concealed his body under a dung hill. The relatives of the deceased however, managed to uncover the body; Vasavadatta was tried for murder, her ears, nose, hands and feet were ordered to be cut off, and she was thrown into a graveyard. Vasavadatta, the object of adoration of all men in Mathura, found herself a cripple, with only a loyal maid by her side to take care of her, and drive away the buzzards.
It was in this situation that she was approached by none else than Upagupta. The disfigured former courtesan was frantic, ordering her maid to cover her up, so that the young man wouldn't get repulsed by her grotesque appearance.
"Once this body was fragrant like the lotus, and I offered thee my love. In those days I was covered with pearls and fine muslin. Now I am mangled by the executioner and covered with filth and blood."
To which he replied "I come not now, in search of pleasure Sister. I have seen Tathagatha (Buddha) walk the earth, and teach all his doctrine of peace and enlightenment. Before, you were not ready for those teachings, indulged and entrapped by passion and worldly desires, your senses were clouded. His teachings would have been ignored by you. But now, the charms of beauty, wealth and comfort, have left you, and you are ready, to reclaim your nobler self. To understand the doctrines of buddha, and through it, gain peace from the restless sensual pleasures of man."
Having taken refuge in Buddha, the Dharma, the sangha, Vasavadatta gained the calm spiritual bliss which comes with the acceptance of once suffering, and died a content soul.
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September 22, 2017
Another nostalgia
A beautiful poem. Learnt during school days. Used to sing this in groups. Will have open discussions on this poem. Enjoyed reading it again.
A beautiful poem. Learnt during school days. Used to sing this in groups. Will have open discussions on this poem. Enjoyed reading it again.
July 25, 2018
It was good
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews