Bhartrihari: The Multi-Faceted Sanskrit Poet

Bhartrihari, a prominent figure in the world of Sanskrit literature, stands as a distinguished Sanskrit grammarian and lyric poet, often compared to the likes of Horace. His literary legacy is encapsulated in three remarkable satakas, or "centuries" of verse, each delving into distinct aspects of human existence - Sringara Sataka (Century of Love), Niti Sataka (Century of Worldly Life), and Vairagyra Sataka (Century of Renunciation).

Intriguingly, Bhartrihari embodied the roles of a lover, sage, and king, all in one. His life and works continue to captivate readers, and his words remain widely read and quoted, even today.

Yet, much like the enigmatic charm of his verses, the details of Bhartrihari's life remain shrouded in uncertainty. This is a common characteristic among Sanskrit writers of antiquity. While some historical accounts hint at his possible identity as the Buddhist grammarian mentioned by the Chinese traveler I-tsing during his 7th-century AD visit to India, the attribution remains unclear. In I-tsing's records, Bhartrihari appears more as a devoted worshipper of Shiva.

According to tradition, Bhartrihari may have been a king of Ujjain in the 1st century BC, who chose to abdicate his throne in favor of his brother due to his profound disappointment with his queen's infidelities. In his writings, Bhartrihari does express critical views about women, but rather than portraying the image of a pampered ruler, he comes across as a discerning and contemplative brahmin.

Delving into the world of Bhartrihari's original Sanskrit compositions requires effort, but for those who prefer translations, numerous resources are available. There are several websites offering acceptable renditions of his work. Additionally, general books on Sanskrit poetry, such as A. B. Keith's "A History of Sanskrit Literature," A.K. Warder's "Indian Kavya Literature," and J. Brough's "Love Poems from the Sanskrit," can provide valuable insights.

For a comprehensive understanding of Bhartrihari's work, D. Sahu's "Three Shatakas of Bhartrihari" offers the full Sanskrit text in Devanagari script and transliteration, along with an expanded English translation. BS Miller's "Bhartrihari" is also highly recommended for enthusiasts.

To truly appreciate Bhartrihari's literary brilliance, it may be beneficial to explore older scholarly works by experts like Kale Moreshwar Ramchandra, Gopinath Purohit, and N.S. Singh. Fortunately, books are reasonably priced in India and can be safely ordered through platforms like abebooks or alibris. Additionally, there are many specialized bookshops catering to literary enthusiasts.

As always, for a broader context of Indian literature and culture, "The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics" (1993) offers useful summaries, while A. L. Basham's "The Wonder that was India" provides a readable account of pre-Islamic India. For those seeking more detailed insights, Jeannine Auboyer's "La Vie Quotidienne dans l'Inde Ancienne" is available in French and Spanish versions.


**Love, the Fisher**

Love, the fisher, casts his woman-hook
Into the sea of lust and fond desire,
And just as soon as greedy men-fish look
And snap the red bait, lips so sweet, so dire:
Then he is quick to catch them and to cook
The hungry wretches over passion's fire.

**Better in the Wild**

Better to dwell in mountains wild
With beasts of prey,
Than in the palaces of gods
With fools to stay.

**When I Knew a Little Bit**

When I knew a little bit,
Then my silly, blinded wit,
Mad as elephants in rut,
From the scholar's hoarded store,
Madness' fever soon grew cool,
Thought it was omniscient; but
When I learned a little more
And I knew I was a fool.

**Why My Poems Died**

The critics all were jealous,
The patrons full of pride,
The public had no judgment;
And so my poems died.

Reference:
Kennedy, J. M. "The Satakas or Wise Sayings of Bhartrihari, Translated from the Sanskrit With Notes, and an Introductory Preface on Indian Philosophy.

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