Yashodhara

Yashodhara
Image source: Google

Rating: 4.2/5

Author: Maithili Sharan Gupt

Publisher: Lokbharti Prakashan (2008)

Publishing Date: 1933 AD (originally published), 2008 (re-published)

Language: Hindi

Genre: Poetry

ISBN 13: 9788180312892

Format: Hardbound Binding

Pages: 112

Plot:

‘Yashodhara’ is the story of Lord Buddha, who came out on the path of nirvana and initiated the expansion of Buddhism, while renouncing the happiness and prosperity of Raj Bhavan, luxurious life, his wife- Yashodhara and an only son- Rahul. Maithili Sharan Gupta has presented the story of Lord Buddha in the form of poetry. In this composition, Gupta has prominently proclaimed the tradition of renunciation of Yashodhara.

Review:

This poem was published in 1933 AD. Maithilisharan Gupta wrote this book at the request of his younger brother Siyaram Sharan Gupt . This poem is about the story of Gautam Buddha 's great sacrifice. But, a special importance has been given to the spiritual suffering of Yashodhara , the wife of Gautam Buddha . This prose-verse is a mixed genre called Champukavaya .

The purpose of the creation of this book is to highlight the character of ‘Yashodhara’ which is proved by naming the title of the poem by her name.

Overall, Yashodhara is presented as an ideal wife, superior mother and a strong feminine character. But the poet has also protected and kept intact Buddha's traditional and noble character. The character of Rahul is also of paramount importance in the composition and advancement of the story in the poetry. Although, the poet has initially rejected Buddha’s beliefs and principles, but in the end he has made 'Yashodhara' and Rahul (their son) a follower to protect his renowned reputation. 

The language of Yashodhara is pure khadiboli - with all the special qualities of maturity, creativity and lyricism. Thus, Yashodhara proves to be an excellent creation.

'Yashodhara' is poetic but not communicative. The poet has focused more on the characterization. There is a dominance of lyricism in the characterization of a dignified woman. Therefore, 'Yashodhara' should be called ‘Pragmatikatya Natya Prabandha’, which is purely a traditional poetic form.

About the Author:

Maithili Sharan Gupt (3rd August, 1886 - 12th December, 1964) was one of the most important modern Hindi poets. He was considered one among the pioneers of ‘Khadi Boli’ poetry and wrote in Khari Boli dialect, at a time when most Hindi poets favoured the use of Braj Bhasha dialect. He was a recipient of the third highest Indian civilian honour of Padma Bhushan (1954).

In 1909, he published his first poetry work 'Rang mein bhang'. Subsequently there was a huge increase in his popularity after the publication of 'Jayadratha Vadh' and 'Bharat Bharati'. In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi conferred the title of 'Rashtrakavi' to him, which was then recognized by the entire nation.

Some of his classical works include: 'Jayadratha-Vadh', 'Bharat-Bharati', 'Panchavati', 'Yashodhara', and 'Vishnu Priya'. Gupt has also translated many plays from Sanskrit to Braj Bhasa. He is recognized as the great poet of Indian national awakening and modern consciousness.