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
19 (of 85)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
62
guide house-holders in the attainment of Mokṣa and that any one can be attracted
by the charms of young women. To this, Dveṣa draws the attention of Råga to
difference of opinion among scholars in marrying celestial woman (which is
regarded as Mokṣa) supported by Vätsyāyana and his associates. He proclaims
that even the Supreme Brahman is subject to certain desires. Råga regrets that
Vedantins consider charming women as mere form of flesh and blood, while the fact
is that they are imbude with honey.
"These (Vedāntins) consider as mere flesh the breasts of beautiful women
which are as charming as golden goblets full of honey; and they deceive the
ignorant like evil spirits." 3
Looking up, he adds that it is difficult to convince blind persons that water is
clear and transperant. Under this situation, Dveṣa bemoans the attitude of
Vedāntins who are guided by Viveka. He further calls the followers of Viveka as
demons and express surprise. Similarly, he points out that 'the notes of the quail,
have no charm for the ears of the deaf' and again reminds their ultimate aim, i.e.
Viveka is to be conquered. He further tells that the conquest of Viveka will mean the
conquest of scholars, just as the creepers fall off when the supporting tree is cut off.
Rāga expresses delight. Dveṣa rediculously says that Viveka is drowned in the
doctrines of Upanisads and cannot establish the existance of God.
After this conversation, a voice is heard behind the curtain as to who are
there? It is learnt, the voice is that of Viveka's followers. So, at once Rāga and
Dveṣa anticipate some trouble and feel diffident in carrying out their master's
mission. Both realise that Virakti and Viṣṇubhakti have joined Viveka. They are
overpowered at the sight of Viveka coming with his queen Sumati; and the joy felt
by Virakti and Viṣṇubhakti at the turn of situation. They become disheartened and
express as to how they can defeat Viveka and his followers who are right now
3.
मधुभरितहेमकुम्भीमधुरिमधुर्यो पयोधरौ सुदृशाम् �
पिशितमित� भावयन्तः पिशाचकल्पा� प्रलोभयन्त� जडान | [madhubharitahemakumbhīmadhurimadhuryo payodharau sudṛśām |
piśitamiti bhāvayanta� piśācakalpā� pralobhayanti jaḍāna | ] S.S. III-8, p. 344
