Bhanubhakta Acharya: The Great Nepali Poet

GYAN BAHADUR CHHETRI

Bhanubhakta Acharya is the most revered figure in Nepali literature. His birthday is celebrated for his profound contributions to the Nepali language and literature worldwide. His works resonate with profound cultural and spiritual insights, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the Nepali literary tradition.

Birth and birthplace

Bhanubhakta Acharya came from a traditional Brahmin family of western Nepal. He was born on July 13, 1814, in the village of ChundiRamgha, Tanahu District. His father, Dhananjay Acharya, was a learned Brahmin and significantly influenced young Bhanubhakta’s early education. His mother’s name was Dharmawati Acharya.

Childhood and Education

As a young boy, Bhanubhakta received time-honoured traditional education in Sanskrit, philosophy, and Hindu scriptures. His grandfather, at home, provided his primary education in Sanskrit. Later, he went to Benaras for higher studies. As such, he became well-versed in the Vedas and Puranas and simultaneously developed a passion for poetry.

Personal Life

Bhanubhakta Acharya lived a simple and humble life. Struggles with financial hardship marked his personal life. He served in the Royal Government but was imprisoned for allegedly misappropriating revenue. From jail, he composed a petition in verse form, addressed to the Prime Minister, pleading for his freedom. This poetic plea not only secured his release but also earned him a financial reward. He spent much of his time in meditation and literary pursuits. Thereafter, he devoted himself to enriching the Nepali language and spreading the message of the Ramayana.

BhanubhaktaRamayan

Bhanubhakta Acharya trans-created the Ramayana in a very lucid Khas language. While reading the text, one feels mesmerized by its simple metrical verses as well as the depiction of characters and environment. He has portrayed the characters of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita as coming from their respective communities.

Even totally illiterate and semi-literate villagers recite the slokas from Bhanubhakta'sRamayan by heart on various occasions, such as marriage ceremonies and other festive events.

Bhanubhakta lived in an era when the strict caste system and socio-political structure gave high recognition to Sanskrit above the local languages. As the Brahmins were the teachers, scholars, and priests of the society due to their caste, their education was based on Sanskrit. Many poets had written poems, and those poems were in a Sanskritized form. But Bhanubhakta preferred to write in Khas language. At that time, literary activities were confined to Sanskrit, and poetry composed in the local Khas language was considered of inferior standard. Most scholars of that time took pride in writing in Sanskrit. However, Bhanubhakta's vision was different.  He aimed to bridge the gap between the learned elite and the general populace by conveying religious and moral teachings to the people in their native language. Hence, he decided to break the existing traditional barriers by translating religious texts from Sanskrit into Khas language.

Bhanubhakta’s most significant contribution to Nepali literature is his transcreation of the Ramayana. His version of the Ramayana was composed in metrical verse, making it both easy to memorize and widely popular among the Nepali masses.

This monumental work not only enhanced his own reputation but also elevated the status of the Nepali language. His poems reflect a blend of personal emotions and broader human experiences. His works, particularly the Ramayana, continue to resonate with readers even today, immortalizing his status as a pioneer author.

Badhusiksha

Despite his remarkable contributions to Nepali language and literature as a whole, Bhanubhakta Acharya is often criticised by a section of writers. They tend to denounce his works, particularly Vadhusiksha, for its support of male polygamy and the Sati system. Some of the lines of Vadhusiksha imply that women should not laugh wholeheartedly. As a result, there arose considerable dissatisfaction among the new-generation readers, especially the women. No doubt, the accusations are just and well-grounded, yet it is essential to take into account the time, place, and situation under which he composed such lines.

Other verses

In addition to these major poetic works, Bhanubhakta Acharya composed numerous original poems that reflect his profound spirituality and philosophical thoughts. These poems convey social messages, urging people to live virtuous lives. Ghansi, Balaji, RojRojDarsanPauchhu, KantipuriNagari, Ek man chittalagaichakarigaryan, Mo Bhanubhakta, etc. are such poems. These poems are valuable gems of Nepali literature.

Bhanu Bhakta Acharya compiled a series of devotional verses that pay homage to various saints and devotees of Lord Vishnu. Poems of ‘Bhaktamala’ reflect the poet’s deep appreciation for the spiritual legacy of devotion and the exemplary lives of the saints. It serves as a guide for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. ‘Prasnottarmala’ is a poem in the form of questions and answers. It is based on various philosophical and existential themes. Through this poem, Bhanu Bhakta raises serious questions about life, duty, morality, and spirituality and provides insightful answers that reflect his profound wisdom. ‘KantipuriNagari’ is yet another beautiful poem in which the poet paints a vivid picture of the historical and cultural grandeur of Kantipur. Kantipur is the old name of Kathmandu. The poem describes its beauty, prosperity, and architectural splendour. This poem not only reflects his deep love for the city but also serves as a testimony to its magnificence.

‘Ghasi’ is one of Bhanubhakta’s most renowned poems. The poem tells the story of a humble grass cutter. It depicts the life and philosophy of a grass cutter, whose contentment and devotion have a profound impact on the poet. Bhanubhakta compares the life of the grass-cutter with that of his own. He derives great inspiration from the grass-cutter. ‘Ek Man ChittaLagaiChakariGarya’ is a satirical poem wherein he narrates his plight in the royal service.

Motiram Bhatta

It was Motiram Bhatta who compiled and published Bhanubhakta’s Nepali Ramayana. Motiram Bhatta, himself a poet, had discovered the genius and his creations.  He coined the term ‘Adikavi’ to denote the great poet, Bhanubhakta.

The Impact of Bhanubhakta on the Nepalese People

Bhanubhakta’s work has a broad impact on Nepali life and literature as a whole. He toiled hard for the development of Nepali literature. His writing style is characterized by simplicity, clarity, and accessibility. All these qualities have made his work timeless.  His profound yet straightforward poetic style laid the foundation for Nepali literature. He gave voice to the masses through his literature; hence, he is regarded as ‘Adikavi’.

The upcoming new generation must be well acquainted with his excellent literary works and his dedicated efforts towards glorifying the sublime richness of the Nepali language in the historical context. It is undeniably true that he unified all sections of people, not only of Nepal but also of India and abroad.

Email  gyanbahadurkshetri@gmaim.com