1.1. Upamā (simile)

Upamā is one of the most popular arthālaṃkāras used by the poets of Sanskrit literature. When the two objects are compared in one sentence without referring any point of difference and the likeness is clearly expressed and not suggested then it is called Upamā^[1]. In the Kalāvilāsa, the Deśopadeśa and the Narmamālā, there are many instances of Upamā. In the Kalāvilāsa, in the verse asti viśālaṃ^[2] ………, it has been said that Viśāla is a wonderful city. The city sparkles with jewels like the breast of Śrīpati. Here, the resemblance of the city Viśāla with Śrīpati has been shown with the help of the particle iva (aupamyavāciśabda). Ujjvalaṃ is the common property (sādhāraṇadharma) between the upameya (object of comparison) and the upamāna (standard of comparison). The verse is an example of Pūrṇopamā^[3] wherein all the four components of Upamā are present.

Similarly, in the Deśopadeśa, in the verse, numaḥ puṣpavatīṃ^[4] ………, it has been stated that a young daughter untouched by a male is like a creeper grown up in a hole. Generally, a creeper in a hole is noticed with its freshness only and not touched by anyone, likewise a young unmarried damsel is just like that creeper grown in a hole without touched by anyone. In the verse, the similarity of the young daughter with a creeper has been shown with the help of the particle iva. Śparśarahitaṃ or devoid of touch is the common property between the upameya and the upamāna. Hence, the verse is an instance of Pūrṇopamā, wherein all the four elements of Upamā are present.

Likewise, in the Narmamālā, in the verse, śaṭipāśa samākṛṣṭaḥ^[5] …………, it is mentioned that the bhaṭṭa swallows even a noble man who comes to the court fearfully and attracted by auction, just like a fish in the water swallows the offerings of the sacrifice. In the verse, common property between the bhaṭṭa and the fish is nigīrṇa i.e swallow and the resemblance is revealed with the help of the particle iva. A few more illustrations of Upamā are found in the works.^[6]