Satirical works of Kshemendra (study)
by Arpana Devi | 2017 | 60,954 words
This page relates ‘The Unchaste Widow (randa)’ part of the study on the Satirical works of Kshemendra: an 11th century poet from Kashmir, who composed three satirical works. Kshemendra himself says that in composing the satirical works his only motive is to reform the mindset of the people.—He exposes all the vices and follies prevailing in the society with the intention to reform it.
5.13. The Unchaste Widow (raṇḍā)
Kṣemendra also exposes the viciousness of widow. He satirizes the unchaste widow who pretends to be pious. He mentions that she frequently takes bath and remains busy in meditation. She also stays away from meat and alcohol. But, the hypocrite widow is a regular visitor of the guru, whom she considers to be a liberator.[1] She organizes feasts in her husband’s memorial rite and offers herself to the guru in the name of her husband’s salvation.[2] Kṣemendra exposes that the lewd widow is a source of pleasure for the libertine. He satirizes that without her there can be no dharma and no salvation for a libertine.[3] He also exposes that the licentious widow whenever sees a young man, her dirty mind becomes happy thinking of an embrace.[4] She cannot even dominate her desires.[5] The notorious widow goes to the holy places with her brahmin lover and at night unites with him.[6] According to Kṣemendra, she is extremely lustful and there is hardly anyone who can satiate her while making love.[7]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
kuśatilarājatavāliḥ kalitakarā snānadānajapaniratā/
madhumāṃsāśanahīnā raṇḍā trāṇaṃ guruṃ smarati// Deśopadeśa ,VIII.49
[2]:
śrāddhe bharturvidyāṃ tyaktvā sā bhaṭṭabhojakaśrāddhaṃ/
bhaktyā mṛtakoddhāre jaghanaṃ haste guroḥ kṣipati// ibid.,VIII.50
[3]:
[4]:
[5]:
ibid., III.32
[6]:
parasparaprārthanayā sumuṇḍitabhagadhvajau/
bhūkampakāriṇau rātrau tau raṇḍābrahmacāriṇau// ibid.,III.39