Part 5b - Alaṃkāra (2): Utprekṣā or poetical fancy

Utprekṣā is the imagining of an object under the character of another.^[1] It is twofold–Vācyā (expressed) and Pratīyamānā (implied). The expressed Utprekṣā occurs when particles like iva etc. are employed and the Pratīyamānā, when they are not employed. The figure Utprekṣā, according to Bāṇabhaṭṭa^[2] was admired mostly among the southerns, however, poet Maṅkhaka from Kashmir, a place situated at the extreme north, also uses this alaṃkāra in abundance. Therefore, the use of a particular figure of speech depends entirely upon the imaginative capability of a poet, and hence, it cannot be restricted to a particular place. Thus, suitable and exceptional employment of this figure exhibits the incredible mastery of the poet over poetic fancy. For this, Maṅkhaka is known as a poet of Utprekṣā.

Another remarkable thing of his Utprekṣās is that they are very much beneficial to the corresponding rasa. As for instance, in the verse, suraśaranikaro^[3] ……., the Utprekṣā here enhances the beauty of the sentiment Vīra. Sometimes, they are associated with other figures of speech also. As for example, in the verse, sa pātu vo viśvagururgirīśo^[4] ……, there is the figure Apahnuti with Arthāpatti. In the verse, gaṅgātaraṅgānilapūraṇottha^[5] ……, there is Śleṣālaṃkāra along with Apahnuti. In the verse, mālinyadainyaṃ jagato^[6] ……., it has been imagined, as if, the loud laughter of Lord Śiva has pervaded all the ten directions, in the like manner of the ashes, which the poet hopes that will avert the sin and poverty of this world. This fancy is expressed with the help of the particle iva, thus, the Utprekṣā here is of the Vācyā type. Some other verses, wherein, this figure Utprekṣā is found, are in plenty in the Śrīkaṇṭhacarita.^[7]