Chapter 15.4 - Introduction to Stotra-Kavyas

Apart from the Gitikavyas there is a big corpus in Sanskrit of Stotrakavyas, the hymns of praise, of Istadevatas, the tutelary deities, big and small, some of which are highly poetic. Racy in style, replete with figures of speech, particularly alliteration leaving a jingling effect and exuding the heightened devotional fervour, they are a treat in themselves. Particular mention in this connection may be made of Puspadanta's Mahimnahstotra, Panditaraja Jagannatha's Gangalahari and the Sivatandavastotra attributed to Ravana. The last in the Pancacamara metre with its jumps and bumps creates such an impact on the mind that it is difficult to express. A stanza from it will give an idea of it: jatakatahasambhramabhramannilimpanirjharivilolavicivallarivirajamanamurdhani / dhagaddhagaddhagajjvalallalatapattapavake de kisoracandrasekhare ratih pratiksanam mama// These hymns are so numerous that several collections of them have appeared of late. The lyrics and the hymns are a continuous process in Sanskrit, Sanskritists applying themselves to composing them with enthusism all the time.