महाभारत

by सूर्यकांत त्रिपाठी 'निराला', सूर्यकांत त्रिपाठी 'निराला'

New book

288 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

निराला का जन्म बंगाल में मेदिनीपुर ज़िले के महिषादल गाँव में हुआ था। उनका पितृग्राम उत्तर प्रदेश का गढ़कोला (उन्नाव) है। उनके बचपन का नाम सूर्य कुमार था। बहुत छोटी आयु में ही उनकी माँ का निधन हो गया। निराला की विधिवत स्कूली शिक्षा नवीं कक्षा तक ही हुई। पत्नी की प्रेरणा से निराला की साहित्य और संगीत में रुचि पैदा हुई। सन्‌ १९१८ में उनकी पत्नी का देहांत हो गया और उसके बाद पिता, चाचा, चचेरे भाई एक-एक कर सब चल बसे। अंत में पुत्री सरोज की मृत्यु ने निराला को भीतर तक झकझोर दिया। अपने जीवन में निराला ने मृत्यु का जैसा साक्षात्कार किया था उसकी अभिव्यक्ति उनकी कई कविताओं में दिखाई देती है।

सन्‌ १९१६ में उन्होंने प्रसिद्ध कविता जूही की कली लिखी जिससे बाद में उनको बहुत प्रसिद्धि मिली और वे मुक्त छंद के प्रवर्तक भी माने गए। निराला सन्‌ १९२२ में रामकृष्ण मिशन द्वारा प्रकाशित पत्रिका समन्वय के संपादन से जुड़े। सन १९२३-२४ में वे मतवाला के संपादक मंडल में शामिल हुए। वे जीवनभर पारिवारिक और आर्थिक कष्टों से जूझते रहे। अपने स्वाभिमानी स्वभाव के कारण निराला कहीं टिककर काम नहीं कर पाए। अंत में इलाहाबाद आकर रहे और वहीँ उनका देहांत हुआ।

छायावाद और हिंदी की स्वच्छंदतावादी कविता के प्रमुख आधार स्तंभ निराला का काव्य-संसार बहुत व्यापक है। उनमें भारतीय इतिहास, दर्शन और परंपरा का व्यापक बोध है और समकालीन जीवन के यथार्थ के विभिन्‍न पक्षों का चित्रण भी ।भावों और विचारों की जैसी विविधता, व्यापकता और गहराई निराला की कविताओं में मिलती है वैसी बहुत कम कवियों में है। उन्होंने भारतीय प्रकृति और संस्कृति के विभिन्‍न रूपों का गंभीर चित्रण अपने काव्य में किया है। भारतीय किसान जीवन से उनका लगाव उनकी अनेक कविताओं में व्यक्त हुआ है।

यद्यपि निराला मुक्त छंद के प्रवर्तक माने जाते हैं तथापि उन्होंने विभिन्‍न छंदों में भी कविताएँ लिखी हैं। उनके काव्य-संसार में काव्य-रूपों की भी विविधता है। एक ओर उन्होंने राम की शक्ति पूजा और तुलसीदास जैसी प्रबंधात्मक कविताएँ लिखीं तो दूसरी ओर प्रगीतों की भी रचना की। उन्होंने हिंदी भाषा में गज़लों की भी रचना की है। उनकी सामाजिक आलोचना व्यंग्य के रूप में उनकी कविताओं में जगह-जगह प्रकट हुई है।

निराला की काव्यभाषा के अनेक रूप और स्तर हैं! राम की शक्ति पूजा और तुलसीदास में तत्समप्रधान पदावली है तो शिक्षुक जैसी कविता में बोलचाल की भाषा का सुजनात्मक प्रयोग। भाषा का कसाव, शब्दों की सितव्ययिता और अर्थ की प्रधानता उनकी काव्य-धाषा की जानी-पहचानी विशेषताएँ हैं।

निराला की प्रमुख काव्य कृतियाँ हैं-परिमल, गीतिका, अनामिका, तुलसीदास, कुकुरमुत्ता, अणिमा, नए पत्ते, बेला, अर्चना, आराधना, गीतगुंज आदि। निराला ने कविता के अतिरिक्त कहानियाँ और उपन्यास भी लिखे। उनके उपन्यासों में बिल्लेसुर बकारिहा विशेष चर्चित हुआ।उनका संपूर्ण साहित्य निराला रचनावली के आठ खंडों में प्रकाशित हो चुका है।

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mahabharat by Suryakant Tripathi Nirala- Hindi- Published in 1939- Great Indian Epic Mahabharata has been a source of inspiration. Ideals, struggle for triumph of truth and other human values. Nirla read Bangla books on Mahabharata. Many authors have written C. Rajgopalachari and Devdutt Pattanik. This book is interesting to the reader because it is Mahabharat –As it is. All 18 chapters of Mahabharat have been narrated in simple language to develop interest in children, women and common man. In 1939, literacy rate in India was low. Some examples, -(1) In the chapter, Shantanu and Devvrat- Shantanu sees Ganga and wishes to marry her. He proposes marriage. She narrates her conditions that the King will never question her decisions and stop her. When she is about to kill the 8th child, Shantanu stops her. She leaves him, takes Devvrat with her. She says that she is a celestial being and has come on earth for a specific purpose of freeing 8 Vasu after giving birth in earth. Devvrat is educated by Rishi Vashista, Rishi Parashuram and others. (2) In the Chapter Satyawati and Bhishma author narrates that Adika, fairy in heaven, falls from grace and lives in river Yamuna in the form of a fish. King Uparichar comes for a bath and drops his semen in the river. Adika eats this and is pregnant. She is caught by fishermen and cut. Fishermen find a boy and girl child in her body. The boy is brought up by king Adika and later he becomes Matsya King Virat. The girl child is brought by Head Ferry man. Girl child smells of fish from her body. When her father is busy, she carries travelers from bank to another across Yamuna river. Once she ferries Rishi Parashar in her boat. From their mating another Rishi Vyas is born. Rishi Parashar gave her a boon that her body will odour be fragrant and this fragrance will spread for one yogan distance. (3) In the chapter Vichitravirya ka Vivah- Devvrat refused to marry Amba. She complained to Rishi Parashuram. On Parashuram’s insistence, Devvrat still refused to marry Amba. They fought a duel. Both used celestial weapons on each other. The use of celestial weapons could destroy the universe. Divine deities tried to stop both. Devvrat refused to withdraw celestial weapons but Rishi Parashuram accepted to withdraw them, thus he lost the battle for benefit of the universe. (4) Satyavati delivered two children- Chitrangada and Vichitravirya. Gandharvas attacked Hastinapur. In the battle, Chitrangada was killed. Vichtravirya died because of excessive sex with his wives Ambalika, Ambika. (6) Pandu resided in Shatshang hill with other Rishis. These Rishis could visit Swarg/heaven at their wish. Pandu also proposed that they should take Pandu with them to heaven. They refused stating that as Pandu did not have a son, he could not accompany them to heaven. Thus, when Kunti informed him that she could bear children through mantra of Atharva Ved kindly given to her by Rishi Durvasa, he accepted and five children were born from both wives. (7) In Chapter Kaurava and Pandav- All students Kauravs and Pandavas went to the forest with dogs to kill game. Eklavya was disturbed by noise of dogs. He aimed three arrows at his mouth. The arrows covered his mouth in a way that he could not bark. Boys went further in the forest and found Eklavya. On enquiry, he informed them that he is student of Dronacharya. They informed Drona about the incident. Next day, Drona accompanied them to Eklavya. He met Eklavya and asked for his right hand thumb as Guru Dakshina. Eklavya immediately cut his thumb and put it on the feet of Drona. (8) In the chapter Lakshgarah- Before leaving for Varnawat, Vidur informed Yudhistar that in an unknown place, we should reside carefully. Second, until Vidhur informs them, they not shift to the residence constructed by Purochana. They should give a long date for inauguration of new house. Third, a mouse is safe in his hole even in fire. After some days, Vidur’s emissary arrived. A pillar was erected in the hall and a subterranean passage was dug by the emissary. On Krishna Chaturdasi, Bhim burnt the house of Purochan, then picked up the pillar, burnt Lakshgrah and moved out through the passage to the river Ganga. Vidur had arranged for a boat at the banks of the river. They boarded and crossed the river. (9) In chapter Daupadi ka swayamwar- After Pandavas left Ekchakra nagari, Rishi Vyas met them and advised them to move to Panchal territory and participate in Swayamvar of Draupadi. They moved on the banks of river Ganga. Chitrarath gandharva and his wives were bathing in the late evening. On being disturbed by their movement, a fight ensued. Arjun used fire arms. The fight ended. Arjun taught them use of firearms while Chitrarath promised to provide horses during war. (10) At Draupadi swayamvar, Arjun hit the eye of the fish while viewing the moving water in the pot. Kings did not believe this. Arjun aimed again and cracked the chakra and the fish after being hit fell on the ground. (11) In the chapter, Arjun ka Vanvas- Narad arrives at Khandavprastha and advices Pandavas to decide on a rule about living with Draupadi. Ulupi daughter of Kairanya Nagraj met Arjun at the banks of river Ganga. She took him to Naglok, married him and bore a son. (12) Arjun and Subhadra moved together from Raivatak Parvat. When Yadavas chased and attacked them, Subhadra rode the chariot to help Arjun fight the chasers. (13) In the chapter Khandavdah- four persons survived the fire Ashwasen, Mayasur, 4 sons of Rishi Mandpal who lived like Sharang birds. (14) Each chapter has sketches of the incident which has been narrated. These sketches help the reader in connecting with the text. (15) In the chapter Van Parv- Pandavas shifted from Dwaitvan to Kamyakvan. Rishi Ved Vyas arrived and suggested that Pandavas should plan for the ensuing war with Kurus. Arjun was advised to travel to Mount Kailas, Himalayas for Tapasya to Shri Shiv for obtaining a boon of his celestial weapon Pashupatiastra. (16) In the chapter Duryodhana ko bandhan mukt karana- Arjun fights with Chitrasen Gandharva and frees Duryodhana from their captivity. Duryodhana gifts a boon to Arjuna. Arjuna says that he will ask for the boon at a future time. (17) In the chapter Godhan Haran- Arjun and Uttar face the Kuru army. Duryodhana enquires from Bhishma whether one -year period of exile is over or not. Bhishma replied from one calculation one –year period is complete and 5 month and six days more have passed but from another calculation, one-year period is incomplete. (18) In the chapter Bhishma parv, before beginning of battle of Kurushetra, Yudhistar walked to the chariot of Bhishma, Drona and Kripacharya, asked for permission to begin the battle and for their blessings. All elders blessed him victory. Bhishma informed that as I have pledged to serve the Kuru throne, I will fight for Kurus but I will not kill Pandavas, (19) Arjun and Abhimanyu could use both hand to use bow and arrow. (20) On 8th day of battle, Irwan son of Ulupi and Arjun joined the war. Raksha Aryashrang fought for Kurus, both fought in air, by use of sammohan, he killed Irawan. (21) Soon Ghatotkatch son of Bhim joined the war. He was killed by Karn. (22) 9th day of war, Krishna picked a cart wheel and raised it to fight with Bhishma. Bhishma came down from his chariot and praised. (23) 10th day arrows of Shikhandi did not pierce Bhishma’s body. Arjun’s arrows pierced Bhishma’s body and he fell on the ground. (24) In chapter Drona Parv, Duryodhana proposed that Drona should plan to arrest Yudhistar so that war ends. (25) 13th day Chakravuyha was planned. After Arjun followed Trigarta warriors, Kurus’s sent a letter to Yudhistar that today Chakravyuha has been organized for war. Abhimanyu informed that he can cross 6-doors of Chakravyuha. Other warriors should follow him. Karn suggested that all 7- Kuru warriors should jointly fight Abhimanyu. Ashwasthama killed his charioteer and horses. Thus, Abhimanyu came down from the chariot and started fighting on foot. Karn and Drona cut his bow strings. Abhimanyu picked up his sword. Karn and Drona cut his sword with their arrows. Abhimanyu picked up a fallen chariot wheel and stared hitting warriors. Ashwasthama was behind him. He cut the wheel with his arrow and broke it. Lakhsman Kumar threw his mace on Abhimanyu which his head and fatally hurt him. Before falling down, Abhimanyu picked the mace and aimed it on Lakshman Kumar, who was fatally hurt and both succumbed to injuries and died. (26) In the chapter, Drupad, Virat evam Drona ka Nidhan- 15th day of war- Krishna informed Yudhistar that “Bhim has killed the elephant of Avatiraj whose name is Ashwasthama. Soon a noise was heard about death of Ashwasthama. Drona enquired from Yudhistar. He replied, Yes, Ashwasthama is dead, Not a man, but elephant. “On his uttering the words, Yes, Krishna blew his konch and rest of the words could not be heard by Yudhistar but he was confirmed that his son Ashwasthama has been killed. Drona started weeping and put one end of his bow on his cheek. Krishna informed Arjun that Drona is in such a situation that the end of the bow may hurt him. In order to save Drona from a situation that the end of the bow may not enter his neck, Arjun fired an arrow. This arrow cut the string of Drona’s bow and with a strong jerk, one end of the bow entered Drona’s neck. Soon, Dristadumna arrived and cut the neck of Drona with his sword. (27) Ashwasthama fired Narayan Astra, a celestial weapon, which kills all persons who are standing. Krishna informed all to fall on the ground and pray. Thus, those who fell on the ground were saved. (28) Asthwasthama fired Agneya astra, another celestial weapon, for which Arjun fired Brahmastra which is also a celestial weapon thus making it ineffective. (29) 16th day, Karn faced Nakul and broke his bow string. Nakul was hurt by his arrows. Karn jumped on his chariot hanged his bow on Nakul’s neck but left him unhurt. (30) 17th day Bhim fired a moon headed arrow on Karn, Karn was hurt and fainted. Bhim killed Dushyashana. Karn returned back and faced Yudhistar. Yudhistar could was hurt, his charioteer took him back to his camp for dressing of wounds. (31) Karn fired a celestial weapon on Arjun. Krishna bowed his horses, thus the weapon hit Arjun’s head gear. After some time, Karn started forgetting mantras for use of weapons through archery. Just then, his chariot wheel stuck in thick mud. Arjun did not stop the duel. Karn came down and started to pull his chariot wheel from the mud. He kept his bow and arrow and fighting. He hit one arrow on Arjun who fainted. On re-gaining health, Arjun cut the head of Karn with his arrow. (32) 18th day, Yudhistar fought was valour. He killed Commander Shalya. Sahdev killed Alook and Shakuni. Shakuni’s hands were cut by an arrow from Sahdev. (33) Duryodhana’s feet has Padma marks on his feet. As these marks were moving towards the pond, Krishna concluded that Duryodhana is hiding in the pond. Ultimately, Bhim killed Duryodhana by hitting on his thigh, though hitting below the belt in not allowed in mace fighting. (34) In the night, Ashwasthama killed Dristadumna, his relatives and five sons of Pandavas. Ashwasthama showed all heads to Duryodhana. Duryodhana hit the head of Bhim’s son with his palm. The head cracked. Duryodhana said that head of Bhim is quite strong, thus, these head belong to children of Pandavas. (35) 19th morning, Krishna and Padavas came to know Ashwasthama’s activity. They chased Ashwasthama. They found that Ashwasthama is sitting with Rishi Vyas. Pandavas challenged Ashwasthama who fired a celestial weapon named Brahmshira. Arjun fired another celestial weapon Pashupati astra. These arms would burn the world. In order to protect the world, Rishi Vyas and Rishi Narad came between these celestial weapons. Both were asked to withdraw their celestial weapons. Arjun withdrew Pashupati astra but Ashwasthama said that he does not know how to return Brahmshira astra. This weapon hit Uttara’s foetus. Both Rishi’s asked Ashwasthama to compensate Pandavas for their loss. Ashwasthama gave the jewel which was in his head from the time of his birth. Now, Ashwasthama had no powers, he was left to live in Rishi Vyas Ashram. (36) Rishi Vyas visited Yudhistar. Yudhistar informed him that because of war there is no money to run the kingdom. Rishi Vyas informed Yudhistar that King Marut has left a lot of gold in Himalayas. He must pray to Shiva and get this gold in his coffers. With this money, Yudhistar organized administration. He also did a Rajsuya Yagna. After this, they gave their throne of Parikshat and left for Himalayas.

[Vinayak Tripathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a complete story and that is a good thing but also a bad thing as it is often too sluggish and you are just waiting for the real thing for example the beginning of the war and it does not come.

[Aparna Nayak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book.Very short and concise version of great Indian epic .Now I know the whole thing so I can read 'Gita'.

[Sonam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book explains the epic in sections. Each section belongs to an arena or dominant by a protagonist. The writing is lucid and precise. For people who don't want to read bulky epic and still want to know about the storyline and major happenings in Mahabharata can choose this book.

[Nishant Chauhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of best concise version of Mahabharata. Although It has not covered all the vastness of this story but a nice book to get a summary of this epic. I read it more than fifty times, when I was in school. This epic tale is where love is struggling against Lust, Morality against unethicality, Construction against Demolition, faith against distrust, preservation against destruction, Hope against skepticism, peace against Violence and Life against death. This story has so many secret messages that once you get the summary of Mahabharata, you will keep on searching for more famous book like Mritunjaya, Yajnaseni, Yugandhar, Rashmirathi etc to get into the perceptions of famous characters. Not the book, but this story is close to perfect. Each character is exhibiting a human strength and weakness under many delicate situations. Each character, Every event, All emotions will teach you something. This is the best motivating story for me.