Bhakti-Manjarī is a unique poem composed by Maharaja Svati Tirunal (1813-1846) with bhakti as its central theme. With the Srimad Bhagavata Purana as its basis, Bhakti-Mañjarī expounds the philosophy of bhakti through its one thousand poetic verses divided over ten fatakas set to various metres. The supremacy of bhakti over all spiritual paths, the various classes of devotees, the selfless and spontaneous compassion of the Lord, the futility of human birth devoid of bhakti, etc. are some of the topics discussed in the work. A major portion of the work is dedicated to an elaborate delineation of the nine forms of devotion viz. śravana, kīrtana, smarana, pada-sevana, arcana, vandana, dasya, sakhya and atma-nivedana. Episodes from the Śrīmad-Bhagavata Purana such as the life of Prahlada, the redemption of Gajendra, the redemption of Ajamila, the self-surrender of Bali, etc, are briefly represented in the course of describing the various forms of devotion. The creation of the universe, its geographical divisions, duties of the four classes and stages of life, the procedure of reciting the Srimad-Bhagavata Purana, the rules of japa, consecration of sacred images, the greatness of Ganga and Tulasi are some of the other highlights of this great work. The brief representation of the pristine philosophy of bhakti through verses embellished with figures of sound and sense makes the work a cherished treasure of scholars and devotees, alike.
MAHARAJA SVATI TIRUNAL SRI RAMA VARMA III (1813-1846), the illustrious ruler of Travancore was a poet, a musician and a great patron of arts and literature. His literary compositions include Syanandurapura-varnana-prabandha, Padmanabha-Sataka and Bhakti-manjari, his magnum-opus. His musical works include 300-odd songs of different genres in various languages and two operatic poems in Sanskrit viz. Kucelopakhyana and Ajamilopakhyana.
It brings me the greatest pleasure to write this foreword, welcoming all our readers to this edition of a most beautiful nineteenth-century text imbued with the nectar of bhakti Bhaktimanjari.
Bhaktimanjari, the magnum opus of Maharaja Svati Tirunaļ Sri Rama Varma III, presents succinctly yet exquisitely the philosophy of bhakti (devotional service) and its supremacy over all spiritual pursuits. Rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Srimad-Bhagavata Purana, Bhaktimañjarī offers a profound and poetic exposition of bhakti, weaving together one thousand finely crafted verses in ten satakas, adorned with rich literary ornamentation.
This enchanting work delineates the ninefold process of bhakti and brings to life the great examples of devotion, including Prahlada Maharaja, Ajamila, Bali Maharaja, and many more. Furthermore, the unrivalled significance of bhakti and the limitless compassion of the Lord are beautifully and vividly portrayed. What makes Bhaktiman-jarī particularly valuable is its seamless blend of scriptural depth and poetic elegance, suffused with sincere devotion. Thus, it does not merely narrate the tenets of bhakti but offers the reader a palpable experience of it.
The text also touches upon many related and fascinating aspects, including the cosmology of creation, the duties of different varņas and asramas, the method of Bhagavata recitation, and more, thereby offering a holistic view of bhakti philosophy, including its metaphysical, socio-ethical, and other dimensions.
The present edition, featuring the meticulous translation of 'Marutiśişya' Dr. Sriram Narainswamy lyer and the scholarly editorial guidance of Dr. Shakuntala Gawde, brings this remarkable yet relatively lesser-known literary gem to modern readers with precision, clarity, and fidelity to the text just as befits such a beautiful work. Their dedication has ensured that the spiritual essence, poetic beauty, and philosophical depth of the original Sanskrit verses remain intact, making this work accessible to both scholars and devout practitioners alike.
The life and legacy of Maharaja Svati Tirunaļ reflect a rare conflu-ence of heartfelt devotion, poetic brilliance, and capable governance. His literary and musical contributions offer us insightful glimpses into the erudition and refinement characteristic of Vedic culture, while also reminding us that true leadership is rooted in the selfless service of the Lord and His devotees.
I express my gratitude to the Bhaktivedanta Research Center for bringing this book to the readers in collaboration with Dev Publishers. Books such as these are vital for preserving the countless literary, poetic, and theo-philosophical gems that abound in India's heritage, so many of which are fast becoming obscure and lost. The preservation of such gems is a collective gain for human society and culture at large, and I congratulate BRC for its contributions in this regard.
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