Gems of A Genius : Major Works of Manishi Pdt. Janardan Rai  Nagar

Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar was born in Udaipur on Jun 16, 1911.He earned indestructible fame and name in the fields of education, literature, journalism, politics and social service. Trained in Gandhian values and having obtained the blessings of great novelist and short story writer Munshi Premchand he established Hindi Vidyapeeth in 1937 to spread education in the erstwhile state of Mewar as an institute for educating the masses in the night when they were free from their daily chores. His hard work and dedication resulted in the continuous growth of this institution which is now flourishing as an institution deemed to be a University called Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth after his name.

While his committed public service earned him fame in the world of education his inner journey as an artist bloomed and blossomed into literary works of admirable literary worth. He composed novels, stories, prose-lyrics and poetry.His novel Jagatguru Shankaracarya is a series of ten novels spread in some 5500 pages. Five novels in the series Ram Rajya have been published. Besides these, two collections of short stories, four collections of prose-lyrics, and plays titled    “ Acharya Chanakya”, “ Patit Ka Swarg”, “ Uda Hatyara”, “ Jeevan Ka Satya”, have been very popular. His pays were staged also.

Pdt. Nagar’s contribution to journalism is no less versatile. He established, edited and wrote for a number of magazines and newspapers. Some of these newspapers and magazines are Madhumati, Swarmangla, Nakhalistaan, Baalhit, Kalki, Samaj Shikshan, Shodh Patrika, Vasundhara, Jan Mangal, Jan Sandesh, and Aravali.

Pdt. Nagar was a great institution builder. Besides Rajasthan Vidyapeeth which is a Deemed to be University now, he played pioneering role in institutions like Rajasthan Sahitya Academy, All India Adult Education Association and Kendriya Sahitya Academy.He served as Chairman, Rajasthan Sahitya Academy, member Kendriya Sahitya Academy, Hindi Salaahkaar Samiti, Indian Railways, Central Adult Education Advisory Committee etc. He represented the Mavli constituency in the state legislative Assembly for one term. The awards and accolades that he received in his life time are numerous. Prominent of these are Nehru Literacy Award and Maharana Mewar Foundation Award.

Pdt. Nagar completed his eventful life journey on August 15, 1997 exactly fifty years after the independence of India. The following introductory notes about his major literary works are evidence of the great gems that his literary genius produced. This also shows that his works deserve greater critical attention and literary appreciation.

Shankar – Diksha

Shankar –Diksha  is a novel written by Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar. It is one of the ten novels based on the life and times of Jagatguru Shankaracharya, addressed as Shankar in many of these novels. Shankar set off towards the river Narmada to seek Diksha from Guru Govind. He kept on walking without repose passing through numerous villages. Meeting people on the way and motivating them finally he reached the abode of the teacher Guru Govind. He exercised severe acts of trance and meditation. With the blessings of guru Govind he attained powers- siddhi. Guru gave the sermon of the Elements of Brahma through four  sentences of wisdom viz. “ Tatvamasi”, “Pragyanam Brahm”, “Ayamatma Brahm” and “ AhamBrahmasmi”. Though difficult to translate these are dictums suggesting “That is thou”, “ Knowledge is God”, “ This soul is God” and “ I am Brahma, the creator”.Having bestowed with spiritual powers Shankar wanted to continue living in the spiritual shadow of his master but having satisfied with the learning of Shankar, Guru Govind motivated him to proceed to Kashi, the ancient seat of learning in India.

The narrative of the novel becomes very arresting with the lively depiction of the passionate relationship of Mandan Mishra and Bharati. Besides,  the challenge thrown to the Acharyas of Buddhism for academic debate by Kumarill Bhatt who got baptized in Buddhism also makes the reading of this novel fulfilling and exciting.

Shankar Saakshaat

Shankar Saakshaat is one of the ten novels based on the life of JagatguruShankaracarya written by ManishiPdt. JanardanRaiNagar.The plot of this novel is born out of the self in which there is conflict of knowledge with knowledge and super attainments  (Siddhiyan) with super attainments. The entire narrative is about the exploration of the self. Shankar has the first revelation of ParamShivatv in a cave. Shankar rises up in sublimity with his master Govindpad. He enables him to have revelation of Vishvanath. Shankar is stationed on the highest ladder of completeness. Having accomplished the world he became universal spirit. He reached where his destination was.

The novel depicts a coordination of knowledge and devotion. It explodes the myth that one who has attained knowledge cannot be a devout. The knowledge of Shankar, ignorance of Krachakra, determination of Kumarill, pride of Mandan enlighten the novel with intellectual debate.In this way this novel is an expressive narration of the inexpressible, limitless, nameless , formless unitary tale of “Brahm”.

Shankar Sandesh

Shankar Sandesh  is a part of the series of novels written by Manishi Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar with the title  Jagadguru Shankaracharya . Shankar gave his sermon in the form of ultimate embodiment of blissful truthfulness ( Satchitaand ). Satchitaand  is the  soul, the divine soul, wisdom. Wisdom is truth, consciousness, bliss, self knowledge. It is the truth, consciousness, bliss and self knowledge of the living being. The truthful nature of the living being is an embodiment of wisdom - full and complete accomplishment of all that is knowable.

The soul creates the amphitheatre of this world by being free of knowledge in order to attain the multifaceted life experience and performs on this stage of the world. But this performance is not the nature of the soul,  it is just its desire – dreamful, dreamlike and scorched by memory. The nature of the soul is blissful truthfulness ( Satchitaand) and this is knowledge, Brahma and ultimate truth. Brahma is truth.  Being beyond space is the objective of the soul. Having attained an existence beyond perception and timelessness life assumes its true self and has the realization of Brahma.

Shankar Sanyas

The title of this novel based on the life narrative of Jagatguru Shankaracarya Shanker is Shanker – Sanyas. Shanker had become a center of popular discussions due the miracles he performed even while he was just a child. While bathing in the river Alvai, the leg of Shanker was caught by a crocodile. Looking at the anxiety of Shanker at approaching death as his limb was in the jaws of the crocodile, his mother Vishishtha felt perturbed.  “  Vishishta’s resolve of not giving permission of Sanyas ( Asceticism) to Shanker wavered at the request of  Chief of Trivankur Mandal Rajshekhar. Looking at the gravity of the situation finally Vishishtha gave her consent for the Sanyas ( Asceticism) of her son.”

Chanting the mantra “Chidanand rupam Shivo-aham, Shivo-aham” Shanker in the attire of an ascetic set off towards the Ashram of Govindpad at the bank of river Narmada.” The description of what followed has been given in the novel Shanker-Diksha.

That this novel is influential and interesting for the readers is beyond doubt. This is a new experiment in the field of fiction writing. It is not just literature but encompasses in itself art in its totality. It is a manifestation of the childhood and the surrounding world of Shanker in addition to being a novel. The author has tried in all earnestness to make the subject and statements of the novel the best and hence the novel gets the sublimity of an epic. It is not just the voice of the soul of the author but is expression of the collective consciousness of the people of his time. The objective and ideas of Shanker are the soul of the novel. The author has modified, changed, amended and transformed the contemporary reality through his imagination.

Shringeri  Math

The novel  Shringeri Math is one of the ten novels written by Manishi Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar on Jagadguru Shankaracharya. It describes Shankaracharya’s  Victory across the literary world of his time. In the debate between Shankaracharya and Krachak the latter is defeated. He sends Ugra Bhairav to kill Shankaracharya. Padmapad somehow has a premonition that  Krachak  and Ugra Bahirav are hatching some conspiracy. So he remains very cautious and keeps a vigil on Shankaracharya . As soon as Ugra Bhairav attempts to kill Shankaracharya he intervenes and saves him by killing Ugra Bhairav.

Shankaracharya thereafter goes to Shringeri and sets up his monastery (Math) there. The novel is a perennial fountainhead of the record of debates that Shankaracharya engaged in with scholars of different faiths including Buddhist, Kapalik, Naath, Suri, vaishnav etc. en route to Shringeri. Thus it makes a very interesting reading for those readers who wish to delve deep into the ocean of ancient Indian scholarship.

Goverdhan Math

The novel Goverdhan Math is one of the ten novels written about Jagadguru Shankaracharya by Pdt.Janardan Rai Nagar. This novel bears a picturesque depiction of mutual animosity between contemporary politics, social contradictions, communal incongruities and differences of rigid opinions and views. Pundits and scholars of different beliefs wish for the victory of their belief and the defeat of the beliefs of others. The society of that time had become rotten due to the all pervading violence of Yagnas, lack of reason in conduct, irrational rituals, cruel caste-based discipline, and a feeling of inferiority. The masses were directionless. The novelist has presented an unprecedented union of a live description of this background, knowledge and devotion.

The state of Mahabhav of Jagadguru Shankar and the echo of the hymns reverberating in the heart produced by the excitement of Bhakti of Padmapad is the special characteristic feature of this novel. The novel finally clarifies that this world, the Maya and this mirror is disjointed and is filled with the images of the conception of Brahma. The image is unitary, unbreakable and fearless. The faith is only that of truth. It is the shadow of the body and the mystery of the world. Shastras think of the Atma and the Vedanta enables a realization of the Atma. For those living a worldly life of a Grihastha unattached Karma and the refuge of Jagannath is only desired. One who is omniscient sees Brahma and knowledge in everyone. Thus came the final declaration – Pragnyanam Brahm.

Sugreev

In this novel Sugreev has been depicted as a serious thinker. A Symbol of Vaanar Race Sugreev appears as a helpless, frightened, envious and power hungry personality but gradually as the narrative unfolds he emerges as a serious , wise and rational personality full of patience. Throughout the novel he remains a supporter of the Dev culture. This is why his sole concern is the friendship between Baali and Raavan. He fears that Raavan might capture the entire land and finish the Vaanar kingdom. Therefore his single aim is to protect the Vaanar kingdom and ensure its rise. His motto is to see that the Vaanar race may rise above the cult of consumerism and proceed towards the dawn of truth.

Like the previous novel “Hanumaan” in this novel also the author Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar has presented a detailed description of the three cultures of Raakshas, Human and Vaanar races. In this novel he has revealed the varied aspects of the character of Sugreev.

 Bharat –Shatrughn

In this novel, Bharat and Shatrughn   have been valorized as an epitome of divine brotherly love after the departure of Ram for the forest. Bharat goes to Chitrakoot to persuade Ram to return to Ayodhya. Ram expresses his unwillingness and does not yield. Finally Bharat brings the footgear of Ram and worships them after setting them up on the throne. He leads the life of an ascetic.  Shatrughn on the other hand acts as a link between the people, family and Bharat. He takes care of the governance of the state, looks after the family and serves Bharat too. This novel ( Ram-Rajya) written around the major  characters of the epic Ramayana is a living testimony of the word power of the author Manishi Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar. Also, even in this spiritual narrative he does not abandon his devotion to the nation. Bharat says- “ Shatrughn, the very act of taking birth in India is the reward of millions of pious acts of several million births accumulated together.

Summing up, this novel is a detailed narrative of the love of nation, Arya traditions and Indian Culture.

Sita – Ram

The novel Sita-Ram is one of the novels in the series of novels title Ram – Rajya  written by Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar. This novelwonderfully depicts the major episodes of the life of Ram,the epitome of Indian Culture and his wife Sita. Like his other novels in the series namely “Bharat”, “ Hanuman”, “Sugreev” and “Ram-Lakshman”, this novel also brings alive  the plot and characters which makes it interesting and endowed with serenity.

In the entire novel the characters of Ram and Sita in their natural roles seem to engage in a struggle with the dilemmas of their inner selves. Sita gets so much attuned to Ram’s personality of exile that she feels disturbed to see Ram in the robe of a King. On the other hand the heart of  Ram   is as soft as wax towards Sita but it becomes exceptionally hard in  the pursuit of observing the traditions of the Arya dynasty.In totality the novel brings to life the situations of that time and makes it an interesting reading. The language , craft and the imagery of the novel are attractive.

Maa aur Mai

Unlike the spiritual and mythical novels Shri Jagadguru Shankaracharya and Ram Rajya  the novel  Maa aur Main is an autobiographical narrative that describes the role of a mother in nurturing the all round – social, spiritual, mental and religious development of a child. Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar has depicted in his own unique style different facets of motherhood like sacrifice, struggle, strength, and selfless love as has been done by some of the creators of world classics like Maxim Gorky, Mahashweta Devi and  Vishwambhar Nath Sharma in their novels. The mother in Pdt. Nagar’s novel  is not a lady confined to the four walls of home rather she is an active inspiration , a carrier of social change and a symbol of selfless love. The novel achieves an emotional zenith in its narration as the author remembers his own mother who guided the society towards a virtuous path. As one reaches the end of the novel (s)he realizes that everyone must understand the importance of mother

Selected Short Stories of Janardan Rai Nagar

The short stories of Pdt.Janardan Rai Nagar have brevity, attractive beginning, effective development and mesmerizing end akin to the doyen of Hindi fiction Prem Chand ji’s idea of a short story. Their characteristic feature is that they have been written with the objective of representing everyday life and the conduct of people related to the reality of contemporary society and culture. These stories paint a realistic picture of post 1900 A.D. Indian society. The narrative of every story germinates from the experiences of home, family, colony, work place of the author and his friends. Just a glimpse of the seed of a thought and Pdt. Nagar’s imagination   paced to convert it into a story.  What a creation! His eyes and emotions were always open and conscious to creation needs no further evidence. He enriched Hindi Literature with more than one hundred short stories. For many years they were published in the prestigious magazines like Saraswati, Hans, Madhuri, Chand, and Veena. This book will enable the readers to  have the experience of the society of his time and dwell in the era of Premchand for a while.

Natak Sangrah

The book titled “Natak Sangrah” is a compilation of different plays written by Manishi Pdt. Janardan Rai Nagar. Of these plays “Acharya Chanakya” and “Uda Hatyara” are historical Plays.  “ Vaisvat Manu” is a philosophical and spiritual play. This play has been composed in the context of pre-historical times. It depicts the devastation caused by the deadly inventions developed by science causing destruction of Nature. Away from spiritualism these inventions relate to the primacy of the consumerist culture. Similarly in the play “Amritamgamay” the idea of a journey from darkness to enlightenment and finally towards eternity is presented as a churning of philosophy and spiritualism through a great character sage Yagyavalkya.

The play “ Patit Ka Swarg” is directly related to a social problem. It relates to the contemporary situation of the society and carries the message of the victory of the Truth over falsehood, the good over the evil and of eternality over death. “Agradoot Mahatma Ji” and “Jeevan Ka Satya” are plays of a similar kind.

All the plays of Pdt. Nagar directly or indirectly bear the objective of developing an insight and a sense of duty towards the country, the society and women. By reading these plays the readers will have an experience of the erstwhile society and varied world view of the citizens.

These introductory remarks of the works of Manishi Pdt. Nagar stated above may introduce to the English speaking world the genius that India produced in the beginning of the twentieth century. His literary style touches the height of the classics. The novels contain the gist of Indian philosophy presented through the mythical characters drawn from the epics which have already become the heritage of human race. It is hoped that having read these small introductory pieces the readers will be inspired to read the texts in the original and appreciate the power of Janu Bhai’s pen.