Exploring the Life and Works of Nepali Poet Bhanubhakta Acharya

 Bhanubhakta Acharya is considered one of the greatest poets in the Nepali language. He is widely known for his contributions to Nepali literature, especially for his translation of the Hindu epic Ramayana into Nepali. Bhanubhakta's poems are considered some of the most important works in Nepali literature, and his contributions have helped shape the Nepali language and culture. In this blog, we will explore the life and works of Bhanubhakta and the significance of his poem.

Bhanubhakta was born in 1814 in Chundi Ramgha, Tanahun, which is now a part of modern-day Nepal. He was born into a Brahmin family and was sent to Varanasi, India, to study the Hindu scriptures. Bhanubhakta returned to Nepal in 1839 and started working as a teacher, but he soon became interested in writing poetry. His first book of poems, called "Rasikpriya," was published in 1847 and became an instant success.

However, Bhanubhakta is most famous for his translation of the Ramayana into Nepali. The Ramayana is a Hindu epic that tells the story of the god Rama and his wife Sita, and it is considered one of the most important works in Hindu mythology. Bhanubhakta's translation of the Ramayana helped to make the epic accessible to Nepali speakers and contributed to the standardization of the Nepali language. His translation is still considered one of the most important works in Nepali literature.

Bhanubhakta's poetry is characterized by its use of simple language and its focus on themes of love, devotion, and spirituality. His most famous poem, "Jhola," tells the story of a poor woman who is carrying a heavy load on her back. The poem uses the woman's burden as a metaphor for the struggles of life and the importance of empathy and compassion.

Here is an excerpt from Bhanubhakta's poem "Jhola:"

"Jhola, jhola, jhola dhai

Khaan jhola, dhaan jhola, jhola paryo ta

Khanai gaye bhuwa, bhakari gaye bhuwa,

Hune nabhaya ta jhola kholya paryo

Jhola, jhola, jhola dhai."

This can be translated to:

"Jhola, jhola, jhola oh carrier

Wheat jhola, rice jhola, have to carry them

Her father is gone, her husband is gone

Had she not opened the jhola, she would have fallen

Jhola, jhola, jhola oh carrier."

The poem uses simple language to convey a powerful message about the struggles of life and the importance of helping others. Bhanubhakta's poems often explore themes of love, devotion, and spirituality, and they are considered some of the most important works in Nepali literature.

In conclusion, Bhanubhakta Acharya is one of the most significant poets in Nepali literature. His contributions to the Nepali language and culture, especially his translation of the Ramayana into Nepali, have helped shape the identity of the Nepali people. His poem "Jhola" is a powerful exploration of the struggles of life and the importance of empathy and compassion. Bhanubhakta's legacy continues to influence Nepali literature and culture to this day, and his works are considered some of the most important in the Nepali language.

Must check : Bhanubhakta Acharya: The Father of Nepali Literature and the Power of Poetry