In the midst of our bustling lives, we often crave a break to divert our thoughts. During one such moment, serendipity introduced me to a verse adorned with wordplay, or should I say, a pun. It lifted my spirits and brought a smile to my face, compelling me to immortalize it in my blog. As for the verse’s origin, I remain uncertain, but it undoubtedly falls under the category of ‘श्लेषालङ्कारः’ (shlesha alankarah, a type of arthAlankarah) – a pun where a single word weaves a tapestry of meanings, enchanting its readers. This verse also incorporates ‘शब्दालङ्कारः’ (shabdalankarah), a type of figures of speech involving the placement of letters and words. This is evident through the ‘प्रासः’ or repetition of letters, which adds a pleasant auditory dimension to the verse

Now, in the verse below, this enchantment is particularly evident in the third pada, highlighted in bold:

तया कवितया किं वा किं वा वनितया तया। पदविन्यासमात्रेण मनो नापहृतं यया।।

What purpose does such poetry serve, or for that matter, what purpose does a woman hold, if they fail to steal your heart with the mere arrangement/placement of words/steps?

Now, let’s delve into the term पदविन्यासमात्रेण, which, when applied to poetry, alludes to the art of word placement. In the context of a woman, it pertains to her graceful gait. The word पद (pada) itself carries two illustrious meanings: foot and word. A woman with graceful gait is addressed with the renowned phrase गजगामिनी, signifying an individual whose stride emulates the majestic grace of an elephant. In my younger days, गजगामिनी seemed more like a slight to me, as my innocent mind pictured a cumbersome form. However, as I delved deeper into literature, I came to appreciate it as a genuine compliment. 😊

The letters तया keep repeating, adding to the alliteration! There is your प्रासः।

Now, regarding the grammar in this verse, the third declension is used here: ‘तया कवितया किं’ (tayā kavitayā kim), which is a colloquial way of expressing ‘So what of that poem’ in a somewhat dismissive manner. The term ‘किं तेन’ (kim tena) is commonly employed to mean ‘So what.’ Such usages are more commonly encountered in literary works like this, rather than in grammar textbooks or ‘कारकम्’ (karakam). So, refrain from casually using ‘किं तेन’ (kim tena) for everything. 😊

Now, let me conclude this article with heartfelt wishes for those observing ‘sAma-upAkarma’! May you enjoy a delectable feast, a fitting reward for your dedication in reciting the Gayathri mantra 1008 times. 😊

शुभं सप्ताहः भूयात्।