કવિ લીંબોકૃત ઝષભદેવ ફાગ : એક પરિચય
By Kanubhai V. Sheth
Summary
This article introduces the medieval Gujarati poet Limbokrit and his narrative poem “Jashabhadev Phāga”. A ‘phāga’ is a spring festival song that combines poetry, music and dance. Limbokrit’s phāga narrates the adventures of Jashabhadev, portraying him as a heroic or saintly figure. The article places Limbokrit in the 16th century and summarises the poem’s plot, noting its blend of devotion, heroism and moral instruction. It analyses stylistic features such as alliteration, repetition and call‑and‑response structures that facilitate oral performance. The author compares the work to other bhakti narratives and suggests that Limbokrit integrated courtly epic elements into vernacular poetry. By discussing the cultural function of phāga performances, which provided entertainment and conveyed moral values, the article highlights the importance of preserving such works for understanding the evolution of Gujarati literature.
Conclusion
The article argues that Limbokrit’s “Jashabhadev Phāga” exemplifies the richness of medieval Gujarati narrative poetry. By summarising the poem and analysing its stylistic and cultural aspects, the author underscores the need to revive interest in lesser‑known poets and to preserve Gujarat’s literary heritage.