संत कवियों एवं जैन हिन्दी कवियों का पद-साहित्य
By Rashmi Jain
Summary
This article examines the pad (verse) literature of saint poets and Jain Hindi poets, highlighting its significance in Hindi literature. It defines a pad as a metrical composition combined with a refrain (tek) and a raga, emphasizing its lyrical and emotional impact. The study notes that while saint poets like Kabir, Dadu, Nanak, Surdas, and Raidas composed pads focused on devotion and spirituality, Jain poets such as Bhudhardas, Budhjan, and others also enriched Hindi literature, though their work has been relatively neglected. The article compares the pad literature of these two traditions, identifying several similarities. Both emphasize the importance of a true guru (satguru) for spiritual guidance, advocate for the constant remembrance of the divine name, warn against the illusory nature of maya (worldly attachment), reject external religious rituals in favor of inner purity, affirm the superiority of human birth for attaining liberation, and promote religious harmony. However, key differences exist. Regarding the soul and the supreme being, saint poets generally view the soul as a part of Brahman, the creator and controller of the universe, whereas Jain poets consider the soul an independent entity with the potential to achieve both siddha (liberated) and Brahman states. In mysticism, saint poets often describe the soul merging with Brahman, while Jain poets emphasize the soul itself becoming Brahman through supreme self-realization. The article concludes that while Jain Hindi poets expressed views similar to contemporary saint poets on several topics, they maintained independent perspectives on the soul and the supreme being, consistent with Jain philosophy. Their style is noted for its simplicity and gentleness, but the article stresses the need for greater promotion of their work.
Conclusion
This analysis reveals that while Jain Hindi poets shared thematic ground with Sant poets—emphasizing the guru’s importance, name recitation, and rejecting external ritualism—they maintained a distinct philosophical identity. Crucially, they posited the soul as an independent entity capable of becoming Brahman itself, rather than merging into a creator god. This divergence, rooted in Jain doctrine, produced a poetry of gentle, introspective spirituality rather than the sharp social critique of the Sants. The study’s outcome is a call for greater recognition of this neglected tradition. By highlighting the unique synthesis of shared devotional forms and independent metaphysical thought, the article argues that Jain pad literature offers a valuable, distinct voice within Hindi literary heritage. Its propagation is essential for a more complete understanding of medieval Hindi poetry’s spiritual and philosophical diversity.