Biography of Bhanubhakta Acharya: The First Poet of Nepal

Introduction

Bhanubhakta Acharya, widely revered as Aadikabi (First Poet), holds a distinguished place in Nepalese literature for being the first to translate the Ramayana from Sanskrit into the Nepali language. He pioneered modern Nepali literature by making classical Hindu epics accessible to the common people, gaining immense respect and admiration. His simple yet profound poetic style laid the foundation for Nepali literature, earning him the title of a national hero. In his honor, we are Presenting the Biography of Bhanubhakta Acharya here.

Quick Facts:

• Born: 1814 • Chundi Ramgha, Tanahun, Nepal
• Died: 1868 (aged 54) • Nepal
• Title/Office: Aadikabi (First Poet) of Nepal
• Notable Work: Translation of the Ramayana into Nepali
• Spouse: Unknown (Details unavailable)

Early Life

Bhanubhakta Acharya was born in 1814 in the village of Chundi Ramgha in the Tanahun district of Nepal. His father’s name is Dhananjaya Acharya, and his mother is Dharmawati. His father was a learned Brahmin and significantly influenced young Bhanubhakta’s early education. Growing up in a religious and scholarly family, he was exposed to Sanskrit scriptures, instilling a deep reverence for classical literature. However, Bhanubhakta was profoundly influenced by the struggles of ordinary people and the importance of making literature accessible to them.

Education

As a young boy, Bhanubhakta received a traditional Brahmin education centered around Sanskrit, philosophy, and Hindu scriptures. His primary education in Sanskrit was provided by his grandfather at his home, and later, he went to Varanasi for higher study. He quickly became well-versed in Vedas and Puranas and developed a passion for poetry. His studies enabled him to explore the intricacies of Hindu mythology, but he noticed a linguistic barrier: the common people of Nepal could not comprehend the Sanskrit texts. This realization inspired his lifelong mission to write in the Nepali language.

Career Beginnings

Bhanubhakta’s literary journey took flight when he embarked on translating Valmiki’s Ramayana into Nepali. While most scholars at the time were content with writing in Sanskrit, his vision was unique: he wanted to bridge the gap between the learned elite and the general populace by bringing religious and moral teachings to the people in their mother tongue. His version of the Ramayana was composed in metrical verse, making it both easy to memorize and widely popular among the Nepali masses.

Inspired by a poor grass seller (Ghansi)

It is said that Bhanubhakta Acharya started serving Nepali literature after being influenced by the personality of a person who made a living by cutting and selling grass. Seeing that a farmer from a poor family sells grass and saying this, he dug a well and was able to give water to the people. Bhanubhakta regretted that he could not do anything despite being richer and more learned than him, and he planned to do literary work. He managed to set a new record.

Bhanu Ghansi Memorial has been built in Tanahun district in memory of the Ghansi and Bhanubhakta. There is also the well constructed by Ghansi (Grass Cutter). This place is situated on the roadside near Mugling Pokhara Road.

Although such a talented personality left this world at the age of 54 in 1868, his Ramayana is read devoutly in the homes of Nepalese. Bhanubhakta Acharya’s birth anniversary is celebrated in all Nepali-speaking communities worldwide. According to the Nepali Callendar, his annual day is 13 July, the 29th day of the Ashad month.

Challenges and Struggles

Despite his vision and creativity, Bhanubhakta’s literary work was not without challenges. He lived in an era when the strict caste system and socio-political structure gave high recognition to Sanskrit among the local languages ​​, and he considered the Nepali language unimportant.
As a result, his efforts to promote Nepali as a literary language were initially met with opposition. Additionally, Bhanubhakta struggled with poverty, which hampered his ability to publish his works. However, his passion for literature and dedication to the Nepali language helped him overcome these challenges

Contributions to Nepali Literature

Bhanubhakta’s greatest contribution to Nepali literature was his translation of the Ramayana. This monumental work not only enhanced his own reputation but also elevated the status of the Nepali language. By translating Sanskrit epics into Nepali, he made religious texts and moral teachings accessible to a much larger audience, uniting people across different regions of Nepal.

Aside from his famous translation, Bhanubhakta also composed a number of original poems that reflected his deep spirituality and philosophical thoughts. His writings often conveyed social messages, urging people to live virtuous lives. His work laid the groundwork for the development of Nepali as a literary language and opened doors for future poets and writers.

Social and Personal Life

Though much is not known about his social life in detail, Bhanubhakta was regarded as a humble man who lived modestly. He spent much of his time in meditation and literary pursuits, devoting himself to enriching the Nepali language and spreading the message of the Ramayana. His personal life was marked by struggles with financial difficulties, yet his passion for literature remained unwavering until his death.

Legacy

Bhanubhakta Acharya’s legacy is nothing short of extraordinary. His contribution to Nepali literature is celebrated to this day, and he remains an inspiration for countless poets and writers. He was the first to introduce metrical verse to Nepali poetry, making it both simple and profound. His translation of the Ramayana became a cornerstone of Nepalese culture, resonating deeply with the people and fostering a sense of unity.

Bhanubhakta is often remembered for his patriotism and pride in his language and country. Bhanubhakta Acharya Memorial in Kathmandu and Bhanubhakta Acharya Park in his birthplace, Tanahun, serve as reminders of his monumental contributions. His works continue to be taught in schools, ensuring that future generations carry forward his love for the Nepali language.

The Impact of His Work

Bhanubhakta’s work had far-reaching consequences for the growth of Nepali literature. He not only democratized religious texts but also set a standard for future writers. His style was marked by simplicity, clarity, and accessibility, qualities that made his work timeless. By giving voice to the masses through his literature, he is regarded as the “people’s poet.”

In 1981, while writing the biography of Bhanbhakta Acharya, Motiram Bhatta called him Adikavi (First Poet) for the first time. Bhanubhakta’s Nepali Ramayana was believed to have been compiled and published on Motiram Bhatta’s initiative. Motiram Bhatta, who correctly identified Bhanubhakta, was also a creative poet of Nepal. However, he did not live for many years; otherwise, he would have made a great contribution to Nepali literature.

Summary

Bhanubhakta Acharya, the First Poet of Nepal, broke barriers by translating religious texts from Sanskrit into Nepali, creating a new literary tradition. His contribution to Nepal’s literary and cultural heritage is unparalleled, making him a beloved figure in the country’s history. His work, particularly the translation of the Ramayana, continues to resonate with readers today, immortalizing his status as a national hero.

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