Handbook of Classical Sanskrit Rhetoric /101

Asiḥ: Benediction
 
39: As<headword>आशी</headword>
आशीः Āśīḥ: Bendiction:
 

 
The word āśiḥ literally means blessing, benediction in the form of a

prayer, wish, desire, incantation etc. When any sort of benediction or

blessing is poetically expressed in a charming and attractive way,

the figure is called AsĀśiḥ. In literary and academic tradition it was a

very popular and common method to introduce one's work (on lit-

erature or philosophy or science or whatever may be the subject)

with a benedictary statement. Most of the poets and philosophers

of Sanskrit literature have followed this tradition with due respect.
 

 
In the tradition of Sanskrit epics (mahā-kāvya), it is said that an

epic starts either with benediction, obeisance to gods or respected

personalities or indication of the subject-matter. In all literary tra-

ditions, all types of composition begin with benediction known as

mangala ācaraṇa or nāndī. In philosophical literature, scholars have

argued in details about the utility of benediction at the very begin-

ning of each work. The first introductory verse of a drama, known

as nāndī, is very significant and testifies to the long-drawn tradition

of dramatic performance in ancient Indian literature. Benedictory

verses are mainly concerned with religious traditions and personal
faiths of the poets and authors who have followed this tradition

faiths of the poets and authors who have followed this tradition
very sincerely.
 
45
 

 
The figure AsĀśīḥ is first introduced by Daṇḍin and thereafter

few scholars like Bhaāmaha and Väāgbhatṭa have followed him. AsĀśīḥ

or blessing expressing good wishes and overall prospect towards

others has sometimes been applied as an incantation.
 

 
eg 1. sarvas taratu durgānṇi / sarvo bhadrāṇi paśyatu.

sarvaḥ kāmān avāpnotu / sarvaḥ sarvatra nandatu.

 
सर्वस्तरतु दुर्गाणि / सर्वो भद्राणि पश्यतु ।

सर्व: कामानवाप्नोतु / सर्व: सर्वत्र नन्दतु ॥

 
May all overcome difficulties,

May all behold welfare and peace,

May all obtain their wishes fulfilled,
 

May all everywhere delight in bliss.
 
Digitized by
 

 
In this verse, a universal appeal for the welfare of humanity has

been directly conveyed in the form of benediction.
 
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Original from
 
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN