Divya Jyoti Ved Mandir in association with DJJS captured the essence of Rishi Panini’s life history through its depiction in the form of a play at Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj on 30 January 2019. The play, presented in the Sanskrit language, brought to life the story of how Rishi Panini’s determination and sincere efforts resulted in the codification of the Sanskrit grammar. The legend has it that Rishi Panini was predicted by an astrologer to remain illiterate throughout his life. However, as soon as he received this information he cut open an astrological line on his palm and pledged to educate himself thoroughly. He performed a severe penance; and meditated upon Lord Shiv. Pleased with Panini’s efforts, Lord Shiv appeared before him and granted him the knowledge of rules of the Sanskrit language in 14 verses known as Maheshwara Sutrani. The rules were later written down in what came to be called as Panini’s Ashtadhyayi. The play conveyed the message that efforts done under the guidance of a spiritual Master (Guru), like Lord Shiv was to Panini, results in the achievement of even that which is beyond destiny.
The play was followed by a visual presentation by Sadhvi Shailasa Bharti Ji, disciple of Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji on the uniqueness and greatness of the Sanskrit language. The language is considered to be the language of Gods because of its sophisticated structure. It is one of the oldest languages which has retained its original form and dynamic nature till today. This language provides the option to the speaker to say the words in any order and yet not lose the meaning of a sentence. Furthermore, it can be called the mother of all languages since it hasn’t and doesn’t need to borrow any words from other languages.
To showcase all the praise worthy features of the Sanskrit language, the event ended with a dance performance on Madhurashtakam by the students of DJJS’s Holistic Education Program- Manthan. This devotional hymn by Vallabha Acharya (late fifteenth century C.E.) not only celebrates the beautiful and serene features of Lord Krishna but it do so through the usage of the Sanskrit language in the one of the most elegant of ways. In this way, the event came to a close on a pleasing sound and visual. Several eminent guests also marked their presence at the event: Prof H N Mishra (Head, Department of Geography, Allahabad University), Prof P C Upadhyay (Professor, Department of Economics, Allahabad University).
