Tracking the parrot’s path: A promulgation of cultural heritage

Abstract

Among multiple genres of Sanskrit poetry, the sandeśa or dūtakāvyas1 (messenger poems) have inspired curiosity among litterateur aficionados of the classics. Albeit such communications often involved exchanges of confidential messages among remote lovers, these poetries equally served as travelogues. Among the sandeśakāvyas composed in Kerala2, Śukasandeśa of Lakṣmīdāsa, of the 14th century, is a remarkable literary work. Lakṣmīdāsa conveys his heartfelt feelings to Raṅgalakṣmī, his sweetheart, through a śuka (parrot). The messenger parrot travels from Rameswaram3, where the separated lover resides, to Guṇapuram, in North Kerala. The route covers various places of cultural and historic significance. Appending aesthetic elements, Lakṣmīdāsa maps all the major temples and sacred rivers, en route to Guṇapuram. The current paper proposes to educate and promote awareness among the current generation through promulgation of ancient cultural heritage. The ornamental presentation of prominent temples, portrayal of deities, sacred rivers, groves etc. mentioned in the Śukasandeśa could ignite minds of culturally inquisitive groups. It associates various ancient nomenclatures of places with modern locations, acting as a quick reference for classical researchers. The description of locations in the Śukasandeśa could serve as a route map, providing location sketch and ease expeditions.