Question

Who is the author of the work 'Chandishatakam'?

• A. Mayurabhatta
• B. Shankaracharya
• C. Banabhatta
• D. Pushpadanta

Hint:

Remember the Harshavardhana Court duo: Mayura wrote for the Sun (Surya-shatakam), and Bana wrote for the Goddess (Chandi-shatakam).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
'Chandishatakam' is a devotional work ('Stotra-kavya') consisting of 100 verses in praise of the Goddess Chandi (Durga). Specifically, it celebrates her victory over the demon Mahishasura. In Sanskrit literary history, great prose writers often demonstrated their skill in metrical poetry by composing such 'Shatakas'. This work is traditionally attributed to one of the masters of the 7th-century prose period.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The author of 'Chandishatakam' is Banabhatta, the same author who wrote 'Kadambari' and 'Harshacharita'.

Background and Style:
There is a famous literary legend that Mayurabhatta (Bana’s relative and contemporary) composed the 'Surya-shatakam' to cure his leprosy. Inspired by this or in a spirit of scholarly competition, Banabhatta composed the 'Chandishatakam' in honor of Goddess Durga.

Features of the work:
- It is composed in the Shardulavikriditam meter, which is suitable for describing the fierce and majestic power of the Goddess.
- Even in verse, Banabhatta’s unique style is visible: the use of complex vocabulary, intricate puns ('Shlesha'), and a grand, ornate narrative flow.
- The work is not just a prayer but a high-quality literary achievement that describes the physical form and the heroic deeds of Chandi in vivid detail.

Analyzing other options:
1. Mayurabhatta: He is the author of the 'Surya-shatakam' (100 verses to the Sun). While both lived in the court of King Harshavardhana, they wrote different Shatakas.
2. Shankaracharya: He is the author of 'Saundaryalahari' and many other philosophical hymns, but not the specific Chandishatakam.
3. Pushpadanta: He is the author of the 'Shiva-mahimna-stotra', a famous hymn to Lord Shiva.

Chandishatakam proves that Banabhatta was not just a master of 'Gadya' (prose) but also an expert in 'Padya' (poetry). It remains an important text in the Shakta tradition of Sanskrit literature.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The author of Chandishatakam is Banabhatta. Therefore, Option (C) is the correct answer.