Tilakmanjari

The educated are highly respected everywhere. King Munj and King Bhoj of Dhara held poet Dhanpal in great regard because he was exceptionally knowledgeable and an outstanding poet. Munj regarded him as a son and honored him with the title 'kurchal Saraswati' (goddess Saraswati with a beard and mustache), while King Bhoj bestowed upon him the titles 'kavishvar' (best among the poets) and 'siddha Saraswati' (an accomplished scholar).

Dhanpal, once motivated by animosity towards the Jain religion, had influenced the king to prohibit Jain monks from traveling in Malwa. However, his younger brother, Shobhanacharya, who had embraced Jainism, enlightened Dhanpal about its fundamental principles and significance, leading to his conversion. After his conversion, Dhanpal composed a work in praise of tirthankar Rishabhdev.

On a cold winter night, Dhanpal recited his work to King Bhoj. The king suggested some revisions and urged him to include words praising his devotion to religion. Dhanpal refused, stating, "It would mean compromising my integrity. I'm sorry, but I cannot act against my principles." Enraged by these words, the king threw the book into the fire, and a heated argument ensued between them.

When Dhanpal returned home, he was melancholic and restless. His daughter Tilakmanjari, who was equally accomplished and cherished her father, inquired about the cause of his sadness. Dhanpal informed her that years of labor had been reduced to ashes.

Tilakmanjari comforted her father, saying, "Don't grieve, father. I remember every word you wrote in the book." Her words uplifted Dhanpal's spirits, and he was proud of his daughter's remarkable memory. She began to dictate to him, and Dhanpal started to write. In no time, the book was recreated. This took place in Vikram Samvat 1084, and the work, representing the nine sentiments, was thus reconstructed.

A true artist always remains loyal to their calling. Their creations are genuine and innate, never driven by insincere flattery or the desire to profit from them. Poet Dhanpal exemplified this commitment when he chose humiliation over compromising his principles for the king. Thanks to his daughter Tilakmanjari, Dhanpal's lost work was salvaged and revived. Dhanpal titled the work "Tilakmanjari" as a tribute to his daughter's assistance, acknowledging her contribution that turned the impossible into reality.