The Bliss of Life - M. V. Rama Sarma

The Bliss of Life – M. V. Rama Sarma 

 

M. V. Rama Sarma’s “The Bliss of Life” is a biographical novel that presents a sensitive and imaginative reconstruction of the life of the seventeenth-century Telugu poet-composer Ksetrayya. Though written in the form of a novel, the work functions largely as a life-sketch, tracing the spiritual, emotional and artistic evolution of the poet. Rama Sarma’s main concern is not external action but the inner growth of the artist and the sources of his creative bliss.

 

The novel opens with the early life of Varadeyya, who later becomes known as Ksetrayya. He is portrayed as an ordinary village boy growing up in a traditional temple-centered society. From childhood, Varadayya is exposed to music, ritual and devotional practices that form the cultural background of his life. His early human experiences, especially his emotional attachment to a woman named Mohana, play a crucial role in shaping his sensibility. These youthful emotions are not dismissed as mere personal episodes; instead, they are shown to be formative influences that later find expression in his poetry. 

 

As Varadayya grows older, his innate attraction to music and poetry becomes more pronounced. Rama Sarma describes in detail the environment of temple culture, devadasis and musicians, among whom Varadayya learns the art of lyrical composition. Through observations, participation and spiritual reflection, he begins to understand that poetry and music are not merely artistic pursuits but powerful means of expressing devotion. Gradually, his identity as composer of padams emerges, and he assumes the name Ksetrayya. 

 

The central theme of the novel is the union of srngara (erotic emotion) bhakti (devotion). Ksetrayya’s compositions often use the language of human love to express divine longing. Rama Sarma defends this tradion by showing that sensual imagery in the padams is not vulgar but symbolic of the soul’s yearning for union with the divine. The poet’s creative process becomes a spiritual experience, and it is through this process that he attains “the bliss of life” referred to in the title.

 

The navel also reflects the social realities of the time. Rama Sarma subtly portrays the marginal position of devadasis, the rigid social structure, and the moral tensions within temple society. Without overt criticism, the author reveals how art and devotion flourish even within social constraints. Ksetrayys remains detached from worldly ambition, finding fulfilment only in artistic creation and spiritual surrender. 

 

In the concluding sections, the novel emphasizes Ksetrayya’s lasting legacy. His padams continue to live through generations os singers and dancers, transcending his personal life. Rama Sarma ends the narrative by affirming that true bliss lies not in material success but in self-realization through devotion and art. 

 

In Sum, “The Bliss of Life” is a lyrical and contemplative portrayal of a great poet’s life. It highlights the intimate relationship between personal experience, artistic creation and spiritual fulfilment. Though modest in plot, the novel succeeds in offering a profound insight into the mind of a creative genius and the cultural tradition he represents. 

 

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