Daily Poetry — August 2, 2026

चिंता (कामायनी से एक अंश)

Composed by जयशंकर प्रसाद

Original Hindi

हिमगिरि के उत्तुंग शिखर पर, बैठ शिला की शीतल छाँह। एक पुरुष भीगे नयनों से, देख रहा था प्रलय प्रवाह। नीचे जल था ऊपर हिम था, एक तरल था एक सघन। एक तत्व की ही प्रधानता, कहो उसे जड़ या चेतन। दूर-दूर तक विस्तृत था हिम, स्तब्ध उसी के हृदय समान। निराशा-निर्मम मुखरित करती, सागर लहरों का निज गान। उसी तपस्वी-से लंबे थे देवदारु दो चार खड़े। सूखे, ठूंठ, नीरस से विस्तृत, पथ के बीच अड़े खड़े।

English Translation

On the high peak of the Himalayas, seated in the cool shade of a rock, A man with tear-filled eyes watched the deluge flow. Below was water, above was ice; one fluid, one dense. A single element held sway, call it inert or conscious. Far and wide stretched the snow, still like his heart. Expressing relentless despair, the ocean's waves sang their own song. Like ascetics, tall deodars stood, two or four. Dry, barren, lifeless, spread across the path, standing firm.

AI Generated

AI Echo (Hindi)

विस्मृति के गहरे अंधियारे, में छिपा कोई नव अंकुर। जीवन की फिर होगी हलचल, मिटाएगा सब दुःख का क्रूर। शांत हुई अब प्रलय ध्वनि, पर मन में हलचल बाकी है। नवयुग की पुकार सुनी, क्या वह आशा अब साकी है? प्रकृति की यह लीला अद्भुत, सृजन-विनाश का चक्र सदा। नव चेतना का होगा उदय, चाहे कितनी भी हो विपदा। उठ खड़ा हो मनु अब तू, कर नव निर्माण का संकल्प। भविष्य तेरा ही है रचने को, यह नवीन दिव्य विकल्प।

AI Generated

AI Echo (English)

In the deep darkness of oblivion, lies hidden a new sprout. Life's stir will resume, erasing all cruel sorrow. The sound of deluge has stilled, but commotion remains in the mind. The call of a new era is heard, is that hope now the wine? This play of nature is wondrous, a cycle of creation-destruction always. A new consciousness will dawn, no matter how many adversities. Rise now, Manu, make the resolve for new creation. The future is yours to forge, this new divine alternative.

Literary & Historical Context

Jaishankar Prasad (1889-1937) was a towering figure of the Chhayavadi (Romantic) era in Hindi literature. 'Kamayani' is his magnum opus, an epic poem that reinterprets ancient Hindu legends, particularly the story of Manu and the great deluge, to explore profound philosophical and psychological themes. This excerpt is from the 'Chinta' (Anxiety/Worry) Sarga, which opens the epic. It vividly depicts Manu as the sole survivor of a devastating flood, sitting in desolate contemplation amidst the majestic, yet stark, Himalayan landscape. The scene symbolizes the complete destruction of an old civilization and the subsequent existential crisis of humanity's progenitor. The poem's beauty lies in its rich symbolism, evocative imagery, and a deep exploration of human emotions – despair, solitude, and the inherent impulse for new creation. It sets the stage for the entire epic, which delves into the evolution of human consciousness, emotions like Shraddha (faith), Kama (desire), and Haya (modesty), ultimately leading to a harmonious blend of knowledge, action, and desire. The choice of language is highly Sanskritized and lyrical, characteristic of the Chhayavadi movement.

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