Author:

Dr Punit
Assistant Professor
Department of History
Goswami Ganesh Dutta SD College
Sector 32-C, Chandigarh (UT)
Email: punit.res@gmail.com

Pranav Kapil
2Assistant Professor
Department of English
Goswami Ganesh Dutta SD College
Sector 32-C, Chandigarh (UT)
Email: rtr.pranav@gmail.com

Abstract:: This paper delves into the philosophical tenets of Bharthari, an eminent figure in the Indian ascetic tradition, with a specific focus on his nuanced exploration of desire and detachment as encapsulated in his Shataka Trayam—comprising the Niti, Shringara, and Vairagya Shatakas. This study meticulously examines Bharthari’s historical contextualization, navigating the challenges posed by his mythical portrayal, and delves into his recurrent contemplations on the role of women within his philosophical framework. The analysis unfolds Bharthari’s intricate critique of the transient and constricting nature of sensual pleasures, emphasizing his discerning evaluation of the romanticized portrayal of the human form. The study meticulously unravels Bharthari’s proposed remedies for negotiating desires, particularly through the prism of meditation and the dispelling of delusions. An integral facet of this exploration is Bharthari’s pragmatic counsel, advocating for an unequivocal choice between worldly indulgence and ascetic contemplation while discouraging ambivalence. This endeavour offers a rigorous examination of Bharthari’s dialectical worldview, casting a scholarly spotlight on his profound philosophical considerations regarding desire, detachment, and the intricate role of women in shaping the human experiential tapestry.

Key Words:: Bharthari,Indian Asceticism, Desire and Detachment,Shataka Trayam,Women etc.