An interrogation on the functionalism of Alamkra and way of its application

in the Poetry.
Ven. Mahawela Rathanapala1
mahawelarathanapala@gmail.com
Alakrastra is simply defined as the science of literal embellishment. As have been accepted
in general this science has been mainly formed to produce the beauty which solely deals with the
sense and expression of poetic beauty. Employment of Alalkra is regarded as the factor that
converts prosaic speech into poetic speech or the criterion of judging its worth. While ordinary
speech is straight and lack ornamentation, poetry is marked by a turn of expression with much
gist and attractiveness .But the question is through the autonomous application of alakra in
the poetry would the poet be able to generate this beauty? Or should poet be intuitively aware of
the principle of the assimilation and avoidance of figures according to the context of feeling?
How application of Alakra in poetry is worth and be able to produce this expected gist,
attractiveness or the transcendental beauty?
In this research paper functionalism of Alakra and way of its engagement in poetry is
expected to explore with special reference to the great compositions in the Sanskrit
Alarastra. Moreover in analyzing the engagement of Alakra in poetry other principles
of literal criticism such as Guna, Rti, Dhavni, Rasa and Aucitya are also expected to analyze as
supportive for the observation. In its critical analysis, the research paper suggests that mere
application of Alakra in poetry will not generate the charm it should be or it will not lead the
reader to the imaginations of poets. Charm and the beauteous nature of poetry toughly depends
on appropriateness of its application.

Key words: - Alamkrastra, Poetry, Transcendental beauty, Guna, Rti, Dhavni, Rasa, Aucitya

1 Royal Pand it, B.A, M.phil (reading) Lecturer, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy,
Kandy, Sri Lanka.