Author(s): Lakshmi Gupchup

Abstract: Bhakti literature has been translated widely into English. These translations range from prosaic texts by scholars to poetic translations by poets and authors. These translations, however, often fail to convey the complete meaning of an Abhanga of a Bhakti Poet. Bhakti poetry often uses obscure metaphors and symbols to explain difficult philosophical concepts. These symbols are clear to Marathi readers because of the cultural significance they have. The language is also rooted in the culture. Hence, cultural symbols and metaphors used in Marathi Bhakti Literature can be understood when the literature is read in Marathi.However, though English is widely used in India, it still remains a foreign language, coming from its own culture. It has its own commonly used cultural symbols and metaphors. Hence, while translating Bhakti poetry into English, it is difficult to translate these symbols and metaphors without compromising the meaning of the Abhanga. This paper studies selected Abhangas from ‘The Ant Who Swallowed the Sun’ a translation of Abhangas of women saints of Maharashtra. It will seek to examine how the translators have dealt with the above stated limitation of language.

Keywords: Bhakti movement, Cultural motifs Janabai, Translation

Article Info: Received: 29 Sep 2026; Received in revised form: 23 Oct 2026; Accepted: 27 Oct 2026; Available online: 31Oct 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.115.71