Sanskrit Poets of India
Bharavi (author of Kiratarjuniya)

Bharavi, popularly known for his mahakavya Kiratajuniya, was a great Sanskrit poet from Southern India. Bharavi's Kiratarjuniya is considered as one of the greatest classical Sanskrit epics that was hailed as Mahakavya or great poetry. Kiratarjuniya means Arjuna and the mountain man. This epic talks of the great warrior Arjuna and his battle with a savage mountain man, who then turns out to be Lord Shiva. There are many interesting facts about Bharavi's life history. Though no such biography of Bharavi exists, yet we find valuable information about this great poet in his works.

Intricate styles and very superior forms of expression characterized his style of poetry. There is a chance that he may have influenced the 8th Century poet Magha. It is estimated that Bharavi came from the South of India. He is said to have flourished during the empire of King Durvinita and King Simhavishnu of the Pallavan dynasty, which was a major empire and widespread in the south of India.