Studies in Jain Literature

SR No.: 001868
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 114
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Literature, & Story
File Size: 14 MB

Page 439

MALLIKAMAKARANDA 421 of enjoying the play. The Sutradhara advises him not to make haste as every great success is attended with troubles. He, who bears physical and mental fatigue obtains the bride of knowledge. It is announced from behind-the-scenes that this 'upasruti (or deva-prasna') indicates that he is sure to win a bride as well as great success. The Sutradhara and the Nata then leave the stage to attend to some other business and with their exit the Amukha (Prastavana, Introduction) comes to an end. Act 1 : Makaranda repeating the words of the Sutradhara "When our vyasana' is very old why should we blame others ?-enters the stage. He informs the spectators that he is addicted to gambling since long. He is now full of repentance for his vice as it is a great stigma on his great family, his study of scriptures and the instruction received from his preceptor. The thought of committing suicide crosses his mind. On second thoughts, however, he thinks that following the right path is the real atonement (prayascitta). He therefore decides to spend the night in a rather secluded garden and to leave for an altogether new place at daybreak giving to the gamblers, his creditors the slip, and lead there a good life. He sees in front of him a temple dedicated to the god of love, illuminated by a bright lamp. There arrives at that time a young maiden (who later turns out to be Mallika, the heroine of the play), supported by her maid (Bandhula) and an attendant carrying a sword in his hand. Fearing that the maiden would not act freely if she were to see him in the light of the lamp Makaranda puts off the light, and hides himself behind a mango tree in the court-yard of the temple. From the conversation of the two girls he comes to know that the maiden is overcome with terrible grief-although she comes from a rich family--and that she intends to put an end to her life in fear of an impending danger. In view of her dangerous mood the attendant requests her to return home. She, however, conceals her feelings and with a smile on her face asks him not to worry about her. She sends both of them away under some pretext. She then attempts to commit suicide by hanging herself. Makaranda however comes out of his hiding, shouts loudly for her maid and attendant to rush up as their mistress is about to kill herself. He takes the initiative, cuts off the noose with his sword. The maiden falls down in a swoon. Makaranda tries to fan her with the end of his garment and shampooes her breast. The maid and the attendant both greatly excited return to the scene of action. The attendant takes him to be a thief. The maid appeals to him to take the ornaments but spare her mistress's life. Makaranda informs them that he is neither a thief nor a paramour. The maiden and Makaranda deeply fall in love with each other. As a token of their first meeting the maiden presents him her pair of earrings.