Page Text
________________ MALLIKAMAKARANDA 423 the parents not to worry as he would protect their daughter by his magical power. He asks the merchant Brahmadatta to get the material 'for worshipping the charmed-circle' before the performance of the religious ceremony proper. The merchant directs Sundaraka to get the things required for the worshipas ordered by Makaranda. In the meantime the parents along with Makaranda go to see Mallika who is suffering from fever. Makaranda infers from Mallika's condition that she is suffering from love's fever. Mallika and Makaranda both are attracted to each other out of overpowering emotion of love; and both feel guilty as both had already fallen in love with a young man and a youthful damsel respectively exactly eight days ago at midnight in the court-yard of the Cupid's temple. The name of the maid 'Bandhula' and the voice of Mallika lead Makaranda to identify his beloved who is no other than Mallika herself. The materials for worshipping the charmed circle are now brought there. Makaranda helps Mallika to rise from her sick bed. His touch immediately reminds her of the touch of his hand when he had shampooed her breast in the garden of Cupid. Makaranda bows down to the charmed circle and worships it with the pair of earrings which he had received from the youthful maiden who had been saved by him from committing suicide. The sight of the pair of her earrings leaves no doubt in Mallika's mind that the young man with whom she had fallen in love is no other than Makaranda. The parents of Mallika come to know now of the mutual love between Mallika and Makaranda. It is already night. Makaranda asks all but Mallika to leave the place. They do so. Mallika vows in the presence of Makaranda that she either marries him or remains unmarried. She then requests him not to commit suicide out of love for her nor to persist in preventing her being abducted. He however tells her there is no greater happiness than dying for one's own beloved. Just then a voice from behind-thescenes is heard--inquiring whether he is her protector or husband. He replied that he is both, the husband and protector. The voice ridicules the very idea that a contemptible human being should be the protector and husband of a Vidyadhara damsel. The voice further says "Here I abduct this damsel" and asks the damsel not to be sorry at all as she will be made a Vidyadhara queen. Mallika cries helplessly as she is being abducted in a mysterious way. Her abduction comes as a rude shock to Makaranda. He faints. Regaining consciousness he decides to leave by the back-door and do what befits his deep love for Mallika. Prelude (to Act III) : Before the third act proper commences we have a Viskambhaka containing a dialogue between Ceti (a female servant) and Devalaka (an attendant upon an idol, who subsists on the offering made to it). This dialogue informs us that Mallika is not prepared at all to accept Citrangada, www.jainelibrary.org Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
| SR No. | 001868 |
| Book Title | Studies in Jain Literature |
| 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 |