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 444

426 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE although already dead. Devalaka removes the slab of stone but to his surprise none was to be found below it. Candralekha is sorry that her plot went awry. She gets enraged with Manorama for interefering in her planned strategy. Tapasakumara addresses his mother in these words : "O mother, why do you want to kill that innocent and high souled man ? You better kill me who is the real source of your agony." Candralekha is still angry, holds Tapasakumara by the hair and asks Devalaka to take Manorama with him. Thus they all leave the stage. Act IV : Makaranda, who is seated in the siddhayatana, thinks to himself as follows : "Although I am separated from my beloved, I do not die. On the contrary, seeing that Tapasakumara who bears close resemblance to Mallikamy beloved--I desire to live. Better I take to asceticism following the example of Tapasakumara so that in heaven at least, I shall be united with my beloved (Mallika). But why is Candralekha infuriated with me ? Certainly she must have abducted Mallika from her (foster-father) Brahmacatta's house. Magadhika could throw some light on this incident of abduction. From behind-the-scenes a voice is heard : "....O princess where are you now? Please reply to me. O pitiless Candralekha, what kind of turbulence or agitation is this of yours that you put obstacles in the way of your own daughter ?" Makaranda recognises the voice to be that of Magadhika. She then enters the stage. In her conversation with Makaranda she informs him thus : Mallika was abducted from Pancasaila and transformed into a male by the use of a magic pill by Candralekha. She was transformed into a male only to prevent her abduction by an inimical person (Makaranda ?)" Magadhika further informs him "she has been taken out from the arbour to her own mansion by Candralekha and she has been flogged for the simple reason that she still remembers you." Makaranda who is unable to save his beloved from the clutches of her cruel mother wishes to kill himself with a sword but his hand is as it were paralysed. A divine voice, however, prevents him from committing suicide. Magadhika explains the purpose of her visit : "I have been sent to offer to you these precious garments and ornaments by my princess (Mallika). [She actually offers them to him.] She had received them from Citrangada." She has in addition sent this message to you : "You are my husband. You, however protect yourself by becoming small. Even Hari (in his in carnation as Krsna) became an insignificant cowherd (boy) and killed Kamsa (his powerful enemy)." After delivering this message she adds that he should remain in the siddhayatana as no misfortunes overtake a person during his stay there. And if he feels dull and uninterested from the longings of love he might divert himself by visiting the pleasure lake in the garden. With these words she