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________________ MALLIKAMAKARANDA 429 to her own daughter. Candralekha tries to persuade her daughter to act as she (Candralekha, her mother) desires. But she is very firm and tauntingly speaks to her mother. She goes to the length of referring to her improper conduct (anacara). Tamarasa scolds her for making a mention of her own mother's misconduct. He tries to impress on her to act upon her mother's desire. She, is however, firm in her resolve (to marry Makaranda). Candralekha thereupon tells Tamarasa to stop arguing with Mallika and that Citrangada, her prospective husband, would do the rest to change her mind. A voice from behind-the-scenes is heard : "What room is there for any doubt in the matter ?" Knowing that Citrangada is approaching, Candralekha with Tamarasa leaves for an interview with Gandhamusika. Just then there arrives on the scene Citrangada with his retinue including Kapinjala. The dialogue between Citrangada and Mallika reveals the former's pathetic efforts to win Mallika's love and Mallika's deep love for Makaranda. Citrangada then whispers something into Kapinjala's ear. He goes off the stage. Citrangada then angrily asks Mallika : "What is your final decision ?" She replies : "I shall marry Makaranda and Makaranda alone, and never you." Just at the moment, Makaranda, with his hands tied and dragged by hair by Karala and, Kapinjala enter the stage. Makaranda says to Kapinjala : "Your master can deprive us-Mallika and Makaranda himself-of our life but not of our spontaneous bond of love." Mallika is very much distressed to see her lover in that condition. Makaranda asks her not to lose heart. For her sake he is prepared to face any misfortune or calamity. Mallika reaffirms her love for Makaranda in the presence of Citrangada : "I shall secure Makaranda as my husband if not in this birth at least in the next birth. Kapinjala says to her : '0 good girl, you are simple-hearted : All the beings in the world are born in various forms of existence in accordance with their good or evil deeds. So what relation possibly can be there of one being with another when they are born with different form and in different places in their future life ? So give up your obstinacy and accept the Vidyadhara prince as your husband and mounted in the celestial car (lit. lattice of the celestial car) enjoy the beautiful scenes presented by lovely rivers, oceans, mountains and islands.' Mallika remains silent. Citrangada asks Makaranda to give up his foolish obstinacy and not to court death at his hands. Makaranda replies; "Kill me and marry this Mallika." Citrangada asks his man to bring a sword. A servant brings it for him. Mallika, however, gets ready to be killed first. At this point Magadhika says. "I report this whole incident foreboding evil to Gandhamusika." Citrangada raises his sword and asks Makaranda to remember his (favourite) god. Makaranda remembers the feet of Lord Jina. Mallika addresses Citrangada first to kill her as she is the rootcause of the misfortune and stands stretching her neck before him. Just then Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
| 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 |