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 448

430 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE Makanda arrives on the scene with a message from Gandhamusika. She reminds him of his latest vow with a message from Gandhamusika. She reminds him of his latest vow-first to present the person to be killed before the idol of the Jina and then kill him. Citrangada is sorry for the lapse and sends a message back : "You personally come and show the man (Makaranda) before the idol of the Jina." Gandhamusika arrives on the scene and scolds Citrangada for his shortsightednesss, and assures him, speaking aside, "I shall myself kill Makaranda and persuade Mallika to love you." Citrangada regards this as a great favour and with his retinue he goes off the stage. Gandhamusika asks Makanda to bring with him Makaranda (with his hands tied) and Mallika as well. Prelude to act VI : Makanda is simply amazed at Gandhamusika's enmity to the innocent Makaranda, He is extremely sorry for Makaranda's fate. As directed by Gandhamusika he handed over Makaranda to Vaisravana who, he understands, killed him with a sword in the Tamoguha (a cave full of darkness). He wishes to go and report the matter to Gandhamusika that Vaisravana has accomplished the task, which she had assigned to him., Just then he sees Tamarasa approaching. Tamarasa is bewildered at Mallika's "about-turn." Forgetting her deep love for Makaranda and her hatred against Citrangada she nowadays propitiates Citrangada after inciting Candralekha and Gandhamusika to kill Makaranda. He comes to know of Makaranda's fate from Makanda : says Makanda : 'Last mid-night in accordance with Gandhamusika's orders I took Makaranda to Vaisravana, who stays at the siddhayatana. That very mid-night Vaisravana took Makaranda to the Tamoguha and with a sword....He leaves the sentence half-said. Tamarasa blames Vaisravana as well as Gandhamusika for the heinous crime. Makanda insinuates that Gandhamusika must have done it for money-through Vaisravana, who, according to Tamarasa, has been Gandhamusika's favourite as he is the husband of Manorama, her sister's daughter. Tamarasa then goes away to call Citrangada as ordered by Mallika; and Makanda too leaves the stage to report to Gandhamusika that the task assigned to Vaisravana has been duly carried out. Act VI : The main scene opens with the entry of Citrangada, Mallika and their retinue including Kapinjala, Devalaka, and Magadhika. Citrangada is curious to know how a clever girl like Mallika felt attracted towards an insignificant trader like Makaranda, leaving a Vidyadhara-prince like him. On her behalf Devalaka informs him that it was because Makaranda had bewitched her by the use of magic spells. Owing to his bewitchment, since that very day she began to disrespect her mother, hate her husband (Citrangada), disregard her female friends, throw away the means of decoration, and get angry with her