Jain Journal 1978 01

SR No.: 520049
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1978
Total Pages: 36
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 2 MB

Page 35

JANUARY, 1978
In the third scene an old astrologer travels a long way to arrive before Siddhartha and interpretes the dreams. He predicts that an Emperor or a Tirthankara will be born as the son of the royal parents. Anticipating the arrival of the glorious one the king and his companions all complemented and honoured the queen with spontaneous joy.
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The fourth and the fifth scenes describe the nativity of Mahavira. Indra, the king of gods takes the holy child in his arms and bathes him on the crest of Mount Meru. All the gods and maids of heaven attend the divine lustration of Mahavira who will dispel the mirage of rebirth emancipating life from the bondage of death. The event was felicitated by a ballet of gods. All sung the victory of Mahavira who will lead mankind to the promised realm of eternity. King Siddhartha on the mortal plane rewards the maid who gave him the news of the birth of the Tirthankara by a necklace of pearls and frees all prisoners from their chains. The song wafts in the heaven,
"Victory tc Thine O Mahavira !'
The above drama was staged by the young girl students of Jain Sikshalaya, Calcutta. The dances performed by Sm. Anju Arora as queen Trisala were absorbing while the role of Sm. Sangita Bothra as king Siddhartha and that of Sm. Chandrika Maru as the astrologer appeared no less fascinating. The parts played by Sm. Anjana Sancheti, Sm. Kiran Kedia, Sm. Asha Bhatia, Sm. Sudha Daga, and Sm. Niru Arora enlivened the drama in its own sequence. The performance of Sm. Sudha Daga as the rewarded maid of the palace brought about a moment of rare artistry. The role of Sm. Sadhana Lunia as Devaraja Indra and the parts played by Sm. Sudha Bagri, Sm. Rekha Gupta and Sm. Prem Bacchawat as divinities added to the charm of the stage version of the drama composed by Sri Lalwani.
The repertoire of dances directed by Sri Somit Chatterji occupied the main length of the drama. This was distinguished by a filigree of style and sensitivity as also a graceful zest at times. The accompanying orchestra conducted by Sri Rabi Biswas echoed the melody of the narrative as an ennobling offering to the theme. The vocal music was tuned by Sri Baijnath Sharma. The commentary was presented by Sri Rajendra Sharma. A pleasant lighting effect was brought about by Sri Anil Saha. For the successful performance of the drama due credit may be given to Sm. Rajkumari Begani.