Mallikamakarandanatakam

Author(s): Ramchandra Mahakavi, Punyavijay
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 25

16
Mallikāmakaranda
and
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 servants. Day before, Gandhamuṣikā, performing some rite, removed that bewitchment and restored Mallika to normalcy. Consequently, she now loves her husband, is affectionate towards her mother, female friends, and so on. Citrangada does not know how to repay his indebtedness to Gandhamasika. Mallika now gives expression to the spontaneous bond of love between the blessed (herself and Citrangada). Citrangada pays high compliments to Mallika's ravishing beauty. He has, however, some reason to believe that Mallika still secretly loves Makaranda and admonishes her. Now Manorama arrives there conveys the message of Gandhamusika to Mallika as follows: "Everything has gone all right as per plan and it suits your desire. Now, with your husband you go through the Kautuka-ceremonies' preceding marriage. Mallika then asks her: "Where is now our revered mother Gandhamnşika? She replies "Where you know." Thereupon Citrangada flares up: "That trader urchin is still nearest to you? Devalaka tells him: "When Mallika has begged your pardon for the offence committed by her, it is not proper for you to speak tauntingly to her. He however intermittently continues to taunt her in relation to Makaranda. Mallika angrily wishes to go away from Citrangada Just then Tamarasa enters the stage and asks her not to go. He further says "Gandbamusika and Candralekha have directed you and Citrangada, both as follows: "To the south of the 'Siddhayatana' there is a cave by name Tamoraj. Kadamba, the lord of Yaksas, who waits upon, Lord Värisepa resides there in the form of his idol. Both of you should go there." Citrangada says: "The muharta for our marriage is fast approaching. Will it be proper on our part now to go there? Tamarasa says in reply "First the marriage will take place there and then here." Citrangada angrily says: "Are we to go through marriage-ceremony twice?" Tamarasa coolly replies "I am only a messenger. You better ask Gandhamüsika and Cand. ralekha". Devalaka clarifies: "It is a custom prevalent among the Vidyadharas-first to marry the bride to the Kadambaka Yakşa and then to the bridegroom." Citrängada says: "If it be a family custom then I have nothing to say. Here we come." They then walk about and reach the Siddhayatana and then the Tamorāji. Because of intense drakness it is not possible for Citrangada to recognise the persons gathered there. Tamarasa guides him in the matter. As directed by Gandhamuṣika, Mallika and Citrangada bow down to (the idol of) the lord of Yakṣas Vaisravana becomes the attendant of Yakṣaraja and Manorama of Mallika. Citrangada and Kapiñjala act as witnesses. Tamarasa, Devalaka, and Magadhika are sent to the palace to keep ready the material for the marriage ceremony of Citrangada. They go off the stage.