Sambodhi 2018 Vol 41

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 46

Vol. XLI, 2018
A Note on Murari's version of the Rama-Story
powerful they may be, are unable to accomplish the arduous tasks. According to Murari's version, it was in the 'bow-house' (dhanurgṛha) that Rāma performed the tremendous feat of breaking the mighty bow, and that was formally announced to the public by Satananda, the family priest (kākutsthena tad eva bhargavaguroḥ kodandam akrṣyate, AR III. 43). In the popular version the mighty bow is brought to Rāma in the mandapa so that he may deal with it there. While Viśvāmitra greets his pupil's feat, it fills the envoy with rage. He curses Janaka's stars as he had missed the golden opportunity of having an omnipotent person like Rāvana as his son-in-law." He goes to the extent of warning Rāma that it would be an exercise in futility for him to marry Sītā as she was to land ultimately in Rāvana's harem.8
Malyavāna's Parleys with Surpanakhā
37
Rāma's Exile
Malyavān, the wise minister of Rāvaṇa, is shaken to know from the envoy of Rama's amazing feat. He is equally upset over Janaka's brusqueness in declining Rāvana's proposal for the matrimonial alliance (IV 7.10). His worry is aggravated manifold on learning that the marriage of all the four princes has already been performed following Dasaratha's arrival at Mithilā. He holds Viśvāmitra responsible for his woes for it was he who diverted Rāma from his original function (IV.11).
Mālyavān holds parleys with Śūrpaṇakhā on how could Rāvana be weaned away from his proposed operation of abducting Sītā (P. 200). While Surpanakha sees no alternative to the misadventure (P. 209). Malyavān shudders to think of the frightful consequences that were bound to follow the outrageous operation (mahādoṣo hi.... vaidehyāḥ prasahyāpahāraḥ, P. 201). At his suggestion Śūpaṇakhā proceeds to Mithila, disguised as Mantharā and demands of Dasaratha, on Kailey's behalf, the fulfilment of the two vows given to her earlier, by ordering Rāma into exile and consecrating Bharata on the throne. She cunningly, hands over to Dasaratha and Janaka fall into swoon on learning of the queen's devastating 'command'. Rāma along with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, leaves for the forest from Mithila itself (P. 256). Rāma's departure to the forest from Mithila as a consequence of Malyavān's astute strategy purports to be another innovation made by Murari in the story.
Mālyavān was convinced that it would be easier for Rāvaṇa to abduct Rāma's wife while he would be wandering helpless in the mighty Vindhyaforest. It was also his calculation that Rāma would be driven to enter into an alliance with Sugrīva and kill Vālin as a part of the treaty.10 Jāmbavān had