Sambodhi 2018 Vol 41

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

Page 47

38
Charulata Verma
SAMBODI
already assured the people of Kiskindhā to free from the nagging diarchy and seek Rāma's help in putting Sugrīva on the throne (P. 204-205). Paraśurāma's foray into Mithilā
While according to the Vālmīki-Rāmāyaṇa confronts Rāma's concourse when they were on their way to Ayodhyā after the prince's marriage at Mithilā, in Murāri's version he rushes to Mithilā itself to punish Rāma for his 'crime' of breaking his mentor's bow (P. 208).
True to his wont, he is immediately locked in an intemperate wordy duel with Janaka, Daśartha, Rāma and Laksmana. He rather lets loose on them a barrage of invectives. Rāma does his best to calm him down, but every peaceful measure on his part added fuel to the fiery sage's fire. 12 Rāma ultimately takes the bull by the horns (vatsa Laksmana ! dhanur, dhamuh, AR P. 245).
Paraśurāma does his best to trivialise Rāma's feat by denouncing Siva's bow as a worn-out piece, and asks him instead to string Visnu's mighty bow to prove his credentials (IV-55). Rāma not only strung it with incredible ease but also blocked Paraśurāma's path to the heaven by shooting an arrow from it. That serves to humble Paraśurāma's ego.
The encounter, as detailed, in the AR., is also notable for the fact that Parasurāma is filled with affection for Rāma after he strings Visnu's bow. Tremendously mellowed down, he addresses Rāma as Vatsa' (Dear), and lifts his chin with his finger as an expression of affection for him (P. 250). Rāma promptly returns the gesture. He not only begs the sage's pardon for his 'rash act' (IV. 58) but also implores him to accepts his 'hospitality'. 13 Abduction of Sītā
The well-known episode of Sītā's abduction, though related in brief in the play, has also undergone certain deviations which combine to make it more lively, rather tantalizing. Rāvana in Murāri's version unwittingly discloses his identity from behind the curtain, though he struggles hard later on to straighten the faux pas with an amount of equivocation.14 Contrary to other versions, Jatāyu in the play detects Rāvana proceeding to the Dandaka forest along with Mārīca, and he rushes to Pancavati to apprise Rāma of the impending disaster, but to his chagrin Rāvana had carried away Sītā befo reached there (V. 7-8). Having failed in the pre-emptive measure. Jatāyu intercepts Rāvana in the air, but could not foil his demonic act. According to