Friday, 12 April 2024

KAADAMBARI

 

KAADAMBARI

          Kaadambari is the heroine of the story KAADAMBARI an excellent book of love story in prose written in Sanskrit by the great poet Baanabhatta who was a protégé of king HarshaVardhana of the 7th century A.D.

          Kaadambari, the heroine is introduced rather too late in the story and it will not be entirely wrong if we say that the author Baanabhatta has not done full justice in her character, particularly when we compare her with her friend Mahaasvethaa.  Yet Kaadambari leaves a good impression in the reader’s mind as an embodiment of beauty and feminine virtues.

          Being the daughter of the Gandharva chief Chithraratha and the beautiful Apsaras Madhiraa, she inherited a physical charm that was really captivating.  Her name Kaadamnbari (another meaning Wine) is Anvartha (the word follows the meaning) as she would intoxicate anyone who drinks her beauty.

          Kaadambari’s love and regard for Maahasvethaa with whom she was brought up from the childhood, was sincere and deep.  When she heard that Mahaasvethaa had decided to remain in the forest and do penance on account of her disappointment in love, she also took a vow not to marry as long as her friend remained in that state.

          She asked Mahaasvethaa how she could enjoy married life when her friend was in that pitiable condition.  Mahaasvethaa knew that love is blind and powerful and rightly thought that a meaning with Chandraapeeda (the hero of the book Kaadambari) would bring about the desired change in her mind.

          Even at first sight, Kaadambari fell in love with Chandraapeeda and her passion was irresistible.  Even the thought of her parents and her vow could not divert her mind from Chandraapeeda.  She was sincere and firm in her love.

          When Chandraapeeda fell down dead, she decided to follow him.  When she was consoled by the Moon and was asked to preserve the body of Chandraapeeda, she did with it great devotion herself leading the life of an ascetic.  With a ‘strong will’ she controlled her feelings and offered her respects to Thaaraapeeda and Vilaasavathi (the parents of the hero Chandraapeeda) who came to the forest hearing the sad news of their son.

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