Act V (Summary)

Dramatis Personae.

Matsara–Jealousy
Kuṣṭha–Leader of the 18 member team, now a spy.
Kiṅkara–Kuṣṭha's servant
Pāṇḍu–The Prince.
Galagaṇḍa–Door-keeper
Apathyatā–Unhealthy diet.
Rājayakṣmā–The enemy king (Pratināyaka)

Scene I–Enemy Kingdom: Night Time

Pāṇḍu, minister of the enemy's side had sent a set of six members, the in-born enemies of the human race, namely–Kāma, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Mātsarya to disturb the hero, who in deep meditation was contemplating on Lord Śiva. Under the able guidance of the minister Vijñāna Śarmā, this set of enemies was also driven out of the city.

Matsara, in the attire of a Kāpālika enters the stage lamenting about his pitiable plight. From his soliloquy, it is understood that he is confused regarding the further course of action. As he is thus cogitating, he is caught by the servant of Kuṣṭha, another spy sent by Pāṇḍu. On being identified by Kuṣṭha, Matsara explains his presence there and his predicament.

From the conversation between Kuṣṭa and Matsara, the following matters are made known–

Coming to understand the fact that Jīva has obtained Rasa and Gandhaka, minister Pāṇḍu sent out a six-men army (the inborn enemies) to divert the mind of that king. But, king Jīva’s minister alerted his police man Vicāra.

Vicāra controlled Kāma in such a way that he was completely wiped out; Krodha was lured and he switched over to Jīva’s side; Lobha was also put aside as Kāma; since Dambha could not be lured in any way, he was killed by Vicāra; Mada was captured and kept in jail; Matsara, was detained and allowed by minister Vijñāna Śarmā to carry full details about their plans to his king Yakṣmā since the minister is convinced that Yakṣmā cannot destroy king Jīva who has been blessed by lord Śiva.

Then Kuṣṭha and Matsara part with each other, the former to report to Pāṇḍu and the latter to meet king Yakṣmā. (Śuddhā Viṣkambhaka ends).

Scene II: Pāṇḍu's Place: Night

The main Act is marked with the entry of Pāṇḍu with Kuṣṭha. Having realized the turn of events that had taken place in the hero's camp (through Kuṣṭha), Pāṇḍu now plans further course of his retaliation. He tells Kuṣṭha that a spy by name Vyākṣepa has been sent again, to disturb the meditation of Jīva but he was also turned away by Śraddhā, Śivabhakti's friend.

Pāṇḍu now plans various methods to attack their enemies, and awaits king Yakṣmā's arrival there for this purpose. He requests Kuṣṭha to remain on alert. Accepting to do so, Kuṣṭha goes out. Through Galagaṇḍa, Pāṇḍu summons Apathyatā and orders her to enter into the body of king Jīva and make him succumb to untimely and unhealthy food and sports. Agreeing to do so, she goes out.

Now, Yakṣmā with Matsara comes to meet Pāṇḍu. They go to the balcony for private discussion. To get first-hand information, Yakṣmā wants Pāṇḍu to listen to Matsara's report who tells them that king Jīva remains in the innermost chamber with his mind turned inwards and is fully involved in the penance. His city is protected by the five vital airs–Prāṇā and others. All the fortifications done with the machines (medicines) that have come from various places, make the entry into the city (body) quite difficult.

Yakṣmā asks for more details about the nature of Prāṇā and others and also about those machines.

Matsara narrates that Prāṇa resides in the heart always with very great vigour. This entire city (body) with its all limbs is under his complete control. Apāna air remains at the very root–space; Samāna lives in gulma area; Udāna resides near the neck–throat and Vyāna wanders all over the place. All these five, sincerely serve their master.

Wherever the harmful substances create heavy pains, devices are fixed to remove them. Herbal juices, mineral products and varieties of salts are used to ward off diseases like Arśa. Treatment with inhaling devices and other similar ones are also used in this curing process. In the process of surgeries, many medical devices like Svastikas and Nāḍī Yantras are used. Thus, the city is well-protected.

Having heard all these preparations of the enemy to protect the city, both Yakṣmā and Pāṇḍu discuss many ways to overpower Jīva. Finally Pāṇḍu whispers into the ears of Yakṣmā a way to eradicate Jīva completely. Pāṇḍu also tells Yakṣmā that the method suggested by him is the extreme measure and Yakṣmā alone can handle the situation. On this note, they decide to take dinner and retire for the day.

Note: There are forty-two verses in this fifth Act. The Śuddha Viṣkambha has twenty verses, and the main Act, the remaining twenty two verses. Since, the Pratināyaka team members only take part in this Act, there are more Ayurvedic aspects though Advaitic aspects find place.