Part 2c - The Plot of the Mālatīmādhava

At the very beginning of this Prakaraṇa, It was seen that an attempt had been made among the actors and actresses for the completion of the purpose of the union of hero and heroine. A solemn engagement was made by Bhūrivasu, the father of Mālatī and Devarāta, the father of Mādhava to join their children in wedlock. Kāmandakī was appointed by Bhūrivasu to bring union between Mālatī and Mādhava. Kāmandakī declared it that she would accomplish that task at the expense of her life.^[1]

Mādhava fell in love of Mālatī when he came from Kuṇḍinapura to Padmāvatī to receive instruction in the logical philosophy. The love had also stricken root in the heart of Mālatī, as she often saw Mādhava passing by the street that confronted her mansion. Mālatī’s mind was growing unsteady day by day and very much afflicted with love for Mādhava. She had actually drawn his likeness to dispel her love-longing. On the other hand to make the matter worse Mālatī was affianced to Nandana by her father in accordance with the order of the king. Kāmandakī insinuated Mālatī for love marriage but she vowed to preserve the dignity of illustrious family by suppressing her intense passion for her young lover.On the other hand, Mādhava full of despair resolved to sell human flesh in the cemetery ground. There Mādhava found Mālatī who was prepared as a victim to Cāmuṇḍā by Kapālakuṇḍalā and Aghoraghaṇṭa. Mādhava saved the life of Mālatī by killing Aghoraghaṇṭa.

In the meantime, the celebration of Mālatī’s marriage was found where all those were asked to be ready to receive the bridegroom’s party. Mālatī was asked to go to the temple of city-deity so that all obstacles relating to marriage ceremony would be warded off. Accordingly Mālatī was repaired to the temple of city–deity with her friend Lavaṅgikā. There she told her friend how deeply she loved Mādhava and how life would be hateful to her.Mālatī resolved to put an end to her existence and asked Lavaṅgikā to assist her in carrying out that resolve. At that time Mādhava along with Makaranda was there inside the temple. Mādhava took Lavaṅgikā’s place and told her that his love torment was none the less intense than hers. Makaranda and Lavaṅgikā suggested Mālatī for love marriage. Kāmandakī asked Makaranda to put on Mālatī’s bridal dress and to marry Nandana under that disguise. She then directed Mādhava and Mālatī for Gāndharva marriage. After the celebration of the marriage Makaranda went to the Nandana’s house where Nandana was deceived and offended by the supposed Mālatī.

When Madayantikā confessed her love for Makaranda then he threw off his disguise and appeared in his true character and took hold of Madayantikā’s hand addressing her lovingly. They also prepared their mind for Gāndharva marriage. When everything was going well then Kapālakuṇḍalā snatched away Mālatī and flew with her off to the mountain Śrīparvata wishing to put her to a cruel death. Thereafter, Mādhava, Makaranda and Lavaṅgikā everybody searched for Mālatī.

Mādhava gave vent to his grief due to sudden disappearance of Mālatī. Makaranda tried in vain to divert his mind. The beauty of the landscape and the setting in of the rainy season so intensified Mādhava’s grief that he actually fainted. Mādhava regained consciousness and had driven almost to the verge of insanity, addressed a cloud in touching terms. He asked the cloud to compose his beloved in case it saw her and to tell her about his own sad state. Makaranda expressed most pathetic laments and wished to throw himself into the Pātālāvatī River. Saudāminī suddenly appeared there and prevented him from taking that step and told the two friends that Mālatī was quite safe.

On the other hand, Kāmandakī, Lavaṅgikā and Madayantikā lamented at the loss of Mālatī and resolved to put an end to their lives by throwing themselves from the top of a hill that girded by the river Madhumatī. Just at that time, Bhūrivasu unable to bear Mālatī’s separation approached the mountain Suvarṇavindu with intention to cast himself into the fire. Finally they were all saved by appearance of Mālatī. The king approved the two secret marriages of two pairs viz., Mālatī and Mādhava as well as Makaranda and Madayantikā. Thus, the story ends with a happy union of Mālatī and

Mādhava.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

prāṇaistapobhiratha vābhimataṃ madīyaiḥ /
kṛtyaṃ ghaṭet suhṛdo yadi tatkṛtaṃ syāt //
Mālatīmādhava,I.9