Maithili Kalyanam Natakam

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Maithili Kalyanam Natakam" by Hastimall Chakravarti Kavi, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Maithili Kalyanam Natakam Author: Hastimall Chakravarti Kavi Editor/Researched by: Pandit Manoharlal Shastri Publisher: Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti Publication Date: Shravana, Veer Nirvana Samvat 2442 / Vikram Samvat 1973

Overall Summary:

"Maithili Kalyanam Natakam" is a Sanskrit play detailing the auspicious marriage of Sita (Maithili) to Rama. The play is attributed to the esteemed Jain scholar and poet, Hastimalla, who was renowned for his mastery of both Sanskrit and Kannada literature. The text includes a detailed introduction (Prastavana) that provides biographical information about the author, Hastimalla, and his family, as well as a discussion of his literary contributions and the historical context of his work. The play itself is presented in a dramatic format, with dialogue between characters and stage directions.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Author's Biography (Hastimalla Kavi):

   • Hastimalla was a highly respected poet, referred to as "Ubhayabhasha Kavichakravarti" (Emperor of Poets in Two Languages).
   • He was the son of Govindabhatta, a Brahmin scholar who converted to Jainism after studying the Devaagama Sutra by Bhagavan Samantabhadra.
   • Hastimalla had six scholarly brothers, all of whom were poets and learned individuals.
   • He is noted for writing other plays like Vikrant Kaurava, Subhadra Haran, and Anjana Pavananjaya.
   • The introduction suggests that "Hastimalla" might have been an epithet, possibly derived from an event where he displayed great strength or intelligence, perhaps related to an elephant ("hasti"). Evidence points to him being a householder and a proponent of the Digambara tradition.
   • His estimated period of activity is around 1290 CE (1347 Vikram Samvat).

2. The Play's Theme and Content:

   • The play dramatizes the event of Sita's marriage to Rama, a central narrative in the Jain tradition, often interpreted through the lens of Jain principles and stories.
   • Act I (Prathamo'nk):
     • The play opens with the Sutradhara (stage manager) and Nati (actress) setting the scene and discussing the play's significance.
     • Rama is depicted as deeply enamored with Sita, expressing his longing for her.
     • The Vidushaka (jester) plays a role in guiding Rama and commenting on the festivities of Springtime in Mithila.
     • The act features descriptive passages about the beauty of Mithila during spring and the blossoming gardens, highlighting the romantic atmosphere.
     • Sita is shown enjoying a swing in a garden, her beauty and emotions described.
     • The audience witnesses Sita's longing and her conversations with her attendants, hinting at her deep affection for Rama.
   • Act II (Dwitiyo'nk):
     • This act continues to explore Rama's intense longing for Sita. He is shown deeply troubled by his separation from her.
     • The Vidushaka attempts to console Rama and find ways to alleviate his suffering, often through witty commentary.
     • The dialogue between Rama and the Vidushaka delves into the nature of love, desire (Manmatha/Kama), and the pain of separation.
     • The setting shifts to the Madhavi garden, a place of natural beauty, where characters reflect on love and longing.
     • Sita's attendants, Vinita and Koumudi, discuss her condition and try to find remedies for her ailment, which is clearly emotional distress caused by separation.
   • Act III (Tritiyo'nk):
     • This act introduces minor characters like Vamana (a dwarf) and Kubja (a hunchback), who engage in humorous banter and comment on the affairs of the kingdom and the prevailing atmosphere.
     • The focus shifts to the preparations for Sita's marriage, particularly the challenge of stringing a divine bow presented by Janaka, the King of Mithila.
     • The play highlights the prowess of various kings and princes attempting the feat, emphasizing the difficulty of the task and the anticipation surrounding it.
     • Hastimalla's characteristic style includes detailed descriptions of nature and the emotions of the characters.
   • Act IV (Chaturtho'nk):
     • This act continues to depict Sita's emotional state, her yearning for Rama, and the efforts of her attendants to comfort her.
     • The narrative highlights the cooling remedies (shishira-upachara) being applied to Sita, contrasting with her internal heat of passion and longing.
     • The conversation between Sita and her attendants, particularly Vinita and Koumudi, reveals their deep concern for her and their attempts to understand the cause of her distress, which they attribute to her past encounter with Rama.
     • Rama's perspective is also shown, reflecting his own longing and his attempts to find solace.
   • Act V (Panchamo'nk):
     • The final act focuses on the grand event of Sita's marriage.
     • The King of Mithila, Janaka, announces the challenge: whoever can string the divine bow will win Sita's hand.
     • Kings and princes attempt to string the bow, but all fail, showcasing the immense power of the bow and its divine nature.
     • Rama, with apparent ease, approaches the bow. His strength and prowess are described vividly.
     • Rama successfully strings the bow, and in the process, it breaks, signifying his exceptional power and destiny.
     • The play culminates in the triumphant union of Rama and Sita, with Janaka bestowing Sita upon Rama.
     • The act is filled with descriptions of the celebratory atmosphere, the marvel of the assembled crowd, and the blessings bestowed upon the couple.

3. Editorial and Publication Details:

   • The publication by Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti indicates its affiliation with the Digambara Jain tradition.
   • The introduction emphasizes the importance of preserving and publishing ancient Jain literature.
   • The text includes a list of patrons and the committee members of the Granthamala, showing a structured effort to promote Jain studies.
   • The publisher, Nathuram Premi, was a prominent figure in Jain publishing.

Significance:

"Maithili Kalyanam Natakam" is significant for several reasons:

• Literary Merit: It showcases the poetic and dramatic talents of Hastimalla, a celebrated Jain author. The play is rich in descriptive language, exploring themes of love, devotion, longing, and divine will.
• Jain Cultural Context: The play presents a Jain interpretation of a widely known epic narrative, reflecting Jain values and philosophical undertones, even when dealing with a story from a broader tradition.
• Historical Value: The introduction provides valuable insights into the life of Hastimalla and the literary and religious landscape of his time, particularly within the Digambara Jain community.
• Preservation of Literature: The publication itself serves as an effort to preserve and disseminate important Jain literary works.

In essence, "Maithili Kalyanam Natakam" is a beautiful and significant Jain play that dramatizes the auspicious marriage of Rama and Sita, offering a blend of epic narrative, romantic sentiment, and the learned craftsmanship of a prominent Jain scholar-poet.