Satyaharishchandranatakam

This is a summary of the "Satyaharishchandranatakam" by Ramchandra, edited by Bhaskar Ramchandra Arte and Shankar Vishnu Puranik, published by Tukaram Jawaji in Bombay in 1898. The text is a Sanskrit drama in six acts, based on the legend of King Harishchandra, a devout follower of truth (satya) and righteousness.

Book Overview:

• Title: Satyaharishchandranatakam (The Play of Harishchandra of Truth)
• Author: Ramchandra (credited as a great poet)
• Editors: Bhaskar Ramchandra Arte, Shankar Vishnu Puranik
• Publisher: Tukaram Jawaji, Bombay
• Publication Year: 1898
• Language: Sanskrit

Characters:

The play features a wide array of characters, including:

• Harishchandra: The king of Ayodhya, the protagonist.
• Sutara: Harishchandra's wife.
• Rohitashwa: Harishchandra's son.
• Vasubhuti: Harishchandra's minister.
• Kuntala, Pinjali: Harishchandra's attendants.
• Chandrashekhara: A king.
• Satyavasu: Another king.
• Vasukarna: A minister.
• Sunanda, Singhala: Attendants.
• Kulapati: Head of an ashram (hermitage).
• Angaramukha, Vaikhanasa: Ascetics.
• Nikriti: Wife of the Kulapati.
• Vanchana: Daughter of the Kulapati.
• Kaushika, Kaladanda: Characters associated with Yama (god of death).
• Nishada King, Vajrahara: Nishada King, Vajrahara.
• Various Brahmins, Ascetics, Maidservants, Vidyadharas, Pisachas, etc.

Synopsis:

The play meticulously recounts the trials and tribulations of King Harishchandra, who, despite his exemplary adherence to truth, is subjected to immense suffering by divine will. The narrative unfolds across six acts, depicting his unwavering commitment to his vows even in the face of extreme adversity.

Act-wise Summary:

• Act I:

  • The play opens with a prelude (Prastavana) where the Sutradhara (stage manager) and Nataraja (actor) discuss the play and the poet's skill.
  • King Harishchandra and his retinue (Kuntala, Pinjali) are hunting in the forest. They encounter a wild boar (Mahavarah) which they successfully kill. However, while pursuing the boar, Harishchandra accidentally shoots and kills a pregnant deer, an act that deeply distresses him.
  • They seek refuge in an ashram. The Kulapati (head of the ashram) is angered by the king's action, calling him a sinner and a disgrace to his lineage.
  • The Kulapati, along with other ascetics, expresses their displeasure. Harishchandra is made to understand the gravity of his mistake. The Kulapati declares that Harishchandra must be purified by giving away his kingdom.

• Act II:

  • Harishchandra is in a state of deep distress. His minister Vasubhuti and attendant Kuntala try to console him.
  • The Kulapati, along with Angaramukha, arrives to demand the promised kingdom. Harishchandra, bound by his word, readily agrees to relinquish his kingdom.
  • The Kulapati demands the promised gold as well. Harishchandra instructs his attendant to bring the gold from the treasury.
  • The merchant association arrives, demanding repayment of debts. Harishchandra pledges to repay them by selling his possessions.
  • The Kulapati, along with Angaramukha, curses Harishchandra and transforms Vasubhuti into a crow for questioning the ascetics.
  • Harishchandra's wife, Sutara, and son, Rohitashwa, arrive to support him. Harishchandra, unable to bear the sight of his family in such a state, asks them to depart, but they refuse to leave him.

• Act III:

  • Harishchandra, Sutara, and Rohitashwa are on their journey, facing extreme hardship. Rohitashwa is hungry and weak.
  • They encounter an old woman who gives them some food, but Harishchandra, adhering to his vow, refuses to accept charity.
  • Sutara suggests selling Rohitashwa to get money for food. Harishchandra is deeply pained by this suggestion but eventually agrees, unable to find any other solution.
  • They encounter a Brahmin (Dwija) who agrees to buy Rohitashwa for a thousand gold coins. Sutara, despite her grief, hands over their son. Rohitashwa is heartbroken at the prospect of separation from his parents.

• Act IV:

  • The play introduces new characters: Satyavasu, a minister; a male attendant with a parrot cage; a courtesan named Lambastani; and a mantra-wielder (Mantrika).
  • Lambastani complains that her daughter, Anangalekha, has died mysteriously. The Mantrika claims to have the power to revive her and performs a ritual.
  • The Mantrika's ritual is successful, and Anangalekha is revived. A parrot, trained to speak wisely, praises Harishchandra's virtue.
  • The king of Kashi, Chandrashekhara, is mentioned as having a powerful minister. A demoness (Rakshasi) is identified as the cause of Anangalekha's illness.
  • The Mantrika declares that Harishchandra must be punished for questioning his powers.

• Act V:

  • Harishchandra is forced to work as a servant in a cemetery. He encounters a prince named Mahasena, who has been abducted by a Vidyadhara (celestial being) for a ritual sacrifice.
  • Harishchandra, bound by his promise to the Nishada king and his servant, vows to fulfill the Vidyadhara's ritual himself. He sacrifices parts of his body to appease the deities and complete the ritual, demonstrating his immense devotion to truth.
  • The Kulapati (Kautilya) appears and recognizes Harishchandra, acknowledging his unwavering truthfulness.

• Act VI:

  • Harishchandra is in the cemetery, still bound by his duties. He laments his fate.
  • He encounters Sutara and Rohitashwa again. Rohitashwa is found dead, bitten by a snake. Sutara is grief-stricken.
  • Harishchandra, despite his immense sorrow, tries to remain truthful and dignified.
  • Suddenly, gods (Chandra Chudha and Kundaprabha) descend and reveal that all the trials Harishchandra faced were divine tests. They praise his unwavering truthfulness and sacrifice.
  • The gods explain that the various characters—the ascetics, the merchants, the demoness, the parrot, and even the Nishada king—were divine manifestations testing Harishchandra's integrity.
  • They reward Harishchandra with his kingdom, wife, and son, and bestow upon him immense honor and divine blessings for his extraordinary adherence to truth.

Overall Themes:

The "Satyaharishchandranatakam" is a profound exploration of:

• The power of Truth (Satya): The drama highlights the supreme importance of truth, even in the face of insurmountable suffering and loss.
• Devotion and Sacrifice: Harishchandra's steadfastness in upholding his vows, even when it means sacrificing his kingdom, family, and personal well-being, is a central theme.
• Divine Will and Testing: The play portrays the concept of divine intervention and how gods test human devotion and righteousness.
• Renunciation and Detachment: Harishchandra's ability to detach himself from worldly possessions and affections demonstrates a high level of spiritual discipline.
• The consequences of actions: The drama implicitly suggests that while adherence to truth leads to ultimate reward, the path is fraught with hardship.

The play serves as a moral and spiritual lesson, celebrating the virtues of truth, sacrifice, and unwavering integrity in the face of extreme adversity.