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 : JAGANNATHA-PRIYA NATAKAM

THE DRAMA
OF LORD
JAGANNATHA
 JAGANNATHA-PRIYA.
: THE DRAMA
OF LORD
JAGANNATHA

TAMAL KRISHNA GOSWAMI

gone BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK Teuey

 Readers interested in the subject matter of this book are .
invited by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
to visit or correspond with any ISKCON center
(see address list in back of book) or to correspond
with the Secretary.

The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

3764 Watseka Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
U.S.A.

The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

10 Rochester St.
Botany, NSW 2019
AUSTRALIA

The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

PO. Box 151
Watford, Herts., U.K.

CLAREMONT
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Claremont, CA ;

First Printing 25,000 copies

Second Printing 20,000 copies

©1985 Tamal Krishna Goswami

All Rights Reserved.

ISBN 0 947259 O1 5
 ~

Acknowledgements ccsecnk
cre isa :
oak, |

TnitrodMeHOGlqard died samainnemioter ind:

Rene diction. 5 score hi avateasiscepvanespacesoneom ais
Prologue | Se ee 2

Act One The Pilgrim ....... Efe tse pt: 2

Act Two The Worshipable Deity vecesssces

Act Three The oe ES eee

Act Four _ The Commandment.............

Act Five The Return oe es Sane
Reese 1 The Saced Loe ae
Act Seven The Appearance of the Lord ..... “

Glossary :
ISKCON centers around the world... 1
 DEDICATION
To my spiritual master,
4 His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,
_ the founder-dcarya of
, International Society for Krishna Consciousness,
who encouraged his disciples to present dramas
: eine the ee of the eepreme Lord.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS |

Although this represents a brand new edition of

Jagannatha-priya Natakam, and although Part Two,
‘Anatomy of the Drama’, is not included, I should still. =:
like to extend my appreciation to those who helped me
with the original edition, which was published by the -
Institute for Vaisnava Studies—Cultural Publications.
Their spirit of dedication still pervades the work. I am
especially grateful to my godbrother Dravida dasa, who
did a masterful editing job. I am also indebted to
Kuégakratha dasa, the Sanskrit editor, Rama Prasada
dasa for the beautiful cover, and especially to my dear
disciples Yudhisthira dasa and Renuka-devi dasi, who
saw the original production through from beginning to
end.
This paperback edition has been wonderfully co-
ordinated by Naresvara dasa, a trustee of the Bhakti-
vedanta Book Trust, through whose efforts this drama
may now enjoy a much wider audience. He has been
capably assisted by Krsnarupa-devi dasi, and Durasaya
dasa. Thanks are also due to Drutakarma dasa, who ~
kindly wrote the introduction.
To all the above, my deepest appreciation and
thanks. May the blessings of Lord Jagannatha be upon
them.

Tamal ‘Krishna Goswami

Hong Kong, Utthana-ekadasi, 1988

Vil
 INTRODUCTION
Each year the splendidly decorated chariots of
Jagannatha, the Lord of the universe, roll down the
avenues of dozens of cities around the world—includ-
ing Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Auckland,
Calcutta, Paris and London. Their towering red-and-
blue silken canopies rise into the sky as drums and
cymbals resound in joyous celebration. People young
and old, their eyes bright with excitement, sing and
dance in the street, as if swimming in an ocean of
overwhelming happiness.
The Ratha-yatrd Festival, new to nations outside
India, is perhaps the oldest continuously celebrated
spiritual festival in the world. As far back as human
records and memory extend, the chariots of Lord
Jagannatha have rolled each summer in the town of Puri
on the Bay of Bengal, to the delight of millions of
joyous pilgrims.
Throughout the year, the Deity of Jagannatha is
worshiped in a great temple, the massive stone tower of
which dominates the city of Puri. The Deity is not a
mere statue. By His supreme potency, the Supreme
Lord agrees to personally enter the form of the Deity,
just to accept the loving service of His devotees. In this
sense the Deity is non-different from the Lord Himself.
And once a year Lord Jagannatha comes forth in all His
magnificent splendour to enjoy the Ratha-yatra parade
and show Himself to all.
The story of how this particular Deity came to be
installed in the great temple of Puri is quite intriguing.

ix
 INTRODUCTION

Many thousands of years ago, a king named Indra-

_dyumna desired to have someone carve special Deity
forms of Lord Krsna and His brother Balarama and
sister Subhadra. ViSvakarma, an architect and artist
from the heavenly planets, agreed to make the Deities
on the condition that no one would interrupt his work.
The King agreed to this proposal, and Visvakarma set
about carving the Deities, working in a locked room.
Once, however, the King, impatient with the slow pace
of the work, entered the room to see how much progress
had been made. At that instant, Visvakarma vanished,
leaving three incompletely carved forms. The king,
however, was so pleased that he installed them in a great
temple and worshiped them with great opulence. Each
year, he arranged a grand procession, during which
each of the three Deities rode on a large beautifully
decorated cart.
Then 500 years ago, the festival became the center
of the pastimes of Lord Caitanya, who is Krsna Himself
appearing in the guise of a great devotee of the Lord.
Each year Lord Caitanya danced and chanted in the
Ratha-yatra festival along with His associates. To this
day, the followers of Lord Caitanya eagerly participate
in the chariot procession in Puri and others like it held
throughout India, and the Vedic scriptures state that
anyone who sees Lord Jagannatha or pulls His chariot
achieves immense spiritual benefit.
In the early part of this century, a young boy in
Calcutta desired to stage.a miniature vérsion of the
Ratha-yatra festival in his neighbourhood. His father
took him out to purchase a cart, but could not afford the
price asked by the local carpenters. On their way home,
_ the boy cried. When an elderly Bengali lady learned the
cause for the boy’s tears, she offered the boy and his
father an old cart of her own. Accepting the cart, father
and son later renovated it, decorating it exactly like the
 At “in eo
eg ee
> ‘nash en oT

pee ov INTRODUCTION.
; ; \

original in the Puri Ratha-yatra festival. Neighbour- —

hood ladies agreed to cook preparations for a feast, and
finally the boy staged his own Ratha-ydtra festival, to
the delight of his friends, relatives, and neighbours.
This boy later grew up to be His Divine Grace A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-dcarya of
the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada, who brought pure Krishna conscious-
ness to the world outside India for the first time, was
eleventh in the line of spiritual masters in succession
from Lord Caitanya. During a whirlwind of missionary —
activity in the last 12 years of his life, from 1965 to
1977, he journeyed to America and then traveled re-
peatedly around the globe, igniting a world-wide spiri-
tual revolution that continues to expand. Srila
Prabhupada founded over a hundred temples, wrote
dozens of books, initiated thousands of disciples. And
along with everything else, he introduced the Ratha-
yatra festival he loved so much. 3
Srila-Prabhupada selected San Francisco as the
first site in the West for the annual Ratha-yatra Day
celebration and instructed his disciples: “You must
arrange a procession down the main street. Do it nicely.
They have such a procession yearly in Jagannatha
Puri.” The first procession was simple: the Deities of
Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama, and Lady Subhadra —
were taken through the streets of the Haight-Ashbury ;
district on a small flatbed truck, to the accompaniment
of chanting and dancing.
In following years, the devotees built carts like
those used in the Puri Ratha-yatra. Soon, under Srila
Prabhupada’s direction, the Ratha-yatra festival was
being celebrated in cities around the world. In India, the
Ratha-ydtra procession staged each year by the Hare
Krishna movement in Calcutta rivals that of Puri. Mil-
lions of people have participated in the Ratha-ydatras
organized by Srila Prabhupada’s disciples.

xi
 i es ee “eae “2/ e ee

INTRODUCTION

Over all the Ratha-yGtra festivals preside the fig-

ures of the Lord of the universe, His brother Balarama
and His sister Subhadra. Who are these Deities, how did
they come into being, and what do they represent? In
Jagannatha-priya Natakam: The Drama of Lord
Jagannatha, Tamal Krishna Goswami tells their story,
foliowing the rules of classical Sanskrit drama. :
Dr. Gary Tubb, of Harvad University, says, “In
Tamal Krishna Goswami’s Jagannatha-priya Nadtakam
_ we have a delightful creation in the form of a play that,
- while composed in English, conforms in every detail to
the requirements of Sanskrit drama.” According to Dr.
Tubb, this is the first example of “such a work com-
posed in English and yet representative of the Sanskrit
tradition.” He adds that Tamal Krishna Goswami has
“given an enjoyable means of becoming more familiar
with the ideals and joys of his tradition in a form that is |
at once authentic and immediately understandable.”
Anyone who reads this drama will gain a unique
understanding of the confidential mood of devotion
and worship that underlies the colourful display of
Ratha-yatra.

__—The Publishers

xii
[Enter the Director] ee
DIRECTOR.

May Lord Jagannatha’s appearance,

_By King Indradyumna’s prayer,
Fill our vision with delight and
Thus dispel our hearts’ despair.

Brimming over with keen rapture

Are the Lord’s eyes, full of grace, _
Like twin moons arising o’er the =
Blue-black ocean of His face.

Scarlet lips, like ruby clusters,

Form His all-attractive smile,
Which can captivate the cosmos
And all conflict reconcile.

May that self-effulgent Lord, whose

Pastimes please like countless moons,
Ever shine within our hearts. What
Good are any other boons?
 DIRECTOR.
Good evening, saintly Vaisnavas,
Having come from far and near
To behold Caitanya-candra’s
Quincentennial this year. *

May we bid you all warm welcome

To the theater we’ve now formed
So your hearts can all be brightened
And enlightened and reformed.

No frivolous amusements here,

Prepared in careless haste,
Which so commonly offend
All those of culture and good taste; —

No tragic endings dramatized

That sober men would cry.
When they see their fav’rite heroes
Cruelly crushed by Fate to die.

As spring’s green buds unfold and bloor

Awak’ning hearts’ fresh hope,
May this drama of devotion
Sanctify your vision’s scope.

*The Drama was first performed in Sridham Mayapur at the qui

nennial birth celebrations of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Pe
 PROLOGUE

Please entwine your bhakti creepers

In the tamala desire tree;
Jagannatha-priya Natakam
Commences presently.

Here. Let me bring my assistant. [He calls a female

assistant by name]

ASSISTANT [Entering]. Master, I am ready, but I

fear the others are not.

DIRECTOR. After so many months of rehearsal

you still lack confidence?
ASSISTANT. This drama is totally different from
those performed in the past. The parts are extraordin-
arily demanding and strain the limits of our memory.
And there is no scenery to help create the mood. The
_ directions call for unusually skillful expression and
movement. In short, we hesitate to attempt such a
daring drama when [motioning to the audience] all the
eyes of the world are upon us.
DIRECTOR. Would you have us disappoint such
exalted personalities after Ihave whetted their appetite?
It was precisely for their pleasure that this drama was
composed, for who but these devoted souls can fully
relish the spiritual sentiments that are the very essence
of this play? Undisturbed in mind, with senses fully
alert, they can appreciate the care taken in constructing
the plot, developing the characters, and portraying the
subtleties of rasa.
ASSISTANT. But could they not have been
equally satisfied by hearing a recitation of our holy
scriptures?
 se

PROT
Pe a OGUR
DIRECTOR. True enough, there is no higher satis-
faction. And yet the art of drama has its special place as |
well. It is for this reason that our great Gcdrya, Srila
Rtpa Gosvami, has written an elaborate commentary
known as Nataka-candrikd, elucidating the laws of
drama first set forth in the Natya-sastra of the sage
Bharata. The drama we are to perform today adheres to
Srila Rupa Gosvami’s injunctions. And bear in mind
the statement of ISKCON’s founder-dcarya, Srila _
Prabhupada, who predicted: “Krsna consciousness will
be established by cultural conquest.” Fi

ASSISTANT. This is inspiring! Your words for-

tify me.

‘DIRECTOR. Then kindly begin to satisfy these

saintly Vaisnavas, who, like thirsty cakora birds with
their necks stretched high, eagerly await the cloudburst
of Krsna’s pastimes. Like Indra, let loose your lightning
bolt and emblazon the sky of our consciousness, and let
the shower of your nectarean words slake our thirst. _
May the blessings of the assembled Vaisnavas be our —
crown of success, bowed low before the lotus feet of His
Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
ASSISTANT. [Gesturing to the audience]

The earth’s rivers are rich with jewels,

_ Her mountains lush with plants,
The six seasons and heaven’s orbs
Perform a rhythmic_dance.

A thousand centuries men live,

And those are free of fear,
Satya-yuga’s blessed force
Prevails both far and near.
PROLOGUE

Saint and king combine as one,

For goodness is the norm;
The sun’s race has reached its crest,
Indradyumna has been born.

Mercy, courage, steadfastness—

Each trait a glowing gem—
Adorn the king, who, like the Lord,
Subdues demonic men.

Brilliantly bedecked,
He puts other kings to shame—
The monarch of Avantipura,
Indradyumna, all acclaim!

DIRECTOR. There’s no doubt about what you’ve

said. With his enemies subdued and his citizens so
loyal, King Indradyumna is indeed like a blazing ray of
Strya. But at times even the sun is covered by clouds,
and so also, it now seems, is the king’s unwavering
disposition. Lately he shows little interest in his usual
duties.

VIDYAPATI [From behind the scenes]. Hey! Has

this rumor become so common that it is batted about in
public?

DIRECTOR. That must be Vidyapati, the head

priest. Come! Let’s hear what he is saying.

[Exit both]

END OF PROLOGUE
 ACT ONE
THE PILGRIM

[Enter Vidyapati]

VIDYAPATI [To himself]. How disturbing! To

have been gone for only a fortnight, and upon return-
ing, to hear such rumors. Well, speaking with Yuddha-.
vira, the commander of the royal army, will clear away
all misgivings. Indradyumna depends heavily upon
him. [Calling out] Yuddhavira! O lion among men!

YUDDHAVIRA [From behind the scenes, in a

lazy, disturbed voice]. Haah?! Who has woken me?

VIDYAPATI [To himself, disapprovingly]. Still

sleeping in broad daylight. Well, he’s done his job so
well he deserves some extra rest. [Calling out] It is I,
Vidyapati.

[Enter Yuddhavira, waking up by stretching]

YUDDHAVIRA. Is it time to eat?

VIDYAPATI. What is the question of eating, O.
lion-hearted one, when you’ve not even taken your
bath?
YUDDHAVIRA. Now listen here! You’re being
the emperor’s most trusted friend doesn’t give you the
right to agitate me at such an early hour.
 THE PILGRIM
VIDYAPATI [Seriously]. I’ve come on a matter
concerning the king.

YUDDHAVIRA. Oh? What is it? I’m always ready

to serve him.

- VIDY APATI. I know that; that’s why I’ve come to

you. There are rumors about the king.

YUDDHAVIRA. Rumors? Who dares spread ru-

mors about the royal monarch!

. VIDYAPATI. His queen. She’s sent me a note

_ claiming he’s become irresponsible.

YUDDHAVIRA. It is high time he inspect our

forces.

-VIDYAPATI. Then you also feel something dis-

‘tracts him?

YUDDHAVIRA. Now don’t put words in my

mouth. But he has been spending more time than usual -
> at the temple these days.
VIDYAPATI. The queen also noticed this. Indra-
dyumna has always been deeply religious. But now, the
queen says, he has lost all interest in his royal respon-
_ sibilities and instead has focused his entire attention on
God! I wonder: What exactly is he praying for?

YUDDHAVIRA. You’re the chief priest. If you

don’t know, who does?

VIDYAPATI. When one’s eyes and lips are sealed

in prayer, only God can know what’s within the heart.

YUDDHAVIRA tLSling hs God...and perhaps his

queen.
 ACT ONE —
-VIDYAPATI. Perhaps. As it is said:
What act is unknown to the shining sun?
What truth not revealed to the sages? —
What sound not heard by the ether?
And what secret hidden from one’s wife?

YUDDHAVIRA. Now, that’s a good oneto re-

member.

VIDYAPATI [Seriously]. I shall go at once to see —

Indradyumna. I’m sure he’!l put all my doubts:to rest.
[Vidyapati begins to walk around]

YUDDHAVIRA [Calling out]. Hey, what about

joining me for some lunch? e

VIDYAPATI. Take your bath first. It will increase

your appetite.
[Exit Yuddhavira as Vidyapati continues to walk
around]

INDRADYUMNA [From behind the scenes]. Ah!

This natural setting is conducive for resolving my
puzzlement.

VIDYAPATI. It is Indradyumna entering the pal-

ace garden. Let me carefully study his thoughts while
hiding behind this tree.
[Enter King Indradyumna. He sits down]

INDRADYUMNA. By the grace of the Lord, I

have conquered in all directions. Wealth without limit
and unrivalled sovereignty have followed me like faith-
ful companions. I have all that anyone could desire—
yet still I remain dissatisfied.
_ THE PILGRIM

VIDYAPATI [To himself]. This’;is bewildering

INDRADYUMNA. My ministers, my queen—

they wonder what disturbs me. Without realizing the
hollowness of worldly affairs, how will they under-
stand my intense longing for something more? I want to
see the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Original
Person, the greatest of all. Yes! With these naked eyes
I want to see Him, face to face. I care no longer about
heaven’s lordship or earthly opulence, or my family’s
Or minister’s scorn. Though others may think me mad,
or at best presumptuous, make this solemn pledge to-
day: I will dedicate all my thoughts, words, and deeds
toward seeing that Supreme Person, who is the Ultimate
Abode and Absolute Truth.

VIDYAPATI [Shocked, to himself]. The queen

“was right. But this is more serious than she ever imag-
ined. [He steps out]

INDRADYUMNA [Surprised]. Vidyapati! [They

embrace] When did you return?

VIDYAPATI. Just now. I was on my way to the

temple.

INDRADYUMNA. Fortunate are the brahmanas

to be always serving the Lord. Are your sacrificial fires
burning brightly, their flames licking the rim of the
arena?

VIDYAPATI. Protected by your excellent rule, we

are always peaceful. And what about you? Is all well in
_ the kingdom?

INDRADYUMNA. By the blessings of Lord Visnu

good fortune reigns everywhere.

10
 a

ACT ONE.
_ VIDYAPATI. If I may correct you, my dear king, |
Ihave detected a growing anxiety in the minds of some.

INDRADYUMNA. What is the cause?

VIDYAPATI. Those close to you have felt a cer-

tain alienation on your part, an inattentiveness, which
is most unusual.

INDRADYUMNA. I don’t deny it. My dear friend,

a great change has come over me.

VIDYAPATI. That much I have already guessed.

INDRADYUMNA. Since you left I’ve spent
nearly all my time at the temple, listening to transcen-
dental narrations of God. Like the rubbing of the sacred ~
arani sticks, hearing the Supreme Lord’s glories has
kindled the flame of my faith, till it now burns like a
blazing fire, visible to all. % 3
VIDYAPATI. But does that mean you must disre-
gard your duties?
INDRADYUMNA. No! Who has said that? Per-
haps in the past few days I’ve been somewhat remiss,
but I intend to fulfill all my obligations, rest assured.
But that alone will no longer satisfy me. Until I see the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, who rides upon the
shoulders of Garuda, and until I hold in my hands His
two lotus feet, which are the world’s shelter, my vision
will not be soothed, nor my heart pacified.

VIDYAPATI [Arguing]. But Lord Visnu resides

far beyond the three worlds. How do you hope to
achieve His personal audience when powerful yogis
steeped in meditation, their lives sacrificed in renun-
ciation, can rarely even glimpse His effulgence?

ig
_ THE PILGRIM =
2 INDRADYUMNA. I’m not exactly sure. But I’m
_ determined, though the task may be awesome. There-
fore, after days of solitude I’ve decided to go before the
learned assembly and ask if anyone present can tell me
how to see God with these very eyes.

VIDYAPATI. I see you’re fully determined. Well,

then, all right. May Lord Visnu fulfill your desire. And
I also pledge my full assistance. After all, what else is
our friendship for?

INDRADYUMNA /Eagerly]. Then let us proceed

to the assembly without delay.

[They walk around and then enter the court. Indra-

dyumna sits upon an elevated seat. Enter three reciters]

RECITERS [In unison]. May his Majesty King

Indradyumna, glory of the siirya-vamsa, be ever victo-
rious!

1ST RECITER. Glory to our king, who traverses

the earth like the sun-god on his chariot, dispelling all
darkness by establishing true dharma.
2ND RECITER. Glory to him who protects us
from drought, saves us from Starvation, shields us from
thieves! For his citizens, he is no less than the sum total
of all the demigods.

3RD RECITER. All praise to Indradyumna, who

ever lives in truth, guided by the brahmanas, keeping
company with saints, sheltered by the Supreme Lord!

INDRADYUMNA. My dear reciters, ministers,

citizens, I am ever grateful for your auspicious prayers,
but today I have come before you with a prayer of my
own. And if there be one among you who can answer it,
I shall be ever indebted to him.

sicle,
oe ee ieee ACT ONE
VOICES [From behind the scenes]. Tell us, dear
king, how may we serve you?
INDRADYUMNA. By the grace of the Supreme
Lord, I lack nothing in the way of riches, land, power,
or honor. Yet today I feel myself a beggar! A pauper!
[Listening to a response] What is my minister say-
ing? That he is shocked? He protests-that I should not
speak in such a way? But what I say is true. Today I
regard this vast kingdom and all it encompasses as a
vacant desert, for I am bereft of Him who alone can fill ©
my heart with joy and serenity.
[Again listening to a response] What says the King
of Saurastra? That Malva Province is opulence personi-
fied, a crown of gold, and that its capital, Avantipura, is
the rarest jewel? My friend, Avanti may be the envy of
the world, but of what value are her riches if they cannot
be offered to the proper person?
[Pausing] Don’t you see? That most worthy per-
son, that Soul of souls, the Soul of the universe, Lord
Visnu, avoids our kingdom. The Supreme Personality
of Godhead, the most worshipable of all...where is He?
Personally I am ashamed that in His absence I have
accepted life as real. How long shall this dream last?
The winds of time have swept away kingdoms far
greater than Avantipura. I no longer wish to enjoy
dreams. My wife, my citizens, my kingdom—these are
all creations of that artful deceiver, maya. In my quest
for happiness I believed in the temporary; I confused
illusion with reality. Well, dear gentlemen, no longer:
can I be deceived.
The fleeting designations of “king” and “citizen,”
“husband” and “wife,” “elder” and “youth” are not our .
true identities. For we are not these bodies, nor can we
truly own anything connected with them. We are the
pure soul within, part and parcel of the Supreme. To
serve God, not illusion, and reunite with Him should be
our life’s only purpose.

pes
‘THE PILGRIM pate sal: 7 eee
Thus I have come before you with a question of
singular importance: Is there anyone among you who
can tell me how or where I may find the Supreme
Personality of Godhead? I must find Him, for I deem
rendering personal service to Him more important than
all else. [Listening to a suggestion] What?

VIDYAPATI. The respected priest suggests that

Lord Visnu, as the enjoyer of all sacrifices, is present
when one offers oblations of grains and ghee into the
fire.

INDRADYUMNA. I concur, of course. And with

the greatest reverence I touch the feet of those exalted
sages who say one should meditate to view the Lord
within the core of the heart. But dear, esteemed gentle-
men, I have tried all these methods, yet still I am un-
satisfied. Please try to understand: I need to see the Lord
not only in the fire sacrifice, not only in the mind, not
only in a vague or fleeting vision, but face to face. I
want to embrace His lotus feet and breathe the fragrance
of the sandalwood pulp and tu/asi buds that adorn them,
and I want to render Him all personal services by
offering Him everything in my possession.

PILGRIM [From behind the scenes]. My king!

INDRADYUMNA [Looking]. Yes? Who calls

from the back of the assembly?

PILGRIM [Still from behind the scenes]. It is I, a

pilgrim just arrived in Avantipura. May I approach
Your Majesty?

[Indradyumna beckons. Enter the Pilgrim]

PILGRIM. May my words, like the sun’s beams,

illumine your path and draw you toward that effulgent

14
 eS

ACT ONE

Lord Purusottama, whose darsana you so eagerly de-

sire.

INDRADYUMNA. Pilgrim, you are welcome.

What brings you to Avantipura?

PILGRIM. That for which you are searching. The

Lord, now present on this earth in His Deity form, sends
me. [He pauses]

INDRADYUMNA [Standing up in surprise]. The

Lord, present on this earth?!

PILGRIM. My king, I have the answer to your

fervent prayer. Listen attentively.

INDRADYUMNA [Sitting down]. Please speak

on.

PILGRIM. To bestow the blessings of His per-

sonal association upon the conditioned souls, the Lord
mercifully manifests Himself in forms visible to our
material eyes. As the Supreme Lord of all energies, God
can use them as He likes. Thus He can accept a form
made of matter and, by His touch, transform it into
spirit. Whether of stone or wood or any other substance,
the personal form of God is infused with His absolute
nature. Make no mistake in this regard: The Deity form
is God Himself manifested for all to behold. [Listening
to an objection from the assembly and then turning to
Vidyapati] What is his doubt?

VIDYAPATI. He protests that you are limiting

God by imposing on Him a conception of form and per-
sonality.

PILGRIM. Dear king, one who fails to accept God

as the Supreme Personality with unlimited energies will

15
THE PILGRIM

certainly see the Deity as dull, inert matter. Though the

Lord may be worshiped as the Impersonal Absolute,
possessing no qualities, to advance on this path of wor-
ship is very troublesome indeed. For one who is embod-
ied, worship of the Lord in His Deity form is natural
because it fixes some bodily conception in the mind.
Not that ascribing such personal attributes to God is
imaginary. His form, His name, His abode, His pas-
times are all variegated expressions of His absolute
spiritual nature; we should never take them to be the
products of illusion. Though God, being the Supreme
Complete, is both personal and impersonal, it is through
His personal feature that He awards the worshipper His
greatest mercy of an intimate relationship based on _
devotional service.
INDRADYUMNA,. I have always worshiped Lord
Visnu as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

PILGRIM. And therefore you are the proper re-

cipient of His special benediction.

INDRADYUMNA [Encouraging]. My dear pil-

grim, the whole assembly is sitting in rapt attention,
waiting to learn where the Lord may now be found.

PILGRIM. Some time ago, after traversing the

whole of Bharata-varsa, I arrived on her eastern coast,
known as Purusottama-ksetra, where the beautiful
mountain of Niladri stands. In the center of that moun-
tain grows an enormous banyan tree, and near that tree
lies Rohini-kunda, a mere touch of whose waters be-
stows liberation. [He pauses]

INDRADYUMNA. The right side of my body is

twitching, an auspicious sign. Please continue.

PILGRIM. On the eastern shore of the lake stands

the Nila-kantamani Deity of Sri Vasudeva. He is wor-

— 16
 a

SACTONE
shiped as Sri Nila Madhava. Just by seeing Him one
achieves immortality. By the influence of that place,
where I stayed for one year, I can now perceive Lord _
Purusottama everywhere and feel His guidance at every
step. Otherwise how could I arrive here at this very
moment, just to reply to your question?

INDRADYUMNA [At first speechless, then

gradually rising joyfully to clasp the Pilgrim by the
arms]. Pilgrim, who are you—you who in a moment
have become as dear to me as a lifetime friend? You —
have assured me that my fervent desire will soon be
fulfilled. May your words act irresistibly, like a potent
sacrificial mantra, enabling me to receive Sri Nila |
Madhava’s grace. Vidyapati, what do you say?

VIDYAPATI. I am as eager as you are to see this :

Nila Madhava Deity.

INDRADYUMNA [Turning to the assembly].

Now, ministers and friends, what is your advice? /Lis-
tens to advisers] What do you say? That the best of
Avantipura’s brahmanas should go and determine ex-
actly where Lord Nila Madhava resides?
[To Vidyapati] My friend, do you agree? You’ve
hardly had time to rest after your recent journey.

VIDYAPATI. Who cares for rest? I’m ready to

- depart at once.

INDRADYUMNA [Grasping his arm]. As soon as

you bring word back, we shall go in grand procession,
complete with full retinue. Coming before Nila
Madhava, I shall prostrate myself and beg that He
accept our royal entourage, the kingdom, its citizens,
and all its wealth as His very own. Then Avantipura will
actually shine—with the effulgence of the entire spiri-
tual world.

17
 4
END OF ACT ONE 5
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 tt: oie : ; eS
os Sree -
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ACT TWO
THE WORSHIPABLE DEITY |

[Enter Lalita, daughter of Visvavasu, the Sabara king,

with a friend. They both carry empty jugs, Lalita one on
each shoulder, her friend a single one on her head. They
walk to a well, where they proceed to draw water]

PINGALA. Ah, my friend, don’t worry yous sO

much.

LALITA. That’s easy for you to say, still unmar-

ried. But just wait till you have to please a husband and
a father both, then you’ll know how I feel. Any girl can
carry a single jug of water, but let her try carryin’ two
at once.

PINGALA. Well, if Ii you, I’d make sure my

husband was happy first. You’re not your father’s little
pet anymore, you know.

LALITA. But my father’s the one that raised me all

alone; he’s the one that got me married. God knows, two
weeks ago, when I heard a strange knock at the door, I
never thought, “Here’s the man I’ll marry!”

PINGALA. Even less when you opened the door

and saw a twice-born brahmana standing there. Imag-
ine, a brahmana visitin’ the house of a Sabara! Why, it’s
unheard-of!

19
 THE WORSH IPABLHI
Oe ae
LE
WO RS E DEITY
DETTYPA Lao
3 2 e's
BL aegearEleee
See>
LALITA [Pitifully]. Vidyapati was so tired,
. Pingala, he didn’t even care that I was an untouchable.
Can you imagine! He’d been walkin’ Straight for a
whole month, all the way from Avantipura! Course I
offered ’im a seat and some water to drink. I felt so bad
to have ’im in our shabby house.

PINGALA. Especially he’s from Avantipura,

_ which they say’s like the heavenly planets. Has he
gotten used to our village life? In one hand we hold our
kids, in the other our animals. [She laughs roughly]

LALITA. Vidyapati’s a simple man, tolerant too.

His only complaint’s over our slaughterin’ the pigs. But
how else can we live? How he’s married me, an uncivi-
lized Sabari, I’ll never know,
PINGALA. And married so quickly, at that!
LALITA. My father had me give ’im the best we
had—told: me to spare nothin’ for his comfort. Still,
though my father’s the head of our tribe, what could
I
offer? Yet whatever we did for ’im he was grateful for.
I guess he just couldn’t refuse when my father asked
’im
to take me as his wife.
PINGALA. I wish my father’d do somethin’ like
that. What’s left for me to marry in this village? I’d run
away with young Kumar if I thought we c’d get away
with it. You don’t know how lucky you are, Lalita!

LALITA. But what’ll happen to my luck now?

PINGALA. What do you mean?
LALITA. My husband’s found out about Nila
Madhava. You know how angry my father can get.
He
warned me never to tell anyone. But every day when
he
returns from the mountain top, our whole house
smells
 Sat erly ee ee a ao 2 es —
aed we # sa > eK |
‘ ee = Sy : :

: —-ACTTWO
so sweet from camphor, musk, and sandalwood, how
could it be hidden? It’s like the demigods are there in
person. ee
PINGALA..Has your father actually seen any of |
the demigods?

LALITA. He says so. In fact, he helps.’em worship

Lord, Nila Madhava. How does he expect my husband to
believe he’s out huntin’ when at noon he only brings
back some fruits and sweets and simple forest roots? ——

PINGALA,. Is that all you have to eat?

LALITA. It’s the prasadam of the Deity. Even one
mouthful’s satisfyin’. Oh, what shall I do? Now that my
husband’s heard about Nila Madhava, he talks about ~
nothin’ else but goin’ there. He insists I get my father to
take ’im along, but I know my father won’t agree.

PINGALA. Why not? After givin’ away his daugh-

ter, what’s to be gained by denyin’ this. It’s like arguin’
over the price of the goad once the elephant’s been sold.
[Seeing Lalita morose, she adds] Now, what’s wrong
with a little joke?

LALITA. I’m afraid if my father refuses, my hus-

band will feel so bad he’Il leave as quick as he came. I'll
be left a widow while still celebratin’ my marriage.

PINGALA. Well, if I was you I’d do anythin’ to

keep such a man. In a thousand births you won’t get
such a husband again.

END OF PRELUDE
VISVAVASU [From behind the scenes]. Lalita?
LALITA [Answering loudly]. I’m here at the well.

21
 THE WORSHIPABLE DEITY
[Enter Visvavasu, a powerful, burly Sabara]
_VISVAVASU. So here you are with your friend
Pingala. I could’ve guessed as much, seein’ young
Kumar sniffin’ at the door. [He laughs as Pingala
blushes.]
[To Pingala] Better run along before your hero
takes a fancy to someone else. [Exit Pingald, smiling,
with water jug on her head]
[To Lalita] Come along, now. The sun’s just risin’
and I mustn’t keep Lord Nila Madhava waitin’. You’ve
got to help me get ready. [He waits in vain for her reply.
She is concentrating on the grinding] Thinkin’ of goin’
to Avantipura, huh? Maybe you’ll have a whole house
full of servants to wait on you.
[A shorter pause] Well, I'll never leave Niladri
Mountain. Even if Kuvera offered me his whole treas-
ury, I wouldn’t give up my service to Lord Nila
Madhava. All the pleasures of heaven can’t compare
with even a moment spent with my Lord. I wouldn’t
want even a lifetime of Brahma if it meant givin’ up
who I am: ViSsvavasu, personal servant of Nila
Madhava.

LALITA [Hesitantly]. Father, I’ve somethin’ to

~ tell you.

VISVAVASU [He has been enthralled in thoughts

of Nila Madhava]. Hmmm? What is it, my dear?

LALITA. [While looking at her grinding].

Vidyapati knows about Lord Nila Madhava.

VISVAVASU [Shocked, then angry]. En? What’s

that? [Grabbing her wrist and forcing her to look him
straight in the eye] Who’s told ’im?

LALITA [Frightened]. 1...

S219)
Pee CWO ©
VISVAVASU [Furiously, cutting her off]. You
promised never to speak a word! You’re just like your
mother—lyin’ to me...[He is almost ready to hit her]

LALITA /[Pleadingly]. Father! Father! Please lis-

ten! I didn’t tell im! [He is stopped] At least not at first.
I kept my word.

VISVAVASU. There’s only you here to tell!

LALITA. No, there’s also these walls.

VISVAVASU [Letting go of her hand, but still

angry]. Walls don’t speak. Talk plainly!

LALITA. When you come home at noon, the whole

house is filled with the sweetest smell.

VISVAVASU [Agreeing]. That’s the fragrance of

Lord Nila Madhava.
LALITA. I tried to say it was the night-bloomin’
jasmine, but my husband didn’t believe it. He asked me
again and again. He wanted to know everythin’. I never.
saw anyone ask me so many questions. [Softly, looking
down] He’s my husband. I had to tell ’im.

VISVAVASU [With anger subsided]. 1 see. I

should’ve known he was bound to find out, livin’ in the
same house.

LALITA [Tactfully]. Father? Why not take

Vidyapati with you?
VISVAVASU [Determined]. Never!
LALITA. But he’s as eager as you are to see the
Lord. Besides, he already knows.

23
LE WORSHIPABLE DEITY

VISVAVASU. I go alone! Lord Nila Madhava |

wants me to serve Him.

LALITA. Vidyapati is your son. He could be a

good assistant. After all, he’s the priest of the emperor
himself.

VISVAVASU [Suspiciously]. Why are you

pushin’ me like this?

LALITA [Not-wanting to admit]. ’Cause if you

don’t agree to let ’im go with you, I’m afraid he’ll think
you don’t trust "im. And if he feels hurt, he’l] want to
leave and won’t ever come back. [She seems at the point
of crying]

VISVAVASU. I'don’t trust ’im or anyone else. No

one but me knows where Lord Nila Madhava is. And ©
these big-city bradhmanas are especially clever.

LALITA [Helplessly]. Oh, what can I do? [She

cries]

VISVAVASU [Thoughtfully, then]. Now don’t you

go blamin’ me for ruinin’ your marriage.
[More thoughtfully...at last] All right. I'll take ’im.

LALITA [Delighted
and relieved]. Oh, father! [She
holds his hands]

VISVAVASU. But on one condition. He goes

blindfolded.
LALITA. Blindfolded?

VISVAVASU. That’s what I said. Now tell ’im to

get ready right way. The sun is already risen.

[Exit Visvavasu]

24
Wee
fe pee a
‘eesEa ar AG
___AcT TWO
LALITA [She walks to the next room and looks
about]. O dear husband!

VIDYAPATI [From behind the scenes]. Coming!

Coming!

[Enter Vidyapati]
LALITA [Bowing down in obeisances]. My lord.

VIDYAPATI [Seeing her now]. Ah, my faithful

wife. Your devotion teaches me the meaning of reli-
gion; your chastity, of self-control; while your natural — :
simplicity strengthens my austerity. Indeed, all your
good qualities have made me your willing student,
though it is / who am meant to be your master. [Taking
her hand and helping her rise] Therefore rise and as-
sume your proper station, for our marriage, like an
initiation, has elevated you to the status of the twice-
born.
LALITA. My husband’s trainin’ shows my best
side.
VIDYAPATI. Don’t credit the riverbanks for di-
recting the water’s flow; a strong-willed current chisels
its own path, though opposed at every turn. Though I
struck fire to the wood, it now burns of its own accord.
Have you already cleansed my sacred place of wor-
ship so I may begin my prayers?
LALITA. Yes, but today there’s a special worship
to perform.
[Excitedly] My dear husband, father’s agreed to
take you to Nila Madhava!

VIDYAPATI. May Lord Visnu bless you! [With

great excitement] Lalita, you speak the truth?

25
 THE WORSHIPABLE DEITY : sie e

LALITA. Yes, he agreed just now.

VIDYAPATI. For this you shall be honored by the
emperor himself!

LALITA. It’s enough if my husband’s pleased with

me. Oh, I almost forgot, Father says you’ll have to go
blindfolded.

VIDYAPATI. Blindfolded?
LALITA. I guess he doesn’t want anyone to know
where Lord Nila Madhava is.
VIDYAPATI. I see, Well, never mind. I agree to
whatever conditions he sets. [Thoughtful, then...] La-
lita, do one thing: Bring a handful of mustard seeds.

LALITA. You want them just now?

VIDYAPATI. Yes, yes!

[She goes and brings them. Vidyapati carefully
takes them and ties them within a corner of his dhoti]

LALITA. Why are you doin’ that?

VIDYAPATI. I shall need them for worshiping
Lord Nila Madhava.

[Enter Visvavasu, dressed to go, carrying some

items for worship]

VISVAVASU. Ah, very good. You’re ready.

VIDYAPATI [Offering pranamas]. Respectful sir,
good morning. You are like a munificent tree providing
all this pilgrim requires. Your lovely daughter, like a
ripe fruit sprung from your limbs, nourishes my with-

26
 [7 i gees a ae ye. -ins Pa ae
ot ee See NS lea PaO eke + Ve

3 ACT TWO
ered body. And now you offer the shade of Nila
Madhava’s lotus feet—cooling shelter for the world- —
weary soul.

VISVAVASU [Enjoying the praise]. Heh, heh.

Even an old tree like me feels refreshed by a mornin’
shower of such fine words. Now it’s gettin’ late. Let’s
go.
[They walk about. Lalita watches them go and then
exits]
Watch your step. We’re leavin’ the village bound-
ary and approachin’ the sacred precinct of Niladri. [Re-
membering] Ah, I was so eager I nearly forgot. Please
don’t misunderstand this blindfold. A vision of God is
not easily achieved. [He ties the blindfold and places
Vidyapati's hand upon his shoulder]

[They ascend]

VIDYAPATI [To himself, as he regularly drops

mustard seeds behind him]. As this blindfold veils my —
eyes, so this soil will cover these mustard seeds. But in
due course these seeds will sprout, and then the plants,
like unveiled eyes more numerous than Devendra’s,
will guide the eager King Indradyumna to Sri Nila
Madhava’s lotus feet.
[To Visvavasu] My dear hunter, tell me...This
~ forest path seems filled with devotees softly murmuring
Sri Nila Madhava’s glories.
VISAVASU. No, no. That’s only the sound of the
bumblebees.
VIDYAPATI. They must be drunk with the sweet
honey of Nila Madhava’s darsana. Do [hear a chorus of
lyrically singing celestials?

VISVAVASU [Laughing]. Those are only the for-

est birds.

27
 THE WORSHIPABLE DEITY

VIDYAPATI. Ah, yes. Like the raised voices of

palace bards praising their king, the peacocks’ rhythmic
_ calls and the cuckoos’ gentle cooing, along with the
sweet vibrations of the cakoras and cakravakas, fill the
air with pleasing cries in adulation of the Lord. Indeed,
this whole forest resembles a palace courtyard! I hear
beating drums and feel the fine, soothing spray of
splashing fountains.

VISVAVASU. These are the thunderin’ falls and

bubblin’ streams that make Niladri like heaven itself.

VIDYAPATI. Yes, it must be heaven, for I can feel

the flowers falling from the hands of celestial denizens,
whose whispering voices fill the air.

VISVAVASU. Those are the fragrant breezes that

sweep across Niladri, castin’ bouquets of flowers every-
where.

VIDYAPATL. Is there an army passing nearby? I

hear the cracking sound of plants, thickets and trees
being cleared. The whole mountain trembles with the
force of their weight.

VISVAVASU. Those are the lordly elephants on

their way to the lake. Out of fear, the other animals are
fleein’ in all directions.
VIDYAPATI. Now I hear a new sound, and does
the breeze grow even cooler?

VISVAVASU. You hear the charmin’ songs of os-

preys, cranes, and other water fowl. We’re approachin’
the eastern shore of Rohini-kunda, the sacred lake that
lies at the feet of Lord Nila Say? Come. We shall
soon be there.

28
 ACT TWO
VIDYAPATI. But wait. [He stops Visvavasu] What
is that? Clearly these are the sacred mantras of the
Vedas. [They listen]
[From behind the scenes can be heard the chanting
of the purusa-sikta prayers]

VISVAVASU. The demigods! They’ve come to

offer their daily worship to Lord Nila Madhava. We
musn’t delay. Their appearance is rare, since their day
equals six of our months. Ah, we’re here. Let’s sit in this
thicket and watch.
VIDYAPATI [Pulling Visvavasu sleeve]. My dear
father-in-law, kindly remove this cloth so I may also
sec.

VISVAVASU [Removing it]. Excuse me. In my

excitement I forgot.

[Enter the demigods from heaven, led by Lord

Brahma, Indra, Narada, and various others, all bearing
wonderful offerings for Lord Nila Madhava. They enter
dancing in a line and move about, forming a semicircle
before the altar doors, which are between the two en-
trance doors. All the while they chant the purusa-sukta
prayers, accompanied by instruments. Then one demi-
god, ringing a hand bell,opens the doors to reveal the
wondrous form of Lord Nila Madhava, heavily high-
lighted by jewels. The Deity is six feet, nine inches tall.
The demigods offer dandavats. Then Lord Brahma offers
Grati, Indra a garland (after removing the old garland),
and others various gifts in bowls, etc. The demigods exit
and enter two or three times, maintaining the circle. The
whole scene is executed artistically, with music and
dance. Finally, at the end of Grati, they go to heaven]

29
 THE WORSHIPABLE DEITY

VISVAVASU. Nowcome. [They approach SriNila

Madhava and offer dandavats] There’s my Lord. See
the many jewels adornin’ His body, like so many stars
in the night sky.
[As Visvavasu speaks, Vidydpati kneels to the side
with palms joined, his eyes riveted upon Sri Nila
Madhava in devotion. ViSvavasu begins to worship the
Deity by cleansing, applying oils, etc.]
[To the Deity] My Lord, are You well today? Have
You been enjoyin’ the cool breezes blowin’ from
Rohini-kunda? Today Your servants the demigods have
brought many nice offerin’s. Some people worship the
demigods as supreme, but they’re actually dependent
upon You. I’ve noticed that Lord Brahma, whose eight
eyes oversee the entire creation, feels blessed to place
Your lotus feet upon his four heads. Even Indra trembles
like a leaf in Your presence. Whenever my villagers
hold festivals to honor these demigods, I take part just
to please my subjects. But You’re actually my only
worshipable Lord. In Your absence the seconds and
minutes are unbearable. My daughter complains that I
keep her awake, talkin’ about You in my sleep. She said
I cursed the sun last night for movin’ so slow, makin’
me wait so long to see You.
[He moves to an arm’s length away] Does this mas-
sage refresh You? I hope the unguent of sandalwood
_ pulp, camphor, and musk is more pleasin’ today. I told
my daughter to grind more.
[Remembering] Oh, I almost forgot. Here’s my
daughter’s new husband.
[He takes Vidyapati by the hand and brings him
before Sri Nila Madhava, placing around Vidyapati ’s |
neck the flower garland Lord Indra had removed from
the Deity]
[To Vidyapati] Here’s the garland Indra removed
from Nila Madhava.

30
 ACT TWO
[To the Deity] My Lord, this is Vidyapati. He’s a
learned brahmana come all the way from Avantipura.
In fact, he’s the priest of King Indradyumna. So I'll let
"im offer You pleasin’ prayers while I go to collect
forest fruits and flowers.
[Exit Visvavasu]

VIDYAPATI [He touches his head upon Lord Nila

Madhava's lotus feet]. O Lord Mukunda, bestower of
liberation, today, having stood at a distance and seen
Your eternal form of bliss and knowledge, I know
without a doubt that You are the Supreme Reality. Who
could fail to be attracted by Your wonderful appear-
ance, resembling a newly grown tamdla tree with bluish
hue? As I delight in smelling the aroma of tulasi and
sandalwood offered at Your lotus feet, I feel certain that
this one act of mine is far greater than all the Vedic
study and sacrifices I have pursued for an entire life-
time. Surely Your personal presence on this sacred
mountain, Your eternal abode, has liberated every liv-
ing entity here from all material entanglements.
[He dances briefly and then moves about]
This mighty banyan and peaceful Rohini-kunda
are part of Vaikuntha. Indeed, these creepers, forest
animals, even that ordinary crow sitting in yonder
tree...[With great astonishment] Haaahhbh!...All are
liberated! Hardly have I uttered these words when their
proof appears before me. A blackish crow, nastiest of
earthly creatures, has fallen from his perch into Rohini-
kunda, and before my very eyes he now emerges with a
beautiful four-handed form and rises upward to
Vaikuntha, vanishing from my vision.
Here is the elixir of immortality, hardly a few steps
away...[He runs toward the lake] Like the dirty crow, —
let me throw myself into the arms of Mother Rohini so
she may wash away all my sins and end my earthly stay
forever.

31
 ce SOE ae genea
Oe

THE WORSHIPABLE DEITY

VOICE [From the sky]. O brahmana, wait!
[Vidyapati stops at the last second] Have you forgotten
why you came? King Indradyumna awaits your return
with intense anticipation. That mighty monarch, earth’s
protector incarnate, lives half awake, half in dreams,
like a forgotten forefather doomed to Narakaloka with
no son to deliver him.

VIDYAPATI [To himself]. O selfish Vidyapati!

Shameless one! What kind of man are you that leaves
aside your best well-wishing friend and cares for noth-
ing but your own salvation?
[Addressing Sri Nila Madhava] Just see, my Lord!
For You has wisdom renounced her reason, and strength
her sovereignty, becoming meek. Duty and friendship
all forgotten, Your vision for a moment gotten, one
cares no more for either life or death. Now Lord, I pray,
dispatch me with all haste, so Indradyumna, too, can be
an object of Your grace.
[Enter Visvavasu with forest fruits and flowers]

VISVAVASU [Suspiciously]. What’s that about

Indradyumna?

VIDYAPATI [To himself]. Could he have heard

me?
[To Visvavasu] I was only begging the Lord to
protect the king since I’m no longer there to assist him.

VISVAVASU. Well, don’t stand there like a stone.

Come! Help carry this load. Just see mother earth’s love
for the Lord!

VIDYAPATI [Coming to help]. The Lord’s pres-

ence is overwhelming; it awes me into silence. :
VISVAVASU. Well, I’m at no loss for words.
[He busies himself preparing the fruits and flowers
as an offering at the lotus feet of the Deity] I feel quite

32
MM es fee ee hey ek: “a
SACTTIWO
iy ‘ ie. .

es

at ease in Nila Madhava’s presence. Really, here’s

where I feel most at home. My daughter, the villagers— _
they need me, no doubt. But as for me, this is the place
I prefer. I wait for the day when I can stay with Nila
Madhava, freed from all other cares. [He closes the
Deity’ s doors and bows down, ringing a bell in offering]
NILA MADHAVA [From behind the scenes].
Visvavasu, please hear Me.

VISVAVASU [Startled, interrupting his offering

to look up]. Whose voice is that?

NILA MADHAVA [Again from behind the scenes].

Visvavasu, My dear devotee. It is I, Nila Madhava, who
speaks to you.

VISVAVASU [A bit confused and doubtful]. Lord

Nila Madhava?

NILA MADHAVA. Do you doubt I can speak?

VISVAVASU [Joyfully]. No, of course not. But

never before have You spoken to me.

NILA MADHAVA. Now listen carefully. For

many years you have served Me faithfully, offering
these simple fruits and flowers.

VISVAVASU [Apologetically]. It’s all I could ar-

range.
NILA MADHAVA. Knowing that, I have accepted
everything, pleased with your devotion. But now I want
to be worshiped in great opulence, as I normally am.
King Indradyumna, ruler of this planet, is My great
devotee, and he awaits the opportunity to worship Me
royally. Now you know My desire.

53
 THE WORSHIPABLE DEITY

_VISVAVASU [Devastated. After a pause]. My

Lord, will You say no more? [Steadying
himself] Like a
woodsman’s axe choppin’ a tree at its very
root, these
words have sent me reelin’.

VIDYAPATI. The Lord is independent,

free as the
wind.

VISVAVASU [Devastated]. And I, like a tree

struck down in a tempest.

VIDYAPATI. In any case, the Lord has made

a special object of His favor.
you

VISVAVASU. This you call favor?

VIDYAPATI. Yes, certainly—that the Lord has
personally spoken with you.

VISVAVASU. But He’s rejected me! In the

He was so satisfied with my simple offer
past
in’s, but now
He wants opulence. Why this sudden chan
ge?
VIDYAPATI. After all, the Lord is Laksmipati
.
Not one but hundreds of thousands
of goddesses of
fortune attend His lotus feet. As
the master of
Vaikuntha, He dwells in mansions
bedecked with
countless jewels.

VISVAVASU. Maybe that’s how you know

but to me He’s Nila Madhava, who lives
Him,
in the forest of
Niladri and gladly accepts the service
of His Sabara
friend, Visvavasu.
:
VIDYAPATI. The Lord is inconceivable.
Why He
decid es one way or another, none can know
.
VISVAVASU. We had an understandin’, Nila
Madhava and I! But someone’s come
between us and
influenced Him!

Ba
 VIDYAPATI. No one can sway the Lord. He is the
controller of the three worlds. How, then, can He be
made to act against His will?

VISVAVASU. [Suspecting]. Someone’s turned

Nila Madhava against me. [Becoming angry] And now
I know who it is! [He jumps and catches hold of
Vidyapati] Tricky brahmana! I should've known all
along. What’ve you said to change Nila Madhava’s
mind? :

VIDYAPATI [Fearfully]. Nothing! Nothing at all,

L assure you. It is the Lord’s own desire that King Indra-
dyumna serve Him.

VISVAVASU [Shaking him]. And you’ve had

nothin’ to do with arousin’ that desire? You, the priest
of King Indradyumna! Well, I'll fix that. [He takes a
rope and binds Vidyapati’s hands behind his back] It
hurts me to have to,treat a brahmana this way, but I must
prove myself to Nila Madhava again.

VIDYAPATI [Pleadingly]. Father-in-law, please!

What are you doing tome? _

VISVAVASU [Applying the blindfold to

Vidyapati’s eyes]. What am-I doin’? You should’ ve
thought more carefully before playin’ such a game with
a Sabara king! [He drags Vidyapati forward]
VIDYAPATI [Stumbling]. Where are you taking
me?
VISVAVASU [As they are about to mined
Sabaras know how to keep someone penned up. —

VIDYAPATI [Extremely frightened]. Help! Oh,

help me, save me!

35
 THE WORSHIPABLE DEITY _
VISVAVASU. Yes, let your king save you now.
The two of you wanted to cheat me out of worshipin’
Nila Madhava, but that’ll never be, so long as I live.
[Drags Vidyapati, who continues calling out for help] ~

[Exit both]
[Enter Lalita as they leave, moving quickly, shocked
at what she sees]

LALITA [To herself]. Oh, I must rush to my hus-

band. Feet, move quickly!
[She stops] What a fate is mine—born a lowly
Sabari, now tryin’ to become a brahmana’ s wife. How
I wish I could sprout wings and fly away from this nasty
village, takin’ my dear husband with me. But like a
clumsy insect whose wings are too weak for flyin’, I’m
hardly suited for livin’ as a brahmana’s wife. My rough
upbringin’ still controls me, keepin’ me bound to the
village of my birth. O feet, become strong wings and
bear me quickly along, for my husband now suffers due
to marryin’ me.
[She moves quickly about until she reaches the
second entrance, where she stops and calls out] Dear
husband! O best of Avantipura’s brahmanas, can you
_ hear me?

VIDYAPATI [In a weak voice from offstage]. Who

has come to torture me further? Have you no mercy?

LALITA. Husband, it’s me, Lalita.

VIDYAPATI [With a glimmer of hope]. Lalita?

LALITA. Yes, yes! O my husband, please forgive

me that my father’s so cruel. But I’ll get ’im to release
_ you, I promise.

36
 ACTTWO
VIDYAPATI. I’m bound up like an animal await-
ing slaughter, and now you’ve come to torment me with
promises of freedom?

LALITA. I’ll beg and plead. If he doesn’t set you

free, I'll put an end to my life.

VIDYAPATI. Lalita, may you be blessed! If everI

reach Indradyumna, you can’t imagine the reward he
will bestow upon you.

LALITA. As soon as you’re free, you must leave

this village at once.
VIDYAPATI. Don’t worry. I'll travel day and
night. It will take nearly a month to reach Avantipura.

LALITA. Please take me with you.

VIDYAPATI. Don’t worry. Before two moons
have grown full you will see your husband return. But
not alone. For along with me will come not only the
monarch, King Indradyumna, whose mighty arms pro-
tect the entire earth, but also his powerful army. Like the
kaustubha jewel, this brilliant ray of the sun dynasty
will shine like a bright ornament upon the chest of Lord
Nila Madhava.
[Pausing, alarmed] Listen! What is that?

LALITA. Someone’s comin’. I must go at once.

Please don’t forget this lowly wife of yours in the
glamour of Avantipura. If you do, my life will really be
at an end.

fExir Lalita]
END OF ACT TWO

oi
 .

ACT THREE
THE STORM

[Enter King Indradyumna on a chariot, wearing Indra’s

garland, with Vidyapati]

INDRADYUMNA [With whip held high]. Onward,

horses, onward! Run swift as the wind, piercing the
forest as your thundering hooves pound the soft grassy
floor, spurred on by my whip, which crackles like
lightning above your heads.
Ah. We have come to a clearing. The thick canopy
of leaves gives way to the open sky. Hey! Hey! /Pulling
strongly at the reins, halting] The path ends at this sheer
cliff, which clefts the air as if suspended in space,
arresting our further progress.
And behold! Behold, Vidyapati! There to the east!
Shimmering in the distant sea of morning mist, a
wondrous mountain towers upon the horizon. See how
the sun, rising from behind, seems to beg permission
before heralding the day. At last! We have reached the
cherished goal of our month-long journey.

VIDYAPATI. It is Niladri Mountain, whose extra-

ordinary qualities make even the goddess of fortune
worry that she may lose the attention of her ever-atten-
tive husband. The mountain’s flowing rivers are like
cascading tresses bedecked with valuable jewels. The
birds who gladden her forest sing so sweetly that even
Citraratha, with all his heavenly musicians, is put to —

39
THE STORM

shame. Her soft.breezes, laden with the fragrance of

jasmine, kadamba, and parijata, are more pleasing than
a thousand camara-waving goddesses of fortune. No
wonder Maha-Laksmi has become jealous. In the pres-
ence of Niladri, Nila Madhava has quite forgotten her!

INDRADYUMNA. Point to the exact place where

you found the Deity.

VIDYAPATI. From here it is difficult to see. Be

patient, my friend, for we shall soon be there. And
without a doubt, Niladri will be pleased to offer you her
most cherished treasure, Nila Madhava Himself.

INDRADYUMNA. I shall call the commander of

my troops. [Calling] Yuddhavira! Come up front.
[Enter Yuddhavira on horseback]

YUDDHAVIRA. At Your Majesty’s service!

INDRADYUMNA [Pointing]. O mighty warrior,
feast your eyes upon this stupendous vision.
YUDDHAVIRA [Looking]. Our goal, finally in
sight! The sun-god seems to be bathing the sacred
mountain in millions of shimmering particles of light.

-VIDYAPATI. I have personally witnessed the uni-

versal administrators bowing before Lord Nila
Madhava as His menial servants.

INDRADYUMNA [Impatiently]. Enough talk!

What is our plan?

VIDYAPATI. We must proceed cautiously, for

now is the time when that fearless king of the Sabaras,
Visvavasu, is up and about.

40
 ACT THREE

YUDDHAVIRA. Caution? Are-we to worry over a :

mere keeper of swine?
VIDYAPATI. Don’t minimize his strength, for he
is protected by Nila Madhava, with whom he converses
on the friendliest of terms, as we with one another.

YUDDHAVIRA [Laughing heartily]. Timid

brahmana, allay your fears. Remember, you are not
alone. If this rowdy fellow so much as slightly hinders
our royal monarch, he shall have to deal with me
personally.
INDRADYUMNA [Restraining him]. Easy, dear
sir! Bear in mind their relationship.

VIDYAPATI [To Yuddhavira]. Loyalty to our king

is also foremost in my mind. If I speak respectfully of
my father-in-law, it is not out of family affection but out
of reverence for his exalted spiritual realization, which
his lowly caste in no way diminishes. After all, ours is i
a divine quest that will succeed by genuine devotion
alone, not a military campaign to be won by a show of
arms.
INDRADYUMNA. Well spoken, Vidyapati. I have
come not as a conquering hero, but as one to be con-
quered. This armor and weaponry may give the wrong
impression.
VIDYAPATI. Yes, the Lord is conquered by a
heart softened with love, [looking to Yuddhavira dis-
dainfully] not one covered by plates of steel.

INDRADYUMNA [To Vidydpati]. Let the two of

us ascend the mountain as humble mendicants. Here,
take this armor. [Hands it to Yuddhavira]

41
_ THE STORM.
YUDDHAVIRA [Protesting]. At least Your Maj-
esty should allow me to.accompany you. The jungle
could be dangerous.

INDRADYUMNA. You wait.with some of the

troops at the foot of the mountain. Don’t worry, I’ll be
safe. Let us proceed!

[Indradyumna and Vidyapati ride about on the

chariot as Yuddhavira exits] #

VIDYAPATI [Halting]. We have come to the Sab-

aras’ village. [Pointing] There is the residence of
Visvavasu. My good wife must be busy with her morn-
ing duties. Strange that no light yet illuminates the
interior and no smoke curls forth from the chimney.

INDRADYUMNA. Worthy friend, please restrain

your natural sentiments a while longer. Let’s continue
on, now that our goal is so close.

VIDYAPATI. Then let us leave aside this chariot

and proceed on foot.
[They alight and walk about] May Lord Visnu
guide my feet to the proper path. [Happily excited] Ahh!
Look there! [Pointing to the ground ahead]

INDRADYUMNA. I see nothing of special note.

VIDYAPATI. Look more closely—between those

two stones.
INDRADYUMNA [Bending down]. Why, it’s a
common mustard plant.

VIDYAPATI. Not at all common! [He runs ahead]

See here! Another! [He points to it and runs ahead as
Indradyumna follows and looks] And yet another!

“42
 ACT THREE.
INDRADYUMNA [Perplexed]. Vidyapati! Why
are these lowly mustard plants so extraordinary? ;

VIDYAPATI [Slowly, with gravity].

The way unknown,
Seeds secretly sown,
After two months grown,
Nila Madhava shown.

INDRADYUMNA [Catching on, with ose Oh

ho! I see! Wonderful! Now / can lead.
[He runs ahead] Here is one!...And here! O deli-
cate plant, though I am emperor of the world, today I
have become your debtor.
VIDYAPATI [Suddenly, with apprehension]. Lis-
ten! Claps of thunder rend the ether, and overhead the
sky is suddenly dark. The sun, a moment ago shining
victoriously, is unceremoniously overcome by masses
of insurgent clouds, while lightning laughs porten-
tously in its place.
[He squats down with hands touching the ground]
Feel the earth, O mighty monarch. She seems to throb as ©
if calling for help. The morning dew has barely dried,
yet now uninviting, hissing winds blow sand and soil in
all directions.
INDRADYUMNA [To the sky]. Why this sudden
change of time and season? Who dares to cause this
sacred mountain fear? Let him boldly declare himself
my enemy and battle face to face, like a man.

VIDYAPATI. Courageous hero, think carefully.

With no weapons or men, is it wise to challenge thus?
The air is thick with blowing dust. Look how our foot-
prints are obscured.

INDRADYUMNA. This fragile trail of mustard

plants will soon be hidden. We must proceed, or our

43
 THE STORM
purpose will be thwarted. Take my hand so we may not
be separated in this terrible, all-encompassing dark-
ness.

[They proceed, with Indradyumna leading, bracing

against the strong wind]

INDRADYUMNA. So powerful is this wind that

we can hardly face it. Uprooted trees lie fallen on every
side. Harsh rain beats down like showers of arrows.
How will these delicate plants survive this tempest, or
we our sacred mission accomplish? Where is the trail
we are meant to tread? Ah! Here is is! No, there! And
there! And there!

VIDYAPATI. Listen! It sounds like enraged

demons running. —

INDRADYUMNA. No [Pointing] It is a herd of

asses. Their hard hooves strike the ground with thunder-
ous ferocity, while their frenzied braying resounds like
an eerie echo from the mountain caves. Let us hurry.
[They quicken their pace]

VIDYAPATI [With intense emotion]. When last I

traveled through this forest, there were no asses or
jackals crying hideously, or shrieking birds flying
frightened from their nests. My eyes, perforce blind-
folded then, are now shut tight in fearfulness.

INDRADYUMNA. My friend, look there! Please

see. We’re approaching a place of special sanctity.

[They halt, still bracing against the wind]

VIDYAPATI [Opening his eyes]. Rohini-kunda!
This is the sacred spot you dreamed of. Here is the lake
that is eternal nectar to the touch, and there the banyan

44
 ACI THREE

whose mighty arms entwine the temple of Lord Nila

Madhava. His lotus feet your heart will soon enshrine.
[They proceed further]
This devilish storm has wreaked its awful havoc,
defiled the chastity of this sacred lake. Her peaceful
waters seethe in agitation, lotuses scattered in the
storm’s cruel wake.

INDRADYUMNA. The banyan spread its mighty

branches, defending against the raging storm’s attack.
Now see his limbs, shattered, fallen, his boughs bent in
shameful lament. [They have reached the doors of the
Deity house]
Grab the doors. Ihave waited long for this moment.
[They struggle to open the doors] This blasted gale
opposes us to the very end. Pull harder! [They finally
fling open the doors against the wind... revealing a
vacant temple]

VIDYAPATI [Shocked]. What! Gone!

INDRADYUMNA. Ahhhhh! [He faints]

VIDYAPATI [Rushing to him and lifting the king’ s

head upon his lap]. Indradyumna! Indradyumna!
[Pausing] He doesn’t hear. His ruddy cheeks are
now ashen; his fair face is pallid, lifeless, buried in a
grave of disappointment. His eyes, once moist and
eagerly searching, are now like two blind, dried-up
wells where hope has died. These lips that praised the
Lord with every breath are now silently presse to-
gether as at death.
Is this how Strya’s race is meant to end? Warron
kings whose conquests knew no bounds? Halted,
stricken down without a single blow? What is the.
meaning of it all, I want to know?? Indradyumna!
Indradyumna! Pray awaken!

45
THE STORM
[Bending his head near the king’ s mouth] His breath
quickens, his lips quiver, his face’s luster now returns.
And like two lotuses unfolding, his beaming eyes now
beholding, in wakened consciousness, the sunlit morn.

~ INDRADYUMNA. Vidyapati? [He sits up] I seem

to have fallen asleep. What a terrible dream I had! We
were ascending Niladri when a great storm suddenly
blew up. But how can this be? [He feels his clothes and
becomes alert] My clothes are indeed wet. What has
happened?

VIDYAPATI [Aside and to himself]. The severe

shock has affected his memory.

INDRADYUMNA. Where are we? [He looks

about] The lake! And the temple. No! No! It cannot be!
I only dreamt that we found Nila Madhava gone, didn’t
I? But then...there is the temple, standing empty as
before. Answer me, Vidyapati! Was I dreaming? Or am
I dreaming still? Why don’t you reply? Your silence
makes me fear the worst.

VIDYAPATI. Why force me, when whatever I say

will only cause you further pain?

INDRADYUMNA [He stands up]. Then is is true?

[Vidyapati lowers his head in silence] Where is Nila
Madhava?

VIDYAPATI. He was standing at this very place.

The garland you are wearing was taken from around His
neck.
INDRADYUMNA. Then where has He gone! How
could He leave!

VIDYAPATI. It makes no sense. The Lord called

for you.

46
 hs OT PARE
INDRADYUMNA. And here I am, ready to serve
Him. [Shouting] Here I am! [Devastated] Nila
Madhava, I have come! Your servant, Indradyumna, is
here!

VIDYAPATI. I remember hearing the Lord’s voice

as clearly as I hear yours, for how could I forget those —
words that broke the heart of the Sabara king?
INDRADYUMNA [Slowly comprehending]. Ohh!
Now I understand.

VIDYAPATI. No! You don’t think...

INDRADYUMNA. Who else could have done it?

VIDYAPATI. But to remove the Deity from the

temple?

INDRADYUMNA. He’s a Sabara. What wouldn’t

he do! [Angrily] That rogue! He deserves Yuddhavira’s
wrath! [He slams the door shut and begins to walk with
determination against the wind. Vidyapati follows be-
hind after closing the other door]

VIDYAPATI. What do you intend to do?

INDRADYUMNA [While walking]. Surround the
village and capture VisSvavasu. There are ways to make
a man reveal even the most closely guarded secret.
[Thinking, and then...] Now it all adds up. His plan was
to let you die in prison. But he was afraid of retaliation.
That cunning fellow knew that if you did not return, I
wouldn’t stop searching until I found both Nila
Madhava and you. He released you only to gain time to
hide the Lord away.

VIDYAPATI [Admittingly, to himself]. He did de-

clare that as long as he breathed he would never allow ~

47
 THE STORM

us to have Nila Madhava.

[To Indradyumna] Indradyumna, wait! [They both
stop] Look how the storm has suddenly abated. Only a
_ morbid stillness hangs in the air.

INDRADYUMNA [Lamenting]..My heart is as

devastated as this forest. Whatever joy I felt is crushed,
leaving within me only a ghost of despair dancing
forlornly alone.
VIDYAPATI. I, too, am devastated. As we trav-
eled from Avantipura, I swam in an ocean of bliss,
floating in the waves of joyous anticipation of seeing
the full moon of Nila Madhava’s face. But now that
moon has suddenly waned, the tide reversed, and I am
left gasping upon the shore of disappointment.

INDRADYUMNA [Again walking with determi-

nation]. But I shall not give up. Nila Madhava must be
rescued and this culprit brought to justice.

VIDYAPATI [Following him]. Indradyumna, can

we not avoid bloodshed? Whatever Visvavasu did was
out of love for the Deity. You know, it is said there are
four ways of getting someone to do what one wants: By
offering choice words of flattery, by convincing
through logic, by enticing through Babee and—only
if all else fails—by force.

INDRADYUMNA [Stopping and _ thinking].

You’re right. This Sabara may be dear to the Lord, so I'll
try the more civil policies first. Let’s hope we can
persuade him to return the Deity without using force.

VIDYAPATI. This fair decision is ae of your

nobility.
-INDRADYUMNA. Here is our army encampment.
Yuddhavira! Yuddhavira!

48
gta ACT THREE
[Enter Yuddhavira, saluting]

YUDDHAVIRA [Relieved]. Thank God. Your

Majesty has returned.

INDRADYUMNA. Returned, yes, but without

success. The Deity has been abducted.

YUDDHAVIRA. What! By whom!

INDRADYUMNA. All evidence points to the

Sabara Visvavasu.
YUDDHAVIRA [To Vidydapati, hotly tapping his
sword]. Now my words shall be fulfilled.

INDRADYUMNA. Not so fast. First we must find

out where he has hidden Lord Nila Madhava.

YUDDHAVIRA [Unsheathing his sword]. When

he feels the sharp edge of my sword, he’ll squeal like a.
.Swine, or his tongue will become food for the dogs.

INDRADYUMNA. Vidyapati recommends we

pursue a more peaceful policy.

YUDDHAVIRA. Peace? We’ve had too much

peace! That’s not why I’m here! \

VIDYAPATI. Exactly! And as this is a matter of

peaceful persuasion, His Majesty and I shall go alone.

YUDDHAVIRA. I say this situation demands stern

action.

VIDYAPATI. Why unnecessarily risk lives when

some well-planned diplomacy may be all that's re-
quired?

49
_ THE STORM

INDRADYUMNA. True, Vidyapati, but boldness

has its place as well. Yuddhavira, let the troops sur-
round the village. Vidyapati and I will enter the Sabara’s
home, and you stand by to come immediately if needed.
Dispatch the men and send the chamberlain with the
royal crown and cape.

[Exit Yuddhavira and enter Jayasila, the chamber-

lain]

JAYASILA. Your Majesty’s royal vestments. [He

hands Indradyumna the crown, which the king puts on,
then holds the cape for the king to also put on]

INDRADYUMNA. Now, lead the way.

[Exit all]

' END OF ACT THREE

50
 ACT FOUR
THE COMMANDMENT

[Enter Indradyumna and Vidyapati]

VIDYAPATI. We are approaching the Sabara’s

village. See, hereis the road that forms its perimeter. _
INDRADYUMNA. My friend, even had we
missed the road, the terrible stench that chokes the air is
itself a most explicit boundary. [He spits and covers his
nose and mouth with a cloth] This putrid, reeking smell
turns my stomach.

VIDYAPATI. The Sabaras are not exactly famous

for their refinement. I once counted more pigs than
people in this village.

INDRADYUMNA [Swatting flies]. They must

raisé flies as well. [Sarcastically] My dear Vidyapati, I
never knew you had married into such opulence. How |
many swine did you receive as a dowry? Indeed, due to
your brahminical tolerance you have become a wealthy
man. [He laughs] And just see! Your quickened pace
reveals the eagerness of a newlywed.

VIDYAPATI. Enjoy your laughter if you will.

Soon you shall see the proof of my brahminical strength!
As an ugly worm emerges from its cocoon a beautful
butterfly, so my good wife, Lalita, though a Sabari by

51
 THE COMMANDMENT
_ birth, has developed all the refinements of the twice-
born.

[A woman sings offstage]

VIDYAPATI. Listen! Do you hear that lovely

singing from within these courtyard walls? That’s
Lalita’s voice without a doubt. She must be tending to
her daily chores.

[Enter Lalita singing while sweeping with a broom,

but not in their vision]

VIDYAPATI. I’ll have a little fun with her. [He

reaches down as if to pick up some nuts and throws them
over the wall one by.one]

INDRADYUMNA. Just see what has become of

your brahminical gravity! Why my dear Vidyapati,
you’re behaving just like a fresh youth in love.

LALITA [Seeing the nuts falling over the wall].

Those pesky monkeys playin’ tricks again! [She sweeps
the nuts for awhile] Makin’ a mess.
[Vidyapati knocks on the door] Just hear ’em now,
knockin’ on the door like some respectable visitor.
Well, I'll show ’em a few tricks of my own. [She walks
over, flings open the door, and comes down with her
_ broom on Vidyapati’s head, to the great pleasure of
Indradyumna and embarrassment of Vidyapati. Seeing
_ that it is her husband she has swatted, she drops the
broom and gasps in disbelief]

INDRADYUMNA [Laughing]. A butterfly!

VIDYAPATI. Is this a proper greeting for a be-

loved husband? [He dusts off his head]

52
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-
Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness,
attending the festival of Lord Jagannatha.
The royal assembly ‘of King Indradyumna. (Act One) (All
photographs are of the original performance staged March, 1986
in Calcutta, India.)

“May my words, like the sun’s beauty, illumine your path...”

(Act One)
 “You promised never to speak a word!” (Act Two)

“Ah, my faithful wife, your devotion teaches me the meaning of

religion...” (Act Two)
“Your lovely daughter, like a “My Lord, will you say no
ripe fruit sprung from your more?” (Act Two)
limbs...” (Act Two)

“But He’s rejected me! In the “Tll beg and plead. If he

past He was so satisfied with my doesn’t set you free, I'll put an |
simple offerin’s..2’ (Act Two) end to my life...” (Act Two)
‘Behold Vidyapati! There to the “His ruddy cheeks, now ashen; his
east! Shimmering in the distant sea fair face, pallid, buried in a grave
of morning mist...’ (Act Three) of disappointment.” (Act Three)

“So, you will not admit to this heinous act?” (Act Four)
“How else could he enter this “Are they all gone — my |
planet, Satyaloka, which is family? Friends? Subjects?” |
inaccessible to humans?’’(Act Five) (Act Five)

“I am the crow Bhusandi. I sit on the nearby sacred tree chanting

the divine name of Rama.” (Act Five)
““O Maharaja, I beg you to accept me, along with all at my command.”
(Act Five)

“My hankering to see Lord Jagannatha has broken the chains of

constraint.” (Act Seven)
 “T feel like a blind man seeing for the first time.” (Act Seven)

“Listen, dear children, to the boons Lord Jagannatha has given.”

(Act Seven)
 iy SACT FOUR ©
¢ LALITA [Stammering]. No, No! I thought you
were a monkey.

[At this Indradyumna roars with laughter]

VIDYAPATI. Monkey! First you thrash me with

your broom, and now you abuse me with ill names?

INDRADYUMNA. A royal reception!

LALITA [Helpless, she bows at Vidyapati’s feet].

O my husband, please forgive me.

VIDYAPATI. Never mind, never mind. [He pats

her on the head forgivingly] Stand up. I have returned,
true to my word, and this time not alone. My dear,
please offer your respects to the emperor himself,
Maharaja Indradyumna.

[She pranamas respectfully]

INDRADYUMNA. King of the monkeys!

[They all laugh]

VIDYAPATI. Now, seriously, is your father

home? The emperor wishes to meet him.

LALITA. Yes, he hasn’t been goin’ out much

lately.

VIDYAPATI [Eying the king meaningfully]. Oh?

Why is that?

LALITA. Well, I don’t know. He seems ill, but he

won’t say what’s wrong. The other day his whole body
started tremblin’, he fell on the ground and was foamin’
from the mouth. Other times he’s feverish and just lies
in his bed, breathin’ real heavy. Whenever I try to help
*im,
he just gets angry with me.

53
 THE COMMANDMENT
VISVAVASU [From behind the scenes, annoyed].
- Lalita? Who’s there?

LALITA [Calling to, him]. Vidyapatt's s returned

with a very special guest.

VIDYAPATI [To Indradyumna]. Let me deal with

him.

[Enter Visvavasu, stopping just in front of the cur-

tain]

VIDYAPATI [Rushes over to greet him with arti-

ficial enthusiasm]. My dear father-in-law, it’s so nice
to see you!
[As he shakes Visvavasu's hand with both of his,
Visvavasu moves his arm mechanically. Tight-lipped, he
stares beyond Vidyapati, his eyes fixed on the king.
Vidyapati, seeing Visvavadsu unresponsive, leads him
over to the king and speaks]
Please allow me to introduce His Majesty,
Maharaja Indradyumna, emperor of the world.

VISVAVASU. I was expecting your visit sooner.

VIDYAPATI. Maharaja Indradyumna, descen-

dant of Sirya’s glorious race, is touring the earth,
ridding her of all insubordinate miscreants. Out of
affection he has interrupted his travels to show special
honor to our family.

VISVAVASU [Impudently]. Our family? Perhaps

you've forgotten that we subsist by raisin’ pigs? We’re
untouchables. Why contaminate His Majesty with our
presence? Or are we the insubordinates he wishes to
subdue?

INDRADYUMNA. Notat all. The kings of Avanti-

pura and the priestly members of Vidyapati’s family

Eye
 ACT FOUR |
_ have been on intimate terms for generations. I’ve
looked forward very much to this meeting. Besides, I
find this simple setting a pleasant contrast to the opu-
lence of palace life.

VISVAVASU. Whether standin’ in such a filthy

place provides an interestin’ change, I can’t say, but to
be stuck here for one’s whole life is certainly no picnic.
Anyway, if our poverty is entertainin’, then at least
we’ve rendered a little service.

INDRADYUMNA. Your son-in-law speaks

highly of your saintly qualities.

VISVAVASU. My son-in-law’s so clever he’ll

convince the washerman’s brayin’ ass is a great philo-
sopher. Don’t believe a word he says.

VIDYAPATI. I described how magnanimous you

were for giving me your daughter, though she alone
tended to all your needs. And most of all, I related to the
king in detail your intimate relationship with Lord Nila
Madhava.
INDRADYUMNA. Where is the fault in this
brahmana’s words?

VISVAVASU. His words are sweet, but like a

whore’s alluring smile, they hide a cheating heart.

LALITA [Aghast and hurt]. Father! Don’t speak

like that!
INDRADYUMNA. No, no. It’s not as you think,
dear girl. What he meant to say was...
A brahmana, by his sweet but truthful speech,
relieves one of one’s material attachments, just as a
prostitute, by fully satisfying her client, cheats him of
his lusty feelings.

55
PySes
 THE COMMANDMENT
VISVAVASU. I don’t know what my material at-
tachments are, but what name should I give one who
steals away the object of my spiritual attachment?And
what punishment does he deserve?

INDRADYUMNA. Isn’t it I who should be asking

these questions of you?

VISVAVASU [To Vidydpati]. You may be learned

in the Vedas...[His angry speech increases in tempo and
volume.]
[To Indradyumna] And no doubt you have unlim-
ited power and wealth. You think you can purchase God
with these, just as you got that garland. But He’s
completely indifferent to all your allurements. What’s
the value of your puny wealth and knowledge? Nothin’!
Nothin’! He’ll never, no never, be yours. Do you hear
me? He’s gone! Gone because of you!

INDRADYUMNA /[Hotly]. Enough! Yuddhavira!

Yuddhavira!

[Enter Yuddhavira with two soldiers rushing in]

INDRADYUMNA [Pointing to Visvavasu]. Ar-

rest him!

YUDDHAVIRA [As the two soldiers grab

Visvavasu by the arms, Yuddhavira unsheathes his
sword, making Lalita shriek]. Ah! What is this! You
low-class candala! How dare you shout at the royal
monarch!
INDRADYUMNA. Check your wrath, valiant
- Yuddhavira. :

YUDDHAVIRA. Is he drunk with wine?

INDRADYUMNA. Unfortunately, no.

56
 ACT FOUR —

YUDDHAVIRA. Then am I to tolerate this insult? _

What use is this weapon and these mighty arms if in
their presence irreligion can arrogantly stand?

INDRADYUMNA. Patience, dear sir. [Turning to

Visvavasu] Now, I ask you, in the name of Visnu, where
have you hidden Nila Madhava? [Visvavasu remains
tight-lipped]
[Violently] Answer me! [He waits for an answer,
but when none comes he says] So, you will not admit to
this heinous act? [A final pause] Yuddhavira, have this
village surrounded. Seize every grown man and have
him tied up. Then search every home. Allow no one to
leave, neither man, woman, nor child. :
[To Visvavadsu, angrily] You want to know the: :
punishment for stealing the object of one’s spiritual at-
tachment? Well, now you shall find out firsthand! Take — .
him away!
[Exit Yuddhavira, sword still in hand, holding
Visvavasu by the collar. The two soldiers assist Yuddha-
vira in restraining Visvavasu. Lalita weeps]
[To Vidyapati] Comfort your wife. Better take her
inside. [Exit Vidydpati, leading his wife]
[Indradyumna paces back and forth, deep in
thought]
[Anxious and growing dizzy] My Lord, where are
you? My mind reels at the thought of what this Sabara —
has done. [He supports himself against a pillar]
[Disappointedly] At the outset I should have come
to Niladri myself. But instead I attended personally to
lesser matters and engaged others to find You who are
the goal of my life. Now, just see the result!
[Humbly] But then, my life had been a dreary
chronicle of worldly affairs.It is better that I sent
Vidyapati, for the brGhmanas are more dear to You than
all others.

57
 THE COMMANDMENT

[Thoughtfully] The fact is, no one can move You

against Your will; of that I am certain.
- [Enviously] does it mean You wish to be wor-
shiped by this Sabara king? Is his desire more intense
than mine? Has he bound You by devotion, not by
force?
[Enter Yuddhavira]

YUDDHAVIRA. Your Majesty!

INDRADYUMNA. Yes?

YUDDHAVIRA. We have searched every

Sabara’s house, but the Deity is nowhere to be found.

INDRADYUMNA. And their “king”—what does

~ ne say?

YUDDHAVIRA. Like a dumb man, he maintains

stony silence, strangely calm and indifferent amidst all
the tumult.
INDRADYUMNA. Only moments ago, this -
Sabara was neither dumb nor dull. And now he: with-
draws into himself, like a tortoise tucking its limbs
within. His tolerance befits a great sage, not a swine-
herd. Are his thoughts sublime, or merely debased? If
only I could read his mind.

YUDDHAVIRA. Well, I’ll soon find out how hard

his stony shell is. I'll chisel away at his fortitude until
he cracks, using my sword like a miner his pickaxe. I’ll
break away his hard, crusty shell until he finally tells
where he’s hidden Lord Nila Madhava. I assure you,
Your Majesty, you won't have to wait much longer.

[Exit Yuddhavira]

‘58
 ACT FOUR
INDRADYUMNA. I wish it had not come to this.
I have followed Vidyapati’s counsel, but all else has”
failed.

[The sounds of a vind and chanting are heard from

behind the scenes]

INDRADYUMNA [Surprised and looking]. What

is that? Ah, it is the venerable sage Narada Muni. /Enter
Narada Muni]
[Indradyumna offers obeisances] My Lord, you
have come in a most timely way, for the disappearance
of Sri Nila Madhava has plunged me into an ocean of
anxiety.
NARADA MUNI [Blessing]. O Indradyumna, O
virtuous one, be pacified. The siddhas, rsis, and demi-
gods of the higher worlds have all heard of your exalted
devotion and wish you will. Therefore please be free of
all anxiety. :
You should know that the Supreme Personality of
Godhead eternally exists beyond the influence of this
material energy. Under the illusion of His spiritual po--
tency, yogamdayd, you are now in anxiety that some
harm has come to Him, exactly as an ordinary servant
worries for the welfare of his beloved master. Dear
Indradyumna, the Supreme Lord controls the three
worlds, and even the greatest demigods obey His or-
ders. What is the question of any harm coming to Him?
The Lord has left here for reasons of His own, so
you need not punish the Sabaras. They are innocent.
And their leader, ViSvavasu, is as great a devotee of the
Lord as you. Despite your ardent desire to see Him, the ~
Lord will no longer be visible to you in His Nila.
Madhava form.
INDRADYUMNA. Never again?

ree
ene) ¥ a Se te EF OO eee Pena

THE COMMANDMENT
NARADA MUNI. Never. Now compose yourself
‘and listen attentively, for I have come to tell you of the
Lord’s desire.
INDRADYUMNA. I am listening with full sub-
mission. [He joins palms]

NARADA MUNI. Construct a magnificent temple

upon this sacred mountain of Niladri. Then, just to
- please you the Lord will appear in an extraordinary
form carved from a wooden log. He will be known as
Jagannatha and shower benedictions upon the entire
world. Have you understood?
INDRADYUMNA. My dear sage, your words
have spared not only the Sabaras’ lives, but my own life
as well. On the horizon of the sea of despair, hope again
lifts its eager face, like the sun rising after a long stormy
night.

NARADA MUNI. When the temple is complete, I

shall return and take you to the abode of Lord Brahma,
the creator. We shall invite him to personally inaugu-
rate the temple worship. Now I must go.
[Exit N@rada Muni as Indradyumna offers obei-
- gsances.] -
x

INDRADYUMNA [To himself]. 1 must stop Yud-

dhavira. [Calling out] Jayasila!

[Enter Jayasila]
JAYASILA. Your Majesty called?
INDRADYUMNA. Have Yuddhavira bring the
Sabara king here at once. And send Vidyapati as well.

JAYASILA. Yes, Your Majesty.

60
 |eed

Seid SIONS Aer FOUR

[Exit Jayasila and enter Vidyapati]

INDRADYUMNA. My dear friend, I almost com-

mitted a great sin.
VIDYAPATI. That could only be in regard to my
father-in-law. Has the Deity been found?

INDRADYUMNA. Yes...and no.

[Vidyapati looks quizzically at Indradyumna. En-

ter Jayasila, followed by Visvavasu, with hands bound =
together, and Yuddhavira, following in the rear]
INDRADYUMNA. Yuddhavira, your sword.

YUDDHAVIRA. Please let me handle him.

INDRADYUMNA [Insistent]. Your sword!
[Yuddhavira reluctantly hands Indradyumna the
sword. Indradyumna cuts the bonds, freeing ViSvavasu]

YUDDHAVIRA [Bewildered]. 1 don’t under-

stand?

VIDYAPATI. There are many things you don’t sd

understand.

INDRADYUMNA /To Jayasila]. Release all the.

Sabaras and give each of them a hundred gold coins.
Tell them that Indradyumna, King of Avantipura, out of
esteem for their king and as compensation for whatever -
trouble he has caused them, offers this small gift in
hopes they’ll be satisfied.

JAYASILA. Is there anything further?

INDRADYUMNA. Yes. Tell them there isno way _
to measure their good fortune, for the Lord of the
Universe, the Supreme Creator of all the worlds, has

61
 ~

THE COMMANDMENT
declared that He will soon manifest Himself in a special
form made of wood to accept the worship of all people
of the world, and that a great temple will be constructed
here at Niladri.
[Exit Jayasila]
[To Visvavasu] Dear sir, I beg your forgiveness.
Out of desperation to find Lord Nila Madhava, I
wrongly blamed you. As you well know, there is no
greater pain than being separated from the Lord. I was
just visited by Sri Narada Muni, the sage of the demi-
gods. He praised your exalted devotion for the Lord.
Now I realize that your anger was due to intense feel-
ings of separation from Nila Madhava. Please excuse
my hostility as the ignorance of one also blinded by
love.

[Visvavasu maintains an icy silence]

VIDYAPATI [Intervening]. Well, then, wonder-

ful! Wonderful! This is indeed a cause for rejoicing! I
shall have to prepare a feast. Yes, let the whole village
be invited. Who could have imagined such bitter rivalry
ending in mutual satisfaction? Enmity transformed into
admiration. Here is the proof of God’s greatness—that
He can accept the service of unlimited devotees and
reciprocate perfectly with each.
My dear Indradyumna, even among the saints of
this world your devotional fervor Surpasses all, as the
golden Mount Sumeru towers above the island of Jam-
budvipa and eclipses the Himalayas.
[To Visvavasu] Father-in-law, who can estimate
your good fortune? Do you not feel joy at the prospect
of having such a magnificent temple by your very door?

VISVAVASU [Despondently]. Joy? Yes, for you

and your king. Myself, I’m condemned.

INDRADYUMNA. Why, good sir?

62
 re bet

ACT FOUR —

VISVAVASU. No, not “sir.” A king, yes, but of

the low-born swineherds. Shall we be permitted to enter
your temple?
INDRADYUMNA. Not “my” temple. It shall be-
long to the Lord of the Universe, who counts all, from
emperor to Sabara, as His sons.
_ VISVAVASU. In the towns, untouchables like us
are sweepers.

INDRADYUMNA .I shall consider it a great honor

to be a sweeper for the Lord.

VISVAVASU. And I, too. Indeed, I’ll be happy to

perform any service for my Lord. How kind He was to
one so low! He accepted the simple food from my very
hands—fruits and vegetables gathered from the forest.
He let me bathe Him with these hands and massage His
body with fragrant oil. How intimate our relationship
was! O my Lord, my dearmost friend, why, why have
You forsaken Me?
Will it ever be like that again? Alone, the two of us,
day after day, month after month, for years together?
Amidst the throngs of worshipers, served with such
opulence and splendor, will You still notice Your
Sabara friend? O Madhava! Nila Madhava! Nila
Madhava! [He weeps] ;

INDRADYUMNA [Comforting him]. My brother,

please hear me. Nila Madhava is with you still, only
now He has entered deep within your heart and en-
throned Himself upon a golden seat of love, just as you
have eternally endeared yourself to Him. I have just
heard Narada Muni glorify your exalted devotion. Be
consoled by this knowledge: There is no question of
actual separation for one whose love is as great as yours.
 ‘THE COMMANDMENT
VISVAVASU [Softly, head bowed]. What is our “a
-Lord’s desire?

INDRADYUMNA [Smiling]. He will come as

Jagannatha Svami to shower benedictions upon all
people of the world, without distinction.

VISVAVASU [With determination]. What needs

to be done?

INDRADYUMNA. A temple worthy of His glory

must be constructed to receive Him. Rulers throughout
the world must be informed that they should offer their
_ wealth and their best sculptors for this purpose.

VIDYAPATI. And I shall arrange for thousands of

brahmanas to perform one thousand continuous
asvamedha-yajnas. | will ask the villagers to supply
ghee from the best of their cows and ample grains from
their fields. Knowing the Lord’s desire, the ruling
demigods of the various planetary systems will un-
doubtedly bless us with their presence and preside over
the function. For this will be no ordinary occasion: The
Lord of all creation is going to appear.

VISVAVASU [Eagerly]. And what is our part, we

Sabaras? Please order us.
INDRADYUMNA. All able-bodied men, women,
and children of the village should help. We require huge
quantities of stone for building. Where is the nearest
source?
VISVAVASU. Baulamala, not far from here.
INDRADYUMNA. Then a road must be con-
structed from there directly to Niladri forest.
How glorious the day when we will see the Lord
riding upon a chariot to the magnificent temple for His

64
 1}

% : + +
 ACT FIVE
THE RETURN

[Enter Lord Brahma and Narada Muni]

LORD BRAHMA. Dear son, Narada, pray that

Indradyumna return to earth with the swiftness of
Garuda, for time moves impatiently in its destined
course. May his prayers be sincere, his deeds ever
fruitful.

NARADA MUNI. My father, as you are the highest

authority, your blessings assure the success of
Indradyumna’s mission.

LORD BRAHMA. Narada, this king’s good quali-

ties are assurances enough. He must be an intimate
devotee of the Lord, for how else could he enter this
planet, Satyaloka, which is inaccessible to humans?

NARADA MUNI. This is a fact. Who but Indra-

dyumna could have built such a majestic temple, tower-
ing toward the sun, cleaving the heavens.

LORD BRAHMA. He wanted me to offer this

temple to the Lord, hoping my presentation would
induce the Lord to appear. But Jagannatha will come
only by Indradyumna’s fervent prayers. Throughout
the first fifty years of my life, Lord Hari was present as
the Nila Madhava Deity. Today marks the beginning of
the second half of my life, when Jagannatha shall reign
supreme.
67
 THE RETUON
SAE RN a Noe es: ee Res.
NARADA MUNI. When you explained Lord —
Jagannatha’s liberal compassion, the reason for His
|
advent became strikingly clear.

~ LORD BRAHMA. Nila Madhava’s mercy was

available to relatively few. But Lord Jagannatha will
not distinguish between demigods or humans, highbo
rn
or low-, male or female. Whoever sees Him will at once
be liberated. Even in Kali-yuga, when men are devoid
of all virtues, they will still receive the blessi
ngs of
Jagannatha’s causeless mercy. Such is His destin
ed
mission, which none can check. Yet Indradyumna alone
can cause Him to appear.

NARADA MUNI. Then with my father’s permis-

sion I shall at once go to assist Indradyumna, for all
our
hope and confidence rest upon him.

LORD BRAHMA. I shall not be far behind. As

Indradyumna has requested, I will come to establish
the
Lord in His magnificent temple.

[Exit both]

END OF PRELUDE
[Enter Indradyumna, descending in a flower air-
plane]

INDRADYUMNA. As I near the earth aboard this

flower airplane, a host of thoughts, like an advance
greeting party of my dearmost friends, comes
forward
_ to embrace my mind. Vidyapati will be overjo
yed to
hear of Jagannatha’s manifestation; the transc
endental
wooden log, originally a kalpa-vrksa desire tree,
Swept
down in the Milk Ocean from the island of Svetad
vipa.
And brokenhearted Visvavasu shall finally be
consoled
when he realizes that Nila Madhava’s sudden
departure
was a deception of love to favor His devotees with
even

68
 ACT FIVE
greater mercy. My devoted commander Yuddhavira, as
well as my queen, must be waiting, ever faithful. When
I describe the opulences of Satyaloka, they will open
their mouths wide in amazement.
Soon I shall be with you all, for there is the temple’s
summit, with its sharp cakra puncturing the passing
clouds in joyous victory.
[He alights from the airplane and walks toward the
temple] Everything appears in the same good condition
it was in when I left with Narada. Those who visit now
can scarcely realize the great struggle we underwent to
complete the construction. Thousands of men tirelessly
labored to bring these colossal stones great distances.
Then the most talented craftsmen from far and near set
to work, skillfully carving the slabs and setting them in
the
place, until at last the lofty gopuram towered toward
heavens. :
{know —
[He touches the walls as he moves forward]
each stone as if it were my own dear child, raised with
affection. Only the brilliance of the slates, now porous
with age, has changed, like the smooth luster of youth
faded with the passage of years.
[Walking further] Now [enter the great hall, vast in
breadth, majestic in height, supported by massive,
towering pillars, each hewn from a single granite rock.
It gladdens my heart to see the devotion of my
of
family and priests. Even my heart to see the devotion
my family and priests. Even in my absenc e they have
the
kept the ghee lamps burning brightly, anticipating
. The entire chambe r is immacu late, like
Lord’s descent
d’s
a chaste young girl faithfully awaiting her husban
arrival.
[Walking still further and then looking high up] Ah,
n as- —
the Garuda-stambha, the tapered cylindrical colum
a’s —
cending toward the roof, a suitable mount for Tarksy
son, the Lord’s indomitable carrier.
[Pranaming and circumambulating] My _obeis-
my ab-
ances unto you, O strong-winged Garuda. In

69
 THE RETURN

sence you have guarded well your master’s house,

keeping out all intruders.
[From behind the scenes are heard gongs and
Vedic mantras]
The sounds of a ceremonial procession coming
this way. Perhaps my dear friend Vidyapati knew of my
arrival.
[Enter Visnusarma holding a sacrificial jug with
mango leaves and coconut atop, followed by two assist-
ants beating gongs. All chant Vedic mantras]
[To himself, disappointedly] Oh, it’s some other
_ priest with his assistants. But how much he resembles
my friend. By his bearing, even his appearance, I am
reminded of Vidyapati. How strange.
[With palms joined respectfully] My obeisances
unto you, who are so dear to the Lord that He bears your
footprint upon His divine chest. O descendant of Bhrgu,
tell me, in what ceremony are you engaged? Is it being
conducted under the direction of that best of all
brahmanas, Vidyapati?
VISNUSARMA. My name is Visnusarma. I am the
head priest, presiding over the forthcoming Deity in-
stallation. Your heroic appearance indicates you are a
member of the ksatriya caste. No doubt you have come
to attend the grand installation ceremony. Please, tell us
who you may be?
[To himself] In truth, I feel as though I already
know this hero.

INDRADYUMNA [Doubtful, to himself]. Is my

appearance so altered that I cannot be recognized?
. [To Visnusarma] Why, | am Indradyumna, King of
Avantipura.

VISNUSARMA [To himself]. I wonder if he is

_ related to the exalted king who built this temple? I feel
an uncommon affection for him.

70
 ACT FIVE
[To Indradyumna] Avanti is far to the west. You — :
have indeed come a great distance. You must be tired —
after such a long journey. Has Maharaja Galamadhava
been made aware of your presence so he may receive a
you properly and arrange for your quarters?

INDRADYUMNA [To himself]. Does he speak to

me? Or am I dreaming?
[To Visnusarma] O noble one, please do not joke
with me.

VISNUSARMA. Why should I joke, good sir? Or —

are you so eager to take part in the installation cere- _ ;
mony that you will put aside all formalities of recep-
tion?
INDRADYUMNA. Certainly I am eager. I live for
nothing else.

_VISNUSARMA. Then come along now, for we ar

proceeding to the sacrificial arena. ;

INDRADYUMNA. Good brahmana, what is this

ceremony you are going to perform? And you ment- —
ioned a King Galamadhava?

VISNUSARMA. Who has not heard of our

emperor’s glories? After the demise of King Suradeva,
whose jurisdiction extended to the limits of the earth, —
Maharaja Galamadhava assumed the throne. Not, how-
ever, before the challenge horse he had sent throughout
the world returned without a single contender. Thus our
emperor enjoys the support of all other kings, who
regularly honour him with valuable tributes. And he is
as charitable and religious as they. Witness this beauti- —
ful temple about to be dedicated to the Deity of Sri
Madhava, prepared under his personal supervision.

Sa
 THE RETURN __
INDRADYUMNA [Astonished]. How can this be?
Where is Vidyapati and brave Yuddhavira? Please tell
me what has become of them?

VISNUSARMA. Those revered souls are of the

distant past.

INDRADYUMNA. Distant past?

VISNUSARMA. I can assure you there is no

Vidyapati here now. With your permission, we shall
proceed with our duties.
INDRADYUMNA. No! I cannot give my permis-
sion. Not at all. Out of respect for your position, I shall
not challenge you personally, but as for your king, that
is a different matter. By whose authority does he occupy
this land, what to speak of this temple?

VISNUSARMA. As a ksatriya it is your duty to

follow our directions, not obstruct us in the perform-
ance of our sacred duties. If the emperor hears of this,
your life is not safe.

INDRADYUMNA. My life is protected by the Su- —

preme Lord, by whose order I have built this temple. As
long as I stand I shall not permit the installation of any
Deity other than Sri Jagannatha, Lord of the Universe.

[The priests look at each other, greatly disturbed]

VISNUSARMA [To his assistants only]. We must

immediately apprise Maharaja Galamadhava of this.
[To Indradyumna, nervously] 1 think we have for-
gotten some of the items needed for worship.
[To his assistants] Come, let us go back. [They
move toward the exit. Then, after the assistants have
exited, Visnusarma looks back a moment at Indra-

a
 ETS ayes a ay tee

_ ACT FIVE —

dyumna with intense emotion and says to himself] Oh,

this is terrible. This king is so powerful. What can his
purpose be? I must inform Galamadhava at once?

[Exit Visnusarma]

INDRADYUMNA [To himself]. What has hap-

pened here? With full confidence I left the kingdom
safe in the hands of Yuddhavira, with Vidyapati to look
after all priestly functions. But now, upon returning
from the heavenly planets, I find no reception. Rather,
it seems, I am a foreigner in my own home. “Vidyapati”
and “Yuddhavira” hallowed names only? Could it be
that during my stay in the heavenly planets time has
passed without my noticing? Otherwise, how could this
temple come under another’s control? I must be pre-
pared, for who knows what may happen next?
When returning from Satyaloka with Brahma’s
blessing, I was certain of success. But the present
circumstances plunge me headlong into doubt. Yet I
welcome this new challenge, this fire of ordeal. Let the
difficulties increase. Yes, let their intensity magnify!
For in the face of each new adversity, I see the Lord
coming close. Indeed, I feel His presence at every
moment, as if He’s standing by my side. Surely, through ©
His mercy I shall learn of my dearmost friends.

[From behind the scenes come the sound of many |

voices, one of which is particularly loud]

GALAMADHAVA. Death is the sweet redeemer —

for those who suffer in this world. Where is that stranger
who questions my authority and dares defile this
temple?

[Enter Galama@dhava, two guards, and Visnusarma

with two assistant priests]

43
 THE RETURN

GALAMADHAVA [To Visnusarma]. Is this the

visitor who disturbed your preparations for Sri
Madhava’s Deity installation? [Visnusarma nods in
confirmation].
[To Indradyumna] 1 am Galamadhava, emperor of
the world. Under my rule, all good men are welcome.
But those who defy religious principles are severely
chastised. You call yourself the King of Avanti, but how
can you be a descendant of the great monarch Indra-
dyumna if you plan to upset this sacred ceremony? I
demand that you declare your intentions immediately.
And if it is my authority you question, I am prepared to
put your doubts to rest.

INDRADYUMNA [Angrily]. So quick to take off-

ense and draw conclusions? It seems your temper has
caused you to mistake friend for foe. Such hasty words
do not befit one who calls himself an emperor. Know it,
then, that I am Indradyumna of Avanti, fifth in line
from the creator Brahma, from whose planet I have just
come.
GALAMADHAVA. King Indradyumna_ passed
away ages ago. Do not try to deceive me.

INDRADYUMNA [Growing violent]. I assure

you, I am no imposter! This temple is under my charge
and shall be the home only of Lord Jagannatha, by
whose order I had it built. It is not I who am the
imposter! But enough of words. If need be, my sword
will speak the truth with its sharp-edged tongue and
reveal who wears the disguise.

[Enter suddenly Bhisandi the crow, flying while re-

_ peatedly calling out, “Ram, Ram.” All observe the
crow’s flight back and forth before them]

VISNUSARMA. It is the crow who always perches

near the temple. Like a mendicant beggar, he chants the

74
 ACT FIVE
name of Rama and lives simply on the prasadam of-
fered by visiting pilgrims.
INDRADYUMNA [To Galamddhava]. You have
been saved by the holy name of Rama, which causes © .
death to run in fear and burning wrath to be extin-
guished.
You, crow! Why have you saved this thief, when
his corpse could soon have been your next meal?

BHUSANDI. I am the crow Bhisandi. Yuga after

yuga I sit on the nearby sacred tree, chanting the divine
name of Rama. All is known to me, for I have witnessed
the events of millions of years.

INDRADYUMNA. Since you take the name of

Rama, your words must be true. Tell me, then, who are
these strangers, and how dare they act as if this temple,
built by my efforts, were their own?

BHUSANDI. First allow me to offer my most res-

pectful obeisances unto you, mighty monarch, foremost
among men and best of all devotees. Having built this
temple, which has no equal, you ascended with your
earthly body to the planet of the immortals. Truly, you
are to be worshipped by all men.

[Galamadhava, Visnusarmd, and others are visibly

taken aback by this pronouncement]

INDRADYUMNA [To himself]. Here is my first

real reception. How ironic! Though usually the crow’s
cawing disturbs the peace, how sweetly this crow
speaks. Yet mistakenly these well-meaning brahmanas
have greeted me with crow-like shrieks.
[To the crow] O Bhisandi, may Rama pour His
blessings upon you! Now that I am home, I am impat-
ient to greet those dear to me. Tell me, where is

TS
 THE RETURN

Vidyapati, best of the twice-born, and Visvavasu, his

father-in-law, who is so dear to the Lord? And the
queen, and Yuddhavira?

BHUSANDI. O king, though it is hardly proper to

offer sad tidings upon arrival, please prepare yourself.

INDRADYUMNA [To himself]. His words already

seem to confirm my suspicions. And the present events
give little hope.
[To the crow] Please remove all my doubts!

BHUSANDL. I said that I sit here yuga after yuga.

INDRADYUMNA. Yes, I have heard you.

BHUSANDI. My dear king, you have been away a

very, very long time. Since you left, the passing months
have turned to years...the years of lifetimes.

INDRADYUMNA [Understanding, he is awe-

struck and utters a long sigh, going down on one knee,
his hand covering his eyes]
[Slowly]. I see. Then it is as Lord Brahma said.
“Time moves impatiently in its destined course.”
Though my stay in Satyaloka was not very long, by
earthly calculations ages have passed. Are they all
gone? My family? Friends? Subjects?

BHUSANDI. Expecting your imminent return,

Vidyapati had the sacrificial fire kept burning brightly
in anticipation of Lord Jagannatha’s appearance. Years
passed, and then some of the citizens began to speak ill
of you, having lost faith that you would ever return.
This pained Vidyapati deeply, and gradually his hope
also eroded. Yet the heavy tears of his loving friendship
continued to fuel the sacrificial fire like hot ghee,
keeping it alive. Not until the very end, with his final
breath, did the sacred flame flicker and die.

= 76
 ACT FIVE

INDRADYUMNA [Crushed]. Ahh. Vidyapati.

Best friend. Gone...and devoted Visvavasu?

BHUSANDI. At first, with full faith in your words,

he waited, consoled by the thought that the Lord would
soon appear. But as time passed, he grew despondent,
and at last he followed his heart to the forested slopes of
Niladri, where in seclusion he had rendered intimate
service to the Lord. Wandering alone in those forests,
always immersed in thoughts of Nila Madhava, he gave
up his body out of intense separation, taking advantage
of a forest fire.
As for brave Yuddhavira, he died in combat de-
fending the kingdom in your absence.
And your family, especially the chaste Queen
Gundica...

INDRADYUMNA. No, spare me the rest, for pain

has filled my heart to overflowing. How shall I endure
any more? Only yesterday we were together, and their
memory is yet freshly painted upon the canvas of my
mind.
Where shall I ever find such friends again, who
were like the elixir of joy to my eyes and a delight to my
heart, and who shared equally with me in my pleasure
and my pain? Times of adversity proved their friend-
ship true, unlike that of those who thirst for gain and
praise one only in prosperity. Though I have gone to
heaven, a step from Vaikuntha, and though Brahma has
blessed me that the Lord will surely come, without these
dear friends, what welcome can I give, and with whom
shall I share Jagannatha’s darsana?

VISNUSARMA [To everyone]. My God! He is

Indradyumna, the jewel of ksatriya kings! O monarch,
for failing to recognize you, whose fame is universally
known, we deserve to be condemned.

thes
THE RETURN

You were luminous like the sun at high noon, and

thus your sudden departure plunged the earth into the
dreadful darkness of eclipse. In your continued ab-
sence, the seasons became an unending winter, and the
temple you built, hidden forlornly beneath layers of
deep, white sand, became like a Himalayan peak cov-
ered with snow.

GALAMADHAVA. Hearing of your glorious

temple, I excavated it with much difficulty and restored
it to its original beauty. Now it is yours without ques-
tion. O Maharaja, I beg you to accept me, along with all
at my command, to be used as you see fit. Though I can
hardly compare with those dear to you in the past, still
stand ready to do as you bid.

VISNUSARMA [To Indradyumna]. Please forgive

the harsh words spoken at first, for real friends are like
coconuts, outwardly rough but sweet at heart.
[Seeing him silent] Maharaja, it is said that friend-
ship between the wicked, like an earthen vessel, is
easily broken and only with great difficulty repaired,
but that friendship between the good is like a pot of
gold—difficult to break and easily restored.
When we first met, I felt naturally inclined to offer
you the accrued assets of my pious deeds. Now I under-
stand the cause of my spontaneous affection. Lord
Jagannatha has already claimed this temple as His own
and wishes us to serve Him exclusively. We have
already performed the ceremonies to invoke good for-
tune, though for the Madhava Deity instead. But it was
actually for Lord Jagannatha that all the arrangements
were made. Without our knowledge, the Lord has had us
prepare for His advent.

GALAMADHAVA [Seeing Indradyumna remain-

ing silent]. Will you not accept our help? Please tolerate
our rudeness. After all, in the absence of the father, the

78
 -

ACE FIVE.

eldest son must overlook the indiscretions of his

younger brothers for the sake of maintaining family
unity and satisfying his father’s wishes.

INDRADYUMNA. I am beyond insult. What is

there left in this world worth striving for? Friends,
family—they have all been taken. I wanted the benedic-
tion of being concerned only with worshipping the
Lord. Now, by His will, that desire has been fulfilled.

VISNUSARMA. Family and friends are like

twinkling stars. The full-moon Lord can alone illumine
the dark night. O noble king, if you grant us your asso-
ciation, we too may bathe in those soothing moon-
beams. Please let us serve the Lord. Is there no way we
can help you hasten His appearance?

INDRADYUMNA. Who am I to deny your re-

quest? Lord Jagannatha’s appearance has this special
feature. None shall be barred from offering Him servce.
He comes to deliver the most fallen. Therefore I claim
the right of first worship.
But regarding His advent, there is nothing you can
do, for it is by His sweet will alone that He will come.
[Pausing] You can pray, however, for you are a
brahmana, and He may hear your prayers.
As for myself, I shall withdraw my senses from all
activity. Sitting upon a mat of sacred kuSa grass, with its
tips facing east, taking neither food nor water, I shall
focus my mind and repose my heart at the Lord’s lotus
feet. Either Jagannatha appears, or death will carry me
to the Lord’s eternal shelter. Now please, I want to be
alone.
[All but Indradyumna pranama and exit]
In exception of the Lord’s appearance, I should be
dressing myself in garments of rejoicing. Yet instead I
bear cruel Fate’s heavy cloak. My eyes, which should |
sparkle in happy anticipation, are blind, burning pools

79
 THE RETURN
of tears. My body, which should exhaust itself in in-
tense preparation, twists now in agonizing separation
from those who were my dearmost friends.
Let me go outside. Perhaps the cool night air will
relieve my feverish condition.
[He moves around, looks upwards, and feels pe
of rain] It has begun to rain. The moon, shrouded in
clouds, seems to cry hot tears. His shriveled, dull coun-
tenance reveals that he too is in mourning.
[Addressing the moon] O noble brother, brilliant
luminary of the night-time sky, why do you cover your
face in gloom? Restlessly you. wander across the dark
heaven’s firmament, passing sleepless nights in
search...of whom? Silently you move through the con-
stellations’ houses, bound on a lone journey you alone
fathom. Is it for some distant loved ones, O brother of
the night, that you pour forth such heartfelt tears? Well,
I too am searching and, in desperation, crying, and my
burning tears mix with yours and strike the earth with
such force that they draw a cry of anguish from her
depths and leave a stifling mist upon her face.

[Exit Indradyumna]

END OF ACT FIVE

80
 ACT SIX
THE SACRED LOG

[Enter Narada Muni]

NARADA MUNI. Blessed earth, O Mother Bhtmi,

today you look especially radiant and satisfied at heart,
for the Lord of the Universe, borne upon the ocean’s
mighty waves, has arrived, entrusted to your loving
care. By choosing you as His mother, Lord Hari has
ignored the prayers of all other planetary deities.
Seeing Indradyumna fasting to death, Lord
Jagannatha appeared to him in a dream and reassured
him that the time for His advent had come. The Lord
directed the king to Bankimuhan, where He would
arrive as a great log, floating on the ocean.
Listen! The drum’s beating and the din of the
crowd surpass the ocean’s mighty roar. O mother, this
sandy beach of Bankimuhan shall ever be renowned as
the place where Lord Jagannatha first rested after His
long journey. 2
Look! There lies that wondrous log—marked with
the four symbols of Visnu—from whose self-manifest
form Lord Jagannatha shall soon emerge. Even the
greatest of sinners shall gain liberation by seeing Him
only once.
A sea of human bodies surges back and forth, its
thousands of wavelike arms trying to free the log from

$1
~ THE SACRED LOG
the sand. But this log is not mere wood, to be moved by
ordinary means or carved with mundane tools. The
- efforts of these souls shall all prove useless: Ihave come
just in time to intercede on Indradyumna’s behalf.

[Exit Narada Muni]

END OF PRELUDE —
[Enter King Indradyumna and Galamadhava]

GALAMADHAVA. My words are as worthless as

a quiver of headless arrows set upon a bow of false
pride.
Imagine! Hundreds of men whose strength was
never before checked now stand vanquished. Though
their muscles rippled, glistening with sweat from their
exertion, that log remained impervious to all their
attempts at dislodging it. The best of my elephants, ina
rutting, maddened state, have become tamed to timid-
-ity, their rage exhausted in pulling and pushing. That
log is as immovable as the mighty Himalayas.

INDRADYUMNA. You did your best, Gala-

madhava, and your men performed admirably. Even
_ Indra himself, with all the legions at his command,
would have failed to move Lord Jagannatha. But I am
not disappointed, for the Lord has His own will. It is no
disgrace to be humbled by the Lord.
You are not dealing with an ordinary log. This tree,
like a hair of the Lord’s transcendental body, is as
absolute and all-powerful as the Supreme Lord Him-
self. It is He who brings forth numberless universes,
floats them in space, and effortlessly retracts them, all
within a single breath.
He fills each universe with unlimited living enti-
ties, maintains them all as the Supersoul within, and at
last, as the fire of devastation, destroys all that is made

82
 “ACT SIX.
of matter. Now this Supreme Lord, the original Visnu, —
the object of Siva’s meditation, sits incarnated before
us as a transcendental log.
Just to show His mercy to the conditioned souls,
He appears as the Deity through a variety of mediums:
Earth, stone, jewels, metal, paint, even within the mind.
May that supremely merciful Lord, who has come now
as a wooden log, please manifest Himself before us. ©

[A loud roar is heard from behind the scenes]

GALAMADHAVA. Listen! What has happened?

[Enter Visnusarma, running, out of breath]

VISNUSARMA. Maharaja! Maharaja Indra-

dyumna! Jagannatha has moved! ;

GALAMADHAVA. Impossible!
INDRADYUMNA [Exultantly]. He has heard my
prayers. Tell us!

VISNUSARMA [Catching his breath]. Even after

you left, thousands of people remained behind. Stand-
ing despondently in the huge craters the flailing ele-
phants had made in the sand, they looked like tiny ants
milling about in helpless frustration.

INDRADYUMNA. So then?

VISNUSARMA. Maharaja, suddenly from out of

the crowd stepped a burly fellow, rough and disheveled.
He quickly offered his obeisances to that sacred log of
incalculable weight and then proceeded to lift it up,
even as a child picks up a stick to play with it.

GALAMADHAVA. Who was he?

83
 THE SACRED LOG
VISNUSARMA /[Excitedly]. When the crowd saw
his wondrous feat, surpassing the efforts of your entire
army, they hoisted the hero upon their shoulders.

. GALAMADHAVA. But what is his name? Did

~ you not ask?

VISNUSARMA. Dancing with joy and holding

him aloft, they shouted, “Virabhadra! Virabhadra! King
of the Sabaras!”
INDRADYUMNA. “King of the Sabaras?” How
wonderful!

GALAMADHAVA. A swineherd? An ordinary

Sabara outdoing the best of my army?
_ VISNUSARMA. He’s far from ordinary.
GALAMADHAVA. Well, if he lives so near my
capital, why have I never heard of him before?

INDRADYUMNA. Fame smiles as easily upon the

sinful as the pious; it is not a true sign of a man’s real
worth. To recognize virtue, you must study the heart,
_and I think this Sabara is quite up to the mark.
GALAMADHAVA. You speak as if you have met
this man before?

INDRADYUMNA. Yes, perhaps in a past life. In

any event, his presence gives me hope. Let us go and
congratulate him for doing what we found impossible.

VISNUSARMA. Follow me.

[They walk about]

INDRADYUMNA. I feel as though I’ ve tread this

_ path before, long ago, in a distant life. There were

84
 ee ty ee et

ACT SIX
friends like you, a prayer the same, with only the goal
of a different name.

VISNUSARMA. Though your body moves for-

ward, your mind lags behind, anchored in the memory
of bygone times. :

INDRADYUMNA. With one foot in the past, the

-other moving toward the future, who knows what the
present may hold? Is it not a great mystery? Just con-
sider with what seeming ease this Virabhadra lifted the
log. Surely there is divine will involved here.
VISNUSARMA. We have come to the path’s end.
GALAMADHAVA [Pointing]. There is the crowd,
still rejoicing.

VISNUSARMA. And see there—that muscular

man. He is Virabhadra.

GALAMADHAVA. Not very awesome. A bit on

the portly side, and a little oldish, don’t you think?

VISNUSARMA. Must you always judge by ap-

pearances? Why don’t you see what he has accom-
plished? And besides, it is said: A natural friend,
obtained simply by good luck and sincerely affection-
ate, will never forsake one, even in adversity.

INDRADYUMNA. Well spoken, Visnusarma.

Have him brought over.

GALAMADHAVA [Calls out]. Call the Sabara

here.

[Virabhadra enters with two guards and offers.

~ obeisances]

85
THE SACRED LOG.
GALAMADHAVA. I believe your name is Vira-
bhadra?

VIRABHADRA. Yes, my lord, it is.

GALAMADHAVA. You deserve our congrat-

ulations. This is Maharaja Indradyumna, and I am Gala-
madhava, your king. ' ;

VIRABHADRA. This is a great honor for me. I’ve

heard of you, King Indradyumna, ever since I was a
small child. I hope I can serve you, for then my fore-
fathers will be redeemed of the sins a Sabara must com-
mit.

VISNUSARMA. Among all classes of men, the

name “Indradyumna” is glorified.

INDRADYUMNA. Tell us, Virabhadra, when

Sabaras are by nature accustomed to keeping pigs and
sworn to unclean habits, how is it that you were so
_. interested in this sacred log, and what prompted you to
come forth and lift it?

[Virabhadra is hesitant to speak]

VISNUSARMA. Don’t be afraid to reply to the

~ Maharaja.

VIRABHADRA [Slowly]. It’s hard to explain. My

whole family’s always prayed to Visnu. When I heard
how the log had been found, I wanted to see. Then I
came, and suddenly I felt as. if Visnu Himself wac
callin’ me forward, tellin’ me to lift Him.

GALAMADHAVA [To Visnusarma]. 1 thought

Sabaras worship ghosts and spirits.
VISNUSARMA. I told you, he’s not a common
_ Sabara.

86
 ACT SIX
INDRADYUMNA. For how many as has
- your family worshipped Visnu?

VIRABHADRA. As long as I know of.

INDRADYUMNA. And have they always lived in
this village?
VIRABHADRA. No. Before, our family dwelled
in the forests of Niladri. Maharaja, can I ask you a
question? It’s said that one of my forefathers by the
name of ViSvavasu...

INDRADYUMNA [Rushes over. and embraces

Virabhadra]. Ahh, Virabhadra!

[Virabhadra tries to restrain Indradyumna, as does

Galamadhava]

VIRABHADRA. My lord, please don’t touch me!

I’m condemned and unclean!

GALAMADHAVA. You, Sabara! Keep away from

the king!
INDRADYUMNA [Holding Virabhadra’s hand].
Virabhadra, I am King Indradyumna of Avanti.
-Visvavasu was more dear to me than my own brother.

GALAMADHAVA [Protesting]. But he’s an out-

caste!
VISNUSARMA [Checking him]. Stop, Gala-
madhava! You are wrong. Devotion knows no such
restrictions.
INDRADYUMNA [Checking himself}. Reminded
of Visvavasu, I forgot myself for a moment. Just see
Jagannatha’s mercy! In the absence of Visvavasu, the
Lord has sent you.

87
-- THE SACRED LOG ~
:
[To the others] 1 wish to speak alone with the 3|
Sabara. When one discovers an old family acquain-
tance, a little intimacy easily restores the bond.
[Exit Galamadhava, Visnusarmda, and two guards]
[To Virabhadra] You remind me so much of
Visvavasu—though you’re not so feisty, I hope.
This time, when day meets night, reflects my
motley state of mind. The amber setting sun casts its
pale glimmer upon the grove, whose trees trace dim
shadows
on the rippled sand, like fingers reaching for
the water’s edge. The sun’s heat lingers, baked within
the white sands, a languid reminder of the day’s fever-
ish pace. But feel the cool as evening comes; the wind,
caressing the water’s face, blows a fine spray that chills
in the setting sun’s golden rays.
How much I have yearned for Jagannatha to ap-
pear. Yet the intensity of my longing continued even
after His advent. But what cooling relief your associa-
tion now brings, just as the night relieves the passion of ~
the day. Let us sit down.

_ [Indradyumna sits, but Virabhadra remains stand-

ing in formal respect]

_ VIRABHADRA. It’s not right that we sit on an

equal level.

INDRADYUMNA. Virabhadra, please give up this

formal respect. Your forefather Vigvavasu even abused
me with harsh words, yet I lament the loss of his exalted
association. [Seeing Virabhadra still hesitant, Indra-
dyumna pulls him to.a seat beside him and says] Please
_ sit down. I am eager to know why the Lord of the
Universe chose you to lift Him.

VIRABHADRA. We Sabaras are meant for such

physical tasks.

88
 Se 2AWeT Sie
INDRADYUMNA. Do nottry to cover your devot- |
ion by such humility. Either your strength surpasses _
that of all the armies on earth, or by your faith
Jagannatha became lighter than air. Indeed, the Lord of |
the entire universe has allowed you to carry Him as
easily as a loving parent bears his small child in his
arms. Bless me, Virabhadra, with one drop of your faith.

VIRABHADRA. I ama swineherd, nota blesserof

kings.
INDRADYUMNA. Then bless me with your help,
for we shall have to move the Lord from where he now
lies. We must take Him to Gundicaé and have Him ~
carved. I shall have a covered platform built at the place
where I first performed one thousand asvamedha sacri-
fices. With your assistance, we shall lift the transcen-
dental log upon a golden chariot and move Him to
Gundica in a grand procession, accompanied by kirtana.
- [Happily] How relishable that moment will be!
O fortune, your nature is flirtatious like a woman’s,
enticing with false promises of abiding faithfulness.
The time has come—give up your roaming and reside
here everlastingly.
[Proudly] The tribulations I’ve endured, would
others have stood so strong? At last I’ve reached the
final threshold, now nothing can keep me from the
Lord.
Come! Let us join Galamadhava and the others.

[As he says these words, Narada Muni appears, un-

noticed on the scene, and observes them as they exit]

NARADA MUNI. Good! They have met. Thus the

wanderings of all are controlled by the Lord, who,
sitting in the core of the heart, knows everyone’s desire.
Material existence, like a mighty river, surges end-
lessly on, carrying all in her flood. Like weightless

gO. -
ldabe
_ THE SACRED LOG
straws, the living beings are helplessly buffeted about, —
momentarily coming together, then quickly scattered
apart.
_ Yet here are souls whose ultimate union cares for
neither time nor tide and laughs at the ugly face of
death. Their talks, their plans, their deeds shall forever
endure, for time has no jurisdiction in the course of their
lives. These are Vaisnavas, Lord Hari’s devoted ser-
_ vants, whom the river of time cannot Sweep away.
I shall at once return to Brahmaloka and report to
my father all that has transpired since the Lord’s advent.

_ [Exit Narada Muni]

END OF ACT SIX

hice!)
 ACT SEVEN _
THE APPEARANCE
OF THE LORD

[Enter Indradyumna impatiently, followed closely by

Visnusarma]

VISNUSARMA. Dear king, patience is certainly a : ve

quality worth cultivating. Consider the battlefield. In
you allow the
the formation known as ardhacandra,
enemy to enter within, then prevent him from retreating
by sealing off the rear. The success of the tactic depends
entirely on patience: You must allow the enemy to
advance far enough. :
[While Visnusarma speaks in a stationary position,
Indradyumna continues to pace back and forth]
You have given your solemn oath. How can you —
break it?
[Seeing Indradyumna still silent]
The brahmana Ananta Maharana promised to fin-
ish carving the Deity within twenty-one days on the —
condition that he not be interrupted under any circum-
stances. There are still seven days remaining. I beg you, ©
please be patient.
[Indradyumna continues pacing in silence]
[Seeing his words are ineffective] It is said that ad-
versity stands beside him who ignores the words of
well-wishers; such a man is the delight of his enemies.

|
THE APPEARANCE OF THE LORD
INDRADYUMNA [Suddenly stopping his pac-
_ Ing]. It’s not as if I have lost all control. I felt great joy
to behold the many auspicious signs. Though we could
not see the work progressing, the continuous sound of
the old craftsman’s chisel was reassurance enough,
what to speak of the celestial music and the parijata
flowers that showered from above. “At last,” I thought,
“T have finally arrived at the lotus feet of of the Lord!”
Then suddenly there was only silence. No music,
_ no woodcutter’s chisel, no shower of flowers. For three
days I have remained patient, but there is only silence.
_ [Irritated] How long must I keep my composure when,
minute by minute, doubts erode it?

VISNUSARMA [Meekly]. For only seven more

days.

INDRADYUMNA [Forcefully]. Blast this timid

resignation! It may suit you [sarcastically] or the likes
of Galamadhava, but I cannot profess serenity when
Jagannatha’s welfare is in doubt.

[Enter Galamadhava]

_ GALAMADHAVA. Did I hear my name? Spoken

favorably, I hope?

VISNUSARMA. What is the report? Are you

coming from Gundica?
GALAMADHAVA. Certainly. I have spent the
entire day there, but there is nothing new to tell.
; [To Visnusarma only] Our friend looks quite dis-
turbed.

[Visnusarma nods in affirmation]

VISNUSARMA [After thinking]. Galamadhava, I

was thinking. As there are still seven days remaining,

ey)
 eeal Me a ee aie rest oe in
ea i Rar 8 incepta
aa 2 :
ACT SEVEN.
why not take Maharaja Indradyumna on a short tour of
the province.

GALAMADHAVA [Catching on]. Well, that’s an Ke

excellent idea, Visnusarma. How does it appeal to you,
my friend?

INDRADYUMNA. Not at all. Rather, it makes me

fear that we have come under some evil spell. When we
should be alert to any danger, you counsel a sight- —
seeing tour! What is there to see when my eyes are
hungry for a single vision only?
VISNUSARMA. But what more can we do? Ac-
cording to Ananta Maharana’s direction, three chariots
have been prepared and I have personally supervised
the complete cleansing of the temple. Everything is
ready. Why all this unnecessary agitation?

INDRADYUMNA. I’ll tell you. Once before I

hesitated, and I’ll forever regret it. By not going person-
ally to Niladri, I lost the darsana of Lord Nila Madhava.
VISNUSARMA. In all good conscience, I cannot
advise disobeying Ananta Maharana. Remember, other
carpenters tried to carve the log, but their tools simply
broke to pieces. Fortunately, this old brahmana sud-
denly appeared. Though he has worked behind closed
doors, we saw the demigods express their approval by
showering flowers as the carving went on. If you break
your promise to a brahmana...
INDRADYUMNA [Interrupting]. Then may the
Lord protect me. I cannot bear this waiting any longer.
[To Galamadhava] Call Virabhadra.
[After a moment, Galamadhava exits and then ent-
ers with Virabhadra]

93
| THE APPEARANCE OF THE LORD _
: (Enoeriy] My ankeoaesto see Lord ‘ona .
has broken the chains of constraint; no argument can
_ dissuade me. Both Visnusarma and Galamadhava coun-
_ sel waiting, but you understand my feelings better than
_ they. I propose to break open the doors of Gundica. Now
tell me, what is your opinion?

VIRABHADRA. O king, Jagannatha has appeared

in answer to your prayers. He knows your heart, and
you know His. Is your mind made up?

INDRADYUMNA [Nodding]. It is.

VIRABHADRA. Then what more can be said?

INDRADYUMNA [Looking at everyone and smil-

ing with determination]. Then we go!

VISNUSARMA. Then at least let me go ahead and

alert the others.

[Visnusarma exits while the other three walk

around, Indradyumna followed by Virabhadra and
Galamadhava. After some time...]

GALAMADHAVA [Pointing]. There is Visnu-

Sarma.

[Enter Visnusarma, along with two priests and two

temple guards. They all meet]

VISNUSARMA. Think carefully, Indradyumna.

You can still change your mind [Indradyumna thinks;
then he walks deliberately to the two doors and throws
them open, revealing the Deities of Jaganndatha,
_ Subhadra, and Balarama with the Sudarsana cakra. The
Deities are unpainted, with only carved markings of the
symbols]

94
 )Oe oad

ACT SEVEN |
[All react with a mixture of astonishment and devo-
tion. Visnusarma prandmas while reciting prayers of —
_ the purusa-sitkta along with the two priests. Virabhadra
offers obeisances. The two guards fall to their knees =
while praying with folded hands. Galamadhava, with
hands outstretched, shows great surprise. Indra-—
dyumna’s_reaction is awed silence and an observant
mood as he drinks in the vision of the Deities] :

GALAMADHAVA. Amazing!

VISNUSARMA. Never before have I seen such —

—

forms. Maharaja, is this the vision of your dream?

INDRADYUMNA. Yes! How wonderful! Very

wonderful! I feel like a blind man seeing for the first
time. In my dream the Lord was seated with Anantadeva
to His right and Laksmi-devi on His left.

VISNUSARMA [Coming close]. This must be

Jagannatha. See the engraved marks of the conchshell
and disc. And this must be Sri Baladeva, the first
expansion of the Lord, with Ananta holding His seven.
hoods like an umbrella above the Lord’s head. See,
Baladeva has the markings of a club and plow.
Jagannatha, Baladeva...and this must be the Lord’s
sister, Subhadra-devi.

INDRADYUMNA [Coming closer]. But I could

never have imagined They would look this way. The
carving is not yet completed. See how roughly They are
cut.

VISNUSARMA. They must be painted.

Jagannatha should be black, Subhadra saffron, Bal-
adeva white, and Sudarsgana red. After painting and _
decorating Them, we shall dress the Deities very gor-
geously in pure white silk.

95
 THE APPEARANCE OF THE LORD
INDRADYUMNA [Upset]. There is no question
of painting until the carving is complete. Where is that
brahmana, Ananta Maharana?

GALAMADHAVA. He seems to have disap-

peared. It is all amazing!

INDRADYUMNA [With anxiety]. But he must re-

turn! Look, Visnusarma, look! There are no feet or
hands!

VISNUSARMA [Calmly]. That I have already ob-

served.

INDRADYUMNA [Shocked and full of doubt].

What has happened! What has happened! Where is
-Ananta Maharana!

GALAMADHAVA. I’m afraid it is all too clear.

The conditions set by the brahmana-craftsman—or
whoever he was—have been violated. By forcibly
opening these doors before the twenty-one days had
passed, you interrupted the carving before he could
complete the Lord’s hands and feet.

INDRADYUMNA [Berating himself with guilt].

Oh, what have I done! What have.I done! Can there be
anything worse? When I have waited so long, shall it
end this way? Is my life such a failure? Throughout the
. umiverse, everyone is depending on me. Lord Brahma
himself! And my guru, Sri Narada. They will be so
_ disturbed that I have interrupted the carving. How shall
I live, knowing of their disappointment? Better to give
up this useless life. I am a wretched offender. Let the
world be rid of my sight!

[He has fallen to his knees and cries in agony]

96
 “a el |nll eae ee . poe ve ot PS Aye a > 3 ey = #8 Oy 4 ~~. or

ACT SEVEN —
VIRABHADRA [With a hand on his shoulder]. |
Noble king, console yourself. Whatever happens is by
the Lord’s will. You have acted out of love, so there can
be no wrong. Your devotion to Jagannatha is perfect.
Don’t torment yourself in this way.

VISNUSARMA. Let the Deities be painted and

dressed this very night. They will attain an altogether
new appearance, which shall satisfy everyone.

VIRABHADRA. It’s late. Let the bra@hmanas do-

their work. Try to take some rest, and by morning you
will feel quite different.

INDRADYUMNA. Rest? If Fate were not so un-

kind to me, he would let me die at once. You go back to
the palace, but I will not, for I expect no sleep this night.
Let me remain here within the temple.
[Visnusarma closes the Deity doors, and all but
Indradyumna exit]
[With determination] Tonight I shall end my life?
I have disobeyed the brahmana, offended my guru, and
disfigured the Lord’s transcendental form. No one _
could be more condemnable!

[From behind the scenes is heard the voice of...]

JAGANNATHA. Indradyumna, My dearest devo-

tee, I am Jagannatha, eternally present as Purusottama
in this wooden form. I have appeared in this way to
fulfill the Vedic promise that though I am without hands
and feet, I accept My devotees’ offerings and walk
about to bestow My blessings upon the people of this
earth. I have especially enjoyed this sweet pastime in
which you broke your promise to Me. Devotees who
have achieved the highest degree of love see Me as
Syamasundara, the Original Personality of Godhead,
holding a flute. Still, if you prefer to worship Me in

97
 eat 2 pe

THE APPEARANCE OF THELORD

opulence you may ornament Me with hands and feet ‘
made of gold and silver. But you should know that Iam —
already the ornament of all ornaments.

[The sound of a vind is heard, and Narada Muni

— enters]

INDRADYUMNA [After offering obeisances, joy-

fully]. Gurudeva, did you hear? ~

NARADA MUNI. I had come to explain

Jagannatha’s appearance, but by His direct mercy the
Lord Himself has already done that.

INDRADYUMNA. O master, this night was to be

my last. Fearing I had offended you, I would have taken
_ my life.

NARADA MUNI. My dear child, now you under-

stand the mystery of the woodcarver’s disappearance.
The Lord has played this trick just to increase your love
for Him. Otherwise, how is it possible that you, the
emblem of perseverance, could have lost your patience
and broken your word?
INDRADYUMNA. Then the brahmana -Ananta
Maharana...?

NARADA MUNI. Was Visvakarma, the master

architect of the demigods. The appearance of the Su-
preme Lord as Jagannatha fulfills the eternal promise of
the Vedas. Those who are envious of the Lord’s per-
sonal opulences unscrupulously interpret the Vedic
statement that the Absolute Truth is “without hands and
feet” to mean that God is ultimately impersonal. But
these words actually mean He has no material hands
and feet. Thus Lord Jagannatha demonstrates the true
‘purport of the Vedas, defeating the nonbelievers and

«O98
 SEU ate tan ae Hea Sas ae.

-ACTSEVEN.
_ impersonalists alike, who deny His eternal personality.
Jagannatha has the greatest love for you, my child. Be
assured of this. The form He has manifested is eternal,
not an accidental creation.

INDRADYUMNA. And I thought Him crude and

unfinished. Rather, it was my crude heart that corrupted
my vision and made me see the Lord, the Canpins and
Perfect Person, as incomplete.

NARADA MUNI. Indradyumna, I shall tell you a

still more confidential reason for Lord Jagannatha’s ap-
pearance. Once, while visiting Dvaraka, I beheld the
Lord assume this very same feature. Some of the ladies
there were discussing the Lord’s Vrndavana pastimes.
They had posted Subhadra to guard the door, fearing
their talks would cause the Lord intense pains of sepa-
ration if He overheard them. But seeing His- sister
standing guard only increased His curiosity, and the
Lord began to listen through the door. When He heard
of His pastimes with His beloved devotees in
Vrndavana, He became stunned, lost in feelings of
separation. His eyes opened wide, and He withdrew His
hands and legs within His body, appearing just like the
form of Lord Jagannatha. Balarama, His elder brother,
appeared at that time, and He too began listening to the
pastimes of Vrndavana. Soon both He and Subhadra,
who stood between Her two brothers, became over-
whelmed with ecstatic feelings, manifesting symptoms
of intense separation. I was fortunate to be present at
that moment. Astonished by the transformation the
Lord had undergone out of love for His devotees, I
prayed that He bless the world by revealing Himself in
this most striking feature of ecstasy.
Fast approaching is the auspicious time when the
Lord should be greeted. Go quickly and call the others.
Brahma-muhirta has arrived.
 THE APPEARANCE OF THE LORD
_ [Exit Indradyumna, Narada plays his vind and —
chants. Then enter Indradyumna, Visnusarma, Gala-
madhava, Virabhadra, Visnusarma’'s wife, and other
assistants. Upon seeing Narada Muni, they all offer
- obeisances]

INDRADYUMNA. Here is King Galamadhava

_ and VisnuSarma, the head priest, with their assistants.
And lastly, the best of devotees, Virabhadra.

NARADA MUNI. May Jagannatha bless all of you

for having rendered assistance to Maharaja Indra-
dyumna.
[To Indradyumna] Have you informed them of
Lord Jagannatha’s words?

VISNUSARMA. He has. All his misgivings are

now dispelled.

INDRADYUMNA. That is the mercy of my Guru-

deva and Lord Jagannatha. They have banished all
doubts.

NARADA MUNI [There is a sudden crackling

sound to indicate lightning. With great surprise all look
upward]. Oh, lightning!—Ah, here is my father, the
revered Lord Brahma.

VISNUSARMA. He is seated on a golden plane

carried by hundreds of white swans, accompanied by
the gods of the sun and moon, who stand reverently on
each side. There are brahmarsis singing his glories,
apsaras dancing, and gandharvas playing heavenly
music.

[Enter Lord Brahma from heaven. All offer their

obeisances at his entrance]

100.
 BESSi ie a Se a ae eee te 9Uh aa

ACT SEVEN | “4

NARADA MUNI [Going to ser Dear father, ee

have arrived precisely at Brahma-muhirta.

LORD BRAHMA. May Lord Jagannatha shower .

His blessings upon all of you. True to my word, I have
come to perform the sacred installation of the Lord.
Where is Maharaja Indradyumna?

INDRADYUMNA [Pranaming]. At your ivice.

LORD BRAHMA. On behalf of all the saints, uni- —

versal controllers, and others under my charge, I thank
you. It is difficult for me to reward you sufficiently for |
all you have done, for it is because of your unswerving |
devotion that Lord Jagannatha has come to remain in
this universe for the entire duration of my life. Narada,
are the chariots decorated with festive banners, cam-
aras, and lavish coverings of flowers?

NARADA MUNI [Narada pranadms]. Yes, dear

Father.

LORD BRAHMA. Are the brahmanas, ksatriyas,

vaisyas, and siidras ready with all the paraphernalia
necessary for worship? And are all the devotees holding —
the ropes in their hands, waiting to pull the chariots
upon which the Lord will sit?

NARADA MUNI. Everyone is in readiness.

LORD BRAHMA. By dint of spiritual vision, I can
see all the inhabitants of the seven worlds descending
from outer space to attend the installation ceremony of
Lord Jagannatha. My dear Indradyumna, your good
fortune knows no limits! Are you fully prepared?”

INDRADYUMNA. Everything is auspiciously ar-

ranged, my lord..

101
 THE APPEARANCE. OF THEEL RD

LORD BRAHMA. Then we are ready. Call Visva-

vasu, the servant of Nila Madhava, and your priest
Vidyapati to carry the Deities.

INDRADYUMNA. My lord, if only I could.

LORD BRAHMA. Child, why do you hesitate?
[Indradyumna is puzzled]

LORD BRAHMA. Do you not see them?

INDRADYUMNA. I see them always, but only in
the core of my broken heart.

LORD BRAHM<A. Ah, those mortal eyes are of no

use. Now, may your eyes see and your heart be mended.
By the spiritual water of my kamandalu let your vision.
be anointed.

[Lord Brahma sprinkles water upon Indradyumna

_ and then on Visnusarma]

z INDRADYUMNA [With sudden recognition].

_ Vidyapati? Then it is you, after all!

VIDYAPATI [Jn complete astonishment at seeing

Indradyumna]. What?! Indradyumna! But...? My
_ friend, is this really you, or a vision of my dreams?

INDRADYUMNA. If we are dreaming, then let

_ our arms entwine and our tears mix together [They
embrace and cry].

VIDYAPATI. My friend, you cannot know the

- pain your absence caused. How much I sufferedto hear
_ the doubts of others.

INDRADYUMNA. Never would I have forsaken

our sacred mission.

102
 ‘ACT SEVEN
GALAMADHAVA [To Virabhadral.”This is cer-
tainly most bewildering.

VIDYAPATI [At arm’s length]. Have we been

brought together in some other world?

INDRADYUMNA [Joyously]. Yes! Yes! Some |

other world! For here Lord Jagannatha, Lord of the
universe, reigns supreme!

[They look about and see Galamadhava, whom

Lord Brahma is anointing with sacred water]

VIDYAPATI. What? Yuddhavira here as well?

Then are we still on earth?

INDRADYUMNA [Rushing over to Yuddhavira

and holding both his hands]. Yuddhavira! I should have
known all along. Will you not greet me?

YUDDHAVIRA [Shocked]. My lord, is it you? Or

only your apparition come to plague me in the hell
where those who fail at duty are sent?

INDRADYUMNA [Embracing him]. O most loyal

friend, no, duty shall never be dishonored in your
presence.
YUDDHAVIRA [Noticing his royal clothes]. What
are these royal vestments? Is this some strange charade?

INDRADYUMNA. They are the just reward for all —

your noble deeds.

[Lord Brahma sprinkles sacred water on

Virabhadra]

VIDYAPATI. My father-in-law, Visvavasu, alive?

[He rushes over and they hold each other by their hands] _

103
dak
gai
 - THE APPEARANCE OF THE LORD

Dear father, see! Indradyumna has returned! He has

kept his word.

VISVAVASU. Huh? How can this be? Am I again

in this world? Ah, wretched Fate! When I perished in
the forest fire, why didn’t you return me to Nila
Madhava?

INDRADYUMNA [Going to him and touching his

arm]. My friend, you will soon see Fate’s true face.
Once I too thought that Fate was cruel. I know him now
as the Lord’s own tool to forge by the fire of hard ordeal
our unalloyed devotional zeal. ‘

VISVAVASU. Where is the Lord of your promise?

So long I waited, till at last I had nothin’ left to offer but
my final breath.

INDRADYUMNA [Holding Visvavasu_ shoul-

ders]. Jagannatha has come. Do you hear? He has come,
and will never leave again.

VIDYAPATI [To his wife]. Lalita, go offer re-

spects to your father.

WIFE. Why do you call me Lalita? Do you think

me the daughter of a Sabara?
[Lord Brahm sprinkles sacred water on her]
[Seeing Vidyapati with joy] My beloved husband
[She offers him obeisances] Have I died and come to
_ heaven?

VIDYAPATI. No, my dear, it is more than

_ heaven—it is the kingdom of God. See! Your father is
_ here as well.

LALITA. My father? [She goes to ViSsvavasu] Fa-

ther, can it be you?

104
ae
[She looks carefully] Oh, it is! [She cries, falling at
his feet]

VISVAVASU [To_Indradyumna]. Where are we, —

and what does this all mean? Dear king, if you’re able,
please make it all clear.

INDRADYUMNA. My dearest friends. Everyone,

please compose yourselves. Look—Lord Brahma and
Narada Muni are standing beside us, casting upon us
smiles of benediction.

[All turn to see Lord Brahma and Narada Muniand —

then offer their obeisances]

VIDYAPATI. Then it is they who have made all

this happen.

NARADA MUNI. My dear devotees, by the grace

of Lord Brahma you now have divine vision, so you can
be simultaneously conscious of past and present. While
_ King Indradyumna stayed on my father’s planet, ages
passed, during which each of you gave up your bodies.
But though your bodies changed, your consciousness
did not, because consciousness is carried along with the
transmigrating soul. And because you are all eternal
servants of the Lord, there is no question of your ever
having been disconnected from Him or each other.
These eternal relationships can never be lost, even after
giving up the body.

INDRADYUMNA. My friends, dismiss all your

doubts, let go of all your heartfelt sorrows, and rejoice . |
once and for all, for behind these doors stands the object
of each of your lives’ long search.
[To Narada] Gurudeva, may the doors be opened?

NARADA MUNI. Yes. Now is the proper time.

105
Ber
 THE APPEARANCE OF THELORD
_ [Indradyumna goes to the doors and, ringing a bell,
opens them. Seeing the Deities dressed, all offer obei-
sances]

LORD BRAHMA [Standing nearest to the Deities,

with folded palms]. This form of Jagannatha removes
the pain of long separation. His eyes seem to drink in
the universe. His smile spreads benedictive bliss into
the inner recesses of the heart. Has anyone ever beheld
such a form? How can we calculate our debt to Indra-
dyumna? By his constant endeavors he has made the —
unlimited nectar-ocean of Jagannatha’s sweet beauty
available to the whole world. Anyone who tastes even
one drop of that nectar with his eyes will become
permanently intoxicated with love of God.

’ [Indradyumna takes Vidyadpati and Visvavasu by

the hand to the Deities, with Yuddhavira following be-
hind]

INDRADYUMNA. Here is the Lord of the Uni-

verse, who has redeemed our lives.
[To Jagannatha] O Lord, here we are. Your eternal
devotees, together at last. O Jagannatha, beholding
Your shining moon-face, with large lotus eyes, Your
dazzling streaks of tilaka, which flash like lightning
upon Your forehead, and Your effulgent body, whose
beauty surpasses the bluish autumnal sky, I think that
were I granted a life as long as Lord Brahma’s, IJ still
~ could not drink in the full beauty of Your vision.
[To Visvavasu] My friend, is this not the same Lord
Nila Madhava whom you once worshiped with such
great affection?

VISVAVASU. The very same master and dear

friend of my life! If only he’d let me serve Him. Then
I’d make a costly paste of Malayan sandal pulp mixed

i106...
 Le a Fe: pe eee he wR ee
=

ACT SEVEN ye A
~ eg
en

~ with coolin’ camphor and musk, and massage Him with

it early in the mornin’, and he’d be unlimitedly pleased.
His eyes would partially close, like two pink lotuses.
whose delicate petals have not yet beheld the sun, and
His face would resemble a fully bloomed blackish lotus. —
Out of His deep satisfaction, tears would rain from His
lotus eyes like drops of dew, a shower of translucent _
jewels fallin’ upon His black lotus face. Se

INDRADYUMNA. Who but you could have such

vision? [To Vidyapati] So, Vidyapati, you have brought 5
me to Nila Madhava after all. —

VIDYAPATI. Did you ever doubt I would? Though

our lives were separated by time, our friendship en-
dured, just as when a lotus stalk is broken, the fiber.
remains intact.

LORD BRAHMA. Are you satisfied, Narada? Is

your mission accomplished?
NARADA MUNI. Yes, finally. Just see the ecstasy
of these devotees! Though Sri Jagannatha’s installation
has not yet officially begun, they are already bathing
the Lord with their tears of joy.
LORD BRAHMA. Then let their bliss increase a
thousandfold. Listen, dear children, to the boons Lord
Jagannatha has given.
Vidyapati and his descendants shall be known as
- suyaras: They shall serve as the Lord’s pujaris.
And Visvavasu and his descendants shall perform
personal services for Him throughout future millennia.
Because they shall carry Lord Jagannatha to His proces-
sional chariot, they will be known as His dayitas.
VIDYAPATI. And what about Indradyumna?

OT
 ah +

THE APPEARANCE OF THE LORD

LORD BRAHMA. There is no expressing
Jagannatha’s pleasure concerning him. Whatever he
wishes shall be fulfilled.

INDRADYUMNA. Then I shall ask Lord

Jagannatha to grant this wish: May His doors be closed
for only three hours every morning. May they remain
open the rest of the day so that all people can behold
Him. Throughout the day we shall offer Him so much
sumptuous food that His hands will never be dry from
eating.

LORD BRAHMA [Smiling slightly]. So be it! But

please take a boon for yourself.

INDRADYUMNA. Yes! That I may never have

any descendants, so that no one will ever claim this
temple as his own.

LORD BRAHMA. O king, your selfless devotion

shall be remembered throughout the ages.

VOICES [From behind the scenes]. Look! Indra-

deva, king of the demigods, has arrived with his beau-
tiful wife, Saci; Siryadeva, the sun-god, has come with
his chaste wife, Samjfia; and Candra, lord of the moon,
has arrived accompanied-by his wife, Rohini.

NARADA MUNI. They are all taking up the ropes

to personally pull the Lord on His chariot. Yamaraja,
Agnideva, and Kuvera have also arrived with their
wives. Lord Jagannatha’s presence has made Niladri
the most auspicious place in the entire universe.

LORD BRAHMA. Now, Indradyumna, as every-

e thing is ready, I request you and your friends to carry
Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva, and Lady Subhadra to
Their processional chariots so we may begin Their
grand installation.

108
 pee
¢Mie ; leet te Hea SLE) SO aeFates
mide dL oleae oa 2
; ees

aa ACT SEVEN
INDRADYUMNA [With folded palms]. My Lord,
. whatever you have ordered shall be done.

NARADA MUNI [To Indradyumna]. Now, In-—

dradyumna, so dear to the heart of Jagannatha, is there
anything further I can do for you?

INDRADYUMNA. Dear Narada Rsi, what should

I say?
With the Lord of the Universe beaming joyously
upon us, with Vidyadpati and Visvavasu Waiting to
fulfill your father’s order, with all my best friends and
servants standing around me, and with you, my divine
master, looking always to my well-being, what more
could I possibly desire?

Only this—

May those who take prasadam, the remnants of the

Lord, who hear His glories chanted by the pure devo-
tees, or who behold these three chariots as they ply
along the road—be they pious or most sinful, let it
matter not at all—may they receive the benedictions of
this all-compassionate Lord.
[To all] Now, without a moment’s further delay, let
us carry the Lord upon His chariot and perform His
grand installation.

[Exit all]

END OF ACT SEVEN

109
 GLOSSARY

Acarya—one who teaches by example.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada—the founder-
acarya of the International Society for. Krishna
Consciousness.
Apsarads—heavenly society women:
Arani—special wood sticks used to ignite fire sacri-
fices.
Arati—a ceremony for worshipping the Deity of the
Lord with offerings of food, lamps, fan, flowers,
and incense.
Asvamedha-yajna—a horse sacrifice, as prescribed for _
previous ages in the Vedic scriptures.

Bhakti—devotion to the Supreme Personality of God-

head.
Bharata-varsa—Sanskrit name for the Indian subconti-
nent. .
Brahmaloka—the topmost planet in the material uni-
verse where Lord Brahma resides.
Brahma-muhirta—the two hours before sunrise, a per-
iod that is auspicious for spiritual realisation.
Brahmarsis—self-realized sages.
Brahmana—an intelligent person who understands the
spiritual purpose of life and can instruct others;
the first of four Vedic social orders, or varnas.
Bhrgu—great sage of a previous age.

Cakora—a bird common in India which drinks water in

the form of raindrops as they fall.

111
 GLOSSARY

Caan a disc-like weapon.

Cakravaka—The Cakra bird, found in Vrndavana.
Camara—yak-tail whisk used in traditional worship
ceremonies.
Citraratha—one of the principle ghandarvas,
Candala—low class person (outcaste).

Dandavats—prostrated obeisances.
Darsana—audience with a Deity or revered person-
ality.
Dayitas—those who carry Lord Jagannatha to his char-
iot.
Devendra—Lord Indra, the king of heaven.
Dharma—eternal occupational duty; religious prin-_
ciples. ;
Dhoti—the standard Indian men’s garment, a simple ©
_ piece of cloth wrapped around the lower body.

Gandarvas—the celestial singers and musicians among

: the demigods.
Garuda—the man-bird carrier of Lord Visnu.
Ghee—clarified butter used as oil in cooking.
Gopuram—the dome built over the Deities in a temple.
Gundica—a famous temple in Jagannatha Puri.

Kadamba—fragrant tree with prickled flowers native to

Vrndavana.
Kalpa-vrksa—desire tree that grows in the spiritual
world.
Kamandalu—sacred water pot used by Lord Brahma.
Kirtana—glorification of God, especially by the con-
gregational chanting of His holy names.
Ksatriyas—the administrative or warrior class; the
second of the four social orders.
KuSa grass—special grass used for making sanctified
sitting mats.
Kuvera—treasurer of the demigods. ;

112 7 j
 te Soy: fees GLOSSARY. :
bora Caitanya Mahaprabhu—the avatara of Lord Krsna
in this age. His mission is to teach love of God
through the chanting of His holy names.

Maha-Laksmi—the goddess of fortune and eternal

consort of Lord Visnu, or Krsna.
Mantra—a sound vibration that liberates the soul.

Parijata flowers—a type of flower found in the heav-

enly planets.
Pranama—to offer one’s obeisances, to bow down.
Prasadam—food spiritualized by first being offered to .
God for His enjoyment.
Piujari—priest.
Purusa-sukta—famous prayers offered by the demi-
gods to the Lord found in the Rg Veda.
Purusottama—the Original Person.

Ratha-yatra—the annual cart festival of Lord

Jagannatha.
Rsis—saints.
Rohini-kunda—historical bathing pond.
Rupa Gosvami—one of the chief six followers of Lord
Caitanya who established devotional service as a
scientific process for God realisation in the mod- —
ern age.

Sabara—swineherd.
Satyaloka—the higest planetary system in the material
creation.
Satya-yuga—the first and purest of the four ages in the
material creation.
Siddhas—those who have achieved yogic perfection.
Siva—the demigod who supervises the material mode
of ignorance and annihilates the material cosmos.
Siidra—a laborer; the fourth varna, or social order.
Surya—the sun-god.
Surya-vamsa—the dynasty of the sun-god.

113
_ GLOSSARY

Tarksya—parent of Garuda, Lord Visnu's man-bird 4

carrier.
Tilaka—sacred clay markings which designate the body
of a devotee as a temple of God.
Tulasi—the plant most sacred to Lord Visnu.

Vaikuntha—literally, “the place of no anxiety,” the

spiritual sky, the abode of Lord Krsna.
Vaisnava—a devotee of Visnu (or Krsna).
Vaisyas—the merchant or farming class; the third so-
cial order.
Vedas—the four original scriptures (Rg, Sama, Atharva
and Yajur) compiled by Vyasadeva.
Vina—a traditional Vedic stringed instrument.

Yogi—one who practices any spiritual discipline which

is meant for purification and realization of one's
position as a servant of God.

THEOLOGY LIBRARY
CLAREMONT, CALIF

114
esiei
 ~ ISKCON CENTRES
(selected)

AUSTRALIA U.S.A. pa
Adelaide—69 BelairRd., Kingswood, SA 5062, Atlanta, Georgia—1287 Ponce de Leon Ave.,
cos PO Box 235, Kingswood)/ (08) 272- N.E., 30306/ (404) 377-8680;
488; Baltimore, Maryland—200 Bloomsbury Ave.,
Bambra—New Nandagram, ‘Oak Hill’, Dean’s Catonsville 21228/.(301) 744-9537;
Marsh Road, Bambra, VIC 3241/(052) 887383; Berkeley, California—2334 Stuart St.,94705/
Brisbane—95 Bank Rd., Graceville, QLD (415) 644-1113; _
4075, (mail: PO Box 83, Indooroophilly, 4068)/ Boston, Massachusetts—72 Commonwealth
(07) 379-5008; : Ave., 02116/ (617) 247-8611;
Cairns—7 Lockwood Close, Whitfield, QLD Boulder, Colorado—917 Pleasant St., 80302/
4870, (mail: PO Box 5238, Cairns Mail Center, 0(303) 444-7005;
QLD 4870)/ (070) 53-6565; Carriere, Mississippi(New Talavan)—Route
Melbourne—197 Danks St., Albert Park, VIC 2, Box 449, 39426/ (601) 798-8533;
3206, (mail: PO Box 125, Albert Park, VIC Charleston, So. Carolina— 1750 Savannah
3206)/ (03) 699-5122; Hwy., 29407/ (803) 763-6959;
Murwillumbah—New Govardhana, Tyalgum Chicago, Ilinois—1716 W. Lunt Ave., 60626/
Rd., Eungella via Murwillumbah, NSW 2484, (312) 973-0900;
(mail: PO Box 687, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484)/ Church Hill, Mississippi (New Jayapura)—
(066) 72-1903; ; Route 2, Box 298, 39005/ (601) 445-2222.
North Sydney—180 Falcon St., North Sydney, Crescent City, California—150 Oak St., Rock
NSW 2060, (mail: PO Box 220, Cammeray, Creek Sub., 95531;
NSW 2060)/ (02) 92-6164; Dallas, Texas—5430 Gurley Ave.,75223/(214)
Perth—129 Barrack St, Perth, WA 6000, (mail: 827-6330;
PO Box 598, West Perth, WA 6005)/(09) 328- Denver, Colorado—1400 Cherry St., 80220/
9171; (303) 333-5461; _
Sydney—112 Darlinghurst Rd., Darlinghurst, Detroit, Michigan—383 Lennox Ave., 48215/
NSW 2010, (mail: PO Box 159, Kings Cross, (313) 824-6000;
NSW 2011)/ (02) 357-5162; East Lansing, Michigan—501 Sunset Lane,
48823/ (517) 332-1823;
NEW ZEALAND AND FIJI Fullerton, California—2011 E. Chapman
Auckland—New Varshana, Highway 18, Riv- Ave., 92631/ (714) 870-1156;
erhead, (next to Huapai Golf course) (mail: RD Gainesville, Florida (New Raman-reti)—Box
2 Kumeu, Auckland)/ (9) 412-8075; 819, Alachua, Florida 32615/ (904) 462-9046;
Christchurch—83 Bealey Ave., Christchurch, Gainsville, Florida—1417/1419 N.W. Ist
(mail: PO Box 25-190, Christchurch)/ (3) 61- Ave., 32601/ (904) 375-2884;
965; Greenfield, Illinois—Rt. 2, Box 27,
Labasa, Fiji—Delailabasa (mail: Box 113, 62044(contact ISKCON St. Louis);
Labasa)/ 82916; Gurabo, Puerto Rico—Rt. 181, Box 215-B,
Lautoka, Fiji—5 Tavewa Ave, Lautoka (mail: Bo.Sta. Rita, 00658/ (809) 737-5222;
PO Box 125, Lautoka)/ 61-633 ext. 48; Hartford, Connecticut—1683 Main St., E.
Rakira, FijiRewasa (mail: Box 129, Rakira)/ Hartford, 06108/ (203) 289-7252;
94243; Hillsbourough, North Carolina (New
Suva, Fiji—PO Box 6376, Nasinu/39-1282; Gokula)—Rt.6, Box 701,27278/ (919) 732-
Wellington—17 Kio Bay, Evans Bay Parade, 6492;
Wellington, (mail: PO Box 2753, Wellington)/ Honolulu, Hawaii—51 Coelho Way, 96817/
(4) 861-441; (808) 595-3947;
Houston, Texas—1320 W. 34th. St., 77018/
CANADA (713) 686-4482;
Calgary, Alberta—10516 Oakfield Drive Laguna beach, California—285 Legion St.,
S.W., T2W 2A9/ (403) 238-0602; 9265 1/ (714) 494-7029;
Montreal, Quebec—1626 Pie IX Boulevard, Lansing, Michigan—1914 E. Michigan Ave.,
H1V 2CS5/ (514) 521-1301; 48912/ (517) 332-1823; :
Ottawa, Ontario—212 Somerset St. E., KIN Long Island, New York—197 S. Ocean Ave.,
6V4/ (613) 233-1884; Freeport, 11520/ (516) 378-6184
Regina, Saskatchewan—28
17 Victoria Ave., Los Angeles, California—3764 Watseka Ave.,
S4T 1K6/ (306) 522-4973; 90034/ (213) 836-2676; —
Toronto, Ontario—243 Avenue Rd., MSR Miami Beach, Florida—2445 Collins Ave.,
236/ (416) 922-5415; 33140/ (305) 531-0331;
Vancouver, B.C.—5462 S.E. Marine Dr., Mulberry, Tennessee (Murari-sevaka)—
Burnaby, V5J 3G8/ (604) 433-9728; Murari Project. Rt. No. 1., Box 146-, 37359/
(615) 759-7331;
New Haven, Connccticut—P.O. Box 455,
06502/(203) 782-6821;

115
 : tt

oe
New Orleans, Louisiana—2936 Esplanade INDIA
Ave., 70119/ (504) 488-7433; Agartala, Tripura—Assam-Agartala Rd.,
New York, New York—305 Schermerhorn Banamalipur. 799001;
St., Brooklyn, 11217/ (718) 855-6714; Ahmedabad, Gujarat—7, Kailas Society,
Ninole, Hawaii (New Krsnaloka)—P.O. Box Ashram Rd., 380 009/ 449935;
108, 96773/ (808) 595-3947; Bangalore, Karnataka—210 Bellary Road,
Orlando, Florida—1926 Central Park Ave., Sadashiva Nagar, 560 080/ 361 539;
32807/ (407) 275-3282; Baroda, Gujarat—Hare Krishna Land, Gotri
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—S1 W. Allens Rd., 390 015/ 326299;
Lane, 19119/ (215) 247-4600; Bhubaneswar, Orissa—National HIghway
Philadelphia, Pennsyivania—529 South St., No. 5. Nayapali, 751 011/ 53125;
--19147/(B15) 238-1753; Bombay, Maharashtra—Hare Krishna Land,
Port Royal, Pennsylvania (Gita-nagari)— Juhu 400 049/ 626 860;
R.D. No. 1, Box 839, 17082/ (717) 527-4101; Calcutta, W.Bengal—3 Albert Rd., 700 017/
San Diego, California—1030 Grand Ave., 443757;
Pacific Beach, 92109/ (619) 483-2500; Chandigarh, Punjab—Hare Krishna Land,
San Francisco, California—84 Carl St.,94117/ Dakshin Marg, Sector 36-B, 160 036/ 44634;
(415) 753-8647; Gauhati, Assam—Post Bag No. 127, Gauhati
Seattle, Washington—3114E. Pine St.,98122/ 781 001;
(206) 329-7011; Hyderabad, A.P.—Hare Krishna Land, Nam-
St. Louis, Missouri—3926 Lindell Blvd., pally Station Rd., 500 001/ 551018;
63108/ (314) 535-8085; Imphal, Manipur—Hare Krishna Land, Air-
Tallahassee, Florida—1323 Nylic St., 32304/ port Road, 795 001;
(904) 681-9258; Madras, Tamil Nadu—59 Burkit Rd., T.
Tampa, Florida—13821 N. 37 St., 33613/ Nagar, Madras-17/ 443266;
(813) 977-0026; Mayapur, W. Bengal—Shree Mayapur Chan-
Topanga, California—20395 Callon Dr., drodaya Mandir, P.O. Shree Mayapur Dham
90290/ (213) 455-1658; (Dist. Nadia);
Towaco, New Jersey—{mail P.O. Box 109, Nagpur, Maharashtra—70 Hill Road, Ram-
07082)/ (201) 299-0970; nagar, 440 010/ 33513; :
Walla Walla, Washington—314 E. Poplar, New Delhi—M-119 Greater Kailash 1, New
99362/ (509) 529-9556; Delhi 110 048/ 6412058;
Washington, D.C.—10310 Oaklyn Dr., Po- Patna, Bihar—Rajendra Nagar Road No. 12,
tomac, Maryland 20854/ (301) 299-2100; 800 016/ 50765;
Pune, Maharashtra—4 Tarapoor Rd., Camr.,
GREAT BRITIAN AND IRELAND 411 001/ 60124 and 64003;
Belfast, Northern Ireland—140 Upper Dun- Silchar, Assam—Ambikapatti, Silchar,
murray Lane, Belfast/ 621757; 788004, Cachar District;
Dublin, Ireland—1 Crow St./, Dublin 2/ (01) Siliguri, W.Bengal—Subash Pally, Siliguri-
773997, Surat, Gujarat—Rander Rd., Jahangirpura,
Lake Island of Inish Rath—L isnaskea, County Surat, 395 005/ 84215;
Fermanagh, Northern Ireland/ (3657)21512; Tirupati, A.P.—K.T. Road, Vinayaka Nagar
Leicester, England—30 Rendell Road, Leic- 517 501/ 2285;
ester/ (0533)-681256; Trivandrum, Kerala—T.C.24/1485, WC
London, England (city)}—10 Soho St., Lon- Hospital Rd., Thycaud, 695 014/ 68197;
don W1/ (01) 437-3662; Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir—
London, England (country)—Bhaktivedanta Seas Nagar, Udhampur 182 101/ 496
Manor, Letchmore Heath, Watford, Hertford-
shire WD2 8EP/ (09276) 7244; Vrndavana, U.P.—Krishna-Balaram Mandir,
Manchester, England—20 Mayfield Road, Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg. Raman Reti,
Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8FT/ (061)- Mathura/ 178;
2264416;
Scotland—Karuna Bhavan, Bankhouse Road, OTHER COUNTRIES
Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire/(0555)-894790; Cebu, Phillippines (Hare Krishna Para-
dise)—23 1 Pagsabungan Rd., Basak, Mandaue
SOUTH AFRICA City/ 83254;
Cape Town, South Africa—17 St. Andrews Hong Kong—27 Chatam Road South, 6/F,
Rd., Rondebosch 7700/ (21) 689 1529; Kowloon/ 3-7396818;
Durban (Natal), S. A frica—Chatsworth Circle, Kathmandu, Nepal—Vishnu Gaun Panchayat
Chatsworth 4030 (mail: P.O.Box 56003)/ (31) Ward No. 2, Budhanilkantha/ 4-10368;
435-815; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—Lot 9901, Jalan
Johannesburg, South Africa—’ Misty Hills,” Awan Jawa, Taman Yani, off 5 1/2 Mile, Jalan
Plot 69, Reitfontein Rd. (mail: P.O. Box 723 Kelang Lama, Petaling/ 730 172;
Muldersdrift (Tvl.), 1747) (11) 666-2716; Manila, Phillippines—170 R. Femandez, San
Juan, Metro Manila/ 707410;

116
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ISKCON’s Ratha-yatra
on New York’s Fifth Avenue