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Love Stories
from
The Mahabharata
Sumukh and Gunakeshi
Finally, arriving
at Bhogvati, ruled over by Vaasuki, the despondent heart of Indra’s
charioteer Matali thrilled with hope. This is that Bhogvati, hallowed by the
ascesis of that mighty Naga monarch, great as the snowy mountains. With
scintillating net of gems overhead and precious ore flowing in hundreds of
streams below, this Bhogvati is as enchanting as Vasav’s Amaravati.
Roaming through many kingdoms has Matali reached here. But nowhere has he
come across such a beauteous youth fit to be approached to espouse his
lovely daughter Gunakeshi. How strange that even in that land of immortals
where Indra’s sakhaa Matali dwells, even where the celestial Parijat blooms,
he could not find one fit to take Gunakeshi’s hand in marriage!
He had visited the city of Varan in the nether world of Patal, where for the
welfare of the world Airavat drenches with water the breasts of the clouds.
That Varan city where even the water-dwelling fish grow lovely drinking in
the moon-rays, even there Matali did not come across any beauteous youth.
Pundareek, Kumud and Anjan, the chiefs of the Suprateek clan, Matali had
met. But none had he found worthy of Gunakeshi. Daughter of Matali,
Gunakeshi, by the touch of whose neck the very garland of Parijat becomes
even more lovely, there is none in Varan city for her wedding garland.
Finally, Bhogvati.
Wearing begemmed ornaments etched with swastik, discus, pot and various
other designs, hundreds of senior Naga chiefs and young Nagas have assembled
in court. Approaching near the assembly-hall Matali noticed that facing the
chief Naga Aryaka sat an attractive youth. It seemed as though touched by
that godly visaged youth the bejewelled hangings of the Naga court were
glowing brightly. This is that lovely youth whose enchanting presence can
delight Gunakeshi’s eyes every moment of her life. Who is this youth?
Pleased, Matali
eagerly approached Aryaka the Naga chief and begged him,
“O best of
Nagas, Aryaka, I wish to know the identity of this youth seated before
you.”
Aryaka replied, “My grandson, Sumukh.”
Matali said, “If there be anyone in the three worlds fit to marry my
daughter Gunakeshi, then it is only one person. And that is verily this
grandson of yours, Sumukh.”
Aryaka: “I am very pleased to hear this, Matali, charioteer of Indra.”
Surprised, Matali enquires, “But despite being pleased why have you
suddenly grown sad, Naga chief Aryaka? I find that your grandson Sumukh’s
face too has suddenly become overcast.”
In a pained voice Aryaka explains, “I can understand your intention,
Indra’s sakhaa Matali and that is why I cannot but be sad.”
Matali: “What have you understood Aryaka?”
Aryaka: “You wish that this grandson of mine, Sumukha, who is so pleasing
to the eye, should take your daughter Gunakeshi’s hand in marriage.”
Matali: “True, Naga chief Aryaka. Let your grandson Sumukh be the husband
of my daughter Gunakeshi, who is a hundred times more lovely that the
celestial nymphs.”
Aryaka: “Who would not desire to establish a relationship with Indra’s
sakhaa Matali? But...”
Matali: “Then why the hesitation, Aryaka?”
Aryaka: “Sumukh’s life-span is almost ended.”
Matali starts in anguish: “Life-span ended—what is the meaning of this
statement, Aryaka?”
–
Continued
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Love Stories
from
The Mahabharata
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