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Tailpiece
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Flower
Yesterday, a
flower plant in our garden bloomed its first flower. It looks as if a small flower has grown
inside another larger one.
I was immediately reminded of a poem composed in two parts by Bhoja Raja and Kalidasa.
Thereby hangs an interesting story too about this poem.
I was immediately reminded of a poem composed in two parts by Bhoja Raja and Kalidasa.
Thereby hangs an interesting story too about this poem.
Kusume Kusumotpathihi
Shruyate Natu Drushyate !
Meaning: I have heard that a flower can grow
inside another flower but never seen such a thing.
The last two lines made up by Kalidasa are as
follows:
Baale, Tava Mukhaambhoje
Drushtam Indivara Dwayam!
Meaning: O, my lady, in your lotus-like face I am seeing two
lily-like eyes.
The Story
Kalidasa was poet-laurate at the court of
Bhoja Raja and was well respected by all including the King. However, at one time he fell foul of the king
and was banished from the kingdom. But Kalidasa just hid himself in the house
of the court danseuse.
Soon the king started feeling the absence of the poet and wanted to trace him back. So, he announced that anyone who could fill up the first part of his own poem, (Kusume …. Drushyate) would be amply rewarded. He knew that only Kalidasa could do the job. The court dancer heard the announcement and asked Kalidasa to complete the last two lines.
Soon the king started feeling the absence of the poet and wanted to trace him back. So, he announced that anyone who could fill up the first part of his own poem, (Kusume …. Drushyate) would be amply rewarded. He knew that only Kalidasa could do the job. The court dancer heard the announcement and asked Kalidasa to complete the last two lines.
Kalidasa of course did not know anything
about the King’s announcement and
thought that the lady was asking on her own. Without hesitation, he recited the
last two lines. (Baale ... Dwayam)
The lady, being greedy, wanted the king’s
reward for herself. So she went to the court and recited the poet’s lines
making one change. That was to replace the word “Baale”(O, Lady) with
“Raaje”(O, King).
Now comes the twist in the tale !
Little did this woman know that as per Sanskrit grammar, it should be “Raajan” and not “Raaje”. She was caught and revealed the hideout of
the Poet and Kalidasa had a triumphant return to the King’s court.
Tailpiece
What Kalidasa
figuratively said was factually revealed to me by my garden plant !
ఇది తెలిసిన శ్లోకమే అయినా మీ వివరణ ఆసక్తికరంగా ఉంది. ధన్యవాదాలు!
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