Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
TODAY IS KERALA DAY
Parasurama speaking... .
The late poet Balamani Amma. Her work, 'Oru Mazhuvinte Katha,' tells the tale of how Kerala came into being.
AMMALUKKUTTY R. MENON, inspired by the late Balamani Amma's work, `Oru Mazhuvinte Katha,' pens these lines, from the point of view of the legendary Parasurama, as a homage to the poet.
We all know the legend of Parasuma's axe, which fell creating this piece of land called Kerala. For those of us who would like to listen to a dramatic imaginary soliloquy, here goes...
AS I sit atop Mahendrachala in a pensive mood, memories flash upon that inward eye and my heart fills with pleasure.
Like a green plantain leaf spread under the canopy of the blue sky, lies my land. The dream of a Rishi's son, it was the quintessence of all my energy, knowledge and strength gained through my `tapas'. The sweet and heady smell of grain and flowers - for it is spring time - mingle with laughter,
Gaiety and sound of music and stringed instruments are in the air, as my subjects celebrate festivals. Yet, at this supreme moment of bliss they remember not its creator or the axe that delved deep into my shoulder, leaving an indelible scar.
In a bygone era when even gods prostrated before rishis and sages and the fire of Yagnasalas pervaded light and perfumes across the universe, I was born to sage Jamadagni, a son. A spark of the Kshatriya was in me, on my mother's side.
The spring festival and the gandharvas playing in the waters, made my mother watch and heave a sigh for what might have been.
"Sin committed in the mind is grievous," decided my father, rigid in his code of family honour and condemned her to death.
The boon
Blind faith in my father and arrogance of youth made my axe fall on her. The severed head gazed at me perplexed, yet serene like a statute of dignity.
Father's face paled and granted me a boon. "Let my mother remain in your memory not as a sinner but as one pure and unblemished," I asked of him.
Gross sin of matricide haunted me and I wandered through hills and dales, ashrams and temples seeking absolution. I witnessed the Kshatriyas waging war, lusting after power, crushing and defeating and defiling ashrams.
Heavenly weapon
Anger welled within me. Why did Lord Sadasiva give me this heavenly weapon if not for righteousness and to avenge my fathers death?
The axe rose again destroying the entire Kshatriya clan and razing to the ground entire cities and cultures. Destruction of countries ruled by wise kings were left leaderless and destitute.
Back in the ashram my father's voice, the voice of the sages of yore, warned me. Injustice and vengeful harm done brings endless evil in their trail. This will entail for the ascetic the loss of all benefits.
Learning and prowess in martial arts are of no avail if not used for the benefit of mankind and all universal creatures. The wind and the sea echoed this theme. "Gift away all that you have
conquered and seek penance again," advised the sages. Memories flooded my mind - My mother sacrificed at the altar of tradition; my father murdered, due to my action undertaken through delusion, without heed to consequence.
The axe flew from my hand and fell into the ocean. Like some creature rising out of the sea there appeared before me a fertile green land laid out like a green plantain leaf under the blue canopy of the sky. I vowed never to destroy but only to create.
History repeats itself
Sadly I saw history repeating itself, might becoming right, avarice and greed superimposed on piety and charity. The wisdom of the sages gave way to political warfare and conquests.
Yet, I am glad that this land of mine holds its festivals and people rejoice and sing not in praise of the Creator whose hands are smeared with blood, but in praise of that noble soul, Mahabali, who was able to see in the feet placed on his head, the blessings of the Lord and his bountiful mercy, and thus attained salvation.
Courtesy, Oru Mazhuvinte Katha, by Balamani Amma
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
