2019, Vol. 5, Issue 3, Part A

author(s)
Sampa Paul

abstract
“Meghaduta” by Kalidasa is a great poem of love in classical Indian literature. The poem deals with intense love affair between husband and wife even after their separation. The poem presents their typical love affairs which cannot be restrained in any circumstance. While men tries to restrain human love and emotion, and punish them giving exile, various agents of nature comes forward to fulfill their love. Seasons as changing agent of nature affect human mind in love making. The rainy Season or monsoon season brings freshness in nature and deep love in lovers'mind. The clouds moving from one part of the sky to another part of sky brings rain and message of love in the mind of lovers and beloveds. Lovers and beloveds look towards their love with great eagerness. In the poem “Meghaduta” Yakṣa, the lover and his beloved wife are in true love. But soon in their love comes a crisis. Kubera, the Hindu god of wealth under whom Yakṣa, has served, displeased as Yakṣa has neglected his duty to protect the lotus garden entrusted in his charge. While Yakṣa is deeply engaged in love making with his wife, Airavata, the elephant of Indra, the god of heaven has come and spoiled the entire lotus in the garden. Yakṣa is not concerned all that happen before him. Discovering this, Kubera becomes angry with Yakṣa and punishes him for his offence. He banishes Yakṣa from Alaca, the city of Yakṣas to the mountain of Ramagiri in Central India for twelve months exile. Thus Yakṣa is separated from his home and beloved wife. Though Kubera separates Yakṣa physically from his beloved wife, yet there is no bound of love between them. Their love never fades in any circumstance because the true inspiration of love lies in the core of hearts. So, while they are so far from each other, their painful existence invokes pity in the mind of ‘Megha’ or cloud. ‘Megha’ or cloud, on request of Yakṣa finally agrees to convey the message of Yakṣa’s love to his beloved wife. ‘Megha’ or cloud flies from south to north towards Alaka on Mount Kailāsa in the Himālaya Mountains to express the feelings and situation of Yakṣa in exile. The lady love realizes that her husband though far from her, always keep her in mind. He loves his beloved wife more and more. His love for her is not feigned or imitated and is touched with truth and genuine sincerity. They are eager for meeting each other and soon they will meet. This message of reconciliation heightens the poem in a new era in human society.