The Glorious Death Of Prataprudra's Son, Vīrabhadra.
Mar 3, 2022 8:14:48 GMT -6
Nitaidas and avadhutadas like this
Post by Jagannāth Miśra Dās on Mar 3, 2022 8:14:48 GMT -6
Haribol. This another excerpt from Mādhava Paattnayaka's Vaisnava līlāmrita, written in Oriya in 1534. This sample is taken from Chapter 7.
Verses 31-61; During seven long years between 1512-17 fierce battle rages between the sovereign of Vijaya Nagar and the king of Orissa which are generally reckoned as very dark days in the history of Orissa. Famine and flood prevail year after year. Crops are swept away in floods the following year drying and withering up in devastating drought. The population is tormented and perplexed by this recurrent sequence of flood and famine and call aloud for succour. Immediate neighbours adopt the inimical demeanour of a discouraging enemy. As a dreadful, burdensome and expensive war rages between Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya and the Gajāpati, the Panca-Sākhās meanwhile sojourn from village to village performing kīrtan, intent on delivering the multitudes whilst infusing them with a love of virtue. As a natural consequence of inundation and famine the masses are lamentably poor having elapsed into a hapless and dire predicament. Even the troops are inadequately supplied with essential requirements of food and gradually become fatigued. The hitherto impenetrable fortresses of Udayagiri and Kondakuru slip from the command of the Orissian troops irretrievably subdued by the arms of the foe. In a final and desperate attempt to salvage one of the principle and likewise impregnable fortress of Kondabida the Gajapati enjoins his troops to assemble therein, but it soon becomes apparent that all efforts are faint and unavailing. Virabhadra Deva is consigned with the daunting and perilous task of protecting Kondabida. Rendering assistance were Jivadeva Acarya and other illustrious warriors besides a vigilant garrison numbering ten thousand who boldly proclaimed they will draw their swords in the resolution of death or conquest but never yield to an enemy. Advancing in battle array Krsnadeva Raya’s indefatigable military phalanxes encompass Kondabida effectively imprisoning the Oriya infantry in the fortress rendering any future liaison with the outside world infeasible. Inside the fortress during this protracted siege food supplies are insensibly depleted. As it is the summer wells and springs gradually run dry and soldiers within this blockaded encampment are distraught being devoid of food and water. The interminable cries of “Save us Jagannāth!” resound day and night. Innumerable soldiers die of starvation within the now desolate walls of the fortress. Outside the formidable enemy ranks enclose them continually assessing the situation, and after one month force the rampart, breaking the line of defence, and enter the fortress. Perhaps the bahinpati Jivadeva Acarya was among the first to oppose their entry and was massacred in this confrontation. Virabhadra is captured along with several other royal dignitaries yet none of them willingly submitted to the enemy as death would be considered more covetous. Virabhadra is sent in chains by Krsnadeva Raya to the southern border of the Vijaya Nagar state.
Verses 61-91; Gajapati’s son Vīrabhadra Deva is a renowned hero of his time and earned considerable repute for his skill in sword fencing. With sword in hand he is fearsome, striking terror in the hearts of his opponents, and he dexterously defeats all of his rival combatants. This adept mastery of the sword wins him much recognition. Once Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya, eager to witness Vīrabhadra’s accomplished sword manoeuvres, orders that he exhibit his talent with a general soldier. Vīrabhadra requests Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya to personally participate in the sportive pageant and take up the sword and spar himself. Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya however declines as it is incongruous with his royal status and aristocratic dignity to spar with a foreign captive, emphatically and imperiously decreeing Vīrabhadra display his art with a rank and file soldier, and further threatens punitive repercussions if were to refuse to do so. Vīrabhadra is now thrown into a dilemma as he beholds a general soldier, in compliance with king’s mandate, standing before him with a sword in hand, as it is the time honoured prerogative of kings to demonstrate their fencing capabilities only with the sovereign elite. Vīrabhadra now removes his sword from its scabbard plunging it deep into his own chest as he instantaneously collapses to the ground. This entirely unexpected event dismays Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya who personally raises him from the ground, as it befits a prince, while pronouncing blessings on him, his mother, and his father. That Vīrabhadra takes his life over such a trifling incident was an appalling matter causing much chagrin for Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya. The Gajāpati is straight away informed of Vīrabhadra’s demise. Somewhere in the south, within a military encampment, the Gajāpati’s queen (Vīrabhadra’s mother) Campādevi, is incarcerated within a fortified tent. The woeful tidings of Vīrabhadra’s untimely death strikes her like a thunder bolt. Now there seemed no option but to make a treaty with Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya. One of the requirements of their truce was that the Gajāpati offer his daughter Jaganmohini in marriage to Kṛṣṇadeva Raya in order to secure the release of Campadevi. Gajāpati offers land in the south as a dowry. This marked the end of seven long years of war. History tells us that this was in 1519.
Once, when Virabadhra was imprisoned in the vicinity of the Benu boarder, Krsnadeva Raya summons him and says, “Hear me, son of Gajāpati! I have come to learn that you are talented in the art of sword fencing.” (61-63)
(Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya continues) “Having heard much of your fame I now wish to behold your abilities for myself.” A regular soldier is called for, and a sword of similar magnitude to Virabhadra’s placed in his hand. Virabhadra appears formidable with his sword, and he captures the attention of Krsna Raya to say, “You and I are of equal status. It is incumbent that you fight, as you are worthy to compete with me in the role of a rival combatant.” Raya dismisses this proposal retorting that he has come to see him sport and a miscellaneous soldier will suffice for the spectacle. Virabhadra declaims; “As I am a king, I will only fight with another monarch. I will spar with no one else but with you alone.” Raya once again announces, “I have come to see you sport and to note how you have earned such a great reputation for yourself. Besides, you are equally matched with this soldier and know that sure retribution awaits if you are to decline this engagement.” (64-73)
The soldier paces forward standing directly before him. A radiant sword of splendid illumination shone in his hand. Yet, he was no prince, and no royal blood flowed through his veins. Vīrabhadra’s tremulous limbs shook with a vehement indignation and drawing his sword from its scabbard he thrust it deep into his own chest. (74-77)
He at once fell upon the ground vomiting blood and Kṛṣṇa Rāya closed his eyes in sudden shock incredulously exclaiming; “What have you done?!” Taking Bhadradeva in his arms he raises him from the dust and holds him up in a display of regard for his sovereign status declaring, “You are glorious Vīradeva! and blessed is your mother, and your father.” He expressed much sorrow and sends news to the Gajapti. (78-83)
Verses 31-61; During seven long years between 1512-17 fierce battle rages between the sovereign of Vijaya Nagar and the king of Orissa which are generally reckoned as very dark days in the history of Orissa. Famine and flood prevail year after year. Crops are swept away in floods the following year drying and withering up in devastating drought. The population is tormented and perplexed by this recurrent sequence of flood and famine and call aloud for succour. Immediate neighbours adopt the inimical demeanour of a discouraging enemy. As a dreadful, burdensome and expensive war rages between Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya and the Gajāpati, the Panca-Sākhās meanwhile sojourn from village to village performing kīrtan, intent on delivering the multitudes whilst infusing them with a love of virtue. As a natural consequence of inundation and famine the masses are lamentably poor having elapsed into a hapless and dire predicament. Even the troops are inadequately supplied with essential requirements of food and gradually become fatigued. The hitherto impenetrable fortresses of Udayagiri and Kondakuru slip from the command of the Orissian troops irretrievably subdued by the arms of the foe. In a final and desperate attempt to salvage one of the principle and likewise impregnable fortress of Kondabida the Gajapati enjoins his troops to assemble therein, but it soon becomes apparent that all efforts are faint and unavailing. Virabhadra Deva is consigned with the daunting and perilous task of protecting Kondabida. Rendering assistance were Jivadeva Acarya and other illustrious warriors besides a vigilant garrison numbering ten thousand who boldly proclaimed they will draw their swords in the resolution of death or conquest but never yield to an enemy. Advancing in battle array Krsnadeva Raya’s indefatigable military phalanxes encompass Kondabida effectively imprisoning the Oriya infantry in the fortress rendering any future liaison with the outside world infeasible. Inside the fortress during this protracted siege food supplies are insensibly depleted. As it is the summer wells and springs gradually run dry and soldiers within this blockaded encampment are distraught being devoid of food and water. The interminable cries of “Save us Jagannāth!” resound day and night. Innumerable soldiers die of starvation within the now desolate walls of the fortress. Outside the formidable enemy ranks enclose them continually assessing the situation, and after one month force the rampart, breaking the line of defence, and enter the fortress. Perhaps the bahinpati Jivadeva Acarya was among the first to oppose their entry and was massacred in this confrontation. Virabhadra is captured along with several other royal dignitaries yet none of them willingly submitted to the enemy as death would be considered more covetous. Virabhadra is sent in chains by Krsnadeva Raya to the southern border of the Vijaya Nagar state.
Verses 61-91; Gajapati’s son Vīrabhadra Deva is a renowned hero of his time and earned considerable repute for his skill in sword fencing. With sword in hand he is fearsome, striking terror in the hearts of his opponents, and he dexterously defeats all of his rival combatants. This adept mastery of the sword wins him much recognition. Once Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya, eager to witness Vīrabhadra’s accomplished sword manoeuvres, orders that he exhibit his talent with a general soldier. Vīrabhadra requests Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya to personally participate in the sportive pageant and take up the sword and spar himself. Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya however declines as it is incongruous with his royal status and aristocratic dignity to spar with a foreign captive, emphatically and imperiously decreeing Vīrabhadra display his art with a rank and file soldier, and further threatens punitive repercussions if were to refuse to do so. Vīrabhadra is now thrown into a dilemma as he beholds a general soldier, in compliance with king’s mandate, standing before him with a sword in hand, as it is the time honoured prerogative of kings to demonstrate their fencing capabilities only with the sovereign elite. Vīrabhadra now removes his sword from its scabbard plunging it deep into his own chest as he instantaneously collapses to the ground. This entirely unexpected event dismays Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya who personally raises him from the ground, as it befits a prince, while pronouncing blessings on him, his mother, and his father. That Vīrabhadra takes his life over such a trifling incident was an appalling matter causing much chagrin for Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya. The Gajāpati is straight away informed of Vīrabhadra’s demise. Somewhere in the south, within a military encampment, the Gajāpati’s queen (Vīrabhadra’s mother) Campādevi, is incarcerated within a fortified tent. The woeful tidings of Vīrabhadra’s untimely death strikes her like a thunder bolt. Now there seemed no option but to make a treaty with Kṛṣṇadeva Rāya. One of the requirements of their truce was that the Gajāpati offer his daughter Jaganmohini in marriage to Kṛṣṇadeva Raya in order to secure the release of Campadevi. Gajāpati offers land in the south as a dowry. This marked the end of seven long years of war. History tells us that this was in 1519.
bhadradeva je bandī hele
benuru sīmāre rahile1 (61)
kāle kṛuṣṇāraya ailā
bhadradevakai sambārilā (62)
boila gajapati suta
kandhā khela tu jānu sata (63)
sunilu tohara gārimā
khela dekhile jānibā nā (64)
hakārilā eka sainī
e tule kandā khela pūṇi (65)
vīrabhadrara hāte khandā
ṭhileka aṭai pracandā (66)
kṛuṣṇa rāyaku hakārilā
mo tule khela tu boilā (67)
rāya je tahun nāsti kalā
to khele mora sraddhā helā (68)
e tahun galaka sainī
khandā kheliba ehu pūṇi (69)
bhadradeva bole mun rājā
rājā sangate mo tarajā (70)
ānare e khadaga na bule
khelibu tuhi asa bhale (71)
rāya boila dekhi bānā
to khela parimani mana (72)
khela tu sainī tule
daṇdibu amānya tu kale (73)
sainīe āsi ubhārici
hāte khandā eka sohuci (74)
nohe se rājāra kumara
rāja rajata nohe tāra (75)
bhadradeva sarira kampāi
kopeṇa tharahara hoi (76)
koṣaru khadaga mukulāi
āpanā vaksare mārai (77)
padilā tale galagāji
kṛuṣṇaraya caksu mūruci (78)
boila-kede-karma-kalā
rājāra-santati-e-bhalā (79)
bhadradevaku-boli-dhari
rāja-sanamāne-ubhāri (80)
boila-dhanya-virabhadra
dhanya-tohara-tāta-māta (81)
sāmānya-kathā-na-sahilu
gajapati-pana-rakhilu (82)
boli-bahuta-dukha-kalā
gajapatiku-bārttā-delā (83)