The Baghasura Vadha is another popular Kavya by Rama Saraswati. The story runs thus: the Pandava brothers were instructed by Agasthamuni to destroy a terrible demon called Baghasura. He was a menace to everyone, sages and saints in particular. In the encounter, the Pandava brothers, except Yudhisthir, were slaughtered. The demon was strengthened with a boon given to him by Lord Shiva and Chandi, the source of his strength. Ultimately, the demon was killed in battle and the dead Pandava brothers were revived to life with the help of a magic necklace that Draupadi possessed. In the ultimate analysis, the poem in the true Vaishnava spirit represents victory over Shiva and Chandi. In Rama Saraswati's Janghasura Vadha, the poem is enlivened with scenes of subtle humour as also those of tragic passions. The principal idea conveyed through these Kavyas is the idea of man's conquest of forces that are represented by demons and other supernatural beings, i.e., forces of temptation and self, of pride and physical prowess. The path to spiritual purification lies through the thorns of suffering. Rama Saraswati was a devoted disciple of Sankaradeva whom he regarded as Apuni Jswara, "himself a deity". Besides other works, he has to his credit two noteworthy Kavyas: the Vyadha Charita and the Bhima Charita. The latter is a mock-heroic narrative, in which the author's amazing humour is seen emerging beautifully. Despite certain flaws, the poem will be read for its brilliant plot and rollicking humour. Nowhere else as in the Bhima Charita the astonishing power over language, amazing wit, etc., of the creator of the Assamese version of the Mahabharatashow themselves to such advantage. Mythological tales of heroism are not generally depressing in effect, although they are didactic. In short, these poets have introduced religio-ethical effects in a most skilful way into the medieval genre of quest and adventure. |
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