The next morning, Rishyashringa completed his duties- cleaned his father’s place of worship, watered the plants, and fed the cattle. He prepared his father’s favorite dishes and made the special “kheer”, which his father loved.
Chores completed, Rishyashringa then left for Anga- his mind clear about what to do. He was enamored with “Shanta”, the female “deity” who had come into his life and Rishyashringa was ready to fight the world to be with her.
He reached Anga in the evening to a grand welcome. King Romapada welcomed him with both arms, declaring him as the “savior” of the kingdom. He was showered with gold ornaments, exotic jewelry, and best of clothing from across the world, but his eyes were searching for that one prize- his Shanta. After looking around for some time, his eyes fell on her- the same juxtaposition of beauty and serenity as before, but this time, looking at him with a curious expression on his face. Rishyashringa was, as usual, blanked out on looking at Shanta, and was jolted back to reality after hearing his name being called out. It was time for the “yagna”, to be done under the supervision of Rishyashringa to end the drought in Anga. The stakes were very high- every man woman and child was eagerly waiting for the rains- the yagna was going to be the miracle to bring back their lives to normal- helmed by Rishyashringa, their savior.
The yagna began, Rishyashringa using all his power and knowledge to appease the Rain Gods. The result was a mere formality- Rishyashringa’s knowledge was no match for Indra and soon, raindrops starting falling. The crowd rejoiced, seeing rain after so many years. Half an hour into the yagna and the central reservoir of the kingdom of Anga was finally full- accompanied by tears of joy on everyone’s faces, coupled with cries of “All hail Rishyashringa”, “ Our Savior”, “God Rishyashringa”. The people of Anga got what they had wanted; their savior, however, was looking around for what he wanted. He had made the ultimate sacrifice for the love of his life. He had gone against his father’s wishes, and with the yagna done, now wanted to meet Shanta and take her back home- to the jungle. He couldn’t get alone time with her- everyone wanted to pay homage to their savior, not letting him alone for a second. After wading through the crowd of people he finally met Shanta. She was again looking at him with that curious expression.
Rishyashringa: “Let’s go”
Shanta: “Where?”
Rishyashringa: “To our home, where we can live out the rest of our lives, together!”
Shanta: “I never said about a together, Rishya. I like you, I respect you, but I cannot live in a forest. I am a princess, meant for living the lavish and grand life that comes with the title.”
Rishyashringa: “You know I cannot live here. My father awaits me.”
Shanta: “Choice is yours. I will not go to a cottage and live. You can choose what’s important to you.”
The short conversation was enough for the knowledgeable Rishyashringa to understand where this was headed. Heartbroken, he made his way out of the palace and towards the jungle. However, his feet stooped- he felt embarrassed to walk back to his father. He was too proud to go back to Shanta. The uncertainty, the shame, anguish, and anger all combined to make him feel completely helpless. He finally understood the importance of the” Vibhandak line” and why his father was adamant to stay within the line.
The story of Vibhandak and Rishyshringa is not very popular. Over the years, “Lakshman Rekha” and Sita’s story have been used as examples for “women”. Somehow, the story of a “man” not listening to his father and crossing the proverbial “line of control” remains hidden in Indian history. Why is it, that when a lady made a mistake, it became an example for the ages, but when a man makes the same mistake (that too much before Sita), no one remembers it? Why are our women scrutinized for their every action, but men get away with the most heinous of crimes? Why can’t we, the “men” remain inside the “Vibhandak line” and remove the need for a “Lakshman Rekha?”
Think about it.
The author's views are personal only.
This article was originally published here: https://salilsrivastava.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-legend-of-rishyasringa-vibhandak.html
