OCTOBER 2011 SIVANANDA VIJAYA—AN INSPIRING DRAMA OF 3 ACTS 10

SIVANANDA VIJAYA—AN INSPIRING DRAMA OF 3 ACTS (By Sri Sundar Shyam Mukut, Hindi)

[ Trans lated into Eng lish by D. N. Jhingan, M.A., LL.B. ]

The purpose of this play is to inspire, instruct and elevate. We have not the least doubt that it contains all the elements to serve this purpose with an appreciable measure of success. Moved deeply by the sin and sufferings in this world, the renowned South India Saivaite Saint Appayya Dikshitar invokes the Lord’s intervention. Lord Siva promises to be born among men and awaken Humanity to the sublime purpose of life and to hasten their spiritual evolution. Eighteen generations later, the birth of Kuppuswami (Sivananda, the hero of the play) marks the advent of the promised Saviour. Urged on by the Consciousness of his destined mission, Dr. Kuppuswami renounces a brilliant secular career and turning monk, works for and brings about a world-wide awakening, inspiration and spiritualisation. In Him, the modern world sees the fulfillment of the promise given by the Lord to Saint Appayya Dikshitar, centuries ago. We have made an earnest attempt in the present volume to provide an attractive and dramatic version of this modern saint’s inspiring life of lofty renunciation and Vishwa Seva.

DRAMATIS PERSONATE Saint dedicating his life to the Appaya Dikshitar: An unequalled scholar in awakening of humanity. and renowned devotee of Lord Siva: Kailasapathy Bhagawan. Lord Siva. Kalua: Devoted servant of Dr. Kuppuswami Narayana Bhattar: Mahant or the Chief Priest Purnabhodha and Vishuddhananda: of the great Temple at Conjeevaram. Disciples of Sri Swami Sivanandaji Four Vaishnavas: Disciples of Narayana Swami Narayanananda and Swami Bhattar. Ramaswami: Two Sannyasins. Narada: Rishi. Suresh, Rajesh, Om Prakash and Rajendra: Vengu Iyer: A worthy descendent of Appaya Students of Sivananda Ashram. Dikshitar. Swami Vishwanandaji: of Sri. Swami Dr. Kuppuswami (Sri Swami Sivananda): The Sivanandaji and Paramahamsa Hero of this drama—Son of Vengu Sannyasi belonging to Sringeri Mutt Iyer, first a doctor and then a Great line. OCTOBER 2011 SIVANANDA VIJAYA—AN INSPIRING DRAMA OF 3 ACTS 11

(Also some children, two boys, two Prabho sharan mein jo aata hai citizens, sick patients, pilgrim, Nathua, woh man waanchit phal paatha hai Munshi, etc. etc). Kaun nahin phir gun gatha hai Parvathi Ammal: Mother of Sri. Swami dekh tumhen adhaar Sivanandaji (wife of Vengu Iyer). Jag ke palan haar Devi Parvathi: Consort of Lord Siva. Khade hue hain sab nar naari Savitri and Kamala : Students of dikhlawo he Krishna Murari Sivananda Ashram. Apni wah baanki chavi pyari jate hain balihaar ACT I Jag ke palan har Scene 1: Toot chuki pathwaar hamari Place: Gate of Conjeevaram Temple toophaanon ka dar hai bhaari Time: Morning. Kewat ban aao Girdhari naiya hai majhadhaar Inside the temple, Arati is being Jag ke palan har. conducted. In sweet melodious notes devotees are singing the Lord’s Arati. All (Hail, Hail, Protector of the Universe! musical instruments, temple bell, conch, Leadest Thou Your own people drums, cymbals, etc. are being played To the other shore of Immortality together, which produce an all absorbing He who seeks refuge in Thee sound. Gets the cherished boon; Knowing you his own support (All Sing) Everyone sings thy praise ! ARATI Hail, Hail, Protector of the Universe! Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare All Thy Bhaktas beseech Thee Hare! Pray show us Thy Charming Face Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna And on those who do surrender Hare Hare! Bestow Thy Divine Grace Hail, Hail, Protector of the Universe! Jeya Jeya aarati Venu Gopala Venu Gopala Venu Lola Let adrift in the stormy sea Papa vidura Navanita Chora This frail boat is well nigh sunk Jeya Jeya aarati Venkataramana Come Thou, O Pilot of life, Venkataramana sankata harana Steer it safe to heaven of Bliss Sita Rama Radhe Shyama Hail, Hail, Protector of the Universe!) Jeya Jeya aarati Venu Gopala (Enter Appayya Dikshitar—with bhasma Jag ke paalan haar besmeared on the forehead and Apne jan ko bhava saagar se mala around his neck. His face is kar dete ho par awe-inspiring and lustrous ). OCTOBER 2011 SIVANANDA VIJAYA—AN INSPIRING DRAMA OF 3 ACTS 12

APPAYYA DIKSHITA:- Oh! Arati is over. Am I late? I shall have “Sivaya Namah Om, Sivaya Namah the Lord’s Darshan, then. Sivaya Namah Om, Nama Sivaya (A voice from behind the screen ): Where are Siva Siva Siva Siva Sivaya Namah Om you going? Hara Hara Hara Hara Namah Sivaya Siva Siva Siva Siva Sivaya Namah Om (Enter - four Vaishnavas ) Bum Bum Bum Bum Namasivaya KRISHNA IYENGAR: Look here! This is Siva Samba Samba Sadasiva Vishnu Temple and not a Siva Samba Sadasiva Samba Siva Temple. Siva Siva Sankara Hara Hara Sankara SRINIVASACHAR: Have you wandered Jeya Jeya Sankara Namami Sankara astray, please? Om Namasivaya, Om Namasivaya Om Namasivaya, Om Namasivaya RAGHAVACHARY: Saivas have no business to come here. Sambho Mahadeva Deva–Siva VENU GOPALAN: Please go back without Sambho Mahadeva Devesa Sambho demur. (Sambho) APPAYYA DIKSHITAR: This is the Lord’s Palavanam Ratnakritam–Pala Temple. Let me have the Lord’s Netrarchishadhagta Panceeshukeetam darshan . Why do you stop me? Shoolashataratikootam–Shuddha Mardendhuchoodam Bhaje Margabandum KRISH: Do you all hear what he says? (Sambho) SRINI: We have heard everything. He cannot Ange Virajadbhujangam–Abhra have darshan . Gangaatarangaabhiraamottamangam RAGHA: Pray, direct him to some Siva Sringaaravatikurangam–Shuddha Temple. Then he will walk away. Samsevitanghrim Bhaje Margabandhum APPA: What is the harm, gentlemen? I simply (Sambho) desire to have the Lord’s darshan . Nityam Chidanandarupam–Ninhu KRISH: ( laughing ) What else could thou wish Taasesha Lokesa vairi prataapam —the Lord’s gold ornaments? The Kartaswara gendrachaapam–Kritti temple gets desecrated by the mere Vasam Bhaje Divya Sanmargabandum entry of Saivas . (Sambho) APPA: Are Saivas so despicable? Kandarpadarpagnameesam–Kala Kantam Mahesam Maha Vyoma Kesam SRINI: ( with a cynical smile ) They are Kundaabhadantam Suresam–Koti adorable, are they? There can be no Suryaprakasam Bhaje Margabandhum comparison between Lord Vishnu (Sambho) and Siva. Mandaarabhooterudhaaram–Manda RAGHA: One is the storehouse of beauty and Ragendrasaaram Mahagowryadhooram the other is a mendicant besmeared Sindhooradhooraprataapam–Sindhu with ashes. Rajaadhidheeram Bhaje Margabandhum VENU: Friend of Ghosts! Snake-Charmer (Sambho playing with cobras and serpents (Continued on the page No. 17) OCTOBER 2011 SIVANANDA VIJAYA—AN INSPIRING DRAMA OF 3 ACTS 15

(Continued from the page No. 15) knob. He wears a pair of wooden APPA: Please do not speak of the Lord thus. sandals ) VENU: Why not? We do not fear anybody. BHAT: Why are you standing here, Children? KRISH: Why should we fear? We do not take Have you received the Lord’s bhang . We take cups of ambrosia. Prasada ? SRINI: It is your lot, sir, to take poison. ALL FOUR: ( after salutations ) Yes, Gurudeva! We have taken it. KRISH: There can be no comparison between the flute and the damroo . KRISH: This Saiva has entered the temple. RAGHA: And the trident is no weapon before BHAT: ( Looking at Appayya Dikshitar ) the sudarshan . Narayan! Narayan! How does he come here? KRISH: Please go back, dear Sir, these are the orders. SRINI: We know nothing, Guruji. We saw him enter the temple while we were APPA: Whose orders? returning after taking prasad . SRINI: Those of our Bhattar. RAGHA: He is so adamant in his resolve to APPA: Who is your Bhattar? have the Lord’s darshan that he pays RAGHA: He is the Mahant of this temple. no heed at all to what we told him. VENU: He is very ill-tempered. All are afraid VENU: We were about to call you, Maharaj. of his anger. BHAT: Hark ye. Saiva ! Do not dream of KRISH: Beware! lest you should be the victim entering the temple. You can go back. of his wrath. The gate-way is open. SRINI: So get thee gone, my dear Sir! APPA: ( Saluting the Bhattar ) I shall go away APPA: ( firmly ) I shall not move without the when I have got the Lord’s darshan . Lord’s darshan ( sits down ). Pray, permit me to go in. KRISH: See, how he sits here. BHAT: ( gazing fiercely ) You and darshan ? SRINI: Shall I call the Bhattar? (emphatically ) im...pos...sible! RAGHA: Pray, call him Srinivas! He alone APPA: Why, Sir? can remove this Saiva. BHAT: I need not tell you why? You cannot SRINI: ( Looking in front ) Lo, here comes the have darshan ( with raised voice ). Bhattar himself. These are my orders. VENU: Now shall our friend come to his APPA: Your orders and in Lord’s Temple. senses. What do you mean, Sir? (Enter Narayana Bhattar —Vaishnava Tilaka BHAT: You are getting insolent. Behave on forehead, a golden rosary round yourself, ( to vaishnavas ) Turn him out the neck and a silk dhoti. A man of instantly. Narayan! Narayan!! stout build, impressive face and a Narayan!!! ( Goes in swiftly ). large tuft of hair tied up on the head. KRISH: Do you follow now what orders we He holds a thick cudgel with silver top have got to carry out? 16 THE DIVINE LIFE OCTOBER 2011

SRINI: Pray, Sir, how would you like to be today. What else shall I ask of Thee, turned out? O Lord! Pray, let me ever be devoted RAGHA: Drag him out! to Thee! (All prepare to catch hold of Appayya SIVA: This I have already bestowed on you. Dikshitar. A loud noise is heard. Idol of Vishnu Ask for something else. changes into that of Siva. All the four APPA: My Lord...... Vaishnavas begin to tremble with fear and SIVA: ( Looks with love and mercy ) run away. Appayya Dikshitar goes in front of APPA: O Lord of the universe! All worldly the image and repeats prayers with great people are miserable. Have mercy on devotion . ) them. ( Bows down his head ). APPA: Salutations to Thee, O! Mahadeva, SIVA: ( smiling ) I know thy object. Have Adorations to Thee, Lord Viswanath. patience. Thy desire shall be fulfilled. Prostrations to Thee, Kailasapathi, In your eighteenth generation there My homage to Thee, O Pasupati. shall be born a person to relieve the Lord of Kailasa, Mahadeva, distress of worldly people. He shall be Lord of Bhutas, Sadasiva, known as Sivananda. He shall guide How kind and merciful art Thou! people to real, eternal happiness I am ever devoted unto Thee. through knowledge, action and Thou art my sole refuge, O Lord. devotion. He shall be endowed with Thou art my saviour, Prabhu. My splendour. Friend of the meek, Lord of fallen, (Lord Siva disappears. Bhattar and his Save me O Lord! Trahimam, disciples enter completely nonplussed. Protect me, O Lord! Rakshamam. Looking at the image of Lord Siva they are Infinite, Immortal Lord of Universe, struck with wonder. All prostrate at the feet of One without a second, bestower of Appayya ). real Bliss BHAT: ( with troubled look ) Please pardon me, Thousand salutations and million O Venerable Saint! Unknowingly I prostrations! have disgraced you. I was blind on Namo Namah, Namaste, Namo account of ignorance. Today my eyes Namah Sivayah. have been opened. Save me ( falls at (Being overpowered with devotional Appayya’s feet .) ecstasy Appayya Dikshitar catches hold of APPA: ( raising him up ) Why do you say so, the idol’s feet. Celestial light fills the temple Maharaj? I am your humble servant. immediately. Lord Siva appears out of the You have done me no insult. Why do idol and slowly plays his damaroo .) you ask for my pardon? Lord Vishnu LORD SIVA: O Appayya, dearest Devotee! I appeared in the form of Lord Siva in am highly pleased with you. Ask for order to remove all notions of any boon you like. difference. Look! Look!! How pleased APPA: ( with choked voice ) Glory to Thee! O He is! ( Points to the image ). Let us all Umanath! I have got everything sing the Lord’s praise. OCTOBER 2011 SIVANANDA VIJAYA—AN INSPIRING DRAMA OF 3 ACTS 17

(All sing in Chorus ):- Lead it Thou to the other shore, Jeya Siva Bhole Bandaari. Pitiable is our lot. Hey Ashuthosha hey Tripurari. Hail, Hail, Siva! Hail, Hail, Siva! Pathithon ko paawan karte ho, Kailasavasi Shambhu tum ko laakhon Sukh dekar dukh ko harthe ho, pranaam Sharanagat hain aaj tumhaari, Tum ko laakhon pranaam Meto sare sankat bhari Anga vibhuta sira ganga viraaje, Jataa-joot main gang biraaje, Gale naag aur trishula viraaje, Shesh Nag ki mala saaje, Bhootapishacha nikata nahin aave, Ek haath main shool liye ho, Kailashavasi naam tumhare Ek haath dhamroo dhaari Aise bhole vale tum ko laakhon pranaam Uma Ramana Karuna ke saagar. Tum ko laakhon pranaam Naaw bhanwar main hai yah jarjar Kamadev ko tumane jalaayaa, Paar lagaa do aakar aba tum Gayaa bhagya phir use jagaaya, Bigad gayi hai dashaa hamari Alakha niranjana naam kahaaya, Glory to you O Lord Siva. Devan main badhaa deva kahagaya Hail, Hail, Siva! Hail, Hail, Siva! Damarudhaari Shambhu tum ko laakhon Thou dost purify the fallen pranaam Removest distress, bestowest Bliss. Tum ko laakhon pranaam We all take refuge in Thee. Do Thou remove all our pains (All prostrate at Lord’s feet. There is a Hail. Hail. Siva! Hail, Hail Siva! loud boom. Image of Lord Siva is seen transformed into that of Vishnu ). Adorned with the Ganges Stream. Govinda jeya jeya, Gopala jeya jeya Serpent garland round your neck Radharamana Hari Govinda jeya jeya Trident held in one hand And Damroo in the other. Sankara jeya jeya Gopala jeya jeya Hail, Hail, Siva! Hail, Hail, Siva! Umaramana Hari Sankara jeya jeya. Consort of Uma, Ocean of Mercy, (CURTAIN DROPS) The boat of life is caught in storm (To be continued)

Charity is a rare grace granted by God to man. Truly it “Covereth a multitude of sins.” The secret of charity is the ability to identify yourself with the person towards whom you are being charitable. It is the ability to enter into the joy and sorrow of others. It is the ability to treat others as you treat yourself. —Swami Chidananda