Empowering
One’s Husband (The Choodala Way)- Final Part
Ha!
Choodala had been waiting just for this moment, but she contained herself. The
sun was setting and the two friends entered into a creeper-hut and started
reciting sundowner-mantras. Slowly the moon appeared and Kumbhan was feeling
uncomfortable. The unique identifiers of
a female body started emerging. Sikhidhwaja still stayed put. He didn't get
swayed by those growing charms.
I should
stay neutral , he thought, I haven’t worked my ways towards this and the
current situation is thrust upon me. It is upto me to take it or leave it.
Nothing
happened. The next morning everything was back to normal. The feminine
endowments too had vanished without trace.
This kind of dual life went on for some time for Choodala and finally she spoke out.
O, handsome
King, kindly listen to my words. Every night I’m turning into an enchantress! You
know, everything happens with a purpose. You and I should unite. You’re the
only male whom I love. Let’s get married!
Sikhidhwajan
couldn’t agree more.
Done, he
said.
Demarcating
deeds as auspicious or inauspicious is meaningless. If you feel like getting
united, go ahead. The time is also ideal. Just the day preceding the new moon
of Sravan month.
Flowers and
jewels were collected. The couple took bath in the Ganges, draped in white
silks, ate fresh fruits and that’s was all for preparations. The sun
disappeared behind the blue curtain and it was getting dark. Towards the end of the rituals Kumbhan
underwent sex-change and had become Madanika, the bride. Sikhidhwajan decorated
his bride with flowers. Then he lit the
fire as a witness to proceedings.
They were
married.
Madanika
managed to sneak out at regular intervals to attend administration at the
palace. For the rest of the time, they enjoyed the new-found honey-moon to its
hilt.
Several
months passed. Choodala wanted to give Sikhidhwajan the final round of
tests. In fact, just two of them, the
first one for detecting trace of indulgence and the other for mental purity.
She wanted to know for sure whether he had risen above cravings.
She took
her husband to a valley where Devendran was waiting with all his entourage.
They were waiting for Sikhidhwajan.
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| gopikrishna - pants -oil on canvas |
O King! We
have heard about your outstanding qualities. You've already become a liberated
man. It is our privilege to invite every “jeevan-mukta” to Heaven and make
arrangements for enjoying all its benefits. We have reached here just for
extending a special invitation to you.
Sikhidhwaja,
however, was unmoved.
O Lord, I
know about these heavenly pleasures and I’m not particular! I don’t believe
Heaven could be confined to a particular place. For me, any place is Heaven. As
I don’t have any desires left, I can be happy in all situations. Heaven, in my opinion, is a state-of-mind. I
certainly don’t want any specially commissioned, private heaven for me. Kindly
excuse.
Devendran
was impressed. He blessed the King and made a graceful exit.
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| gopikrishna- man ascending the mount of pain - 2007 |
Choodala
observed,
My husband
has scaled real heights! He is not lured even by Heaven. He remains perfectly
calm and balanced! Now, it’s the time for the final test.
She waited
till dusk.
As
Sikhidhwajan was saying his evening prayers, Choodala sneaked into nearby
nearby creeper-hut where she made a bed out of flowers and tender leaves. She created a male-like figure , put it on
bed and locked it with a close embrace. When Sikhidhwajan was back after the
evening prayers, his wife wasn't anywhere around. Though not over-anxious, he
looked out for her and found her in an alien’s embrace, sharing exhilarating
moments. The sight of the couple possessing the universe together didn't let
him down. On the contrary, he got the nice vibes of the sacred act and felt so
happy.
Enjoy yourself.
Don’t feel interrupted. Carry on…
He went
back to his Ashram.
After a
while Choodala too reached there totally disorganized. Her eyes told it all.
Sikhidwaja
was embarking on yet another meditation and Choodala (Madanika to be more
correct) stood in front waiting. When he woke up, he was pleased to see his
wife and talked to her. There was not even a trace of hatred in his voice.
O beautiful
woman, did you get interrupted by me? Go ahead and enjoy with him. There is nothing like the union of two lovers.
Madanika
was swept off by this rare act of acceptance. She murmured.
Kindly
forgive me. I am a sinner. I am weak. I am immature and I’m a fool. Please
don’t get angry at me.
Sikhidwaja
was all composed.
Relax, my
dear girl. Be pure like the sky. Nothing can blemish you.
Do you
think the sky can ever be a sinner? Or a fool? Can it be weak for whatever reasons?
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| gopikrishna - Kvees Stores - oil on canvas -2006 |
That was
the end-point for Choodala. She was convinced that her husband had scaled the
highest peak. A perfectly balanced man with no craving for anything and no
hatred towards anyone.
Choodala
shed her disguises one by one. Even then, it didn't strike to her husband who
was standing right in front. He was too child-like for doing any deductive logic.
Lady, you
look exactly like my wife…
That was
the most appropriate time. Choodala submitted her credentials before the King.
Sikhadhwajan
was surprised to no end.
My beloved
wife, you are my Guru. I have crossed the ocean and I am a free man now. Just
because of you. Kindly accept my respects!
In a
gesture of humility, Choodala bowed before her husband and said,
O King,
kindly let us know the way in which you would like to live…
Sikhidhwaja
replied
My Love, I
don’t have anything either to accept or reject. You decide on my life. I shall
follow.
Choodala
requested him to take up the throne. She shall be beside him to give
companionship and guidance.
Sikhidhwajan
was in complete agreement.
He was
asked to sit facing the east. Choodala poured water from the Mangala-kumbh over
his head. Choodala led him to the majestic simhasan. In turn, the King installed
Choodala as his Pattamahishi (adviser and anchor). A tumultuous welcome was
waiting at the Capital.
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| gopikrishna |
Then......, they
lived happily ever-after, with their equally happy praja for 10,000 odd years!
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