The Legend of Chitrangada

Over a land verdant and jewelled, the powerful Chitravahan ruled.

This spirited and devout king, asked the gods for just one thing.

If only one child I can sire, a son is my ardent desire.

A boy! A boy! To make me proud!

A girl is born! They cried aloud.

He laughed. The will of gods is done; but I’ll raise her like she’s my son.

She’s of my body. Chitrangada!

I’ll make a worthy heir of her.

Chitrangada the prince-princess, grew up clothed in soldiers’ dress.

She learnt warfare and statesmanship. A bow on shoulder, sword on hip

were all the ornaments she wore. A princely crown she proudly bore.

She went for hunting one day whence, Arjun, the famous Pandav prince

was smitten by her martial skill. Chitrangada! She felt the thrill

of love in her for the first time. How sweet love was! Oh, how sublime!

But then a gloom befell on her. She felt a pain unfamiliar.

She saw herself with anguished eyes: what hairy arms, what muscled thighs!

My palms are scarred by archery. I know not what is jewellery.

My hair thus tied in warrior style…She sat, dejected for a while.

I wonder what he thinks of me. A girl? A boy? An oddity?

For how can handsome Arjun love, someone like me. O Gods above!

Do grant me beauty, grant me grace! She felt a light upon her face.

Her anguished entreaties, love-laden, changed her into a lovely maiden.

Slender, shy, and delicate. She felt now like a worthy mate,

bedecked in gold and silken clothes, she went to Arjun to propose.

But Arjun stepped back, horrified. I cannot have you by my side!

Chitrangada! I know you not!

The one that I love, I cannot

relate with you. Why have you lost, that fearless stance that I loved most?

That honest laugh, those flashing eyes...I was instantly mesmerized.

For me, what you were, was enough. Relieved, she gladly made to doff

her finery. And back she changed, to former self, the warrior famed.

Much bliss and peace did they enjoy. They wed. They had a baby boy,

a son. Oh what a born archer! But now at Arjun’s departure,