Q.- Kadambari is a romantic novel, which reaches the attainment of love. Explain the statement incorporating the romantic relationship between lead the characters.
Ans: Bāṇabhaṭṭa’s Kadambari is one of the most celebrated works of Sanskrit literature. It is called a romantic novel because the entire story revolves around love, longing, union, and separation. The novel is not only about external beauty and emotions but also about the spiritual attainment of love. In this sense, it goes beyond ordinary romance and shows how true love can overcome barriers of life, death, time, and destiny.
The central characters in the novel are Candrapīḍa (the prince of Ujjayinī) and Kadambari (the celestial maiden, daughter of Gandharva king). Their love story passes through various stages—first meeting, separation, suffering, and finally, attainment. This journey represents the universal truth that love is not easily achieved, but through patience and devotion, it leads to fulfillment.
1)The First Meeting: Candrapīḍa meets Kadambari when he goes out on a hunting expedition and reaches Lake Acchoda. There he sees Kadambari, a maiden of extraordinary beauty and grace. This meeting is described in highly poetic language. For both of them, it is love at first sight. Their eyes speak before their words, and their souls are attracted to each other deeply. This moment marks the beginning of the romance. Here Bāṇabhaṭṭa presents love as something divine. It is not planned or forced; it happens naturally when two souls recognize each other.
2)Separation and Struggle: Although they fall in love instantly, fate does not allow them to unite easily. Kadambari belongs to a celestial world, while Candrapīḍa is a mortal prince. Social and cosmic barriers keep them apart. Misunderstandings and duties also cause separation. The pain of longing and the anxiety of uncertainty become central themes in the middle part of the story.During this phase, the author explores the emotional depth of love. True love is not only about joy but also about pain and sacrifice. Both characters remain faithful to each other despite the distance.
3)The Theme of Rebirth: One of the most unique aspects of Kadambari is the use of rebirth as a device to complete the love story. Candrapīḍa dies before uniting with Kadambari, and she is left in grief. However, due to destiny and the power of love, Candrapīḍa is reborn as Vaishampāyana, and finally, the lovers are united. This shows that true love is eternal. Even death cannot destroy it. Love survives beyond one lifetime and achieves fulfillment in another. Thus, love in Kadambari is not temporary or physical alone; it is spiritual and immortal.
4)Love as Attainment: In the end, the novel highlights that love is not just an emotional attraction; it is a journey of the soul. The union of Candrapīḍa and Kadambari after rebirth symbolizes the final attainment of love. Love here is portrayed as:-
- Spiritual – It goes beyond body and time.
- Pure and faithful – Both remain true to each other despite trials.
- Transformative – The characters grow emotionally and spiritually through their suffering.
Conclusion: Thus, Kadambari is rightly called a romantic novel that reaches the attainment of love. The love between Candrapīḍa and Kadambari is not simple infatuation but a deep bond that crosses the limits of life and death. The novel teaches that true love requires patience, faith, and sacrifice, and in the end, it becomes eternal and divine.
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