B90-03 Parthayajna

Arjuna's marriage: Bottom left corner: Arjuna takes leave of Kunti and sets out on his journey. Bottom middle: Kama and Ratih on a rock with a protruding elephant-head in the company of eight celestial maidens. Five of the maidens are holding batons in the air. In the small scene above this Arjuna, Twalen and Merdah watch them at play (their charms give rise to doubts about his ability to do penance). Top centre: Arjuna emerges from his hiding place and makes himself known to Kama and Ratih and Kama explains the way to Mt Indrakila. Bottom right: Nalamala (the giant who sprang to life from the tongue of Uma before the birth of Gana – his crown has an elephant head and another animal head protruding from it) and a troop of three ogres emerges from the water. Top right: Two scenes showing (1) Arjuna reaches the heritage of the sage Dwaipayana (his grandfather) and (2) Dwaipayana explains to him the true nature of the Korawas and Pandawas. These events take place after Yudistira has lost everything in the dice game and the Pandawas are to leave Hastina in exile for 12 years. Arjuna must go and do penance to win the favour of the gods and secure the divine help they need (SC).

Arjuna practicing asceticism on Mount Indrakila to acquire weapons for struggle against Korawas, after the dice game. (Galestin notes, recorded by S. Campbell)