Who was Chitrangada
Chitrangada was a beautiful princess from the kingdom of Manipur in ancient India. She was the daughter of King Chitravahana and was known for her intelligence, grace, and courage. Here is the story of her love and marriage with the great warrior Arjuna from the Indian epic, Mahabharata.
Arjuna meets Chitrangada
One day, Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, was traveling to the southern region of India on a pilgrimage. He arrived at the kingdom of Manipur, where he met Chitrangada. Arjuna was struck by Chitrangada’s beauty and was immediately drawn to her. He expressed his desire to marry her, but Chitrangada’s father, King Chitravahana, refused. He told Arjuna that Chitrangada was his only child and that he could not afford to lose her as she was the future queen of Manipur.
Arjuna, however, was persistent and vowed to win Chitrangada’s heart. He challenged Chitravahana to a duel and defeated him in battle, earning the right to marry Chitrangada. Chitravahana, impressed by Arjuna’s strength and bravery, gave his daughter’s hand in marriage to the Pandava prince.
Arjuna and Chitrangada’s marriage
Chitrangada and Arjuna’s marriage was a happy one. They lived together in Manipur for many years and had a son named Babruvahana. However, Arjuna was a wanderer and a warrior, and he was called away on various missions. Chitrangada, who had never left Manipur before her marriage, grew restless and expressed her desire to travel with Arjuna.
Arjuna, however, was hesitant to take her with him, as he knew that his duties as a warrior would not allow him to provide a comfortable life for her. Chitrangada, disappointed, decided to leave Arjuna and return to her father’s kingdom. Arjuna understood her plight and gave her the freedom to choose her own destiny. Chitrangada returned to Manipur and ruled the kingdom as a powerful queen.
Years later, when Arjuna returned to Manipur with his son Babruvahana, he was reunited with Chitrangada. They spent time together and reminisced about their past. Chitrangada was still in love with Arjuna, but she understood that her destiny lay in Manipur, and Arjuna’s lay elsewhere. Arjuna, too, was grateful to Chitrangada for the time they had spent together and the son they had raised.
In conclusion, the story of Chitrangada and Arjuna is a tale of love and sacrifice. Chitrangada sacrificed her desires to rule beside Arjuna, while Arjuna sacrificed his love to fulfill his duties as a warrior. Despite their differences, they maintained a deep respect for each other and remained friends for life. Their story is a testament to the importance of selflessness and the power of love and understanding.
