Chitrangadha

Chitrangada was not just a play, but a lyrical expression of Love by Rabindra nath Tagore. One must read this play to feel the anguish and esctasy of Love.
http://www.fullbooks.com/Chitra-a-Play-in-One-Act.html

 

 In the course of his wanderings, in fulfilment of a vow of penance, Arjuna came to Manipur. There he saw Chitrangada, the daughter of Chitravahana, the king of Manipura. She was always treated as a son and an heir to the throne. She wore boyish cloths and left the seclusion of the women's quarters to persue the art of war and indulged herself in game. On one such hunting expedition she came upon a charming young wanderer who made her feel like a woman. But Arjuna rebuffed her advances bluntly by saying that he took a vow of chastity. She suddenly became concious of her boyish looks and strong limbs that failed to stir his heart. Saddend by her lack of vanity and charm she returned to her palace.

The young lady fell deeply and irreversably in love with him but since she never learned the art of love like a woman, she prayed to God Madana and explained in despair her love. She begged for a single day of immense beauty so that she could capture his heart and make him her's. The God moved by her love granted her prayer and gave her one whole year of perfect beauty.

Chitrangada was not just a play, but a lyrical expression of Love by Rabindra nath Tagore. One must read this play to feel the anguish and esctasy of Love.
http://www.fullbooks.com/Chitra-a-Play-in-One-Act.html