When the stories of love are created in the soil of a state, they are not just stories-they become part of the culture. The desert of Rajasthan has been a witness to many such immortal love stories, one of which is the love story of Rajkumar Mahendra and Princess Mumal. This story not only reflects the depth of love, but also states that in ancient times, love was not only union, but also with renunciation, examination and purity of soul.
When music becomes a medium of love
Mumal was a very beautiful, intelligent and skilled princess in art-culture, a resident of Lodrava, Jaisalmer. In his palace, the evenings of music, dance and Shero-Shayari were decorated in his palace. From far and wide, prince and brave warriors used to come attracted to his beauty and intelligence, but Mumal kept himself safe for love-in search of a partner who could not only understand him externally, but also at spiritual level. When he got news of Mumal’s beauty and his fame, he also set out towards Lodrava. It was not a normal union-it was the end of the search of the two souls that were recognizing each other, with music notes, with the rhythm of conversation, and the language of eyes.
First test of love
When Mahendra met Mumal, the dialogue between him as if the centuries -old relationship was reminded. But Mumal laid a mysterious test to test him – a path that could only be crossed with honesty and bravery of the true lover. Mahendra passed that exam, and the seed of love between the two sprouted completely, but the path of love is never easy. Love in royal families often collides with social dignities, and that is what happened to Mahendra-Mumal. Some anti -courtiers and destiny weaved such a trap that misunderstandings were created between the two. Mumal felt that Mahendra cheated him, while the truth was something else.
Mumal’s soul gave fire test
This misconception broke Mumal from inside. He set himself on fire, to prove that his love was pure, it was imprisoned. It is said that as soon as Mahendra got this news, he came running and jumped into Mumal’s pyre. Both lovers became united in the fire – the body may have been burnt, but the love became immortal.
What was love at that time?
In today’s time, where love has been reduced to the boundaries of quick messages, instant calls and likes, the love story of Mahendra-Mumal teaches that true love demands renunciation, wants patience, and is his essence to live up to the exam. At that time, love was not only ‘union’, it was a spiritual journey in which if there was a crown, then the garland of sacrifice on the other side.
Even today, in the folk songs and stories of Rajasthan, the name of Mumal is taken with great respect and pain. When the winds move in the sand of Jaisalmer, it seems as if Mahendra and Mumal’s souls are still wandering in search of each other-becoming an example of a love that will be remembered for ages.
