Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c10.s15.7

c10.s15.7

*Prabodhacandrodaya* of Kṛṣṇa Miśra is known as an allegorical play. Kṛṣṇa Miśra is a devout Vedāntin, and his play is composed with a mission to impart the message of Vedānta. Of course, his achievements as a poet and dramatist are no less noteworthy. In *Prabodhacandrodaya*, Viveka, the protagonist is trying to lead the mankind to the path of renunciation whereas the antagonist, Mahāmoha is all set to lead them to delusion. As the crisis precipitates, the Vedāntic view is unfolded through dialogues and discussions. Amongst the accomplices of King Mahāmoha, Kāma and Rati are shown dallying in amorous pleasures; Lobha (greed), Dambha (arrogance), Ahaṁkāra (ego) and Cārvāka are active in misleading the people; while Viveka leads his queen Mati to the disillusionment and freedom from her bondages by making her shun the attachments. *Prabodhacandrodaya* offers a critique of society and the double standards of men. It is a play where brilliance of scholarship and knowledge combines with poetic fancy and debates are made a part of this integration.