Yaksha's Home

Description of Yaksha’s Home 

In Meghadutam, Kalidasa describes the beautiful home of Yaksha in the heavenly city of Alaka. The house is situated to the north of Kubera’s magnificent palace. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, flowering trees, a lovely pond, and a hill decorated with precious stones. The description reflects the richness of nature and the luxurious life of Alaka. However, Yaksha’s separation from his beloved wife makes his beautiful home appear dull and sorrowful.

1. Location and Magnificent Entrance

Yaksha’s home is situated to the north of Kubera’s palace in the heavenly city of Alaka. It is a magnificent mansion that can be recognised from a distance by its beautiful arched gateway. Kalidasa describes it in these words:

“Just north of Lord Kubera’s palace, is our home, visible from afar By an arched gateway that glows like a perfect rainbow.”

The gateway shines like a rainbow and adds to the beauty of the mansion. Near the entrance grows a young hibiscus tree, which Yaksha’s wife lovingly cares for as if it were their own son. Its branches bend under the weight of its beautiful flowers.

2. The Beautiful Pond

Near the house, there is a beautiful pond with steps made of emerald stones. It is filled with golden lotuses whose stalks shine like lapis lazuli. The poet describes it in these lines:

“There is a pond, fashioned with a stairway of emerald stones, and filled With golden lotuses in bloom.”

Swans live peacefully in the pond and are so happy in its waters that they forget even the famous Lake Manasa. The pond adds freshness, charm, and heavenly beauty to the surroundings of Yaksha’s home.

3. The Sapphire-Covered Hill

Near the pond stands a beautiful hill where Yaksha and his wife used to spend happy moments together. Its peak is covered with dark, polished sapphires and surrounded by a ring of golden plantain trees. Yaksha remembers this favourite place with affection:

“My friend, when I see your lightning flash all around your dark body, my mind stirs And I am reminded of that hill, for that is the place my beloved loved most.”

The hill is an important part of the landscape surrounding his home. It reminds Yaksha of the happy times he shared with his beloved wife.

4. The Ashoka and Kesar Trees

Two beautiful trees grow on the hill: a red ashoka tree and an evergreen kesar tree. They are surrounded by red amaranth bushes and fragrant madhavi vines. Kalidasa personifies these trees by connecting them with the Yaksha’s wife.

“The ashoka tree waits with deep desire, just as I do, for the loving touch of my beloved’s left foot.”

According to a traditional poetic belief, the ashoka tree blossoms when touched by a woman's foot. The kesar tree also seems to long for a mouthful of wine from her lips. These descriptions show how closely the natural beauty of the surroundings is connected with the Yaksha’s memories of his wife.

5. The Crystal Slab and Golden Pillar

Between the ashoka and kesar trees lies a crystal slab. A golden pillar rises from a base made of emeralds that resemble young bamboo shoots. Every evening, a blue-necked peacock perches on the pillar. Yaksha remembers how his wife used to make the bird dance to the rhythm of her jingling bracelets.

“A blue-necked peacock perches on that pillar, While my wife makes him dance to the steady beat of her jingling bracelets.”

The crystal slab, golden pillar, and dancing peacock add elegance and charm to the surroundings. They also remind Yaksha of the joyful moments he once shared with his wife.

6. The Doorway and the Present Condition of the House

Yaksha tells the cloud how to recognise his home. The doorway has pictures of a conch and a lotus painted on either side. He says:

“You will know it to be my home, its radiance perhaps shadowed now By my absence, just as a lotus loses its inner glow once the sun has set.”

The house was once filled with happiness and love, but Yaksha’s absence has made it appear gloomy. The comparison with a lotus deprived of sunlight suggests that the beauty of the house has lost its brightness because the husband and wife are separated.

Conclusion

Yaksha’s home is a magnificent mansion surrounded by a rainbow-like gateway, an emerald pond, golden lotuses, a sapphire-covered hill, flowering trees, a crystal slab, and a golden pillar. The presence of the peacock adds life and charm to the beautiful surroundings. Through vivid imagery and comparisons, Kalidasa presents the house as a heavenly place of beauty and luxury. However, Yaksha’s absence casts a shadow over its splendour, suggesting that the true happiness of a home depends on the presence of loved ones.