THE HUMAN IDENTITY CRISIS AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEAD IS THE CENTRAL MOTIF IN GIRISH KARNAD’S HAYAVADANA: A MYTHOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

This study examines Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana discusses a wide range of contemporary issues and subjects. Some are hundreds of years old, while others are fresh gifts from modern mind of technology. Hayavadana translates as “horse head man.” This study explores the identity issue in the main plots of Devadatta, Kapila, and Padmini and the subplot of Hayavadana. Soma Deva’s ‘The Katha Sarit Sagara’ incorporates Vetala Panchavimsati, which Girish Karnard draws for Hayavadana. Thomas Mann also adapted the story for his short novel. It also emphasizes the power of the mind over physical strength. Karnard also associates humanism with psycho social forms of existence. This is the story of Lord Ganesha represents three stages: divine, the prosperous human and the animal. He embodies perfection, imperfection, wholeness, and incompleteness. The Bhagavata’s petition is highly provocative. Hayavadana’s suffering with the horse’s head initially frustrates, but eventually generates sympathy after hearing his heartbreaking narrative. They urge him to worship Goddess Kali atop Mount Chitrakot to achieve wholeness and transformation.