নেতা চরিত্র : মনসামঙ্গল কাব্যের প্রেক্ষিতে একটি আলোচনা/ Neta Charitra : Manasamangal kabyer Prekshite Eakti Alochona

Abstract

Neta is considered to be the daughter of Lord Shiva; it is believed that she was born from the tears of Shiva’s eyes, and hence her name “Neta.” In the ‘Manasamangal’ narrative, her role is primarily defined by her characteristic as an advisor. Neta is advisor of Manasa; similarly, she appears in the same advisory role in Behula’s story as well. Almost every step that Manasa takes to establish herself in society and propagate her worship is guided by Neta’s counsel. It is from her that Behula receives guidance on how to approach the gods and plead for her husband’s life.

During medieval time, stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Purana’s story were extremely popular among audiences. Therefore, not only in ‘Mangalkavya’ but in almost all narratives, elements of Puran’s stories were incorporated. Neta, being endowed with spiritual knowledge and intelligence, becomes the medium through which such Purana’s narratives are presented in Manasamangalkabya.

Neta’s role in the narrative serves as a bridge between heaven and earth. While drifting along the waters of the ‘Gangur’ river, when Behula reaches ‘Surpurer Ghat’—symbolizing the gateway to heaven—Neta appears there as a guide and helper. Even after reaching heaven, Neta continues to assist Behula in various ways. From the very beginning of the text, Neta is portrayed as an intelligent and advisory female figure.

Like Manasa, Neta is also considered a daughter of Shiva. However, despite being wise and capable, she does not possess any desire for worship or recognition in the divine order. Even after directly contributing to Manasa’s empowerment, Neta chooses to remain away from the center of power. She is neither a full inhabitant of heaven nor an ordinary human of the mortal world; rather, she exists in an intermediate space between the two.