Jāti Jīvanam: A Sanskrit Play Highlighting Sacrifice and Dharma

About Jāti Jīvanam

Jāti Jīvanam is a Sanskrit play by Pandit Gobinda Mishra inspired by an episode from the Mahābhārata that highlights sacrifice, destiny, and the preservation of dharma.

The story revolves around Vāsuki, the king of the serpents, whose race faces annihilation during King Janamejaya’s great serpent sacrifice (Sarpa Satra). Vāsuki recalls an ancient prophecy stating that a son born to his sister Jaratkārū and the sage Jaratkārū would save the Nāgas. Vāsuki's sister consents to marry the sage to protect her people, ultimately saving the clan. The play explores themes of self-sacrifice, destiny, and the triumph of wisdom over vengeance.

Director: Chittaranjan Satpathy

Chittaranjan Satpathy is a theatre director, playwright, actor, and mime artist. Born in Rourkela, Odisha, he holds a postgraduate degree in Management and a Diploma in Natya Shastra from the Central Sanskrit University, Bhopal. He is a Senior Fellowship Awardee of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and has directed productions including Jayadev – Sri Gitagovinda, Chandrabhaga, and Bhishm: Ek Atmamanthan.

Satpathy is also the founder of the Sanskrit Theatre Festival “Dasharupakam.”

Director’s Note

According to Chittaranjan Satpathy, Jāti Jīvanam reflects sacrifice, duty, and survival. Satpathy notes that the production blends the grace of Sanskrit theatre with a contemporary sensibility through lyrical speech, expressive movement, and symbolic visual design.

The Group: CATCH, Odisha

The CATCH, Odisha promotes moral values and a healthier social environment through performing arts. The group organizes a three-day Sanskrit Theatre Festival annually to propagate Sanskrit through theatre.