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Sougandhika Parinaya (Parinaya = wedding) was a new experiment in prose-writing. Neither borrowed nor adopted, it has a mythological theme written in puranic style. The same work was later rendered into poetry (6,000 verses) and a play was also written, showing its popularity.
The theme involves Lord Indra, the king of heaven. Under a curse by the sage Durvasa he is born as prince Sugandharaja in the land of Karnataka to pious parents. His childhood, youth and training for kingship are described. His several exploits to win over princess Sougandhika who was born under similar circumstances, in Kalinga form the bulk of book. There are several episodes incorporated, while Sugandharaja starts to fulfil eight conditions laid down by Sougandhika to marry her. Religion, Philosophy, Yoga, astronomy, erotics, zoology, botany, music, horse and elephant-lore, horticulture, digging of wells and lakes, in short all topics a king was supposed to study are discussed. The prince excelled in all!
The book is profusely illustrated. Mummadi had started a lithograph press in the palace premises and himself was a painter. He experimented with color pictures.
True to the tradition of religious tolerance of the land, equal importance is given to Hari and Hara that is Vaishnava and Shaiva Sectarian worship. However, prominence is given to Chamundeshwari, the titular-deity of Mysore Kings. All chapters start with prayers to Shri Chamundeshwari with whose blessings the prince is able to achieve his goal and marry his dream-girl. Nanjundeshwara also figures as an important deity.
- The Sougandhika Parinaya Manuscript (1821 CE)
- http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/artifact/manuscripts/sougandhika.htm