This video is based on the recitation of the Bharthari epic by the Chhattisgarhi artist Rekha Jalkshatri, who began performing the epic at the age of twelve, and has been performing this epic for over forty years, receiving accolades and recognition. An interview with the artist draws out the significance of this tale based on her experience of performing this tale and charts shifts in its performance in her living memory, recording her own agency in introducing change. This content has been created as part of a project commissioned by the Directorate of Culture and Archaeology, Government of Chhattisgarh, to document the cultural and natural heritage of the state of Chhattisgarh.