Book 14 Ashwamedha Parva by mv subramanyammm

Book 14 Ashwamedha Parva

MAHABHARAT
ASVAMEDHA PARVA
FIRST CHAPTER

On the occasion of Satra Yaga at Naimisaranya, Sooti told Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints the story of Maha Bharata as told by Saint Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya, on the occasion of Sarpa yaga.
Bhishma attained heaven. Dharmaja was lamenting for the death of Bhishma as himself and his brothers were brought up by Bhishma since childhood. He was unable to control his grief. Dhritarashtra consoled Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! Why you are lamenting for the death of Bhishma. It is not time for lamentation. You and your brothers take over the reigns of Kuru Kingdom. Either myself or my sons did not heed the advices of Vidura. Hence all my sons perished in war and I am helpless. Me and my wife are lamenting for the loss of my sons at this old age. You are not at fault. Kindly look after me and my wife till we leave this world.” said Dhritarashtra.
Sri Krishna told Dharmaja thus: "O Dharmaja! even if you lement for your brothers, will they come back alive? If you are lamenting like this, their souls will never rest in peace. Suyodhana and his brothers fought in the battle with vigour and valour and laid down their lives and attained Veera Svarga. Is it proper on your part to lament for such brave warriors?
You have so far heard several Dharmas directly from Bhishma. Still you are lamenting as lay man. Not only Bhishma, Saint Vyasa, Saint Narada etc also told you several morals. Remember them once. Stop this unnecessary lamentation. Perform a great Yajna. Worship deities, pitaras with utmost devotion. Take the reins of Kingdom and rule the people. Worship guests. Regard your friends and relatives. Be happy.” said Sri Krishna.
Not satisfied with the words of Sri Krishna, Dharmaja turned towards Veda Vyasa and said: "O Bhagavan Vyasa! I hope you always shower your kindness and love towards me. You saved me from several critical problems. Hence I pray you to kindly permit to go to forests and meditate there. Othersise, the mind of such a cruel fellow like me, who killed his own brother, Karna and grand sire Bhishma, will never be peaceful. How can I get rid of the great sins committed by me? Therefore I have to retire to forests for Tapas. Let my other brothers rule this Kingdom" prayed Dharmaja.
Vyasa grew angry. "O Dharmanandana! So far me and Bhishma told many things to you . Have they washed away in great wind and floods. Again you reverted back to the preliminary stage. Whether you believe it or not, you are not responsible for this great war. It is God, the Almighty who causes good or bad to human beings. You are not at fault. Still if you feel that you committed sin, you make Daana and Dharma(charities) and wipe out all your sins. Dont seek for permission to retire to forests which is a foolish idea. I am again advising you to wipe out all your sorrows from your mind by performing Asvamedha Yaga and offering enormous gifts to Brahmins." said Vyasa.
Dharmaja changed his mind. "O Vyasa! as you said, I perform Asvamedhayaga. But it is so expensive. Besides, you adivsed me to offer enormous gifts to brahmins. For the present there is no money in Royal Treasury. I cannot mulct the widows and children who lost their husbands and fathers in great war, with additional taxes. The envious Suyodhana, spent all the moneys in the Royal Treasury for otherwise avoidable war. Hence the Treasury is empty. I donot find any means to acquire money for the performance of Asvamedha Yaga. You have to show me the way to acquire money and perform Asvamedha yaga." asked Dharmaja.
Beholding Dharmaja with kind looks, Vyasa said: "O Dharmaja! in the past, King Maruttu performed a great Yaga and distributed his wealth to Brahmins. The entire wealth was accumulated with Brahmins. The virtuous brahmins, retained some wealth sufficient for their livelihood and preseved the remaining wealth, gold and silver, in gold vessels and secreted that treasure at a safe place, with a proclamation that "whoever finds this treasure in future, they will be owners of this treasure". So far none claimed that treasure. It is still in tact. You take that treasure and perform Asvamedha Yaga." said Vyasa.
Dharmaja entertained a doubt in mind whether that money was legally acquired or illegally acquired.To clear off that doubt, Dharmaja asked Vyasa: "O Saint Vyasa! Kindly tell me how Marut acquired that enormous wealth. Whether it was legally acquired or acquired by illegal means." asked Dharmaja.
"O Dharmaja! if I narrate the story of Marut, all your doubts will be cleared. In Kritayuga, there was Manuvu. His son was Prajani whose son was Kshuta. Ikshavaku was the son of Kshuta. Ikshvaaku got one hundred sons, elder being Vimsu whose son was Vivimsu. Vivimsu got 15 sons, elder being Khaninetra. Khani Netra was cruel and autocrat. He killed his 14 brothers and grabbed the throne. Khani Netra never trusted anybody. He hated his ministers and people.
Unable to bear his cruelty, all the ministers conspired together, dethroned Khani Nitra and enthroned his son who was kindhearted. He regarded his ministers with kindness and ruled the people with love and affection. He gave away all his wealth in charities. He became poor. Enemy Kings waged war against him and dethroned him . He retired to forests. But he never felt sorry. He performed Tapas. With the power of his Tapas, enormous army sprouted out. With the help of that army, he conquered his enemies and regained his kingdom. He maintained control of his sense organs and control of mind. He ruled his kingdom according to dharma. with Angirasa as his Upadrashta, he performed may Yajnas and Yagas.
His grandson was Marut. Marut was endowed with great vigour and valour. He was equal to Vishnu. He studied Vedas and followed Dharma scrupulously. The said Marut intended to perform Asvamedha yaga. He acquired all articles required for Asvamedha yaga and preserved them in golden vessels. He distribtued gold and silver to Brahmins and satis fied them. But Marut was not satisfied. Marut distributed the small vessels, glasses, plates etc.made up of gold to Brahmins.
Dharmaja! do you know from where Marut got such enormous wealth. Listen carefully. I told you that the grandfather of Marut was called Karandhaka. The said Karandhaka performed many Asvamedha Yagas, keeping Angirasa as the chief priest. He attained heaven with mortal body. Avikshat was the son of Karandhaka. He also ruled the people as his own children. Marut was the son of Avikshat.
Marut did not even care Indra. Indra bore grudge against Marut for his carelessness. Indra went to Brahaspati and said: "O Guru Brihaspati! have you heard about Marut. He performed many Asvamedha Yagas. Now he is going to perform another Yaga. For that, he fixed you as Chief Priest. He is now coming to invite you as chief priest. Dont forget that you are the divine priest. If you act as chief priest for a yaga performed by a mortal, you will be degraded. Still if you accept his request, you may forget me. Otherwise, you may continue as divine priest. Decision is yours." said Devendra.
"O Devendra! Dont you know about me. How can I accept his request, ignoring you. You need not tell this much. I donot accept anybody except you." said Brihaspati.
Satisfied with his words, Devendra went away.
Later, Marut went to Brahaspati and said: "O Divine Guru! I intended to perform a Yaga. I request you to be the chief priest of that Yaga. With the hope that you accept my request, I made all arrangements." said Marut.
"O King Marut! I cannot accede to your request. Why because, Indra also intended to perform a Yaga at the same time. I should act as Chief Priest for Indra Yaga." said Brihaspati.
"O Brihaspati! Your father, Angirasa, acted as chief priest for all Asvamedha Yagas peformed by my grand father. In the same manner, kindly accept my request and act as Chief Priest for my Yaga also."prayed Marut.
"O Marut! Have you forgotten that I am Deva Guru. I will act as chief priest for Yagas performed by divine bodies only but not for mortals. Afterall you are a mortal. How can you expect me as your Chief Priest. You seek some one else as your priest." Brihaspati insulted Marut.
Unable to say anything, with great insinuation, Marut went away. On the way, Narada met him.
"O Marut! where are you going and on what work." asked Narada.
"ONarada! I intended to perform a Yaga. For that I requested Brihaspati to be the chief priest. He rejected my request and also insulted me that he will preside over Yagas performed by divine bodies only not by mortals. Having met such an insult, why should I remain on this earth." said Marut.
"No No. If not Brihaspati, some one else will perform Yaga. Yaga will never stop. Brihaspati got one younger brother called Samvartana. Brihaspati insulted and drove Samvartana away from home. Samvartana went to forests. For the present, he is wandering like an insane person. You meet him and request him to be the chief priest of your Yaga. He will accept your offer." said Narada.
"O Narada! Very many thanks for showing me a way out. But where is Samvartana! How can I meet him and speak to him. Kindly tell me in detail." asked Marut.
"O King Marut! Samvartana is at present in Varanasi. He is wandering like a mad man.To identify him, I will tell a plan. You go to Varanasi. Keep a dead body in front of you and stand at the entrance gate of Varanasi. Whoever runs away beholding that dead body, he is Samvartana. Follow him and meet him at a lonely place and pray him with devotion. If he asks you "Who told you about me?" you can say that "Narada told about you." If he asks you about my whereabouts, you can tell him that "after informing me about you, Narada entered holy fire". said Narada.
Accordingly, Marut went to Varanasi, kept a dead body in front of him at the main gate of Varanasi. A mad man came there and saw that dead body. He ran away as if somebody chased him. Identifying him as Samvartana, Marut followed him.to the outskirts of the city. Marut stopped Samvartana. Samvartana threw some dust on the face of Marut and abused him and behaved like a mad man. But Marut did not get angry. Marut stood before him with folded hands.
"Who are you? Who sent you here? If you tell truth, your desire accomplishes. Otherwise, your head will break into thousand pieces." said Samvartha.
"O great man! I am King Marut. Narada gave information about you." said Marut.
"Where is Narada?" asked Samvartana.
"Narada entered holy fire" said Marut.
Looking at Marut, Samvartana asked: "What made you to come over here?" asked Samvartana.
"I intended to perform a Yaaga. You must be the Chief Priest for that Yaga. " prayed Marut.
Samvartana kept quiet.
Again Marut said: "O Great man! I am the grand son of Karandhama. Your father Angirasa acted as Chief Priest for all the Yagas performed by my grand father." said Marut.
Beholding Marut with kind looks, Samvartana said: "O King Marut! I am the brother of Brihaspati. Brihaspati insulted me and drove me out. I left my house, properties etc and wandering like this as mad man. How can this poor wanderer be the Chief Preist of your Yaga. It is an insult to you. Hence, you approach my brother Brihaspati and request him to be the Chief Priest for your Yaga. If you want me to be your Chief Priest, you have to obtain the permission of my brother, Brihaspati, because I got more respect towards my brother, Brihaspati. If my brother permits, I will act as Chief Priest for your Yaga. Therefore, first obtain permission from my brother, Brihaspati." said Samvartana.
"O Samvartana! even prior to come over here, I approached your brother, Brihaspati and requested him to be the Chief Priest which he refused. He insulted me by saying that he cannot act as Chief Priest for a Yaga performed by a human. Indra instigated Brihaspati to talk like that. How can I again approach Brihaspati and request him" said Marut.
Samvartana convinced with his reply. "I accept your request. I will be the Chief Priest for your Yaga but on one condition. You shall never break your Deeksha under any circumstances. Whenver you break your Yaga Deeksha, I terminate the Yaga and curse you. You suffer a lot. Keep it in mind before commencing Yaga. As I have accepted your request, Brihaspati may bear grudge against you and may cause hurdles to your Yaga. You should have stable mind to face such hurdles." said Samvartana.
"O Samvartana! With your blessings, I face any amount of resistance at the hands anybody, leave alone Brihaspati or even Maheswara. I have no fear when you are by my side." said Marut firmly.
Samvartana satisfied with his words. "O King Marut! I make you richer than Indra and perform Yajna. Ofcourse, you may doubt my words. Hear me carefully. To the north of Himalayas, there is a mountain called Munjavanta. There, Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati, along with divine bodieses, Sidhas, Garudas, Gandharvas wander there. There you do not find either diseases or death. On that mountain, everything is gold. Gold stones, Gold sand is available in abundance. We go there and request Maheswara. With his blessings, we bring plenty of gold from that mountain. You employ more number of carriers to bring gold." said samvartana.
As per the words of Samvartana, Marut, along with Samvartana went to that mountain and prayed Lord Siva and got his blessings. Marut brought enormous gold from that mountain. In this manner, King Marut got enormous wealth. Marut got prepared all utensils with gold. With great splendour, he commenced Yaaga.
Having come to know about this Brihaspati felt distressed. Devendra enquired Brihaspati the reason for his distress.
"O Devendra! King Marut, after all a mortal, against my wish, is performing a Yaga for which my enemy, my brother, Samvartana, is the chief priest. That is the reason for my distress. O Devendra! My heart is burning. Marut shall not perform that Yaga. You make Marut to abandon Samvartana. If necessary, I will be the Chief Priest but not my brother, Samvartana. " said Brihaspati.
Immediately, Devendra summoned Agni. "O Agni! King Marut is performing a Yaga. You have to go there as my emissary and tell Marut that Brihaspati will perform Yaaga as Chief Priest. I do not know what you do. You have to make Marut to accept Brihaspati as Chief Priest." said Devendra.
Accordingly, Agni went to Marut as emissary of Devendra. Agni introduced himself as Agni. Marut saluted Agni. Marut called Samvartana. Marut and Samvartana greeted Agni and offered him Arghyam and Padyam and a seat. Agni told Marut thus:
" Devendra sent me as emissary to you. Brihaspati, the Divine Priest, has agreed to be the Chief Priest for your Yaga. If Brihaspati performs your Yaga, you attain divinity. Hence, you have to accept Brihaspati as chief priest. These are the words of Devendra." said Agni.
"O Agni! convey my one hundred crore salutations to Brihaspati. When I approached him and prayed him to be the Chief Priest of my Yaga, he heckled me and insulted me. With great difficulty, I made his brother, Samvartana, to agree as chief priest. Now Samvartana is the Chief Priest for my Yaga. I believe that he is capable of performing the Yaga." said Marut.
"O King Marut! it is not like that. If Divine Priest,Brihaspati is your Chief Priest, you may attain Punya Lokas. It is for your benefit only." said Agni.
Till then, Samvartana was patiently hearing the words of Agni. Now he was enraged with great wrath. "O Agni! if you continue to speak like this, I will reduce you to ashes with my looks only. Take care. Get out of this place and mind your own business." warned Samvartana.
Agni was afraid of the words of Samvartana. Immediately he returned back to Devendra. "O Devendra! I repeated your words before Marut. Marut did not accede to your request. When I further continued to talk, Samvartana threatened me with dire consequences. Hence I came back running." said Agni.
"O Agni! why cannot you go back to Marut and try once again by hook or crook and make him agree to our proposal. Still if he does not agree, threaten him that he will be sent to abode of Yama with my Vajrayudha.Tell him that this is the order of Devendra. Because it is our prestigious issue I am requesting you." asked Devendra.
"No. I cannot go again and face the wrath of Samvartana. Kindly send some other person." said Agni.
"O Agni! why are you afraid of Samvartana, a brahmin. You yourself reduce everything into ashes.How can you be reduced to ashes. Quite strange." said Devendra.
"O Devendra!you might have forgotten about Yoga Sakti. Do you remember how you were defeated by Vritrasura. When you obstructed Asvins from drinking Soma rasa, how you suffered at the hands of Brahmin Chyavana, have you forgotten. Then you were made to give share of Soma Rasa to Asvins. Therefore, Yoga power is greater than all powers. Hence I wont go to Samvartana and face his wrath." said Agni.
Then Devendra called, a gandharva called Dhritarashtra and directed him to go to Marut and convey his message and directions. Not aware of the past events, Dhritarashtra, the Gandharva, went to Marut and said thus:
"O King Marut! You have to fix Brihaspati as the Chief Priest for your Yaga. This is the order of Devendra. If you do like this, he feels happy. Otherwise, Devendra will be forced to launch Vajrayudha against you. Do as you like." said Gandharva.
Then Marut tried to pacify the Gandharva."O Gandharva! Before I commence Yaga, I prayed Brihaspati to be the Chief Priest, But he refused on the pretext that I am mortal. Hence I approached his brother, Samvartana and requested him to be my Chief Priest for which he agreed. Now, how can I fix Brihaspati to be the Chief Priest for my Yaga. Does it not amount to breach of trust. Not only Devendra but all Sidhas, Sadhyas and Gandharvas also know about this." said Marut.
While this conversaion was going on, Vajrayudha was coming towards Marut. Beholding Vajrayudha, Gandharva said: "O Marut! look at Vajrayudha. It is fast approaching to destroy you. I do not know how you avert Vajrayudha." said Gandharva.
Marut also was afraid of Vajrayudha. He looked at Samvartana and said: "O great saint! Vajrayudha is advancing towards me. You have to save me." prayed Marut.
Samvartana smiled and said: "O King Marut! Why do you fear about Vajrayudha. Devendra knows about me. I will retreat Vajrayudha with my samsthambhana art. Not only the weapon of Devendra, all the weapons of divine bodies nullify before Samstambhana art. Hence forget about Vajrayudha. Choose whatever you like." said Samvartana.
"O great saint! when you are here, I never afraid of any weapon. Kindly bless me with one boon. Kindly make Devendra to come to my Yaga and receive their due shares of Havis." prayed Marut.
"O King Marut! not only Devendra, all divine bodies will grace your Yaga and receive their due shares of Havis personally. Therefore, send invitations to Devendra and other divine bodies and commence your Yaga." said Samvartana.
Then samvartana, with his Yoga power, sent back Vajrayudha to Mahendra. During Yaga, Samvartana chanted vedic hymns invoking Devendra and other divine bodies. With the power of those hymns, Devendra along with his companions, visited Yaga. Marut received Devendra and other divine bodies with great honors and offered Arghyam, Padyam and suitable seats.
"O Devendra! kindly subside your anger against me. I am greatful to you for visiting my abode. I am blessed." prayed Marut.
Marut introduced Samvartana to Devendra: "O Devendra! this great sage is the own brother of Brihaspati. I requested him to be the chief priest of my yaga. He agreed for the same." said Marut.
"O Marut! I am very much satisfied with your hospitality and your request. I know that Saint Samvartana is equal to Brihaspati." said Devendra.
Then Samvartana said: "O Devendra! As a result of my tapas, you have come here on my invocation. With your presence, this Yaga is accomplished. O Devendra! you are aware of everything. Kindly shower your divine blessings upon us. I will perform this Yaga without any fault. Kindly supervise my performance. With your visit, King Marut attained divinity." said Samvartana with humble voice.
With the praises of Samvartana, Devendra was very much satisfied and happy. Then he ordered all divine bodies.
" Decorate this Yaga place with great splendour. Send for Rambha and other apsarasas and arrange all kinds of dance and entertainment programmes. Extend your help to King Marut and his ministers for the success of Yaga." ordered Devendra.
Under the supervision of Samvartana, Yaga was completed successfully. Samvartana offered Soma juice to Devendra and other divine bodies, calling each by name. Devendra and other divine bodies consumed Soma rasa and satisfied themselves. After taking leave from Marut, Devendra and other divine bodies retired to heaven.
At the end of Yaga, Marut worshipped Brahmins and guests and gave them gold coins, gold vessels etc. After receiving enormous gold articles, coins, ornaments and gold vessels from Marut, all brahmins could not carry them to their own places. Then they retained gold sufficient for their livelihood. They kept the remaining gold coins, ornaments and gold articles in big vessels and buried them. They left a note in writing that "this wealth belongs to those who find this wealth in future."
O Dharmaja! so far, that wealth was not unearthed by anybody. It is still in tact. You find that wealth, bring it to Hastinapura and perform Asvamedha Yaga." said Veda Vyasa.
Inspite of the idea given by Veda Vyasa to acquire wealth, Dharmaja was not happy. Krishna told Dharmaja thus: "O Dharmaja! atleast, even after hearing what Vyasa said, relinquish your wicked ideas and perform Asvamedha Yaga. Give up all your unnecessary thoughts. O Dharmaja! you never perform any task honestly and straightly. You unnecessarily lament for unnecessary things. What had happened to the knowledge acquired by you so far? You are unable to put an end to your sorrows means you are unable to discard your desires, anger, greediness, passions and aggrandizement. In this connection I tell you a story.
Once Vritrasura conquered earth and heaven. Vritrasura grabbed the natural scent of earth. Indra hurled his Vajrayudha against Vritrasura. Vritrasura entered into the other four elements except earth viz., water, fire, wind and sky. He grabbed juice from water, form from fire, touch from air and sound from sky which are natural attributes to those four elements. Therefore the five attributes of five main elements are under control of Vritrasura. Vritrasura shined with great spelndour.
Beholding this, Indra again hurled his Vajrayudha. Vritrasura, leaving the five elements, entered into the body of Indra. Indra fainted. With the Yoga power of Vasishta, Indra regained consciousness. Then Indra killed Vritrasura with his Vajrayudha. Therefore, Dharmanandana, you have first kill your inner enemies viz., kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya." said Krishna.
Krishna continued to say: "O Dharmaja! diseases are of two kinds. physical and mental. In our body, there are three main elements. They are Vata, pitta and Sleshma. (vata means air or gas produced in stomache. pitta means juices produced in stomache. Sleshma means phlegm). If these three humors are balanced, the man keeps good health. Imbalance of these three humors cause all kinds of diseases. This is physical unrest. Satva, Rajas and Tamas control the mind. If these three qualities are in equal proportions, his mind remains stable. Any imbalance in these three qualities causes unrest to mind. Physical unrest and mental unrest are caused one after another. They never come alone. If physical and mental unrest combine together, his life will be ruined.
Dharmaja! you do not know how to do Karma properly. Hence you are unable to complete any work properly. Now you are suffering both physical and mental unrest. Hence you are unable to take any decision. First acquire knowledge.Use your wisdom. Keep your mind calm and quiet, free from satva, rajas and tamas.
I now tell you how you think about yourself. You are still thinking about the incident happened in full court, bringing Droupadi to court and take off her clothes and insulting her. Forget about it. Make up your mind that that incident had never happened. You also wipe out from your mind all woes suffered by you during Aranya and Ajnata period. Dont recollect about the nasty acts of Saindhava. You never suffered anything in the court of Virata. Assume that you never killed Bhishma, Drona, Karna etc. warriors, and your kith and kin. Make up your mind that you are never responsible for those deaths. You never fought with any body. Why all these things. The great war never happened. Think like that. Then you never agitate in your mind about the good and bad effects caused by the war.
You know why I told you that the war never happened and it is all myth. Now, I tell you about the real war. In fact Kouravas are not your real enemies. The real enemy is your mind. You have always been thinking in your mind that Kouravas are your enemies. Hence they became your enemies and you are inimical towards them. Hence you fought with them. Either for friendship or enmity, your mind is responsible. Your real friend is your Atma. If you keep your mind stable, the entire outside world appears to be friendly and peaceful. Hence keep your mind always stable and undisturbed.
First you try to conquer your inner enemies, your anger, desires, passions, greediness etc. Without conquering your inner enemies, there is no use of weeping loudly. You control your mind and follow the right path. More than this, I cannot tell.
O Dharmaja! Mruthyu, Brahma, and self and selflessness. There is always conflict between these duals. Mruthyu means death. Brahma means birth. Mruthyu always tries to kill the persons born and those who are dead always try to take another body by rebirth. There is always an invisible war between these two concepts, birth and death. Atma is beyond these two concepts of birth and death. Atma has no decay. Atma has no connection with body. Atma has no limitation and decay which are natural to body. Atma is indivisible.
Even if he is a King and Emperor of the entire earth, if he does not have the desire to rule the entire earth for ever, he is not tainted with any sin. Similarly, if a sanyasi, who renunciated the wordly plelasures and retired to forests for deep meditation, does not control his sense organs and craves for worldly pleasures, there is no use of his remaining in forests and deep meditation. He will always be coming near to death.
O Dharmaja! you are thinking that you conquered all your enemies in war. Is it also a victory? Conquering outside enemies is not at all a victory. If you conquer your inner enemies, it is a real victory. Your prominent enemy is desire. There is no work without desire. Study of Vedas and sastras, and making charities are done only with some desire or other but not without any desire.
Once "the desire" said thus: "I am desire or wish. All those who are under my influence can never conquer me. I am known only by study of Vedas. Without knowledge of Vedas, none can conquer me. If any body intends to conquer me, that intention itself is a desire. I always accompany every human being because his mind is alwlays filled with one desire or other. But that human does not know that I always accompany him. Hence, none can conquer me. Even the wish to conquer me itself is a desire. That desire is mine. Who else can conquer me?
If one performs Tapas with an intention to conquer the desires, that intention itself is a desire. That is mine. Another performs Tapas with an intention to attain Moksha, that intention itself is a desire. That desire is mine. Hence none can conquer me.. Therefore, I am eternal. I have no death." said 'the desire'.
Therefore Dharmanandana! listen to me. Abstaining from doing anything with desire; concentrating on the work that is being done; performing Tapas in forests without any desire; are the ways to conquer desire. But doing such things is impossible and beyond the capacity of human beings. Hence "the desire" proclaimed that none can conquer him.
Hence Dharmaja! remove all desires from your mind. Kill all your desires. Without any deisre, perform asvamedha yaga. Then only you attain Punya. and 'the desire' will witness your Yaga. O Dharmanandanaa! even if you lament like this, will anybody return back from heaven? Therefore, stop lamenting. Dont think about the dead even in your dream. Perform Yajnas and Yagas in abundance. The entire world appreciate you. You also attain Punya Lokas." said Sri Krishna.
Then, saints Vyasa, Devasthana, Narada also told Dharmaja about his welfare. Even Bhima, Arjuna, twins and Droupadi also told sermons. After being brain washed by all of them, Dharmaja gave up the idea of retiring to forests and agreed to rule the Kuru kingdom and perform Asvamedha Yaga. As an expiation for killing his own kith and kin during war, Dharmaja along with his brothers stayed on the banks of Ganga for some days. Dharmaja gave send off to all the sages and saints arrived there.
He said to Vyasa: "O Bhagavan Vyasa! with your kind words, I could come to know about the great treasure. I along with your goodself go there and acquire that treasure. I complete Asvamedha Yaga without any interruption." said Dharmaja. With the permission of Vyasa, Dharmaja performed the obsequies of Bhishma and made charities on that occasion. After spending some more days, Dharmaja along with his brothers, Dhritarashtra, Krishna etc went back to Hastinapura. He shed all his sorrows and engaged in day to day administration.
At this juncture, King Janamejaya thought that the story of Maha Bharata came to an end. Hence he put a question to saint Vaisampayana. "O Saint! while Dharmaja was engaged in administration and ruling the kingdom, how Krishna and Arjuna spent their time. Kindly tell me" asked King Janamejaya, with a view to prolong the story. Accordingly, Saint Vaisampayana continued the story of Maha Bharata.
"O Janamejaya! while Dharmaja was ruling the people of Hastinapura, Krishna and Arjuna were spending their time happily by going round all holy places. Now and then Arjuna was lamenting for the death of Abhimanyu and Krishna was consoling him.
After the construction of Maya Sabha was completed, Pandavas were busy with Rajasooya Yaga. Soon after Rajasooya Yaga, on account of dias game, Pandavas went to forests. At the end of war, now they came back to power. Hence, Arjuna and Krishna had no occasion to go round Mayasabha completely so far. Hence, Krishna and Arjuna went to Maya Sabha to have a complete look. They went round Maya Sabha completely and observed every minute detail. They were very happy to possess such a magnificent Maya Sabha.
One day Sri Krishna told Arjuna thus: "O Arjuna! the war was over. You all got back your kingdom, wealth and riches. Dharmaja is ruling the Kingdom to the satisfaction of one and all. I left Dwaraka long time ago. My parents, my brother, my wives and children are waiting for my arrival. I am also very eager to see all of them. Hence I go back to Dwaraka. But without permission of Dharmaja I cannot goback. Hence we go back to Hastinapura. At appropriate you inform Dharmaja about my return journey to Dwaraka." said Krishna.
"O Sri Krishna! certainly I convince Dharmaja and take permission for your return journey. But I would like to ask you one thing. Before commencement of war, while I was reluctant to proceed with the war, you told me several things. On account of this war, I have forgotten all of them. Be kind towards me and repeat the same once again." prayed Arjuna.
Krishna laughed loudly. Krishna hugged Arjuna and said: "O Arjuna! you have no brain. Not only brain, you have no concentration or devotion. How can you live in this world. Whatever be your task, you have to concentrate your mind and intellect on it. You bestow attention on the work to be executed. You have to remember whatelse you heard. Then only you can accomplish your desires." Krishna smoothly chastised Arjuna.
Krishna continued to say: "O Arjuna! what I told you on that day were the holy paths to attain Brahma Padam. You did not bestow your attention and retain them in your mind. What can I do? Now it is not possible for me to repeat them again? Alternatively, I tell you one story. Carefully listen.
One day a brahmin came to my house. I asked him to teach me about knowledge of Tatva. That brahmin said thus:
"OKrishna! once I met one Sidha called Kashyapa. Kashyapa conquered his sense organs and mind. He was wise and learned. He was liberated from Samsara. I served him as his student. He taught me many things. Now I narrate what he told me." said that Brahmin.
Then that Brahmin narrated what he heard from the Sidha called Kashyapa. "O Brahmin student! I always performed virtuous deeds. Hence I enjoyed heavenly pleasures. But by commiting a single mistake, I lost higher lokas. I was thrown from heaven. I took birth as human being. I was influenced by Kama, Krodha, Lobha,Moha etc. I was taking birth by birth. In all these births, I got number of fathers, mothers, brothers, wives, children, relatives. They were joining me and leaving me. I do not remember in how many sects and castes I was born. I was very tired. I suffered hell in all these births. I was killed by many persons. I was imprisoned by many.in all these births. I was even beaten by many. Now I attained Atma Jnana. Now I am not concerned with outside world. I am looking at the world only as a witness. I have no plealsures or sorrows, likes and dislikes. I am enjoying eternal happiness. I certainly attain Brahma pada. I again never entangle in this Birth and Death cycle. O Brahmin! I accept you as my student. Tell me what you want to learn from me. I will certainly teach them" said Kashyapa, the Sidha.
Then that Brahmin told Sidha: "O Great man! kindly teach me about Para Tatva." asked the Brahmin.
"O Brahmin! Brahma Pada shall be attained only through this body. Hence you have to keep this body healthy. Take timely food, that too limited food. Some people take food untimely, whatever they like, whenever they like and whereever they like. Some people, in order to attain Punya, observe strict fasting without taking anything. Both are not correct. Some other people consume raw and semi cooked food. Some people take food, with short intervals. Some sleep soon after they take food. As a result of the above bad habits, the inner elements in our body viz., vata, pitta and sleshma get imbalanced and cause severe diseases.
Some people act quite against their nature. They provoke themselves unnecessarily. With these habits, they fell ill frequently. Some have plenty of desires. If those desires are not accomplished, they get angry, as a result, they are afflicted with many diseases. Untimely food and bad habits invite dreadful diseases which may result in death.
Now I tell you about Sleshma (phlegm). If phlegm is formed in body more than necessary, it creates many diseases. Sometimes phlegm obstructs respiratory system. As a result, unable to stay in this body, Jeeva leaves this body. That is death. . In our body there are 10 organs. All these ten organs are controlled by mind. Intellect is advisory in nature. Under the control of mind and intellect, body through these ten organs enjoy the plealsures in outside world. Whenever Phlegm obstructs some of the organs, that is the root for any disease.
Next is called Vata (wind or gas). This Vata spreads throughout the body. If Vata is polluted by our food habits and other habits, it paralyses some organs (which is called paralysis, joint pains etc.) Vata controls movement of tongue, hands, legs, joints etc. If Vata is provoked, the above limbs are affected. If Sleshma and Pitta affect together, it causes total collapse of the body. If Vata, Pitta and Sleshma are imbalanced, Jeeva cannot remain in this body. Hence Jeeva leaves this body, causing death.
After leaving the body, jeeva takes another body suitable to undergo pleasures and sorrows as a result of his past deeds. If one does Papa (sin), he goes to hell and if one does Punya (virtuous deeds) he goes to heaven. One who has no bondage attains liberation. One who does Punya goes to Soorya Mandala, Chandra Mandala and Nakshatra Mandala. There they enjoy pleasures according to their Punya and soon after the Punya is exhausted, takes birth on earth. One who attains liberation is emancipated from this birth and death cycle.
The good and bad deeds committed by a human being cause his next birth. None can escape from the results of past deeds. When a male and female leads conjugal life, man's sperm mixes with lady's blood. It forms into foetus. It attains consciousness and feeling. Slowly foetus forms into a full fledged body ie., child. After nine months, Child comes out of mother's womb. Child grows into boy, girl, youth, middle aged and old age. He or she acts in the outside world as per the results of his past deeds. At last he dies. As long as he does not attain liberation, he will be going round this birth and death cycle.
Now I tell you about Moksha, Mukti (liberation). Performing danas, controlling mind and sense organs, observing Brahmacharya, kindness towards others, not enamouring about other's wealth and other's wives, leading virtuous life; controlling sense organs, worshipping parents and teachers and guests; telling always truth; maintaining cleanliness; performing auspicious ceremonies; maintaining vigour and valour; abandoning cruelty; etc are the best ways to attain liberation. Leading life in the above path leads to Moksha.
Not only this, lelading life according to Dharma is also important. Dharma has to be learnt from teacher. One has to follow the foot steps of teachers and elders. Then only one can follow dharma scrupulously. Conquering sense organs and leading peaceful life and worshipping Parabrahma are the virtuous deeds of human being. For such a human being, Brahma itself is fire, Yaga, fuel, water, Mantra, priest etc. Likes and dislikes do not cause any harm to such a human being. In due course, he is detatched from Samsara.
At the inception, Brahma intended to create this world. First he created Kshara tatva. (things subject to change and decay). Beyond that, he created Askara tatva (thing without change or decay). Ashara means Amrutha (thing without death). With the combination of Kshara and Akshara, the entire universe was created. Then Brahma created births and deaths. Jeeva is going round this birth and death cycle. While going round this birth and death cycle, jeeva performs virtuous deeds (Punya) and becomes wiser. Jeeva thinks that worldly pleasures and this body are not eternal. He thinks that constant performing of Karma is nothing but a disease. He abandons desires and passions. He proceeds towards Moksha.
First he cleanses all his sins. He takes care not to entangle again in this birth and death cycle. He realises that taking birth, diseases, old age and death are nothing but changes caused in one's own life and lamenting for these changes is nothing but ignorance. He always tries for Moksha. He sits in a lonely place. He removes all his worries from his mind. He never allows new thoughts into his mind. He never depends upon anything. He conquers his sense organs and abandons likes and dislikes. He treats praise or insult in same manner. He beholds God in every being. He attains Atma Jnana.
Whoever treats profit and loss; love and hatredness; pleasures and sorrows, likes and dislikes equally; who ever abandons all duals; who ever relinquishes Dharma, Ardha, Kama for the sake of Moksha; whoever feels detatched that he is not the cause for anything; such a human being is entitled for Moksha. That seat of Moksha is independent. It is not made up of five elements. Their attributes do not influence Moksha. By constant practice only, one can attain Moksha. To attain Moksha, one has to discard all kinds of desires and intentions and keep his mind stable and does constant practice.
O Brahmin! now I tell you about Atma which is realised by Yogis. Atma is subtle. It is not visible to naked eye. By attaining knowledge only we can see atma. It is possible only for Yogis. Yogi first detatches Jeevatma from body. Then he tries to realise Parama Atma. After realising Parama Atma, he is liberated from this birth and death cycle. Such a Yogi is not afflicted with diseases, old age and death. He does not feel plealsure or sorrow. Such a Yogi takes along with him others also along the Path of Moksha. Such aYogi always thinks that this body is not eternal. Hence he does not care for the upkeep of this body. He always thinks to behold Atma. He Practices Yoga. He is not afraid of anything. He never feels happiness or sorrow on account of Raaga and Dvesha. Such a Yogi refuses the status of Indra. He always beholds his innerself and entangles mind with Atma.
Such a Yogi always entangles his mind with Atma and keeps it there for ever. Then he attains the eternal Brahma Pada. One cannot behold Brahma Pada with naked eye and cannot hear about it with ears. Only with peaceful and stable mind only, one can behold Brahma Pada. This Brahman is all pervasive and shines like Sun. Only Yogis can behold it. When the Jeevatma is separated from body and entangled with Paramatma only, one can behold Parama Tatva.
O Krishna! this is what was told by that Sidha." said Brahmin to Krishna.
"O Arjuna! I told you in brief what I told you at the beginning of war in the form of conversation between the Brahmin and Sidha. You are at liberty to tell this to anybody but to those who listen with devotion. I told this to divine bodies. You are the first mortal to listen to this Yoga. All, both men or women but with with great devotion, are entitled to practice this Yoga; because this Yoga is to be practiced by one and all. In this creation, everybody is entitled to attain Mukti. There is no doubt that whoever practices this Yoga with greater devotion and constant practice, by abandoning all worldly pleasures, he can attain Brahma Pada.
O Arjuna! I told you what all I can tell. None can tell you more than this." said Krishna to Arjuna about Brahma Vidya.

Maha Bharat,
Asvamedha Parva,
First chapter completed.
Om Tatsat, Om Tatsat, Om Tatsat.

MAHABHARAT ASVAMEDHA PARVA SECOND CHAPTER In Naimisaranya, on the occasion of Satra Yaga, Sooti (the story teller) told Saint Sounaka and other sages and Saints, the story of Mahabharata, as told by Saint Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya, on the occasion of Sarpa yaga. While preaching again the essence of Geeta to Arjuna, Sri Krishna told Arjuna a conversation between a wife and husband of Brahmin community. “O Arjuna! in the ancient past, there was a Brahmin. One day, his wife asked him to tell her about veda philosophy. The husband told his wife about Veda Philosophy. “All works or actions done through seeing and hearing and doing are Karmas. Generally karmas are performed due to ignorance only for the sake of some result or other. None can abstain from doing some Karma or other as it is but natural. If any body keeps quiet without doing anything, he is called an idiot. But renunciation of all Karmas is called Brahmapada. As far as I am concerned, I always keep Brahma in Atma and worship. It is called Nishkarma. (not doing any karma). Whatever work you do in the outside world, is Karma. Abstaining from doing any Karma is impossible. Both Agni and Soma create this world. Brahma worships Akshara Tatva. I now tell you about Akshara Tatva. This Akshara Prabhara Tatva is not made up of five elements nor its attributes. Hence this Akshara Parabrahma Tatva cannot be beheld through sense organs. Only through intellect only, one can behold Brahma. The five Vayus viz., Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana and Samaana also grew from Brahma and again join with Brahma. Udana runs between Prana and Apaana. During sleep, between Praana and Apaana, vyaana and samaana joins with Prana and Udaana. While human being sleeps in Udaana, Praana and Apaana never leave him. These five vayus, combined with mind and intellect, are the tongues of Agni called Vaisvaanara. Hence Agni is called sapta jihva(seven tongues). In the bodies of humans, Agni shines as Atma. Smelling, eating, seeing, touching, hearing, thinking, learning are nothing but fuel to the holy fire, lighting in our body. Smeller, eater, perceiver, toucher, listner, thinker, learner are all priests, performing Homa in our body. Daily, by doing karmas, we perform Homa in our body. It is called Saptahotra method. Agni, called Vaisvanara, got ten faces. They are sides, Vayu, Sun, Moon, earth, agni, Indra, Vishnu, Brahma, Mitra, Varuna. These are the faces of Vaisvanara Agni. Sound, form, touch, taste, smell, talk, doing, coming and going, working and enjoying etc., are the fuel for these ten faces. The above said fuel items are burnt in Vaisvanara Agni Homa, by the following priests viz., eyes, nose, ears, skin, tongue, feet, hands, anus and genital organs. This is called Dasahotra method. Having knowledge about the above two methods, Yogi daily performs Yaga by making Jeevatma as Upadrashta (chief priest). At last, he emancipates himself from this birth and death cycle. Being ignorant about the above two methods, people are going round this birth and death cycle for ever. Omkara was born from speech. Following Omkara, mind tries to attain Dharma, Ardha, Kama and Moksha.” said the Brahmin to his wife. “Unless one intends with mind to talk , words cannot come out of mouth. In that case, how mind works according to speech.” asked his wife. “What you said is correct. Everybody thinks like that. But speech and mind are connected with each other. One cannot speak without intending to speak. Once speech and mind went to Brahma and solicited his advise about who is greater among them. Brahma said that mind is greater. Sarasvati took objection as she was the deity of speech. “O my lord Brahma! when I, controller of speech, am here, how can you say that mind is greater” asked Sarasvati. Brahma pacified Sarasvati with his tact. “O Saraswati! mind is of two kinds. Stable mind and fickle mind. Stable mind stays with me whereas fickle mind stays with you. All letters, arts, mantras etc. born out of your grace, are called fickle mind. But stable mind is greater than fickle mind.” said Brahma. Unable to say anything, Sarasvati kept quiet.” said the Brahmin. The Brahmin continued to say to his wife: “speech is created out of inhalation and exhalation by the movement of Prana and Apana. Prana is itself Brahma. Prana joins with Apana. Then, speech, leaving its natural sound, joins with five elements and spreads all over the body with the influence of Vyana.Then Mind becomes stable. Keeping mind stable is the way to attain salvation. Speech which comes out is Ghoshini and speech which does not come out is Aghoshini. Aghoshini is better than Ghoshini. Speech is indestrucible. It has no decay. Sound has no form but it shines bright. That is Brahma Tatva. Sense organs, mind and intellect are supported by Jeevatma. But they perform their own duties, without interfering with each other. Tongue tastes but cannot see. In the same manner, other sense organs cannot perform other duties, except of their own. Eyes can see a form but not other sense organs. Ears receive sound but not other sense organs. Mind acts in two ways viz., learning and doubting. Other sense organs cannot learn or doubt. Similarly, power of discretion and distinguish between good and bad is the work of intellect which cannot be discharged by other sense organs. Once there was a conversation between mind and other sense organs. Sense organs said to mind: “O mind! you and we are equals. What is your greatness?” asked sense organs. “O sense organs! You cannot function of your own accord. I, through you, discharge all functions. You have no independent status. Without me, nose cannot smell, tongue cannot taste; eyes cannot see and ears cannot hear. Without me, you are useless. Therefore, I am greater than you.” said the mind. “No No. Simply because you are acting through us, how can you attain greatness. Without sense organs, you cannot feel, smell, taste or hear and enjoy. Without the presence of any one of us, you are useless. You cannot make other sense organ to discharge other’s function. You cannot make nose to see or you cannot make eye to smell. Because of us only, you are feeling and enjoying. Therefore, you are not at all greater than us. Besides that, if the mind is unable to do anything, with our vitality, we are making you to function.By any stretch of imagination, it cannot be said that you can function independently without us. With our vitality through you only body is enjoying sensual pleasures. Hence, there is no question of greatness.” said the sense organs. Unable to say anything mind kept quiet.” said the Brahmin to his wife. “I also tell you one more thing. Once, all the five airs viz., Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udaana and Samana went to Brahma and asked him about who is greater among themselves. Brahma smiled and said: “Without which air, other airs cannot function, that air is greater.” said Brahma. Then every air said that without it, others cannot function. “I know that much. Amongst you, everyone is specialised. Without one, others cannot function. But one thing is certain. You all cannot function at a time. You function one after other. When one air is functioning, that air is greater. When all airs function amicably, you are all great.” said Brahma. He continued to say: “In this connection I tell about a conversation between Saint Narada and Devamatha. Once a Brahmin called Devamatha asked Saint Narada thus: “O Saint Narada! in every physical body of human being, there are five airs viz., Prana, Apaana, Vyana, Udaana, Samaana. moving throughout the body. But while the child was in mother’s womb, which air starts to function first.” asked the Brahmin. Narada said thus: “O brahmin! to form a fetus, male and female shall join together. Samana air in male in the form of semen and Vyana air in female in the form of blood, join together and a fetus is created. Then Prana and Apana enters the fetus. Then fetus starts inhalation and exhalation. Prana air goes down and Apana air goes up. While the child grows in womb, Vyana, Udaana and samaana enters the body of child. Then all the five airs spread all over the body of child. With the movement of five airs, Agni (heat) is generated all over the body. This heat is called Udaana. I told you about Prana and Apaana airs. They are also called day and night, good and bad, truth and falsehood, etc. duals. Between Prana and Apaana airs, Udaana air in the form of heat, moves speedily. Only doctors know about these airs and heat element in our body.” said Narada to Brahmin.” said Brahmin to his wife. Brahmin continued to say: “O my wife! I also tell you one secret. One who creates this Universe is Karta (subject). The act of creation is Karma. Instruments useful for creation are Karana. Entire creation depends upon these three elements. Nose etc. sense organs are called Karanas. Smelling, hearing, tasting, seeing etc are Karmas. Jeeva performs these Karmas. While performing Karmas, Jeeva enjoys sensual pleasures. But Jeeva, abandoning these pleasures, can turn towards Moksha path. Jeeva enjoys sensual pleasures with the aid of Karana, karma and kartha. But Jeeva, without joining them, burns sensual pleasures in the fire of Atma, as a result of which ignorance ends. Jeevaatma shines without the smoke of ignorance. That is the path for Moksha. It is also called Yoga yajna. The reward for such Yajna is abandoning desires. Then the Almighty God feels happy and bestows Moksha. If jeeva entangles in sensual pleasures and worldly affairs, he binds himself by all of them and destroys himself. O my lady! God rules this universe. I follow his rule. God is the teacher for this Universe. I follow his teachings. According to Brahma, Akshara Upasana is best of all. I follow Akshara Upasana. I am trying to cross this Samsaara forest. So far I have crossed darkness of anger, snakes of greediness, fort of desires. Now I am in the middle of forest. In that forest, there is no distinction between young and old, pleasures and sorrows, fear or favour. Trees in that forest bear five coloured fruits which are so sweet. Great sages and saints move in that forest and perform Tapas. Sun is the master of that forest. Saints perform Tapas on the hillocks in the forest. Those sages are glorious endowed with control of mind and control of sense organs. I am also moving like those saints without any attachment. I never perform any act, with any kind of desire. Hence I am not bound by Karma. Inspite of our best efforts, we cannot avoid any thing which is bound to happen. Hence, it is mere waste to worry about future. Having known about this, I move in outside world as a drop of water on lotus leaf. O my wife! in this connection, I tell you a conversation between a Chief Priest of Yajna and a Yogi. Chief Priest of Yajna was making ready a goat for sacrifice. Beholding that, a Yogi told the priest thus: “You are performing a sacred Yajna. But you are killing animals which is a great sin. Is it not?” said Yogi. “O Yogi! I suppose you have not read Vedas. This is the ritual enunciated in Veda. After sacrifice, this goat attains divinity.” said Priest. “What you said may be correct and this goat may attain divinity. But what benefit you derive by killing this goat.” asked Yogi. “I do not understand what you said. Killing Goats in Yajna is a ritual enunciated in Vedas. By following this ritual, the goats are killed and priests are killing goats to attain divinity. Is it wrong?” asked the priest. “What you said is not correct. Repeatedly Vedas preached that killing animals is great sin. That much I know.” said Yogi. “If what we do is violence, what you are doing. Are you not subjecting your body to violence by observing Prana Yama and Upavasas.” said Priest. “Prana Yama and fasting are part of Tapas. I am well accomplished in Tapas. I realised Akshara Tatva. I destroyed Kshara Tatva with my knowledge. I abandoned sensual pleasures. I am performing Tapas and Prana Yama seeking Moksha. Saying that performing Tapas and Prana Yama amounts to violence is nothing but foolishness.” said the Yogi. “O Yogi! I do not know all those things. I am performing Yajna. Killing animals during Yaga is a ritual enunciated in Vedas. I follow that ritual. I never attain any sin by killing animals during Yaga. Besides that I attain higher regions.” said priest. “O Priest of Yajna! My Tapo Yajna is greater than your Karma Yajna tainted with violence.” said Yogi. At last, priest accepted the philosophy of Yogi. O mywife! in this connection I also tell you another story. In the past, there was a king called Kartha Verya Arjuna. He caused much harm to a brahmin called Parasu Rama. In retaliation, Parasurama cut the hands of Karta Veerya Arjuna and killed him. In turn, sons of Kaarta Veerya Arjuna killed the father of ParasuRama while Parasu Rama was out of Ashram. Enraged with great wrath, Parasurama killed all the sons of Karva Veerya Arjuna. He also destroyed the entire Kshatriya community by waging war against them 21 times. Then only his grudge against Kshatriyas subsided. All the Pitaras appeared before Parasurama and told him: “O Parasu Rama, You are a Brahmin. Why have you resorted to this kind of violence. Is it not wrong?” said Pitaras. “O Pitaras! killing of Kshatriyas is nothing but Yajna. I performed it. All these Kshatriyas are goats ready for sacrifice. Hence I killed them. Killing goats during Yajna is enunciated in Vedas. I followed Veda Dharma. Kindly dont obstruct me.” prayed Parasurama. “O Parasurama! out of all Yajnas, Tapo Yajna is best. Perform Tapo Yajna by performing Tapas and maintaining peace. God bless you. In fact, you have to destroy not the outside enemies, but inside enemies viz., anger, greediness, desires, hatredness etc. But they are not killed by weapons. Only by performing Tapas, one can kill those enemies. Therefore, you also perform Tapas and destroy your inner enemies and enjoy eternal pleasures.” said Pitara. Hence, O lady! Tapo yajna is best of all. Generally, human beings are endowed with three attributes, Satva, Rajas and Tamas. Happiness and peacefulness are the qualities of Satva. Anger, sorrow, overambition are the qualities of Rajas. Passion, sleep and dreams are qualities of Tamas. We have to use suitable weapons to destroy those qualities. Control of sense organs is a must. Then only one can proceed towards Moksha. To know about the chief enemy in the path of Moksha, I now tell you Ambareesha Geeta. In the past, there was a king called Ambareesha. He was wellversed in Rajaneethi. He conquered all his enemies and rules his kingdom to the satisfaction of his people. One day, beholding his courtiers, he said thus: “O wise and learned! I conquered all my enemies. But I do not consider it a great victory. The reason being that I could not so far conquer my inner enemies. Without conquering my inner enemies, how can I get complete victory.” said Ambareesha. Though he was an emperor endowed with royal pleasures, he eschewed all his royal pleasures and did tapas to conquer his inner enemies and succeeded. O my wife! in the same manner, conquering inner enemies is essential. In this connection, I also tell you about a conversation between King Janaka and a Brahmin. Once a brahmin was expelled by King Janaka, from the country for his misbehaviour. That brahmin asked King Janaka thus: “O King Janaka! you expelled me from your kingdom. Kindly tell me how far your kingdom extends. I will go beyond that point.”asked the brahmin. King Janaka could not answer his question. “O Brahmin! this kingdom is not of mine. It is my ancestral property. How can I say this kingdom is mine. In a fit of anger, I expelled you from Kingdom. When I myself do not know how far my kingdom extends, how can I expel you from my kingdom.” said King Janaka. “O King Janaka! This city is yours. This kingdom is yours. You are the king of this kingdom. How can you rule this kingdom, without possessing it. Kindly tell me that secret.” asked Brahmin. “O Brahmin! This Kingdom, these people, are there even prior to my birth. They remain even after my death. How can I say that this kingdom is mine. I am just enjoying the kingdom. I am ruling the people, with detatchment.” said King Janaka. Then that brahmin appeared before King Janaka in his original form as Yama Dharma Raja. “O King Janaka! I am Yama. I have come to test you. You are wise and learned. You are a detatched Karma Yogi. Prosper yourself with peace and happiness.” blessed Yama and went away. Hence O my wife! I also intend to leave this house and Samsara and retire to forests. Having known my intention, you are trying to stop me by asking several questions about Adhyatma. I also told you many things about Adhyatma. I cannot remain in Samsara any more. Now I am a real brahmin. I follow Brahmacharya and realise myself. But in your eyes, I am ordinary brahmin. But I practised Yoga. I cannot limit myself to this house and samsara. This universe is mine. I am omnipresent. I now refuse even the rank of Indra. This bent of mind itself is equivalent to all riches. God is all pervasive through out the universe. Everybody shall ultimately join God but none can join God with this mortal body. All Karmas done with this body bind Jeeva. Now I cut all my bondages. Now I have no fear of death. Give up the idea of stopping me and join me for liberation.” said the Brahmin. The wife of that brahmin also agreed with his preachings. The brahmin continued to say: “O my wife! Wife and husband are made for each other. For making fire, two pieces of wood are essential. If one piece of wood is husband, the other piece is wife. If both are rubbed togehter, fire comes out.That fire is awareness.” said the Brahmin. His wife also followed the husband and both of them attained liberation.” said Krishna to Arjuna. Then Arjuna asked Krishna: “O Krishna! You told me about the brahmin wife and husband. I want to know more about them.” asked Arjuna. Krishna smiled and said: “O Arjuna! Brahmin husband is no other than my mind and his wife is no other than my intellect. I am the Parama Atma, beyond the sense organs.” said Krishna. “O Krishna! with your grace and kindness, I have become wiser. But I want to know about Para Brahma. Kindly tell me about it.” asked Arjuna. “O Arjuna! In reply to your question, I tell you about a conversation between a teacher and student. One student put the same question to his Teacher. Unable to answer that question, that teacher along with great sages viz., Brihaspati, Bharadwaja, Bhargava, Goutama, Kasyapa, Vasishta, Athri, Visvamitra etc went to Brahma. All saluted Brahma and asked thus: “What is meant by well-being (hitamu) and what is the easiest way to attain well-being (Hitamu).” asked the Brahmin along with sages and saints. Brahma said thus: “In the beginning, the entire Universe was born with Satva quality. For some time, all animate objects move in Satva. One by one, Rajas and Tamas occupy the body and jeeva. Studying Vedas, performing Tapas and meditating about Brahma are Satva qualities. Satva quality is a splendid and marvellous quality. Hence all Yogis, eschewing Kama and Krodha, follow Satva quality. I now tell you the path to follow Satva. There are four Ashrams. Brahma Charya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa. These are four legs to Dharma. These four dharmas are followed by all castes. By observing these four Ashrams, one can attain Moksha. If one is unable to get self realisation within these four Ashrams, he cannot attain Moksha for ever. This path is applicable to one and all. Whether they are Marut, Aditya, divine bodies etc. self realisation is the only path to attain Moksha. Self realisation means knowing about the 24 elements. I tell you about the 24 elements. Earth, space, fire, water and air are the five elements. Their attributes are five. Sense organs are 10. Mind, intellect and Ahankara are three. Praktiri-1. Total 24 elements. Whoever understands about birth and death secret, abandons ignorance and realises about the true nature of these 24 elements, as a result of which, all his bondages dispel themselves and he travels towards Moksha. Human body has nine holes. Mind, through these nine holes with the influence of satva, rajas and tamas, connects itself with the outside world. Hence the body is visible but the inner self is invisible. Therefore, one has to abandon the delusion on this visible body and try to behold the innerself. But it is highly difficult and impossible. Whoever controls sense organs and mind and also Satva, Rajas and Tamas qualities, he can follow the path of Moksha. Satva, Rajas and Tamas qualities work together. One depend on the other. One follows another. One cooperates with another. Hence identifying and avoiding satva, rajas and tamas qualities is highly difficult. If one is restrained, another will raise. If Tamas is suppressed, Rajas increases. If Satva is followed, Tamas also follows Satva. Greediness, sorrow, delusion, sleep, fear, aggrandizement, interest in committing crimes, over anger, cheating others, envy, hatredness etc. are the qualities of Tamas. Those who are born as snakes, scorpions, animals, pigs, dogs, fish, hens, mosquitoes, trees etc. are those who were influenced by Tamas in their last birth. One who realises this fact, keep himself away from Tamas. Strength, vigour, valour, pride, arrogance, pleasures and sorrows, friendship, overambitious, uneasiness, quarrelsome nature, envy, harsh talk, abusing others; lusting other ladies; telling lies; boasting himself; and encouraging those who boast are all the qualities of Rajas.Those who were influenced by Rajas quality in the previous birth, are endowed with wealth and riches in this birth. They are mostly interested in worldly pleasures. If they realise that these pleasures in this birth are due to Rajas quality in previous birth, they slowly come out of those Rajas qualities and try to acquire Satva quality. Eternal happiness, glory, soft spoken, kindness, forgiveness, truthfulness, clenaliness, courage, free from greediness; patience, nonviolence, virtuous behaviour, not envious towards others; avoiding unnecessary hurry, equality among all, concentration on the works, abandoning cruelty, respecting others are all Satva qualities. Those who were influenced by Satva in their previous birth, do not have egoism, over ambition, greediness, lust, passion in this birth. They are always virtuous and devotees of God. One who realises about the qualities of Satva, Rajas and Tamas, keeps himself away from these three qualities. As has been said already, these three qualities are not separate. They unite with each other. The Samsara is run with these three qualities. If first quality dominates the second, the third one is suppressed. Tamas flows downwards. Rajas is in middle. Satva flows upwards. It is highly difficult to come out of the influence of these qualities. But one has to abandon these three qualities in order to attain Moksha. To come out of the influence of these three qualities, one has to relinquish overambition and greediness. If human beings are influenced by Satva, they attain heavenly pleasures; those who influenced by Rajas take birth on earth and those who are infleunced by Tamas take birth as animals and beasts and undergo hell on earth. In their daily life, human beings perform Karmas for the sake of Dharma, Ardha and Kama. These Karmas are influenced by Satva, Rajas and Tamas. Human beings shall take care that Karmas they perform are not tainted with Satva, Rajas and Tamas. He shall remain Nirguna. In human body, Prana, Apaana, Vyaana, udaana and samaana vaayus are moving. Of these Vaayus, Prana is Satva; Apaana is Rajas and Udaana is Tamas. Of these Prana is best of all. If these three qualities remain in our body euqlly, that is Avyakta. That itself is eternal peace and happiness. One who realises about this Avyakta, he is endowed with awareness. He is entitled for Moksha.” said Brahma to saints. Brahma continued to say: “O Brahmin, sages and saints! Mahat Tatva grows from Avyakta. That Mahat Tatva is also called intellect. With this intellect only, human being sees, hears and perceives. Hence intellect is kept on highest pedestal. From intellect, Ahankara grows. Ahankara is the root cause for all Karmas. Division of humans into Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vysyas and Sudras, vratas, tapas, yajnas, yagas etc are all caused out of this Ahankara. From Ahankara Tatva, five elements viz., earth, space, air, water and light and their attributes (smell, form, taste, touch and sound) have come up. To enjoy these attributes, human being is immersed in worldly pleasures. All the living beings are immersed in this darkness of passion and lust and cannot comeout for ever. Only wise and learned, by performing Nishkama Karmas and eschewing sensual pleasures, can come out of this darkness. These worldly pleasures are not eternal and they cannot stand for ever. Sorrow follows happiness and happiness follows sorrow. They are coming one after another. These sensual pleasures are root cause for happiness and sorrows. Passion towards sensual pleasures causes greediness. Influenced by greediness, human being is deprived of his intellect and is driven towards sinful acts. Human body is made up of flesh, blood and bones. Every human body is destined to die. But human beings believe that this body is eternal and commit all kinds of sins and destroy themselves. Five elements in the body, speech and mind and intellect are called Antara Atma. These eight elements are called Upaadaana. To know about these eight elements, preachings of elders is necessary. From out of Ahankara, Ten sense organs and mind...total eleven are formed. Uninfluenced with these eleven, intellect act independently. If intellect is used in proper manner, one can know about innerself. O Saints! so far I told you about living beings. Now I tell about Adhyatma Tatva. Earth, space, water, air and fire are main five elements. In this nature, there are three tatvas. They are Adhyatma, Adhibhoota and Adhi Daivata. Adhyatma Adhi Bhoota Adhi Daivata. ear sound sides skin touch current. eye form Sun tongue taste Moon nose smell Vaayu. speech speaking agni hands working Devendra legs walking Babhru genital organs semen Prajapati Mind thinking Moon Intellect knowledge Brahma. O saints! now I tell about Nivruthi path. (the path that leads the soul towards salvation). How tortoise retracts its organs into its shell, wise and learned shall retract his mind from worldly pleasures and turn it towards Atma. Whoever control his uncontrollable desires, he is great. He abandons satva, rajas and tamas and proceeds towards Moksha. Control of sense organs is a difficult task. Atma shines beyond sense organs. One who beholds Atma is eligible for Moksha. This physical body is made up of five elements viz., earth, space, water, air and fire. With this physical body, it is highly difficult to cross the ocean of Samsara. Samsara is full of pleasures and sorrows, diseases and pains. Kama and Krodha are the masters of this Samsara. Hence human being shall conquer his desires and anger. Then only he can cross the ocean of Samsara. As one lamp is lighting numerous lamps, from one Parama Atma, several atmas are shining in several physical bodies. Wise realises this truth and beholds Parama Atma in all human bodies and other living beings. Ignorant always creates differences between one and the other, on account of caste, religion, creed, etc., and suffer always. Parama Atma got several names. They are Varuna, Anila, Agni, Soma, Vishnu, Aja, Siva etc.” said Brahma to divine bodies and sages. Brahma continued to say: “O sages! The foremost dharma is Ahimsa (nonviolence). Violence is adharma. Splendour and glory is the symptom of divine bodies. Human symptom is doing Karma. Symptom of space is making sound in form of thunders. Symptom of Vaayu is touching objects. Symptom of Lamp is shining in one form. Taste is symptom of water and smell is symptom of earth. Symptom of learning is speaking truth. Symptom of mind is thinking and feeling. Symptom of intellect is doing virtuous deeds. Symptom of Avyakta is leading virtuous life. Symptom of intellect is severing bondages of Karma. Sannyasa coupled with intelligence leads to Moksha. Yogi who is above duals is not inflicted by disease and death. The Prakriti is Avyakta. It is also called as Kshetra. Prikriti is born out of Satva, Rajas and Tamas. Purusha shining in body is Antaratma (inner self). He knows everything. He is beyond these three attributes. He is stable and not influenced by any power. Jeevatma, renunciating Prikriti and turning towards Paramatma, attains Mukti. Out of Jyothis, Sun; out of five elements, Agni; out of all arts, Savitri; out of divine bodies, Prajapati; out of Vedas, Omkara; out of five vaayus, Prana; out of all Chandas (metres), Gayatri; out of four leggers, goat and ox, out of human beings, Brahmin; out of all birds, eagle; out of all rituals in Yajna, Havis; out of four Yugas, Kritayuga; out of all metals, gold are famous. Out of all herbts, Yavas; out of all eatables, cooked rice; out of all drinks, pure waters; out of all mountains Meru; out of all trees, Juvvi tree; out of all sides, upper side; out of all rivers, Ganga; out of all water deposits, sea; out of four Ashrams, Grihastha Ashram; out of all Prajapatis, Brahma; out of all Tatvas, Vishnu Tatva; out of all divine bodies, Eswara are famous. Though we call the God as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara, the main Paramatma Tatva is one and the same and they are not different. Recognising this oneness itself is Brahma Jnana. As day and night are coming and going, pleasures and sorrows are coming and going in human life. Feeling great during pleasures and feeling sad during troubles is not proper. Every object in this nature is subject to growth and decay. Every pleasure ends with sorrow. Those who realise this truth, treat both pleasure and sorrow equally. Now I tell you about Ashrams. Brahmacharya is the first. During Brahmacharya, one has to follow the following: Study of vedas and serving teacher; procuring food by alms for himself and teacher; keeping one stick as Danda in hand; maintaining cleanliness always; keeping away from sensual desires; controlling sense organs; wearing sacred thread always; maintaining minimum talk; speaking truth always; keeping mind peaceful; worshipping sacred fire both morning and evening and abstaining from indulging in sinful acts. One has to follow the above duties during Brahmacharya. Now I tell you about Grihastha Ashram. Grihasthu, while moving in the outside world, shall follow Nyaya and dharma; shall not look at other ladies with evil intention; lead a virtuous life; perform five yajnas daily; worship guests; wear plain white clothes; giving away what he has, to poor and needy; control sense organs; maintain cleanliness; being friendly with others; study vedas and perform Yajnas and Yagas; possess forgiveness alwlays; maintain impartiality while dealing with others; keeping away from sinful acts. These are the dharmas to be maintained by Grihasthu. Next comes Vanaprastha. During Vanaprastha, one has to leave towns and villages and retire to forests; perform sacred and sandhya twice a day; maintain brahmacharya; consume fruits, roots, leaves as food; always sleep on floor; worship guests; perform study of vedas and worship of Agnihotra daily; and control sense organs. These are the main duties of Vanaprashta. One can directly take Sanyasa, without undergoing these three Ashrams, if he is inclined to attain Moksha. Now I tell you the Sanyasa Dharma. A sanyasi shall be kind towards other creatures; shall not resort to violence; shall not feel sorry for past events; shall not be ambitious about future and think about present only; control sense organs and keep detatched; consume food by alms only, once a day; shall not preserve anything for himself; shall not receive anything from others except food and clothing; shall not be influenced by flattering or appreciations; give up envy and anger; control both mind and sense organs; follow brahmacharya; follow non violence and truthfulness always. These are the Sanyasi Dharmas. Sanyasi has to stay under trees, at banks of rivers; non inhabitant places; forests, caves and templels. Sanyasi shall not try to earn anything by crookedness. Sanyasi shall not propagate about his greatness and glory and keep detatchment with those who visit him. These are the Dharmas of Sanyasi. Sanyasa means performing Tapas. By performing Tapas, Sanyasi acquire knowledge to behold Parama Atma. By performing Tapas only, one leaves Rajas and Tamas and follows Satva. That is the first step for salvation. Sanyasi shall abandon duals and strive hard for Moksha. O brahmin, sages and saints! Samsara is a big tree. The invisible Prakriti is the seed. Intellect is the stem. Ahankara are the branches. Five elements, their attributes are leaves. Sense organs are cavities in tree; good and bad are the fruits and ambitions are the tender leaves. To cut the tree of Samsara, Jnana sword is essential. One who cuts this tree with Jnana sword, he attains Brahma Pada. To attain Brahma Pada, practice of yoga is essential. While practising yoga, one has to behold Jeevatma. By abandoning sensusal desires, one attains salvation. O Sages! you are all aware of each and everything. You have studied Vedas and Sastras. You are wise and learned. To behold inner self, Satva is the best path. To reach Parama Atma also there is no other path except Satva. Truth, nonviolence; forgiveness; virtuous character; sanyasa, tendency of sharing with others; intelligence are all Satva qualities. These are the steps to reach Parama Atma.” said Brahma. Then, the sages and saints asked Brahma thus: “O Brahma! Dharmas are of several kinds. While following all Dharmas, we are unable to decide which Dharma is best. Therefore, please tell us which Darma is best. Please also tell us the relation between Satva and Purusha.” asked sages and saints. “O sages! of all dharmas, Ahimsa (non violence) is the best dharma. One who follows non violence attains best intelligence. That is the path for Moksha. One who entangled constantly in desires is caught in the web of worldly pleasures, as a result, keeps himself rotating in birth and death cycle. Desires are natural and performing Karmas to fulfil desires is also common. But those karmas bind the human being if they are done with some profit motive. If Karmas are performed without profit motive, they cannot bind the human being. That is the path for Moksha. Therefore, while moving in the outside world, one has to behave like a drop of water on lotus leaf. One should not show any interest upon anything. Then only none can bind him. To behold Paratatva, satva is a torch. With the help of satva quality, Yogis realise para tatva and attain Mukti. So, with the help of Satva, one can attain Mukti.Once he realises innerself, he can renunciate satva also and try for Mukti without any attachments. O sages! I am again telling you the order of evolution. From avyakta, Mahat Tatva; from Mahat Tatva Ahankara; from Ahankara, five elements; from five elements their attributes; from five elements and attributes, desires, grow respectively. Human being always entangle in accomplishing those desires. One who realises about this evolution, he can over come the worldly affairs easily. Before enquiring about desires, one has to know about five elements. One who realises about five elements, he recognises this body as combination of five elements. Then he renunciates love and affection towards this physical body and turns towards innerself. Mind, with the help of intellect, controls the sense organs. Yogi, realising this fact, travels along the Mukti path as Nirguna. As tides in ocean are raising and falling, both animate and inanimate creatures in this Universe takes birth, grow and die in routine process. This Avyakta Prakriti is generated out of Paramatma. Therefore, this Prakriti is not eternal. One who realises this truth never entangles in passions and desires. To behold Parama Atma, Tapas is the only means. Therefore, yogi shall acquire the tresure of Tapas. In the ancient past, all Prajapathis performed creation process only with the help of Tapas. Great saints, by performing Tapas in forests, attained knowledge of past, present and future. By Tapas only one can attain perfection in the art he learnt. One can attain any kind of art by Tapas which cannot be attained by any other means. Tapas keeps away the bad qualities viz., cruelty against brahmins and drinking liquor etc. By means of Tapas, all living beings satisfy themselves. By performing Tapas, Yogis, attain Brahma Pada, by giving up passions, desires and egoism. Before attaining Brahma Pada, one has to give up Rajas and Tamas and follow Satva. Gradually, one has to give up Satva also and attain Nirguna quality. Then only he can join Paramatma. Upanishads are attached at the end of Vedas. By studying Upanishads, intelligence increases. By studying Upanishads, one can realise about innerself and Atma itself is Kshetrajna. Human being is habituated to work. He alwlays does some work or other and immerses in that work with great concentration. But Atma never interfers with any work and beholds every work as a witness. This itself is Yoga. Prakriti is Avyakta. Human being always moves in Prikriti. Due to Avidya (ignorance) he develops love and affection towards the works he does and binds himself with the results of such works. As a result, he always lands in all sorts of troubles and sorrows. If one does any kind of work without any attachment, the result of that work does not bind him. Therefore, no attachment....no sorrow. Yogis are of two kinds. Jnana Yogi and Karma Yogi. Jnana Yogi believes that knowledge and intelligence is best whereas Karma Yogis believe in performing Karmas. What Vedas enunciate is: first one has to perform Karmas and worship God with 16 kinds of sevas. Gradually, one has to abandon Karmas and follow Jnana Yoga. Because, Jnana itself is the nature of Purusha (Atma). One who realises this truth, gives up Karma Yoga and follow Jnana yoga and attains Mukti. While performing Karmas in day to day life, one shall not attach himself either such Karmas or with the results of such Karmas. O Sages and Brahmin! I told you each and everything. Accordingly you discharge your routine works. You attain salvation.” said Lord Brahma to Brahmin and sages and saints.” said the Teacher to his student. Therefore, Arjuna, this is the conversation between the teacher and student.” said Krishna to Arjuna. Now Arjuna entertained a doubt. “O Krishna! who is that Guru and who is that Sishya. Are they so important. Kindly tell me.” asked Arjuna. Krishna smiled and said: “O Arjuna! dont you understand this much. That Guru is none than mine and the student is my mind. Out of affection towards you, I preached you about Jnana. You follow Adhyatma with pure and dedicated mind. All your worries vanish. All these things were already taught by me at the beginning of war. Again I reiterated them at your request. You control your sense organs and try to know about your innerself with unshaken mind.” said Sri Krishna to Arjuna. Thus said Soota to saint Sounaka and other sages and saints, as told by Saint Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya, the story of Maha Bharata. MAHA BHARATA ASVAMEDHA PARVA SECOND CHAPTER COMPLETED. OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OM TATSAT. .

MAHABHARAT ASVAMEDHA PARVA THIRD CHAPTER In Naimisaranya, on the occasion of Sarpa Yaga, Sooti told Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints, the story of Maha Bharata, as told by Saint Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya at the end of Sarpa Yaga. After teaching Arjuna about innerself, Krishna told Arjuna thus: “O Arjuna! My mind is very eager to see my parents Vasudeva and Devaki and also my brother Balarama. Hence I have to proceed immediately to Dwaraka. I am seeking the permission of Dharmaja.” said Krishna. “If that is so, we immediately proceed to Hastinapura. I will convince Dharmaja about your travel to Dwaraka and take his permission. He himself will give warm send off to you.” said Arjuna. Both Krishna and Arjuna proceeded to Hastinapuram. While they were proceeding to Hastinapura, Arjuna told Krishna thus: “O Krishna! with your kind blelssings only I could cross the ocean of Kourava Army and conquer them. I could conquer great warriors like Bhishma, Drona, Karna etc. This victory is yours. Under your guidance and leadership only, we could acquire this victory. O Krishna! you are all pervasive. You are the creator and destroyer of the entire universe. You are the embodiment of Kala (time). Yours inhalation and exhalation itself is Vayu, one of the Pancha Bhootha. Yours blessings are equal to blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. You are the root cause for all pleasures and sorrows, births and deaths occurring in this Universe. The animate and inanimate world is created by you and destroyed by you. You are beyond imagination and you are the master of this Universe. O Krishna! I am aware that you are the embodiment of all Dharmas, after hearing the preachings of Bhishma, Saints Narada, Devala, Kousika and Vyasa. Out of your love and affection towards me, you again taught me about Adhyatma Vidya. I attained eternal happiness with your preachings.” said Arjuna with great devotion. Then both Krishna and Arjuna arrived at Hastinapura. They both went to Dhritarashtra and Gandhari and received their blessings. Then they went to Kunti and enquired about her welfare. Then they visited Vidura, Dhoumya, Yuyutsa and Sanjaya. Then they went to Dharmaja. Dharmaja hugged Krishna with affection. “O brother Yudhishtira! Krishna stayed at Hastinapura for long time. He is incliend to go back to Dwaraka to see his parents and brother as they are eagerly waiting for Krishna’s arrival. O brother! after spending some time with parents and brothers, Krishna will come back to Hastinapura. Hence you may take an appropriate decision with regard to arrangements for sending off Krishna.” said Arjuna. Dharmaja was very happy. “O Arjuna! let us do like that. Krishna! You can proceed to Dwaraka and convey my salutations to Vasudeva and Devaki and your brother Balarama. After spending some time with them, you, along with your parents, brothers, wives, relatives and friends, come back to Hastina to grace Asvamedha Yaga to be performed by me. This is my heartfelt invitation for Asvamedha Yaga.” said Dharmaja. Then Krishna met Kunti and obtained her permission. He also took permission from Kunti and Arjuna to take Subhadra along with him to Dwaraka. Then Krishna departed for Dwaraka. On the way, Krishna stayed for a while in the Ashram of Saint Udanka.Udanka received Krishna with due honours. Udanka asked Krishna thus: “Krishna! Are Pandavas and Kouravas safe at Hastinapura. Have brothers amicably settled their disputes. Have you effected mediation between the brothers. Are they ruling their respective kingdoms happily.” asked Udanka. Krishna said Udanka thus: “I tried my level best to effect mediation between Kouravas and Pandavas and I spoke few words softly. I also even threatened Kouravas with harsh words. I spared no effort to effect amicable settlement between Pandavas and Kouravas. But Suyodhana paid no heed to my advices. Along with me, Bhishma, Drona and others also advised Suyodhana to agree for mediation. Even the sages and saints present there also tried to advise Suyodhana but in vain. War became imminent. Except five pandavas, all were killed in the war. None can avoid the fate.” said Krishna. On hearing these words, Udanka enraged with great wrath. “Krishna! you are entirely responsible for the war and the mass massacre. You deceived Kouravas with your crooked ideas. Inspite of possessing the capacity and talent to mediate amicably between both Pandavas and Kouravas, you never tried to do so. You lead both to war. Hence I intend to curse you.” said Udanka. Having heard those words, Krishna said: “O Saint Udanka! Kindly hear me patiently and then do whatever you like. Saints do not get anger. Subside your anger. Dont curse me and waste your power of Tapas. Give me a patient hearing.” said Krishna. “Yes. I will hear whatever you say. Come on. Tell.” said Udanka. “O Saint Udanka! I will tell you who am I. I am possessed with the qualities of Satva, Rajas and Tamas and they act according to my command. Maruts, Vasuvus etc. divine bodies came out of me. I am omnipresent and all pervasive. I am the embodiment of the entire creation. I am Para and Apara tathva. Omkara, three vedas, four castes, four ashrams, and their Karmas, Svarga, Moksha are nothing but mine. They are all my reflections. Sages and saints praise me in Yagas and Yajnas and attain the fruits of Yajnas and Yagas. Even sinners also praise and annihilate their sins. Whenever Adharma grows and Dharma decays, I myself appear in some form or other and eradicate Adharma and protect Dharma. I, as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara discharge different kinds of duties. I look after creation, sustenance and destruction in three forms. O Udanka! though I am capable of doing anything and everything, still I tried my level best to mediate between Pandavas and Kouravas. All my trials were appreciated by Vyasa and other sages and saints. But Kouravas did not pay heed to my words. Hence war became inevitable. Kouravas were defeated. This was what had happened. Now you can do whatever you like.” said Krishna. “O Krishna! I know what you are and your miracles. But I was badly influenced by instant wrath. Hence I blamed you. Now all the dirt in my mind is wahsed away with your nectar like words. I got a desire to behold your visvaroopa. Why cannot you show it to me.” prayed Udanka. Sri Krishna acceded to his request. Udanka beheld the Visvaroopa. Beholding Visvaroopa, Udanka was subjected to fear, joy, amazement, and inexplicable state of mind. With folded hands, Udanka prayed: “O Pundareekaasha! the entire earth is filled with your feet and the entire sky is filled with your head. Your arms and hands occupied four sides of this Universe. You are allpervasive with innumerable heads, hands and legs. I beheld your Visvaroopa as an eye feast. Kindly withdraw your Visvaroopa and appear before me in your original beautifil form.” prayed Udanka. Sri Krishna appeared before Udanka in his mortal form. “Udanka! I would like you to have a boon from me, choose whatever you like.” asked Krishna. “I beheld your visvaroopa which is impossible for others. I do not require anything. As you are asking me, I express my desire. This is draught stricken area. There is no groundwater available. Hence kindly bless me with plenty of water whenever I need.” prayed Udanka. “It will be done. Whenever you are in need of water, you think about me in your mind. Water will be available to you.” said Krishna. Then Krishna left for Dwaraka. Some days later, on one day, Udanka was thirsty. No drop of water was available. Udanka saw a low caste man, without clothes, with dogs around him. His body was dirty but pure water was oozing out of his body as sweat. He called Udanka and said: “Udanka! I suppose you are suffering with thirst. Why cannot you drink the pure water coming out of my body.” said that low caste man. Udanka grew angry and scolded him and asked him to get out of that place. He went away along with his dogs. Meanwhile Krishna appeared there. Udanka asked Krishna: “O Krishna! you said when ever I think about you, pure water will be available. Today, instead of pure water, sweat of a low caste man is available. Is this the boon given by you.” asked Udanka. “Udanka! you lost a great chance. When you thought about me, I requested Devendra to offer you Amrutha. But Devendra declined to give Amrutha to human beings. But unable to reject my request, he appeared before you as a low caste man with Amrutha as his sweat. But you scolded him and drove him away. What can I do? Anyhow, I will give you another boon. Whenever you are in need of water, clouds will be formed instantaneously and rain before you. Those clouds are called Udanka Clouds which rain untimely.” said Krishna. Then Krishna disappeared. Since then, in that area, Udanka clouds are raining throughout the year.” said Saint Vaisampayana to Janamejaya, the story of Udanka. “O Saint Vaisampayana! who is this Udanka? How Udanka got the power even to curse Sri Krishna? Kindly tell me.” asked Janamejaya. Saint Vaisampayana continued to say: “O Janamejaya! Out of devotion towards his Guru and his service to his Guru, he got such a power. Udanka was the student of Saint Goutama. On completion of education, Saint Goutama sent away all his students except Udanka. Udanka continued to serve Goutama as before. One day, Udanka was carrying heavy load of fuel. While dropping the fuel load on ground, part of his tuft caught in the fuel and cut. All the hair in that tuft were white, pointing out his old age. Udanka thought that he was becoming old. Udanka began to weep loudly. Beholding this, Goutama asked his daughter to catch the tears of Udanka in her hand. “Udanka! why you are weeping like this? What is the reason?” asked Goutama. “O my guru! you sent out all your students. They got married and leading Grihastha life. Though I am becoming old, I remain unmarried. That is the reason for my misery.” said Udanka. Goutama smiled and said: “Dont worry Udanka. I will give my daughter in marriage to you. You can lead a happy married life.” said Goutama. Goutama performed the marriage of his daughter with Udanka. Udanka requested his Guru Goutama to choose anything as Guru Dakshina. Goutama declined to receive anything from Udanka and went away. Udanka asked Ahalya, wife of Goutama. Ahalya said thus: “ O Udanka! if you really intend to offer Guru Dakshina, you go to Mitra Sakha and bring the ear rings from his wife. I will be happy.” said Ahalya. Udanka immediately left that place in search of Mitra Sakha. Meanwhile Goutama returned back and Ahalya informed him about her desire and sending Udanka to Mitra Sakha. “Ahalya! you did a mistake. That Mitra Sakha, also called, Soudasa, became a man-eater on account of curse of a Brahmin. Udanka does not know about this. Anything may happen.” said Goutama. “I am sorry. I did a mistake. Kindly see that nothing happens to Udanka” prayed Ahalya. Goutama smiled and said: “Dont worry. Nothing happens to Udanka.” said Goutama, consoling his wife. There Udanka was going in search of Mitra sakha. Udanka met Soudasa in the middle of the forest. His body was drenched with blood. His eyes were read. He was frightful. Udanka was not afraid of Soudasa and his appearance. “ My name is Soudasa. Who are you? Where are you going? I am in search of my food. Today, you are my prey. I never leave you. I will kill you and consume you” said Soudasa. “O Soudasa! My name is Udanka. I am going on a mission of my Guru. It is sinful to kill a person, going on the mission of his Guru. I do not think you resort to this kind of Adharma.” said Udanka. “O Udanka! Divine bodies ordered me to consume human flesh during the third spell of the day. Now we are in third spell of this day. I am hungry. I have to kill you and consume your flesh.” said Soudasa. “O Soudasa! you can do as you like. Kindly permit me to accomplish the desire of my Guru’s wife. I will come back to you. You can kill me and subside your hunger. Trust me. I heard you give away whatever brahmins ask. But I am not asking anything for my sake. I am asking for the sake of my Guru. I hope and trust that you spare my life for the present.” said Udanka. Convinced with the words of Udanka, Soudasa asked him about his desire. “O Soudasa! Ahalya, wife of my Guru, sent me to bring the ear rings from Mitra Sakha.” said Udanka. “O Brahmin! I am Mitra Sakha. You go to my wife and request her. She will give the ear rings.” said Soudasa. Udanka went to the wife of Soudasa and said: “O mother! my salutations to you. Your husband sent me to take the ear rings from you.” said Udanka. “Have you got any identification from my husband to believe that you have come from my husband” asked Madayanti, wife of Soudasa. Udanka returned back to Soudasa and asked him to give anything to identify him. “Udanka! I tell you some words. Repeat those words before her. She will identify you.” said Soudasa. Soudasa said thus: “It cannot be said that this is safe. But except this, there is no other way out.” Udanka again went to Madayanti and repeated those words. Madayanti satisfied with those words and gave away ear rings to Udanka. “O Udanka! Take care. Divine bodies, Gandharvas, Nagas are planning to grab these ear rings. Hence be careful. There is every possibility of the earrings being stolen whenever you eat others’ food, during sleep and when the rings touch earth. If you worship these earrings with devotion, you wont feel thirst and hunger. You need not be afraid of demons, devils, poison or fire. These ear rings are suited even to children, middle aged or old. These ear rings shower huge amount of gold daily. Hence safeguard the earrings till they are handed over to Ahalya.” said Madayandi. Udanka received those ear rings from Madayanti and worshipped those earring with greatest devotion. He tied the ear rings in a cloth bundle and tucked it to his elbow. He returnedback to Soudasa and said: “With your blessings, I got the ear rings. But I could not understand the meaning of the words you said as identification. If you donot mind, kindly tell me the meaning of those words.” asked Udanka. Soudasa said thus: “O brahmin Udanka! In this world, Kshatriyas worship brahmins. I also worship brahmins. But on account of a small mistake committed by me towards a Brahmin, I was cursed to consume human flesh. The only remedy for my sin is worshipping Brahmins. But it is highly difficult to worship brahmins. Eventhough I worship brahmins, I cannot say I can get rid of this sin. But there is no otherway except worshipping brahmins. This is the meaning of my key words. Because you are a brahmin. I thought I can get rid of my sins by giving way the earrings to you.” said Soudasa. Udanka blessed Soudasa. Soudasa got rid of all his sins and he attained his previous intelligence and humbleness and also the tendency to worship brahmins. Beholding Soudasa, Udanka said: “O Soudasa! with your grace, I could get the ear rings. I have to go back to my Ashram and hand over the ear rings to the wife of my Guru. According to my word, I will come back again. Then you can consume my flesh and subside your hunger.” said Udanka. “O Udanka! knowing fully well that I will kill you, you say that you come back to me. I am very much satisfied with your truthfulness. Kindly eradicate my evils with the power of your Tapas.” prayed Soudasa. “O Soudasa! If your mind is pure and clean, even if you commit wrong, it will be eradicated in no time. Your virtue itself eradicates your sins.” said Udanka. After taking leave from Soudasa, Udanka proceeded towards his Ashram. On the way, Udanka saw a fruit bearing tree. He hanged the bag containing ear rings to a branch of the tree, and climbed the tree. While he was eating the fruits, there was a gale and the bag fell down on the ground. Meanwhile, a cobra which was waiting there to grab the ear rings, immediately caught the bag with its mouth and ran away speedily. Beholding this, Udanka alighted the tree and chased the cobra. The cobra entered a snake hole and disappeared. Udanka took a small stick and began to dig the snake hole. At that time, Devendra, in the attire of a Brahin came there. “O Brahmin! is it possible to make a tunnel to reach Patala Loka with this small stick. Patala Loka is about one thousand yojanas from here. Do you know who stole your ear rings. He is the son of Serpant King Iravata.” said Indra. “O Brahmin! I wont leave him. I recover my ear rings even if they are taken to Paataala.Loka.” promised Udanka. Indra was very much satisfied with the strong desire of Udanka. Hence Devendra attributed the power of Vajrayudha to that small stick. When Udanka dug the earth with that stick equivalent to Vajrayudha, earth gave way to Paataala Loka. Udanka went to Naga Loka. On the way, he saw a horse, with red,black and white colours. The horse said: “O Udanka! I know who you are. I am the Agni worshipped by you daily. I will tell you where your ear rings are. You blow from my back.” said the horse. Accordingly, Udanka blew air from horse back. With that blowing, fire, smoke, flames emanated from the body of the horse and surrounded the entire Naga Loka. All Nagas, whose prime food is fresh air, suffered with suffocation. Son of Iravata who stole the earrings, ran back to Udanka and handedover the ear rings to Udanka and prayed for mercy. Udanka pardoned them and went back to his Ashram and handedover the ear rings to Ahalya, wife of Goutama. Beholding Udanka, Goutama said: “O Udanka! You brought ear rings from Soudasa and also recovered the stolen ear rings from Naga Loka. Except you, none can accomplish this task.” said Goutama. O Janamejaya! this is the story of Udanka.” said Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya. Vaisampayana continued to say thus: “O Janamejaya! after leaving Udanka, Sri Krishna arrived at Dwaraka. At that time, arrangements were being made for the Raivataka festivals. All the people in Dwaraka were engaged in making those arrangements. On hearing about the arrival of Sri Krishna, everybody stopped from going to Raivataka Hill. They extended warm welcome to Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna first met his parents, Devaki and Vasudeva and elder brother, Balarama and saluted them. Then Sri Krishna conveyed the salutations of Dharmaja to his parents and Balarama. Then Sri Krishna went to his inner apartments and met his wives and children. In the evening, Vasudeva sat by the side of Sri Krishna and enquired about the Bharata Yudha and its highlights. Sri Krishna said thus: “O my dear father, Vasudeva! Bharata Yudha continued for 18 days. 18 akshouhinis army--- 11 akhsouhinis on Kouravas side and 7 akshouhinis on Pandavas side, took part in the battle. Chief of Army for Kouravas was Bhishma. To kill Bhishma, Arjuna kept Sikhandi in front of him, and pierced arrows throughout his body. Bishma fell down on arrow bed. But Bhishma, with the power of Svachanda Marana, was alive till the advent of Uttara Ayana, and left his mortal body. Till then he spent his time on arrow bed. After the fall of Bhishma, Drona became the Chief of Army. He fought for five days and was killed by Dhrushtadyumna, with the help of Dharmaja. Then Karna, King of Anga, became the Chief of Army. Karna fought the battle for two days and was killed by Arjuna. Next day Salya was made the Chief of Army who fought for half day and died at the hands of Dharmaja. It was the turn of Sakuni to be crowned as Chief of Army. Soon after Sakuni entered the Battle field, Sahadeva killed him in no time. Having lost all his brothers, friends and relatives, Suyodhana remained alone in the battle field. Suyodhana fled away and hid underneath a tank, in deep waters. Having found about the whereabouts if Suyodhana, Dharmaja along with his brothers and friends and relatives went to that pond and provoked Suyodhana, with spearlike words, for dual fight. Suyodhana and Bhimasena fought with each other with maces. Bhima broke the thighs of Suyodhana and killed him. With the fall of Suyodhana, Bharata War was completed. Pandavas got complete victory. On that night there was a great mishap. Enraged with the killing of Suyodhana, in an unusual manner, Asvadhamedha, accompniaed by Kripacharya and Kritavarma, went to the tents of Pandavas and massacred all the sons of Pandavas and their army. As myself and five pandavas were away from our respective tents, we survived. Therefore, in the 18 days long battle, myself and five Pandavas, Satyaki survived on pandavas side and Asvathama, Kritavarma and Kripacharya survived on Kouravas side. As Yuyutsu, brother of Suyodhana, changed towards Pandavas side even at the beginning of war, he survived. This is the story of Bharata battle in nutshell.” said Sri Krishna. Purposefully, Sri Krishna did not reveal about the death of Abhimanyu, as it may cause great grief to Vasudeva. But Subhadra could not control her grief. Subhadra cried aloud. “Obrother Krishna! tell. tell to your father Vasudeva that my son Abhimanyu was killed by many in Padmavyooha. Explain him the details about my son’s death.” crying aloud, Subhadra fell on the ground and lost consciousness. Having heard about the death of Abhimanyu, all lamented for his death. Then Sri Krishna told his parents about the death of Abhimanyu. Sri Krishna told about the Pandavas and Dhtarashtra performing the funerals and obsequies ceremonies for those who are dead in war. Slowly, in course of time, all of them recovered from their grief.” said Vaisampayana to Janamejaya. “O Saint Vaisampayana! You told me that Vyasa advised Dharmaja to perform Asvamedha Yaga. How Dharmaja performed Asvamedha Yaga? Kindly tell me.” asked Janamejaya. Saint Vaisampayana told thus: “O Janamejaya! On the advice of Saint Vayasa, Dharmaja told his brothers thus: “O Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva! you have heard the advice of Saint Vyasa. You are all aware that we have no suifficient funds to perform the Yaga. We have to bring the gold hidden by brahmins, as told by Vyasa. Tell me the arrangements to be made for bringing that wealth to Hastina.” asked Dharmaja. Bhima told thus: “Obrother Dharmaja! first we have to worship Prameswara with great devotion and seek his blessings. Then we have to worship Pramadha Ganas and offer Bhoota Bali at that spot. Then only we can unearth that wealth. Therefore, we need not worry about funds. We can acquire that wealth as it is open for all and so far nobody claimed that wealth, as told by Saint Vyasa. Therefore we have to start from Hastina with sufficient army, carts and workmen to bring that gold.” said Bhima. Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadevca concurred with Bhima. Dharmaja decided to go to Himalayas. After taking permission from his paternal uncle, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari and also mother Kunti, Dharmaja convened a meeting to make alternative arrangements for administration. He deputed Yuyutsa to look after the protection of Hastinapura assisted by Vidura. Dharmaja ordered his army generals to make arrangements for journey to Himalayas. Then Dharmaja worshipped all divine bodies and Pitaras and performed charities. He worshipped Agni and saluted his Purohit, Dhoumya. While virtuous ladies were offering their blessings, Dharmaja along with his brothers, in their respective chariots, started to Himalayas. They reached Himalayas few days later. Vyasa also joined them at Himalayas. Vyasa told them thus: “For this night you have to sleep on mats. Tomorrow, early morning, before sunrise, you have to worship Lord Siva.” said Vyasa. Accordingly, Dharmaja and his brothers woke up early in the morning and installed Maha Siva worshipped Lord Sive and offered dhoopa, deepa and naivedya. Then they invoked Pramadha Ganas and worshipped them. They invoked Kubera, Manibhadra and other Yakshas with great devotion and worshipped them. While Dhoumya was proceeding ahead of them, Pandavas went to the place where the treasure was hidden. First, they worshipped the demons, protecting that treasure with red flowers, meat, etc. and satisfied those demons. Then Dharmaja saluted Vyasa and sought his blessings. Then Dharmaja offered sacrifices to the treasure. Then they unearthed the treasure. The golden treasure was loaded into thousands of carts. The golden treasure contained golden household articles like vessels, glasses, grinders, gold bars, gold coins etc made up of pure Gold. Thousands of carts, loaded with gold, were proceeding towards Hastinapuram. Pandavas also started to Hastinapuram. In Dwaraka, Sri Krishna extended the Asvamedha yaga invitation of Dharmaja to his parents, brother and other Yadavas. Sri Krishna, along with his parents, wives, sons, his brother Balarama, Satyaki, Kritavarma, Pradyumna, Samba etc. arrived at Hastinapura. On hearing about the arrival of Sri Krishna and Yadavas, Dhritarashtra, Gandhari were very happy. They deputed Yuyutsa and Vidura to receive them with due honours. Accordingly, Yuyutsa and Vidura extended warm welcome to Sri Krishna and others. Sri Krishna, Balarama and Yadavas first visited the inner apartment of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari and saluted them. Then they met Mother Kunti. Subhadra sought the blessings of Kunti. Vidura and Yuyutsa made arrangements for the comfortable stay of Sri Krishna and Balarama and other Yadavas. Meanwhile, Uttara, wife of Abhimanyu, who was pregnant even at the time of killing of Abhimanyu in Padmavyooha, delivered a stillborn child (child dead in womb). Entire Dwaraka plunged into grief and sorrow. Krishna came to know about this. He immediately proceeded to Kunti, along with his brothers. Kunti, Droupadi and Subhadra were lamenting loudly for the death of the child. Kunti, with choked voice, told Krishna thus: “O Krishna! Except you, none else are there to save us. Look at that child. He is son of Abhimanyu, your sister’s son. But he is born dead. It is only due to the Brahma Sironamaka Astra (hereinafter called Brahma Astra) launched by Asvadhama. With the influence of Brahma Astra, the child is dead even in womb of Uttara. You have to save that child. Have you forgotten the promise made while Asvadhama launched Brahma Astra. You promised you will protect the child in the womb of Uttara. Krishna! our lives are in your hands. If the child is alive, we will survive. Otherwise, we have to die. If this child is not alive, none will remain in Pandava clan to offer Pindas and water to Pitaras. Hence you have to give life to this child and eradicate the grief of Uttara. O Krishna! you have been always protecting the Pandavas all the while. This child is the only survivor of Pandava clan. Hence give him life and protect Pandava Clan.” prayed Kunti. Now Subhadra prayed his brother Krishna thus: “O Krishna! my beloved brother! To please Syodhana, Asvathama launched Brahma Astra. Now sufferers are myself and my husband, Arjuna. We lost the only survivor of Pandava clan. Arjuna is still lamenting in his inner self, remembering his son, Abhimanyu. Now Abimanyu’s son also is dead. Imagine the fate of Arjuna and his brothers, Dharmaja, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva. O brother Krishna! have you forgotten your promise that you will nullify the Brahma Astra launched by Asvadhama and we were consoled with your words. But your promise is not fructified. Now it is time to save the child. I do not think that Pandavas will be defeated while you are alive. But, in your very presence, Asvadhama destroyed the only survivor of Pandava clan. O Protector of your Devotees! I know that you alone are capable of restoring life to those who are dead. Now the grand son of your brother in law, your friend, your heart, is lying dead in front of you. Will you keep quiet. Kindly restore life to this child.” prayed Subhadra. Krishna’s mind melted with the words of Kunti and Subhadra. “Dont worry. I will try my level best to restore life to the child” promised Krishna. Along with Kunti, Subhadra Krishna went to the labour room. Subhadra went near Uttara and woke her up and said: “O Uttara! wake up. see who has come. Srikrishna has come to see you.” said Subhadra. Uttara opened her eyes. Beholding Sri Krishna, Uttara saluted Krishna and said: “O God Krishna!All are aware that you always protect your devotees. Why cannot you shower your kindness and blessings towards me and bring back the life of this child. I lost my husband in war. Now I lost my child also. How can I survive without husband and child. O Krishna! has Asvadhama got the capacity to kill the son of your own nephew? I would have followed my husband by burning myself on his pyre. As I was pregnant then, I could not follow my husband. Now I cannot live without my son. If I go to heaven, my husband may ask about my child. What would be my reply? Had I known on that day that I would be deprived of my child today, I would have followed my husband. I thought of showing my child to Sri Krishna with great joy. That cruel Asvadhama made my joy futile.” lamented Uttara keeping the dead body of the child on his lap. She is waking up the child... “O my love! get up. your grand father Sri Krishna has come. Get up and salute him. Is it proper to sleep while elders visit you.” so lamenting Uttara fell on the ground. Beholding the grief of Uttara, everybody present there were weeping, showering tears from their eyes. Sri Krishna tried to console Uttara. “O Uttara! dont worry. I will bring back the life of your son.” promised Krishna. Krishna washed his feet and performed Achamanam. He sat down on a plank. Closed his eyes. Opened his inner eye. With his strong will, he nullified the Brahma Siromaka Astra launched by Asvadhama. He asked Uttara to keep the dead body on a bed. Krishna promised “I will see that the child is alive.”. Then Krishna, with concentrated will and mind made the following promises. If I do not lie even with my enemy, if I do not turn my foot even in a dreadful war, this child will be alive. If I do not feel any grudge in my mind towards Arjuna at any point of time, this child will be alive. If it is true that I killed Kamsa and others only to instal dharma, and if those killings of demons are acceptable to wise and learned, this child will be alive. If I follow truth, Dharma and Brahmacharya always, this child will be alive.” promised Sri Krishna with highly concentrated mind. With those promises, there was a movement in the child. He was moving his legs and hands. The child slowly opened his eyes and smiled. Beholding this Kunti, Droupadi, Subhadra’s joy knew no bounds. Their eyes were filled with joyful tears. Their bodies trembled. The hair on their body erected. Everybody there acclaimed with great joy. O King Janamejaya! in that manner, your father got back his life.” said Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya. Saint Vaisampayana continued to say: “On hearing the joyful utterances, Uttara regained consciousness and saw the child playing by moving his hands and legs vigorously and smiling with joy. She could not control her joy. She took the child into her arms and rushed before Sri Krishna. She fell on the feet of Sri Krishna. Krishna lifted her and wiped her tears. Yadavas brought many presents to the child. Sri Krishna proclaimed, to the hearing of one and all, loudly “At the moment when everybody thought that the entire Pandava clan came to end, this child is reborn. Hence he is named as Parikshit.” O Janamejaya! from that day on wards, your father was called as Parikshit. In that manner, on account of Sri Krishna, your clan was revived. One month elapsed. Parikshit is one month old. By that time, Dharmaja along with his brothers entered Hastinapura along with numerous cart loads of gold. Krishna advised Vidura and Yuyutsa to make arrangements for welcoming Pandavas. The entire city of Hastinapura was decorated with plaintain stems, mango leaves and garlands of pearls. Sri Krishna, Balarama, Vidura, Yuyutsa, yadava chiefs welcomed Pandavas. Along with golden treasure, Pandavas entered the city of Hastinapura. Dharmaja along with his brothers went to the inner apartments of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari and saluted them. Then they saluted their mother Kunti. When all were taking rest in a court yard, Pandavas were informed in detail about the delivery of stillborn child by Uttara and about the miraculous rebirth of Parikshit. Pandavas were astonished on hearing the miracles of Sri Krishna. Pandavas praised Sri Krishna in several ways. Few days later, Vyasa arrived at Hastinapura. Pandavas received Vyasa and offered him Arghyam and Padyam. Dharmaja told Vyasa thus: “O Saint Vyasa! with your advise and blessings, we could acquire enormous and suffient funds for performing Asvamedha Yaga. With your kind permission, I will commence Asvamedha Yaga.” said Dharmaja. Vyasa blessed him with all good wishes. Beholding Krishna, Dharmaja said thus: “OKrishna! With your kindness, we acquired victory in great war. We earnestly request you to see that Asvamedha Yaga also is performed with the same kindness. You are our father, mother, teacher, guide and philosopher. You direct us. We follow your directions.” prayed Dharmaja. “O Dharmanandana! Bhagavan Vyasa is eldest of all. He ordered all of us to perform Asvamedha Yaga. Let us follow his directions. In fact I myself told you at the beginning to perform Asvamedha Yaga. Hence it is my endeavour to get it done successfully. There is no necessity for you to obtain again my permission. You are the Kartha of this Yaga. You have to direct us. We have to follow your instructions. All your mental agony will vanish with the performance of Asvamedha yaga.” said Sri Krishna. Dharmaja was very happy. Beholding Vyasa, Dharmaja said: “O Vyasa! kindly fix an auspicious day to commence Yaga and perform necessary rituals.” prayed Dharmaja. “O Dharmaja! myself, Yajnavalkya and Paila will conduct this Yaga. In the coming Chaitra month, Pournami day (full moon day) is most auspicious day. We require one Horse with good features and qualities. Send for it. That horse, left by us according to Vedic hymns, goes round the entire earth and spreads your name and fame through out the earth.” said Vyasa. Then Dharmaja made arrangements to acquire a horse with good qualities and ordered to manufacture all utensils required for Yajna with gold only. Within a few days, a white horse, utensils made up of gold and all other necessary materials and articles were made ready for the performance of Asvamedha Yaga. Dharmaja reported to Vyasa that all arrangements are made successfully. Vyasa was very much satisfied with the horse. “O Saint Vyasa! we will leave the horse freely to move around the earth. But who will guard that horse. Name a warrior for that purpose.” asked Dharmaja. “O Dharmanandana! who else is there except Arjuna who is virtuous, intelligent, wise with excellent vigour and valour. Arjuna is the only warrior fit for this task.” said Vyasa. Vyasa again said: “O Dharmaja! you will be performing Yaga. Bhima and Nakula are kept in charge of administration and protecting the kingdom. Sahadeva will be in charge of inner apartments and womenfolk.” said Vyasa. Dharmaja called Arjuna and said: “O Arjuna! this horse is meant for Asvamedha yaga. You have to guard it always. You alone are capable to discharge this task. Whereever this horse moves and wanders, you have to inform them that this is the Asvamedha Yaga Horse. You have to see that this horse moves around the earth freely without any obstruction or obstacle.” said Dharmaja. Arjuna gladly accepted the offer. After obtaining the permission from Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti, Dharmaja along with Droupadi sat in dedication to perform Asvamedha Yaga.” said Saint Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya the story of Maha Bharata, which was retold by Soota to Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints gathered at Satra Yaga in Naimisaranya. Maha Bharata Asvamedha Parva Third chapter completed. Om Tatsat Om Tatsat Om Tatsat.

MAHA BHARAT ASVAMEDHA PARVA FOURTH CHAPTER. In Naimisaranya, on the occasion of satra yaga, Sooti, the story teller, told Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints, the story of Maha Bharata as was told by Saint Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya, at the end of Sarpa yaga. The day fixed for performing Asvamedha Yaga was fast approaching. On one auspicious day, Dharmaja along with Droupadi took deeksha from Veda Vyasa. Dharmaja worshipped the Yaga Asva (horse meant for Yaga) and left it free. Arjuna along with his forces accompanied the horse. The people of Hastinapura, stood on either side of all streets and blessed Arjuna. Receiving their blessings, Arjuna left Hastinapura, accompanying the horse. One student of Saint Yajna Valkya along with some brahmins, also accompanied the horse. The horse proceeded towards north and entered Trigartha Kingdom. The Kings of Trigartha tried to catch the horse. “O Princes! This is Yaga Asva left by Dharmaja. I am its protector. Any harm caused to this horse is equivalent to harming Dharmaja. Why should we bear enmity amongst ourselves. My brother Dharmaja told me thus: “Many kings died in war. Their heirs are ruling their respective kingdoms. Dont try to kill them. Extend your friendly hand to them. Even if they catch the horse, try to pacify them and restrain them, remembering our relationship.”. Hence I never fight with you. Kindly be friendly with me and Dharmaja. Your lives are dearest to you also.” said Arjuna politely. But they refused to obey the preachings of Arjuna. Surya Varma king of Trigartha, showered arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna cut all those arrows in middle. Arjuna never tried to hurt him. Meanwhile, Ketu Varma, brother of Soorya Varma, arrived there. He also poured arrowy showers on Arjuna. Arjuna chased Ketu Varma from battle field. Meanwhile Dhruta, Varma brother of Ketu Varma, arrived there. He also covered Arjuna with his arrows. Arjuna appreciated Dhruta Varma for his archery skills. Arjuna never retaliated Dhruta Varma. Arjuna was only cutting the arrows shot by Dhruta Varma. But Dhruta Varma shot numerous arrows piercing into the body of Arjuna. Gandiva slipped from the hand of Arjuna and fell down. Arjuna picked up his Gandiva and shot numerous arrows and destroyed the entire army of Trigartha. Remaining soldiers fled away. Arjuna never chased them and killed them. After conquering Trigartha, the horse entered Pragjyotishapura. Vajradatta son of Bhagadatta, was ruling that kingdom. Vajradatta captured the horse and proclaimed war against Arjuna. But Vajradatta was unable to stand before Arjuna and fled away. After some time, Vajradatta, mounting his huge elephant, re entered the battle field. While Vajradatta was shooting arrows against Arjuna, Arjuna was simply cutting them in middle. Arjuna never caused harm to him. Vajradatta fought with Arjuna for three days. On the fourth day, Vajradatta challenged Arjuna: “O Arjuna! because my father was older in age, you could kill him in war. But I am young and energetic. Your death is in my hands.!” challenged Vajradatta. Then Vajradatta drove his huge elephant against Arjuna. Arjuna, with one single arrow, killed the elephant. Vajradatta fell down. Arjuna told Vajradatta thus: “O Vajradatta! this is Yaga Asva left by Dharmaja. I am protecting it. Dharmaja asked me not to kill any body even if they obstruct the horse. Hence I never caused harm to you. I have no anger against you. I am extending the invitation of Dharmaja to you, your friends and relatives, to attend the Asvamedha Yaga on the ensuing Chaitra Sudha Pournami.” said Arjuna politely. Having left with no other alternative,Vajradatta accepted the invitation and left the horse. Then the horse proceeded towards Sindhu kingdom. In the Maha Bharata War, the rulers of Sindhu viz., Saindhava and others were killed. Their sons were ruling Sindhu Kingdom. Knowing that Arjuna was proceeding towards Sindhu Kingdom, all of them collectively attacked Arjuna. First they captured the horse and declared war against Arjuna. They all showered arrows on Arjuna incessantly. Arjuna attacked the Sindhu army and massacred them. The sindhu army fled away. But the Sindhu warriors, regrouped their army and againt attacked Arjuna. Arjuna conveyed the message of Dharmaja to all of them. But they paid no heed to his advices. Having found no other way, Arjuna killed all the Sindhu warriors. At that time, Dussala wife of Saindhava (sister of Suyodhana and Arjuna) arrived there. Beholding Dussala, Arjuna alighted his chariot and came near her. Dussala told Arjuna thus: “O brother Arjuna! This boy is my grand child. Kindly bless him.” said Dussala. “O sister! where is his father i.e., son of Saindhava?” asked Arjuna. “O brother Arjuna! my son suffered great grief on hearing that his father, Saindhava, died at your hands. On hearing that you have come, he died with heart attack. This boy is the only heir for this kingdom.” said Dussala. Arjuna lamented for the death of the son of Saindhava. Again Dussala said thus: “O brother Arjuna! Suyodhana and his brothers caused untold miseries to all of you. My husband Saindhava also caused much hardship to you. Kindly dont keep them in mind. My grand child is left without father. Kindly save his life.” Dussala put her grand child at the feet of Arjuna. “O sister Dussala! your brothers and your husband may be wrong doers.. But what about us. We also fought the war and massacred our own kith and kin. It is a great sin to take birth as Kshatriya. Dont be afraid. Your grand child is safe.” said Arjuna. Pleased with the words of Arjuna, Dussala along with her grand child, left that place. Then Arjuna followed Yaga Asva. Afterwards, none dared to obstruct Yaga Asva. The horse was going round all kingdoms and entered Manipoora kingdom. The king of Manipoora was Babhruvahana son of Arjuna, through Chitrangada. On hearing about the arrival of Arjuna, Babhru Vahana made arrangements to receive his father, Arjuna, at the outskirts of the city. He welcomed his father. But Arjuna refused the welcome accorded by Babhruvahana. Arjuna said: “O Babhruvahana! you are my son. You are a great warrior. It is Kshatriya Dharma to catch the horse and resist its further movement. Welcoming the enemy like a coward is not Kshariya Dharma. Such a Kshatriya cannot become a King. If you are capable, you can catch the horse and fight with me.” said Arjuna, provoking Babhruvahana. As Babhruvahana was not inclined to fight with his father, he returned back and was passing through the royal path. Uloopi, another wife of Arjuna, came to know about this through her divine vision. She came down to Babhruvahana. (Uloopi was the daughter of a serpant king and she married Arjuna while he was going on pilgrimage). Uloopi told Babhruvahana thus: “O Babhruvahana! I am also your mother. My name is Uloopi. I am the daughter of Serpant King. Your father, Arjuna is a great warrior. His son, that is yours, shall never remain as a coward. Catch hold of the horse and fight with Arjuna and conquer him. Whoever wins, myself and your father feel happy.” said Uloopi. “O mother Uloopi! what you said is correct. But fighting with own father does not appear to be proper. Hence I refrained from fighting with Arjuna. Otherwise, I will never turn back without fighting. Any how, being a mother, you permitted me tofight with my father. I never seek any other’s permission. I will fight with Arjuna and please my parents.” said Babhruvahana. He saluted his mother, Uloopi and rushed against Arjuna with his army. First, Babhruvahana captured the horse then went against Arjuna. There happened a battle between father and son. Babhruvahana showered arrows on Arjuna. While cutting all the arrows in the middle, Arjuna was enjoying the archery skills of his son. First, Arjuna cut the flag post of Babhruvahana. Then Arjuna shot arrows throughout the body of Babhruvahana. But Babhruvahana shot one single arrow against Arjuna on account of which Arjuna fainted. Appreciating the archery skills of his son, Arjuna again shot powerful arrows against Babhruvahana which were made futile by Babhruvahana. Ajuna felt jealous of his son’s archery skills. With great wrath, Arjuna shot numerous arrows throughout the body of Babhruvahana. Enraged with great wrath, Babhruvahana shot a single arrow piercing into the heart of Arjuna. Arjuna fell down. While falling down, Arjuna also shot numerous arrows against Babhruvahana, as a result of which, Babhruvahana also fell down. Both lost consciousness. Having heard about the fall of both father and son, Uloopi rushed to the spot. Meanwhile, Chitrangada also arrived there. Beholding Uloopi, Chitrangada said thus: “Look at them. You provoked Babhruvahana to fight with Arjuna, resulting in the fall of both. Are you not a dutiful wife? Dont you know about Dharma. On the basis of which Dharma you provoked this young boy against a warrior like Arjuna? How can this boy fight with a Arjuna? You are responsible for this. You have to make them to regain consciousness. It is your responsibility to bring back the life of Arjuna.” said Chitrangada. Beholding Arjuna, Chitrangada lamented thus: “O Great warrior! You saved several lives. But you could not save yourself. You have come to me after a long lapse of time. Kindly open your eyes. You have to protect the Yaga Horse and follow it.” Chitrangada was lamenting as if Arjuna was dead. Again beholding Uloopi, Chitangada said: “OUloopi! Arjuna is the husband for both of us. You made him to lose his life at the hands of my son. You have to bring back life to Arjuna. Otherwise, I will also follow my husband to heaven.” said Chitrangada. Meanwhile, Babhruvahana regained consciousness. Beholding his lamenting mother, Chitrangada, Babhruvahana said: “O mother! I never saw you lamenting like this. I killed my father with my own hands. There is no expiation for my sin.” lamented Babhruvahana. Then beholding Uloopi, Babruvahana said: “O my mother Uloopi! Only to please you, I fought with my father. Now he is lying dead. Are you now satisfied? O my mother! I killed my father. I have no expiation for my sin. I do not find mental piece throughout my life. Even after death, I will not get higher regions.” lamented Babruvahana. Then Babhruvahana took a promise. “I cannot live in this world without my father. Hence I do Prayopavesa.” proclaimed Babhruvahana. Till then, Uloopi kept quiet tightlipped. She smiled at Babhruvahana and Chitrangada. Then she closed her eyes and chanted a mantra. A divine diamond appeared in her hands. Beholding Babhruvahana, Uloopi said: “O my son Babhruvahana! Are you mad? Or are all of you mad? Who is Arjuna? He is the son of Devendra. How can he die? Arjuna is a great warrior. Just to test your vigour and valour, I provoked you to fight with your father. You have fulfilled the desire of your father, Arjuna, to fight with you. You both are under delusion. Arjuna just fainted. Look at your father. He will wake up as if from sleep.” said Uloopi. Uloopi gave that diamond to Babhruvana and asked him to keep it on the heart of Arjuna. Arjuna woke up. Looking at Babhruvahana, “Are you ok” asked Arjuna. Babhruvahana bowed before Arjuna and said: “O my fahter! we are all happy.” said Babhruvahana. Arjuna looked around and found his wives Chitrangada and Uloopi. “O my son, Babhruvahana! I am finding both pleasure and sorrow in your faces. What had happened? This is battle field. How your mother Chitrangada and Uloopi arrived here.” asked Arjuna. Babruvahana showed Uloopi and kept quiet. “O Uloopi! what made you to come over here. What had happened? Have Chitrangada or Babhruvahana misbehaved with you? ” asked Arjuna. “O my husband Arjuna! none are at fault. How can I expect my sister Chitrangada and my son Babhruvahana misbehave with me. Kindly bear with me for a while. While you were fighting with Babhruvahana, you fell down and lost consciousness. All thought you are dead. There is a reason for this. You kept Sikhandi before you and fought with Bhishma. Bhishma fell down on bed of arrows. Thus you attained great sin. Expiation is necessary for your sin. One day while I was taking holy bath in river Ganga, Vasuvus also were taking bath in river Ganga. River Ganga, in human form, was talking with Vasuvus. Vasuvus told Ganga thus: “O mother Ganga! Bhishma is your son. He was one amongst us. Arjuna killed your son, Bhishma, keeping Sikhandi, before him. But Bhsihma dropped his bow and arrows. Then Arjuna shot numerous arrows throughout his body. Bhishma fell upon arrow bed. Arjuna attained wicked and cruel victory upon Bhishma. Hence we intend to curse Arjuna.” said Vasuvus. River Ganga accepted their proposal. Upon hearing the above conversation, I proceeded to my father and told him what had happened. My father immediately met Vasuvus and requested them to save Arjuna. Vasuvus agreed to save Arjuna but on condition that Arjuna shall fight with his own son, Babhruvahana and be defeated. Then only his sin will vanish. My father conveyed the same to me. Meanwhile, you have come following Yaga Asva. As I was waiting for opportunity, I have come down to Babhruvahana and instigated him to fight with you and defeat you. As per my wish, Babhruvahana fought with you and defeated you. You fell down unconscious. All of us except me thought that you are dead. With this, all your sins are vanished. With the power of this Naga Diamond, you regained consciousness. This is what had happened.” said Uloopi. On hearing this, Arjuna felt very happy. Arjuna invited his son Babhruvahana, Chindrangada, Uloopi and others for the ensuing Asvamedha Yaga to be performed by Dharmaja on coming Chaitra Sudha Pournami. Babhruvahana and Chitrangada invited Arjuna to visit the Palace and stay there for few days. Arjuned refused to enter city as he has to follow Yaga Asva. After taking leave from Babhruvahana, Chitrangada and Uloopi, Arjuna followed the Yaga Asva. Then the horse entered Raja Griha kingdom. Megha Sandhi, grand son of Jarasandha was ruling Rajagriha. Meghasandhi captured the Horse and was ready to fight with Arjuna. As usual Arjuna conveyed the message of Dharmaja to Meghasandhi. But Meghasandhi treated the message as the weakness of Arjuna. Meghasandhi showered arrows upon Arjuna. Arjuna was defending himself from those arrows. Arjuna never tried to harm either Meghasandhi or his charioteer, as per the word of his brother, Dharmaja. Meghasandhi struck Arjuna with sharp arrows throughout his body. Finding no other alternative, Arjuna first killed his charioteer and also the horses tied to the chariot. Then Arjuna cut the flag and destroyed the chariot. Meghasandhi jumped down and took his mace and attacked Arjuna. Even then Arjuna did not hit Meghasandhi but broke his mace. Meghasandhi stood before Arjuna unarmed. “O Meghasandhi! As per the word of my brother, I did not intend to kill you. Hence you are standing alive. As per Kshatriya Dharma, you captured the horse and fought with me. It is enough. Be friendly with me.” advised Arjuna. Meghasandhi agreed for the proposal of Arjuna. Arjuna hugged Meghasandhi and extended the invitation to attend Asvamedha Yaga on the coming Chaitra Sudha Pournami and requested Meghasandhi to attend Yaga along with his relatives and friends. Then the horse entered Chedi Kingdom which was being ruled by Sarabha son of Sisupala. At first Sarabha captured the horse but released it immediately and made a peace pact with Arjuna. Then the horse entered Tenkana, Kosala and Kasi kingdoms whose rulers were surrendered to Arjuna and accepted the invitation for Asvamedha Yaga. Though the King of Dasarna Kingdom captured the horse and fought with Arjuna but later surrendered to Arjuna. Then the horse entered Nishadha Kingdom which was ruled by the son of Ekalavya. Son of Ekalavya opposed Arjuna and fought with him. In no time, he was surrendered to Arjuna. Then the horse turned towards southern side and entered Poundra, Andhra, Dravida, Kerala and Karnataka areas. Arjuna fought with all the rulers of the resepctive kingdoms and defeated them and extended invitation of AsvamedhaYaga to all the rulers. After crossing Gokarna in Sourashtra area, the horse entered Dwaraka. On hearing the arrival of Arjuna, Yadavas extended a warm welcome to Arjuna. Then the horse passed through the western coast and arrived at Panchala Kingdom and Gandhara Kingdom. Gandhara King was ruled by the son of Sakuni. Son of Sakuni captured the horse and fought with Arjuna. Arjuna conveyed the message of Dharmaja and advised him not to fight with him. But son of Sakuni never heed his words and was ready to fight. At first, son of Sakuni showered powerful arrows upon Arjuna. Arjuna cut the crown of the son of Sakuni instead of his head. Still he never became wiser. He continued to fight with Arjuna. But his forces fled away being afraid of Arjuna. Having heard about the fight between Arjuna and son of Sakuni, his mother i.e, wife of Sakuni along with the ministers arrived at the battle field. She prayed Arjuna to save the life of his son. Arjuna stopped fighting and saluted the wife of Sakuni. Arjuna told the son of Sakuni thus: “O Kumara! It is painful that you fought with me. I conveyed the message of Dharmaja and advised you not to fight with me. But you foolishly fought with me. You are the near relative of my Uncle Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. Hence I never intended to kill you. What is the use of fighting with me. Are we enemies?” said Arjuna. Then Arjuna extended the invitation of Dharmaja to son of Sakuni and his mother. Then Arjuna proceeded further. As all the kingdoms are covered, the horse started its return journey to Hastinapuram. Dharmaja was being informed from time to time about the victorious tour of Arjuna. Magha Sudha Poornima arrived. Dharmaja was sitting in the assembly. He sent for his brothers. He told Bhima thus: “O Bhimasena! your brother Arjuna is returning to Hastinapura with Yaga Asva, victoriously. We have to make arrangements for Asvamedha Yaga. Chaitra Sudha Pournami is fast approaching. Send invitations to all the kings, saints and other prominent persons. Similarly, make arrangements for construction of Yaga Sala. Make arrangements for construction of guest houses for the visitors according to their status. Make arrangements for their comfortable stay.” said Dharmaja. Bhima immediately sent for engineers, architects and masons. A big Yaga Sala, several guest houses were constructed with god speed. Bhimasena sent Brahmins to extend invitations to all kings, sages and saints. Having received the invitations from Dharmaja, Kings from all sides and sages and saints from all places came down to Hastinapura to grace Asvamedha Yaga. Dharmaja made all sorts of arrangements to all the guests. Arrangements were made for their comfortable stay and food, according to their status. Though servants are there, Dharmaja personally supervised the arrangements without giving room for any complaint. The arrangements are such that whenever dining of one lakh people is completed, a trumpet blows and such trumpet was blowing constantly. Dharmaja worshipped Balarama, Sri Krishna, Satyaki and other Yadava elders. Sri Krishna informed Dharmaja about the arrival of Arjuna. Sri Krishna also said: “O Dharmaja! It appears Arjuna invited all Kings for Yaga. There may be some kings who were inimically disposed previously. Now they are coming on our invitation. Hence Arjuna informed us to make arrangements for their comfortable stay and sumptuous food, forgetting the past enmity.” said Krishna. “O Krishna! I also heard about it. Arjuna extended invitation for all those who were defeated in great war. Besides that, Arjuna fought with Bhishma, Drona, Karna etc great warriors and defeated them. Again he has gone along with the horse to fight with those who obstruct the movement of horse. All these woes are caused to Arjuna only on account of me.What can I do?” Dharmaja felt unhappy. Meanwhile, a messenger from Arjuna came there and informed Dharmaja that Arjuna arrived at the outskirts of Hastinapura and will meet Dharmaja next day. Next day, while Yajna Asva was walking in front of him, Arjuna entered the city of Hastinapura. The people of Hastinapura accorded warm welcome to Arjuna. Arjuna arrived at Yaga Saala. Dharmaja, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva,Krishna and others welcomed Arjuna. Meanwhile, Babhruvahana along with his mothers, Chitrangada and Uloopi arrived at Hastina. Arjuna introduced them to Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti, Dharmaja and others and received their blessings. Then Chitrangada and Uloopi were introduced by Arjuna to Droupadi and Subhadra. The auspicious day to commence Asvamedha Yaga arrived. Vyasa said: “O Dharmaja! This is a great yaga. You have earned sufficient wealth to perform that Yaga. Hence perform Asvamedha Yaga uninterruptedly. The holy bath at the end of Yaga vanishes all your sins. You will be blessed.” said Vyasa. Under the guidance of Vyasa, Dharmaja took Yaga Deeksha. Ritviks lit the holy fire. While chanting Mantras, they were offering holy material and pouring ghee in Holy fire. Some were extracting Soma juice from Soma plants. Bhima was supervising catering section and supplying sumptuous food to all the guests. Even divine bodies were lurking from sky, how Yaga was going on. The main Yajna vaatika was built with golden bricks, 18 lengths(18 inches each length) on each side. Yajna Vatika was built in eagle shape. Ritviks planted Oopa Stambhas (sacred poles made up of wood extracted from several trees). They are 21 in number. Besides that, several golden poles were erected as decorative pieces. Four legged creatures, 300 in number, were tied to those 21 Oopa Stambhas. To the main Oopa Stambha (main pole), Yajna Asva (the horse which was taken round all over the country) was tied. During the Yajna, as a ritual, all the 300 four legged creatures were killed. Along with them several birds, fish etc also were killed. Now the time has come to kill the Yajna Asva (main horse). At that time Droupadi was standing by the side of Yajna Asva. The Horse which was taken round the country, was killed by ritviks. Different parts of the body of Yajna Asva were burnt in holy fire by Droupadi personally. While the body parts of Yajna Asva were burnt in holy fire, the smoke and smell emanated from holy fire was smelt by Pandavas and Droupadi. Ritviks, while chanting Vedic hymns, burnt the remaining parts of the body of Yajna Asva. Dharmaja offered One crore thousand gold coins to Ritviks. The entire kingdom was given to Vyasa as Bhoodaana. Then Dharmaja said: “O Vyasa! Ihave given away the entire land owned by me as charity. Nothing remains with me. I will go to forests and perform Tapassu.” said Dharmaja. Vyasa told Dharmaja thus: “O Dharmaja! you have given me the entire earth as charity. What can I do with the earth? Kindly take back your land and compensate the same with equal value of gold.” said Vyasa. Dharmaja did not agree to receive back the land given as charity. Then Vyasa insisted: “O Dharmaja! You have given me the land as charity. Now it is my own property. I am not giving the land to you free of cost. I am selling the land to you. Pay me the consideration and take back the land.” said Vyasa. Sri Krishna also supported the view of Vyasa. Dharmaja paid one crore of crore gold coins and take back the land. Then Vyasa distributed that wealth in equal shares to the Brahmins attended Asvamedha Yaga. Besides that, Dharmaja also distributed all the gold utensils manufactured for the performance of Yaga were distributed to Brahmins. Then Dharmaja made charities, to Kshatriyas, Vysyas and Soodras and also other caste people, in abundance. All those who attended the Asvamedha Yaga returned home with greatest satisfaction. Veda Vyasa gave his share of gold to Kunti. Kunti in turn distributed that wealth to poor and needy. O King Janamejaya! after completion of Asvamedha Yaga, Dharmaja along with his brothers and wives took holy bath and cleansed his body and mind. Dharmaja prostrated before Vyasa who conducted Asvamedha Yaga uninterruptedly. After blessing Dharmaja, Vyasa along with his students, went away. After departure of Saint Vyasa, Dharmaja honoured all the kings attended the Yaga with gold, diamonds, pearls, ornaments, elephants, horses, ladies(as servants) etc. Dharmaja also honoured Babhruvahana and permitted him to leave for his kingdom. But Chitrangada and Uloopi opted to remain in Hastinapura to serve their husband, Arjuna. Wife of Sisupala came down from Sindhu kingdom to witness the Yaga. Dharmaja also honoured her with greast respect. Dharmaja enthroned the grandson of Sisupala as King of Sindhu. Dharmaja also gave away the respecstive kingdoms to the heirs of the Kings who died in war. All have departed except Sri Krishna and Balarama, Satyaki and other Yadavas. Dharmaja presented several diamonds, gold ornaments and other valuable items to Sri Krishna and others. Then Sri Krishna along with Balarama, Satyaki and others left for Dwaraka.” said Vaisampayana to Janamejaya. “O Saint Vaisampayana! You told me about Asvamedha Yaga in detail. But during the course of Yaga, was there any remarkable incident occurred. If so, kindly tell me.” asked Janamejaya. Vaisampayana told thus: “O King Janamejaya! During the course of Asvamedha Yaga, on the concluding day, one mungooss (mungisa) entered the Yaga Saala. Half of its body was shining as Gold. Beholding the Yaga, that mungooss told the Ritviks: “During this Asvamedha Yaga, King Dharmaja made several charities, gave presentations and served sumptuous food to all the invitees and was acclaimed by one and all. But all this has no match to what has been done by a brahmin called Saktuprastha.” said the mungooss. All the Ritviks were astonished for the words of that mungooss. “Both human beings and divine bodies accepted the diligence and devotion bestowed by Dharmaja during the course of Asvamedhayaga and the manner in which it was conducted. What fault you have found during the Yaga.” asked Ritviks. That mungooss said thus: “In Kurukshetra, there was a brahmin called Saktuprastha. He was having wife, son and daughter in law. They eke their livelihood by collecting grains fallen in the paddy fields after harvest. He has abandoned his desires, aggrandizement and anger. He was so soft. Once there was a great famine. There were no rains. They could not collect grain from fields. In that situation, on one day, all the four members went to a field and with great difficulty collected some grain. They powdered it. After offering the same to God and after performing Sandhyavandanam etc., rituals, they sat together to consume the grain powder. At that time, one guest came down to their house. The brahmin invited the guest and offered him Arghyam and Padyam. That brahmin gave away his part of grain powder to the guest for eating. The guest ate it but was not satisfied. Then his wife said: “O my husband! please give my share of powder also to the guest and satisfy him.” said the wife. “O my wife! even birds bring food and feed their wife and children. How can I take the food from your mouth.” said Brahmin. “You are my husband. After marriage, husband is relation, friend, mother, father, teacher and God. When husband is exhausted, it is the duty of wife to help him. Hence I am helping you. Please give my share of food also to the guest.” said the wife. Accordingly, the brahim gave her share to the guest. The guest consumed it but was not satisfied. The brahmin was worrying for his inability to satisfy the guest. Then his son offered his share of food to the guest. “O my son! though you are aged, you are still a boy for me. Generally, youngsters have more hunger. How can I take the food from your mouth” said father. “O father! you are aware that son is the replica of father. Is not your sorrw, my sorrow. As a son, it is my duty to eradicate your sorrows. Hence give away my share of food to the guest.” said the son. Accordingly, the brahmin gave the share of his son to the guest. The guest consumed it but was not satisfied. Now it is the turn of the daughter-in- law to offer her share of food to the guest. “You have come as daughter in law to my house. You have shared our poverty also. Without proper nourishing food, your body deteriorated. Now we got some food. How can you give your share and suffer with hunger. I cannot see you suffering with hunger.” said brahmin. “O my father in law! You are my teacher. As long as I hold life in my body, I have to serve my teacher and help him in need. Hence I am giving my share. Kindly offer this to the guest and satisfy him.” said the daughter in law. Accordingly, the brahmin offered the share of his daughter in law to the guest. The guest conumed it and satisfied. The guest said thus: “O brahmin! I am not an ordinary guest. I am Yama. I am very much satisfied for the virtuous behaviour of you and your family members. The humbleness, devotion, attention you and your family members have towards guests and elders is very much appreciable. Look at the sky. Even the divine bodies are watching from the sky. In heaven, all the sages and saints are waiting for your arrival. I invite you, your wife, son and daughter in law to heaven.” said Yama. Yama continued to say: “O virtuous brahmin! hunger is worst than all. Hunger destroys our wisdom and discretion. Desire destroys kindness. Yourself, your wife, son and daughter in law conquered hunger and desire. You all worshipped guest and attained divinity. Having been acclaimed by your charitable quality, Lord Brahma invited you to Brahma Loka. In a shortwhile, a divine air craft will come to pick you up. O virtuous brahmin! giving charity part of his wealth, and performing Yajnas and Yagas is not great. Giving charity without sparing anything for himself, is a real charity. It is greatest of all.” said Yama Dharma Raja. Meanwhile, a divine air craft from Brahma Loka arrived there. Saktuprastha, his wife, son and daughter in law saluted Yama and stood before him. Yama asked them to board the divine air craft. Accordingly, Saktuprastha, his wife, son and daughter in law boarded the divine air craft and went to Brahma Loka. I have clearly observed all these incidents from a hole in the adjacent wall. I found the water used for washing the feet of Yama, flowing there. I fell in the water and rolled. But only half of my body was wet with water. Miraculously half of my body became gold. From that day on wards, I have been going round all the places where great Yajnas, Yagas, charities are performed, so that the remaining half of my body becomes gold. Till now, it does not happen. Having heard that Dharmaja is performing Asvamedha Yaga which is acclaimed by divine bodies, I have come here. But there is no use. My body remains as it is. I realised that the charity made by Saktuprastha by giving away what was acquired by him by collecting grain from harvested fileds is much more greater than the Asvamedha Yaga performed by Dharmaja and the charities made by him during the course of that Yaga. Then that mungoos went away of its own accord. O King Janamejaya! this was the strange incident occurred during the course of Asvamedha Yaga performed by your grand father, Dharmaja.” said Vaisampayana. Then Janamejaya said thus: “O Saint Vaisampayana! Kings are interested in performing Yajnas and yagas; saints are interested in performing Tapas; brahmins are interested in controlling their mind and sense organs. Hence, in the past, several kings performed several Yajnas and Yagas and attained higher lokas. Similarly, my grand father, Dharmaja also performed Asvamedha Yaga. He performed that Yaga with greatest faith and devotion which was acclaimed by Vyasa and other sages and saints. Dharmaja performed that Yaga as if it was performed by Devendra. In such circumstances, why that mungoos blamed that Yaga and censured it and heckled it. Is there any special reason. If so kindly tell me.” asked Janamejaya. Vaisampayana said thus: “O King Janamejaya! as you said rightly, Asvamedha Yaga performed by Dharmaja got all such good qualities.But there is one thing to be remembered. In the Asvamedha Yaga, several creatures including the Yaga Asva were killed. Much violence occurred. In the eyes of Mungoos, the Tapo Yajna performed by that Brahmin was much better than the Asvamedha Yaga perfomed by Dharmaja with much violence and killing of animals and divine horse. With the power and glory of saatvika yajna performed by that Brahmin, half of its body was changed into gold. None can deny this. So also we cannot ignore the words of Mungoos. In this connection, I tell you a story. In the past, Devendra intended to perform one Yajna. Several Ritviks, great saints, divine bodies attended that Yajna. They constructed huge platform for performing the Yajna. Sacred fires were lit. Several animals were procured for sacrifice. All the saints objected for the violence and told Devendra: “O Devendra! is it necessary to kill all these animals for the sake of this Yajna. We can use three years old seeds as a supplement or substitute for animals. This was the Dharma followed in Krita Yuga. Kindly look at those animals. They are shedding tears out of fear of death. Be merciful towards those animals and leave them.” said those saints. But Devendra did not agree for their proposal. All saints also vehemently resisted the violence during Yajna. But divine bodies supported Devendra and voted for violence. Deva Loka was divided into two. In those days, there was a friend of Devendra. His name was Uparichara Vasuvu. That Vasuvu arrived there to witness the Yajna. Divine bodies and saints sought his advice as mediators. Vasu heard the arguments on both sides. As he was the friend of Devendra, Vasuvu decided in favour of Devendra and declared that violence is a must in Yajnas. As a result, Uparichara Vasuvu was consigned to hell. Hence, O Janamejaya! Yaga or Yajna without violence is best of all. There is no doubt about it. Besides that, that Brahmin who was eking his livelihood by collecting grains from paddy fields after harvest, has given away what all he got. Is it not an appreciable thing.” said saint Vaisampayana. Having having those words, Janamejaya said: “O Saint! what you said is correct. I agree. His virtuous act is appreciable. Kindly elaborate the view that for purpose of charity, lawfully earned money only is eligible.”asked Janamejaya. In reply, Vaisampayana said thus: “O King Janamejaya! in this connection, I tell you a story. In the past, Saint Agasthya intended to perform a Yaga to be continued for 12 years uninterruptedly. For that yaga, several Ritviks, experts in performing Yaga and saints have arrived. All preparations were being made for Yaga. But there were no rains. As a result, there were no crops, no food grains, no material for performing yaga. This is all on account of Indra. Everybody was eagerly watching how Agasthya performs the Yaga. By that time Agasthya was in 12 years Deeksha. He was not inclined to touch even a single grain, earned unlawfully. To perform Yaga in virtuous manner, it should be rainy and cultivation shall start. Beholding this situation Agasthya told the Ritviks thus: “O saint! if Indra gives us water through rains, it is alright. Otherwise, I myself become Indra and rule the three regions. If that is not possible, I go round the three regions and collect surplus food grains and perform Yaga. I hear that in northern Kuru lands, there were plenty of food grains. I will send for food grains from northern kuru lands. It appears Indra is angry as I am performing Yajna only with seeds and not by animal sacrifice. Therefore, you need not worry.” said Agastya. “O saint Agastya! you need not spend the power of your tapas for these paltry things. Why should you borrow food grains from others. We all bring our own material from our places. The Yaga will be performed uninterruptedly.” assured the sages and saints. Satisfied with the words of saints, Agasthya continued to perform Yajna. Having heard about this, Indra was afraid. Immediately, he ordered the water bearing clounds to rain. Devendra, along with Brihaspati came down to Agasthya and prayed excuse. Agasthya invited Indra for the Yaga and honoured him. After receiving his share of Yajna (Havis), Indra and Brihaspati went back to heaven. Agashtya worshipped the Ritviks and other sages and saints who attended the yaga and made it successful. Therefore, King Janamejaya! Yajnas and Yagas are to be performed only with the money earned, not out of illegal and unlawful means and also without violence and killing of animals. Such Yajna is a glorious Yajna.” said Vaisampayana to Janamejaya. King Janamejaya entertainred a doubt. “O Saint Vaisampayana! you told me that one Mungoos spoke in human language. That must be a great soul in its previous birth. Who was he or she? kindly tell me.” asked Janamejaya. Vaisampayana said thus: “O King Janamejaya! Once Saint Jamadagni was performing his father’s annual ceremony. He secured cow milk and kept the pot in a corner of Ashram. “Krodha” (the Anger) in human form arrived there and broke the pot, as if it had accidentally happened. Beholding this , Jamadagni did not get angry. He smiled and tried to procure another pot of milk. Krodha appeared before him and said: “O Saint Jamadagni! I heard that persons born in Bhrigu clan in which you were born are all filled with great wrath and anger. But you proved it futile. I am defeated before you. Kindly excuse me.” prayed Anger (Krodha). “No no. You have not committed any wrong. Therefore there is no question of excusing you. If you feel any guilt in your mind, wipe it out. Now I am invoking my Pitaras. They may curse you. Leave this place.” said Jamadagni. Krodha went away. Then Jamadagni invoked his Pitaras and performed the ceremony. Having come to know about this incident, Pitaras of Bhrigu grew angry. They cursed Jamadagni to take birth as Mungoos, for not cursing Krodha. Jamadagni prayed mercy. The ancestros told him the remedy. “If you find fault with a great person in an open assembly about a great event, you get rid of this curse.” told those Pitaras. Accordingly, Saint Jamadagni was born as Mungoos. He found fault with the Asvamedha Yaga performed by Dharmaja and proved that Asvamedha Yaga was performed against all virtues and principles and got rid of his curse.” said Vaisampayana to Janamejaya. MAHA BHARATA ASVAMEDHA PARVA FOURTH CHAPTER COMPLETED. ASVAMEDHA PARVA COMPLETED. OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OM TATSAT.