BOOK 1 AADI PARVAMU
PRADHAMAASVAASAM (CHAPTER 1)
In Naimisaaranya, a great saint called Sounaka was
performing “satrayaaga”.A story teller called “Ugrasravasu” son of
Romaharshana, arrived there.“Ugrasravasu” met the sages and saints assembled
there and said:“I am the son of Romaharshana, a student of Vedavyasa. I am an
expert in tellling divine and sacred stories.”
Saint Shounaka and other sages and saints assembled
there for performing “satra yaga” expressed their desire to hear some divine
story. Then “Ugrasravasu” began to tell story “Mahabharata”.
In the ancient past, there was a Brahmarshi called
Krishna Dvaipaayana. He was also called as Veda Vyasa. At that time, all the
Vedas were combined together. VedaVyasa divided them into four. They are
(1)Rigveda; (2) Yajurveda; (3)Sama veda; (4)Adharvana veda.With the permission
of Brahma, he wrote 18 Puraanaas, Dharma Sastraas, Itihasas, historical stories
of kings, life of Lord Srikrishna, and the stories of Pandavas and Kouravas.
That is called Mahabharata. Veda Vyasa completed Mahabharata in three years.
Mahabharata contains 18 parvas.
They are:
1.Adi parvamu .. 9984 slokas.
2.Sabhaa parvamu .. 4311 slokas.
3.Aranya parvamu .. 13664 slokas.
4.Virata parvamu. .. 3500 slokas.
5.Udyoga parvamu. .. 6998 slokas.
6.Bheeshma parvamu .. 5884 slokas.
7.Drona parvamu. ..10919 slokas.
8.Karna parvamu. ..4900 slokas.
9.Salya parvamu. ..3220 slokas.
10.Souptikaparvamu. ..2870 slokas.
11.Stree parvamu. ..1775 slokas.
12.Saanti parvamu. ..14525 slokas.
13.Anusaasanika parvamu ..12000 slokas.
14.Asvamedhika parvamu ..4420 slokas.
15.Aasramavaasa parvamu. ..1106 slokas.
16.Mousala parvamu. ..300 slokas.
17.Mahaa prastaana parvamu. ..120 slokas.
18.Svargaarohana parvamu. ..200 slokas.
Veda Vyasa deputed Saint Narada to tell Mahabharata
in Devaloka, Saint Devala to tell in Pitru lOka, Saint Suka to tell in
Gandharva, yaksha, raakshasa lokas, Vaisampaayana to tell in Manushya lOka, to
King Janamejaya.
I (Ugrasravasu) heard Mahabharata story while Vaisampaayana
was narrating the same to King Janamejaya. Now I am telling the same to all of
you assembled here for Satra Yaaga. Then, Saint Shounaka and other saints asked
“Ugrasravasu” to tell them about Samantaka Pancaka and also about the great
warriors like Bhishma. “Ugrasravasu” continued to say There are four yugaas.
They are (1) Kruta yuga; (2)Tretaa yuga; (3)Dvaapara yuga; (4)Kali yuga. At the
end of Kruta yuga, there was a great war between Devatas (divine souls) and
daanavaas (raakshasaas or demons). At the end of Tretaayuga, there was a battle
between Rama and Ravana. At the end of Dvaapara yuga, there was a great war
between Paandavas and Kouravas.
During the time between Tretaayuga and Dvaapara
yugaa, one Brahmin warrior Parasuraama son of a great saint Jamadagni, waged
war against all the Kshatriya community 21 times and killed all the kings. The
blood flown out of their bodies formed into five streams. Those five streams of
blood are called “Samantaka pancaka”. At that place only, Mahabharata war took
place. It is also called Kurukshetra.
Arjuna was one of the five Pandavas. Arjuna’s
grandson was King Pareekshit. King Janameja was the son of King Pareekshit.
King Janamejaya was performing a Yajna. One day, a small dog called Saarameya,
son of a divine dog called Sarama, was playing at the place of Yajna. On seeing
this, the brothers of King Janamejaya, grew angry and beat that small dog,
Saarameya. Sarameya went to his mother and said that he was beaten by the king.
Sarama came to Janamejaya and said: “Oh king Janamejaya, your people beat my
son, while he was simply playing at the place of yajna, without any reason, .
It is wrong. Wrong doers will suffer the consequences without any cause.” So
saying, she went away.
Later, Janamejaya intended to perform shanthi
ritual, to avert all evils, as spoken by Sarama. To perform the said ritual,
the King invited a great saint called Somasravasu, as chief priest. One Udanka
was studying in a Gurukula (place where students learn Vedas from Teacher in
homely atmosphere). After completing the learning, Gurupatni (wife of his
teacher) requested Udanka to bring the ear rings of Rani Poushya Devi, wife of
King Poushya. Accordingly, Udanka went to King Poushya and requested him to
give the ear rings. King Poushya gladly accepted his request but asked him to
collect them from his wife, Poushya Devi. Udanka went to Poushya Devi and
requested for the ear rings.
Poushya Devi gave the ear rings to Udanka and also
cautioned him “Udanka, Takshaka (serpant) was trying to snatch the earrings. Be
careful”.She also requested him to take food in her house. Udanka accepted her
request.While he was taking food, one fallen hair was found in the food. Udanka
grew angry. For blindly serving food to the guest, Udanka cursed Poushya to become
blind. Poushya said “you have cursed me for a small mistake. I also will give
“Saapa” to you. You will remain issueless.”
Udanka requested Poushya to take back her Saapaa as
he could not bear that Saapaa and remain issueless. Poushya said: “Udankaa, Brahmins
are kind in heart but harsh in words. But Kshatriyas are harsh in heart but
kind in words. Hence I could not take back my Saapaa. You have to take back
your Saapaa.”Udanka agreed for it and said “You will get rid of my Saapaa
within a short time”.
So saying, Udanka left that place carrying the ear
rings with him. While going to his Ashram, on the way, he stopped near a
stream. He placed the earnings at a clean and neat place and went to the stream
for bath. At that time, Takshaka came there, took away the ear rings, and fled
away to Nagaloka.
On seeing this, Udanka also followed him to
Nagaloka. He praised all the Naga kings viz., Ananta, Vaasuki, Takshaka and
other serpant kings and requested them to give back the ear rings. In the Naga
loka, he also found a divine personality (Indra) riding a horse. Udanka also
praised that divine personality. Satisfied with his praises, Indra asked him
what he wants. Udanka prayed that the entire serpant community should be under
his control.
Indra asked Udanka to blow air in the ear of the
horse. When Udanka blew air in the ear of the horse, flames came out of the
entire body of the horse and spread all over Nagaloka. On seeing this Takshaka
was frightened and returned the ear rings to Udanka. After receiving the ear
rings from Takshaka, Udanka returned to his Ashramam and gave the ear rings to
Gurupatni.
After taking permission from Guru, Udanka went
away. He performed great Tapassu(penance). But he could not forget the harm
caused to him by Takshka. He wanted to wreak vengeance.Then Udanka went to King
Janamejaya and said: “King JanamE jayaa, Takshaka was a wicked serpant.He
caused harm to me. While I was taking the ear rings from Poushya Maha Rani, to
give it to my gurupatni, he snatched them away. Besides that, without realising
whether it is right or wrong, he carried out the Saapa(curse) of the Saint
Srungi and killed your father King Parikshit brutally. He should be taught a
lesson. For the misdeeds committed by him, the entire Naga community should
suffer. I request you to perform Sarpa yaaga in which all the snakes in the
world including Takshaka will fall and die.” Heeding the words of Udanka,
Janamejaya intended to perform Sarpayaaga.
Shounaka and other saints hearing the story asked “Ugrasravasu”,“What
is the reason for all the poisonous snakes to fall in Sarpayaaga(sacred fire)
and die. Please tell us.”Ugrasravasu, the story-teller said “It was due to the
Saapa given by Kadruva, the mother of snakes. But Aastika stopped Sarpa yaaga and
saved the serpant community. I will tell that story in detail”. The story
teller continued to say.Bhruguvu is a great saint. His wife was Puloma. While
she was pregnant, one day, Bhruguvu asked his wife Puloma to lit sacred fire
for the daily ritual and went to a nearby stream to take bath. Accordingly, she
lit the sacred fire(agni) and was attending to other works.
At that time, one raakshasa (demon) called Pulomudu
came there. He saw Puloma.He lusted her. He asked the fire (agni deva) who she
was. Agnideva was in dilemma. If he tells the truth, the demon will cause harm
to Puloma. If he does not tell the truth, he will be a sinner for telling
falsehood. Agnideva decided to tell the truth. He said that she was the wife of
saint Bhruguvu.
Pulomudu recognised her. Prior to her marriage, he
fell in love with her but could not succeed. Now she is the wife of Bhruguvu.
Pulomudu wanted to have her. He became a big pig (varaahamu) and took her on
his shoulder and ran away carrying Puloma. She was weeping and trying to escape
from his clutches. In that scuffle, as she was in advanced pregnancy, she
delivered a male child. His name was Chyavana, a powerful child. The child,
Chyavana, looked at that demon with anger. The flames came out of eyes of the
child, burnt away that demon, Pulomudu. Then Puloma took the child in her lap
and returned to Ashram. After Bhruguvu returned to Ashram, she told him what
had happened. Bhruguvu grew angry.
“Who told that demon about your identity?” Bhruvugu
asked PulOma.”
“Agnideva revealed myidentity.” Puloma replied.
Agnideva clarified “If I tell falsehood, I will get
sin. Hence I told the truth.”
Bhruguvu cursed him and gave saapaa “Hereinafter,
you will sarvabhakshaka (an indiscriminate eater).”
Agnideva thought that “if I become indiscriminate
eater, how can I carry holy offerings to devataas”. Hence he withdrew his
flames. As there was no agni, there was no Homa(sacred fire), no offerings to
devataas.
Brahma deva came to agni and told Agni ,
“Oh agni deva, even if you are an indiscriminate
eater, according to Bhruguvu Saapa , still you are a sacred fire. Your holiness
cannot be taken away by Bhrugu Saapaa. Please resume your flames and carry
offerings to Devataas”.
Obeying the words of Brahma, Agni resumed his
flames and the daily rituals continued as before. Chyavana, son of Bhruguvu,
married a girl Sukanya, daughter of King Sharyathi.Their son was Pramathi.
Pramathi married an Apsarasa. Their son was Ruru. Ruru fell in love with
Pramadvara, a girl brought up in an ashramam of Saint Sthoolakesa. One day,
Pramadvara went to forest. There she was bitten by a snake and died.Ruru came
to know about the death of his lover, Pramadvara. He could not control himself.
He prayed all the gods and divine souls to give life to his lover and he was
ready to give whatever they want.
A “Devata” from heaven spoke— “Oh Ruru, birth and
death are quite common to human beings. You cannot avert it. But there is one
way. If you can give half of your life to Pramadvara, she will regain
consciousness.”On hearing this, Ruru gladly agreed for that and gave half of
his life to his lover Pramadvara. She regained consciousness with renewed
health and vigour. Ruru married Pramadvara and led a happy married life.
But, Ruru could not forget the harm caused to his
lover by a snake. He wanted to take revenge against snakes. He took a big stick
and began to search and kill each and every snake found in the forest.
One day, he found one non-poisonous snake called
Dumdumbham. Ruru raised his stick to beat and kill it. Dundubham stopped him
and asked him why he is killing snakes indiscriminately.Ruru told him what had
happened. Immediatey, Dundubham transformed into human form. Ruru asked him why
he is lying like a serpant. He replied—-
“My name is Sahasrapada. One day when my friend
Khagama was performing Homam, (sacred fire), I, mischievously, put a snake like
rope, made up of hay, in his neck. He grew angry. He cursed me to become a
non-poisonous snake. I realised my mistake and requested him for
“saapa-vimocana”. Khagama blessed Sahasrapada that when he will speak to a
saint called Ruru, he will get human body. Accordingly, I regained my human
body”.
Sahasrapaada continued—
“You are a brahmin, Brahmins are renowned for their
kindness and forbearance, and forgiveness. But why are you killing all the
snakes. In the past, one saint Aastika, a student of your father, stopped the
Sarpa yaagaa, performed by Janamejaya, while all the snakes were falling and
dying in the sacred fire, in view of the Saapa (curse) given by Kadruva, the
mother of snakes, to her sons. You also stop killing snakes.”
Then, Shounaka and other sages and saints who were
hearing the story asked Ugrasravasu “It is quite strange, how could a mother
give Saapaa (curse)to her childrensnakes, to fall in the sacred fire and die.
Please tell us the same in detail.
Ugrasravasu continued to tell the story ….
MAHABHARAT
Aadi Parvamu--Pradhamaasvaasam(first
chapter)completed
Ugrasravasu, the story teller continued to say to Sounakaa and other saints:In Krutayugaa, there was one Prajapati called Kashyapa Prajapati. He has got two wives, Vinata and Kadruva. They both prayed Kashyapa for male children.Kashyapa asked them “How many male children do you want and with what qualities?”Kadruva said that she wanted to have one thousand male children with shining personalities and long bodies.
Vinata said that she wanted to have two male children with stronger bodies than the children of kadruva.Kashyapa performed Putrakaameshti yaagaa (a sacrifice which will be performed to beget children). As a result of that Yaga, both Vinata and Kadruva became pregnant.Kadruva got one thousand eggs and vinata got two eggs.After some time, the eggs of kadruva were broken and 1000 snakes, called Aadi Seshuvu, Takshaka, Vaasuki etc. came out of the eggs with long and shining bodies.But the eggs of Vinata were not broken. Vinata was feeling jealousy as Kadruva begot children much before.Somehow or other she also wanted to have children. She forcibly broke one of the eggs.From out of that egg, one strong man came with half-grown body i.e., with upper portion of the body and nothing from waist. His name was Anura. He looked at his mother with anger.
“Oh mother, why did you brake the egg even before I got full body. You did it with jealousy. Hence, you will become a slave of your sister Kadruva. Please dont break the other egg before it ripes. The son who comes out of that egg with strong and huge body, will save you from the slavery”.
So saying, he went away as a chariot driver to Sun god.Vinatha felt very much for her deeds. She was looking after the other egg with great care.Devatas(Divine bodies) and Asuras (Raakshasas or demons) decided to churn the sea for getting Amruta (immortal drink). They held discussions as to how to churn the sea, who will be the churner and what will be the churning thread etc.
Brahma and Vishnuvu agreed to organise the task. Brahma and Vishnu decided that Mandhara Mountain will be the churner. It is a long, tall mountain. Aadi Seshu, uprooted that Mountain and brought it and dropped it into the sea. But the mountain was sinking.Sri Maha Vishnu incarnated in the form of Aadi koormamu (the great Tortoise) and became the base for the mountain. Then the mountain stood erect. They fixed the serpant king, Vasuki, as a churning thread.All the devatas was holding the snake, Vasuki, on the tail side and all the Asuras (raakshasas) held the snake on the side of the head. With great vigour, they were churning the sea.
At first, “haalaa halam” (the great poison) emanated from the sea. Lord Siva swallowed it and kept it in his neck.Then, Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Koustubha Mani (the great diamond) were born. Lord Vishnu received them and installed them in his heart.
Later, one white horse called “Uchaisravamu”, and one white elephant called “Airaavatamu” came out of the sea. Indra received them and kept them in his custody. Then “Amruta Kalasam” (a Vessel containing Amruta)emanated from the sea. The Asuraas (raakshasaas) received Amrutham. But Lord Vishnu, under the guise of Mohini, an Universal Beauty, mesmerized Asuras and took away Amrutam from asuras and gave it to Devatas.
Devatas sat in a row to drink Amruta. One Asura called Raahuvu, detected this trick. He mixed with Devatas under the guise of Devata and he also sat along with Devatas to drink Amruta. Amruta was served to him.
When Raahuvu was about to swallow Amruta, Sun god and Moon god, came to know about Raahuvu. Immediately, they complained to Vishnu about Raahuvu. Vishnu grew angry and cut the head of Raahuvu with his Chakra weapon.By that time, amrutham went upto the throat of Rahuvu. Hence, his head became immortal. The body from neck was cut and fell down. From then onwards, there is bitter enemity between Rahuvu and Sun god and Moon god.
Though Asuras churned the sea and got Amrutha, due to the mesmerism of Vishnu, they could not have Amrutha and get immortality. Asuras grew angry. They consulted King Bali. They decided that they could not continue friendship with Devatas any longer. Asuras waged war against Devatas. “Devaasura Yudha” (war between Devatas and Asuras) began.In that dreadful war, Nara and Narayana fought on the side of Devatas. Asuras could not resist them in the battle.
Asuras fled away into the sea. Devatas got the victory. They handed over Amrutam to Devendra for safe custody. They kept Mandhara Mountain in its original place. The Devatas were guarding Amrutha carefully.
One day, the white horse, Uchaisrava, was moving on the sea shore. Vinatha and Kadruva, two wives of Kashyapa Prajapathi, also went to the sea shore for evening walk. They both saw the white horse from a distance. Kadruva wanted to fool Vinatha. Kadruva said : “Vinata, look at that horse. It is pure white. But, the tail was so black. See that wonder”.Vinatha also looked at the horse carefully. It is pure white including the tail. She could not understand why Kadruva was saying like that.Vinatha said “Kadruvaa, the tail of that horse is not black. It is also white. Please observe the horse carefully.”
Kadruva did not agree for that. Some how or other, she wanted to keep her word. “Vinatha, we will have a bet. If the tail is black, you will be my slave. If the tail is white, I will be your slave.”Vinatha agreed for it. “Kadruva, let us go and see whether the tail is white or black”.
Kadruva said “No. It is already sunset. We cannot observe it properly. We will come tomorrow morning and see in the sun light.”.Kadruva and Vinatha went to their respective homes. Kadruve knows that the tail is white. She wanted to win the bet by playing a trick. She called all her serpant sons.
“My dear sons, I had a bet with Vinata that the tail of Uchaisrava is black, though, in fact, it is white. I should win the bet. You have to do something or the other and make the tail black, so that i will win the bet”. The serpants did not agree for her words. “Oh mother, it is immoral. We cannot act immorally because my mother told. It is wrong. Please excuse us”.
Kadruva grew angry. She cursed her serpant sons and said: “Those who are not heeding my words, will fall in the sacred fire of Sarpa Yaaga, performed by King Janameja, and die.”Still the serpants did not agree for the proposal of their mother, Kadruva. But one of her sons, Karkotaka,was frightened with the curse.
“Oh mother. Don’t worry. I am here. I will carry out your words.” Karkotaka said. Kadruva felt very happy. Karkotaka (snake) went to the sea shore. He climbed the tail of Uchaisrava and entwined to the tail. Now the tail is looking black, as karkotaka was a black snake.
Next morning, Vinatha and Kadruva went to the seaside. They both saw the horse from a distance. The tail was looking black. Vinatha agreed for hear defeat. From then onwards, she became a slave to Kadruva. Some time passed away. The second egg which Vinatha was protecting, also broke. A huge body, with great strength, strong wings, came out of the egg. His name was Garuda.Soon after he came out of the egg, he flew into the sky with great speed and again came down to earth.
He bowed before his mother Vinatha. He also bowed before Kadruva. On seeing this great personality, Kadrua was so jealous.She could not tolerate it. “Garudaa, your mother is my slave. You are also my slave. You have to serve me and my sons, snakes. You have to take all the snakes on your back for a jolly ride daily”.
Kadruva said. Garuda agreed for that. One day, Garuda took all the snakes on his back and flew into the sky. He flew much nearer to Sun. Due to the over heat of the Sun, all the bodies of snakes were burnt and the snakes fell down unconscious.
On coming to know about this, Kadruva felt very sad and wept. She prayed Indra for heavy rain. All the snakes regained consciousness in those showers. Kadruva scolded Garuda for his foolish deeds. Garuda went to his mother Vinatha and asked her.
“Oh mother. What is this? Why should we do slavery to Kadruva and her sons. What is the reason? Please tell me”. Vinatha told Garuda what had happened including the bet between herself and Kadruva and her defeat. Garuda my son, it is due to the Saapa (curse) given to me by your elder brother, Anura. He also told me that you will relieve me from this slavery. Please do the needful”.
Garuda went to the snakes and asked them “What do I have to do to you to relieve my mother from this slavery?”All the snakes replied “We want Amrutha, which is in DevalOka, in the custody of Devendra. Please bring Amruta from Devaloka and give it to us. Your mother will be relieved of her slavery immediately”.
Garuda agreed for it. He went to his mother and said “Oh mother. I am going to Devaloka to bring Amrutha and I will give it to sankes and relieve you from this slavery. Maa. bless me”. Vinatha felt very happy and blessed her son Garuda.
After taking the blessings of his mother, Garuda flew away to Devaloka. On the way, Garuda met his father, Kashyapa. “Oh father, I am going to Devaloka for bringing Amruta to relieve my mother from slavery. I am hungry. Please give me some good food”. Garuda asked. Kashyapa said “Oh my son, Garuda, listen to me. There are two brothers called Vibhavasa and Suprateeka. Suprateeka demanded his elder brother Vibhavasa to partition the ancestral properties. Vibhavasa did not agree. Instead he cursed Suprateeka to become a huge elephant.
Suprateeka also cursed his brother Vibhavasa to become a huge tortoise.Now they became a tortoise of three yojanas long and ten yojanas width, and an elephant of six yojanas length and twelve yojanas width. (Yojana = ten miles). Still they are fighting for their ancestral property. You catch that elephant and tortise and have sumptuous food.”
Garuda was very happy and went to the place where the tortoise and elephant were staying. Garuda caught themwith the claws of his legs and flew away. On the way, one big tree called Rohana saw Garudaa and said “Garuda, come here. Keep those things on one of my strong branches, eat them, take some rest and go away.”
Garuda accepted his request and tried to sit on a big branch of that tree. But due to the heavy weight of tortoise, elephant and himself, that big branch broke out and was about to fall on the ground. Garuda was perturbed. If that branch falls on the ground, the sages called Vaalakhilyaas who were doing “Tapassu” (penance) by hanging to that branch, head downwards, will be disturbed. So, Garuda held that branch with his long beak and flew away. Carrying the huge tortoise and elephant with his legs and the big branch with his beak, he flew to his father Kashyapa. Kashyapa realised the condition of his son, Garuda. He requested the Vaalakhilyaas “Oh great saints, my son Garuda is flying to Devaloka to bring Amrutha to relieve his mother from slavery. I request you to kindly leave this branch and go somewhere else and continue your Tapassu (penance).”
Vaalakhilyas agreed for it and they went away. Garuda went to Himalayas, and kept both the tortoise and elephant on the mountain top and ate them. Then he flew away to Devaloka. While Garudaa was coming nearer to Devaloka, some bad Omens appeared in Devaloka. Deva Guruvu, Bruhaspati, told Devendra “Garuda, son of Kashyapa, is coming to Devaloka to take away Amrutha from your custody for giving it to snakes and relieve his mother from slavery.”
Devendra grew angry. Immediately, he called the Devatas who are guarding the Amrutha and cautioned them “Garuda is coming to take away Amrutha. Be careful.”.Garuda reached the place where Amrutha was kept. When he tried to take away Amrutha, the Guards attacked him. There was a big fight between the Devatas and Garuda.
Garuda fought with Devatas with his nails, claws and beak. Devatas could not resist Garuda and they fled away.Garuda, holding Amruta Kalasa(vessel containing amruta), tried to fly away. At that time Lord Vishnu came to Garuda and said: “Garuda, I am very much pleased with your strength and courage. Tell me what do you want”. Garuda bowed before Lord Vishnu “O Lord, I am blessed with your kind compliments. I must become immortal without swallowing Amrutha. Throughout my life, I must serve you”.
Lord Vishnu was very much pleased with his request. “Oh Garuda, you will be immortal without consuming Amruta. Hereinafter, you will be my “vaahana” (carrier) and also my flag.”. So saying, Lord Vishnu blessed Garuda and disappeared.
(Even now, in Vaishnava temples, Garuda vaahanam, Garuda dwajham, Dhwajaarohanam are observed during Brahmotsavams). While Garuda was trying to fly away, Mahendra came there and hurled his Vajraayudham against Garuda to kill him. Garuda saw Vajraayudha come fiercely. Garuda bowed before Vajraayudha and said:
“Oh Vajraayudhaa, you were originated from the spine of a great Saint(Dadheeci). Hence I respect you. As you are the aayudha (weapon) of Devendra, I wont disrespect you. But your strength is not sufficient to fight with him. You can cut one feather from my wing and go away. That much is your strength”
Devendra was very much astonished for the courage and strength of Garuda. He tried to make friendship with Garuda. “Oh Garuda. I am Devendra. I want to make friendship with you. You are my friend. But one thing. you are going to give Amruta to the cruel serpants. If they consume Amrutha, they will become immortals and they cannot be controlled even by Devatas. So I request you to give back Amrutha to me. I will give you whatever you want”.
On hearing the words of Devendra, Garuda replied “Oh Devendra, after giving Amrutha to snakes, my mother, Vinata, will be relieved of her slavery. Then myself and my mother will be freed and we will go away. After that, before the snakes consume Amrutha, you can snatch Amrutha from them and take it away”.
Mahendra gladly agreed for it. “Oh Garuda, you are giving back Amrutha to me. I am very happy. Ask me what do you want. I will give you”. Mahendra said. Garuda told Mahendra: “Oh Mahendra, these snakes caused much harm and hardship to my mother and myself.
Hereinafter, the snakes shall be the main food for Garudas.”.Mahendra gladly agreed for it. (Even now, snakes are the main prey for eagles).Then, Garuda took the Amrutha and went home. Mahendra also followed him in invisible form. Garuda kept the vessel containing Amrutha (Amruta Kalasa) on dharbas (a kind of long grown grass). Garuda told snakes “As per your word, I brought Amruta from Devaloka. Please take this Amruta. My mother and myself are relieved from slavery. We are going away. Please take holy bath and take Amruta.”
So saying, Garuda flew away along with his mother on his back. Snakes are very happy as they are going to become immortals. They all went to take holy bath. Immediately, Mahendra lurking there invisibly, snatched away Amrutha Kalasa and went back to Devaloka. He handed over Amruta kalasa to the guards and directed them to proetct Amruta carefully.
After taking holy bath, all the sna kes came to the place where Amruta was kept to swallow the same. To their surprise and dismay, they could not find Amruta kalasa. They felt very sad. Thinking that, at least, if they lick the dharbhas on which the Amruta was kept, they may get some result, they began to lick the dharbhas. As the edges of dharbhas were so sharp, their tongues were cut into two. Since then they became “dvijihvas” (with two tongues). (Even now, you can find the tongue of the snakes cutinto two).
Because the Holy Amruta Kalasa was kept on Dharbhas, from then onwards, Dharbas also became sacred and holy.Adi Seshu, one of the sons of Kadruva, had been observing all these things. He was very much unhappy with his mother Kadruva and her deeds. Adi Seshu hated his mother and went away. He did Tapassu(penance). Brahma appeared before him. “Oh Adi Seshu, I am very happy for the Tapassu you have done. I like your truthfulness and straightforwardness, and harmlessness. You are the fit person to bear this earth. Nobody can do this. From this moment, you will bear this earth on your head.” So saying Brahma disappeared. From then onwards, Adi Seshu is bearing this earth on his head.
The next elder son is Vasuki. He was very much worried about the Saapa of their mother, Kadruva, about Sarpa Yaga to be performed by Janameja and the fate of the snakes. He held a conference of all his brothers, relatives and friends. He discussed the matter with them.
“Oh my dear brothers, relatives and friends. Adi Seshu is bearing this earth as per the word of Brahma. He is out of danger. As per the word of Brahma, I was used as churning thread to churn the sea. Hence I am also out of danger. What about you? As per the Sapa of our mother, You are all going to perish in the Sarpa yaga. Think about it.”.
On hearing these words, some youthful snakes rose and said: “It is simple. We will go to Janamejaya and his ministers as Brahmins, convince them that this Yaga is harmful to snakes and it is also Adharma. We will convince them to give up this idea of Satra yaga.”
But some radical snakes did not agree. “We all go in groups to the Yaga place, spill poison in the holy vessels and all eatables prepared for yajna and we will spoil the yagna. All the brahmins and priests will be fled away with fear”. Hearing all these discussions, one Elaa putra, a smallsnake said:
“Please hear me. I know some thing about this”. Vasuki asked Elaputra to tell in detail. Elaputra continued to say: “While our mother was giving Sapa(curse) to you, I was a small child sleeping in the lap of my mother. I heard the conversaion between Brahma and Devatas. After the Sapaa was given, all the Devatas asked Brahma:
“Oh Lord Brahma, Kadruva gave a dreadful Saapa to all her sons. Is there any way out to get rid of that curse.”.Brahma replied “As the snakes are harmful to the mankind, that curse is good and acceptable. But there are some great snakes who are wise and pure. There is one Saint called Jaratkaaru. He will marry the sister of Vasuki, a girl of the same name, Jaratkaaru, and beget a son called Aaastika.
Aastika will convince Janamejaya and put an end to this Sarpa yaga and rescue the remaining snakes. Therefore, there is no worry about Sarpa yaga.” Elaputra concluded.On hearing the words of Yelaputra, Vasuki was so happy. He was waiting for the arrival of Jaratkaaru to marry his sister.
Jaratkaaru was a great saint. He did not marry. He was following Brahmacharya and doing Tapassu. One day, he went near a pond for collecting Dharbas. (a long grown grass used for rituals). He found some grass plants growing in the water. Some rats ate the roots of the grass plants and some grass plants are standing only with single root. Some saints are hanging to those grass pants head downwards.
Jaratkaaru was very much surprised. “Oh mahatmaa, why are you hanging like this. Is it also a tapassu?” Jaratkaaru asked the saints. Those saints replied “We donot know who you are . We are the fathers and forefathers of a sinner, Jaratkaaruvu. He did not marry and beget children. Without children we cannot get Uttma Lokas (higher status after death). If you happen to meet that sinner Jaratkaaruvu, kindly tell him about our fate and convince him to marry and beget children and save us”.
On hearing this Jaratkaaruvu felt ashamed. “Oh my grand parents, I am that sinner Jaratkaaruvu. I am very sorry for what I did. I will immediately marry and beget children and you will get Uttama Lokas. But I wanted to marry a girl with the same name. I will go in search of her”.
So saying Jaratkaaruvu went away. In spite of his search, he could not get a girl of his name. Vasuki came to know about this through his agents. He immediately approached Jaratkaaruvu along with his sister, Jaratkaaruvu. Vasuki told to Jaratkaaruvu “Oh great saint. She is my sister, Jaratkaaruvu, same name as yours. I intend to give her in marriage to you. Please accept my sister and marry her”.
As Jaratkaaruvu was searching for a girl of the same name, he gladly accepted the offer of Vasuki and married his sister, Jaratkaaruvu. On the first night, Jaratkaaruvu went to her husband. Jaratkaaruvu told her wife “Dear, I am a bit arrogant and angry man. You should adjust with me. Even by mistake, you should not do anything which is against my will and pleasure. If you do so, I will immediately leave you and go for Tapassu. Please be careful”.
Wife Jaratkaaruvu, accepted it. She was serving her husband with great care and devotion, without giving any scope for his displeasure. In the passage of time, she became pregnant. One day, Jaratkaaruvu was sleeping, keeping his head on the lap of his wife. The sun was set. It was time for performing sandhya vandanam (evening ritual). Husband was sleeping. The wife could not control herself. She slowly woke up her husband. Jaratkaaruvu woke up. He grew angry “Why did you wake me up in the midst of sleep?” he asked his wife. “Because the sun was set and it is time for sandhyaa vandanam. Hence I woke you up” she replied. “Any how, you caused displeasure to me. I could not tolerate it. I am going away. You are pregnant. You go to your brother, Vasuki's, residence and stay there. You will beget a son who will become a great and famous saint.”
So saying, the husband Jaratkaaruvu went to forest for Tapassu. Wife Jaratkaaruvu went to her brother--Vasuki house and was staying there. In due course of time, she gave birth to a male child. His name was AAstikaa. He learnt Vedaas, Puraanas and other Saastraas under a Guru, Pramathi.
(Now, let us revert back to Udanka approaching Janamejaya.)Udanka went to Hastinaapura and met Janamejaya. Udanka told JanamEjaya that Takshaka, the serpant, killed his father, Pareekshit, brutally.On hearing this, Janamejaya called all his Ministers. “Is it true? Had Takshaka killed my father, Parikshit? Why should he kill my father? How he killed my father? What had actually happened? Please tell me”. asked Janamejaya.
All the ministers told Janamejaya what had actually happened.“KingJanamejaya, Arjuna was one of the five pandavas.He married Subhadra, the sister of Lord Krishna. Their son was Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu married Uttara. Their son was Pareekshit, your beloved father. Your father was very much interested in hunting cruel animals.
One day, King Pareekshit went to forest for hunting.He saw a wild animal in the forest. He began to chase thatanimal. But the animal escaped. He went into an Ashram where Saint Sameeka was in Mounavratha (no-talking ritual), closed his eyes and was in deep meditation.Pareekshit came near him. “Oh great saint, Have you seen any wild animal coming this side? please tell me.” asked Pareekshit.The saint did not give any reply. Pareekshit grew angry.He could not control his anger. He saw dead snake nearby. He picked up that dead snake with his arrow and put it in the neck of Sameeka. Then he went away to his capital, Hastinaapura. At that time, Srungi, the son of Sameeka, was not in Aashramam. But, all this was seen by a sishya (student) called Krusa. Immediately, Krusa went to Srungi and told him what had happened. Srungi grew angry.“My father was in deep meditation and also in Mounavratha somewhere in the forest. What harm he had done to that King? Why should that King insult my father?He should suffer the consequences. Within seven days from today, King Pareekshit will die with the snake bite of the serpant Takshaka.” Srungi gave Saapa(curse) to Pareekshit.
Then Srungi went to the Aashramam. He removed the dead snake from the neck of his father. Sameeka opened his eyes. Srungi told his father what had happened. Sameeka felt very sad.“Oh my son, what is this? Anger is the root cause for all the misdeeds and sorrows. That is the reason why Brahmins should not get anger. We are living here peacefully, safely and performing our rituals and meditation and tapassu uninterruptedly, only due to the safety given by the Kings. King Pareekshit is not an Ordinary King. He is the protector of Dharma. He is kshatriya. Unable to conntrol his hunger and thirst, he might have done this small mistake. For that small mistake, is it proper on your part to give such a harsh Saapaa to King Pareekshit. Please take back your Saapa and save the king.”said Sameeka. But Srungi did not agree for it. “Oh father, my word is unretrievable. I cannot take it back” Srungi told his father.
Then Sameeka called one of his Sishyas, Gouramukha, “You go to King Pareekshit. Tell him about the Saapa given by my son Srungi. Ask him to make arrangements to save himself from this Saapa.”Accordingly, Gouramukha, went to Pareekshit and told him “O King Pareekshit, Saint Sameeka sent me to you. You put a dead snake in the neck of Saint Sameeka. His Son Srungi, grew angry and cursed you to die within seven days with snake bite. Saint Sameeka is feeling sorry for that. At his request, I have come to you to caution you. Plese make all arrangements to save yourself from the snake bite.”
On hearing this, King Pareeshit also was very much unhappy for what had happened. He called his ministers and discussed with them. On their advice, he got a single pillar structure, constructed. He was staying in that building. He kept expert snake bite doctors, anti-venemous medicines, and also snake charmers, and all other herbs.
Once Lord Brahma felt that all the snakes are causing much harm to the mankind. Lord Brahma blessed one Brahmin Kashyapa with divine power to give life to those who die with snake bites. On hearing the Saapa of Srungi, Kashyapa started to go to Hastinapura to save King Pareekshit from the snake bite.Takshaka also started to go to Hastinapura to carry out the “Saapa” of Srungi. On the way Kashyapaa and Takshaka met.Takshaka asked the Brahmin “Oh Brahmin, who are you? Where are you going?”“My name is Kashyapa. I am going to Hastinapura to save King Pareekshit from the snake bite of Takshaka and get huge gifts and presentations.” Kashyapa replied.
Takshaka laughed at him. “Oh Kashyapa. I am Takshaka. I am so powerful. Any body can escape a thunderbolt but not my bite. You cannot save King Pareekshit. Please go away”. Kashyapa did not agree. “I can save the king with the power given by Lord Brahma” replied Kashyap.“If you want to see, I will show my power. I will bite that huge tree and reduce it to ashes. If you are more powerful than me, you restore that tree as it is” So saying Takshaka bit a huge tree. On the spot, that huge tree was consigned to flames and reduced to ashes.
Kashyapa collected all the ashes. With the power given by Lord Brahma, he restored that tree with all branches and green leaves, flowers and fruits as before. Takshaka was astonished. He bowed before Kashyapa.“Hey mahatman, I agree you are more powerful than me. But the “Saapa” given by Srungi is unretrievable. King Pareekshit should die. I will give you more presentations than what King Pareekshit will give you. Please go back”.
Kashyapa also visualised the future with his “divya dhrushti” (supernatural vision). He realised the words of Takshaka. He received plenty of presentations from Takshaka and turned back. All these things are known from a wood cutter. At the time when the tree was burnt by Takshaka, the wood cutter was on the tree and he was also burnt away. When Kashyapa gave life to the tree, the wood cutter also got life. Later, he went to Hastinapura and told this incident to one and all. After Kashyapa left that place, Takshaka, the serpant, called some young snakes. He asked them to be under the guise of Brahmins. He gave fruits and flowers to them.
“You all take these fruits and flowers. You go to King Pareekshit, and give all these fruits to him. I will hide in one of the fruits as a small insect. Soon after he breaks the fruit, I will come out and kill him.”. So saying he entered into one big fruit as a small black insect. As told by Takshaka, all the snakes under the guise of Brahmins, visited King Pareekshit. King Pareekshit welcomed them. The Brahmins (serpants) blessed him and presented him the fruits and flowers. King Pareekshit was very happy.
That was the evening of the 7th day. If that night passes away, Takshaka couldnot do anything. He received the fruits from the Brahmins. He distributed them to all the ministers and others assembled there. He took one big fruit and broke it. From that fruit, Takshaka, in the form of a small black insect, came out and bit King Pareekshit. The deadly poison, came out of his teeth, burnt away not only King Pareekshit but also the one-pillar building. All the ministers and others ran away. King Pareekshit was no more. O Jaanamejayaa, that serpant Takshaka, even without considering whether it is good or bad, just on the cursing words of a Brahmin, Srungi, caused the death of your father.
Therefore, you also invite all the Brahmins, perform Sarpa yaaga, invite all the snakes by chanting Mantraas, and make them fell in the sacred fire and die.” The ministeres concluded. After hearing the words of Ministers, King Janamejaya was very angry. He decided to take revenge on Takshaka for killing his father. He invited Ritviks (Chief Priests) and asked them to make arrangements for Sarpayaaga. He got constructed a big building for performing Sarpayaaga.While the construction was going, one architect told him “O king Janamejaya, the proposed Sarpayaaga will not be completed. It will be stopped in the middle”.
But King Janamejaya did not heed his words. He was ready to perform SarpaYaga along with his wife, Vapushtama. King Janamejaya invited the great Saints like Vyaasa, Vaisampaayana. Sarpayaaga was started.Ritviks (Chief Priests) and other Priests were chanting Mantras and inviting all the snakes. All the snakes were coming and falling into the sacred fire of Sarpa Yaaga and were dying. On seeing this, Takshaka was frightened. He ran to Devendra and requested him for help “Devendra, please help me. Ritviks are inviting snakes, by chanting Mantras, to Sarpayaaga. Please save me”.
Indra knows that Lord Brahma gave exception to some snakes from Sarpayaaga. Hence, Devendra said “Dont worry Takshaka. Nothing will happen to you.”. While the Ritviksat the Sarpayaaga were chanting mantras, all the snakes are coming and falling in the sacret fire. But Takshaka was not coming. They came to know that Devendra gave shelter to Takshaka.Therefore, Ritviks chanted mantras that “Takshakaalong with Devendra are invited to come and fall in the sacred fire”.With these Mantras, Deva loka was shaking.
Mahendra also was frightened.“Takshaka, I cannot give you shelter anymore. You are being invited at Sarpayaaga. Please go”. So saying, Mahendra thrown Takshaka out of Devaloka.Takshaka was flying in the sky, ready to fall in the sacred fire of Satra yaaga. On coming to know of all these developments, Vaasuki also was frightened. He called his sister, Jaratkaaruvu “Oh My sister Jaratkaaruvu, please see what is happening. All the snakes are falling in the sacred fire of Sarpayaagaa and are dying. You only can solve this problem.
As per the words of Lord Brahma, your son, Aastika, can only stop the Satra yaaga and save the snakes. That is the reason why you are given in marriage to Jaratkaaruvu, a saint of your name.Your son, Aastika is a great saint. Now you have to request your son, Aastika to stop Sarpa yaaga and save the snakes.”
On hearing the words of her brother, Vasuki, she called her son Aastika. “Oh my son, you have heard what your maternal uncle, Vasuki, is saying. You please go to Hastinaapura immediately and stop Sarpayaaga and save the serpant community.” said Jaratkaaruvu to her son Aastika. Saint Aastika bowed before his mother, touched her feet and took her blessings(Aaseervaada). Then he went to Hastinaapura and visited the place where Sarpa yaagaa was being performed.King Janamejaya cordially invited Aastika, welcomed him and did all formalities intended for a distinguished guest.(atithi maryaadalu).
Saint Aastika praised King Janamejaya: “Oh King Janamejaya, you are a great king having good qualities like right knowledge, forbearance, control over the senses and mind, non-violence, equanimity, contentment, austerity and charity and you are famous like your fore fathers and great fore fathers viz., Maandhatha, Raghuvu,Dasaradha, Raama and Dharmaraajaa. All the good qualities of those kings are also embedded in you.You have done many Yajnas and Yagas (sacrifices) and have become pure. The Sages and Saints performing this Sarpayaagaa also have got the knowledge of all Saastraas and Puraanaas. The fact that Great Saints like Bhagavaan Vyaasaa, Vaisampaayana are gracing this Sarpa Yaagaa itself tells about the greatness of this Yaagaa. I wish all good things shall happen to you in future”. So saying, Saint Aastikaa praised King Janamejaya.
Having satisfied with the blessings and praises of Saint Aastika, King Janamejaya felt very much happy and said: “Oh great Saint Aastika. Kindly ask me what do you want. I will immediately fulful your wish”. Immediately Saint Aastika asked “King Janamejaya, please stop this disastorous Sarpa Yaga and save the serpant community who are my relatives through my maternal uncle, Vaasuki”.
Janamejaya was in dilemma. But all the Ritviks and Brahmins and Sages and Saints who visited Sarpayaaga also told King Janamejaya “Oh king Janamejaya, Aastika is a great saint. He should be given what he wants. His wish should be fulfilled. He is a fit person to receive anything. As per his request, please stop this Sarpayaaga.”The wish of the Saint Aastika on one side, and the request of Ritviks, Brahmins and Saints on the other side made King Janamejaya to agree for the stoppage of Satra yaaga.
Sarpa yaagaa was stopped. At that time, Takshaka was making rounds in the sky and was about to fall in Sarpa yaaga. Aastikaa raised his voice “Oh Takshaka, stop stop. Be there. Sarpayaaga is stopped. You can go away.”. On hearing this, Takshaka had a sigh of relief. He returned to Naagaloka. For stopping the Sarpayaaga and saving all the remaining serpants, all the Brahmins, Sages and Saints praised Saint Aastikaa. After fulfilling the desire of his mother, Aastika also went to his Aashram.
Mahaabhaarat, Aadiparva, dviteeyaasvaasa
(Second Chapter completed).
AADIPARVAMU TRUTEEYAASVAASAMU (THIRD CHAPTER.)
The story teller (UgraSravasu) continued to say to
Sounaka and other sages and saints gathered there. The sarpayaaga was stopped
abruptly. King JanamEjaya honoured all the rutviks, priests and Brahmins who
attended the Sarpa yaaga and rewarded them with many presentations and gifts.
He specially worshipped Veda Vyaasa and his Sishyas, who attended the Yaga,
with great devotion. After that, he stood before Veda Vyasa with folded hands
and humbly said: “Mahatmaa, great people like you and the grand parents like
Bhishma, personally partitioned the Kuru Kingdom between Kouravas and Pandavas.
But instead of enjoying the Kingdom happily, why they fought with each other.
What was the reason for the ill feelings between the brothers and how did they
arise? I want to know about my forefathers. Kindly tell me”.
Bhavagaan Veda Vyasa looked at VaiSampaayana who is
standing by his side and said “VaiSampaayanaa, you tell the entire story of
Mahabharata to King Janamejaya.”. Then, King Janamejaya worshipped Saint
VaiSampaayana and sat before him with all his relatives, friends and purohits
to hear Mahabharata. VaiSampaayana, after taking the blessings of Bhagavan Veda
Vyaasaa, started to tell the story of Mahabhaarata to King Janamejaya. “O King
Janamejaya, this story of Mahaabharata was written by Bhagavaan Veda Vyasa.
Therefore, we will first know about the birth of that great personality, Veda
Vyasa.
In those days, one King Vasu was ruling ChEdhi kingdom. One day he went to a forest for hunting. There, he saw some saints doing Tapassu (penance) in a peaceful atmosphere. He also sat by their side and began to do Tapassu.
In those days, one King Vasu was ruling ChEdhi kingdom. One day he went to a forest for hunting. There, he saw some saints doing Tapassu (penance) in a peaceful atmosphere. He also sat by their side and began to do Tapassu.
Indra came to know about it. He immediately came
down to King Vasu. “Oking Vasu, you have to rule the kingdom. Why you are
living in forest and doing Tapassu? I want to make friendship with you. I am
giving you divine powers. You keep coming to Deevaloka now and then.” So
saying, he presented him with one “Deva Vimaanamu” (aeroplane) and one “Indra
maala” containing ever-fresh flowers, which cannot be attacked by any weapon,
and also a VenuyashTi (bamboo stick) which will punish the wrongdoers. King
Vasu accepted them with pleasure. Since then, he was going and coming to Indra
lOka. He was also called as”Uparicara Vasu”(flying vasu). Every year, Vasu was
celebrating Indra Festival in his kingdom. A big river called Suktimati was
flowing by the side of his capital town. By the side of the river, the was a
hill called Kolahalam. The hill, kOlahalam fell in love with the river
Suktimati. He fell across the river Suktimati. One day, King Vasu was going by the side of the river and saw the hill which fell across the river. He lifted that hill with his little finger. They were blessed with two children, one son and one daughter with divine blessing. The son was called Vasupada and the daughter was called Girika. River Suktimati gave her son and daughter to King Vasu. King Vasu married Girika and made Vasupada as the Head of his Army. Girika wasa very beautiful woman.
Suktimati. He fell across the river Suktimati. One day, King Vasu was going by the side of the river and saw the hill which fell across the river. He lifted that hill with his little finger. They were blessed with two children, one son and one daughter with divine blessing. The son was called Vasupada and the daughter was called Girika. River Suktimati gave her son and daughter to King Vasu. King Vasu married Girika and made Vasupada as the Head of his Army. Girika wasa very beautiful woman.
One day, King Vasu went to forest for hunting.
While he was wandering in the forest, he thought in his mind about his wife and
her extraordinary beauty. He became horny and the semen came out. He collected
the semen in a small bowel made of green leaves. He tied the bowel to the neck
of an eagle and directed the eagle to deliver the bowel containing semen to his
wife Girika. While the eagle was flying in the sky, another eagle saw the bowel
hanging to the neck of the eagle. The second eagle thought that it was an
eatable and wanted to have it.
Both the eagles fought with each other. In that
scuffle, the bowel with semen fell into river Yamuna. One Apsara called Adrika,
who, as a result of Saapa of Brahma, transformed into a fish, was swimming in
the river Yamuna. The semen of Vasu fell from the green leaves bowel into the
mouth of that fish, Adrika. Adrika became pregnant. One day, the fish, Adrika,
was caught in the net of a fisherman. The fisherman cut the fish and found one
male child and one female child. Immediately, Adrika was transformed to her
original form Apsarasa and went to DevalOka.
The fisherman gave the two children to their king
“Daasaraaju”. The male child, called “matsyaraaju”, later became the King of
the fishermen kingdom. The female child, matsyagandhi, was growing as the
daughter of the King “Daasaraaja”. She was helping his father, Daasaraaja in
rowing the boat across the river Yamuna. One day, while, Matsyagandhi was
waiting at the River.
Yamuna, with her boat, saint Paraasara, son of
Saint Sakti and grandson of VasishTa, came there to cross the river Yamuna.
Paraasara saw Matsyagandhi. He fell in love with her. He wanted to have sexual
intercourse with her. Matsyagandhi was frightened. She was in dilemmaa. If she
does not agree, the Saint may curse her. “O saint, I am the daughter of a
fisherman. My body is emanating the smell of fish. You may not like it. I am an
unmarried girl. If I lose my chastity,how can I see the face of my father.”
said Matsyagandhi. Saint Paraasara smiled and said “O my beloved, you are not
the daughter of a fisherman. You were born from the semen of a great King Vasu.
Besides that, I will have intercourse with you without spoiling your chastity.
Will you agree?” so saying, the saint made her as Yojana Gandhi (a woman with
good fragrance from her body to a distance of
10 miles.). She was also called Satyavati. Again she objected “O saint, now it is day time. How can we have intercourse in this broad day light?” Saint Paraasara with his power made the sky cloudy with dark snowy clouds. Darkness plunged suddently. In that atmosphere, they had sexual intercourse. As a result, Yojanagandhi
became pregnant and gave birth to a child. He was called Vyasa. Vyaasa bowed before his mother Satyavati and said “O mother, I am going to Tapassu. Whenever you call me I will appear before you and serve you. Please bless me”. After taking the blessings of his mother, Satyavati, Vyaasa went to forest for Tapassu.
10 miles.). She was also called Satyavati. Again she objected “O saint, now it is day time. How can we have intercourse in this broad day light?” Saint Paraasara with his power made the sky cloudy with dark snowy clouds. Darkness plunged suddently. In that atmosphere, they had sexual intercourse. As a result, Yojanagandhi
became pregnant and gave birth to a child. He was called Vyasa. Vyaasa bowed before his mother Satyavati and said “O mother, I am going to Tapassu. Whenever you call me I will appear before you and serve you. Please bless me”. After taking the blessings of his mother, Satyavati, Vyaasa went to forest for Tapassu.
Later Vyaasa divided the Vedaas into four and was
renowned as Vedavyasa. He also wrote this Mahabharata.
Later, with the Amsaas (genesis) of Devatas, Bheeshmaa and other kings in Kuru Vamsa were born. Here, King Janamejaya entertained a doubt. “O Saint Vaisampaayana, though the Kuru Kings were born with the Amsas of Devatas, why they fought with eachother for kingdom.”
Later, with the Amsaas (genesis) of Devatas, Bheeshmaa and other kings in Kuru Vamsa were born. Here, King Janamejaya entertained a doubt. “O Saint Vaisampaayana, though the Kuru Kings were born with the Amsas of Devatas, why they fought with eachother for kingdom.”
Saint VaiSampaayana continued tosay: “O King Janamejaya, Parasuraamaa, a Brahmin warrior, waged war against the Kshatriya community for 21 times and killed all Kshatriyas. The wives of all Kshatriyas remained as widows and issueless. As per the existing Dharma at that time, with the hope of begetting children, the wives
approached virtuous Brahmins and with their blessings and help, they begot male children. Again, the Kshatriya community began to flourish. All those kings were ruling the people without violating Dharma. There were timely rains, as a result, production of foodgrains was in abundance. Standard of living increased. Birth rate increased. Mortality reduced. Thus, burden of the earth increased as there was no equilibrium between births
and deaths.
The Goddess earth went to Brahma, Vishnu and
Maheswara and requested them to decrease the burden of earth. Then, with the
Amsas (genesis) of Devatas, Pandavas and other kingswere born. With the Amsas
of Asuras, Sisupaala, DuryOdhana and others were born. They fought with each
other for the sake of kingdom. About 15 Akshouhinis of army perished. The
burden of earth was decreased. Then King JanamEjaya asked Saint VaiSampaayanaa,
“O Saint, kindly tell us in detail how the Devatas and Daanavas were born on
earth: Saint VaiSampaayana continued tosay: “O King Janamejaya, the root cause
for all this creation is Lord Brahma. He got six Maanasaputras. They are
(1)Mareechi, (2) Angeerasa, (3)Atri, (4) PulastyuDu, (5)PulahuDu (6)Kratuvu.
(Kindly note that I am giving particulars only to the extent necessary and
leaving the rest.).
(1) The first Brahma Maanasa Putra was Mareechi.
The son of Mareechi was Kashyapa Prajapathi. From the right thumb of Brahma, a
man called Daksha was born, and from the left thumb, a lady called DharaNi was
born. For both of them, one thousand Great Saints were born.
Daksha got fifty daughters. Out of them, thirteen
daughters were given to Kashyapa Prajapathi. Out of those thirteen, one Diti
gave birth to HiraNya Kasipa. His son was Prahlada. Prahlada got three
sons.They are Virocana, Kumbha and Nikumbha. Of them,Virocana gave birth to
King Bali. Bali’s son was BaaNaasuraa. To a Lady called Danu, forty daanavas
ere born. Thus, the daanava community was created. To a Daanava Lady called
Simhika, Raahuvu was born. To Vinata, Anoora and Garuda were born. Anoora gave
birth to Sampaati and Jataayuvu . Kadruva gave birth to SeshuDu, Vaasuki and
other serpants.
(2) The next Brahma Maanasa putra was Angeerasa. He
gave birth to Utadhya, Bruhaspati and Samvarta. Bruhaspati became the Deva Guru
(Chief Priest of Devatas).
(3) The third Brahma Maanasa Putra was Atri. Several Great Sages and Saints were born to Atri
(4). The fourth Brahma Maanasa Putra was Poulastya. He gave birth to the entire Raakshasa Community.
(5) The fifth Brahma Maanasa Putra was Pulaha. All the Kinnaras and Kimpurushas were born to him.
(6) The entire community of birds was born to the last Brahma Maanasa Putra, called Kratuvu. The son of Danuvu is called Prajapathi. AshTa Vasuvus were born to Prajapathi. Of them, Prabhasa gave birth to Visva Karma. From the heart of Lord Brahma,
Saint Bhrugu was born. The son of Bhrugu was Kavi. Kavi’s son was Sukra. Sukra was the Guru of All Raakshasas. The son of Bhruguvu was Chyavana. Chyavana’s son was Ourva. Ourva’s son was Jamadagni. Jamadagni’s son was Prasuraama who killed the entire Kshatriya community 21 times. With the Amsas (genesis) of the above Devatas and Raakshasas, many kings were born in this universe. With the Amsa of Sri Maha Vishnu, Sri Krishna was born. With the Amsa of Aadi Seshu, Balarama, the brother of Sri Krishna, was born. With the Amsa of Goddess Lakshmi, Sri Krishna’s wife, Rukmini was born. With the Amsas of Apasarasas, all the 16,000 yaadava ladies were born. With the Amsa of a Vasu, called Prabhasa, Bhishma was
born. With the Amsa of Bruhaspati, DroNa (the famous teacher of archery of both Pandavas and Kouravas) was born. With the Amsas of Kaama and Krodha (two of the Arishadvargams viz., Kaama, Krodha, lObha, mOha, Mada, Maatsarya), Asvadhaama, was born to Drona. With Amsas of Maruttus, King ViraaTa, Saatyaki and King Drupada were born.
With the Amsas of Siddhi and Buddhi, Kunti and Maadri (wives of King Pandu) were born. With the Saapa of Saint Maandavya, Yama Dharma Raaja was born as Vidura, the brother of Dhrutaraashtra. With the Amasas of Ekaadasa Rudraas, (Eleven Rudras), Krupaacaarya was born. With the Amsa of Soorya (Sun God), KarNa was born. A gandharva called Hamsa was born as Dhrutaraashtra. A Devata called Mati was born as Gaandhaari.
(3) The third Brahma Maanasa Putra was Atri. Several Great Sages and Saints were born to Atri
(4). The fourth Brahma Maanasa Putra was Poulastya. He gave birth to the entire Raakshasa Community.
(5) The fifth Brahma Maanasa Putra was Pulaha. All the Kinnaras and Kimpurushas were born to him.
(6) The entire community of birds was born to the last Brahma Maanasa Putra, called Kratuvu. The son of Danuvu is called Prajapathi. AshTa Vasuvus were born to Prajapathi. Of them, Prabhasa gave birth to Visva Karma. From the heart of Lord Brahma,
Saint Bhrugu was born. The son of Bhrugu was Kavi. Kavi’s son was Sukra. Sukra was the Guru of All Raakshasas. The son of Bhruguvu was Chyavana. Chyavana’s son was Ourva. Ourva’s son was Jamadagni. Jamadagni’s son was Prasuraama who killed the entire Kshatriya community 21 times. With the Amsas (genesis) of the above Devatas and Raakshasas, many kings were born in this universe. With the Amsa of Sri Maha Vishnu, Sri Krishna was born. With the Amsa of Aadi Seshu, Balarama, the brother of Sri Krishna, was born. With the Amsa of Goddess Lakshmi, Sri Krishna’s wife, Rukmini was born. With the Amsas of Apasarasas, all the 16,000 yaadava ladies were born. With the Amsa of a Vasu, called Prabhasa, Bhishma was
born. With the Amsa of Bruhaspati, DroNa (the famous teacher of archery of both Pandavas and Kouravas) was born. With the Amsas of Kaama and Krodha (two of the Arishadvargams viz., Kaama, Krodha, lObha, mOha, Mada, Maatsarya), Asvadhaama, was born to Drona. With Amsas of Maruttus, King ViraaTa, Saatyaki and King Drupada were born.
With the Amsas of Siddhi and Buddhi, Kunti and Maadri (wives of King Pandu) were born. With the Saapa of Saint Maandavya, Yama Dharma Raaja was born as Vidura, the brother of Dhrutaraashtra. With the Amasas of Ekaadasa Rudraas, (Eleven Rudras), Krupaacaarya was born. With the Amsa of Soorya (Sun God), KarNa was born. A gandharva called Hamsa was born as Dhrutaraashtra. A Devata called Mati was born as Gaandhaari.
With the Amsaa of Kali, DuryOdhana was born. All
the brothers of Poulastya were born as DussaSana and other brothers. HiraNya
Kasipa was born as SiSupaala. Samhlaada, brother of Prahlaada, was born as King
Salya. One daanava called Vipracitti, was born as Jaaraasandha. One Asvapathi
was born as Krutavarma.
KalanEmi was born as King Kamsa (the maternal uncle of Sri Krishna).
KalanEmi was born as King Kamsa (the maternal uncle of Sri Krishna).
Guhyaka was born as SikhanDi (with the help of
SikhanDi, Arjuna killed Bhishma) With the Amsa of MarutGanas, King Pandu was
born. With the Amsa of Yama, Dhaarma raaja, with the amsa of Vaayu, Bhima
(second brother), with the Amsa of Indra, Arjuna (third brother), with the
Amsas of Asvinis, the remaining brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva were born.
With the Amsa of Sree, Droupadi was born. With the
Amsa of Agni (fire god) DhrushTadhyumna was born.
O king Janamejaya, now I will continue to tell the history of the Emperors of Bharata empire. Aditi was the daughter of Daksha. Aditi’s husband was Kashyapa. Their son was Vivasvantha. Vivasvanta’s son was Vaivasvata Manuvu. He created the man kind with four castes, Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Soodra.The son of Chandra was Budhaa. The son of Budha was King Puroorava. King Puroorava was a greedy king. He
snatched away the moneys of Brahmins. Lord Brahma came to know about this. He deputed Saint Sanatkumaara and other saints to go to Puroorava and find out the truth. Instead of honouring Saint Sanatkumaara and other saints, King Puroorava heckled them. Saint Sanatkumaara grew angry.
O king Janamejaya, now I will continue to tell the history of the Emperors of Bharata empire. Aditi was the daughter of Daksha. Aditi’s husband was Kashyapa. Their son was Vivasvantha. Vivasvanta’s son was Vaivasvata Manuvu. He created the man kind with four castes, Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Soodra.The son of Chandra was Budhaa. The son of Budha was King Puroorava. King Puroorava was a greedy king. He
snatched away the moneys of Brahmins. Lord Brahma came to know about this. He deputed Saint Sanatkumaara and other saints to go to Puroorava and find out the truth. Instead of honouring Saint Sanatkumaara and other saints, King Puroorava heckled them. Saint Sanatkumaara grew angry.
He cursed him and gave Saapa that he will become
mad. The wife of Puroorava was Urvasi. They have six sons. One of the six sons
was Aayusshu. Emperor Nahusha was the son of Aasshu. Nahusha’s wife was
Priyamvada. Their son was Yayaati. Yayaati married one Devayani, the daughter
of Sukraacaarya. Through Devayani, he got two sons. Yayaati also begot three
sons through SarmishTa, daughter of Raakshasa King, Vrushaparva. In view of the
Saapa of Sukraacaarya, untimely old age was thrusted on Yayaati. Yayaati called
his five sons and asked them whether any of them was ready to take his old age
and give his youth. One Poora expressed his willingness and gave his youth to
his father, Yayaati and took his old age.
Here, King JanamEjaya got a doubt. “O Saint
VaiSampaayanaa, Yayaati was a Kshatriya and also an Emperor. How he married
Devayani, a Brahmin girl. What made Sukraacaarya to give Saapa to his
son-in-law Yayaati. Saint Vaisampaayana continued to say: “O king Janamejaya,
there was a Raakshasa king called Vrushaparva. Sukraachaarrya was his Guru.
Devayaani was the daughter of Sukracaarya. SarmishTa was the daughter of
Raakshasa King Vrushaparva. Devatas Guru was Bruhaspati. Kachaa was the son of
Bruhaspati. Sukraacaarya was an expert in the Art of Mrutasanjeevani (An art by
which the dead will be revived to life). With that Art of Mrutasanjeevani,
Sukraacaarya was giving life to all the raakshasas who are dead in the war
between Devatas and Asuraas. With this, the strength of Raakshasaas was not
decreasing even though there were heavy casualities.
All the devataas went to Kachaa, son of Guru
Brahaspati. “O my derar boy Kachaa, you know that Sukraacaarya, the Raakshasa
Guru, with the help of the Art Mrutasanjeevani, was reviving life to all
Raakshasaas, who are dead in the war. With this, the strength of Raakshasas was
not decreasing. If it goes on like this, we cannot win the war against
Raakshasas. Therefore, you have to go to Sukraacaarya and learn the Art of
Mrutasanjeevani from him. But there is only one way to achieve this.
Sukraacaarya has more affection to his daughter, Devayaani. You first win her
heart and then achieve your object.”.
Kachaa agreed for this. He then went to Sukraacaarya and introduced himself as the son of Bruhaspati and wanted to be his Sishya. (student). Sukraacaarya gladly accepted him as his Sishya. But the other Raakshasaa Sishyas could not tolerate this. They were so jealous against Kachaa. They were waiting for an opportunity to put an end to Kachaa. But Kachaa did not notice it. He was serving his guru Sukraacaarya and was doing each and every work entrusted to him in no time. He was specially attending to the works of Devayaani and won her heart with his sincerety and devotion.
One day, Kachaa went to forest with the other
Sishyaas (Raakshasas) for collecting fuel. There, all the raakshasas killed
Kachaa and tied him to a tree. Then they returned to Aashramam. Though it was
late in night, Kacaa did not return to Aashramam. Devayaani was restless and
disturbed. She went to his father Sukra. “Oh my father, Kachaa went to forest
along with other Sishyaas. They all returned. Kachaa did not return. I am
afraid that some thing might have happened to him. Let us go and search for
him”. Devayani wept. Sukraa smiled and closed his eyes. He opened his
supernatural vision (divya dhrushti). He saw the dead body of Kacaa tied to a
tree. Then both Sukra and Devayaani went to that place. With the Art of
Mrutasanjeevani, he revived life to Kachaa. Devayaani felt happy. They three
returned to Aashramam.
After some days, one day, as usual, kacha along
with other sishyas went to forest for bringing flowers. Again, the raakshasas
killed Kacaa and burnt his body and reduced it into ashes. They mixed the ashes
in a pot of liquor. They gave that liquor to Sukraacaarya. Sukraacaarya
consumed that liquor and was in an intoxicated mood. Though it was late in
night, Kacha did not return to aashramam. Devayaani was very much perturbed.
She suspected that again Kacha might have been killed. She went to her father
and began to weep. Sukraa was in an intoxicated mood. He consoled his daughter,
Devayaani. “you see, my daughter, if Kacha is alive he will return. If he is
dead, he will attain “punya lOkas” why are you worrying about him”. Devayaani
grew angry. “Oh father, what are you talking? Kacha is not an ordinary man. He
is the grand son of Angeerasaa and son of Bruhaspati. When he is killed by
Raakshasaas, how can I keep quiet without weeping. I wont take food or water
unless Kacha return to Ashramam alive.” She began to weep loudly.
Sukraacaarya could not see his daughter without
food or water. He was also having some doubt that Raakshasaas might have killed
Kacaa. With the DivyadhrushTi, he looked all over the world. He could not find
the body of Kachaa. At last, he looked for himself. He found Kachaa in his
stomache in the shape of ashes and liquor. He found that raakshasas killed
Kachaa, burnt him and mixed the ashes and made him to consume the same.. He was
mentally upset. He realized himself. “Oh what a fool I am. I could not realize
how the liquor spoils a man and destroy him, both physically and mentally. He
decreed that “from today on wards, if any human being consumes liquor, it is a
great sin. He will become a great sinner. He will go to Narakaa (hell)”.
(In the present days also, many families are ruined
by consumption of liquor. Many crimes are organized and commissioned under the
influence of liquor. Still, the Governments are encouraging consumption of
liquor for the sake of excise duty they get on liquor. They are earning money
at the cost of the lives of poor and middle class people. The Governments are
not having that much of wisdom and realization which Sukraachaarya had
thousands of years back. It is our fate. ). Sukraacaarya, immediately, with the
art of
Mrutasanjeevani, gave life to Kacaa. Kachaa was alive. He spoke from the stomache of Sukraachaarya. “O mahaatmaa, by the grace of God and with your kindness, I am revived and alive. But I am in your stomach. How can I come out? Please tell me” he asked.
Sukraacaarya was in dilemmaa. If Kachaa comes out tearing his stomach, he will die. Without tearing the stomach kachaa cannot come out. Hence his death is certain. Unless Kachaa knows mrutasanjeevani, Kachaa cannot revive his life. He told to Kachaa, “O kachaa, I am teaching you the art of Mrutasanjeevani. After you come out of my stomach, with this Art of Mrutasanjeevani, you revive me to life.”. So saying, Sukraacaarya taught Kachaa the art of Mrutasanjeevani. Then Kachaa came out by breaking the stomach of his Guru Sukraacaarya. Sukraacaarya fell dead.
Mrutasanjeevani, gave life to Kacaa. Kachaa was alive. He spoke from the stomache of Sukraachaarya. “O mahaatmaa, by the grace of God and with your kindness, I am revived and alive. But I am in your stomach. How can I come out? Please tell me” he asked.
Sukraacaarya was in dilemmaa. If Kachaa comes out tearing his stomach, he will die. Without tearing the stomach kachaa cannot come out. Hence his death is certain. Unless Kachaa knows mrutasanjeevani, Kachaa cannot revive his life. He told to Kachaa, “O kachaa, I am teaching you the art of Mrutasanjeevani. After you come out of my stomach, with this Art of Mrutasanjeevani, you revive me to life.”. So saying, Sukraacaarya taught Kachaa the art of Mrutasanjeevani. Then Kachaa came out by breaking the stomach of his Guru Sukraacaarya. Sukraacaarya fell dead.
Then Kachaa with the help of Mrutasanjeevani,
revived him to life. Thus, Kachaa got the Art of Mrutasanjeevani. His mission
is accomplished. After some days, Kachaa decided to go back to DevalOkaa. He
sought the permission of Sukraacaarya. Sukraacaarya agreed for it. Then he went
to Devayaani and also sought her permission. Devayaani looked at Kachaa with
great passion and love. She wept. She did not agree for his departure. “O my
dear friend, Kachaa, I am unmarried. You are unmarried. I fell in love with
you. I want you. I cannot live without you. As you received Mrutasanjeevani
from my father, you also receive his daughter also . Let us marry together”.
Said Devayaani.
Kachaa did not agree for this proposal.
“Devayaanee, your father is my Guru (teacher). He is equal to my father. When
your father is my father, you are like my sister. This is the Dharma. I cannot
marry you. It is not proper on your part to think like that”. replied Kachaa.
Devayaani grew angry. “If that is so, the Art of Mrutasanjeevani will not work
out to you. This is my Saapaa (curse)”. Kachaa smiled at her. “Oh Devayani, if
it does not work out for me, I will teach it to some others. It will work out
for them. But, I also give a Saapaa to you. As you fell in love with me against
the traditions and dharma, you will marry a non-brahmin.” Then Kachaa went to
DevalOkaa.
(Here we have to realize one thing. Now a days,
school going and college going students are falling in love with their teachers
and lecturers. It has become a fashion. Some pictures are also produced on
these subjects. We know the saying “Maatru dEvObhava. Pitru dEvObhava. Aacaarya
dEvObhava” means, after father, teacher is equal to father. Can any boy or girl
fell in love with their teachers who are equivalent to their parents? Is it not
a sin or wrong? The present youth does not know about this. There are none to
tell them that it is wrong. But it was there in Mahaabhaarata thousands of
years back. It is high time for the teachers and students to know about this
Dharma. Students are going to schools or colleges only for learning not for
falling in love”).
One day, Sarmishta, daughter of the Raakshasa King
Vrushparva, accompanied by Devayaani, daughter of Sukraacaarya and her one
thousand maid servants of her age, went to a nearby forest for excursion.
There, they found a small lake. They all removed their clothes, kept them at
the foot of a tree near the lake and all of them entered the lake. After
swimming and playing with each other for sometime, they came out of the lake.
By that time, due the whirl wind, the clothes kept outside the lake were mixed
up.
They did not notice this. By mistake, the clothes
of Devayaani were taken by Sarmishta and she wore them. But Devayaani refused
to wear the used clothes of Sharmishta. Sharmishta said “Being the daughter of
a King, when I wore your clothes, why you are not wearing my clothes?”
Devayaani replied with arrogance “My father is Sukraacaarya, your father’s
guru. I am a Brahmin girl, greater than you. How can I wear your soiled
clothes?” SharmishTa grew angry. “After all, your father is a priest, daily
coming to my father and taking alms from him. You are the daughter of that
petty purohit. Why are you so arrogant? I will see.” So saying, SharmishTa,
with the help of othe rmaids, threw Devayani in a well. Then SharmishTa along
with her
maids went back to her home.
maids went back to her home.
At that time, it so happened, King Yayaati who came
to that forest for hunting, came near that well for water. He saw Devayaani,
weeping, inside the well. He gave his hand to her . Devayaani took his hand.
Yayaati pulled her out. Yayaati asked her “O young lady, why are you weeping
inside the well?”. She replied “My name is Devayaani. I am the daughter of
Raakshasa Guru Sukraacaarya. By mistake I fell into the well. I am very
thankful to you for pulling me out of the well.” Then King Yayaati went back to
his capital.
One Ghoornika, the servant maid of Devayaani, while
searching for her, came there. Devayaani told Ghoornika “You go to my father
and tell him that SharmishTa insulted me pushed me into the well. I cannot
tolerate it. I wont step into the capital of Vrushaparva. I will remain here.”
Ghoornika went to Sukraacaarya and told him what had happened. Sukraacaarya
immediately came to his daughter. “Oh Devayaani, my lovely daughter, don’t be
angry my child. Anger is not good for us. When compared to persons who made
Great Yagnas and Yagaas, a person without anger is much better. Even if others
insulted us, and were angry with us, we should not mind it. We have to forgive
them and continue friendship with them. Forgiveness is the great dharma.
Therefore, anger is not fit for wise people. After all, Sharmishta is younger
than you. Don’t be angry with her.
Forgive her. Come on. Let us go to our home”. Sukraacarya consoled her.
Forgive her. Come on. Let us go to our home”. Sukraacarya consoled her.
(Here, Sukraacaarya said that anger does not fit
for good people. The person without anger is greatest of all. Saint Sameeka
also told to his son Srungi that anger is the root cause for all the evils.
Similarly, in Bhagavadgita also Lord Krishna said “KrOdaadbhavati sammOhaha
sammOhaat smruti vibhramaha smrutibhramsaat buddhi naaSO, buddhi naaSaat
praNasyathi.” From anger arises infactuaation, from infactuation confusion of
memory; from confusion of memory, loss of reason; and from loss of reason one
goes to complete ruin. Even in yesteryears, Saint Thyagaraja also said “without
peace there is no happiness.” [saantamu lEka soukhyamu
lEdu(telugu)]. Therefore, we should not develop anger and live in peace and be happy. Let all of us teach the same to our children and youth.)
lEdu(telugu)]. Therefore, we should not develop anger and live in peace and be happy. Let all of us teach the same to our children and youth.)
Devayaani foolishly did not pay heed to the words
of her father. She did not agree to go back to her home. “Oh father, I cannot
live where I am insulted. I will go somewhere else” she replied. “Oh daughter,
you are my life. Without you, I cannot live in the capital. Let us go anywhere
you like.” Said Sukraacarya. In the meanwhile, Vrushaparva came to know of all
these things through his secret agents. Immediately he rushed to the spot where
Sukraacaarya and Devayaani were staying. He prostrated before Sukraacaarya. “Oh
Guru Devaa, Sukraacaarya, please forgive me for the insult. Without you and
your kindness, the Raakshasa community cannot prosper. Without you, We would
have been perished long back. Thereore, my kingdom, my riches, my army, are
yours. Everything is yours. Please order me what I have to do”. So saying
Vrushaparva stood before Sukraacaarya with folded hands.
Sukraacaarya looked at his daughter, DEvayaani. “Oking Vrushaparva, your daugher Sharmishta and her one thousand servant maids shall be my servants from today onwards.” Said DEvayaani .
Vrushaparva gladly agreed for that. From that moment onwards, Sharmishta and her one thousand servant maids became the servant maids of Devayaani and they were serving Devayaani with devotion. One day, Devayaani,along with her servant maids, SharmishTa and other one thousand, went to the same forest for playing. King Yayaati also came to the same forest at the same time. He has seen Devayaani and other ladies.
“I have seen you earlier. Who are all these girls?” said Yayaati. “Oh king Yayaati, you know who am I. I am Devayaani, daughter of Sukraacaarya. She is Sharmishta, daughter of Raakshasa King Vrushaparva. She along with other 1000 girls are myservant maids. They are all serving me always.” Said Devayaani.
Sukraacaarya looked at his daughter, DEvayaani. “Oking Vrushaparva, your daugher Sharmishta and her one thousand servant maids shall be my servants from today onwards.” Said DEvayaani .
Vrushaparva gladly agreed for that. From that moment onwards, Sharmishta and her one thousand servant maids became the servant maids of Devayaani and they were serving Devayaani with devotion. One day, Devayaani,along with her servant maids, SharmishTa and other one thousand, went to the same forest for playing. King Yayaati also came to the same forest at the same time. He has seen Devayaani and other ladies.
“I have seen you earlier. Who are all these girls?” said Yayaati. “Oh king Yayaati, you know who am I. I am Devayaani, daughter of Sukraacaarya. She is Sharmishta, daughter of Raakshasa King Vrushaparva. She along with other 1000 girls are myservant maids. They are all serving me always.” Said Devayaani.
Devayaani continued to say: “King Yayaati, while I
fell in the well last time, you have extended your hand to me and I caught your
hand and came up. The main ritual for marriage is Paanigrahanam (catching
hand). It is over. As I have already caught your hand, I cannot marry others.
Therefore, you have to marry me. If you marry me, myself, Sharmishta and other
1000 maids will serve you with great devotion.”
But Yayaati did not agree for this proposal. “Devayaani, I am a Kshatriya. You are a Brahmin girl. Kshatriyas cannot marry Brahmin girls. It is against Dharma. Being a king, if I do adharma, what about the others. They
also violate dharma. Thefore, I cannot marry you.” Yayaati replied. Devayaani has got a ready reply with her. “O king Yayaati, my father, Sukraacaarya, is an enlightened saint. He is the Raakshasa guru. He is person who decides what is dharma and what is adharma. If he says that our marriage is according to Dharma, will you agree?” She put a straight question. Yayaati has no reply. He said “If Sukraacaarya says it is dharma, I will agree”. Immediately, Devayaani sent word to his father. Sukraacaarya came to that spot.
But Yayaati did not agree for this proposal. “Devayaani, I am a Kshatriya. You are a Brahmin girl. Kshatriyas cannot marry Brahmin girls. It is against Dharma. Being a king, if I do adharma, what about the others. They
also violate dharma. Thefore, I cannot marry you.” Yayaati replied. Devayaani has got a ready reply with her. “O king Yayaati, my father, Sukraacaarya, is an enlightened saint. He is the Raakshasa guru. He is person who decides what is dharma and what is adharma. If he says that our marriage is according to Dharma, will you agree?” She put a straight question. Yayaati has no reply. He said “If Sukraacaarya says it is dharma, I will agree”. Immediately, Devayaani sent word to his father. Sukraacaarya came to that spot.
“Oh My father, I fell in love with this King Yayaati. He also caught my hand. When Paanigrahanam was over, Is it proper for me to marry another person? Therefore, King Yayaati is my husband. Now, he is saying that kshatriya marrying Brahmin girl is adharma. You have to bless us by deciding that our marriage is not against any dharma”.said Devayaani with strong tone. He understood the situation. His affection towards his daughter made him to say “Your marriage with King Yayaati is according to Dharma.” Then King Yayaati gladly agreed to marry Devayaani. The marriage was performed between them. King Yayaati was about to go to his capital.
Whie giving farewell, Sukraacaarya told King Yayaati “She is Sharmishta, the servant maid of Devayaani. .
These are other one thousand maids. You can treat all these maids including Sharmishta equally by giving food, clothes and other luxuries. But don’t share bed with Sharmishta only.”
King Yayaati agreed for it. King Yayaati, along
with his wife Devayaani, her servant maids, Sharmishta and 1000 maids, went to
his capital. Devayaani was kept in his palace. Sharmishta, and other maids were
kept in a separate palace. He is enjoying all sensual pleasures with Devayaani.
As a result, Devayaani begot two sons, called Yadu and Turvasa. With the
amicable husband and two lovely sons, Devayaani was leading a happy
marital life.
marital life.
One day, Sharmishta was sitting alone and thinking
about her life.: “I was born as a Princess. I must enjoy all pleasures fit for
princess. But I am leading the life of servant maid. My youth is being wasted.
Why should I not enjoy heavenly pleasures with my husband like Devayaani? How
fortunate devayaani is? She is enjoying all pleasures with her husband and
begot children also. In the life of a woman, the most fortunate event is
getting a good husband and lovely children. It is the ultimate goal. But that
fortune is far away from me. My mind also is attached to King Yayaati. Yayaati
is also looking after me affectionately and treating me with great love and
passion. How Devayaani got King Yayaati, I also try and get Yayaati into my
fold. I will make Yayaati as my husband and I will beget children through him.”
Her waves of thoughts have taken a shape. She
decided to beget children through King Yayaati. She was waiting for an
opportunity. One day King Yayaati came near the place where Sharmishta was
staying. Sharmishta saw Yayaati. She approached him and bowed before him. “O
King yayaati can I pray you one thing” she requested. Yayaati smiled and nodded
his head. “O King Yayaati, you are the husband of my mistress, Devayaani. As
per the prevailing dharma, being the servant maid of Devayaani, I am also
equivalent to your wife. Hence you are my husband. Wife, servant maid and
children are unbreakable attachments in this world. Devayaani is your wife.
Being her servant maid, I am also your wife. Kindly share bed with me and bless
me with children”. Said SharmishTa.
Yayaati thinking for a while replied “Sharmishta,
what you say is correct and it is the Dharma prevailing now. You are equivalent
to my wife. There is no doubt about it. But Sukraacaarya, refrained me from
sharing bed with you. What can I do? I cannot violate his words.” Sharmishta
smiled “O king Yayaati, whenever great harm is caused to the life of anyone,
whenever anybody’s moneys are being snatched, at the time of saving a Brahmin
from death, in case of sharing bed and enjoying with ladies, at the time of
marriages, speaking falsehood is not prohibited. It is not wrong. Therefore,
even if you share bed with me and bless me with children, in violation of the
words of Sukraacaarya, it is not opposed to any principles of prevailing
dharma. Ofcourse, being a Wise King you also know about this.” replied
Sharmishta.
Yayaati was very much pleased with the enlightened
and wise words spoken to by Sharmishta. He shared bed with SharmishTa.
Sharmishta became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Devayaani came to know that
Sharmishta gave birth to a son. She immediately came to Sharmishta.
“Sharmishtaa, you are a virtuous lady. You are unmarried. Then how you begot a
son without husband?” said Devayani. Sharmishta decided to tell another
falsehood “Devayaani, a great saint blessed me with a son”. Devayaani believed
her words and went away.
Later, Sharmishta continued to share bed with King
Yayaati and gave birth to two more children, in all three sons. . They are
Dhruhvu, anu, Pooru. One day, these three sons of SharmishTa throughYayaati
were playing in the garden. Devayaani along with her husband, Yayaati came
there. She saw the three children playing there. Devayaani asked the children
“Whoare you? Who are your parents?” The children showed Yayaati and SharmishTa
as their parents. Devayaani realized what had happened. She was in deep sorrow.
She could understand that her husband, Yayaati, cheated her and her father.
Immediately, she went to her father,Sukraacaarya and told him what had
happened. Yayati also followed her and bowed before him with folded hands. On
seeing Yayaati, Sukraacaarya’s anger broke all barriers.
“O Yayaati, on account of your youth, pride and
arrogance, you deceived me and my daughter. You have violated the word given to
me at the time of marriage. You will , therefore, suffer with untimely oldage”
Sukraacaarya gave Saapa toYayaati. Yayaati with folded hands and with great
humility told to Sukraacaarya “O great Guru, Sukraacaarya, I am the husband of
your daughter, Devayaani. Equally,I am also the husband of the servant maid of
Devayaani. When any matured lady prays for sharing bed to beget children, if I
refused to do so, does it not amount to violation of Dharma? Therefore, I
shared bed with Sharmishta and blessed her with children. For no fault of mine,
you are showering curses on me with anger. I am still in youth. My desire to
enjoy the wordly pleasures is not yet extinguished. I want to enjoy the sensual
pleasures with my wife Devayaani for some more time. I cannot bear this
untimely oldage. Please show me the wayout”Yayaati prayed Sukraacaarya.
Sukraacaarya thought for a while. “If any one of
your sons gives his youth to you and take your old age, you can enjoy the
sensual pleasures as you like and you can give back your youth to your son and
take back your oldage. But the son who gives you his youth, will be the future
Emperor of your Kingdom. With him only your Vamsa (geneology) will be
continued.” So saying, Sukraacaarya went away. Then Yayaati called his five
sons. “Oh my dear sons, as per the word of Sukraacaarya, if any one of you
takes my old age and give his youth, I will enjoy the sensual pleasures for
some more time and I will give back your youth again. He alone will succeed to
all my wealth, and kingdom.”said Yayaati. Yadu, Druhvu and Turvasu, and Anu did
not agree for this proposal. “Oh father, old age will occur due to efflux of
time. No body can avoid it or avert it. Every human being shall have to pass
that stage. In life. Wantonly nobody invites untimely old age from others.
Besides that, if a man is suffering with old age, no woman will care to see his
face, even if he is rich and wealthy. One cannot enjoy the sexual pleasures if
he suffers with old age. Therefore, we cannot receive your old age in lieu of
our youth.” Replied Yadu and others.
Yayaati grew angry. He could not tolerate this
arrogance and indifference of his sons. Her cursed them: “Yadu, you will be
unfit to rule the kingdom. Turva, you will become the king for savage tribes
who do not know the difference between dharma and adharma. Druhvu, you will
become the king of a kingdom surrounded by water. Anu, you and your people will
die while in youth.”. The fifth son Pooru came before his father. “O father,
I am here don’t worry. I will take your old age and give my youth to you.”said Puru. Yayaati was very happy. Pooru gave his youth to his father, Yayaati and received his old age. Yayaati became a youthful man with new vigour and passion. He enjoyed sensual pleasures with his wife for a period of one thousand years. He was very much satisfied. He gave back his youth to his son Pooru and received back his oldage. As per the word of Sukraacarya, Yayaati installed his son Pooru on his throne as his successor. Puru became the emperor of his kingdom. But the citizens of the kingdom could not relish this.
I am here don’t worry. I will take your old age and give my youth to you.”said Puru. Yayaati was very happy. Pooru gave his youth to his father, Yayaati and received his old age. Yayaati became a youthful man with new vigour and passion. He enjoyed sensual pleasures with his wife for a period of one thousand years. He was very much satisfied. He gave back his youth to his son Pooru and received back his oldage. As per the word of Sukraacarya, Yayaati installed his son Pooru on his throne as his successor. Puru became the emperor of his kingdom. But the citizens of the kingdom could not relish this.
All of them approached King Yayaati and said “O
KingYayaati, Is it just and proper to make the last son as the Emperor of this
kingdom? How a son of a servant maid (Sharmishta) will become the successor of
this throne.” Yayaati gave a fitting reply to all those who objected for the
caronation of his last son Puru. “Oh citizens of my country, you are right.
Yadu is my eldest son. But he did not heed my words. He acted with Pride and
hypocricy. A son who will not pay heed to the words of his father, how can he
succeed to the properties and wealth of his father. Puru, though last and
young, he was obedient. He obeyed my words. He got utmost faith and respect on
me. He discharged his duty as a dutiful son. Therefore, I decided that Puru
alone should succeed to my throne.”
(Now a days, old age homes are coming up rapidly.
Neglected parents’ number is increasing day by day. The children who are
growing up and getting education with the hard-earned money of parents, who are
flying away to foreign countries with the efforts of their parents, who are
snatching away the entire properties of parents and throwing them away into
streets, must read the words of Yayaati and realize themselves. How can a son,
who does not obey the words of parents and who does not have respect to their
parents, will inherit to the properties of their parents? This is the straight
question put by Yayaati. If the sons of the present day neglected- parents put
the same question to themselves, and if they care for their parents, we can see
some light glow in the eyes of the neglected—parents. ”
Then, Yayaati went to forests for penance. He did
Tapassu for one thousand years. An aeroplane came from DevalOka. In that
Yayaati went to Brahmaloka and stayed there for some Kalpaas.Then Yayaati went
to IndralOka. Indra welcomed him with pleasure and honoured him. Indra asked
Yayaati “Oh Yayaati, when your son received your Old age and assumed the
throne, what morals you taught to your son?”
“O Mahendra, I told my son to make friendship only with good people and keep friendly relations with virtuous people only. One should not receive any thing from others free of cost. King has to satisfy all the subjects and make them happy always. One should not forget to tell the truth. Always be kind towards others. Anger, pride and greediness should not be allowed to come near him.”said Yayaati. With these words Indra felt very happy. But he wanted to test Yayaati.
“O kingYayaati, you have done great penance for thousand years which is not equivalent to any penance done by any great soul or Great saint sofar.” Said Indra. With these words, Yayaati became bit proud. “Yes. Indra you are right. When compared to all the penance done by great sages and saints, or great men, mine is greatest. They are no match to me and the penance done by me.” said Yayaati with great pride.
“O Mahendra, I told my son to make friendship only with good people and keep friendly relations with virtuous people only. One should not receive any thing from others free of cost. King has to satisfy all the subjects and make them happy always. One should not forget to tell the truth. Always be kind towards others. Anger, pride and greediness should not be allowed to come near him.”said Yayaati. With these words Indra felt very happy. But he wanted to test Yayaati.
“O kingYayaati, you have done great penance for thousand years which is not equivalent to any penance done by any great soul or Great saint sofar.” Said Indra. With these words, Yayaati became bit proud. “Yes. Indra you are right. When compared to all the penance done by great sages and saints, or great men, mine is greatest. They are no match to me and the penance done by me.” said Yayaati with great pride.
Then Indra smiled at Yayaati “O Yayaati, still you
are so proud. Your entire Punya is completed. You are not fit to remain in
IndrlOka any longer. You have to go to MaanavalOka.” Mahendera ordered. “O
Mhendra. I cannot agin go back to MaanavalOka. If possible, I will go to
Nakshatra lOka. Please send me to Nakshatra lOka” requested Yayaati. Indra
accepted his request and sent him to Nakshatra Loka. Yayaati went to
NakshtralOka. There, Yayaati’s grand children (daughters’sons) called AshTaka
and others were staying. They met Yayaati. Ashtaka and others asked Yayaati
“Who are you? Why have you come over here?”. “My name is Yayaati. I am the son
of Nahusha. As a result of penance done by me, I visited Brahma lOka and Deva
lOka. Now I have come to Nakshatra lOka.” Said Yayaati.
Then Ashtaka identified him as their grand father
(mother’s father). They wanted to know about the secrets of birth of human
beings from Yayaati. Yayaati told them about the birth: “You should always be
kind enough to the followmen. Always tell the truth. Hurting others and others
feelings is Adharmaa.” Yayaati continued to say: “At the time of menstrual
cycle, Rajassu comes out of Female organ. It mixes with the Retassu(semen)
which comes out of male organ. It will become “Pinda” That “Pinda” with the
help of Tanmaatras (viz., sabdha, sparsha, roopa, rasa, gandha) takes a shape.
After nine months, the child comes out of the womb. After birth, it sees with
eyes, hears with ears, talks with mouth and smells with nose and takes food
with mouth, and will do good and bad deeds.
If it does good deeds, it will get Punya and attain
Moksha. If it does bad deeds, it acquires Paapa(sin)it will be taking birth by
birth till the Paapa is completed. If the Punya is more, he will get rebirth in
a holy place. If the Paapa is more, it will get rebirth like animals or birds.
If any one worships elders and gurus, gives to others what he has without
taking anything from others, does good deeds like Yaagaas and Yajnaas, they
acquire Punya.
One should not do anything with Pride, Passion or
with a view to get praise from others.” Yayaati told them. Then Ashtakaa and
others asked King Yayaati “O king, we are staying here since a long time.
Whether we have to stay here or we will get Punya lOkas (upper lOkas). Yayaati
replied “You will certainly get PunyalOkaas” As Ashtakaa and others did much
Punya, they attained Punya lOkaas. As Yayaati got intimacy with Ashtaka
[Mahaabhaarataa]
Aaadi Parva,
Truteeyaasvaasaa
(Third Chapter)
[completed].
Aaadi Parva,
Truteeyaasvaasaa
(Third Chapter)
[completed].
AADIPARVAMU
CHATURDHAASVAASAMU (FOURTH CHAPTER.) The story-teller UgraSravasu continued to tell the story to Saint Sounaka and other saints. King Yayaati nstalled his son Pooru on the throne and performed the coronation ceremony. Pooru was ruling the people to heir utmost satisfaction. Pooru’s son was JanamEjaya. JanamEjaya’s son was Praachinvanta. Praacinvanta’s on was Samyaathi. Samyaathi’s son was Ahamyaathi. Ahamyaathi’s son was Saarvabhouma. arvabhouma’s son was JayathsEna. JayatsEnaa’s son was Avaachina. Avaachina’s son was Ariha.
Ariha’s son asMahabhouma.Mahaabhouma’s son was
Yuthaaneeka. Yuthaaneeka’s son was AkrOdhana.AkrOdhana’sson was DEvaathidhi.
DEvaathidhi’s son was Rucheeka. Rucheekaa’s son wasRukshu. Rukshu’s son was
Mathinaara.
The said Matinaaraa performed Satrayaaga for a
period of twelve years on the banks of River Sarasvathi. River Sarasvathi
fell in love with Ruceeka and married him.Thrasa was born to both of them.
Thrasa’s son was Ilina. Ilinaa’s son was King Dushyanta. Since his childhood
Dushyanta was of mighty personality. He used to wander in the forests, catch
lions and tigersandwas playing with them.
After he came to throne, he ruled the people with
utmost dharma and thepeople were living peacefully. One day, King Dushyanta
went to forest for hunting. He saw one Aashram where the sages and saints
were performing penance. It was Kanvaasramam. Saint Kanva alongwithhis
sishyas was living in that aashram. In that Ashram, the born enemies like
lions and elepahants,tigers and deers, were living happily forgetting their
enemity. They dine and sleep together.Dushyanta felt happy on seeing that
peaceful atmosphere.
He told his ministers and soldiers “I will goto
Kanvaasramam and take his blessings. You wait here”. So sayng he went to
kanvaaSramam by walk.Near that aashrmam, he saw one beautiful girl. Her name
was Sakuntala. Sakuntala also saw the handsome and manly guy Dushyanta.
Sakuntala invited Dushyanta to the aashramam. She honoured him with Arghyam
and paadyam.
“My name is Dushyanta. I am the King of this
empire. I have come forhunting. I came here to have the Darshan of Saint
Kanva.” Said Dushyanta. “Saint Kanva just went toforest for fetching fruits
and flowers. He will come withinn a short time. Kindly wait” Sakuntala
requestedDushyanta. “Who are you? Who are your parents? Why are you staying
here?” asked Dushyanta.
“I am the daughter of saint Kanva.” replied
Sakuntala. Dushyanta was in doubt. He was told that Saint Kanva was a life
long bachelor. How he got a daughter? Anyhow, he wanted to clear his
doubt.“Sakuntalaa, I know that Saint Kanva was a bachelor. How you happened
to be his daughter? askedDushyanta. “O king Dushyanta! I also do not know
about it. Once, saint Kanva was telling to another saint about my birth, I
overheard it. I will narrate the same to you.
Once, Raajarshi Visvaamitra was performing great
Tapassu. (Raajarshi means one who was originally a kshatriya king later
transformedintoa saint). Indra was frightened about his tapassu. He wanted to
break that Tapassu. He calledimmediately one Apsara (divine beauty) called
Menaka. “Menaka! Saint Visvaamitra is doing greatTapassu. You have to lure
him and seduce him and make him to fall in love with you and disturb
hisTapassu”. said Devendra. Menaka shivered on hearing this. “O DevEndraa!
Everybody including you willbe frightened even to go before him. But you are
asking me to break his Tapassu. Is it proper for you?Anyhow, I will try my
level best to disturb his Tapassu”.
So saying, Menaka, along with her beautiful
maids, went to the place where Visvaamitra was doing tapassu. She saw
Visvamitra, in deepmeditation. She bowed before him. She began to wander
before him as if she was picking the flowers.Visvaamitra saw her and her
beautiful body. She smiled. Visvamitra fell in the trap. His mind wasshaking.
He could not contrl. He wound up his tapassu. He went behind Menaka. They
enjoyed sexual pleasures happily.
As a result, Menaka gave birth to a female child.
The mission was over. Menaka went back to Devaloka. Visvaamitra went back to
a lonely place for continuing hisTapassu. The newborn child was lying on the
sand bed near the banks of the river. The birds flying there stretched
theirwings and made some shade for the child and protected the child from the
sunlight. At that time, Saint Kanva who was going to the river along with
Sishyas, for bathing, saw the child and brought her to theAshramam.
As the child was found proected by “sakuntas”
(birds), the child was named as “Sakuntala”. I am the same Sakuntala. I was
brought up in this ashramam as the daughter of Saint Kanva. Since
mychildhood, I was treating Saint Kanva as my beloved father. In that way, I
am the daughter of SaintKanva” Sakuntala replied to Dushyanta. Soon after he
heard that Sakuntala was the daughter ofVisvamitra, a daughter of a
Kshatriya,
Dushyanta fell in love with her. “O beautiful
lady! Sakuntala! you area stunning beauty. You are so smart. You are not
suppose to live in this Aashram, wearing this kind ofcoarse clothes. You have
to live in beautiful a palace fit for kings and emperors. I fell in love with
you. I will marry you in the manner of Gaandharva, which is fit for
Kshatriyas”. Said Dushyanta. (Marriages are ofeight kinds: (1) Brahma,
(2)Daiva (3)Aarsha (4)Gaandharva (5)Aasura (6)Raakhasa
(7)Praajaapatya(8)Paisaacika).
“O King Dushyant! my father, Kanva is not in
Aashramam. Soon after hecomes, you propose the same to him. He will make
“kanyaa daana”. Then you can take me” replied Sakuntala. “O Sakuntala! my
love! for Gandharva, there is no need to take the permission of elders.There
is no need to perform the rituals like Kanyaadaana etc. The marriage which
will be performedsecretely will be called Gaandharva. Therefore, we can marry
now” Dushyanta pressurized andmade her to accept his offer.
But, Sakuntala put a condition for the marriage.
“If I marry you, the son who will be born to both of us will be the future
king of this vast universe. Then only I will agree for thismarriage”
Sakuntala replied. Dushyantaa gladly agreed for the same. King Dushyantaa
married Sakuntalain Gaandharva type marriage. They both enjoyed sexual
pleasures as man and wife. Then Dushyantatold her “Sakuntala, my ministers
are waiting for me. I have to go. Soon after I go to my capital, I will send
my ministers and purohits to your father, Kanva, to bring you to my capital
with due honours fit for the Queen of an Emperor.”
So saying, Dushyanta went away. Sakuntala was
frightened. If her father, Kanva, knows about this, he may curse her. After
some time, Saint Kanva returned toAashramam. He found some difference in the
behaviour of Sakuntala. He sat in meditation. He found everything with his
divine vision. “Sakuntalaa, come near my child. Don’t be afraid. Gaandhrva is
an acceptable marriage ritual. You selected a fit person to be your husband.
You are now pregnant. The son to be born to both of you will be the future
Emperor of this Universe and will be the “Vamsa Karta”.Long Live Sakuntala”
Saint Kanva blessed Sakuntala. Sakuntala was very happy. “Sakuntala, choose
some thing which you like. I will give you” Saint Kanva showered parental
affection on her. “Oh my beloved father! please bless me that my mind should
always be attached to Dharma and bless my son with longlife, good health,
wealth, energy and eternal fame.” Saint Kanva blessed her as per her wish.
Later a son was born to her. His name was Bharat.
(In his name only now our Country is now called “Bharat”). Like his father,
he was a mighty personality. He also used to catch wild animals like lions,
tigers, elephants and ride on them. As he wastaming all wild animals, the
saints in the aashram called him as “sarva damana”.
One day, Saint Kanva came near Sakuntala and told
her “See my child Sakuntala, after marriage, the daughter shall not remain in
the parental house for a long time. Her abode is her in-laws house. It is
dharma. Hence, you have to join your husband.” So saying, he sent Sakuntala
to Dushyanta. Some of the saints also followed her.
All of them went to Dushyanta. She, along with
her son Bharata, entered the Royal Court whereDushyanta, his ministers, his
courtiers and other dignatories assembled. Dushyanta did not recognize her.
The love, affection, showered on her at the time of gaandharva type marriage
did not appear in his face. He pretended as if he did not see them at all .
On observing the attitude of Dushyanta, Sakuntala entertained several doubts.
“Whether Dushyanta really does not recognize her or is he pretending like
that? If so, what is the reson?
Whether, he forgets her in view of his day to day
politicalactivities or whether he is pretending as if he does not know them.
Or whether he forgets that he married her in Gandharva type. If any one
really forgets, he can be reminded about it but if he pretends as if he does
not know anything, even Brahma cannot remind him about what had happened.
Having come al lthe way from KanvaaSramam to Hastinaapuraa, it is not proper
to go back with empty hands. I will tell him,remind him, about the marriage
and I will show Bharata to him and tell him that he is his son born out of
the wedlock.” She decided to tackle the situation bravely.
She stood before the Emperor Dushyanta with her
son before her. She raised her voice “O Emperor Dushyanta, on that day, you
came to the forest for hunting. To see my father, Kanva, you came to our
Ashram. You saw me. You loved me. You promised that you will make our son as
future Emperor. You married me in Gandharva type marriage.You enjoyed me. You
made me pregnant. Here is our son, Bharata.”
Sakuntala showed Bharata toDushyanta. Dushyantaa
heard what all she said. He knows every thing. But he pretended as if he does
notknow anything. “I do not know who you are.I have not seen you previously.
You go away to the place from where you have come” Dushyanta replied.
Sakuntala was in deep sorrow. Tears were flowing
out of her eyes. “O Emperor Dushyanta, you know everything. Why are you
pretending like this? Can you tell lies because there were no witnesses for
our marriage? Is it just and proper for you? There may be no witnesses
physically for our marriage. But, the Sun, the Moon, Pancha bhootaas, our
conscious, Yama and day and night are always watching all of us. Who ever
deserts his wife will be deprived of all the pleasures either on earth or in
heaven. To beget male children, wife is a must. Either to attain Dharma,
Ardha,kaama and Moksha, or to enjoy pleasures either on earth or heaven, wife
is a must.
One who respectshis wife and children does not
feel any hardship. Besides that, wife occupies half of a man. If wife
predeceases husband, she will wait for him in heaven. If husband predeceases
wife, she accompanies herhusband to heaven by observing”sati”. Such a wife
cannot be deserted or humiliated. Man enters the bodyof his wife and takes
birth as her son. Hence, wife identifies her husband in her son. Even father
also feels happy on seeing his son who is a replica of himself. Son uplifts
his parents from Punnaama Naraka (ahell where issueless remains).
As one light is lighting another light, your son
is born from your body. Here is your son. You accept him as your son. Have
you forgotten the word given to me at the time of our marriage? Is it just
and proper on your part to reject your son? There is no other virtuous deed
in thisworld except telling truth. Telling truth is equivalent to performing
thousand Asvamedha Yaagaas. I am the daughter of Menaka and Visvamitra. I
will never tell falsehood. Kindly remember what you told me in KanvaaSram and
accept me and our son.”
So saying Sakuntala stood before Dushyantaa with
foldedhands.Still, Dushyanta did not accept her plea. “I am a King and
Emperor. You are after all an ordinary woman living in an Aashram. You have
proved the saying that “ladies generally tell lies”. You are telling that
this mighty body is my son. I cannot accept such lies. Please go back to your
Aashram.”
So saying,Dushyanta once again rejected
Sakuntala. “O king Dushyanta, this kind of rejection and desertion is not new
to me. Soon I was born, my parents deserted me. Now me and my son are
rejected by you. More than this, nothing will happen. God only will save me
and my son”. Sakuntala turned back along with her son and was about to leave
that place.
At this juncture, a divine voice was heardfrom
heaven: “O King Dushyanta, What all Sakuntala said is true. Sakuntala is your
wife. This boy Bharata was born to you and Sakuntala. Accept them as your
wife and son”. Dushyanta rose to his feet and addressed his ministers and
othercourtiers. “On that day, when I went to forest for hunting, I saw
Sakuntala in Kanvaasram and I married her in Ghardharva method. That was
known to me and Sakuntala alone, as there were none present at that time.
Now, if I say that Sakuntala is my wife, nobody will accept it. Hence I
pretended as if I do not know them. Now the divine voice made all of you know
that Sakuntala is my wife and Bharata is my son. Now I gladly accept them as
my wife and son”
Dushyanta walked down to Sakuntala. Hugged her
and Bharata and took them to the throne. He made
Bharata to sit on the throne as per the word given to Sakuntala at the time of marriage. After ruling the country for pretty long time, Dushyanta coronated Bharata as the King and Emperor and went to forests for penance.
Bharata also ruled the country to the
satisfaction of one and all. In his name, “Bharata Vamsa”was started. He
became the “Vamsa Karta”. Bhumanya was born to Bharata. Suhotra was born to
Bhumanyu. Hasti was the son of Suhotra. In his name the capital
“Hastinaapura” was built. That was the capital of Kouravas. (Even today
Hastinaapura (Delhi) is our capital). VikunThana was the son of Hasti.AjaameeDha
was the son of VikunThana. 124 sons were born to AhameeDha.
Out of them, SavarNamarried Tapati, son of
Soorya. Kuru was born to them. He was the root for the Kuru Vamsa. He was
“Kuru Vamsa Karta”. In his name only, the place where the great battle between
Pandavas andKouravas was held, was called as “Kurukshetra”. Vidooradha was
the son of Kuru. AnaSva was the son of Vidooradha. Pareekshit was the son of
AnaSva. Bheemasena was the son of Pareekshit. Pradeepawasthe son of
Bheemasena.
Prateepa was the son of Pradeepa. King Santana
was born toPrateepa. Devavrata, also called Bheeshma, was born to Santana and
Ganga. Santana married Yojanagandhi (Satyavati) and begot Chitrangada and
Vicitraveerya as sons. Here, Janamejayastopped Vaisampayana “O Saint Vaisampaayana,
how King Santana married Ganga and how Bheeshma was born to them. Kindly tell
us in detail about the birth of Pandavas and Kouravas.” herequested.
Saint Vaisampaayana continued to say: In the
Ikshvaaku Vamsa, there was a king calledMahaabhisha. He performed one
thousand Asvamedha Yaagaas and one hundred RaajasooyaYaagaas, and went to
Brahma Loka and was serving Brahma along with great sages and saintsand other
heavenly bodies.
One day, Ganga Devi visited Brahma lOka. At that
time there was a heavywind. The saree of Gangaa Devi was lifted by the wind
and her naked thighs were visible to those whoassembled there. All turned
their heads. But Mahaabhisha stared at her with passionate looks. Lord Brahma
observed this. He grew angry. “Mahaabhishaa, you will take birth as human
being” cursed Brahma. Mahaabhishaa realized his wrong. “O lord Brahma! There
is a great and virtuous King called Prateepa on earth. Please permit me to
take birth as his son”. Lord Brahma accepted his request.Gangaa Devi also
observed Mahaabhishaa looking at her with passionate looks. She also fell in
love with him.
While she was returning to earth, she met Ashta
Vasuvus (eight vasuvus). They were coming with sorrowful faces. Ganga Devi
asked them what had happened. “O Gangaa, Saint Vasishta gavecursed all of us
to take birth on earth as human beings. We are going in search of a virtuous
lady to takebirth. By grace of god, we met you. We will be born to you as
sons.”. Ashta vasuvus requested Ganga.“How it will happen?” Ganga questioned
them.
“Mahaabhisha will be born as the son of Prateepa.
He will be called Santana. You and Santana will meet together. We eight will
be born to you as sons”. Gangaadevi also gladly accepted for this proposal as
she also fell in love with Mahabhisha. But Ashta vasuvus put a condition. “O
mother gangaa, soon after we were born, you have to drop all of us in water
and kill us and liberate us from this human body. Even Saint Vasishta also
permitted us to do like that”.said Ashta Vasuvus.
Gangaa Devi was in dilemmaa. “What you said is
correct. But I want a son with long life and eternal fame. How will it
happen?” Ganga asked Ashta vasuvus. “Oh mother Ganga! it isnot a problem. As
per the word of Saint VasishTa, the eighth vasuvu, Prabhaasa, will be born as
your last son and he will remain on earth for pretty long time with long life
and eternal fame”.
Ganga and Ashta vasuvus agreed for this proposal
and went away. King Prateepa, after enjoying the sensual pleasures, went
tothe banks of ganga and was doing penance. One day, Gangaa, in the human
form, appeared before him.She sat on his right thigh. King Prateepa amazed.
“Who are you? Why did you sit on my right thigh? AskedPrateepa.“O King! I am
the daughterof Saint Jahnu. I am Jaahnavi. I want to become your wife. Please
receive me” asked Jaahnavi.
Prateepa smiled and said “O Jaahnavi, I am
already married. I never thinkof any other woman except my wife. That too, a
virtuous woman like you should not ask like this.Besides that, ladies
generally sit on the left thigh of the husband. Sons and daughters sit on the
right thigh of their father. As you sat on my right thigh, you are equivalent
to my daughter. You better love and marry my son”. Then Jaahnavi (ganga) went
away.
Later, as per the wish of Brahma, Mahaabhisha was
born toPrateepa and his wife Sunanda. His name was Santana. After attaining
age, Prateepa enthroned him. While leaving to Vaanaprastha, Prateepa told his
son Santana “O my son, one day on the banks of ganges, I saw one girl. I
asked her to become the wife of my son. She agreed for that. Hence you marry
her. Don’t ask any of her details. Just fulful her desire.” Said Prateepa.
Then Prateepa went to forest along with his
wife.Santana was ruling the country in a righteous manner. One day Santana
went for hunting. On the banks of River Gnges he saw a very very beautiful
girl. Santana ws very much impressed with her beauty.“Who are you? Why are
you wandering here?”asked Santana. “O king! if you have a desire to make me
your wife, don’t ask me anything. You should not say ‘no’ to whatever I do.
You should not hurt myfeelings. Then only I will become your wife and fulful
your desires.”said Ganga.
Santana remembered thewords of his father,
Prateepa. Santana was very much impressed with her beauty and her passionate
looks.He had no other thought. He agreed to all her conditions. Santana
married ganga. They enjoyed sensual pleasures happily. Ashta Vasuvus were
born to them one by one. Soon after each son was born,Ganga was dropping the
new born child into river ganges. Like that, Ganga had thrown seven children
in Ganges. Santana was very much unhappy. His mind was very much disturbed.
He could not tolerate this kind of killing of new born children. Still he was
abide by the word given to her at the time of marriage.
Eigth son was born. Ganga took the child and was
proceedinmg to Ganges to throw the child in the river.Santana obstructed her.
“No-- I do not allow you to kill this child.” Said Santana. Ganga
smiled“Santana! you have gone back on your word. I am leaving you. Santana, I
am river Ganga in human form.These children are Ashta Vasuvus. As per their
wish, I have given birth to them on earth. Soon after they are born, I have
relieved them from humanbirth by dropping them in river waters. Now this
child is the eighth vasuvu. As per the Saapa of VasishTa, he will live on
this earth for a long time and get eternal fame.
“O my dear Gangaa, I heard that Vasuvus are
divine bodies. They know no wrong. How Saint VasishTa cursed them? How was
this eighth Vasuvu destined to live on the earth for long time? What is the
reason? Please tell me in detail.” Santana asked. Ganga began to tell
Santana:
“O King Santana! Saint Vasishta was doing Tapassu
in the caves of Mountain Meru. In his Ashram, there was a divine cow,called
Nandini. Nandini was supplying all the daily needs to Saint VasishTa. One
day, Ashta Vasuvusvisited the Ashram of Saint Vasishta. They all saw the divine
cow. They were very much astonished on seeing the miracles of the cow. The
wife of the eighth vasuvu put a step further and told herhusband “O dear! I
heard that by consuming the milk of this cow, people are living without
decease or death. I want to present this cow to my dearest friend, Jitavati.”
She murmured.
The other vasuvus also supported her. Prabhaasa,
the eighth vasuvu, snatched the cow, and drove it away. Saint
Vasishtaobserved all this through his divine vision. He grew angry “You all
take birth on earth” SaintVasishTacursed them. All the vasuvus fell on the
feet of Vasishta and prayed for mercy. “My word willbe carried out. But you
wont remain on earth for a long time. But the real culprit is Prabhasa, the
eightvasuvu. He will live on earth for a long time, with eternal fame but
will remain as issueless”. Theremainingstory is well known to you. As per the
request of Vasuvus, I gave birth to all the vasuvus andimmediately liberated
them from this earth. This eighth child is Prabhasa, the eighth vasuvu. He
will remainon earth for long time. I name him as Devavrata. Devavrata will
remain with me till he attain the age.
”So saying, Ganga along with Devavrata went away.
Santana returned to his capital. One day, Santanawent to forest for hunting. While
he was walking on the banks of River Ganga, at one plalce, hefoundthe flow of
river was very thin. He wanted to know the reason. He walked along the banks
of river.He found one youth practicing archery. He stopped the flow of river
with his arrows. He is no other than Devavrata, son of Ganga and Santana. But
Santana did not recognize him.
River Ganga came there.“King Santana! this youth
is our son, Devavrata. He learnt all Vedas and sciences with Vasishta.
Helearnt Dharma Sastra from Sukraachaarya. He learnt archery equivalent to
Parasuraama. Now you cantake him along with you”. So saying, Ganga handedover
Devavrata to Santana and went away. Santanaalong with Devavrata returned to
Capital. Santana enthroned Devavrata as Yuvaraajaa for thekingdom.
One day, Santana went to River Yamuna for a
stroll. He got a pleasant fragrance from a distance. He saw one beautiful
girl. She was Satyvati. He was very much impressed with the beauty of
Satyavati.“Who are you? Who are your parents? Why you are here?” Santana
asked. “O King, my name is yojanagandhi (Satyavati). I am the daughter of
Daasa raajaa. I am rowing the boat as per the wish ofmy father. ” Santana
wanted to marry her. He immediately went to Daasarajaa and expressed his
desire tomarry Satyavati.
“O King! soon after the female child was born, it
was the duty of parents to give her to a fit person in marriage. It is the
custom. I have no objection to give my daughter in marriage to a person like
you. But I have a wish”said Dasaraja. “What is that?” asked Santana. “My
daughter’s sons should be the future kings of this kingdom”.
Santana did not agree for this. He does not want
to give the kingdom to anybody other thanhis son, Devavrata. “You choose some
other thing other than kingdom.” said Santana. “I do not like anyother thing
except kingdom” replied Dasaraajaa. Santana returned to capital. He was in
deep distress. He loved Satyvati very much.
He could not forget her. He could not concentrate
on day to day administration.Gangeya observed this. “O my father! what is
your mental agony? Can I help you? Gangeyaasked. “O my son Gangeya! according
to Dharma Sastra, a person with one son is equivalent to a person without any
children. Besides you, I wanted to have some more sons. That apart, you are a
great archer and warrior.You are so cruel to your enemies. You are a
daredevil personality. Danger is always by your side. It is not known how
long you will live. Hence I want to have more sons” Santana expressed his
desire for re- marriage in a circuitous way.
Gangeya understood his desire for remarriage. He
called his Ministers and consulted them. He came to know that his father fell
in love with Satyavati and desired to remarry her.. He went to Dasaraja. “My
father desires to marry your daughter Satyavti. Give her in marriage to my
father” Gangeya asked Dasaraja. “I am very happy that a son is requesting for
a girl in marriage to his father. But my daughter is not an ordinary girl.
She was born from outof the sperm of a great king “Uparicara Vasuvu”. He
himself ordered that she should be given in marriage to King Santana. Hence I
refused to give her to Devala also. But the sons to be born to Satyavati will
be the step sons. Please remove that difficulty” asked Dasaraja cleverly.
Gangeya could read his mind. He assembled his
Ministers and courtiers. In the presence of one and all, Gangeya
announced“Kindly listen to me. I am relinquishing all my rights to the
throne. The sons to be born to the“would be wife” of my beloved father, would
be the successors of this kingdom” Gangeya said. Dasaraja still expressed
another doubt. “Gangeya, you are so great. I will agree. But, there is one
difficulty.You have relinquished your right to the Kingdom. But what about
your wife and sons.Will they keep quiet? Will they abide by your word?” said
Dasaraja.
Gangeya decided once and for all. “You all kindly
listen. I am taking an oath in the presence of Pancha Bhootas, I will never
marry in my life. From todayonwards, I will remain as a staunch bachelor
throughout my life”. The Devatas from heaven showered blessings and flowers
on Devavrata. All those who assembled there praised him for hisdetermination.
That moment remained in the history as “Bheeshma Pratijna” and Gangeya was
called as “Bheeshma”
. Dasaraja gladly agreed to give his daughter
Satyavati in marriage to Santana. Santana marriedSatyavati. Santana was very
much pleased as his son has sacrificed his married life and enjoyment for his
sake. He blessed his son with long life. “My son, Devavrata! I bless you with
“Svaccanda Maranam”You will die at your own will.” Said Santana. (Though
Bheeshma was seriously wounded in the war during Dakshina Ayana,he was on
Ampa Sayya (bed of arrows) till Uttara Ayana enters. Then only he left his
body onBheeshma Ekaadasi. That was the power of the word of Santana.).
Santana got two sons throughSatyavati. They are
Chitraangada and Vicitra Veerya. While they were young, Santana died.Bheeshma
brought them up. Bheeshma enthroned Chitrangada to the kingdom. Chitrangada
was aproudking. He picked up quarrels with each and everybody. Once he fought
with one Gandharva and hedied.
Then Bheeshma made Vicitra Veerya as the King of
the Kingdom. The King of Kasi (now BenaresorVaranasi, the abode of Lord Siva)
held Svayamvara to his three daughters Amba, Ambika,Ambaalika.. “Svayamvara”
was in vogue in those days. In Svayamvara, all those who wanted tomarry the
girl, will assemble in the Court Hall.
The Princess, along with her maids will have a
look at all the Princes and Kings assembled there. The maids ccompanying her
will explain about them and their details.The princess will garland the
Prince according to her wish and volition. Thus it is clear that in thosedays
also, the marriages were performed only out of free will and volition of the
bride.) Bheeeshma went to that Svayamvara alone. He snatched all the three
daughers of Kasi King forcibly and putthem on the chariot.
Addressing the kings who have come for
Svayamvara, Bheeshmasaid: “O Kings ofdifferent kingdoms, I am taking these
girls only to get them married to my brother, Vicitraveerya. If you areable
to obstruct me, you can do so. As you all know, out of the eight methods of
marriage, gandharvamu and raakshasamu are fit for Kshatriyas. Besides that, I
am taking these girls after defeating all ofyou. It is dharma.”
So saying, Bheeshma, drove the chariot. The kings
who assembled there obstructed Bheeshma but failed in their attempt. But one
King Salva, followed Bheeshma and fought with him.There was a big fight
between them. King Salva could not win. King Salva returned with
defeat.Bheeshma reached Hastinapura along with the daughters of Kasiraaja.
He made arrangements for marriage of the three
daughters of King of Kasi viz., Amba, Ambika and Aambalika, with Vichitra
veerya.At that juncture, the eldest daughter, Amba, told Bheeshma: “O
Bheeshma! the mighty warrior! My father decided to give me in marriage to
King Salva. I also fell in love with Salva. But you brought me forcibly. Now
it is for you to decide according to dharma, whether I have to marry King
Salva or your brother, Vicitraveerya.”
Immediately, Bheeshma called some Brahmins. He
sent Amba, along withBrahmins, to King Salva. As there was no resistance from
the other two daughters, they were married toVicitra veerya. After marriage,
Vicitraveera was spending most of his time with his beautiful wives and
forgot to attend the daily administration of the kingdom. As he was enjoying
sexual pleasures, day and night, his health deteriorated and at last he died.
Now the kingdom was without king. Bheeshma was looking after the
administration.
One day, Satyavati called his son Bheeshma “O My
son! Bheeshma!nowthere are no successors for this Bharata Kingdom. You are
only the fit person to ascend the throne. Hence, you marry immediately and
beget children who will succeed to this Kingdom. Satyavati requested Bheeshma
with strong tone. “O my mother Satyavati! I have taken an oath that I will
neve rmarry in my life. I will abide by my word. I will never leave
Brahmacharya. But, I know well about the present position. I will tell one
Kshatriya Dharma which wasadopted by our ancestors. You think about it with
Brahmins and Ministers and take a decision.
In the past, when Parasuraama killed all the
kings ruthlessly, all the kingdoms remained without kings. At that juncture,
the widows of the deceased kings, begot children through virtuous Brahmins
and continued theirVamsas. There is yet one other incident. Utadhya and
Bruhaspati are brothers. The wife of Utadhya was Mamata. She was pregnant.
One day, Bruhaspati visited his brother Utadhya. He saw Mamata. According to
Devara Nyaaya, he wanted to enjoy sexual pleasure with his brother’s wife,
Mamata. But the boy who was in the womb of Mamata objected. He raised hue and
cry that it was Adharma and should not be allowed. Bruhaspati grew angry. He
cursed the boy to become blind.
That boy was called Deerghatama. Though he was
blind, he learnt all Vedaas and Sastras very well. He married one girl called
PradvEshiNi and many children were born to them. But, PradvEshiNi had no
loveand affection towards her husband Deerghatama as he was blind.
When Deerghatama asked his wife about it, she
replied“You know that husband means a man who can lookafter his wife well.
But I am looking after you all these days. How long have I to bear you? I
cannot. You better go away.” On hearing these words from his wife, he grew
angry. He cursed the entire women community “hereinafter, all the widows,
whoever they may be, shall be without the holy thread and ornaments and shall
live a pitiable life”. PradvEshiNi called her sons “Take this old man to
anywhere and leave him alone” ordered them. The sons of Dheerghatama, tied
him with threads and threw him in a river
.Dheergatama was floating in the river, chanting
Vedas. King Bali saw him. He was very much astonished that even while
floating in river, he was chanting Vedas. King Bali removed the threads and
brought him to his house. “O saint! I donot know who you are . But you are a
virtuous Brahmin and very much learned. I have no issues. Please bless me
with sons” requested Bali. Deerghatama agreed for that.
King Bali asked his wife SudhEshNa to share bed
with Deerghatama and beget children. Sudheshna did not like this. Instead of
herself going to Deerghatama, she sent her servant maid in her attire.
Through Deerghatama, the servantmaid got eleven sons. One day, King Bali
asked Deerghatama “Are these my sons?” “No” replied Deerghatama. “They are
the sons of your servant maid. They cannot succeed you”. Again King
Bali,requested his wife and sent his wife Sudheshna to Deerghatama.
Unwillingly, Sudheshnashared bed with Deerghatama. She got a son called
Angaraja.
Therefore, what I mean to say is,that in such
inevitable circumstances, begetting children through virtuous Brahmins is not
against any existingdharma. It is a long standing custom and practice
prevailing in Kings. Now we have to bring onevirtuous Brahmin to fulfil this
task” concluded Bheeshma. On hearing this, Satyavati recollected her memory.
She remembered about Vyasa who was born to her through Saint Parasara.
“Bheeshmaa, there is a great saint and virtuous Brahmin called Vyasa. He was
born to me and Saint Parasara without spoiling my chastity. He knows all
Dharmas. As per Devara Nyaya, My daughters may get children through him” said
Satyavati.
Bheeshma was very happy. He and Satyavati
wholeheartedly desiredVyasa to appear before them. As per the word given to
his mother Satyavati, Saint Vyasa appeared before them and bowed before his
mother. On seeing her son, after a long time, Satyavati hugged him with
motherly affection. Bheeshma did all guestly honours to Vyasa. Then Satyavati
told Vyasa“O my son! he is my son Bheeshma, the successor of this kingdom.
But as per the word given to my father, he remained unmarried. As my two sons
died, this Kingdom is now without King. You have come to our rescue. As per
Devara nyaya, you have to beget children through the widows of my
son,Vicitraveerya and save this Kingdom”.
Vyasa agreed for it and said: “Oh my mother! I
will bless the wives of Vicitra veerya with sons but they have to remain with
purified minds for one year and give birth to virtuous children.” Satyavati
agreed for it. (Devara Nyaya means, if any king has no sons or dies
issueless,his wife, with the permission of elders, may share bed with a virtuous
brahmin and begetchildren).Accordingly,
Satyavati first sent Ambika, the elder
daugher-in-law, to Vyaasa. On seeing Vyasa and his ugly appearance, she was
frightened and closed her eyes throughout. Vyasa blessed her with a son and
told his mother Satyavati that “Ambika will beget a son but as she closed her
eyes throughout, he will be blind by birth.” Satyavati sent his second
daughter-in-law Ambalika to Vyasa. On seeing Vyasa and his ugly appearance,
she fainted and became pale throughout. Vyasa blessed Ambalika also with a
son but said that due to the mistake committed by Ambalika, he will be with
white skin. So saying, Vyasa went away.
As per the blessings of Vyasa, both Ambika and
Ambalika gave birth to each one son. AsAmbika gave birth to a blind son,
Satyavati was very much depressed. She again remembered Vyasa.Vyasa appeared
before his mother. Satyavati again requested Vyasa to bless Ambika with
another son. Vyasa agreed for it. Satyavati requested Ambika to meet Vyasa
once again to beget a son.
Ambika did not like to meet Vyasa again. Shesent
her servant maid, in her royal dress, to Vyaasa. The servant maid did not
feel anything. She was neither frightened nor fainted while she met Vyaasa.
She enjoyed sexual pleasures with Vyaasa. Yama DharmaRaja, in view of the
Saapa given to him by Saint Mandavya, was born to her as Vidura.
Vidurawas a virtuous personality, with great
wisdom and good hahits. Now Janamejaya entertained a doubt.“Why Saint
Mandavya gave Saapa to Yamadharmaraaja.?” Asked Janamejaya. Saint
Vaisampaayana continued to say: Mandavya was a great saint. He was living in
the outskirts of a village and was doing penance.
One day, there was a decoity in the king’s
palace. The soldiers chased the decoits.The decoits entered the Ashramam and
hid inside. The soldiers entered the Ashram. They asked Mandavya whether any
decoits came that side. As Mandvya was in mouna-vrata, he did not speak
anything. Then soldiers entered inside the Ashram and found the decoits
hidden there. They thought that Mandavya also colluded with decoits and hence
he did not speak about them. The soldiers arrested decoits and Mandavya and
produced them before the King.
The king imposed sentence of death forthe
decoits. As the King thought that Mandavya only abetted the crime, lesser
punishment was imposed on Mandavya. He was made to sit on a sharp-edged
spear. As Mandavya was a realized soul, he was not frightened about the
sentence. He was meditating god even though he was sitting on a spear. At mid
night,some saints, in the form of birds, came there and saw Saint Mandaya in
meditation. “O Saint! you are a great saint. Who made you to suffer like
this?” Mandavya smiled and said“I am undergoing the punishment for my past
sins. Why should I blame others.”
This conversation was overheard by the soldiers
keeping watch there. They intimated the same to the King. King realized his
mistake. He immediately came there and directed the soldiers to release
Mandavya from the spear. But some part of the spear remained in the body of
Mandavya. Hence he was called as “Ani Mandavya”Ma.ndavya returned to his
Ashram and continued his penance. Later,
Mandavya visited Yamadharmaraja once. “O
Samavarti(Yama)! To my knowledge, I never committed any sin throughout my
life. Why did you make me to suffer such a severe punishment?” asked
Mandavya. “O Saint Mandavya, while you were young, say about 10 years, you
caught butterflies and poked needles into their bodies and enojoyed it.
Hence, you suffered such a punishment at the hands of the King.”Yama replied.
Mandavya grew angry. “That was done while I was
too young without knowing whether I was doing right or wrong. Hence Ideclare
that “from now onwards, any mistake committed by children below 14 years,
will not be construed as wrong or sin and they should not be punished for
that. But if anybody does any wrong towards children below 14 years, it will
be a great sin and such wrong doers will be punished severely. This is my
ruling.” (Even today, the above ruling of Mandaya is in vogue in the form of
Juvenile Law in our country)But, Oh Yama, as you made me to undergo severe
punishment for a smallest wrong unknowingly done by me while I was young, I
am giving a Saapa to you. You will born to a Sudra woman on earth.” Cursed
Mandavya. . In view of that Saapa given by Mandavya, Yama Dharmaraja was born
as Vidura to a Sudra Woman.” “Maha Bharat – Aadi Parva – Chaturdhaasvaasa
(Fourth Chapter)concluded.Om tatsat
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AADI PARVAMU
PANCHAMAASVAASAM (CHAPTER 5) The story teller “Ugrasravasu” continued to say to Saint Sounaka and other saints. Under the protection of Bheeshma, Dhrutaraashtra, Panduraaja and Viduraa, were growing up day by day. Bheeshma performed upanayana” to all the three princes. They were learning Vedas, Saastraas and archery and other marshal arts. hen Bheeshma enthroned Dhrutaraashtra as “Yuva Raajaa” for the Bharata empire.
With the wisdom of Vidura, with the muscle power
of Panduraja, Dhrutaraashtra was ruling the country. Bheeshma intended to
perform the marriage of Dhrutarashtra. He heard about the daughter of the
King of Gaandhaara Kingdom. Bheeshma consulted with Vidura. “Viduraa, I heard
that the daughter of King Subala, ruler of the Kingdom of andhara, was
blessed by Lord Siva, that she will beget one hundred sons and one daughter.
Therefore, she is fit girl for Dhrutarashtra. If this marriage is performed,
the Kuruvamsha, will continue uninterruptedly.” said Bheeshma. Vidura also
agreed for this proposal.
Bheeshma sent “purohits” to fix the marriage
alliance. Subala, king of Gandhara, also agreed for the mrriage proposal. He
agreed to give his daughter, Gaandhaari in marriage to Dhrutaraashtra. But
his relatives did not agree to give Gandhaari to a blind man by birth. But
Gandhari agreed for the marriage. Because, his father gave word, she decided
that Dhrutarashtra wouldbe her husband. As her husband was blind, she also
tied a cloth to her eyes because she does not want to see the world outside
which her husband cannot see. Subala, the king of Gandaar, sent his daughter
Gandhari along with his son Sakuni to Hastinaapura for performing the
marriage, with all princelyhonours.
Bheeshma performed the marriage of Dhrutarastra
with Gandhari. Dhrutarashtra also married, other ten sisters of Gandhari for
the same “Muhurat” (auspicious time fixed for marriage). Bheeshma also
brought one hundred more girls and Dhrutarashtra married them also.With his
110wives, Dhrutarashtra was living happily, enjoying the sensual pleasures
with his wives. Pandu Raaja, the brother of Dhrutarashtra,also learnt Vedas,
Sastras and archery and all marshal arts.
Bheeshma also intended to performthe marriage of
Pandu Raja. There was a Yadava King called Soora. His elderdaughter was
Prudha. His son was Vasudeva, father of Lord Krishna. His aunt’s son was King
KuntiBhoja. Kunti Bhoja was issueless. King Soora gave his elder daughter,
Prudha, in adoption to KuntiBhoja. Hence Prudha was brought up in the palace
of Kunti Bhoja.
One day, a great saint calledDoorvasa visited the
Palace of Kunti Bhoja. Princess Kunti was deputed to look after the comforts
of Saint Doorvasa. Doorvasa was very much satisfied with the service done by
Kunti. While leaving, he calledKunti: “O Kunti, I am very much satisfied with
your service. I will give you a powerful “mantra”. If you worship any Devata
(divine person) in your mind and chant this mantra, that Devata
(divineperson) will appear before you and bless you with a son”. So saying,
Doorvasa gave that “mantra” toKunti and went away.
One day, Prudha wanted to test the Mantra given
by Saint Doorvasa. She went to the banks of river ganges alone. She took holy
bath. She worshipped the Sun God, chanted the mantra and prayed “Oh Sun God.
bless me with a son who resembles you”. Immediately, Sun God appeared before
her. On seeing Sun God Kunti shivered. “Kunti ! dont fear. I have come to
bless you with a son” said Sun god. “O Sun God, Iaman unmarried girl. I
requested for a son childishly. Please forgive me” she prayed. “Kunti, my
visit will never go in waste. You will give birth to a son” said Sun God.
“O Sun God, I am unnmarried. How can I show
myface to my parents, if I am pregnant?” said Kunti. “If that is your doubt,
Iwill bless you with a son withoutspoiling your chastity.” With the power of
mantra and with theblessings of Sun God, Kunti gave birth to a child (Karna)
with natural body coverings and chestplates(kavacha) and ear rings (kundala).
Sun God went away. Prudha was left with the child in her arms.
She did not know what to do. She was thinking
aloud: “Why should Saint Doorvasa come to my house? Why should he give me
that powerful mantra? Why should I childishly worship SunGod and ask for a
malechild? Why should Sun God bless me with a male child? What should I do
with this child? If I take thischild to my palace, everybody will curse me.
Still, I cannot abandon this child. What to do? What to do?”she was thinking,
thinknig and thinking. At that time, by God’s grace, a box with full of
diamonds, pearlsand gold ornaments, was floating on the water.
Kunti got an idea. She pulled that box to the shore.
She kept the child in the box and left the box in the river. The box was
floating in the river. One chariot-driver(Sootha) saw that box. He brought
that box to the shore and opened it. He saw a child along with gold,diamods
and pearls. As he was not having any children, he immediately took the child
to his house and gave the child to his wife, Radha. She felt very happy. As
the child was found along with Gold and Diamonds, he was named as “Sushena”.
Karna was brought up inthehouse of a soota
(chariot driver) and his wife Radha. KuntibhOja intended to perform the
marriage of hisdaughter, Prudha. He proclaimed “Svayamvara”. In that
Svayamvaraa, among the Kings gathered, Prudha selected King Pandu as her
betterhalf. Marriage was performed. With the permission of Bheeshma,King
Pandu also married the daughter of King of Madra Kingdom, called Maadri.
After marriage,King Pandu intended to expand the
territories of his Kingdom. He conquered all the Kings on the four corners
and expanded his Kingdom. All the kings have become the deputees of the Kuru
Empire. KingPandu also performed one hundred Asvamedha Yagaas.
One day, King Pandu went to forest forhunting
animals. His wives, Kunti and Madri also followed him. One day, since
morning, he could not find a single animal for hunting. King Pandu was so
much tired and uneasy. At that time, he found one male deer and one female
deer, enjoying sexual plesure in the forest. King Pandu hit the two deers
with his arrows. The female deer died on the spot. The male was seriously
injured. King Pandu went near the deers to collect them.
On seeing King Pandu, the male deer said: “O king
Pandu, hunting is natural for kings. I do agree. Therefore, there is no wrong
in killing us, as we are animals. But, animals who are unable to run,who are
enjoying sexual pleasure and who are suffering with diseases, should not be
killed. Even cruel hunters who are hunting animals for flesh, also will not
kill such animals. Knowing fully well the above dharma, why you hit us while
we were enjoying sexual intercourse?” the male deer questioned KingPandu.
“I have not killed you by cheating you or in hide
or disguise. I killed you directly. As Kshatriya,hunting animals is my
Dharma. I am not at fault in killing you” replied King Pandu. The male
deerdid not satisfy with his reply. “O King you killed me and my lover deer.
While we are enjoying sexual pleasures you hit us and killed us. Therefore,
whenever you join your wife for sexual pleasure, you will also die like us.
This is my Saapa (curse) to you for your misdeeds”
So saying, the male deer fell downand died. King
Pandu was very much annoyed with this Saapa given by male deer. “When there
is no sexual pleasure, the life is waste. It would be better if I go for
Tapassu (penance).” He returned to his wives, Kunti and Madri and told them
what had happened. “I am going for Tapassu(penance). You go back to
Hastinapuram. Tell Bheeshma, Satyvati and brother Dhrutarastra about this
Saapa. You stay there along with them” said King Pandu. Kunti and Madri did not
agree for this proposal. “We will never leaveyou in this forest. We will
accompany you whereever you go” said Kunti and Madri.
King Pandu gaveaway all his valuable belongings
in charity to those who accompanied him. He sent them back to capital.He
adopted saintly life and started for “Vaanaprastha”***. Along with his wives,
he went toSatasrunga Hill and lived there, doing penance. Both his wifes,
Kunti and Madri were serving him. (***In aman’s life, there are four stages.
They are: (1)Brahmacarya (life before marriage), (2)Garhasthyam
(marriedlife), (3) Vaanaprastham (going to forests along with wives for
leading virtuous life, leaving all wordlypleasures (4) Sanyaasam (leaving
everything including family life and doing penace and preparinghimself for Moksha(liberation),
the eternal stage. (Now, King Pandu is in the third stage,Vaanaprastha).
On one Amaavasya Day(No moon day), all the sages
and saints were going to BrahmalOka (abode of Brahma) to serve Lord Brahma.
King Pandu, along with his wives, also tried to accompany them. But those
saints told King Pandu “ O king, these are heavenly paths. Persons like you
should not travel along these paths”. King Pandu understood the innermeaning
of those words.
“O Saints,we have no sons.We are issueless. Hence
we are not fit to travel along heavenly paths. Is it not?” said King Pandu.
Then those saints viewed future through their divine vision (divya dhrushti).
“You are not issueless. you will beget children. Try for them” so saying,
they went away. Then King Pandu was thinking for himself. Human beings have
four debts(Runas). (1)Deva Runa(debt), (2)Rushi Runa (3)Pitru Runa and (4)
Manushya Runa. One has to discharge these four debts during his life time.
Othewise, he will not get higher paths. By performing Yagnas, Deva Runa, by
chanting Vedas, Rushi Runa, by performing rituals to parents and fore
fathers, Pitru Runa and by showng kindness towards fellowmen,Maanusha Runa,
will be discharged. I discharged all Runas (debts) except pitru runa. Without
sons, Pitru Runa cannot be discharged. Due to the curse given by that male
deer, I could not beget children.What to do?” So thinking, he reached his
Ashram.
He called Kunti and told her about his mental
agony. “My dear Kunti, without children, it is useless to live in this world.
It is better to die.Therefore, you also think about it. You have to beget
children through a proper way. I will tell you onething. Sons are of six
kinds. Aurasa,dattaka, krutrima, goodhOtpanna, apaviddha and kshetraja. All
thesesons are entitled to share in the ancestral properties or kingdom.
But there are another six kinds of sons.They are,
kaaneena, sahOdha, kreeta, pounarbhava, svayamdatta, and jnaata. These are
also equal tosons. But they are not entitled to a share in the ancestral
property or kingdom. In the first set of six sons,aurasa and kshetraja are
important. As you are well aware, you cannot beget aurasas due to this
Saapa.The next alternative is Kshetraja. Kshetraja, born through “Devara
nyaya”, is best. ( “Devara nyaya”means begetting sons through a virtuous
person or Bramin other than husband.)
In the olden days,therewas a king ruling Kekaya
Kingdom. He has no children. With the permission of the king (husband),his
wife performed “Pumsavana HOma” and begot three sons through virtuous brahmins.Therefore
when there is no possibility of getting “Ourasas” (children through husband),
Kshetrajasare much better” said King Pandu. On hearing this Kunti was a bit
annoyed. “We are your wives married to you through Dharma. We donot even
think about others even in our mind. How is it possible to lay with them and
beget children trough them?. We have to beget children through you only and
not otherwise. I will also tell some other way.. In the Pooru Dynasty, there
was a king called Vyushithaasva. He performed one hundred Asvamedha Yagas. He
conquered all the kings. He was alustful man.He enjoyed sex without any
limit. Due to that, he died with Tubercolosis. His wife was weepingsitting by
his side. “I never stay in this world without children. I will come along
with you. Take me also along with you.” so saying she was weeping aloud. At
that time, she heard a divine voice from the dead body of her husband.
“Listen carefully. On the eighth or fourteenth day after day of your monthly
period,have a holy bath, lay on a bed, think about me. I will lay with you
and you will get children through me.” The wife of Vyushithaasva, did what
all her husband said and begot seven sons through her husband. Therefore, we
also will beget children
in the above manner” said Kunti.
Then King Pandu told Kunti: “I will also tell you
another story which is according Dharma. In those days,there were no
restrictions for the married ladies. They were enjoying sexual pleasure with
others, with o rwithout the permission of their husbands. One day, the wife
of a great saint, Uddalaka, was in monthly periods. One old brahmin came to
their house. He saw the wife of Uddalaka. He expressed his desire to get
children through her. Svetaketu, the son of Uddalaka, strongly opposed this
that it was against Dharma. Immediately, he made a rule. “Hereinafter, no
married woman should have sexual relation with persons other than their
husbands. The married women will attain all kinds of sins if they have sexual
intercourse with others.This is my rule throughout the world”.
(The rule enunciated by Svethakethuis followed
even today. It is added as a punishable offence -- Adultery, in the Indian
PenalCode). Since that Day, the married women are not having sexual
intercourse with persons other than husband. But they can do it with the
permission of the husband because, according to Manu, violating the order of
husband is a sin and wrong.
One Rajarshi,(formerly a king later transformed
into a Saint)Kalmaashapaada, ordered his wife, Damayanti, to beget children
through a virtuous Brahmin, Vasishta.His wife obeyed the orders of her
husband and begot a son,Ashmaka, through Vasishta.You know, we were also born
by Devara Nyaya, through KrishNadvaipaayana. Therefore, please obey my words
and beget children according to dharma.” said King Pandu with a sorrowful
voice.
Kunti was moved by the words of her husband.
Suddenly, she recollected the mantra given by Saint Doorvaasa, while she was
young. She told the same to her husband. “With the help of that Mantra, I can
invoke any divine personality, and beget sons through him. Please tell me
whom I have to invoke?” asked Kunti.” “Kunti,Dharma (Yama Dharma Raja) is the
embodiment of Dharma. Please invoke him through your Mantra”said King Pandu.
With the permission of her husband, King Pandu,
Kunti chanted the Mantra and invoked Dharma. Dharma appeared before her and
blessed her with a son. Through him, Kunti became pregnant. After one year,
she gave birth to a son. A divine voice from heaven named the child
asYudhishtira. All the saints gathered there praised Yudhishtira that he will
be the future king of Kuru Dynastyand he will rule the people according to
Dharma and do Justice to one and all.
In Hastinapura,Gaandhari became pregnant through
Dhrutaraashtra. But she could not deliver the child for alonng time. In the
meantime, she heard that Kunti gave birth to a son, Yudhishtira She could not
bear this.Gandhari started to beat her stomach for getting early delivery.
But there was an abortion. On hearing this,Krishnadvaipaayana hurriedly came
to Hastinapura. He collected all the pieces of flesh aborted from the womb of
Gandhari. He divided them into 101 parts and preserved them in ghee pots
carefully. He told Gandhari that she will get 100 sons and one daughter.
Gandhari repented for hermistake. She preserved
them carefully. There, at Satasrunga hill, King Pandu desired to have one
more son. He called Kunti “Kunti, this time you invoke Vayudeva (air god) and
beget a child, equivalent to Vayu in strength, vigour and mighty body.”asked
King Pandu. With the permission of herhusband, Kunti chanted the Mantra given
by Saint Doorvasa, invoked VaayudEva, and prayed for a son.With the blessings
of Vayu Deva, Kunti became pregnant. After one year, she gave birth to a son
with mighty body and enormous strength. As usual, the divine voice from
heaven named the child as“BheemasEna”.
On the same day when BhimasEna was born,
Duryodhana was born with “Kali Amsa”.Thereafter, daily one son was born, for
one hundred days, to Gandhari. They are:1.Duryodhana,2.Dussaasana, 3.Dussaha,
4.Dussala, 5.Jalasandha, 6.Sama, 7.Saha, 8.Vinda, 9.Anuvinda, 10.Durdarsha,
11.Subaahu, 12.Dushpradarshana, 13.Durmarshana, 14.Durmukha, 15.Dushkarna,
16.Karna,17.Vivimsata,18.Vikarna, 19.Sala, 20.Satva, 21SulOchana, 22.Chitra,
23.Upachitra,24.Chitraaksha, 25.Charucitra, 26.Saraasana, 27.Durmada,
28.Durvigaaha, 29.Vivitsa,30.VikaTaanana, 31.Nornanaabha, 32.Sunaabha,
33.Nanda, 34.Upananda, 35.Chitrabaana,36.Chitravarma, 37.Suvarma,
38DurvimOcana, 39.AyObaaha, 40.Mahaabaaha,41.Chitranga, 42.Chitrakundala,
43.Bheemavega, 44.Bheemabalaa, 45.Balaaka,46.Balavardha,47.NOgraayudha,48.SushEna,49.Kundadhaara,50.MahOdara,51.Chitraayudha,52.Nishanga,
53.Paasa,54.Brundaaraka, 55.Dhrudhavarma, 56.Dhrudhakshatra, 57.Somakeerthi,
58.Anoodara,59.Dhrudhasandha, 60.Jaraasandha, 61. Sada, 62.Suvaaga,
63.Ugrasrava, 64.Ugrasena,65.Senaani, 66.Dushpraaja, 67.Aparaajitha,
68.Kundasaayi, 69.Visaalaksha, 70.Duraadhara,71.Durjaya,72.Dhrudhahasta,
73.Suhastha, 74.VaatavEga, 75.Suvarcha,
76.Aaadityaketa,77.Bahvaasi,78.Naagadatta, 79.Agrayaayi, 80.Kavacha,
81.Kradhana, 82.Kundina,83.DhanurdharOgra, 84.Bheemaradha, 85.Veerabaahu,
86.ValOla, 87.Rudrakarma,88.Dhrudaradhaasrya, 89.Adrushya, 90.KundabhEdi,
91.Viravi, 92.Pramadha,93.Pramaadhi, 94.DeergharOma, 95.Dheerghabaahu,
96.OoDhOra, 97.Kanakadhvaja,98.Upaabhaya, 99.Kundaasi and 100.Vijarasa. From
out of the 101th Anda, a femalechild was born. She was named as Dussala.
Dhrutaraashtra also married one Vysya lady.
Through her,he got a son. His name was Yuyutsa. When Duryodhana was born,
there were several bad omens. On seeing them, Bheeshma and Vidura were very
much annoyed. They approached Dhrutraashtra and said“As you know, when
Duryodhana was born, there were several bad omens. They are not good for the
country. You have got one hundred children. Why cannot you leave Duryodhana
and save the country?”advised Bheeshma and Vidura. But due to the paternal
affection towards his elder son,Dhrutarashtra did not agree for this.
On Satasrunga hill, one day, Kunti went to a
temple on a hill. Shewas carrying Bheemasena in her arms. Suddenly one tiger
came there and jumped on Kunti. She was very much frightened. King Pandu
immediately killed that tiger with his arrows. Still, Kunti was shiveringand
dropped the child Bheemasena who fell on a rock.The rock was crushed to
powder. KingPandu was surprised on seeing this.
Later, King Pandu came to know that Gandhari gave
birth to 100sons. King PanDu wanted to have more sons. He did “tapassu” about
Indra. Indra appeared before him and said “King PanDu, a son who can conquer
all the three lOkas will be born to you”. Then King Pandu called Kunti. “I
wanted to have more sons in a virtuous path. The chief of divine bodies is
Indra. You chant the mantra given by Saint Doorvasa and invoke Lord Indra and
request him for a son” said KingPandu. As per the permission given by her husband,
Kunti chanted the Mantra and invoked Lord Indra.Indra appeared before her and
blessed her with a son with his Amsa (genesis). Kunti became pregnantand gave
birth to a glorious mighty warrior in “Uttara Phalguni” star with his Amsa.
As usual, the divine voice from heavenn spoke “As thisboyis greater warrior
than Kaartaveeryaarjuna, he will be called as Arjuna.”
King Pandu and his wife Kunti were happily
spending time with their three sons. Gandhari got 100 sons and Kunti
gotthreesons. But poor Maadri, second wife of King Pandu, remainned
issueless. She was very much worried about it.One day, before King Pandu, she
expressed her desire to have sons. Already, a way is paved for begetting
childrenthrough Devaranyaaya. King Pandu called Kunti. “Kunti, your sister
Madri is issueless. Please help her also.Youchant the Mantra given by Saint
Doorvasa and invoke Asvins who are most beautiful and helpful to mankind
andrequest them to bless Madri with sons”.
As per the directions of her husband, Kunti
chanted the Mantra and invoked Asvinis. Asvins appeared before Kunti.
Sherequested them to bless Madri with children. Asvins blessed Madri with
sons with their Amsas. Accordingly, Madri became pregnant and gave birth to
two sons with the Amsas of Asvins. As usual, the divine voice from heaven
named them as “Nakula” and “Sahadeva”. Vasudeva (father of Lord Krishna) is
the elder brother of Kunti. On hearing that Kunti was blessed with three
sons, he sent all kinds of presentations to Kunti through Purohit Kashyapa.
In the meanwhile spring season entered.
One day King Pandu went to nearby forest along
with his second wife Madri.While he was strolling in the forest, he became
horny on looking at the beautiful body of his wife Madri and looked at her
with lustful looks.He forgot the curse of the male deer. Inspite of her
protests, he enjoyed sexual pleasure with her. King Pandu died on the spot.
Madri was shocked about this unexpected happening. She was shivering.She
began to weep loudly. Kunti came there running. She undersood the situation.
She desired to have “sati”along with her husband. Madri did not agree for it.
“Kunti, this is all happened due to my negligence. Knowing fully well about
the curse of the male deer, I was totally careless. Such a careless woman
like me cannot manage our sons and protect them and bring them up. You are
fit for that. I follow our husband by observing “Sati”.
So saying, she sat by the side of the body of her
husband and set to fire and reduced to ashes. Kunti was left alone with her
five sons and other saints in the neighbouring Ashrams. All those Saints,
along wih Kunti and her five sons, went to Hastinapura. The residents of
Hastinapuram extended warm welcome to Kunti and Pandavas. They came to see
the sons of King Pandu and his wife, Kunti. Duryodhana, along with 99 brother
and purohits accorded a warm welcome to the Saints, Kunti and Pandavas and
led them into the Palace. Bheeshma,Vidura, Satyavati, Amba, Ambaalika,
Dhrutarashtra welcomed the Saints, Kunti and Pandavas.They consoled Kunti for
the sudden death of her husband. They all showered love and affection on
Pandavas, sons of King Pandu. One of the Saints accompanied Kunti said: “King
Pandu was staying on the Satasrunga Hill. He begot these five sons, through
his wives, Kunti and Madri, with the blessings of Yama, Vaayu, Indra, and
Asvins. On a fateful day,he along with his wife went to heaven. Therefore, we
brought Kunti and her sons here and hand them over to you.”Then all the
saints went away.
One day, Krishnadvaipayana called his mother
Satyavati and told her: “The sons of Dhrutarashtra are cruel and
indisciplined. You cannot tolerate them. You please proceed to forest for
doing tapassu.” As per the advise of Krishnadvaipaayana, Satyavati, with the
permission of Bheeshma,went to forest along with her daughters-in-law Ambika
and Ambaalika. In the passage of time, they all left the human bodies and
went to heaven. In Hastinapuram, KingDhruta-rashtra was bringing up his sons
and the sons of King Pandu without any discrimination between them.
But,while playing, Bheema was overpowering the
other brothers. Bheema was teasing them and beating them and subjecting them
to much troubles. Unable to bear those troubles, Duryodhana conspired with
his maternal uncle,Sakuni, and his immediate brother Dussasana, and was
planning to put an end to Bheema by some means or other.Sakuni supported
them. One day, after playing all kinds of water- sports in a nearby river,
all are tired and were sleeping. At that time, Duryodhana with the help of
Sakuni, got Bheema tied with wires and threw him in the deep waters of the
river. Bheema woke up and just shrugged his shoulders. All the wires were
broken and Bheema was freed. On the other day, Duryodhana got Bheema bit by
dreadful poisonous cobras. But, the stings of the Cobras couldnot inflict
into his strong body. Bheema woke up and killed all the snakes with one hand.
At last, Duryodhana got mixed powerful poison in
the food intended for Bheema. Bheema consumed the entire food mixed with
poison and digested it. The poison could not cause any harm to Bheema. Thus,
all the attempts to kill Bheema werefoiled. Duryodhana was seriously thinking
how to kill Bheema. Bheeshma, appointed eminent teachers likeKrupaacaarya and
Dronacaarya to teach all the skills of archery to Pandavas and Kouravas.
Janamejaya asked SaintVaisampaayana: “Kindly tell us about the birth of
Krupaacarya and Dronaacarya who were the Teachers of Kouravasand Pandavas.”
Saint Vaisampaayan continued to say: There was a
great saint called Goutama. His son was Saradvanta. Sardvanta did not like to
learn Vedas. He was more interested in learning archery.He learnt many skills
in archery. To know more about archery, he did Tapassu.To break that Tapassu,
Indra sent young beautiful lady called Jalapada. Saradvanta saw that lady. He
became so horny. His deer skin, bow and arrows fell down from his hand. His
sperm fell down in a grass bush in two parts. Sarvadvanta then went away.
From out of that sperm, one boy and one girl were born. One day, King Santana
went there for hunting. He saw the boy and girl and also the arrow sand bow
and the deer skin left by Saradvanta. He thought that they were born to a
Brahmin. He brought them to his palace. He named them as Krupa and Krupi.
After some time, Sardvanta came back to Santana.
He identified his son and daughter. He performed thread marriage to Krupa. He
taught the skills in archery to his son Krupa. Later, Bheeshma heard about
Krupa and called him to Hastinapuraand deputed him to teach archery to
Pandavas and Kouravas. After that, Saint Vaisampaayana narrated about the
birth of Dronacharya who was the main teacher of Kourvas and Pandvas.
A great saint called Bharadvajwas doing “Tapassu”
on the banks of River Ganges. One day, a divine beauty, Ghrutachi, was
swimming in the waters of River Ganges. Due to the wind, her saree was
dislocated and her naked body was visible to the eyes of others. Saint
Bharadvaja saw her naked beauty. He became horny. His semen fell down. Saint
Bharadvaja collected that semen into a pot (Droni). From that semen, a boy
was born with the Amsa of Sukra. As he wasborn in a Droni (vessel) he was
called Drona. King Prushata, a friend of Saint Bharadwaja, was ruling the
Panchala Kingdom. He went to forest for Tapassu. One day, he saw, one of the divine
beauty called Menaka. As usual, hebecame horny. His semen fell down. But
Prushata covered it with his foot. From that semen, a boy was born with the
Amsa of Maruttu.. He was named as Drupada. Prushata kept that boy in the
Ashram of Bharadvaja and returned to his capital of Pancala.
In the Aashram of Bharadwaja, Drona and Drupada
together learnt Vedas and skills of archery. After Prushata, Drupada
succeeded to the throne of Panchala .Drona learnt many skills of archery
under the guid ance of Saint AgnivEsya. As per the order of Bharadwaja,
Krupi, the sister of Krupacharya, was given in marriage to Drona. A son was
born to Drona through Krupi. He was called Asvathama. Having come to know
that Parasurama was giving away money and gold as gifts to all the Brahmins,Drona
approached Parsurma for some money as he was poor. “Drona, I am sorry. I have
completely given away all the money to the Brahmins. I am not having anyting
to be given to you. But I am having “Astras and Sastras”(missilees). If you
require, I will give them to you” said Parasurama. Drona gladly agreed for
it. Parasurama taught Drona many “Astras and Sastras” with the skill of
“Prayoga and Upasamhaara” (shoot and retract).
After learning all the archery skills from
Parasurama, Drona came back home. One day, Drona went to Drupada, who was his
friend since childhood. Drona talked to him freely as a close friend. But
Drupada did not relish it. “You are a poor brahmin. How can you make
friendship with Kings like me. Friendship or enemity should be between equals
only.What is the use for a King like me with a friend like you. Therefore,
there is no scope for friendship between us. You can go” said Drupada
proudly.
Drona couldnot bear this insult. But he could not
do anything. Unable to stay there, he proceeded to Hastinapura with his wife
and son, Asvathama. On the way, he saw Duryodhana and his other brothers in
the precincts of Hastinapura. At that time they were playing with a ball.
That ball fell in a deep well. They do not knowhow to take the ball out of
the well. They are all looking into the well helplessly. Drona came near the
well. He sawthe princes in helpless condition. Drona took out his bow and
arrows. He attached one arrow to the other and made an arrow thread. With the
help of arrow thread he took out the ball from out of the well.
Duryodhana and other princes went back home and
informed the same to Bheeshma. Bheeshma immeditely met Drona “ Who are
you?From where you are coming?” asked Bheeshma. “I am Drona son of Bharadwja.
I learnt skills of archery with Agnivesya. Drupada, the king of Panchala, was
my friend since childhood. When I met him he insulted me. This boy ismy son,
Asvathama. I am a poor Brahmin. I have no sufficient money to feed my wife
and son. I suffered a lot. While my son was a child, I had no money even to
purchase milk for the child. I approached Drupada, who was my friend
sincechildhood, and requested him to give four milching cows to feed the
child. But Drupada, heckled my poverty and denied my friendship, insulted me and
refused to help me.” said Drona.
Bheeshma gave sufficient money to Drona. Bheeshma
requested Drona to teach all the skills of archery to the sons of
Dhrutarashtra and sons of King Pandu.Drona agreed for it. One day, Drona
expressed a desire" after learning all the skills of archery from me,
who, amongst you, will accomplish my desire?” asked Drona. Kouravas kept
silent. Arjuna came forward “O Guru, I am Arjuna.I am here to accomplish your
desire, whatever you desire.” said Arjuna. Drona was very happy with the
words of Arjuna. He hugged Arjuna. Then he started teaching archery to
Pandavas and Kouravas.
Not only Kouravas and Pandavas, several princes
from various countries came to him and learnt archery. Karna, the son of
Kunti, born to her while she was unmarried, with the blessings of Sun God,
and who was brought up by a Soota, also learnt Archery under the guidance of
Drona. But Karna was always supporting Duryodhana and remained on his side.
Arjuna was obedient to his Guru, Drona and was serving him with devotion and
won the confidence of Drona.
Asvathama, son of Drona, was a proud and jealous
man. He did not relish Arjuna to learn how to shoot arrows even in darkness.
He called the cook and told him not to serve food to Arjuna when there was no
light. One day, Arjuna was taking food. Alight was burning by his side.
Suddenly there was a wind and the light went off. But Arjuna continued to put
his food inhismouth as a habit. Suddenly he got an idea.“While I was able to
take food even in darkness, why cannot I shoot arrows in darkness, if I
practice.” Since then he started practicing, shooting the objects with arrows
in darkness.
One day, Drona heard the sound of bow-thread in
dark ness. He saw Arjuna practising shooting in darkness. He was very much
pleased for the keen interest and devotion in learning archery. Drona taught
all the “Astras and Sastraas” learnt from Parasurama, to Arjuna. Drona made
Arjuna equal to him. On hearing about the name and fame of Acharya Drona,one
Ekalavya, son of a Tribal King, Hiranyadhanva, came to Drona and requested
him to teach him archery.Drona refused to teach him archery because he
belonged to a Tribal Community. Then Ekalavya went into the forest. He made
and idol of Drona with mud. He worshipped that idol with utmost devotion. He
kept Drona in his mind.He thought that Drona was before him and teaching him
archery. He began to practice archery.
One Day, Pandavas and Kouravs went into the
nearby forest for hunting. The hunting dog of Pandavas trespassed into the
placewhere Ekalavya was practising archery and began to bark loudly. Ekalavya
shot seven arrows into the mouth of thedog. The dog returned back to
Pandavas. They saw the dog was wounded by arrows. They went in search of
theperson who shot the dog with arrows. They found Ekalavya in the forest,
practising archery. “Who are you? Who isyour teacher in archery?”
askedPandavas. “My name is Ekalvya son of a Tribal King. He is my Guru. He
isDronacharya”so saying he showed the idol of Dronacarya. Pandavas returned
to Ashram and told Drona what had happened.
But Arjuna was suffering with mental agony. He
met Dronacarya alone “Guruji, you told me that I am yourfavourite student.
You taught me all the skills in archery. But that Tribal is saying that you
are his Guru. He is moreefficient than me. How is it?” asked Arjuna. Drona
could not understand this. Immediately, Dronacharya, along withArjuna,
visited the place where Ekalavya was living Ekalavya welcomed Dronacarya and
bowed before him. “Guruji, I am your student in archery.” said Ekalavya. Then
Dronacharya asked Ekalavya “ If you are my student and I am your Teacher,
where is your “Guru Dakshina” (reward for the Guru)” asked Drona. “Guruji,
this is my body. Here is my wealth. These are my servants. You choose
whatever you want. I will whole heartedly give you” requested
Ekalavya.”replied Ekalavya. “If that is so, sever your right thumb and give
it to me” asked Drona. Withouthesitation, Ekalavya took out a knife, cut his
right thumb and placed it at the feet of Drona.The result was that Ekalavya
cannot hold the bow and shoot an arrow. He lost all his skills in
archery.Arjuna got mental peace.Duryodhana and his brothers were very much
jealous about the strength of Bheema and archery skills of Arjuna.
One day, Drona wanted to test the archery skills
of his students. He made a toy bird and tied it to the top branch ofa tree.
Drona showed the toy bird to all his students. “You all take out your bows
and arrows and be ready to shoot.When I give signal, you have to hit that toy
bird.” said Drona. First he called Dharmaraj. “Dharmaa, take your bow and fix
an arrow. See that toy bird and its head” “Yes Guruji” “Are you seeing the
tree, me, your brothers?” “Yes Guruji. I could see all of you” “You have no
concentration. You cannot hit the toy bird. Go away.” said Drona. In the same
way, he asked all his students. All of them gave same reply that they are
seeing all other things including the object.At last, Dronacarya called
Arjuna and asked Arjuna what he was seeing. “Guruji,I could see only the head
of thebird and the head alone and nothing else. No other object is visible to
me. I do not see anything except the object”replied Arjuna. “Hit” ordered
Dronacarya. Arjuna hit the object successfully. Dronachary was very much
pleased with the concentration and shrewdness of Arjuna.
One day, Pandavas, Kouravas and other students
went to a nearby river for bathing. While Dronacharya was taking a dip in the
river, one crocodile caught the leg of Dronacarya and dragging him deep into
the river.Dronacharya raised hue and cry. “Come on my students. help me. save
me from this crocodile” cried aloud. All the princes were running here and
there serching ways and means to save the Guru. But Arjuna fixed the arrows
to his bow and hit the invisible crocodile hid in the river water, killed it
and saved Dronacharya.Dronacharya felt very much happy for the archery skills
of Arjuna. He believed that Arjuna was the only person who can take vengeance
against Drupada on his behalf. He gave all amazing and powerful Astras and
Sastrasto Arjuna and made him a full fledged warrior.
{MahaBharat--Adi Parva
Panchama Asvaasa (fifth chapter) completed} Om Tatsat. |
AADI PARVAMU SHATAASAASVAASAM (CHAPTER 6)
The story teller “Ugrasravasu” continued to say
to Saint Sounaka and other saints. Both pandavas and Kouravas were learning
skills of archery under the guidance of their Guru, Dronaacarya. After
getting the permission of King Dhrutaraashtra, Drona arranged a function for
exhibiting their archery skills and other marshal art skills, before the
elders like Vyaasa, Bheeshma, Vidura, Krupaa Acarya, Salya, Sakuni,
somadatta. He asked Vidura to make necessary arrangements. A separate stadium
was constructed for the above function. On that day, Dhrutarashtra along with
his wife Gandhaari was seated in royal chairs. Mahabharat. Bhagavan Vyasa,
Krupaacaarya, Salya, Sakuni, Bheeshmaa, Vidura and Somadatta also arrived and
seated in their respective seats.
Drona was attired in white apparel and entered
the Stadium. Behind him, Pandavas, Kouravas and other princes followed to the
stadium. All the one hundred kouravas stood according to their age.
Preliminaries were held. Some princes exhibited their talent in archery. Then
commenced the dual fight with Gadhas (gadhaa yuddha) between Duryodhana and
Bheemasena. Both were fighting like lions. Vidura who was sitting by the side
of Dhrutarashtra and Gandhaari was explaining what was going there in the
stadium. But the audience who were in the galleries were divided into two, some
on the side of Bheema and some on the side of Duryodhana and they were
betting with each other about the winning chances between Bheema and
Duryodhana.
Dronacharya found that the situation is going out
of control. He sent his son Asvaddhaama to stop the fight between Bheema and
Duryodhana. Then he announced that Arjuna will show his skills in archery.
Arjuna entered the stadium with his bow and arrows. All the audience gathered
here admired Arjuna and praised that he was the proud son of King Pandu and
was a great archeror. They have given him a big hand. Kunti was feeling happy
that his son has become a great archeror. On hearing the cheerful shouts and
praising of audience, Dhrutarashtra asked mahabharat. Vidura ?What was
that?All the audiens are praising Arjuna for his archery skills. said Vidura.
Dhrutarastra also felt happy.
Arjuna, with the permission of his Guru
Dronacharya, launched some missilles, like Agneyaastra, Vaarunaastra,
Vaavyaastra, Meghaastra and other missiles and showed his skills in launching
and landing. All the audiens amazingly witnessed that show of Arjuna. In the
meanwhile, Karna entered the stadium. All the audience looked at Karna, with
his natural kavacha (chest plate) and kundalas (ear rings) with utmost
surprise. Karna stood in the centre of the stadium and saluted his Guru,
Drona and mahabharat. looked at Arjuna and said: Arjuna, for exhibiting such
a petty archery tricks, so much of skill is not necessary. I will also do the
same. Duryodhana looked at Karna. He was very happy because Karna is opposing
Arjuna. Arjuna grew angry. Karna sought the permission of Drona and exhibited
all the skills in archery that have already been shown by Arjuna.
Duryodhana went near Karna, hugged him and
requested him to be his friend. Karna requested Duryodhana for permision to
have a duel fight with Arjuna. Arjun did not agree. He heckled Karna for
entering the show without invitation. Arjuna, this show is meant for all the
talented archerors. For this show all the talented are invited. No special
invitation is necessary? said Karna. Duryodhana gave permission to Karna to
have a dual fight with Arjuna. Both Karna and Arjuna had a fiercest dual
fight. At one moment, when Karna threw a missile called Parjyannaastra Arjuna
disappeared. On seeing this Kuntee fainted. Then Arjuna nullified
Parjanyasastra with Vavyaastra. Krupaacaarya thought again the situtation is
going out of control. He stood in between Karna and Arjuna. Karna, Arjuna is
the son of King Pandu, a Kshatriya by birth. If you want to continue dual
fight with Arjuna, you have to reveal your parentage and Vamsa. Karna became
speechless.
Duryodhana came to his rescue. O
guru,Krupaacharya, who is a king? His caste,(kshatriya), his valiant courage,
a big army, will make oneself as a King. . Your objection is that Karna is
not a King. Now, now itself, I am making Karna as king of Kingdom of Anga,
which is partand parcel of this Kuru Dynasty.? said Duryodhana. He went to
his father Dhrutarastra and Bheeshma and sougt their formal permission. A
throne, sacred waters, garlands, crown, were made ready.Then and there, he
enthroned Karna. Put the crown on his head.
Duryodhana proclaimed that Karna was the King of
Anga Kingdom. For this sudden turn of events, Karna was overjoyous. His
happiness knew no bounds. Karna embraced Duryodhana.Duryodhana, my friend,
today is a memorable day in my life. You have kept my prestige so high. What
can I do for you??Duryodana looked at Karna and said Karna, I seek your
friendship. Be my friend for ever?.Karna?s eyes filled with tears.
Duryodhana, I am yours. I will be your friend throughout my life.This is my
vow. Karna proclaimed. In the meanwhile, Karna's father, chariot driver, came
there.Karna bowed before his father. Bheema observed this.O Karna, son of a
chariot driver, instead ofdriving a chariot for kings like us, why are you
fighting with Arjuna? heckled Bheema.
Duryodhana interrupted.O, son of Vayu, look at
Karna. A talented warrior like Karna, will never be born in an inferior
caste. You know Bheema, the birth secrets of warriors, heavenly bodies, and
rivers are unquestionable? The great weapon of Devendra, Vajraayudha, was
born out of the spine of Saint Dadheechi. Kumara swamy, The son of Lord Siva,
was born in green grass bush. What about your Guru Krupaacarya? How was he
born? Was not Drona born from a pot? You know, all the present Kshatriyas
were born only through Brahmins, (When Parasurama perished the entire
Kshatriyacommunity). Tell me, how were you and your brothers born? Therefore,
there is no need here to discuss about births. Karna is the King of Anga .
That is all. He is a king.DeclaredDuryodhana.
In the meanwhile, sun was set. The show was
concluded for the day.Duryodhana went to his palace along with Karna. Till
then, Kunti was looking at Karna. She recognised him as his elder son. But
due to the affection on Arjuna, she did not reveal this. She suppressed it in
her heart once for all. On completion of education, all the students shall
offer GuruDakshina to the Guru.
Pandavas and Kouravas asked their Guru,
Dronacarya Gurujee, what is your wish and desire. We will accomplish it.
Drona did not forget the insult met by him at the hands of King Drupada. You
all go to Panchala Kingdom, fight with Drupada, bring him before me with
folded hands?. asked Drona. Immediately, Duryodhana and other brothers
proceeded to Panchala Kigndom. All the Pandavas also started on their
chariots to Panchala kingdom along with their Guru Drona.
Duryodhana and other brothers proclaimed war with
Drupada. But Drupada was not an ordinary king. He was a great warrior. He
gave a fitting reply to Duryodhana and defeated him in the war. Then Arjuna
along with Bheema attacked Drupada. They fought with Drupada. They destroyed
the entire army of Drupada. They defeated the King Drupada in the dual fight.
Arjuna tied Drupada to the chariot wheel, brought him to Drona, made him to
fall on the feet of Drona. Drona smiled at him ?O King Drupada! How is it
that the Great King Drupada is with a sorrowful face fell on the feet of an
ordinary brahmin like me? It appears that your pride and vigour are
vanished.Will you
at least remember us hereafter? He ordered Arjuna to free Drupada. Drupada could not bear this insult. He decided to take vengenace against Drona at any cost. As the education in Gurukula is completed,Dhrutarashtra made Dharma raja as Yuva raja. (crescent king or nominated king). The other four brothers also helped him. They fought with all the kingson four sides of the kingdom, conquered them and made them as Samantas.Though Dharmaja was a nominated king, he was shining like an Emperor and won the appreciation of one and all. Drona was very much impressed with the archery skills of Arjuna. He presented one missili named Brahmastra.Arjuna, this is a powerful missile. This should not be directed against inferior personalities. This will destroy the entire universe. But you should give me another presentation for me. While I am in the war, you should not directly fight against me?
Arjuna gladly accepted the same and received that
mighty missili. While Dharmaja, with the help of his brothers, was ruling
Kuru Dynasty to the appreciatin of one all, Duryodhana was very much jealous
and could not control himself. He approached his father Dhrutarashtra and
said: ?O my beloved father, all the Pandavas are great and valiant warriors.
You made Dharmaja as Yuva Raja and he is ruling the kingdom. All the
ministers, generals, and people in the country are showing utmost respect to
him and praising him for his good deeds.
They are not even caring for you or, for that
matter, Grand Father, Bheeshma. You know what people are thinking about
you---as you are unfit to rule the kingdom and as Bheeshma was not willing to
take the reins of kingdom, Dharmaja is only fit to rule the kingdom and he
should be respected.. Vidura also supporting this. Nobody is caring for us.
While all the ministers, generals,samantaas are praising Dharmaja, I am
unable to tolerate.
You should put anendto my mental agony. Please
send Pandavas anywhere else. Duryodhana said.After patiently hearing the
words of his son, Dhrutarashtra said My beloved son, I also know about this.
But what can I do? I am blind. I am helpless. I cannot run day to day
administration efficiently. Previously, my brother King Pandu served me and
looked after the kingdom. He conquered all the kings and brought enormous
treasures and fame to the palace. He made me to perform many Yagas and
Yajnas. In the sameway, I handed over the kingdom to his son. Now, how can I
send them away.Please tell me.
Duryodhna gave him a fitting reply. Kingdom is an
ancestral property. King Pandu ruled this country on your behalf but not as
an independent king. In the same way, you made Dharmaja as King on your
behalf. AfterDharmaja, his son will be made as a king. If it goes on like
this, only the successors of Pandavas will rule this country. Then, where we
will be? Ourselves and our sons and grand sons will serve Pandvas and their
successors as slaves. Shall we have to live as permanent slaves to them? It
should not be like that. Because, this kingdom is yours. As you are blind,
King Pandu rules this country on your behalf. He passed away. We are your
legal heirs. Hence, we have to rule this country. Because of the good deeds
of King Pandu, naturally all the people wanted that his son,Dharmaja, must be
the future king. If we send Pandavas to Varanavatha for sometime, and if they
are not before them, all the ministers, generals and other people will naturally
forget them and serve me, love me and respect me as their king.
After I establish myself as King for sometime,
Pandavas can as well come back to Hastinapura and live here with all honors.
What do you say?? told Duryodhana convincingly. Suyodhana, I am also of the
same opinion like you. But what to do. Will Bheeshma, Vidura and Drona accept
this misdeed. How to convice them? As it is not possible, I am unable to do
anything, said Dhrutarashtra.Duryodhana was happy because he could convince
his father.You are the King and Emperor. Dronacarya and Krupacarya are
working under your control.They will agree.
Besides that, Asvathama is my best friend. He
will never leave me. For the sake of his son, Drona, will not leaveme. For
the sake of his sister andbrother in law, Krupacarya, will not leave
Hastinapura. Grand father Bhishma shows same affecton on both of us. Thefore,
he will always be neutral. The remaining is Vidura. Ofcourse he favours
Pandavas but he is alone. He cannot do anything.Therefore, there is nothing
wrong in my proposal and it can be worked out efficiently. Hence you should
accept it. Duryodhana pressurised his father.
Dhrutarashtra had no other option but to accept
the proposal of Duryodhana.Now Duryodhana hatched a wicked plan to send
Pandavs to Varanavatha and liquidate them there. He took some of the
ministers into confidence and told them to praise about the greatness and
beauty of Varaanavata before Pandavasand convince them to visit Varanavatha.
Accordingly, they began to praise about Varanavatha before Pandavas.
Naturally, Pandavas were very curious to visit Varanavata.
One day Dhrutarashtra called Pandavas. Dharmaja,
Your father, King Pandu earned great name and fame as a king of this Kuru
Dynasty. But he is not before us. You are also fit and efficient sons to your
father. I like you very much. I hope you will obey my words. You have been
ruling this country since long time. You waged many wars. You are so tired. I
want to give you some rest. Varanavatha City is on the banks of Holy river Ganga.
It is a place for spending pleasant and peaceful life. Therefore, you, your
brothers and your mother Kunti, visit Varanavata and stay there happily for
some time and come back, requested Dhrutarashtra,pretending innocence. While
his Paternal Uncle was saying like that,Dharmaja could not reject the offer.
He accepted the same and started to make preparations for the journey.
Duryodhana called one builder and architect
called Purochana.Purochana, you are a trustworty person. I trust you.
Pandavas are going to stay at Varanavatha for some time. You have to
construct suitable buildings for their comfortable stay. The walls should be
built with the mixture of mudlack, ghee and other inflammable oils. All the
Pandavas and Kunti will live in that house. After some time, you have to set
fire to that house, return to Hastinapura and give me information that all
are dead.This is your mission. If you complete this mission, I will regain my
kingdom. You will live princely life throughout your life, said Duryodhana inciting
him to do that dirty job.
Purochana agreed for the same and proceeded to
Varanavatha. After taking permission from Bheeshma,Dronacarya, Krupacarya,
Dharmaja, along with his four brothers and mother Kunti, left Hastinapura for
Varanavatha. Here, Nannaya gave the ages of Pandavas. Ofcourse, Veda Vyasa
who wrote Bharata in Sanskrit also must have given them. When Dharmaja,
Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva left Satasrunga Hill and arrived at
Hastinapur, they were aged about 16, 15, 14, 13, 13 respectively. As Nakula
and Sahadeva were twins, they were of the same age. They lived
inastinapurafor a periodof 13 years. Therefore, their ages when they left for
Varanaavatawere 29,28, 27, 26, 26 respectively.
While Pandavas along with Kunti were leaving
Varanavata, the citizens of Hastinapura were very much unhappy. They all know
that it was the wicked plan of Duryodhana to get rid of Pndavas once and for
all.But they wonder why Bheeshma and other elders did not object the same.
They could not live in Hastina without Dharmaja. Hence they all followed
Dharmaja behind the chariot. Dharmaja saw this. He got down the chariot with
folded hands.My dear fellow citizens, I am faithfully, with great devotion,
following thewords of my paternal uncle. I am going to Varanaavata along with
my mother and brothers for taking rest. We will come back again and meet all
of you. I request you to kindly go back to Hastinapuram please, said
Yudhishtira. As per his request, all the citizens turned back. But Vidura
followed them to some distance. Vidura told some words to Yudhishtira which
cannot be understood by common man.
Then Vidura took leave from Kunti and went back
to Hastinapura. Kuti asked Yudhishtiraa ?My son, we could not understand what
Vidura told you. What did he say? asked Kunti. Dharmaja smiled and said ,Mom,
uncle told me that we shouldbe more careful about poison and fire. He said
that he will let us know about the wicked plans of Duryodhana from time to
time, said Dharmaja. Kunti and other Pandavas were very much happy about the
affection Vidura shown towards them.
They reached Varanavatam in course of time. The
citizens of Varanavatam accorded warm welcome to Kunti and Pandavas. They
received them with great honour. Purochana also received them and led them to
the new houses built for their stay. Pandavas were very happy. They
appreciated the architectural skills of Purochana in building the houses and
decorating them.
After Purochana left, Dharmaja called Bheemasena,
Brother, observe and smell these walls. Are they not smelling some odd odour
like mixture of ghee and lac and other oils.? asked Yudhishtira.Bhimasena
smelt the walls and surprised .Yes brother, it is correct. The walls are
smelling ghee and other oils. Besides that, our house is very near to
thearmoury which is exposed to danger always. said Bhima. You are right. Now
I recollect the words of Vidura. We are very much exposed to fire than
poison. We must be more careful? said Yudhishtira.
Brother, we can do one thing. We will go back to
our previous building and stay there. We will set fire to this house. said
Bheema with anger. No. Dont be in hurry. That is not a wise thing. We
detected the danger. We will be more careful. Suppose, Duryodhana or
Purochana suspect that we are aware of their crooked idea, they will alert
and work out another plan to put an end to us. As we will not be knowing
about it, it would be very difficult for us to come out of their trap.
Therefore, we will pretend as if we are innocent and see what will happen.?
said Dharmaja.
From then onwards Bheema was more vigilant in
safeguarding himself, his mother and other brothers. Purochana employed one
maid servant for serving Kunti and Pandavas. She got five sons. She was
helping Kunti in her household work. She was also spying on them and passing
on all the information about the movements of Pandavas and Kunti to
Purochana. In the meanwhile, Vidura came to know about the cruel plan of
Duryodhana Immediately, he sent one Khanaka (a worker who is an expert in
digging earth and building underground tunnels) to Varanavatha. Khanaka
reached Varanavata, me tDharmaja and told his secret code to him. Dharmaja
believed that Khanaka was sent by Vidura.
Then Khanaka told Dharmaja secretely.O king Dharmaja,
I was sent byVidura. On the coming Krishna Chaturdasi, Purochana will set
fire to this house and kill all of you. Vidura deputed me to dig a tunnel
from inside this building to outisde.If you permit, I will commence the work?
said Khanaka. Dharmaja surprisedabout the foresight of Vidura. He permitted
Khanaka to proceed with his work.Khanaka accordingly, dug a tunnel from
inside the house to outside the building.Oncompletion, Bhima tested the
tunnel and was satisfied about its construction,safety and security.
On the Krishna Chaturdasi day, Kunti invited the
Brahmins and their wives in the City of Varanavata and served them with good
food and gave them valuable clothes and gifts and also money. On that night
all were sleeping. The servant maid, along with her five sons, consumed
intoxicated drinks and were sleeping under its influence. But Bheema was very
vigilant. At dead of night, even before Purocana set fire to their building,
Bhima himself set fire to the room where Purocana was sleeping. Then he sent
his mother Kunti and four brothers outside the building through the
underground tunnel dug by Khanaka. Then he also set fire to the building
where they were staying. Then he set fire to the armoury also. Bheema
informed Khanaka that they are escaping safely.
Then Bheemaalso came out through the underground
tunnel and met his brothers and mother.Then they began to walk swiftly and
quickly. Dharmaja and other brothers and Kunti could not keep pace witth the
swift walk of Bheema. Hence, Bheema carried his mother Kunti on his back. He
carried Dharmaja and Arjuna on his shoulders.He lifted Nakula and Sahadeva
with each hand. Then Bheema began to walk swiftly throughout the night. Next
day morning, the people of Varnavata saw the burning house where Pandavas were
staying. They put off the fire and removed the debris of ashes. They found
the charred bodies of servant maid and her five sons.
They thought that those bodies were of five
pandavas and kunti. They began to cryaloud for the sad demise of Pandavas and
Kunti. They all cursed the wicked and vicious deeds of their king
Dhrutarashtra and Duryodhana. In the meanwhile,Khanaka also mingled in the
mob. He also took part in removing the debris of ashes. While doing so, he
covered the tunnel which he dug, with the debris of ashes and made it
invisible to others. Then he proceeded to Hastinapura and informed Vidura
about the welfare of Pandavas and Droupati. The people of Varanavatha also
sent some messengers to Hastinapura to inform Dhrutarashtra about the sad demise
of Pandavas and Kunti in the fire accident. On hearing the news,Bheeshma,
Dronaacarya and Krupaacarya felt verymuch for the untimely death of Pandavas
and their mother. Vidura also pretended as if he does not know anything about
Pandavas.
Duryodhana was very happy about the death of
Pandavas asper his wish, but he felt sad about the demise of Purocana.
Pandavas were proceeding towards southwards. They were tired as they were
walking throughout the day. Bheema found a comfortable place under a big tree.
All sat under the tree and were taking rest. Bheema went out to fetch some
water for drinking. By the time he returned with water, all of them were in
deep sleep. Bheema was keeping watch over them without sleeping . One
Hidimbaasura, a rakshasa, was living in a cave near the place where Pandavas
were sleeping.
Hidimbaasura smelt that some human beings entered
into his area. He called his sister, Hidimba .Sister Hidimbaa, some human
creatures entered our area. My toung is itching for human flesh. Go and find
them out, kill them and prepare a sumptuous dish with their flesh?. Hidimba
went insearch of the human beings. She found, from behind a tree, Pandavas
and Kunti sleeping under a tree. She also saw Bheemasena keeping watch over
them. She fellin love with Bheema. Immediately she transformed into a
beautiful lady. She forgot the words of her brother, Hidimbaasura.
(Here Nannaya wrote a beautiful poem. It means,
that for ladies, the love towards their lovers and husbands is much thicker.
It is no match for other love. In other words, generally ladies love their
lovers and husbands much more than their parents, relatives and friends. It
is a naked truth.Now adays, love? has become an essential element for
producing films and t.v.serials. Youth is very much influenced by the movies
filled with love and passion.Even the teenage boys and girls, without
attaining discretionary age, are falling inlove with each other, against the
wishes of their parents who brought them up sincechildhood. Some girls are
leaving their parents house, falling in blind love and are joining their
lovers. Ofcourse, some landed in neck-deep troubles.
Veda Vyasa,predicted this situation and human
mentality, even thousands of years back. This is an example for their
foresight). Bheema saw Hidimba. ?Who are you? Why youhave come here? asked
Bheema. ?My name is Hidimba. I am the sister of Hidimbaasura, a demon. He
sent me to kill all of you. But I fell in love with you. If you marry me, my
brother will not do any harm to you. Therefore, please marry me.Perhaps you
do not know about my brother, Hidimbaasura. He does not care anybody on this
earth. None is there who are not afraid of my brother. You are nothing before
my brother. Besides that, the area where you are sleeping belongs to him. He will
never leave you without killing all of you.
Therefore, come with me. Let us go somewhere and
enjoy the sensual pleasures. Hidimba pressurised Bheema.She is my mother.
These are my brothers. They are in sound sleep. How can I leave them for your
sake? said Bheema.If it is so, wake them up. We all will leave this place?
said Hidimba.No No. They are in sound sleep. How can I disturb their sleepfor
the sake of an ordinary rakshasa? said Bheema.
In the mean time,Hidimbaasura was in restless
mood. He was waiting for his sister Hidimba. As she did not turn up for a
long time, he himself came there. On seeing her brother,Hidimba hid behind
Bheema. Bheema looked at Hidimbaasura.O Demon, you are fit to be killed.
Hence I will kill you and liberate this forest from clutches of demons like
you. So saying Bheema jumped on Hidimbaasura and fought with him.There was a
dreadful dual fight betwen them. On hearing the roaring sounds of Bheema and
Hidimbasura, Kunti and other Pandavas woke up.
Kunti asked Hidimba?Who are you? I am the sister
of this demon, Hidimbaasura. My name is Hidimba. I fell in love with your
son. Now my brother and your son are fighting with each other. said Hidimba.
Arjuna went to the place where they were fighting. At that time, the sun was
about to rise. Arjuna cautioned Bheema, Bheema, the east is turning red. It
is a convenient time for demons. Kill him immediately, cried Arjuna.On
hearing those words Bheema with renewed vigour fell upon Hidimbaasura.He
lifted the demon with both hands and twisted him and threw him on the ground.
The heavy body of Hidimbaasura hit the ground and his spinal cord was broken
and he died instantaneously.
Hidimba was surprised. She adored Bheema for his
strength, vigour and valour. Pandavas then decided to leave that place as it
wasnotsafe to stay. Hidimba tried to follow them. Bheema obstructed her ?You
are not a human being. You are Rakshasa lady. We never believe you. Don't
follow us. Bheema said. Then Hidimba went behind Kunti and murmered in her
ears 'Maa, forevery creature, love and lust are quite common. Sex is
inevitable. But sexual urge is more in ladies. I fell in love with Bheema.
For his sake, I left all my relatives. If my love is not fulfilled, I will
die. If you receive me as your son's wife, I will be more helpful to you. I
have got some extraordinary senses. I can tell past,present and future.
Please hear me. From here, at a small distance,
there is an Ashram of oneSaintcalled Saalihotra. There is a pond near that
Ashram. If you drink the water inthat pond, you will never feel hunger and
thirst. You can safely stay there. Saint Krishna Dvaipaayana will come to you
and tell you what should be done in future.Kunti was very much pleased with
the words of Hidimba.She told Bheema , Bheemaa, kindly follow my words, as
the words of your elder brother Dharmaja.Hidimba is a virtuous lady. She is
fit for you. Kindly marry her and fulfil her desire. She is your well wisher.
said Kunti.
As per the words of his mother Kunti,Bheema
married Hidimba and led a happy married life with Hidimba. Then all of them
went to the Ashram of Saint Salihotra and stayed there. One day Saint
VedaVyasa came there. Kunti, Dharmaja, good days are ahead of you. These
sorrows are temporary. You will get back your kingdom in near future. Stay here
for some time and then proceed to a place called Ekacakrapura. But
hereinafter, you will be in the attire of Brahmins and lead a Saatvika life
as Brahmins. I will meet you later and tell you what should be done? said
Veda Vyasa.
As per the words of VedaVyasa, Pandavas and Kunti
stayed in the Ashramam of Salihotra for some more time and then proceeded to
Ekacakra pura as Brahmins. In the mean while, Hidimba became pregnant and
gave birth to a male child. His name was Ghatotkacha. He was a mighty personality
with great strength and huge body. He was Kamaroopa(power to take any shape
or form as he likes). Ghatotkaca bowed before his father, Bheema and other
uncles and grandmother Kunti . I will stay here along withmy mother Hidimba.
Whenever you need my help,kindly think about me in your mind. I will appear
before you. So saying, Ghatotkaca left them and went awayalong with his
mother, Hidimba.
Later, Pandavas stayed there for some time. They
learnt Dharma Sastras and Moral sciences under the guidance of Saint
Saalihotra.Then Pandvas proceeded to a place called Ekacakrapuram in the
attire of Brahmins. Kunti and Pandavas wore deer skins and clothes made up of
jute. Chanting Vedas they entered Ekacakrapura. It is an agrahaaram
(Agraahram means villages given as gifts or in ams to Brahmins. Usually,
Brahmins live in Agraharams.Even now also where mostly Brahmins live are
called agraharams.) They stayed in a house owned by a Brahmin. Daily, all the
Pandavas used to visit all the houses of Brahmins in the agraharam, request
for alms (Biksha) and hand over it toKunti. Kunti used to divide the Biksha
into two parts. Half will be given to Bheema. The remaining will be divided
among the remaining brothers and mother. They gained the appreciation of one
and all in the village with their humility, good nature.All felt happy to
offer alms to them daily.
One day, Kunti and Bheema were inthe house.
Yudhishtira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva went for fetching food. Suddenly,Kunti
heard the sounds of weeping and sobbing. Kunti called Bheema andsaid:"My
son Bheema, it appears that the house owners might have some
domestictroubles. The house owner helped us by giving his house to us for
residence. Itis our duty to recognise their help. If we reciprcate it by
doing some help to them, it willbe a great Punya for us. If we do more help
than what they have done to us, it is a greatest Punya for all of us.
Therefore,please try to help them in reciprocity of their help done to
us". Bheema withfolded hands bowed before Kunti and said Maa, I will
certainly obey your words.Kindly find out why they are weeping and what we
can do for them to avert it" .
Then Kunti went inside the house and enquired
what had happened. The houseowner said: "Ammaa, births and deaths,
attachments and detachments are quite natural. But how can I send my wife,
whom I married accoriding to Veda Dharma,as food to a demon. How can I send
my daughter to a demon for eating, instead of performing her marriage
according to Veda Dharma. How can I send my son,who will offer me Pinda and
Water after my death, to a demon as food. Therefore, I offer myself as food
to the demon. But these are weepig. What can I do?" said thehouse owner.
Immediately, his wife said "No, It cannot
be. You married me and blessed me with children. That is sufficient. My
responsibility is over. I will die early and wait for you in the heaven.
Besides that, the status of a widow in the society is pitiable. Every man
will have an eye on her. If I die earlier, you can remarry. But a widow
cannot remarry. Hence I will offer myself as food to the demon. After my
demise, you can remarry, give good education to the children,and get them
married,and live happily." said his wife.
For this the youngest boy childishly took asmall
stick and said "Daddy, don't worry. I will go and kill that demon with
this stick".So saying they boy wiped the tears of his father with his
tiny hands. Kunti could not follow what they were saying. She asked the wife
of the house owner "Who is this demon? Why should you send daily alms to
that demon? What had happened to the inmates of this village? Kindly tell me
in detail" Kunti asked. The house owner began to narrate: "At a
distance of one Yojana, on the banks of river Yamuna, onerakshasa called
Bakaasura is living. Daily he used to kill all the villagers and eat
them.Even the king who is ruling this area also expressed his helplessness.
Hence, all villagers made an agreement with Bakaasuraa. According to that
agreement, daily one person, one cart load of food and eatables, two
buffaloes should be sent to Bakaasura. (Even today, this kind of Bakasuras in
the shape of Street Rowdies and Goondas are ruling certain areas and
collecting haftas from the shop keepers andhouse owners. Even the Police are
also collecting monthly mammools from wineshopowners, bars owners. Even the
political leaders are collecting royalty in crores from the contractors for
the projects constructed in their areas. All these are Bakaasuras in white
shirts. In those days, there was only one Bakaasura. Nowadays,every street, every
town, every area is filled with Bakaasuras. Even the goverments are unable to
control them. Besides they are supporting them for fetching votes and
rigging. To put an end to these Bakaasuras, One Bheemsena for each area
should be born and save this Nation. )
On hearing this, Kunti told the house
owner"Plese don't worry about this small issue. I know how to avert this
trouble. You are having only one son. I am having five sons. Out of them I
will send one today to Bakasura as food" Kunti said. The house owner did
not agree for this."You are my guests. It is a great sin for me to agree
for this proposal Besides, killing a Brahmin for my selfishness is a greatest
sin" said house owner.
Kunti smiled and said "Please donot worry
about my boy. He is a mighty personality. He killed some Rakshasas also
reviously. He will certainly kill Bakaasura and liberate you". Kunti
immediately called Bheema and explained him what to do. Bheemaa gladly agreed
for this.In the meanwhile, Dharmaja and other brothers arrived with Biksha.
He saw Bheema in joyful mood."Ammaa, Bheemaa is so cheerful. It appears
he is going tofight with some body. Are you sending him or is he going
according to his ownaccord?" asked Dharmaja. Kunti told Dharmaja what
had happened. "Ammaa, what is this? Are you sacrificing your own son for
the sake of others. Are you mad? Is Bheemasena a son to be sacrificed? Tell
me?" asked Dharmaja .
Kunti smiled and said"Dharmaja, I am not
assigning this job to Bheema without knowing his strength and power. On the 10th
day of his birth, I was going to a temple situated on a small hill.Suddenly I
heard roaring of a tiger. I was afraid and shivered. Bheema slipped out of my
hand and fell on a huge rock. Bheema was safe but that huge rock was broken
to pieces. He is such a mighty personality. Bheema will certainly kill
Bakasura and liberate the Brahmin community of this village permanently.
Besides this, as Vedavyas said, this is Kshtriya Dharma. A Kshatriya is born
only to wipe out the troubles of others. If any kshatriya saves a brahmin who
is at the death knell, he will get heavenly pleasures. If he saves another
kshatriya, he will get eternal fame. If any kshatriya saves vysyas and
soodraas, he will acquire the love and affection of the people. This is
kshatriya dharma. This brahmin gave us shelter in this village. As
Kshatriyas, it is our duty to help him when he is in troubles. Now we got a
chance to help him. We have to help him"
Dharmaja agreed with his mother. Then the house
owner and others prepared one cart load of food items. First Bheemasena ate
belly-full of sumptuous food. He sat on the cart and drove it to the place
where Bakasura lives.He stopped the cart on the banks of Yamuna. He called
Bakaasura. There is no reply. Instead of waiting for Bakasura, Bheemasena
began to consume the food items one by one. There, Bakasura was waiting for
the man and the cart. "Daily the manith cart will arrive at this place.
But today, the person is calling from a distance.What is this?" he
thought for a while. He could not control his hunger and anger.Bakasura went
in search of the cart.
He saw Bheemasena sitting on the cart,consuming
the food items. He could not control his anger. Bakaasura attacked Bheema. He
fisted Bheema. No reply from Bheema. Bakasura uprooted a huge tree and hurled
it on Bheemasena. Bheema grew angry. They both fought with eachother.
Bakaasura could not stand before Bheema. Bheema killed Bakasura. In the
meawhile, the friends and relatives of Baksura gathered there. Bheemasena
gave a stern warning to all of them "Look! Bakasura is dead. If you try
to cause any harm to any of the villagers of Ekachakrapura or surrounding
villages, you will also meet the same fate. Take care!" warned
Bheemsena. All of them were shivering and agreed for the words of Bheemasena.
Bheemasena brought the dead body of Bakaasura and threw it at the outskirts
of Ekachakrapura. All the villagers saw this and praised Bheemasena for his
valour and courage. Bheemasena went to his residence and told Kunti and other
brothers how he killed Bakasura. All the villagers thought that Bheemasena
was not an ordinary human being. They all came in crowds to see him. (Maha
Bharat- Aadiparva - Sixth Chapter - completed.)
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SAPTAMAASAASVAASA
(CHAPTER SEVEN)
Ugrasravasu, the Sootha, continued to narrate the Story of Mahabharat, to Sounaka and other Sages and saints. After killing Bakasura, Pandavas with their mother, Kunti, lived in Ekacakrapura for some time. One ay, one brahmin came to their house as guest. Dharmaja received him with due honours and gave him food. While he was taking rest, Dharmaja asked him “Kindly tell me which places have you visted and what is the mportance of those places?”
The Brahmin continued to say about the places he has visited. “I have seen so many places but I have never seen a place like Panchaala . It is being ruled by a king called Drupada. His daughter, Droupadi, was born from out of “Homaagni” (Sacred fire). King Drupada is trying to perform her marriage.” the brahmin said.
On earing this, Dharmaja was surprised. “How was a humanbeing born from out of Homaagni (Sacred Fire)? Why was she not born to her mother? Kindly tell me the details.I am curious to know about that” asked Dharmaja. The brahmin continued to say: “Drona and Drupada were good friends. They both studied in one gurukula. They learned archery skills from Guru Agnivesa. For some reason or other, enemity developed between them.
Drupada became the King of Panchaala. Drona went to Hastinaapura and at the request of Bheeshma, he taught archery skills to Kouravas and Pandavas. As “Guru Dakshina”,Drona asked Arjuna to catch Drupada and bring him before him. Accordingly,Arjuna fought with Drupada, defeated him, tied him to his chariot and broughthim before Drona. Drona heckled Drupada and freed him. Drupada could not tolerate this insult caused to him by Drona. He wanted to have one son who can kill Drona in war and also a daughter who can marry Arjuna. He began one Yaagaa.Himself and his wife, Kokila Devi, peformed that “Yaga” with great devotion.
On completion of that Yaga, one man, with huge and mighty personality, with a great bowand arrows came out of the Sacred Fire. Then, one girl, with stunning beauty, but withblack comlexion, also came out of the Sacred Fire. AakaaSa vaani named both of them as Dhrushtadyumna and Krishna (black personality).Now that girl, Krishna, is of marriagiable age. Drupada wanted to perform her marriage. The intention of King Drupada was to give her in marriage to Arjuna. Later he came to know that Arjuna, along with his brothers, was killed in Lackhouse at Vaaranaavata. But his Purohits (Priests) told him that for Pandavas, all are good Omens and they are certainly alive. With the fond hope that Arjuna will come and marry his daughter, he proclaimed Svayamvara (girl choosing a boy of her choice). Drupadagot prepared a mighty bow and also Matsya Yantra. (Matsya Yantra means, a fish tied to a wheel, will be rotating in the sky. One has to shot it down by watching its image in the water on the ground.).
He thought that Arjuna alone can aim the bow and shoot matsya yantra. All the kings are going to that Svayamvara”, said the Brahmin. On hearing this, Kunti told Dharmaja “we have been living in this house of a Brahmin since a long time. It is not proper on our part to live in others' house any longer. Therefore, we also will move to Panchala kingdom.” said Kunti. Dharmaja also agreed for that proposal. Then all of them left Ekachakra pura for Panchala kingdom. On the way, they visited Vyasa Ashram.Saint Vyasa blessed them and said that they should go to Pancala Pura and they will be benefited. After having the blessings of Saint Vyasa, they proceeded to Panchala Pura.
They were travelling by walk day and night. One mid nighy, they reached the banks of Holy River Ganges. It was called Somasrava theertha. They wanted to have a holy dip in that sacred place. At that time, one Gandharva, called Angaaraparna, along with his wives,arrived there.He saw Pandavas. He grew angry. “You, human beings, this is the time for Rakshasas (Asuras or Demons), Gandharvas to roam. During this time, human beings shall not roam. I am a Gandharva, called Angara Parna. The River Ganges and the surrounding forests are under my control. You all have to quit this place immediately. Otherwise, you will be killed” proudly said Angaraparna.
Arjuna looked at Angaaraparna and smiled. “Your words will apply to ordinary human beings but not valiant people like us. Besides that, this holy ganges belongs to one and all. Not only Holy Ganges, all the rivers on this earth belong to entire population but not to one individual.” said Arjuna. Angaaraparna could not tolerate this kind of retaliation from an ordinary human being. He showered arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna warded off those arrows with the torch he was holding. Arjuna looked at Gardharva “This is AgnEyaastra. This was originally given by Agni Deva to Bruhaspati. Bruhaspati gave it to Bharadvaaja who in turn gave it to Parasuraama. Prasuraama gave it to my guru Drona and Drona gave it to me.Now I am aiming it to you” so saying Arjuna hurled the torch on Angaarparna.
The chariot of Angara parna was burnt away. He fell down on the ground.
Arjuna caught him and dragged him to Dharmaja. Dharmaja looked at that Gandharva and told Arjuna “Arjuna, we should not punish those who are defeated or lost their valour. Leave him”. Angara parna recognised him as Arjuna and said : “Arjunaa, you are a valiant person. I want to make friendship with you. I will give you “Chaakshusi”charm which I acquired. I will also give you best horses for your use. You please give AgnEyaastra to me”. “Gandharvaa, though you are my friend, I cannot receive any rewards from you. I will give you AgnEyaastra. But I will receive only horses” said Arnuna. Gandharva agreed for that.
Again Arjuna said “Angaara parnaa, we always follow Dharma and act according to Dharma. But why did you behav so harshly with us ?” “Arjunaa, I know who you are . But one thing you should remember. Any person who is surrounded by beautiful ladies,however intelligent he may be, will forget himself and feels like a hero. I also lost my temper and talked like that. But if we have a Purohit by our side, he will speak on behalf of us carefully and tactfully and prevent us from doing any untoward act. O Taapatyaa! why are you wandering alone without a Purohit? Please have one good Purohit along with you always.” said Angaarparna. Arjuna got a doubt. “Gandharvaa,we are the sons of Kunti. We are Kounteyaas.
But why did you call me asTaapatyaa (sons and grandsons of Tapati). How did we become tapatyaas. Kindly tell me”asked Arjuna Angaara Parna continued to say: “Tapati was the daughter of Soorya ( Sun God) and sister of Savitri. She was a very beautiful and virtuous lady. SamvaraNa was the son of Ajaameedha. He was also a virtuous king. He was a staunch devotee of Soorya. Soorya came to know about SamvaraNa. He wanted to give Tapati in marriage to SamvaraNa.
One day SamvaraNa went to forest for hunting. As he was tired, he was taking rest under a tree. At that time, he saw Tapati, wandering in the forest. He fell inlove with her. He asked Tapati about her where abouts. She did not give any reply and went away. SamvaraNa became mad with love on her and he was wandering in the forest for Tapati as he madly fell in love with her. Tapati also loved Samvarana. She came before him.O king! why did you fall in love with me?” asked Tapati. “I admired your beauty. I fell in love with you at first sight. I cannot live without you. I will marry you in Gandharva method.” said SamvaraNa. Tapati smiled and said: “ I am the daughter of Soorya and sister of Savitri. My name is Tapati. You better ask my father about our marriage.” So saying she went away.
From then onwards, SamvaraNa began to worship Soorya with great devotion. One day VasishTa came to see SamvaraNa. SamvaraNa told VasishTa about Tapati and his intention to marry her. Immediately, Vasishta went to Soorya and told him about SamvaraNa and asked Soorya to give his daughter, Tapati, in marriage to SamvaraNa as he was a virtuous king and he fell in love with Tapati and Tapati also agreed for the same. Soorya already intended to give his daughter to Samvarana. Hence, he gladly agreed for the same. Soorya sent his daughter, Tapati,along with VasishTa to SamvaraNa. VasishTa performed the marriage of SamvaraNa with Tapati. The great king, Kuru, in whose name a dynasty “Kuru VamSa”started, was born to SamvaraNa and Tapati. As you belong to Kuru Vamsa, I called you as Taapatya” explained AngaaraparNa to Arjuna.
“Angaara parNa, Vasishtawasa chief priest for our ancestors. I wanted to know about him and his virtues.Kindly tell me about Saint VasishTa.” AngaaraparNa continued to say Arjuna aboutSaint VasishTa. “In the ancient past, King Visvaamitra was ruling Kanyaakubja city. One day he went to a thick forest for hunting. His ministers, followersand his mighty army accompanied him. After hunting for a while, he wanted to have darshan of VasishTa. He then went to the Ashram of VasishTa. Saint VasishTa received him with kingly honours. He asked his Kamadhenu, called Nandini, to arrange food for King Visvamitra, his ministers, his followers and also to his mighty army.Nandini, the Kamadhenu, accordingly, served sumptuous food with several items to King Visvamitra and his army.
King Visvamitra was astonished. “Saint VasishTa, I will give you one lakh best quality cows. Kindly give this Kamadhenu to me” askedVisvamitra. VasishTa refused to give Nandini. King Visvaamitra grew angry. He ordered his army to catch the cow, kamadhenu, and bring it. Nandini looked at VasishTa. VasishTa kept quiet. Nandini could not tolerate this. She grew angry. A mighty army was born from her body. That army fought with the army of Visvamitra and defeated it. Visvaamitra realised his mistake. He thought that power attained by Tapassu is greater than his physical kingly power.
He renounced his kingdom. He went to forest and performed penance. He attained many powers. Still, he was so jealous of VasishTa. At that time, VasishTa was the ChiefPreist of King Kalmaasha paadaa. Visvamitra also wanted to become Chief Priest of King Kalmaashapaada. One day King Kalmaasha paada went to forest for hunting. As he was tired, he wanted to take rest in the Ashram of Vasishta. While he was proceeding towards VasishTa Ashram, the elder son of VasishTa, by name Sakti, was coming opposite to him. As the pathway was narrow, King Kalmaasha paada ordered Sakti to give way for him. “King Kalmaashapaada, however high he may be, if abrahmin comes opposite to him, anybody will give way to that Brahmin. That is Dharma.Dont you know this” said Sakti.
Kalmaasha grew angry and beat Sakti with his handstick. Sakti also grew angry. “you beat me with Asuric attitude. Hence you will become a Raakshasa and live by eating human flesh” cursed Sakti. Kalmaashapaadaa realised his costly mistake. He recognized Sakti as the son of VasishTa. He prayed for mercy. Visvamitra was observing all this from behind a tree. He immediately inducted one demon called Kinkara in the mind of Kalmaashapaada. With the influence of Kinkara, Kalmaashapaada did not care for Sakti and went away.
He gave up all his routine duties of King, and was spending time in luxuries. One day one brahmin came to Kalmaashapaada and asked for food with mutton. Kalmaasha paadaagreed but forgot about it. Late in the night, he remembered about offering food with mutton to Brahmin. He immediately called the cook and asked him to serve that Brahmin sumptuous food with mutton. The cook expressed his inability to prepare food with mutton at that late hour. With the influence of Demon Kinkara,Kalmashapaada asked the cook to serve food to Brahmin with human flesh.Accordingly, the cook prepared food with flesh and served it to the Brahmin.While taking food, the Brahmin realised that it was human flesh. He grew angry. “As you served food with human flesh, you will become aRaakshasa, eating human flesh” the Brahmin cursed Kalmaashapaada. Immediately,Kalmaashapaada transformed into a Raakshasa. With Asuric attitude,Kalmaasha paada went to Sakti and caught him “You are responsible for all these things. Hence I will first kill and eat you.” So saying, he killed Sakti and ate him. He also killed all the hundred sons of VasishTa and ate their flesh.
VasishTa could not control his sorrow on seeing this calamity. He wanted to commit suicide. He tried many ways. But all his attempts to commit suicide are failed. Adrusyanti, the wife of Sakti, daughter-in-law of Vasishta, was observing all these things. At that time she was pregnant. A boy was growing in her womb, was chanting Vedas. VasishTa heard the chanting of Vedas from the womb. He was very happy. He desired to see his grandson and die. For that moment, he gave up the idea of committing suicide.
One dayKalmaashapaada, again came to the Ashram of VasishTa, tried to kill Adrushyanti and eat her flesh. Vasishta took some water, chanted Mantras and sprinkled the water on Kalmaashapaada. Kalmaashapaada was relieved from the Curse given by Brahmin.Kalmaasha paada bowed before VashTa and prayed for mercy.“Kalmaashapaada, you might have, by this time, realized what will happen if you insult Brahmins. Hereinafter, worship Brahmins and seek their blessings. Dont insult them.” said Vasishta.
Then Kalmaashapaada went to his capital Ayodhya and was ruling his kingdom. While Kalmaashapaada was Raakshasaa, one day he saw one brahmin couple enjoying sexual intercourse. As he was hungry, he killed the male and ate him up. The female grew angry. “Whenever you meet any woman with sexual desire, you will die” she cursed him.Now Kalmaashapaada is without children. Due to this curse (Saapa), he could not join his wifeand beget children. As he was very much in need of children, he requested Saint VasishTa to bless him with son. Kalmaashapaada sent his wife, after her monthly period, to Vasishta. With the blessings of Vasishta, she became pregnant. Tweve years have elapsed. She did not deliver the child. Therefore, she took a sharp edged stone and cut her womb and took the child out of the womb. Hence that boy was called Ashmaka. (Can we believe that whenever the delivery was difficult, caesarean operations were done in thosedays also. It may be a coincidence that as King Julius Caesar was so delivered, he was called Caesar. As the son of Kalmaasha paada was born by cutting the womb by sharp rock piece (Ashma sakala), he was called Ashmaka.) At the same time,Adrusyanti,wife of Sakti, also gave birth to a child. He was the great saint Paraasara.Parasara grew older under the guidance of Saint Vasishta. Paraasara came to know, through his mother Adrushyanti, that his father, Sakti, was killed by a Raakshasa.He grew angry. He wanted to destroy the entire world with his enormous powers attained by Tapassu.
Vasishta pacified him. “Paraasaraa, for your personal cause, you cannot destory the entire world. I will tell yo one story. Long ago,there was a king called Krutaveerya. He peformed many Yajnas and Yaagaas. For that he engaged Bhrugu Vamsa Brahmins as priests. He gave them enormous wealth by means of money, gold and diamonds. In the later days,some Kshatriyas of Krutavarma family raised a rumour that “Bhruguvamsa Brahmins stealthily took away the wealth of Krutaveerya and concealed it”. On hearing this some Brahmins returned their wealth to those Kshatriyas. Some brahmins concealed their wealth underground. Some kshatriyas came to know about this.They killed those brahmins and took away the wealth concealed by them. Those kshatriyas did not leave even the children in the womb. All the ladies fled away to Himalayas.One brahin lady was bearing a child in her thigh (ooruvu). A child with dazzling shine was born from out of her thigh (ooruvu). He was called as Ourva.
On seeing that dazzling shine of the child, all the Kshatriyasbecame blind. Later, Ourva came to know that Kahstriyas killed his father and other brahmins. Like you, he also wanted to destroy the entire world and began a penance.The celestial bodies of his parents (Pitru Devatas) came to Ourva and said “Do you mean to say that we were so timid and inefficient to be killed by Kshatriyas. No. itis not correct. We did not conceal the wealth with selfish motive. If we want wealth,Kubera will give us enormous wealth. You know, we did great tapassu. We are sacred. We do not get death easily. We do not want to live any longer in this human world. We wanted to die. If we commit suicide, it was a sin. Hence we followed this path. We invited enmity with kshatriyas. We were killed by them for that reason, you need not destroy the entire world. It is not dharma. Please stopthis.”
On hearing these words of those celestial bodies, Ourva gave up his idea of destroying theworld. Therefore, Paraasaraa, please be patient. The Tapassu intended by you to destroy the world is not acceptable by dharma.” said Vasishta. On hearing the words of his grand father, Paraasaraa gave up his idea. But Parasara wanted to punish those who killed his father and uncles. He intended to perform Satra Yaaga. VasishTa also did not object this. In that Satra Yaaga, the entire Raakshasa community were falling in theYajna Kunda and burning like small insects. While the enhtire Rakshasa community was being destroyed like that, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratuvu came down toVasishTa and requested him to stop Satra yaaga and save Raakshasa community.
As per their request and also as per the mandate his grand father, VasishTa, Paraasara stopped Satra yaaga and saved the rest of the Raakshasa community” said Angaaraparna with Arjuna. Arjuna was very much satisfied on hearing the story of Vasishta. Again he said to Angaara parna “Dear friend,here we do not know anybody. Kindly show us some virtuous brahmin to be our Purohit” asked Arjuna. “Arjunaa, very near to this place, there is one place named Utkanca Teertha.There, one virtuous brahmin, called Dhoumya, is doing Tapassu. He is a fit person to be your Purohit.” said Angaaraparna.
Then Pandavas went to Utkanca Teertha and found Dhoumya. They requested Dhoumya to be their Purohit for which hehas agreed. After taking the blessings of Dhomya, Pandavas and Kunti continued their journey to Paancaala kingdom. On the way, they met some Brahmins and learnt many things about the Svayamvara of Droupadi. They reached Drupada nagar and stayed in the house of a Pot Maker. In Drupadapura,King Drupada intended to give her daughter in marriage to Arjuna. But laterArjuna was said to be died in Lac house. He could not fulfil his desire. His Purohits, as per the Good Omens, thought that Arjuna was alive. To bring him to Drupadapura, King Drupada announced the Svayamvara for Droupadi. He got prepared a huge bow and also a Matsya Yantra. He proclaimed that who ever hits the fish fixed in the Yantra(machine), will marry his daughter . King Drupada was confident in his mind that only Arjuna will hit matsyayantra and none else.
Several kings came to the Svayamvara and occupied their respective seats in the Svayamvara ManTapa (big hall).Droupadi was ready with a garland of white flowers, to invite Arjuna into her life.DrushTadyumna, son of King Drupada, brother of Droupadi, explained about Matsyayantra to all the kings arrived there. He also told Droupadi about the Kings who arrived for Svayamvara. They are Duryodhana, Dussaasana and other brothers (numbering 100), sitting by their side, Karna, Asvatthaama, Somadatta,BhooriSrava, SrutaSena and others, King Salya, ViraaTa, Jaraasandha, King of Gaandhaara kingdom, SaaraNa, Saatyaki, Saamba,SankarshaNa, Pradyumna,Krutavarma, Aniruddha, Yuyudhaana, and others, Sumitra, Sukumaara, Susarma, SudhakshiNa,SushENa, SEnabindu, ChandrasEna, SamudrasEna, Ouseenara, CEkitaana,Sisupaala, JanamEjaya, Jayadhradha, Bruhadhradha, Satyavrata, Citraangada,Shubhaangada, Bhageeradha, Bhagadatta, Poundraka Vaasudeva, Vatsaraaja,and other kings, and Kings belonging to Yadu, VrushNi, BhOja, Andhaka dynasties, and Brahmins from all over the kingdom and neighbouring kingdoms for Sambhaavana (rewards to Brahmins).
DhruTadyumna, showed all the abovekings to Droupadi. (The names of all the kings and dynasties shown given above,will appear in Maha bhaarata, at appropriate places. That is the reason why Vyaasa introduced the names of all Kings and Dynasties here, very aptly, as if they were invited for the Svayamvara. This introduction will help us in identifying the kings and their kingdoms in the forthcoming story) Sri Krishna, along with his brother,Balarama, also visited the Svayamvara.
Sree Krishna looked at all the Kings and Brahmins and others with an eagle eye. He identified Pandavas in the gallery intended forBrahmins. They were shining like fire under the cover of ash. (In Maha Bharata, for the first time, Lord Krishna was aptly introduced at this Svayamvara scene. The Preacher of Geeta, a political stalvart, was introduced in Mahabharata at an auspicious marriage scene. Sri Krishna also identified Pandavas there. Seeds are sown here for the meeting of Arjuna with Krishna (Nara and Naaraayana) which led upto preaching of Geeta in a battle field). Sri Krishna gave a signal to all the Yadava Kings not to participate in Svayamvara and hitting of Matsya Yantra as it was intended for Arjuna who already arrived there. The Svayamvara function started. All the kings, one by one, were coming and going. Nobody was able even to lift that mighty bow, leave alone hitting Matsya Yantra. Mighty Personalities like Salya and Karna also failed to hit Matsya Yantra.
Arjuna looked at his elder brother Dharmaja. Dharmaja understood his desire. He nodded his head. Arjuna rose to his feet and walked towards the stage where the bow was kept. All the Brahmins gathered there surprised to see a Brahmin (Arjuna) going to hit Matsya Yantra. “Mighty Warriors like Karna and Salya could not hit Matsya Yantra. Why this rahmin youth is going there? Having come, just receive the Sambhaavana and get out of he place. Why this unsuccessful attempt - except to be heckled by others unnecessarily” the brahmins murmered among themselves. But some brahmins encouraged him “BravO! brahmin youth BravO! Our blessings are with you. Go ahead. Win the race. Let the brahmins raise their heads so high” encouraged Arjuna.
Arjuna went upto the platform where the might bow was kept. He made three rounds around the Bow and bowed before it. He ade pranaam to the Bow. He lifted the bow as an experienced archeror and tied the rope tightly. He hit the Matsya Yantra with the prescribed five arrows. All the kings and valiant personalities astonished and remained speechless. The joy of the Brahmins knew to bounds.They lifted their upper cloths and waved them raising slogans praising the brahmin youth (Arjuna). Dharmaja silently left that place along with Nakula and Sahadeva, keeping Bheema to help Arjuna. Droupadi, with the garland (vara maala) slowly walked down to the place where Arjuna was standing and put the garland around the neck of Arjuna and invited him into his life as life partner.
All the kings arrived there grew angry. They could not control their anger. King Duryodhanawas in front of them. “The Brahmins youth is not at fault. He hit MatsyaYantra and won the hand of the Princess. But King Drupada is at fault. Why should he invite all of us for Svayamvara? Why should he extend princely hospitality to all of us? Why should he insult us like this? Drupada is the main reason for this. He should betaught a lesson” said Duryodhana. Drupada was standing by the side of Arjuna. But the Brahmins gathered there around Arjuna, waved their upper cloths and roared “come on-- come on -- you unsuccessful kings. Decide your fate with our Brahmin Youth” They tried to go against the kings. Arjuna stopped them with a smile. Arjuna looked at Bheema. Bheema understood his intention.
Both Bheema and Arjuna fell upon the kings.Arjuna showered arrows on the Kings. Bheema uprooted big trees, poles and pillars and hurled them on the Kings. Sri Krishna, with a smiling face, was looking atBheema and Arjuna. “Brother Balaraama, please look at those two Brahmin youths. One who is fighting with arrows is Arjuna. The other mighty personality who is lifting trees,pillars and huge rocks and hitting the Kings is Bheema. Dharmaja and Nakula,Sahadeva already left this place.” said Krishna. Balaraama was so astonished on hearing this. He heard that Pandavas were killed at Vaaranaavata. Their appearance here in Brahmin attire made him very happy.
Karna was fighting with Arjuna. He also was so much astonished and was in perplexed mood how this brahmin youth acquired so much of archery skill. “O Brahmin youth! Listen! To stand before me in dual war, only Parasuraama, DEvEndra and Arjuna were capable. None can even stand before me.Who are you?” asked Karna. “I am none as you said. Better talk less and fight with me” said Arjuna. At other place, Bheemaa defeatedSalya in dual fight. All the kings thought that it was waste to fight with Brahmins.They turned around and went away. But suspicious Duryodhana was enquiring about Arjuna and Bheema whether they are actually Brahmins, where they were staying, from where they have come etc.
Krishna came there and patted Duryodhana. “SuyOdhana, listen to me. That brahminyouth succeeded in hitting Matsya yantra and won Droupadi, which all other kingscan not do.What for all these enquiries? Let us go out.” so saying Krishna averted Duryodhana from proceeding further with the enquiries against Arjuna. Arjuna and Bheema, along with Droupadi, left that place. By the time they reached their house,Dharmaja and Nakula and Sahadeva already reached their place of stay. Arjuna told his mother, Kunti, who was inside the house, “Maa, we brought some alms” cried Arjuna loudly. “I am so happy. All of you use it equally” Kunti replied from inside. So saying she came out and saw that the alms were nothing but a beautiful princess. She was afraid of her untoward words. “I am so sorry. I do not know what you brought.Hence I said like that. Dharmajaa, it is perverse. Against Dharma. Against the prevailing customs and practice.What to do? How to avert it?” She was very much annoyed.
“Arjunaa,you brought her. Therefore, you marry her.” said Dharmaja. “Sorry brother.Youare elder than me. Leaving two elder brothers unarried, how I can I marry. Itisnot proper. You better marry her” said Arjuna. Here Nannaya wrote a verse in Teluguwhich means-all the five brothers fell in love with Droupadi and wanted to marryher. But none spoke out openly. Dharmaja scented this. He came out openly “Let allof us marry Droupadi” decided Dharmaja. At this juncture, Sri Krishna along with Balarama arrived there.Till then, Pandavas did not see Sri Krishna. Hence Sri Krishna introduced himself. He bowed before Kunti and Dharmaja. He wished Arjuna.
“How have you recognised us though we were in the attire of brahmins?” asked Dharmaja.“Dharmaja, though the sun was temporarily covered with clouds, he will notloose his original shining. Though you are in Brahmin attire, yours original vigour andtalent made me to recognise all of you. Besides that, who else can hit Matsya yantraand win all the Kings gathered there, except Arjuna. Anyhow you have escaped from that fire accident. Everything will go on well. Wish you all happiness in future”
So saying, Krishna and Balarama went away. (In Maha Bharata, this is the first meeting between Sri Krishna and Arjuna. This union of Krishna and Arjuna led to the preaching of Geeta. These two are the important incidents. The first meeting platform was at the houseof one Potter, whereas Geeta was taught in the Kurushetra battle field. The time of first meeting was the marriage of Pandavas with Droupadi, whereas the time of teachingGeeta was the time just prior to the commencement of War at Kurushetra battlefield, which battle occurred on account of Droupadi. Here, Pandavas were about to enter the battle of Samsaara by marrying Droupadi, whereas they were about to fight with their brothers, friends and relatives, on account of Droupadi. Incidentally, theywere staying in potters house which also teaches us a great truth which was enunciated in Geeta. Potter prepares pots of different kinds, shapes, sizes, colours, and values but the primary material is “mud”. Similarly, though all human beings aredifferent in religion, caste, creed, colour, mentality, selfishness, pride etc. but the Atman shining in all of us is one and the same, which is part and parcel of the Supreme power, eternal truth, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, that is Paramaatma. This truth was enunciated in Geeta. Hence, the meeting of Krishna and Arjuna who are none other than Nara and Naarayana, gained much importance. Let us bow before them withgreat devotion and proceed).
While things are going on like this here, there Drupada also was in perplexed condition. “Some brahmin hit Matsya yantra, Droupadigarlanded him, he took her away. Who is that Brahmin youth-- nobody knows You go and find out the details” Drupada asked DrushTadyumna, brother of Droupadi.DrushTadyumna followed Arjuna and Bheema to their house and found out all the details. He returned to his father and said “I followed them. They are staying in a potter’s house. These two youths showed Droupadi to one elderly woman. Droupadi bowed before her. She blessed Droupadi. Then, four of them went out and brought alms. Major part was kept aside for guests. The remainder was divided into two. One half was served to the huge personality. The other half was divided andserved to the remaining persons. After food, Droupadi, without any hesitation or frustration, arranged beds with grass to all of them. They discussed about Elephants,horses, battles and warfare. They do not appear to be Brahmins. They may belong to Upperclass Kshatriyas.” reported DrushTadyumna.
Still Drupada had his own doubts. He sent his purohit to Dharmaja to know about their Caste, Gotra and otherdetails. The purohit sent by Drupada, went to Dharmaja. Dharmaja received him andgave him Arghyam and Paadyam. The purohit asked Dharmaja: “Drupada is the father of Droupadi. He wanted to know about your names, your caste, Gotra, etc. so that arrangements for marriage can be made. Please tell me those details” asked Purohit.Dharmaja smiled and said “Your king proclaimed that he will give his daughter,Droupadi, in marriage to those who can hit Matsyayantra. My brother hit Matsyayantra and brought your king’s daughter. Now what is the necessity to know about our Names, Caste, Gotra etc. What can you do, even if you know now about ourCaste and Gotra? Who else can lift that mighty bow? Who else can hit Matsya yantra?Your kings desire is fulfulled. Why he is worrying about it?” said Dharmaja with dual meaning.
That purohit went to Drupada and told the same thing to Drupada.To some extent his doubts were cleared. Still some doubts are lingering in hismind. He sent DhrushTadyumna, to Pandavas, along with Four kinds of chariots usefulfor Four castes, to bring them to the Kings Palace. Pandavas chose to take a ride onGolden Chariots fit for Kshatriyas. Drupada recieved them at the main entrance andoffered them rewards fit for four castes. Dharmaja accepted Swords, Bows, arrows etcwhich are useful for Kshatriyas. Drupada was very happy and decided himself that theyare Kshatriyas. But he wanted to know their Names and Dynasty they belong.He satby the side of Dharmaja. “We entertain a doubt whether you are Brahmins, Kshatriyasor Angels or Gandharvas.Unless I know about your original status, how can Igive my daughter in marriage to you. Therefore, please tell me about you and yourstatus.”frankly asked Drupada.
Dharmaja thought that it was time for revealingthemselves with their original names and status and there is no use in still hidingthemselves. “King Drupada! Listen. We are kshatriyas. We are the sons of KingPandu. We belong to Kuru dynasty. I am Yudhishtira, he is Bheemasena; the youthwho shot Matsya Yantra is Arjuna; these twins are Nakula and Sahadeva. She is mymother Kunti.” said Dharmaja in firm voice. Drupada was very happy. His longcherished desire was going tobe fulfilled. “The grand son of Vichitra Veerya and theson of King Pandu, the great warrior Arjuna is going to marry my daughter, Droupadiand becoming my son-in-law. I am very happy. My daughter Droupadi, garlanded him and selected him as her husband in Svayamvara. Hence I will give her inmarriage to Arjuna” said Drupada in clear terms.
“It cannot be done. When me and my brother Bheemasena, who are elder than Arjuna are still unarried, how can we performthe marriage of Arjuna, who is younger than us.” “That being the situation, being the elder brother, you can marry Droupadi, which will be according to Dharma” said Drupada. “No it cannot be. When Arjuna brought Droupadi and told my mother that he brought alms, she told all of us to use it equally.Hence we all five will marry her”said Dharmaja. Drupada astonished on hearing the words of Dharmaja. “What is it?We have so far heard one man marrying many girls. But we never heard that one girl marrying many men. It is against the prevailing customs and dharma. So we will think about it and decide tomorrow” said Drupada, temporarily postponing the evil for the next day.
(Here we have to see one thing. Here the question is about the marriage of Droupadi. From the moment she put garland around the neck of Arjuna, till now, she did not open her mouth. Even none asked her about her opinion with regard to this strange situation. But men were talking about her marriage in their own way, befitting their own desires and wishes. From what is said above, it is quite evident that the status of a “woman”, then and now, is one and the same. At the time of marriage, her willingness is nominal and no importance will be attached to it. )
Next day morning, VedaVyasa arrived there. Drupada received him with due honours. Drupada with folded hands told Vyasa “I declared to give my daughter, Draupadi, in marriage to a person who can hit Matsya Yantra. Arjuna hit Matsya yantra and won her. Now,Dharmaraja is telling that as per their mother’s wish, all the five brothers will marry her. How is it possible? Is it not against the prevailing dharma and customs and practice. I pray you to decide Dharma?” asked Drupada.
Dharmaja in turn said “I will never tell falsehood even for fun-sake. I do not know how I spoke like that, and how my mother told like that. My mother is our Goddess. We cannot negative her desire and feelings. Besides that, one girl called Jatila married seven saints. One girl called DaakshaayaNi married PracEtasas who were ten in number. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in our marrying Droupadi. Hence, let Drupada perform the marriage of Droupadi with five of us.” requested Dharmaja.
Vyasa heard the arguments of Drupadaand and Dharmaja. He thought for a while. “Drupada, as per the request of Dharmaja,you perform the marriage of Droupadi with all the five brothers. This is according to Dharma. How I arrived at this decision, if you want to know, let us go inside.I will tell you in detail face to face.” Both Vyasa and Drupada went inside and sat in a lonely place. Vyasa told Drupada the details of previous births of Pandavas and Droupadi. “In the ancient past, there was a saint called Moudgalya. His wife was Indrasena. Moudgalya was suffering from Leprosy. The entire body was afflicted with disease and his skin and limbs were deteriorating day by day. But his wife Indrasena,was serving her husband faithfully, like a true wife.
One day, after Moudgalya took his food, she was eating the remaining food in the same plate. While eating,she found a severed finger of her husband. She simply kept that severed finger aside, and began to eat the remaining food. On seeing this, Saint Moudgalya was astonished. “Indrasena,I am very much impressed with your service and the devotion towards me.You choose whatever you like” asked Moudgalya. “As you have asked,I am telling the truth. I am a more lustful lady. My sexual desires know no bounds.You are unable to fulfil my sexual desires with this deteriorating body. Hence,with your divine power, transform into a young, handsome youth, and take five such handsome bodies, and fulfil my sexual desires with those five human forms.”asked Indrasena. Moudgalya agreed for it.
Immediately, with his power of penance,he transformed into five handsome personalities, and enjoyed the sensual pleasures with his wife, in five forms for a long time. Later, he died and went to Brahmaloka.But his wife, Indrasena, was not satisfied. He wanted more sensual pleasures. With that strong desire in mind, in the next birth, she was born as the daughter of King of Kasi.For a long time, she remained unmarried. She worshipped Lord Siva with great devotion. Lord Siva appeared before her and asked her what she wants.
On seeing Lord Siva, she was astonished. In that confused mood and with the influence of strong sexual tendensies of her previous birth, she repeatedly asked five times “I want a husband. I want a husband”. “You are blessed with five husbands but only in the next birth” said Lord Siva. She realised her mistake. “OLord. I am sorry. No girl can marry five males. It is against Dharma. I do not want this boon. Please take it back” said Indrasena. “It cannot be.You will have five husbands in your next birth. It is certain” said Lord Siva firmly. As it has become inevitable,Indrasena asked for more advantages. “If that is so, bless me with separate sexual enjoyment with each husband. I should be blessed with virginity, even after my marriage with each of them. My sensual pleasures should be fulfilled with all the five husbands. I should serve all the five husbands with utmost devotion and I should have the companionship of my husbands throughout my life as Deergha Sumangali.” Lord Siva again blessed Indrasena with all that she desired and again said: “Indrasena, you go to the banks of Ganges and bring Indra here”.
Indrasena went to the banks of Ganges and was waiting for the arrival of Indra. At that time, Yama Dharma Raja was performing Satra yaaga. There was a condition that during that period, he should not discharge his routine duty of taking away the lives of human beings. Hence all the deaths are stopped or, for that matter, postponed. People on the earth were living for long time,years together, without fear of death. The weight of the earth was increasing day by day. At that juncture, Indra and other Divine bodies went to Brahma“Yama has given up his duty of taking away the lives of human beings. If humanbeings are allowed to live longer, there would be no difference between Divine bodies and Human bodies. You have to show us the way out” requested Indra. “I cannot do anything. You have to wait till the completion of Satra yaga. After completing Yaga, Yama will commence his work with renewed vigour and kill humans. In that task, Indra, in his five divine forms, will help Yama.” told Brahma. Indra and other divine bodies turned back.
On the way they reached the banks of Ganges where Indrasena was waiting for Indra. On seeing Indra, she began to weep loudly. Indra saw Indrasena. “Why you are weeping tell me?” asked Indra. “If you want to know the cause of my roaring, you have to follow me” so saying Indrasena took Indra along with her to Siva. At that time, Siva in the form of a youth, was playing dice.Indra could not recognise Siva. He grew angry. “I am the Lord of earth and heaven.How dare you are playing dice while I am here” proudly roared India.
“Are you so powerful. If so, open that cave in that hill. I will see” asked Siva. Indra went to the hill,and forcibly opened the cave of the bill. There was a huge dazzling shining in the cave.Four mighty personalities as replicas of Indra, appeared in front of Indra. Indra amazingly looked at them. Maheswara appeared before Indra in his original form.“Indra, you, in these five forms, will take birth on earth. Indra sena, you marry thesefive forms of Indra and fulfil your lust”. Maheswara disappeared. King Drupada,Indra, in his five forms, was born to Kunti, through the Amsas of Yama, Indra,Vayu and Asvins. Indrasena (daughter of King of Kasi) was born to you asYaajnaseni (Droupadi) in the sacred fire. I am giving you Divya Dhrushti (DivineVision).Now you can see the previous five forms of Indra and also Indrasena in her original form. Drupada could see the five forms of Indra shining like midday sun and also Droupadi in her previous form as Indrasena.
He was so astonished on seeing her loverly daughter in that divine body. Vyaasaa continued to say “Drupadaa, even previously also,the five sons of one Rajarshi Nitanta, married the daughter of Ousinarapati in Svayamvara. Therefore, dont hesitate to give your daughter, Droupadi,in marriage to Five Pandavas. Everything will go on well”. said Vyaasa. Now all the doubts of Drupada are vanished from his mind. He deicided to perform the marriage of his daughter, Droupadi, with five Pandavas. Dhoumya, the Purohit ofPandavas, was the Chief Priest for the marriage.
Droupadi was decorated in her bridal form. First, Dhoumya performed the marriage of Droupadi with Dharmaja. With the blessings of Lord Siva, Droupadi again became virgin. Then, she was married to Bheemasena. Again, she became virgin. Then she was married to Arjuna. In the sameway, she married all the five Pandavas without losing her virginity. All Devatas from heaven showered their blessings on Pandavas and Droupadi. Dharmaraja and other four brothers and Droupadi bowed before Kunti and had her blessings. (Maha Bharat- Aaadiparva - Saptamaasvaasaa – completeD
AADI PARVA
ASHTAMAASVAASA (EIGHTH CHAPTER) Ugrasravasu (the soota) continued to tell the story of Mahabharat to Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints. After the marriage of Droupadi with Dharmaja and his four brothers,Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, they stayed in the palace of King Drupada in Pancala Kingdom. King Drupada gave so many gifts, jewellery, diamonds, pearls, elephants, horses to Pandavas. Droupadi was serving all her five husbands with equal love and devotion. Kunti also blessed her daughter-in-law with long life and prosperity and also with many children. Sri Krishna also sent many gifts and presentations to Pandavas and Droupadi on the occasion of their marriage. Pandavas stayed in Drupadapura for a period of one year with all princely honours and enjoyed sensual pleasures with Droupadi.
At Hastinaapura, Suyodhana came to know that all
Pandavas were alive; the brahmin youth who hit Matsya yantra was none other
than Arjuna; all the five Pandavas married Droupadi and all are living
happily in Drupada Pura. His heart was burning with jealousy because the
Pandavas were alive and were living happily with their wife.Vidura who came
to know about the welfare of Pandavas conveyed this happy news to Dhrutarashtra.
Dhrutarashtra also felt very happy because with the marriage of Draupadi with
Pandavas, they got valuable friendship with Drupada who was a powerful king.
One day, Suyodhana along with Karna approached
Dhrutarashtra at a time when Vidura was not there. Suyodhana told his father,
Dhrutarashtra--- “My beloved father, Pandavas are alive. Knowing fully well
that Vidura is always the well-wisher of Pandavas, you always attach much
importance to his words and advices. It is our misfortune” said Suyodhana.
“My beloved son, Suyodhana, though I always
pretend that I am in favour of Pandavas, I never reveal the same before
Vidura. But one thing you should remember. Pandavas are having muscle power
as well as divine power. You cannot cause any harm to them.” said Dhrutarashtra.
“Its ok father. They are now living in Drupadapura in their father-in-law’s
house. King Drupada is in their favour and protecting them. Because of Sri
Krishna and Balarama, the Yadava Kings, Vrushni, Bhoja, Andhaka Kings are
also in favour of Pandavas. As you said, they are more powerful than before.
Our immediate aim is to separate them from
Drupada and make them helpless. This is one method. The second one is, we
have to create differences between the sons of Kunti and sons of Madri and
foment ill feelings between them and separate them. The third one is to turn
Pandavas as womanizers by sending beautiful, young, lustful ladies to
Pandavas and create differences between Pandavas and Droupadi. Last but not
least is again attempting to kill Bheema by hook or crook by which Pandavas
will become weak and helpless. Find out the correct path and execute it” said
Suyodhana to his father.
Karna did not agree for any of these methods.
“Suyodhana, why should King Drupada leave the well-mannered, virtuous and
valiant warriors like Pandavas who are no other than his sons-in-law. This is
impossible. Besides that, all Pandavas always follow one word and do one
deed. They will never trangress the word of Dharmaja. Therefore, no one can
create differences between them. Droupadi, is a virtuous lady, born from the
sacred fire, married all the five Pandavas out of her own volition. Why
should she discard them for simple reason of womanisation. Lastly, you have
been trying to do away with Bheema since his childhood. All your attempts to
kill him were foiled and became futile. Now how can you kill him at this age?
Therefore all your ideas are of no use for the present. The only alternative
left is to wage a war against King Drupada, defeat him, and separate Pandavas
from Drupada and bring them back to Hastinapura.” said Karna with firm voice.
Dhrutarastra heard all this conversation with
patience. “let us discuss with elders like Bheeshma and take a final decision
tomorrow” said Dhrutarashtra. Next day, Dhrutarashtra convened a high level
meeting with Bheeshma, Drona, Vidura and other well wishers and solicited
their opinion about Pandavas.At the outset, Bheeshma expressed his opinion.
“Suyodhana, I do not have any difference of opinion either with regard to you
or with Pandavas. All are equal for me. But I never agree to wage a war
against King Drupada and Pandavas. Pandavas are legal heirs for this Kuru
kingdom.Therefore, it is just and proper to divide the Kingdom and give them
their due half share. It is also the prevailing dharma. Follow Dharma and
acquire eternal fame as the Crescent King and Emperor of Kuru Dyansty” said
Bheeshma.
Their Guru Drona also expressed the same opinion
“Suyodhana, follow the valuable opinion of your Grandparents. Don't think
about war. It is always disastrous. Send your brothers to King Drupada and
offer him many presents and gifts. With his permission, bring Pandavas to
Hastinapura and live happily.”said Drona. Karna grew angry. “My friend
Suyodhana, these are all cowards. They are trying to deceive you and do
injustice to you and grab your wealth and fame. Don't believe their words.”
said Karna. “What? Are we deceiving the King, as if you are the only
wellwisher. With your advent only, the peace and prosperity of Kuru Dynasty
began deteriorating day by day.” retarted Drona.
Vidura intervened and pacified Drona and told
Duryodhana-- “Suyodhana, Bheeshma and Drona are elders and well wishers of
this kingdom. You have to follow their valuable advise. Besides that,
Pandavas themselves are unconquerable. Now they acquired the political
support of King Drupada, and Yadava King Sri Krishna, Satyaki and other
Yadava kingdoms. Now it is highly difficult to conquer them in a proclaimed
war. Inspite of Purochana setting fire to their house, they escaped the fire
accident. Vanish the bad name got through Purochana.Invite Pandavas and offer
their share in the Kingdom to which they are legally entitled. It will be the
only better solution for the present.” said Vidura.
Dhrutarashtra left with no other alternative but
to accept the advise of Bheeshma, Drona and Vidura. Immediately,
Dhrutarashtra sent Vidura with innumerable invaluable presents and gifts to
King Drupada to bring back Pandavas to Hastinapura. By that time, Sri Krishna
was with Pandavas. Vidura offered many presents to Drupada. In the presence
of all, Vidura said:“King Drupada, Our King Dhrutarashtra, the Eldest of
all-- Bheeshma, guru Drona and Krupaacarya and me also are very happy to have
your friendship and relationship by performing the marriage of Pandavas with
your Daughter, Droupadi. Our blessings are always with them. King
Dhrutarashtra is feeling very much for not having Pandavas and Kunti and his
daughter-in-law Droupadi, among them, in his capital, on this happy occasion.
All are eagerly waiting to see them as early as possible. Hence I seek your
kind permission to send Pandavas and Droupadi to Hastinapura. I have come
here only for that purpose. It will be a great pleasure for me if you send
them along with me to Hastinapura” requested Vidura.
“Vidura, you have come here at the instance of
King Dhrutarashtra. I know that Bheeshma, Drona, Sri krishna are always the
well wishers of Pandavas.Whatever you do, it will always be for the welfare
of Pandavas” said Drupada. Sri Krishna immediately clarified “King Drupada,
Vidura is always the well wisher of Pandavas. There is no doubt about it. Let
us not think more than that. Pandavas will get what they want.” said Sri
Krishna. Dharmaja paid heed to all their words. With folded hands he replied
to Vidura. “Bheeshma, Drona, yourself are elders and are also my well wishers
always. Sri Krishna is our friend, phisosopher and guide. Your words are
always acceptable and adaptable for me and my brothers. We will follow them
with utmost respect and devotion” said Dharmaja.
Dharmaja decided to go Hastinapura. After taking
permission from King Drupada, Dharmaja, with his four brothers, their wife
Droupadi, mother Kunti followed Vidura to Hastinapura. Vikarna, Citrasena,
Drona and Krupaacharya welcomed Pandavas at the outskirts of Hastinapura and
brought them to the palace with due honours. The citizens of Hastinapura,
standing on either of the main street and praised Pandavas. “Pandavas have
divine power and physical valour. Therefore, they could overcome all the
hurdles and obstacles and returned to Hastinapura. We always wish that
Dharmaja should stay in Hastinapura and rule this kingdom, allowing dharma to
walk on four feet.” so saying the citizens of Hastinapuram extended warm
welcome to Pandavas.
Receiving their warm welcome, Pandavas and
Droupati entered the palace. They bowed before their Grandfather, Bheeshma,
paternal uncle Dhrutarashtra, paternal aunt Gaandhari. They greeted Suyodhana
and other brothers. All the brothers were moving like friends as before and
spent their time happily for a period of five years. One day, Dhrutarashtra
assembled Bheeshma, Drona, Vidura and Sri Krishna, Suyodhana and their
brothers.
In the presence of all Dhrutarashtra told
Dharmaja-- “You are the sons of my brother King Pandu. My brother served me
with great devotion. Hence I wanted to give you your due share in the
Kingdom. You are entitled to half of the kingdom.You make Khandavaprastha as
your Capital and rule half of this kingdom to the praise of one and all.”.
Bheeshma and Drona also gladly agreed for the same. Dharmaja along with his
brothers, their wife, mother Kunti proceeded to Khandavaprastha. Sri Krishna
called Indra and asked him to construct one Capital City for Pandavas.
Devendra entrusted the work to one Mayaa, who was an Architect for Devatas.
The Divine Architect constructed one beautiful posh city called Indraprastha.
Dharma Raja, with the permission of Saint Vyasa and Lord Sri Krishna entered
the new capital, Indraprastha, accompanied by his brothers and their wife
Droupati.
He was ruling the half share of Kourava Kingdom
from Indraprastha. During his rule, all the people were feeling happy. After
Dharmaja was enthroned as the King of Indraprastha, later, Sri Krishna left
for Dwaraka. One day, Saint Narada, visited King Dharmaja. Dharmaja invited
him, offered Arghyam and paadyam with great devotion and worshipped his feet.
“Saint Narada, with the virtuous deeds of our previous births, we could have
your presence in our city. We and our citizens are blessed.” said Dharmaja.
Saint Narada took the five pandavas to a lonely place and told them “You know
each and every dharma. I need not tell you any more. As against the
prevailing custom and pracrtice, you five married one lady. In view of this,
differences may arise between you. Previously, for the sake of one beautiful
lady, two brothers called Sundu and Upasundu, fought with each other and
died. I will tell you their story.
One Nikumbha got two sons. They are Sundu and
Upasundu. They both worshipped Brahma with great devotion. Brahma appeared
and asked them what they want. They asked Brahma that they should be given
enormous powers like travelling any where and everywhere, to have any shape,
form and physique as they like, they should not have death at the hands of
others, or, for that matter, they should not have death at all. Brahma agreed
for all their wants, except the last one, and said “Death is imminent for
all. You cannot escape it. The rest you can have” said Brahma. With those
enormous powers given by Brahma, they began to tease each and everybody,
including Brahmins, sages, saints, Devatas etc.
Unable to bear this torture, all the sages and
saints went to Brahma and sought for redress from Sundu and Upasundu. Brahma
thought for a while. He got an idea. What all they want was not to be killed
by others. So, they can be killed by each other. He called Visvakarma and
directed him to create one beautiful lady, which beauty shall be second to
none. Accordingly, Visvakarma created one beautiful lady called Tilottama
with divine beauty. She bowed before Brahma and sought his blessings. Brahma
told her “There are two brothers, Sundu and Upasundu who are creating havoc
both on earth and heaven.You instigate them to develop lust and passion on
you; create differences between them on account of you and made them to fight
with each other and die one at the hands of another.” said Brahma. Tilottama
agreed for that. She went round Brahma to have a pradakshan. Brahma also was
admired by the beauty of Tilottama. His head moved along with Tilottama on
four sides. Since then, Brahma had four heads on four sides and was called as
Chaturmukha Brahma.
Mahendra was not satisfied with his two eyes. He
made his total body with eyes and swallowed her beauty. Since then, he was
called Sahasraaksha. Then Tilottama proceeded to the place where Sundu and
Upasundu were staying. On seeing Tilottama they lost their senses. They
became slaves to her beauty. Each of them wanted her to be of his own. Sundu
and Upasundu caught her hands and were dragging her on either side requesting
her to tell “whom do you love? Its me. Is it not?” Tilottama smiled at them
and said. “You both are equally beaituful, strong and vigorous Therefore,
First of all you decide among yourselves, whom I have to love and marry. You
fight with each other. The winner will have my love and hand” said Tilotta
with husky passionate lustful voice.
They lost their common sense and reasoning power.
They both fell in her trap. They began to fight with each other vigorously
and both of them died one at the hands of other. The mission of Tilottama was
accomplished. Therefore, however wise, intelligent and valiant he may be,
because of ladies, they may develop ill feelings and jealousy between
themselves which will lead to bitter enemity.” said Saint Narada. Pandavas
could realise the inner meaning of the words of Saint Narada. They themsleves
decided and imposed a self restraint upon themselves. Droupadi should stay in
each brother’s house for one year. While she is staying in one brother’s
house, the other brothers should not even look at that house. If they fail to
do so, they have to leave the capital and spend 12 months away from the
capital on pilgrimage, visiting holy places. All the five brothers promised
before Saint Narada accordingly.
They were following that self-imposed condition
scrupulously. One day, while Arjuna was roaming in the garden outside the
palace, one Brahmin came to him weeping and said that his cow was stolen by
some miscreants and asked Arjuna to punish that miscreant and bring back the
cow to him. Arjuna was just roaming in the garden. He was not having his bow
and arrows. They are in the armoury room. But Dharamaja and Droupadi were in
armoury room. If he enters, it will be in violation of their self-imosed
condition. But the requirement of brahmin is paramount. So thinking, Arjuna
entered the armoury, picked up his bow and arrows, came out, searched for the
culprit, over powered the culprit, recovered the cow from him and handed over
the same to the Brahmin.
He then went to Dharamaja and narrated what had
happened. “Brother Dharmaja, I violated our condition. I have to spend 12 months
outside the capital on pilgrimage. Kindly permit me” asked Arjuna. “What is
this Arjuna? You have not done this wantonly or with any ulterior motive. You
have done it only to save the cow of a brahmin. Protecting Brahmins and Cows
is the Kshatriya Dharma. While dicharging your duty, this had happened. It is
not at all a violation. Dont worry about it” said Dharmaja. Arjuna smiled
“Brother, we ourselves formulated that condition. For some reason or other
which suits us, can we violate it? Is it proper? No. Kindly permit me to go
out on pilgrimage” said Arjuna. Dharmaja has no voice. “Yes. You can do so at
your will” said Dharmaja.
Arjuna with some brahmins left Indraprasta for
pilgrimage. First he went to the banks of ganges, had a holy dip and was hearing
the stories of his ancestors and spending time. One day, one Naga lady called
Uloochi, was roaming on the banks of Ganges. She saw Arjuna. She fell in love
with him. Without wasting time, she approached Arjuna and asked him to
satisfy her lust. “Who are you? Why should you develop love and lust on me?”
asked Arjuna. “I am Uloochi, a Naga girl. I fell in love with you. Come and
have me and satisfy my lust” asked Ulooci. “No. As per the command of my
brother, I am on pilgrimage and observing Brahmacarya. How can I satisfy your
lust?” said Arjuna.
“I know everything about you. You are only on
pilgrimage. No need to observe Brahmacarya. If you dont satisfy me I will
commit suicide. That sin will not leave you. Therefore, please satisfy
me”.asked Uluchi. Arjuna was convinced. He spent that night with Ulooci, as a
result, she became pregnant and gave birth to a male child, called
Iraavanta.Then Arjuna continued his pilgrimate. He visited, Gaya, confluence
of Ganges with Sea and other sacred places and reached a city called
Manipura. King Chitraangada was ruling that city Manipura. King Chintrangada
welcomed Arjuna and extended due hospitalities. Arjuna met Chindraganda,
daughter of King Chitrangada.
He fell in love with Chitrangada. King
Chintrangada came to know about it. “Arjuna, I will gladly give my daughter
to you in marriage. But there is one difficulty. In our family, with the
blessings of Lord Eswara, only one son will born and succeed to the throne.
Unfortunately, I got a daughter. There are no successors to my throne. If you
give your son to be born to Chindrangada, he will succeed to my throne. If
you agree for this, I will perform your marriage.” said Chintrangada. Arjuna
gladly agreed for this. The marriage of Arjuna with Chintrangada was performed.
Chintrangada became pregnant and gave birth to a son called Babhruvaahana. As
per his word, Arjuna retained Babhruvahana and his wife Chintrangada with
King Chindrangada.He further proceeded on his pilgrimage.
He reached the city Dwaraka, the holy abode of
Lord Sri Krishna. “I can meet Sri Krishna in Dwaraka. Subhadra, beloved
sister of Sri Krishna, who is known to be a beautiful girl. I can have a
glimse of that eternal beauty. With the blessings of Sri Krishna, I can marry
her also” so thinking, Arjuna reached the outskirts of City of Dwaraka. “How
to enter the city? Yadavas generally respect Sanyasis. It would be better to
enter the city in a Sanyasi attire.” So thinking, Arjuna transformed into a
Sanyasi and entered the city chanting the name of Srikrishna.
Sri Krishna came to know about the arrival of
Arjuna. He immediately rushed to the place where Arjuna was staying. He
enquired about the welfare of Dharamaja and Kunti and other Pandavas. Sri
Krishna kept Arjuna in a cave of Raivatakaadri. Sri Krishna went back to his
palace.With the permission of his brother Balarama, Krishna proclaimed the
Raivatakaadri festival. All yaadavas proceeded to Raivatakaadri, went round
the hill and worshipped the hill. Sri Krishna along with his wife also
visited Raivatakaadri. Sarana, Satyaki, Akroora, Ugrasena, Uddhava also
followed Sri Krishna. Balarama, his wife, his sister Subhadra, also went
there to see the festival.
In fact, Subhadra heard about Arjuna and his
valiant deeds. Arjuna was no other than his aunt’s son, a marriageable
alliance. She began to admire Arjuna and was dreaming about him. Balarama,
his wife, his sister Subhadra was making “pradakshin” by going round the
hill. At that time, Arjuna concentrated his passionate looks on Subhadra and
also on her beautiful figure. Sri krishna was observing Arjuna and his
behaviour with regard to Subhadra “Swamijee, sanyaasis should not look at
beautiful girls like that. Control yourself” smilingly said Krishna. Arjuna
felt shy. “Arjuna, I know that your mind is fixed on my sister Subhadra. Dont
worry. I will tell my parents, Devaki and Vasudeva and also the elders and
see that your desire is fulfilled” said Krishna.
In the meanwhile, Balarama came there. Balaraka
thought that Arjuna was a real saint. He bowed before Arjuna. “Swamijee, now
it is rainy season. You may stay here and continue your “chaaturmaasya
vrata”. We will make all arranements for your stay and Vrata” said Balarama.
Arjuna gladly accepted the offer. Balarama engaged Subhadra for making all
arrangements to Arjuna who is in disguise. Subhadra was serving Arjuna with
great devotion. Sri Krishna sent a message to Indraprastha about the welfare
of Arjuna. While serving Arjuna, Subhadra entertained a doubt about his
beautiful handsome body and also about his passionate behaviour towards her.
She wanted to clear off her doubt.
One day Subhadra asked Arjuna “Swamijee, you
might have seen many places. I heard my aunt’s son Arjuna was also roaming
around holy places. Have you ever seen him? How does he look? Is he handsome
and beutiful? I am in love with Arjuna. How can I reveal it to him” wittingly
she asked that fake Sanyasi. Arjuna could not control himself. He removed his
sanyasi clothes and appeared before her as real Arjuna and said “Hey
Subhadra, my love. I am Arjuna” Subhadra looked at him amazingly and
admiringly. Her mind filled with full of joy and shy. Arjuna asked Subhadra
to marry him in Gaandharva method, without the intervention of elders. But
Subhadra did not agree. “Elders are ready to perform our marriage. Ask them”
so saying she went away.
Sri krishna talked to his parents Devaki and
Vasudeva and other elders and they also consented for the marriage of
Subhadra and Arjuna. The only hurdle is Balarama. Of course, he may not
agree. Hence Sri Krishna proclaimed a Siva festival at Antara Dweepa and
asked all Yadavas to proceed to Antara dveepa for worshipping Siva. Krishna
also took Balarama and other Yadavas to Antara dweepa. But Krishna came back
immediately to Dwaraka. Sri Krishna sent for Devendra. In the presence of
Devendra, Vasudeva, Devaki, other yadava elders, the marriage of Subhadra
with Arjuna was performed at Dwaraka. Devendra gave many gifts and
presentations to Arjuna.Then Krishna asked Arjuna to immediately leave
Dwaraka with Subhadra on a golden chariot. Krishna turned back to Antara
Dveepa and appeared before Balarama as if he was there in Antaravadveepaa
throughout.
While Arjuna was going on a golden chariot with
Subhadra, the Sentries and Guards of Dwaraka thought that somebody was
kidnaping their pincess Subhara. They began to fight with Arjuna. Arjuna
killed them and proceeded to Hastinapuram. This information reached Balarama
at Antaradveepa in no time. Balarama along with Krishna returned to Dwaraka
and convened a meeting with Yadava elders. Yadavas are shivering with anger.
Their blood was boiling. They sought the permission of Balarama to go to
Hastina, wage a war on Arjuna and bring back Subhadra.
Balarama pacified them and asked Krishna “Oh my
beloved brother, Krishna, tell me one thing. Has Arjuna took away Subhadra
along with him without your knowledge and consent?” Krishna smiled. “Brother
Balarama, Arjuna took away his aunt’s daughter. Is it wrong? Is it possible
to fight with Arjuna, student of Drona, and overpower him? Have you not seen
his valour and vigour at the time of Droupadi Svayamvara?” Balarama kept
quiet.
There, Arjuna along with Subhadra reached the
outskirts of Indra prastha city . “Subhadra, if we both enter the palace
together, Droupadi will curse us and speak some harsh words. Therefore, first
you go to palace like a Yadava girl along with other Yadava girls and seek
the blessings of Kunti and Droupadi. Then I enter the scene and convince them
all” said Arjuna. Subhadra obeyed the orders of her husband and proceeded to
the palace along wth some yadava girls. She saw Kunti and Droupadi in the
palace. She prostrated before Kunti and Droupadi. They both blessed Subhadra
with health, wealth and prosperity and also with sons and grandsons.
Later Arjuna entered the city and revealed
everything to his mother, brother and wife and convinced them. Sri Krishna
and Balarama also came from Dwaraka with innumerable gifts to Subhadra and
Arjuna and also to Dharmaja and his brothers. Dharmaja bowed before Balarama,
and other Yadava kings and got their blessings. Later Subhadra became
pregnant and delivered a male child called Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu learnt Vedas,
Upanishads and other sciences from Dhoumya. Arjuna taught all the archery
skills to Abhimanyu and he became equal to his father. Through Droupadi,
Pandavas beget five sons. They are Prativindhya, SrutasOma, Srutakeerti,
Sataaneekaa, and SrutasEna. They are also called Upa-Pandavas.
Sri Krishna also was staying at Indraprastha all
throughout. One day, Arjuna told Sri Krishna “Krishna, the summer is very hot
at Indraprastha. Why cannot we go to some forest areas where it is cool and
avoid this hot summer”. Krishna agreed for the same.They both went to a
forest nearby Khandavaprastha. While they were roaming in the forest, Agni in
the form of a brahmin came to them. Arjuna welcomed the Brahmin and extended
due honours. “I am so hungry. Please give me sumptuous food” asked the
Brahmin. “Please tell what kind of food you want. We will give” said Arjuna.
Now Agnideva stood before them in his original form. “I am Agni, I intend to
consume this “Khandava Vana” forest by consigning the same to my flames. But
Indra is causing all kinds of obstacles for my work because his friend,
Takshaka, is living in this forest. If you are able to remove those
obstacles, I will consume this forest” said Agni.
Arjuna was puzzled. “Why should you consume this
forest and destroy these green trees? asked Arjuna. “Arjuna, one Rajarshi
called Svethaki intended to perform Satra Yaga. It will run for over one
hundred years. No body has accepted to be the chief priest. Svethaki asked
Maheswara to be the Chief Priest for the Satra yaga. “Svethakee, it is the
duty of Brahmins to perform Yagnas. Saint Doorvaasa will be the Chief Priest
for your Satra yaga. Perform the Yaaga for hundred years by uninterruptedly
offering pure ghee to Agni.” said Parameswara.
Accordingly, Svethaki performed Satrayaga for one
hundred years. As I have consumed so much of pure ghee for hundred years, I
was affected with indigestion. I approached Brahma for remedy. He suggested
me to consume all the herbs, plants and trees of medici¥ nal value in
Khandava vana forest. Hence I want to consume the entire Khandava Vana
Forest.” said Agni. “It is ok. But we have come for pleasure trip. We are not
having any bows, arrows or chariot. How can we help you?” said Arjuna. Agni
called Varuna and asked him to provide bow, arrows and chariot to Arjuna and
Krishna. Varuna gave one strong bow called Gaandeevam to Arjuna along with
Akshayatooneeram (arrow pouch) and also a chariot with a maruti mounted flag
(kapi dhwaja). Varuna also gave Sudarsana Chakra and Koumodaki (mace like
weapon) to Sri Krishna. “Arjuna and Sri Krishna, kindly receive these weapons
and chariot and give protection for me from Mahendra” requested Agni. “Agni,
you need not fear when we are here. You can swallow the entire forest as you
like. We will provide sufficient protection” Arjuna promised.
Agni started spreading his flames on Khandava
Vana Forest. On either side of the forest, Krishna and Arjuna were standing
and protecting Agni while burning the forest. The forest guards protecting
the forest obstructed Agni from bunning it. Arjuna and Krishna killed them.
All kinds of animals, snakes, birds living in that forest were burning in the
flames. All the Devatas went to Devendra and told him about this burning.
Devendra’s friend Takshaka was living in that forest. Devendra was mostly
worried about him. He immediately summoned dark water-bearing clouds and
directed them to have a continous downpour on Khandava Vana forest.
To avert this downpour, Arjuna, with the arrows,
formed an umbrella like cover on the forest. Not even a drop of water was
falling on the forest. In the meanwhile, Asvasena, son of Takshaka, was
escaping the flames by flying in the air, catching the tail of his mother.
Arjuna saw this and hit Asvasena and his mother with his arrows. On seeing
this Mahendra grew angry. Mahendra saved Asvasena and his mother by using
Mohini Maaya. He was afraid about the fate of Takshaka. He fought with Arjuna
and Krishna. There was fierce battle between Arjuna and Mahendra. While
admiring the archery skills of his son, Arjuna, Mahendra was fighting with
him for the sake of Takshaka.
Nobody could control them. Now a Divine Vice from
heaven spoke: “Mahendra, Do you know with whom you are fighting. They are
Nara and Naarayana. You cannot defeat them. Takshaka is not in the forest. He
already escaped and reached Kurukshetra. You need not worry about him. Stop
battle with Arjuna and Krishna”. On hearing this, Devendra stopped fighting
with Arjuna and Krishna and returned to Devaloka. One Mayaa, brother of
Namuchi was caught in the flames. He sought refuge from Arjuna. Arjuna saved
him. Like that, Mayaa, Asvasena, the four saarangkas (birds) sons of
Mandapala, escaped from the flames.
Janamejaya who was hearing the story of
Mahabharat got a doubt. “Saint Vaisampaayana, you told me how Maya and
Asvasena were escaped from Agni. But who are these four birds? How they
escaped from flames of Agni? Who is this Mandapala? Kindly enlighten us.”
requested Janamejaya. Saint Vaisampaayana continued to say: There was a great
saint called Mandapaala. He observed Brahmacharya and did great Tapassu
(penance). But as he was not having children, he could not go to punya lokas.
He wanted to have children quickly.He took birth as a bird. He married one
lady bird, Jarita. He got four sons through her. They were living in Khandava
Vana forest. Before Agni consuming Khandava Vana Forest, Mandapala approached
him and requested him not to kill his four sons. Agni gave him a word that he
will not touch the four birds. While the flames were approaching them,
Mandapala asked his four sons to hide in a hole. “Even if we hide in the
hole, the rats in the hole will consume us. It would be better to be consumed
by Agnideva than by rats.” said the four birds.
Then Mandapala and his wife Jarita flew away from
the flames. The four sons of MandaPala were chanting Veda Mantras seeking
protection from Agni. Agni heard the chanting of Vedas by four birds. He
thought that they are the sons of Mandapala. As per the word given to
Mandapala, Agni did not burn the tree on which the four birds are staying and
diverted his flames to otherside. Thus the four sons of Mandapala escaped
from the flames of Agni. Mandapala also was very glad that his sons escaped
from the flames. He went to Punya Lokas. AgniDeva completely burnt away the
Khandava Vana Forest and got rid of his indigestion disease. He paid thanks
and blessed Krishna and Arjuna for their help.
Mahendra was very much satisfied about the vigour
and valour of his son Arjuna. He gave AgnEya Astra, Vaaruna Astra, and
Vaayavya Astra to Arjuna. Krishna and Arjuna, along with Mayaa, went to
Indraprastha and told Dharmaja about the request of Agni and their protecting
Agni while burning Khandava Vana forest. They introduced Mayaa, the divine
architect, whom they saved from the flames, to Dharmaja. All were living
happily. Maha Bharat - Adi Parva Ashtamaasvaasaa (Eighth chapter) completed.
Aadiparva sampoornam. Om tatsat Om tatsat Om tatsat. |