Krishna, Bheema and Arjuna, dressed as snataka brahmins, go past many places, mountains, rivers and the Mithila city, before they sight Girivraja, the capital of Magadha, from the Goratha hills. Soon they are at the gates of the city. They do not enter the city through its door but climb the nearby hill which acts as a boundary wall, destroy the three drums (bheri) placed at the top of the hill and sneak into the city.
As they enter the city, walking in an aggressive manner, they stop at a shop to buy garlands to wear and apply sandalwood paste on their bodies. Get into the palace under the pretext of seeing the goshala (Cowshed). People are amazed to see these men, tall like the sala trees, broad chested and strong like the elephants.
Climbing the three floors of the crowded palace, as if they own it, meet Jarasandha. Offering them the hospitality due to bachelor brahmins, Jarasandha addresses them: 'Snataka brahmins do not wear garlands or apply sandal paste and your shoulders are seen to have marks of a bow. You also show the demeanor of rulers. Further you did not accept my hospitality. So tell me the purpose of your visit. Brahmins are known to be adept with their words!'
Krishna replies that they are indeed khsatrias. And adds: 'Our strength is in our bravery and not in words, our speech is blunt as you will see. We did not walk in through your door as friends, but chose a devious route to enter as enemies would do. Those who enter an enemy territory with a purpose should not accept their hospitality, the reason why, we did not accept your hospitality.'
Jarasanda asks 'How did I become your enemy? I have no memories of having harmed you.' and says: 'If you blame an innocent person, not only will you stop being praiseworthy but you will also invite misfortune'.
Krishna accuses Jarasandha for imprisoning many khsatrias and says it is their purpose to release these men. He then reveals their identities and threatens: 'Release the khsatiryas or face death!' Jarasandha replies: 'I have defeated these kings and I have right to do with them as I please. It is khsatriya dharma. I am not afraid to fight. You can choose to fight a proper war or I am ready to fight one, two or all of you together.'
Krishna asks Jarasandha to choose one amongst them and he chooses Bheema. They fight for a long time (Fourteen days says Samhita!) and gradually Jarasandha tires. Krishna tells Bheema to demonstrate his special powers and Bheema lifts Jarasandha above his shoulders and whirls him around at great speed and smashes him to death. (Again there are variations in Kamala's narration. Bheema splits Jarasandha into two and throws away the split parts . The parts manage to come together and the fight starts again. Then Krishna demonstrates with a banana leaf how to turn the split parts away from each other so that they do not join again and Bheema gets it right the next time!)
The victorious trio then race to release the imprisoned kings, who swear allegiance to the victors. Krishna asks them to help Yudhisthira in the Rajasuya yaga. The son of Jarsandha surrenders and they install him as the new king of Maghada and return to Indraprastha.
Krishna thus succeeds in getting Jarasandha killed and again demonstrates his cleverness, and returns to Dwaraka. Pandavas' fame spreads far and wide with this victory over Jarasandha. It also enhances the love of Draupadi for them.
(Read about Valmiki Ramayana being published in french. The author Denise was asked 'Why Ramayana, why not Mahabharata?' A good question! One of the reasons she gave was that she needed 7 volumes to complete Ramayana and Mahabharata would require 28 volumes. So she chose Ramayana. Very sensible decision. Those interested can buy it for 850 euros now. It will be 940 euros next year! Hurry up!)
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Jarasandha. Visiting Mahabharata 55
I choose Samhita's version and her pictures. This story is better with pictures!
Krishna tells Bheema and Arjuna the story of Jarasandha as they proceed towards Maghada. 'Jarasandha's father had twin sisters for wives. He loved them equally and they loved him in return. But neither of them bore him a son. Worried about the question of the next heir to the throne of Maghadha, the king visited a great and a holy sage in the forest, taking with him many gifts.'
'The sage gave Jarasandha's father a mango and told him to give it to his wife. But before the king could mention that he had two wives, the sage had gone back to his meditation. Leaving the gifts at the ashram, the king headed back to the city. He cut the mango in half and gave one to each of his wives. The sisters, in due course, gave birth to half a son each. But they quarrelled with each other and left the two halves as castaways near a rubbish dump.'
'When Jarasandha grew up, the king took him to the same sage who been the cause of his birth. The sage blessed him and said, 'Jarasandha, you will be the king of kings. Now Jarasandha has fulfilled the sage's prophecy. He is merciless and never forgets an insult.' concludes Krishna
Samhita had an answer to the question 'why only one mango?' In Kamala's story, just one mango dropped from the tree under which the sage was sitting. Also Jara accidentally put the two halves together and a miracle happened. The body became alive and she did not have the heart to kill the baby and took it to the king. As usual details vary.
Notice that a demoness or rakshasi can be a good person. Actually the second in the epic. The first was Hidimbi who fell in love with Bheema.
Interesting that great people, in this case a sage, show such a short attention span even to a king. I am sure many who had to deal with big bosses can relate to this brief window of opportunity the high and mighty give to lesser mortals.
Yudhisthira's desire. Visiting Mahabharata. 54
Ever since the visit of Narada, Yudhisthira is lost in thought. He was leading a peaceful life and the message of his father carried by Narada changed it. So a peace-loving king is now thinking of Rajasuya yaga. Vachana Bharata says Yudhisthira thinks of Rajasuya on his own; Narada finds no mention.
He consults his brothers and others about performing the yaga and they all think that it is within their capability! Yudhisthira realises that this needs a deeper study and sends word to Krishna who had returned to Dwaraka with a request to come to Indraprastha.
He then broaches the subject with Krishna: 'It is not something that happens just because of your desire, my friends and well wishers tell me that I am capable; I however cannot decide without your opinion. It is true that, some because of their love for me, will over look the difficulties or our shortcomings; a few will think of the rewards they would get for speaking things that are pleasing to me. But I know you will view it dispassionately and tell me what is right!'
Krishna after a deep thought says:'Maharaja! You are indeed capable of performing a Rajasuya. You have the necessary qualities, still I need to say a few words. Jarasandhra has subjugated many kings and is proclaiming that he is an emperor. Sisupala and Dhantavakra who possess strong prowess are his followers. The Bhojas, Shurasenas and many others unable to face him have scattered far and wide. After I killed Kamsa, Jarasandha went after us to avenge the death of his son-in-law and we in fear had to flee from Mathura to Dwaravati. So, it is impossible for you to perform Rajasuya as long as he is alive. Hence, in my opinion, we need to kill him and free the kings who have been imprisoned by him.'
The conversation that ensues between the Pandava brothers, Yudhisthira, Bhima and Arjuna and Krishna reflects the Khsatriya psyche and their priorities. While Yudhisthira still aspires to be an emperor, he is also hesitant to risk the lives of his beloved brothers and Krishna. 'Bhima and Arjuna are like my two eyes, and Krishna is like my mind. How can I live without my eyes and my mind.' And wants to give up his desire to do Rajasuya.
Arjuna feels differently: 'Maharaja, did we not attain the astras, arms and territory for ourselves! We are warriors, and I like to do heroic deeds. Let us have courage and belief in our strength. We can be destroyed if we lack this belief in our strength or if we are unduly overconfident. I think we have the ability to kill Jarasandha, so do not think we cannot do this. If we do not try, it is as good as not having any ability. We can surely have peace if we decide to wear saffron clothes! So if you want to be an emperor, we are ready to fight all those who oppose.'
Krishna also supports Arjuna:' Arjuna has spoken like a true son of Bharatha vamsha. Surely, none of us can know the time we die, whether it is in the night or in the day! Even a man who does not fight cannot escape death. In our effort to save the kings, whether we kill Jarasandha or we get killed, it is certain that we shall go to heaven.' He then speaks of the need for the right strategy as there is no way they can be victorious in war against Jarasandha. It is best to fight him individually. The plan is to provoke him to fight when he is alone and he is sure that Bhima would be able kill him in such a man-to-man combat. And tells Yudhisthira 'If you believe in me. Send Bhima and Arjuna with me!' .
Yudhisthira is convinced as he has total confidence in Krishna and says: 'Those who are with you can never be unlucky.It is as if we have already killed Jarasandha and have performed Rajasuya. Please go ahead and do what you think is best.'
It is perhaps part of our nature to aspire for more. Whether for yourself as it is narrated in Vachana Bharata or for your forefathers when Narada brings a message from above. Kamala's narrative also tells us that it is all part of Krishna's plan, purpose of his avatara, to reduce sin as mother earth is overburdened with it.
Our lives are often affected by events apparently not even directly linked to us. I am sure all of us have experienced this, some event or someone upsetting the proverbial apple cart. Reminded me of the chaos theory, the butterfly effect, how a storm could be caused by a mere flutter of the wings of a butterfly.
He consults his brothers and others about performing the yaga and they all think that it is within their capability! Yudhisthira realises that this needs a deeper study and sends word to Krishna who had returned to Dwaraka with a request to come to Indraprastha.
He then broaches the subject with Krishna: 'It is not something that happens just because of your desire, my friends and well wishers tell me that I am capable; I however cannot decide without your opinion. It is true that, some because of their love for me, will over look the difficulties or our shortcomings; a few will think of the rewards they would get for speaking things that are pleasing to me. But I know you will view it dispassionately and tell me what is right!'
Krishna after a deep thought says:'Maharaja! You are indeed capable of performing a Rajasuya. You have the necessary qualities, still I need to say a few words. Jarasandhra has subjugated many kings and is proclaiming that he is an emperor. Sisupala and Dhantavakra who possess strong prowess are his followers. The Bhojas, Shurasenas and many others unable to face him have scattered far and wide. After I killed Kamsa, Jarasandha went after us to avenge the death of his son-in-law and we in fear had to flee from Mathura to Dwaravati. So, it is impossible for you to perform Rajasuya as long as he is alive. Hence, in my opinion, we need to kill him and free the kings who have been imprisoned by him.'
The conversation that ensues between the Pandava brothers, Yudhisthira, Bhima and Arjuna and Krishna reflects the Khsatriya psyche and their priorities. While Yudhisthira still aspires to be an emperor, he is also hesitant to risk the lives of his beloved brothers and Krishna. 'Bhima and Arjuna are like my two eyes, and Krishna is like my mind. How can I live without my eyes and my mind.' And wants to give up his desire to do Rajasuya.
Arjuna feels differently: 'Maharaja, did we not attain the astras, arms and territory for ourselves! We are warriors, and I like to do heroic deeds. Let us have courage and belief in our strength. We can be destroyed if we lack this belief in our strength or if we are unduly overconfident. I think we have the ability to kill Jarasandha, so do not think we cannot do this. If we do not try, it is as good as not having any ability. We can surely have peace if we decide to wear saffron clothes! So if you want to be an emperor, we are ready to fight all those who oppose.'
Krishna also supports Arjuna:' Arjuna has spoken like a true son of Bharatha vamsha. Surely, none of us can know the time we die, whether it is in the night or in the day! Even a man who does not fight cannot escape death. In our effort to save the kings, whether we kill Jarasandha or we get killed, it is certain that we shall go to heaven.' He then speaks of the need for the right strategy as there is no way they can be victorious in war against Jarasandha. It is best to fight him individually. The plan is to provoke him to fight when he is alone and he is sure that Bhima would be able kill him in such a man-to-man combat. And tells Yudhisthira 'If you believe in me. Send Bhima and Arjuna with me!' .
Yudhisthira is convinced as he has total confidence in Krishna and says: 'Those who are with you can never be unlucky.It is as if we have already killed Jarasandha and have performed Rajasuya. Please go ahead and do what you think is best.'
It is perhaps part of our nature to aspire for more. Whether for yourself as it is narrated in Vachana Bharata or for your forefathers when Narada brings a message from above. Kamala's narrative also tells us that it is all part of Krishna's plan, purpose of his avatara, to reduce sin as mother earth is overburdened with it.
Our lives are often affected by events apparently not even directly linked to us. I am sure all of us have experienced this, some event or someone upsetting the proverbial apple cart. Reminded me of the chaos theory, the butterfly effect, how a storm could be caused by a mere flutter of the wings of a butterfly.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Narada's visit. Visiting Mahabharata 53.
Yudhisthira rules by observing dharma, working for the common good and without being partial. To him all were equal. Hence he had no enemies and was known as ajathashatru!. Thus there was peace in Indraprastha.
One day Narada arrived at the court of Yudhisthira. He is welcomed with reverence by Pandavas and Draupadi. Having heard about Mayasabha, he had come to see it. Yudhisthira was too happy to show Narada around and to see his reaction. Yudhisthira said: 'My lord, you have travelled in all the three worlds. You must have seen many beautiful sabhas like the one I have. Can you tell me about them?'. Narada replies:'Yes. I have seen similar sabhas in other worlds. But let me assure you that your sabha is the best on the face of earth.' thus surely pleasing Yudhisthira .
Narada describes the other halls he has seen. He tells Yudhisthira that he saw the great king Harischandra sharing the throne with Indra. As he describes the court of Yama, he tells them about the many kings who were there, including Santanu and Pandu.
Yudhisthira goes silent for a while and then asks 'My lord, I notice from what you have said that most of the Kings are in the sabha of Yama and not Indra as I had imagined! My father was the purest of men. He was a saint among men. I want you to tell me the reason for this.' Narada explains that only those who had performed Rajasuya Yaga would share the throne with Indra. And adds: 'I met your father. He said that my sons are now powerful on earth. If Yudhisthira performs a Rajasuya, I and my grandfather Santanu can go to Indraloka.' and assures Yudhisthira that he could surely perform this difficult yaga with the help of his brothers and Krishna, blesses them and leaves.
Anyone tuned to our epics would be getting tense with this mixture of happines of mother Kunti, peace in Indraprastha and a visit by Narada. He is always there as per the wishes of Narayana, read Krishna, to galvanise action which could often mean problems and trouble.
One day Narada arrived at the court of Yudhisthira. He is welcomed with reverence by Pandavas and Draupadi. Having heard about Mayasabha, he had come to see it. Yudhisthira was too happy to show Narada around and to see his reaction. Yudhisthira said: 'My lord, you have travelled in all the three worlds. You must have seen many beautiful sabhas like the one I have. Can you tell me about them?'. Narada replies:'Yes. I have seen similar sabhas in other worlds. But let me assure you that your sabha is the best on the face of earth.' thus surely pleasing Yudhisthira .
Narada describes the other halls he has seen. He tells Yudhisthira that he saw the great king Harischandra sharing the throne with Indra. As he describes the court of Yama, he tells them about the many kings who were there, including Santanu and Pandu.
Yudhisthira goes silent for a while and then asks 'My lord, I notice from what you have said that most of the Kings are in the sabha of Yama and not Indra as I had imagined! My father was the purest of men. He was a saint among men. I want you to tell me the reason for this.' Narada explains that only those who had performed Rajasuya Yaga would share the throne with Indra. And adds: 'I met your father. He said that my sons are now powerful on earth. If Yudhisthira performs a Rajasuya, I and my grandfather Santanu can go to Indraloka.' and assures Yudhisthira that he could surely perform this difficult yaga with the help of his brothers and Krishna, blesses them and leaves.
Anyone tuned to our epics would be getting tense with this mixture of happines of mother Kunti, peace in Indraprastha and a visit by Narada. He is always there as per the wishes of Narayana, read Krishna, to galvanise action which could often mean problems and trouble.
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Maya builds a hall. Visiting Mahabharata 52.
While Arjuna aided and abetted Agni in the burning of the Khandava forest by not letting any living being escape, he even killed Takshaka's wife, he saves the life of Maya, a rakshasa, as Krishna is about to kill Maya with his chakra. This lone act of compassion could be because Maya falls at his feet asking for his mercy or for more complex reasons beyond his understanding. Anyway, as Arjuna promises not to harm him, Krishna allows Maya to live .
Maya, the architect of the asuras, wants to show his gratitude in some way. Arjuna does not want anything. But as he keeps insisting, Arjuna relents but lets Krishna decide: 'I will not accept anything for myself. Do something that will please Krishna'.
We are now let into the mind of Krishna by the Author: Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu, had been born on earth for the purpose of establishing dharma. Krishna knew that the time had come when the world had to be shaken out of its complacency. He was Narayana and Arjuna was Nara. They had been born on earth for a purpose. Mother earth had complained to him that she could not bear the burden of sin any longer. He had assured her that he would come to help. In his minds eye Krishna saw the future of the world. He saw the field of Kurukshetra strewn with the bodies of the kings of the world.....Krishna thought of all these things and decided to begin the act of destruction.
Krishna then tells Maya that Yudhisthira is very dear to him and asks a unique Sabha be built to please Yudhisthira. Maya is very happy about this and starts planning the hall in his mind. Maya later discusses the plan with the Pandavas and Krishna and on an auspicious day, Maya begins the construction of the great palace known in the future as Mayasabha. Krishna then leaves for Dwaraka fondly seen off by the Pandavas till the outskirts of Indraprastha.
Maya gets busy with the preparations for the building. He goes to a lake called Bindusaras near mount Kailasa. A sacred spot where the river Ganga was released drop by drop from the matted lock of lord Shankara. Collects all the gems he had hidden there. Several hundreds of slaves carry these to Indraprastha. Also brings a conch called devadatta as a gift for Arjuna and a gada for Bheema.
It takes Maya fourteen months to build it. It excels even Sudharma, the sabha of Indra, in its splendour. In the garden flowers bloom in season and out of season. The walls glistened and gleamed with the precious gems embedded in them. It was built so cleverly that one can see only the glow from the gems, and not the gems themselves. Maya went to the Pandava and told them that the sabha was ready. He took them round. They were speechless with amazement. Arjuna and Maya embrace each other. Maya departs honored by Yudhisthira with many gifts.
On an auspicious day, the Pandavas enter the sabha. Gifts are distributed profusely to the poor and to the brahmins. Fame of the sabha spreads far and wide. People from all over the world come to see, all except the sons of Dhritharastra. Several young princes who came, stay back to learn archery from Arjuna. Pandavas are very happy.
Kunti is now sure that her sons are well established! They are quite powerful. It was not possible to harm the sons of Kunti. She thinks of the days following the burning of the house of lac, of the months spent in Ekachakra where they had to beg for food. All those dark days are over. Their sun had risen. They were safe, secure from the evil thoughts of Duryodhana and Sakuni.
Maya, the architect of the asuras, wants to show his gratitude in some way. Arjuna does not want anything. But as he keeps insisting, Arjuna relents but lets Krishna decide: 'I will not accept anything for myself. Do something that will please Krishna'.
We are now let into the mind of Krishna by the Author: Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu, had been born on earth for the purpose of establishing dharma. Krishna knew that the time had come when the world had to be shaken out of its complacency. He was Narayana and Arjuna was Nara. They had been born on earth for a purpose. Mother earth had complained to him that she could not bear the burden of sin any longer. He had assured her that he would come to help. In his minds eye Krishna saw the future of the world. He saw the field of Kurukshetra strewn with the bodies of the kings of the world.....Krishna thought of all these things and decided to begin the act of destruction.
Krishna then tells Maya that Yudhisthira is very dear to him and asks a unique Sabha be built to please Yudhisthira. Maya is very happy about this and starts planning the hall in his mind. Maya later discusses the plan with the Pandavas and Krishna and on an auspicious day, Maya begins the construction of the great palace known in the future as Mayasabha. Krishna then leaves for Dwaraka fondly seen off by the Pandavas till the outskirts of Indraprastha.
Maya gets busy with the preparations for the building. He goes to a lake called Bindusaras near mount Kailasa. A sacred spot where the river Ganga was released drop by drop from the matted lock of lord Shankara. Collects all the gems he had hidden there. Several hundreds of slaves carry these to Indraprastha. Also brings a conch called devadatta as a gift for Arjuna and a gada for Bheema.
It takes Maya fourteen months to build it. It excels even Sudharma, the sabha of Indra, in its splendour. In the garden flowers bloom in season and out of season. The walls glistened and gleamed with the precious gems embedded in them. It was built so cleverly that one can see only the glow from the gems, and not the gems themselves. Maya went to the Pandava and told them that the sabha was ready. He took them round. They were speechless with amazement. Arjuna and Maya embrace each other. Maya departs honored by Yudhisthira with many gifts.
On an auspicious day, the Pandavas enter the sabha. Gifts are distributed profusely to the poor and to the brahmins. Fame of the sabha spreads far and wide. People from all over the world come to see, all except the sons of Dhritharastra. Several young princes who came, stay back to learn archery from Arjuna. Pandavas are very happy.
Kunti is now sure that her sons are well established! They are quite powerful. It was not possible to harm the sons of Kunti. She thinks of the days following the burning of the house of lac, of the months spent in Ekachakra where they had to beg for food. All those dark days are over. Their sun had risen. They were safe, secure from the evil thoughts of Duryodhana and Sakuni.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Adiparva ends. Visiting Mahabharata 51
The eventful Pilgrimage comes to an end. In due time Subhadra delivers a boy, Abhimanyu. Krishna becomes very fond of his nephew and the parents dote on him. Similarly Draupadi has five valiant children from the five Pandavas. Pandavas continue to rule with dharma from Indraprastha and people are content.
One day Arjuna feeling hot suggests a day's outing with their near and dears on the banks of Yamuna to beat the heat. They locate a nice picnic spot and enjoy themselves. There is plenty of food, drinks, laughter and also music. Krishna and Arjuna relax a little away from this group and have an enjoyable chat.
A brahmin approaches them. He is tall, golden in color and radiant. Krishna and Arjuna greet him with due respect. He addresses them: 'Sirs, I have a big stomach and you must help me to fill it.' They respond with: 'Tell us the food you like to eat, we will try to provide it'. He replies: 'I do not eat like others! I am Agni, it is my desire to consume this Khandava forest, but Indra is protecting it and whenever there is a fire he douses it with heavy rains. It is because his friend Takshaka and his family live here and due to this a number of animals and birds also have found shelter. If you kindly help I can burn this forest'.
Arjuna replies: 'Agnideva! It is true that I have some divine 'astras', but I do not have a bow to match my strength. I shoot with speed, so there are not enough arrows and a quiver to hold them. We do not have a chariot big enough to hold all the weapons we need to carry and horses able to draw such a chariot. It is the same with Krishna. If we are able to get these, we will try our best.'
Agni thinks of Varuna and he comes and at Agni's behest, gives Arjuna the great bow Gandhiva, an inexhaustible quiver with a never-ending supply of arrows, a shining chariot with splendid horses and a flag with Lord Hanuman seated in it. Srikrishna is given the powerful Sudharshana chakra. This chakra returns to the one who wields it after killing anyone intended, a raskshasa, a deva, a pisaacha or whoever. In addition he is given the mace Kaumodaki. Armed thus they are ready to face anyone, even Indra!
The fire spreads in the forest. Arjuna and Krishna guard either side of the fire and do not allow even a single animal to escape. Thousands of birds and animals die screeching and howling in pain. Some are half burnt and their eyes pop bursting and a few jump only to land back into the fire. Babies and mothers cling to each other in pain and fear and die as they are unable to get free from each other. The lakes boil and thousands of fish and turtles are cooked and go belly up and float. Fire dances all over in abandon.
Indra sends down heavy rain with clouds full of fiecre thunder. Arjuna creates a canopy over the forest shooting arrows in such a speed that not a drop of water falls on the fire. Finally agni is satisfied. Takshaka manages to escape, So do his son Ashwasena, Maya a rakshasa and just four birds.
Even Indra himself with the help of devas cannot not stop Arjuna. Indra pleased with his son offers him a boon. Arjuna desires some Astras. Indra agrees and promises to give it to him at the time when Mahadeva is pleased with Arjuna.
The final chapter of Adiparva is astonishing. It begins happily with an account Subhadra and Draupadi delivering children and the one day family picnic. I have counted a total of nine Pandava offspring so far including these! And ends with a disastrous forest fire.
While today most forest fires are man-made, there still are a few which are due to natural causes. We can ascribe it to gods, if due to lightening it is Indra, to dry weather it would be Surya and if indeed it is due to earthquake and the volcanic flow, probably our mother earth is angry.
The episode had a purpose; of transferring the Astras used by devas in their earlier wars to Arjuna and Krishna, the story would also have had a salutary effect on the people who heard it. The only way of warning people those days about forest fires and its colossal effect on their lives.
Some pictures of the agni having his feed in Alaska and Australia. Courtsey: http://www.tiptheplanet.com/
One day Arjuna feeling hot suggests a day's outing with their near and dears on the banks of Yamuna to beat the heat. They locate a nice picnic spot and enjoy themselves. There is plenty of food, drinks, laughter and also music. Krishna and Arjuna relax a little away from this group and have an enjoyable chat.
A brahmin approaches them. He is tall, golden in color and radiant. Krishna and Arjuna greet him with due respect. He addresses them: 'Sirs, I have a big stomach and you must help me to fill it.' They respond with: 'Tell us the food you like to eat, we will try to provide it'. He replies: 'I do not eat like others! I am Agni, it is my desire to consume this Khandava forest, but Indra is protecting it and whenever there is a fire he douses it with heavy rains. It is because his friend Takshaka and his family live here and due to this a number of animals and birds also have found shelter. If you kindly help I can burn this forest'.
Arjuna replies: 'Agnideva! It is true that I have some divine 'astras', but I do not have a bow to match my strength. I shoot with speed, so there are not enough arrows and a quiver to hold them. We do not have a chariot big enough to hold all the weapons we need to carry and horses able to draw such a chariot. It is the same with Krishna. If we are able to get these, we will try our best.'
Agni thinks of Varuna and he comes and at Agni's behest, gives Arjuna the great bow Gandhiva, an inexhaustible quiver with a never-ending supply of arrows, a shining chariot with splendid horses and a flag with Lord Hanuman seated in it. Srikrishna is given the powerful Sudharshana chakra. This chakra returns to the one who wields it after killing anyone intended, a raskshasa, a deva, a pisaacha or whoever. In addition he is given the mace Kaumodaki. Armed thus they are ready to face anyone, even Indra!
The fire spreads in the forest. Arjuna and Krishna guard either side of the fire and do not allow even a single animal to escape. Thousands of birds and animals die screeching and howling in pain. Some are half burnt and their eyes pop bursting and a few jump only to land back into the fire. Babies and mothers cling to each other in pain and fear and die as they are unable to get free from each other. The lakes boil and thousands of fish and turtles are cooked and go belly up and float. Fire dances all over in abandon.
Indra sends down heavy rain with clouds full of fiecre thunder. Arjuna creates a canopy over the forest shooting arrows in such a speed that not a drop of water falls on the fire. Finally agni is satisfied. Takshaka manages to escape, So do his son Ashwasena, Maya a rakshasa and just four birds.
Even Indra himself with the help of devas cannot not stop Arjuna. Indra pleased with his son offers him a boon. Arjuna desires some Astras. Indra agrees and promises to give it to him at the time when Mahadeva is pleased with Arjuna.
The final chapter of Adiparva is astonishing. It begins happily with an account Subhadra and Draupadi delivering children and the one day family picnic. I have counted a total of nine Pandava offspring so far including these! And ends with a disastrous forest fire.
The description of the forest fire made me sit up. I chose Vachana Bharata again for its unflinching narration! Kamala's version is equally brutal. There were birds which tried to rise up out of reach of the flames. The arrows of Arjuna hit them and they dropped back into the leaping flames....At the time of burning, Takshaka, the serpent king, was away. His son Asvasena was caught up in the fire. He and his mother tried to get out of the forest. But Arjuna would not let them. His mother rose up in the sky to distract Arjuna and was killed by three sharp arrows shot by Arjuna. Indra overpowered Arjuna with a sudden deluge of water and allowed the prince to escape. Arjuna, furious assaults Indra.....
The fire during Mahabharata times could be classified as due to heavenly causes. Of course nurtured and helped by Krishna and Arjuna.
The fire during Mahabharata times could be classified as due to heavenly causes. Of course nurtured and helped by Krishna and Arjuna.
I wondered how Agni actually started a fire. The picture gives us an idea. Courtsey: wikipedia.
Kamala says Agni assumed the form of flames.
Kamala says Agni assumed the form of flames.
While today most forest fires are man-made, there still are a few which are due to natural causes. We can ascribe it to gods, if due to lightening it is Indra, to dry weather it would be Surya and if indeed it is due to earthquake and the volcanic flow, probably our mother earth is angry.
The episode had a purpose; of transferring the Astras used by devas in their earlier wars to Arjuna and Krishna, the story would also have had a salutary effect on the people who heard it. The only way of warning people those days about forest fires and its colossal effect on their lives.
Some pictures of the agni having his feed in Alaska and Australia. Courtsey: http://www.tiptheplanet.com/
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Arjuna abducts Subhadra. Visiting Mahabhrata 50
Arjuna continues his pilgrimage, khsatriya style, and it is very different!
When learning archery from Drona, Arjuna was friends with Gada, a cousin of Krishna. Gada had spoken so much about his cousin Subhadra and her beauty that he had fallen in love with her without even seeing her. He now remembered her and considered ways and means of seeing her without being seen. He knew that she was in Dwaraka.
The story, a love story, is the basis of movies and plays in many Indian languages and is known to most of us. Author Kamala has also crafted a sweet story!
Arjuna disguises himself as an Yati and goes and stays in a place near Dwaraka. Krishna divines the intention of Arjuna and goes to meet him. Arjuna finally sets his eyes on Subhadra and is totally captivated by her beauty. Krishna manages a meeting between Arjuna and his half-sister Subhadra and she falls in love with Arjuna. They get married in the Ghandarva style when the rest of the family is away and elope. Krishna convinces an angry Balarama, who is all set to chase and kill Arjuna that it is best to accept, as he is a worthy husband to their sister.
As they reach Indraprastha, Arjuna is worried about how Draupadi would react, so he sends Subhadra, dressed as a milkmaid, ahead to meet Draupadi. Subhadra introduces herself as Krishna's sister. Meanwhile Arjuna meets his family and tells them about Subhadra and finally goes to Draupadi. She smiles archly at him and says: 'Do not worry. I have already met the milkmaid. She is very beautiful'. She takes the coy Subhadra in her arms and says: 'Who can resist you and your beauty? You have won my heart already, within a few moments. What chances could poor Arjuna have had against your charms?. A few days later, the Vrishnis arrive in Indraprastha bearing costly gifts and celebrate the wedding of Arjuna and Subhadra.
It is different in Vachana Bharata: Arjuna forcefully abducts her, as advised by Krishna, in the true style of khastriya. Balarama reacts to the abduction thus: 'I suggest we chase them immediately and destroy the Kauravas'. Krishna tries to calm him and others equally agitated, 'Arjuna has not insulted our clan, in one way it is an honor. He did not think us greedy, only thinking of the wealth the suitors would bring in a swayamvara! There is no adventure in a swayamvara. Kanyadhana is like passing cattle from one hand to another.There is no prestige in it. A man does not sell his daughter, so Arjuna had to abduct Subhadra. Even this act is Dharma and moreover, this connection is a good one, praiseworthy. Arjuna is from the lineage of Bharata, son of Kunti, even Indra is no match for him in valor. It is not easy to fight him, especially as he is on my chariot drawn by my horses. Imagine the ignominy in case he beats us and escapes into his city. We loose nothing if go in peace and bring him back'. Thus convinced they go in peace and get Arjuna and Subhadra back and perform the wedding.
Subhadra: a conventional view
While the story takes our mind off the conflict between the cousins. It also tells us more about Krishna, his negotiating and convincing skills! It also introduces us to the very trusting and straight forward brother, Balarama, who is no match to Krishna in getting to the essence of conflicting issues.
As I think about the distance between Dwaraka (in Gujarat) and Indrparstha (Delhi), I wonder about the time Arjuna and Subhadra took to reach Indraprastha. It seems more plausible that they returned to Dwaraka as narrated in Vachana Bharata.
When learning archery from Drona, Arjuna was friends with Gada, a cousin of Krishna. Gada had spoken so much about his cousin Subhadra and her beauty that he had fallen in love with her without even seeing her. He now remembered her and considered ways and means of seeing her without being seen. He knew that she was in Dwaraka.
The story, a love story, is the basis of movies and plays in many Indian languages and is known to most of us. Author Kamala has also crafted a sweet story!
Arjuna disguises himself as an Yati and goes and stays in a place near Dwaraka. Krishna divines the intention of Arjuna and goes to meet him. Arjuna finally sets his eyes on Subhadra and is totally captivated by her beauty. Krishna manages a meeting between Arjuna and his half-sister Subhadra and she falls in love with Arjuna. They get married in the Ghandarva style when the rest of the family is away and elope. Krishna convinces an angry Balarama, who is all set to chase and kill Arjuna that it is best to accept, as he is a worthy husband to their sister.
As they reach Indraprastha, Arjuna is worried about how Draupadi would react, so he sends Subhadra, dressed as a milkmaid, ahead to meet Draupadi. Subhadra introduces herself as Krishna's sister. Meanwhile Arjuna meets his family and tells them about Subhadra and finally goes to Draupadi. She smiles archly at him and says: 'Do not worry. I have already met the milkmaid. She is very beautiful'. She takes the coy Subhadra in her arms and says: 'Who can resist you and your beauty? You have won my heart already, within a few moments. What chances could poor Arjuna have had against your charms?. A few days later, the Vrishnis arrive in Indraprastha bearing costly gifts and celebrate the wedding of Arjuna and Subhadra.
It is different in Vachana Bharata: Arjuna forcefully abducts her, as advised by Krishna, in the true style of khastriya. Balarama reacts to the abduction thus: 'I suggest we chase them immediately and destroy the Kauravas'. Krishna tries to calm him and others equally agitated, 'Arjuna has not insulted our clan, in one way it is an honor. He did not think us greedy, only thinking of the wealth the suitors would bring in a swayamvara! There is no adventure in a swayamvara. Kanyadhana is like passing cattle from one hand to another.There is no prestige in it. A man does not sell his daughter, so Arjuna had to abduct Subhadra. Even this act is Dharma and moreover, this connection is a good one, praiseworthy. Arjuna is from the lineage of Bharata, son of Kunti, even Indra is no match for him in valor. It is not easy to fight him, especially as he is on my chariot drawn by my horses. Imagine the ignominy in case he beats us and escapes into his city. We loose nothing if go in peace and bring him back'. Thus convinced they go in peace and get Arjuna and Subhadra back and perform the wedding.
Subhadra: a conventional view
While the story takes our mind off the conflict between the cousins. It also tells us more about Krishna, his negotiating and convincing skills! It also introduces us to the very trusting and straight forward brother, Balarama, who is no match to Krishna in getting to the essence of conflicting issues.
As I think about the distance between Dwaraka (in Gujarat) and Indrparstha (Delhi), I wonder about the time Arjuna and Subhadra took to reach Indraprastha. It seems more plausible that they returned to Dwaraka as narrated in Vachana Bharata.
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