MAHABHARAT - ARANYA PARVA - PRADHAMAASVAASA - (FIRST CHAPTER)

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MAHABHARAT

ARANYA PARVA

PRADHAMAASVAASA

FIRST CHAPTER

 

The story teller, Sooti, continued to tell Sounaka and

other sages and saints assembled there to hear the story of

Mahabharata.

 

In that way, Pandavas, along with their bows and arrows and mace and

other weapons, proceeded towards northwards. Along with them, their

close servants, accompanied in 14,000 chariots. Subhadra, Abhimanyu,

Prativindhya and other sons of Pandavas also accompanied them.

 

On seeing this departure of Pandavas from Hastinapuram, the citizens

of Hastinapura shed their tears.

 

" Why should Pandavas be invited for dice game? Why should they be

defeated fraudulently? Is it just and proper to send them to

forests? Why Bheeshma, Drona and other elders did not stop

Suyodhana and Karna from doing this kind of illegal and improper

acts? If the King himself is like this, where is dharma? How can we

live in this kingdom? No. we cannot remain here. We will follow you

even to forests " So saying, the residents of Hastina followed

Pandavas to forest.

 

On seeing this, Dharmaja with folded hands requested all of them " My

dear citizens of Hastinapra! Kindly listen to my words. We are going

to forests. It is very difficult to live there even for one day. I

dont like this. Kindly go back and lead a normal life in

Hastinapura " said Dharmaja.

 

With tears in their eyes, they returned back. Later, all of them

reached the banks of Holy Ganges.

 

But, inspite of the request of Dharmaja, number of Brahmins and

their Sishyas followed Pandavas to forest.

 

Dharmaja observed them and said " O brahmins! You are all

respectable priests. You are habituated to live peacefully. But if

you accompany us to the forests, you have to eat leaves and roots

along with us. Why should you invite troubles along with us? Kindly

returnback to your respective places! asked Dharmaja.

 

All the Brahmins, with great respect towards the King Dharmaja said:

 

" You are our emperor. Whereever you are, we will be there. You need

not worry about our food and shelter.We also will eat the leaves and

roots along with you and live happily. We will fetch our food for

ourselves. But we cannot return back to Hastinapura without you "

said those Brahmins.

 

Dharmaja felt very sad about their plight. Daily the Brahmins eat

sumptuous food. But how they survive in these forests with limited

and uncooked food. Dharmaja was thinking aloud.

 

On hearing this, one saint Sounaka said to Dharmaja:

 

" Dharmaja, why you are worrying for these small things. Is it proper

to worry for all these petty things. Wisemen will never feel for

anything. All these attachments are temporary. You need not worry

for all these things. You have to live like a drop of water on a

lotus leaf. With these attachments, affection will arise. Out of

affection, desires will come up. To fulfill the desire, greediness

will follow. Anger follows it. Therefore, shed the greediness. A man

who is greedy for money will dig his own grave. All the relatives

will surround the rich man for his money. They always try to grab

his money by hook or crook. Out of riches, pride will arise. Out of

pride, selfishness will come out. Fear follows the selfishness.

Thereore, dont strive for earning money. " said Sounaka to Dharmaja.

 

" I do not require for myself. These are the brahmins who are

following me and they are eating leaves and roots. I have to feed

them because they accompanied us. They are my guests. Worshipping

guests is the utmost duty of a king or head of the family. I have to

provide sumptuous food for them. For that I require money. You know

pretty well that providing bed for a sleepless person, water for a

thirsty person, food for a hungry man, shelter for a tired person

are the duties of a Gruhasthu. (family head). A man who cook and eat

for himself is a sinner.If I do not provide food for them, they will

die. I will become a sinner. Therefore, it is my duty to provide

them food. " said Dharmaja firmly.

 

" Dharmaja you are right. But sense organs always desire

happiness. However wise he may be, it is difficult to control the

sense organs. All the human beings are revolving in the outside

world, influenced by the sense organs.

 

But realised souls follow the following principles.

1.Leaving love and jealousy.

2.practising mental balance.

3.Controlling sense organs.

4.Taking initiation from Guru.

5.Serving Guru.

6.Taking minimum food systamatically.

7.Learning Vedas and sacred texts.

8.Carryng out works without aspiring for results.

 

All those who follow these eight principles, they can easily act in

the outside world without involving themselves in it. Therefore,

Dharmaja, you also serve your Guru, listen what elders say,

understand what you listen, keep it in mind what you understand,

follow what is necessary and leave the rest. All the Vasus, Rudras,

Adityas did Tapassu and acquired enormous wealth. You also do

Tapassu and accomplish your desires. " said Sounaka.

 

Then Dharmaja consulted his Purohit, Dhoumya and said: " We are

living in these forests. Those Brahmins have accompanied us to these

forests inspite of my repeated requests. How to acquire food for all

these Brahmins. Tell me some solution " asked Dharmaja.

 

Dhoumya replied to Dharmaja " Dharmaja! on this earth, Sun is the

only god who provide food for all the living beings. Therefore, you

worship Sun God for food. He will fulfill your desire " said Dhoumya.

 

Dhoumya preached him the 108 sacred names of Sun God with their

meanings. Dharmaja worshipped Sun God with great devotion. Satisfied

with his worship, Sun God appeared before Dharmaja and gave him a

copper vessel. " Dharmaja! as long as you are in forests, you put all

the leaves, roots, fruits and other raw vegetables available in the

forest, and ask your wife Droupadi to cook them. They will transform

into four kinds of sumptuous food. You can feed any number of

persons with that never ended food. " so saying, Sun God disappeared.

From then onwards, Droupadi was cooking sumptuous food in the

copper vessel and serving it to all the brahmins who accompanied

them. Pandavas and Droupadi, were eating the remaining food.

Later, Pandavas reached a forest area called Kamyaka Vanam.

 

Here, in Hastinapuram, King Dhrutarashtra asked Vidura: " Viduraa!

Where are Pandavas? What they are doing? Tell me. " asked

Dhrutarashtra.

 

" O King Dhrutarashtra! Pandavas are divine souls. I cautioned you

that due to the dice game, rivalry will arise between brothers. You

paid no heed to my words. Even now, you can call them back and give

them their due share in the kingdom. You leave Suyodhana who is

influenced by the ill advises of Karna and Sakuni. Let Dussasana

feel sorry and pray excuse for the misdeeds committed by him

towards Droupadi and Bheema. Everything will be set right " said

Vidura.

 

Dhrutarashtra grew angry. " What do you say Vidura? Suyodhana is my

own son. How can I leave him. You always dislike my sons.You always

curse them. I dont want your advise. You can go away as you like,

either to Pandavas or elsewhere. " said Dhrutarashtra.

 

Then Vidura left Hastinapura and proceeded to Kamyaka forest and met

Pandavas. Dharmaja received Vidura with due honors. Dharmaja

enquired about the welfare of his paternal uncle, Dhrutarashtra.

Vidura told Dharmaja what had happened.

 

In the meanwhile, Dhrutarashtra came to know that Vidura joined

hands with Pandavas. He could not live without Vidura. Immediately

he sent Sanjaya to Pandavas to bring back Vidura to Hastinapuram.

Sanjaya went to Kamyaka Forest, met Pandavas, extended the

invitation of Dhrutarashtra to Vidura to come back to Hastina, and

brought Vidura back to Hastina.

 

Dhrutarashtra embraced Vidura " Vidura! I am a fool. Hence I

abandoned you. I am sorry. Kindly excuse me. I cannot live without

you. " said Dhrutarashtra.

 

" O King Dhrutarashtra, while you and your sons are violating

Dharma, it is my duty to teach you Dharma. I am again and again

telling you. Pandavas are more powerful. It is not good on your part

to develop enmity with Pandavas. " said Vidura. Dhrutarashtra kept

quiet for the present.

 

Suyodhana felt happy when Vidura left Dhrutarashtra. But he could

not relish the news that Vidura again was brought back by Sanjaya.

He discussed the matter with Karna and Sakuni.

 

" Listen to me carefully. Vidura came back again and joined my

father. He is now the Minister for my father. In case Vidura and my

father join together and invite Pandavas back to Hastinapuram, what

shall we do? What is your opinion? " said Suyodhana.

 

Sakuna did not accept this situation. " It will never happen.

Pandavas shall always stick up to their words. They will never came

back under any circumstances. You rest assured " said Sakuni.

 

But Karna did not agree with the view of Sakuni. " Now Pandavas are

helpless. It is the appropriate time to wage war against Pandavas

and kill them and destroy our enemies. " said Karna.

 

Suyodhana accepted the proposal of Karna. He was making

arrangements to wage war against Pandavas who were in forests, by

gathering and moving the army.

 

Vyaasa came to know about this. He immediately approached

Dhrutarashtra and said " Your son is making arrangements to wage war

against Pandavas who are in forests. Of course, on comletion of 12

years forest life and one year underground life, war is imminent.

Why they are eager for war? Stop them. " said Vyaasa.

 

" What can I do? As a result of dice game, worst things happened. But

in view of my love and affection towards my son I cannot leave him.

What to do? " said Dhrutarashtra.

 

" Dhrutarashtra? One should love his sons. It is not wrong. But show

some mercy on Pandavas who are in forests. All are equal to me.

Hence I am advising you. Listen to me. If Dharmaja and Suyodhana

became friends, your son may transform into a good individual. " said

Vyaasa.

 

" He never pays heed to my words. You yourself tell him about good

and bad " said Dhrutarashtra.

 

" Saint Maitreya will come and teach him a lesson " so saying Vyasa

went away.

 

After some days, Saint Maitreya first visited Pandavas in

Kamyakavana. Then he proceeded to Hastinapura and met Dhrutarashtra.

 

" King Dhrutarashtra! I am coming from Kamyakavana forest. I met

Pandavas also. They are living in forest by eating leaves and roots

in the forest. But they are virtuous people. They got the blessings

of great sages and saints. Therefore they are safe even in forests "

said Maitreya.

 

At that time, Suyodhana was sitting by the side of his father.

Maitreya looked at Suyodhana: " Suyodhana! listen to me.If you are

wise, shed enmity with Pandavas. Save Kuru Dynasty and save

yourself. Pandavas are more powerful. Bheema Sena is a mighty

personality who killed, Baka, Hidimba and Jarasandha. There are none

who can attack him in war. Besides that, Sri Krishna and

Dhrushtasdyumna are relatives through their wives (Subhadra and

Droupadi) and they always extend their help to Pandavas. Therefore,

it is better to develop friendship with Pandavas. It is my sincere

advice. " said Maitreya.

 

Suyodhana smiled and laughed at him jokingly, by rubbing and

patting his hands on his thighs. Maitreya grew angry for the

misbehaviour of Suyodhana.

 

" Suyodhana! Listen. your thighs will be broken by Bheemasena with

the heavy blows of his mace (gadha) " cursed Maitreya.

 

Dhrutarashtra shivered with fear. He prayed for mercy and requested

the saint to take back his Saapa.

 

" O King, if your son repents for his untoward acts and behave

properly, this Saapa will not work out. Otherwise, he will wreak the

consequences. " said Saint Maitreya.

 

Then Dhrutarashtra asked Saint Maitreya to tell him how Bheemasena

killed the demon Kimmeeraa. " When your son paid a deaf ear to my

words, why should I tell you about the death of Kimmeera. You ask

Vidura. He will tell you in detail " said Maitreya and went away.

 

Then Vidura continued to say about the death of Kimmeera.

 

" One night, all the pandavas were taking rest in a forest.

Then one demon attacked them. On seeing that demon, Droupadi closed

her eyes with fear.

 

Dharmaja asked that demon " Who are you? Why you are staying in this

forest? " asked Dharmaja.

 

" I am the brother of Bakaasura. My name is Kimmeera. We generally

kill human beings and east human flesh. I reside in this forest.

Eerybody is afraid of me. Nobody will enter this forest. Who are

you? Why you have come here? " asked Kimmeera.

 

" My name is Dharmaja. They are my brothers, Beema, Arjuna, Nakula

and Sahadeva. We are living in forests. Hence we are here " replied

Dharmaja.

 

" What? He is that Bheema who killed mybrother, Baka. I will kill him

and eat him. I have been searching for him all the time " laughed

Kimmera loudly.

 

Arjuna came forward with is bow and arrows to kill that demon.

Bheema stopped and attacked Kimmera. Both fought with each other

fiercely. They fought with huge trees, logs, boulders, rocks, etc.

At last Bheemasena killed Kimmeera in the same way as he killed

Bakasura at Ekacakrapura, by breaking his spine and bones. From then

onwards, the sages and saints and common people in Kamyakavana were

living happily without the fear of Kimmeera.

 

Somehow Dhrutarashtra was perturbed on hearing the news that

Bheemasena killed Kimmeera.

 

In Kamyakavana, Pandavas lived for some time. At that time, Sri

Krishna, along with the kings of Panchaala, Vrushti, Bhoja, Andhaka,

Yaadava dynasties, came down to Kamyaka vana to see Pandavas. All of

them cursed Kouravas for grabbing the Kingdom of Dharmaja and

sending them to forests.

 

With folded hands Arjuna praised Krishna " Lord Krishna!You are

ancient. You performed Tapassu (penance) on Gandhamaadhana Hill for

ten thousand years; in Pushkara for 11 thousand years, in Prabhasa

Teertha for one thousand years, and in Badaree vana thousands of

years. You killed the sons of Diti and Danuvu and installed Indra as

the Head of Indraloka. You are the son of Aditi. You are brother of

Indra. You appeared as Vamana and then transformed into Trivikrama

and occupied all the Lokas. You killed Sisupala and Kamsa who were

autocrat and cruel towards their people. You are the embodiment of

Lord Vishnu. You know not what lie, anger, jealousy and pride are.

You are great " Arjuna bowed before Krishna with folded hands.

 

In return Sri krishna praised Arjuna " O Arjuna! you are not an

ordinary humanbeing. You are no other than Saint Nara. I am

Narayana. We have come down to this human world. We are friends for

ever " .

 

Droupadi told Sri Krishna " O Lord Krishna! you are the only god who

can help all. You are all knowledgeable. I will tell you the insult

meted out by me in the presence of all elders. I am the daughter-in-

law of King Pandu. I am the wife of Five Pandavas. I am the sister

of Dhrushtadhyumna, the great warrior. That Dussasana caught hold of

the tuft of mine and dragged me into open place and insulted me.

Even Bheema and Arjuna remained as silent spectators. Why for their

vigour and valour? I was alone though I had many. That Karna laughed

at me wickedly. Still that wicked laugh is haunting me and burning

my mind.

 

You know pretty well, Sri Krishna, kouravas tried to kill Bheemasena

by administering poison, biting with snakes and at last tried to

burn them alive in lack house. Now, they grabbed our wealth and

kingdom and our valuable freedom. Now, Pandavas are helpless and

vigourless and valourless, but I could not forget it " said

Droupadi with tearful eyes.

 

Krishna consoled Droupadi " Droupadi! All Kouravas will die at the

hands of Arjuna. It is imminent and certain. No force on earth will

stop it. Please console yourself and wait for final war " said

Krishna.

 

Arjuna also consoled Droupadi " Droupadi! As told by Krishna we will

kill Duryodhana and Dussasana in the final war. Console yourself "

said Arjuna.

 

Krishna also consoled Dharmaja " Dharmaja! I came to know what had

happened, through Yuyudhaana. I felt very sad. Immediately I came

over here. At the time of dice game, I was not in Dwaraka.

Otherwise, things would not have been worsened like this. I would

have consulted Bheeshma and other elders and stopped the dice game.

You all would not have met this kind of mental and physical agony.

At that time, I was involved in a war with Saalva, the brother is

Sisupaala. " said Sri Krishna.

 

" Is it? I do not know. Krishna, Kindly tell me what had happened? "

asked Dharmaja.

 

Sri Krishna continued to say: " You know that Sisupala was killed by

me. This Salva is no other than the brother of Sisupaala. Salva

wanted to wreak vengeance for the death of his brother and came upon

Dwaraka. At that time I was with you at Indraprastha. He surrounded

Dwaraka with his army. He destroyed all the gardens around Dwaraka.

 

At that time Samba and Pradyumna who were in Dwaraka fought with

Saalva. There was a great war between them. Pradyumna launched

Brahmaastra on Saalva. Saalva fainted. When Pradyumna attemted to

kill Salva, Saint Narada stopped him. " Pradyumna! dont kill him. He

is destined tobe killed by Narayana " said Narada.

 

Defeated by Pradyumna, Saalva returnedback to his capital. Later, I

went to back to Dwaraka. I saw the destruction caused by Saalva. I

felt very much annoyed. I grew angry. I kept Balarama at Dwaraka to

safe guard the Capital and I went upon Saalva to fight with him.

There was a great war between me and Saalva. Unable to fight with

me, Saalva resorted to miracle war. But I foiled all his attempts.

At this juncture, I received a news from Dwaraka that my father,

Vasudeva, was caught by Saalva and taken away and I have to return

back to Dwaraka to save my father. I was surprised. While Balarama

was in Dwaraka safeguarding the capital, how Salva could catch

vasudeva? At that time I saw that Vasudeva was getting down the

chariot of Salva called Soumbhaka, as a hostage. I was astonished.

My bow dropped from my hand. I fainted and lost consciousness. By

the time I regained consciousness, My father, Vasudeva was not

there. I could realise that that was also a miracle created by

Salva. With renewed vigour, I fought with Saalva. I launched

Chakraayudha on Saalva and killed him " said Sri Krishna.

 

Later, Srikrishna took away his sister Subhadra and nephew Abhimanyu

to Dwaraka. Dhrushtadyumna also took away the sons of Droupadi to

Drupadapura.

 

Then, Pandavas proceeded to Dvaitavana forest accompanied by their

chief servants Indrasena and others, and the Brahmins who followed

them.

 

One Day Saint Markendeya visited them. Dharmaja received the saint

and offered Arghyam and Paadyam. " Dharmaja! In those days I saw Rama

who went to forests as per the directions of his father, Dasaradha,

accompaniedby his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Now you are also

following the same path. You are following Dharma. Your ancesters

viz., Sagara, Bharata, Nala, Yayaati, Vaina, Naabhaaga also followed

dharma, truth and virtues and attained highest heavens. Victory is

yours. " said Markendeya and went away.

 

One day, while Dharmaja was sitting leisurely Droupadi told

Dharmaja like this:

 

" By paying heed to the words of his son Suyodhana, your paternal

uncle, Dhrutarashtra drove you away from Hastinapura. Is he

satisfied? No. Because his heart is hard like a stone. He never

chastised his son Suyodhana, while Suyodhana was speaking ill of

you. Now you are in forests, suffering like animals. I could not

tolerate this.

 

It appears that Lord Brahma also is against you? To keep your word,

all your brothers shed their valour, courage and anger. Your sacred

feet, which were shined(shone) with light of the diamonds studded

in the crowns of all the Kings who prostrated before your feet at

the time of Rajasooya, are now walking on hard rocks. You have fed

thousands of Brahmins with sumptuous food but you are now consuming

leaves and roots.

 

Even at this critical stage, is it proper for you to shed anger on

your enemies? You see, the mighty personality, Bheema, has become

slim by eating this forest food. A mighty archer, Arjuna is now

wandering amongst wild animals. Even looking at them, are you still

keeping patience?

 

It is seen in the ancient texts that a king who is unable to show

his power and forgiveness, in equal proportion, cannot attain the

love and affection of his people.

 

Once Emperor Bali asked his grand father Prahlada to tell whether

forgiveness is greater or vigour and power is greater.

 

Prahlada replied that " Always forgiveness is not good and proper. It

is also not good to always wield his power and valour. Both should

be used in equal proportions. If a king is strict and autocrat, he

will be a bad ruler in the eyes of his people. Therefore, power and

forgiveness should be used timely. " said Prahlada. It is seen in our

ancient stories.

 

You can forgive one wrong. But is it just and proper to forgive

Kouravas who are committing wrongs continously? Now it is time

for you to show your power and vigour. " advised Droupadi.

 

Dharmaja smiled at Droupadi. " Droupadi! Anger is a sin. A person

with anger will forget his duty. He will kill a person whom he

should not kill. If he sheds anger, he will become pure, wise and

powerful. Vicotory always loves a man with forgiveness. Duryodhana

lacks forgiveness. His fall is imminent. But just wait for the

opportunity.said Dharmaja with patience.

 

" O Ajaatha Satroo! ( a man born without enemies). It is true that

followig the quality of forgiveness, you are prospering. The only

difficulty is that you are showng the same quality of forgiveness

even towards your bitter enemies. Is it proper?

 

We have to attack wicked people with the same wickedness. O Lord

Brahma! You are supporting wicked and cruel people to prosper and

refusing all pleasures to virtuous people. Are wicked and cruel are

near and dear to you? " spoke Droupadi in a sorrowful voice.

 

" Droupadi! Unable to bear these sufferings, you have gone to the

extent of accusing God, as a non-believer of God. It is wrong. Even

the great sages and saints like Vyasa, Markendeya and Narada

respected me. Simply because some wrong persons acted against me,

why should I follow a wrong track. If the virtuous deeds are

incorrect, why the great sages and saints and my ancestors followed

them. Have you forgotten that you and your brother Dhrushtadyumna,

were born out of fire, only due to your past virtuous deeds? " said

Dharmaja in a forceful voice.

 

" I do not mean that. I am not such a foolish woman. Doing Karma is

the duty of a human being. I do agree. What I mean is that for

attaining fruits from our deeds, first we have to discharge our

duty properly and consciously. Then God will also help us. First a

man should have an intention to do some Karma. Then he should make

preparations for it. Then he should execute it. God will certainly

help him. We know that there is oil in the seeds. There is fire in

hard sticks. But unless we crush the seeds, we will not get oil and

unless we rub the sticks, we will not get fire. Therefore, a manual

effort is necessary. Without doing any effort, is it proper to put

the entire burden on God, Dharma and truthfulness. Therefore, I

repeat, it is proper time to use your intelligence, the vigour and

valour of your brothers, fix an aim then proceed further and attain

the results. This is only my humble request " . said Droupadi firmly.

 

Bheemasena who was standing there also supported Droupadi.

 

" My dear brother Dharmaja! You know Kuru kingdom is an ancestral

property. It devolved on us by inheritance. But you alienated it as

a bet in dice game. Still you are speaking sermans and dharmas. Is

it just on your part? Can we ever conquer a bad character with

virtues and preaching sermons? Is it possible?

 

Therefore, use your power and vigour and valour and declare war

against Kouravas and conquer them. Don't speak about Dharma! A

person who has no vigour and valour may feel for his weakness and

helplessness for not conquering his enemies but not a powerful king

like you. Had we killed kouravas even on that day with your

permission. we would not have suffered like this in these forests.

 

You are not violating your agreement. But Suyodhana is treating us

as cowards. The Dharma you are following is causing much hardship to

me and other brothers and relatives and especially to Droupadi. You

know pretty well that conquering enemies, ruling the people by

establishing peace and tanquility in the kingdom, giving alms and

gifts to the needy, worshipping Brahmins are Kshatriya Dharmas.

 

But by mere following Dharma, we cannot conquer our enemies. We have

to attack wicked people with wickedness only. Therefore, listen to

us. Set aside the oral agreement entered into by you with our

enemies. Let us declare war. All the kings will help us. All the

people in Kourava Kingdom are in our favour and they all accept

you as their ruler. Please dont delay the matter. Let us wage war

and conquer our enemies. Rule the people by following Dharma. Rule

the kingdom for ever. " said Bheemasena with a decisive voice.

 

Dharmaja patiently heard what Bheema aid. " Brother, Bheemasena! What

all you told is according to Dharma. But in the assembly where all

the elders were present, I agreed to live in forests for 12 years

and live in disguise for one year. I have to follow it. For the sake

of uncertain pleasures, I cannot violate my agreement. I cannot

violate Dharma. Let us wait for better days " said Dharmaja firmly.

 

Bheema did not leave the matter there. He still tried to convince

Dharmaja.

 

" Brother Dharmaja! Death is alwlays lurking behind us. These lives

are uncertain. Is it proper on our part to wait, thinking that this

life is certain and we will live for ever. We are destined to die.

But before we die, we have to wreak vengeance on enemies. Otherwise,

this life is a waste!

 

My heart is burning to wreak vengeance against our enemies. Without

vanishing the grief of my brothers and Droupadi, can we while away

time by chanting Dharma Sootras. My dear respectable brother! the

Dharma which you are following is suitable for Brahmins but not for

Kshatriyas. Let us conquer our enemies as per Kshatriya Dharma.

 

Besides that, we can spend 12 years easily in these forests. But

with these huge personalities, we cannot spend even one day in

cities. Because, everybody knows about us. Therefore, Kouravas will

identify us easily and will again send us to forests for 12

years.This will be an unended process. When can we complete this 12

years period in this lifetime. Even according to the arithematical

doctrines, there is a rule that one year is equal to one month. We

have so far spent 13 months in these forests. We can adjust it for

13 years. I think there would be no violation of Dharma in this

process. What do you say? " insisted Bheema.

Dharmaja heard him carefully and patiently and said. " Bheema! You

are well educated. You are a valiant warrior. Hence, think it

peacefully and carefully.

 

If it is a small affair, we can start it hastely. But war with

Kouravas is a mighty task. We have to think and rethink about it

carefully before we comence it. Then only, God will help us.

 

You know, the sons of Dhrutarashtra are valiant warriors. They are

also bad and cruel. Karna, Bhoorishrava, Salya and other mighty

personalities are on their side. Besides, all the kings who were

defeated by us at the time of Rajasooya, now joined hands with

Kouravas.

 

Karna is a Great Warrior who was born with natural Kavacha (sheath

like) and Kundalas (ear rings).

 

Though Bheeshma, Drona Acharya and Krupa Acharya have no particular

enemity with us, but they will take part in the battle on the side

of Suyodhana. Unless we defeat them first, we cannot touch Suyodhana.

 

Viewing from any angle, this is not a fit, suitable and proper time

to wage with Kouravas " Dharmaja explained the situation analytically

to Bheema.

 

At that time, Veda Vyasa arrived there. Dharmaja received Vyaasa,

offered him Arghyam and Paadyam and enquired about his welfare.

Vyaasa took Dharmaja to a lonely place and said:

 

" Dharmaja! I could understand what you are thinking in your mind.

Therefore, I have come here. Now I will give you a Mantra

called " Pratismruti " . In turn you tell Arjuna the same Mantra. With

the power of this Mantra, Arjuna will do Tapassu about Devatas and

satisfy them and acquire different kinds of missilies. You have

been living in this forest since a long time. You better leave this

place and settle some where. " so saying, Vyasa went away.

 

Then Pandavas moved to Kamyaka forest. One day, Dharmaja spoke to

Arjuna.

 

" Arjuna! Beeshma, Drona and other warriors, on the side of

Suyodhana, are enriched with different kinds of missilies. To win

them in the war we also should acquire missilies from Spiritual

Bodies. Vyasa paved the way to aquire such missilies. You do

Tapassu about Indra and acquire missilies. At the time of killing

Vrutraasura, all the Devatas gave their weapons to Indra. They are

now available with Indra. You satisfy Indira and acquire them. You

also worship Lord Siva and acqure Paasupatha. Now I will give you

the Mantra " Pratrismruthi " to you. " said Dharmaja.

 

Dharmaja told the Mantra " Pratismruthi " given by Vyaasa to Arjuna.

After taking permission from Dharmaja, Arjuna left for Himalayas for

tapassu.

 

He reached Gandhamaadhana Hill. There he saw an old Brahmin. The old

Brahmin asked Arjuna " Who are you? Why you have come here? This is

a place where peaceful brahmins are living. Why you entered this

place with weapons? Drop the weapons " .The old Brahmin ordered him.

 

Arjuna did not care for his words. Satisifed with his courage,

Indra who was in the guise of Brahmin, appeared before him. " Arjuna!

I am Indra. Tell me what do you want? " asked Indra.

 

" I want the powerful and amzing Astras (missilies) available with

you " asked Arjuna.

 

" No doubt I will givem them to you. Do you want to live in Indra

Loka? " asked Indra.

 

" First of all I want Diyaastraas. Give them to me " asked Arjuna.

 

" If that is so, you first do Tapassu about Lord Siva " said Indra.

 

Arjuna went to Himalayas. There he did great Tapassu about Lord

Siva. Lord Siva desired to test Arjuna. He transformed himself into

a jungle hunter. He came down to the place where Arjuna was doing

Tapassu.

 

One Mookaasura became a Pig and attacked Arjuna and tried to kill

him. Arjuna was ready with his bow and arrow to kill that pig if it

comes near. Mookaasura tried to fall on Arjuna. Arjuna hit him with

arrow. At the same time, jungle man (siva) also hit that pig. Both

arrows hit the pig at one and the same time. The pig disappeared.

Jungle man came before Arjuna. Arjuna frowned upon him

 

" Dont you know the rules in hunting. Why you hit the target aimed

by me " asked Arjuna.

 

" No. First I hit the target. It was killed. Dont you feel shy to

say that you hit it. No use of waste words. Come on! fight with me

if you are really capable of fighting " provoked Siva.

 

Arjuna showered arrows on Siva. But Siva did not shake.

 

Arjuna was astonished " Who is he? He should either be Indra or Siva.

Otherwise, he would have been injured or killed by my arrows. On the

other hand, his arrows injured me. It is strange. " thought Arjuna in

his mind.

 

He again took his bow Gaandevam to again shower arrows on Siva.

This time, his bow, Gaandeevam disappeared. Now arjuna fought with

hands. In that dual fight, unable to ward off the blows given by

Siva, Arjuna fainted and lost consciousness.

 

Lord Siva appeared before Arjuna in his original form. Arjuna

regained consciousness. He saw Siva. He praised Siva with utmost

devotion. With folded hands he said: " Oh Lord Siva! Without knowing

who are you, I committed a blunder by fighting with you. Kindly

pardon me. " prayed Arjuna.

 

" Arjuna! you are blessed. Get up. You are not an ordinary human

being. In the past birth you were the divine Saint, Nara. Take

your bow, Gaandeeva. Choose whatever you want? " said Lord Siva.

 

" O Tryambaka! I want Paasupata Astra. Kindly bless me with Paasupata

Astra. In this universe, only Brahma Sira and Paasupata are the only

Two Astras (missilies) which are famous for destroying enemies.

Kindly give them to me " requested Arjuna.

 

(We can identify Brahma Sira and Paasupata as our atom bombs and

hydrogen bombs. About Brahma Sira, Bhagawan Vyasa told in Souptika

Parva. Once it was launched, for `12 years to come, not even grass

will grow in that area. Same is the position with atom bombs and

hydrogen bombs of the present day.)

 

Satisfied with the devotion of Arjuna, Lord Siva gave Paasupata

Astra to Arjuna, with Mantra, Dhyaana, Japa, Homa. He told Arjuna

how to make it ready for launching, launching, then how to bring it

back to earth.

 

He also told " Arjuna! if you launch it on inncent persons, it will

destroy the entire world. Please take care. You will conquer anybody

and everybody on this earth with the help of this Astra " so saying

Lord Siva disappeared.

 

Arjuna was very much satisfied for having the Darshan of Lord Siva.

With the touch of Lord Siva, his body began to shine.

 

On hearing this, Indra, Kumera, Yama, Varuna and Asvins came down to

Arjuna to congratulate him. " Arjuna! We are very much impressed with

your courgage and valour. Choose whatever you want? " asked Indra.

 

Yama gave his Danda (Royal Stick) to Arjuna. Varuna gave

Vaarunaastra to Arjuna. Kubera gave Kouberastra. Indra invited

Arjuna to Indra Loka and sent a divine chariot. On that divine

chariot, Arjuna went to Indra Loka. He reached Amaravati City. It

was shining without sun and moon. At the entrance, the white

elephant, Airavata welcomed Arjuna.

 

Arjuna proceeded to Indra Sabha and wished him. To entertain

Arjuna, Indra deputed Urvasi, the divine lady. Urvasi gave a dance

performance before Arjuna. Arjuna was very much impressed with her

dance and praised him and treated her as his mother. Urvasi was

little bit annoyed.

 

" What! Am I your mom? How is it? In fact, having heard about your

vigour and valour, I have come here to enjoy with you. We are Divine

Ladies. These human relations like mom son brother sis, will not

apply to us. " said Urvasi.

 

" Mom, it is not proper for you to speak like that. Our Dynasty began

with Puroorava. You are his wife. Now you are serving my father,

Indra. Viewing from any angle, you are eqaual to my mother. " said

Arjuna.

" No. I have come here to satisfy my lust. You refused me. You are

impotent. Live like an impotent on earth, in the company of ladies "

cursing Arjuna, Urvasi went away.

 

Having come to know about this, Indra came to Arjuna " Oh Arjuna.

Dont feel disgusted.I have never seen such a courageous man like

you. You conquered your senses. You are a man of virtues. This Saapa

of Urvasi will help you while you have to live in disguise during

the Ajnaathavasa period of one year.You can live as an impotent man

between ladies without being identified by Kouravas. On completion

of one year, you regain your original form. " said Indra.

 

Indra also gave so many Astras to Arjuna. The time spent by Arjuna

in Devaloka was equal to five years period on earth. One day Saint

Romasa came to Indra and saw Arjuna on the half throne along with

Indra. Indra told Romasa

 

" He is Arjuna. He was born to Kunti with my Amsa. Lord Sive blessed

him with Paasupatha Astra. I also gave him many Astras available

with me. Here he has to kill two Rakshasas, Nivatha and Kavacha.

Dharmaja might have been annoyed witout knowing the whereabouts of

Arjuna. You tell Dharmaja that Arjuna is with me. You also advise

Dharmaja, on my behalf, to go round all the Sacred Places. With

that, he will become pure in mind " said Indra. .

 

Dhrutarashtra came to know through Vyaasa that Arjuna got Paasupata

Astra from Lord Siva and also got many astras from Indra. He was

annoyed. He called Sanjaya and said:

 

" Sanjaya! You know pretty well that Arjuna burnt Khandava forest

with the help of Krishna. All the four brothers conquered four

corners of this earth and Dharmaja performed Rajasooya. Arjuna did

Tapassu and got Paasupataashra from Lord Siva. Arjuna is a mighty

warrior. When he is there on behalf of Pandavas, how to conquer

them? Besides that, they are virtuous people. Always victory will be

on their side. What to do? " said Dhrutarashtra in a sorrowful voice.

 

" Dhrutarashtra! it is too late to repent. You would have stopped

Suyodhana when he attempted to insult Pandavas and Droupadi in the

presence of all elders. Now they are in Kamyaka forest. Sri Krishna

along with many kings went to Kamyaka vana and consoled them and

cursed you all. Krishna also promised that he will conquer all of

you and again install Dharmaja on the throne. But the other kings

requested Krishna to drive the chariot of Arjuna in the forthcoming

war and be on his side always. On completion of 13 years, Pandavas,

with the help of Sri Krishna, will wage a war against your sons.

Will your sons withstand the " Divya Astras " (missilies) of Arjuna

and the blows of the mace of Bheema? " said Sanjaya.

 

" Sanjaya! what can I do? I am old. My son will never heed my

words. He is bad. He will not care for the words, either of mine,

or of Bheeshma and Drona. What to do? " said in a sorrowful voice.

 

Here in Kaamyaka Forest, Dharmaja was waiting for the arrival of

Arjuna as five years have elapsed.

 

Bheema told Dharmaja " My dear brother! You youself sent him for

Tapassu. Why you worry about him. Why cannot you send Krishna to

bring back Arjuna. I am ready. Myself and Arjuna will conquer

Suyodhana in war and install you on the throne of Hastinapura and

you will be the king and emperor of the entire Kourava Kingdom. If

myself and Arjuna stand in the war front, nobody will stand before

us. " said Bheema vigorously.

 

" Bheemaa! I know that. But this is not proper time to wage war

against Kouravas. Let us first complete 13 years. Then yourself and

Arjuna will conquer Suyodhana. Be victorious. I cannot violate the

conditions agreed to by me in the presence of elders. " said

Dharmaja firmly.

 

MAHA BHARAT – ARANYA PARVA –

PRADHAMAASVAASA – COMPLETED.