MAHA BHARAT - VIRAATAPARVA - THIRD CHAPTER

[Guest guest]

MAHA BHARAT

VIRAATAPARVA

THIRD CHAPTER

 

Saint Vaisampaayana told Janamejaya the storyof Mahbharata.

 

After killing Kichaka, Bheema Sena returned back to his Kitchen. He

washed his body thoroughly. He applied perfumes to his body to avoid

any smell of blood. He was sitting on a couch.

 

Droupadi, having caused Keechaka to be slain, had her grief removed

and experienced a greatest delight. After confirming that Bheema

Sena reached the main kitchen, she addressed the watchmen of the

dancing hall (NartanaSaala) :

 

" Come and behold Kichaka who had violated after other people's wife,

lie down here slain by my Gandharva Husbands " "

 

On hearing these words, the guards of the dancing hall came to the

spot with torches in their hands. They behold the lifeless Kichaka,

lying on the ground drenched with blood without arms and legs. They

were filled with grief.

 

On hearing this news, all the brothers and relatives of Kichaka

arrived at that place, beholding him there, began to wail aloud

surrounding Kichaka on all sides. As they gazed at Kichaka, they

were struck with amazement on seeing that superhuman act.

 

They said " Where is his neck, where are his legs. It appears that

Gandharvas will kill persons like this. " they thought. Then they

proceeded to take the body outside for performing his rituals. They

were making preparations for cremation. At that time, Droupadi stood

there reclining on a pillar. Kichakas saw her. Their anger knew no

bounds.

 

They exclaimed " Let this unchaste woman be slain for whom Kichaka

has himself lost his life . Let us cremate her with Kichaka who had

lusted after her. "

 

Then they all went to King Vlirata. By that time, King Virata came

to know about the death of Kichaka.

 

" O King Virata! it is for the sake of Sairandhri Kichaka has lost

his life. Let him there be cremated along with her. You have to

grant permission " asked Kichakas.

 

King Virata gave his assent to Sairandhri being burnt alive with

Kichaka.

 

Then all the Kichakas approached the frightened Droupadi, seized her

with violance and binding that Sairandhri and placing her upon the

pyre, they all proceeded to the burial ground.

 

While thus forcibly being carried towards the burial ground by the

Kichakas, Droupadi wailed aloud for the help of her husbands,

calling them in their names, " Jaya! Jayanta! Vijaya! Jayatsena!

Jayadbala!(The secret names of Pandavas). These Kichakas are taking

me away to burial ground to burn me alive. Let those Gandharvas

listen to my words. I am going to die " cried Droupadi aloud.

 

Hearing these sorrowful words, Bhima started immediately from the

main kitchen, swelled his body, changed his attire, went out of the

palace and reached the burial ground by a wrong route. He uprooted a

large tree and kept it on his shoulders and waited for the arrival

of Kichakas.

 

On arrival of Kichakas, Bheema rushed towards them. On seeing that

Gandharva approaching them like a lion in fury, all the Kichakas,

trembling with fear and greatly distressed, became panic struck and

they addressed each other " the powerful Gandharva is coming here

filled with rage with an uprooted tree in hand. Let Sairandhri be

set free " .

 

They immediately set Sairandhri free and ran away breathlessly

towards the city. Seeing them running away, Bhima chased them and

killed all of them with that huge tree and dispatched all of them to

the abode of Yama.

 

Bheema set Droupadi free and told her " Droupadi! go back to city.

You have no longer any fear. I myself will go back to the kitchen by

another route. "

On hearing that all the brothers of Kichaka were killed by

Gandharva, King Virata was very much frightened. He immeidately went

to his wife, Sudheshna, and told her

 

" When Sairandhri comes back, tell her these words. 'Go whereever you

like. The king has been alarmed. This is the final word of the

King " .

 

Sudheshna said " Yes I will tell and send her away " .

 

After that incident, Droupadi washed her limbs and clothes in water

and took a head bath as she touched the dead body of Kichaka. She

was walking along the main street.

 

On seeing her, all the citizens of Virata City were

frightened, " Kichaka was killed only to stare at her. What about us.

Let us run " and they fled away in all directions.

 

Droupadi went to the main kitchen. She looked at Bheema. " I bow to

the Gandharva who has rescued me " she bowed before Bheema.

 

Hearing these words of Droupadi, " nobody will keep quiet when his

wife is in danger. It is his duty to rescue her. It needs no

appreciation or thanks giving " said Bheema.

 

Then she proceeded to the dancing hall. All the girls who were

dancing there under the guidance of Brihannala, surrounded her. " By

good luck, O Sairandhri, you have been saved from your dangers and

you have returned safe. By goodluck also those Kichakas have been

slain that had wronged you " said those girls in one voice.

 

Brihannala asked Droupadi " Oh Malini! What had happened? How those

sinful wretches been slain? I wish to learn all these things from

you exactly as it occurred? "

 

" You have been passing your days happily in the inner apartments of

the girls. What concern have you with Sairandhri fate to say? You

have no grief to bear that Sairandhri has to bear. It is for this

you are asking me what had happened. " said Droupadi.

 

" O Sairandhri! Brihannala has unparallelled sorrow of her own. She

has become as low as a brute. Who will recognise the sorrow i am

feeling in my heart. You know not my heart. You too has lived with

us. When you are afflicted with misery, who is it that will not feel

sorrow? " said Brihinnala with sorrowful voice.

 

" O Brihannala! It is not like that. I know your heart. You have to

move here only as Brihannala. That is my wish " so saying Droupadi

along with the other girls went to Queen Sudheshna.

 

Sudheshna received Malini and made her to sit by her

side. " Sairandhri! You are unparallelled on earth in beauty. You are

the object of desire for all men. Your husbands,Gandharvas, are

exceedingly wrathful. The king has been filled with fear at this

discomfiture at the hands of Gandharvas. Do you speedily go wherever

you like. This is the command of the King Virata " told Sudheshna.

 

" Oh Sudheshna! Let the King suffer me to live here for only 13 days

more. Without any doubt, the Gandharvas also will be highly obliged

by this. My husbands will always help others and they will never

harm anybody. Without any doubt, the king Virata, by doing this

help, will reap great benefit. Therefore, don't feel any doubt in

your mind. You have so far honoured me and treated me equivalent to

you. Is it proper on your part to leave me like this " asked

Droupadi.

 

With the words of Droupadi, Sudheshna moved. " Sairandhri! You can

stay here as you like for the above period. But be careful about my

husband and sons. You confine yourself to the inner apartments. "

said Sudheshna.

 

The people in the Matsyakingdom were talking in several

ways. " Kichaka, the brother in law of Virata was killed for the sake

of a woman. Soota race was completely vanished. Virata lost all his

strength.. No body will save Matsya Kingdom " .

 

The spies employed by Suyodhana to all the countries heard these

words. In Hastinapura, Suyodhana assembled all elders, ministers and

other kings. Bheeshma, Drona, Karna, Krupaacaarya, Dussaasana and

other brothers of Suyodhana, assembled in the court. The spies who

were sent in search of Pandavas reported thus:

" Great care has been taken in search of Pandavas. We have failed in

discovering the track by which Pandavas might have gone. No traces

have yet been found. It seems they have perished without leaving any

mark behind. The chariots used by them reached Dwaaraavati without

Pandavas. Neither Pandavas nor Droupadi are not in the city of

Dwaaravati.

 

There is another important matter. Kichaka, the Commander of Matsya

Kingdom by whom Trigartas were repeatedly vanquished, now lie low on

the ground along with his brothers, slain by invisible Gardharvas

during the hours of darkness. "

 

Having heard these words of his spies, Suyodhana addressed the

assembly: " Pandavas have completed 12years of Aranya vasa. They are

in the 13th year which they are to pass undiscovered by us all. The

greater part already expired. What remains is much smaller. They

will then have fulfil their pledge. They will then return like

mighty elephants with wrath. Hence, it is better to make such

efforts without loss of time, to discover them and send them again

to woods. " said Suyodhana.

 

Then Karna rose to his feet and said: " Let other spies, able and

more cunning and capable of accomplishing their object, quickly go.

Let them. well disguised, wander through kingdoms and provinces, in

the inner parts of palaces, in shrines and holy spots, Pandavas

should be searched after with eagerness " . said Karna.

Then Dussaasana expressed his opinion: " It is my plea that they have

been devoured by wild beasts in the forests. They have been perished

for eternity. Therefore, dispelling all anxieties from your heart,

enjoy the royal pleasures. " said Dussaasana.

 

Then Dronacharya, their Teacher, said: " Suyodhana! Persons like

Pandavas never perish or undergo discomfiture. Brave, intelligent

and skilled in every science and with senses under control,

virtuous, grateful and obedient to their elder brother Yudhishtira,

never perish in this way. This is what I see from my mind. Do

quickly, without loss of time, what could now be done. "

 

Then their Grand Father Bhishma rose: " Suyodhana! The words of

Dronacarya are approved by me. I have no hesitation in saying so.

Nothing will happen to them. Both Pandavas and Kouravas are equal to

me. Kindly listen carefully what I say. Dharmaja is virtuous and

truthful. The ruler of city or province where King Yudhishtira

resides, cannot have any misforture. Charitable, liberal and humble

and modest must the people be of the country where Yudhishtira

resides. The people of the place where Yudhishtira is, cannot be

envious or malicious or vain or proud. The clouds without doubt pour

abundant rains and furnish with good harvest, and the country will

be without droughts. Where King Yudhishtira resides , the cows of

all kinds will be plentiful and that country will be flodded with

milk and paddy in abundance. Therefore, Yudhishtira will be living

in close disguise in regions whose characteristics I have now

described. Do without loss of time what you may think beneficial, if

you have faith in me. " said Bhishma.

 

Then Krupaachaarya said: " What the aged Bhishma said concerning

Pandavas is reasonable, well suited to the occasion. When time comes

for the reappearance of Pandavas, who, having entered the forests,

are now passing their days in close disguise, you should ascertain

your strength both in your own kingdom and in those of other

kingdoms. Without doubt, the return of Pandavas is certain. When

their promised term of exile is over, Pandavas, endued with

immeasurable prowess, will come here bursting with energy. Do you

therefore conclude an advantageous treaty with them. Or address

yourself to increase your forces and your treasury. You reckon your

strength in respect of your allies, weak and strong, ascertaining

the efficiencies and weaknesses. Assuming for a moment that Pandavas

are dead, yet, we have to strengthen our army even to fight with the

other kings who are in favour of Pandavas. Hence strengtenening our

army is a must. Hence do the needful. " said Krupaacaarya.

 

Having heard all the words spoken by elders and Gurus, Suyodhana

addressed the assembly.

 

" I heard that Kichaka, Bheema, Salya and Balarama are equal in

strength and are experts in wresling and dual fights. There is none

on earth who can defeat them. One has to defeat the other among

themselves. We are informed by spies that Kichaka, the Chief

Commander of Forces of Matsya Kingdom was slain by Gandharvas on

account of one woman. Kichaka must have been killed by one of the

other three. Balarama and Salya are far away. Therefore there is no

chance of their killing Kichaka nor they have any reason to kill

Kichaka. The remaining is Bhima.

 

Besides that, Kichaka was killed on account of a woman. That woman

might have been Droupadi. The other kichakas who are equal in

strength also were killed. It is possible only for Bhima and none

else.

 

Apart from that, all the qualities and characteristics as told by

Bheeshma are in abundance in Matsya Kingdom. Therefore, it is

certain, that Pandavas are living in disguise in Matsya Kingdom.

Virata is our enemy. Therefore, if we invade Matsya Kingdom and

caputre their cows, Virata will certainly attack us. If Pandavas are

there, they will certainly come out to help Virata. We can discover

them and send them back to forests as they have violated the

agreement. Even if Pandavas are not there, we can plunder the wealth

of Virata. In any manner, we will be benefited. Therefore, this is

the task before us. If it is agreeable to all of you, we can try

this " said Suyodhana.

 

On hearing this, Susarma, the King of Trigartha, confided with

Dussaasana and Karna, rose to his feet and said:

 

" O Suyodhana! My kingdom has many a time been forcibly invaded by

the King of Virata with the help of the mighty Kichaka who was the

Commander of the King Virata. Now Kichaka is dead. Please allow me

to invade Virata Kingdom. I will wage war with King Virata and

vanquish him. I will capture his cows. If Pandavas are there living

in disguise, I will discover them " . said Susarma.

 

Karna also supported Susarma. " Suyodhana! Susarma's words are apt

and correct. Please permit him towage war against King Virata " said

Karna.

 

After thinking for a while, Suyodhana said: " Dussaasana! The

assembly has accorded sanction to you to wage war against King

Virata. Be ready with our mighty army. Our attack will be two fold.

First Trigartha army will proceed towards Matsya Kingdom. Next day,

our army will proceed. " said Suyodhana.

 

Dussaasana said " I will do so " .

 

Then King Suyodhana explained his strategy to the elders and king

assembled there.

 

" First Susarma, along with his army, will capture all the cattle of

Virata. King Virata will naturally proceed against Susarma to rescue

the cows. Next day, we will capture cows on the other side. As there

will be none in city to rescue the cows, Pandavas will naturally

come out to fight against us. On the coming Bahula Ashtami, Susarma

will capture the cows of Virata. Next day, ie, Navami Day we will

capture the cows on the other side. This is final " said Suyodhana.

 

Susarma was very happy. But nobody knows that the period of one year

Ajnaata Vaasa has come to end.

 

Susarma, the king of Trigartha, accompanied by his mighty infantry

of terrible prowess marched towards the south easten direction,

intending to wage hostilities with the desire of seizing his cattle

in large number.

 

The guards of the cattle stationed there, were fighting with the

Susarma army. But they could not attack them as the Susarma's army

was large in number. All the guards fled away and reported the

matter to King Virata.

 

" O King Virata! Susarma, the King of Trigartha, came upon us with

his mighty army and captured our cattle and taking them away. You

have to come and save the cattle. " prayed the guards.

 

Virata was astonished " What is this? Are you telling the truth?

Susarma many a time was defeated at our hands. How dare he come

again to fight with us? "

 

Then he ordered all his Ministers and Commanders " We have to now

fight with Susarma, the King of Trigartha. Otherwise, we have to

loose our cattle wealth. Therefore make immediate arrangements to

wage war against Susarma " ordered Virata.

 

In the meanwhile he was collecting information from his spies in

which direction Susarma was proceeding with cattle. Sataaneeka, the

elder brother of Virata and Madiraasva, Soorya Datta, the others

brothers of Virata also accompanied Virata along with their mighty

army. Sankha, son of Virata was blowing his conch fiercely.

 

Dharmaja was observing all these war arrangements. He approached

King Virata " O King Virata! previously, I learnt about warfare

through a sage and through him I acquired many Astras and Sastras. I

got some skill in fighting in battle. When the King is going for

war, it is not proper on my part to keep quiet. Hence I will also

accompany you " said Dharmaja.

 

Virata accepted his request. Then Dharmaja called his four

brothers. " O King Virata! He is our cook, Valala. He is an expert in

wrestling. He may be helpful to in the war. He is Tamagrandhi, horse

trainer and horse keeper. He is Tantripala, our cattle keeper. Their

services may be necessary for us. Therefore, I thought it fit to

permit them also to accompany us to the war field " said Dharmaja.

 

King Virata ordered Sataaneeka to provide chariots, bows, arrows and

other war material for all the five. Then all of them proceeded

towards southwards and met Susarma and his army.

 

The mighty armed warriors on both sides furiously assailed one

another in that conflict. There was a fierce battle between Virata

and Susarma. Sataaneeka attacked the army of Susarma and slain

hundreds of enemies . Madiraasva crushed the army of Susarma.

Sooryadatta also attacked Susarma with his mighty army.Virata was

fighting with his enemies like a powerful youth. He pierced Sumarma

with ten shafts and each of his five horses with five shots. Susarma

army turned back unable to attack Virata army .

 

Then the sun was set. The entire war field became dark. All of them

stopped fighting. After sometime, there was the rise of eighth day

moon. In that moon light, both the army began to fight with each

other.

 

Susarma with his younger brother and accompanied by his army rushed

towards Matsya king and defeated the whole army of Virata. Then

Susarma impetuously rushed towards Virata himself. His two brothers

having severely slain Virata's charioteer and also the soldiers on

either side and rear. Susarma took Virata captive alive, dragged him

on the ground, tied him and kept Virata on his chariot and sppedily

rushed out of the field.

 

When the powerful Virata was taken captive, the Trigartha army was

cheerful and began to slain the soldiers of Virata. The Virata's

army began to flee in fear in all directions.

 

On seeing this, Dharmaja called Bhima. " Bheemaa! Vitara has been

taken by Susarma. As we have so far lived happily in Virata City,

having every desire of ours gratified, it is for us to discharge

that debt. Do you rescue him so that he may not fall under the power

of the enmy. " asked Dharmaja

" O brother Dharmaja! I will liberate Virata at your command. Kindly

stay aside along with Nakula and Sahadeva and witness my prowess

today uprooting this mighty tree of huge trunk, I will rout the

enemy. " said Bheema.

 

Dharmaja immediately stopped Bhima: " Bheema! Don't! Don't commit

such a rash act. Let the tree stand there. You must not do such

things in superhuman manner. By means of this act, people will

recognise you and say " This is Bhima " . Therefore, take some weapon

as bow and arrow or sword and liberate the king without giving

anybody the means of knowing you truly. Nakula and Sahadeva will

defend your wheels. Go and liberate the King " said Dharmaja.

Bhimasena obeyed the directions of Dharmaja.

 

Dharmaja stood in front of the army and commanded the soldiers. He

started to fight with Susarma. Susarma fiercely attacked Dharmaja

with bow and arrows. Then Bhima took out bow and arrows and rushed

furiously towards Susharma and assailed him. Susarma was fighting

with Dharmaja. Within the twinkling of an eye, Bhima destroyed the

chariot of Susarma. Hundreds of chariots of the Susarma army were

overthrown by Bhima. While Dharmaja was fighting with Susarma,

Virata freed himself, jumped out of the car, took out a mace and

beat Susarma with the mace.

 

On seeing this, the army of Matsya kingdom returned back and began

to fight with Susarma army. Bhima also attacked Susarma, killed his

chariot driver and his guards. Bhima dragged Susarma from the

chariot.

 

Susarma tried to run away. Bhima impetuously rushed towards Susarma,

seized Susarma by his tuft and lifting him up in warth, dashed him

down on the ground. The mighty armed Bhima kicked Susarma on the

head and placing his knee on his breast, dealt him severe blows.

Susarma became senseless.

 

On seeing this, the Susarma army, stricken with panic, fled away in

all directions. Bheema came back to his brother, Dharmaja. Dharmaja,

along with his brothers stood before King Virata with folded hands.

King Virata gratified those warriors.

 

" You have saved my life, kingdom and cattle. By your prowess only I

am now crowned with victory. How can I express my gratitude? You

have saved this life. You have conquered this kingdom. This is all

yours. Do you agree to be here happily enjoying all pleasures.: said

Virata.

 

" O King Virata! We are well pleased with all that you have said. We,

however, have been much gratified that you have to day been freed

from your enemies. You need not praise me for this small help. " said

Dharmaja.

 

" O Kanka! Is it doing help to me? Or is it a reciprocation for what

I have done to you, by giving shelter in my kingdom? Or is it a

mercy showered upon me? Or you intend to get name and fame by

vanquishing my enemies? What is the reason? Afterall, he is a cook

and wrestler? Oh what a prowess he has! He is the only man who saved

me today from my enemies. Those cute boys. Where are they? Are they

horse keepers and cattle keepers. They are only two warriors who

fiercely fought with enemies but remained unhurt.

 

A person who helps in need is a real friend. Kankaa! I cannot leave

you and your friendship. Choose whatever you like! Elephants,

horses, gold, diamonds, jewellery, beautiful ladies, royal

pleasures. Your will. Choose whatever you like. I will place them

before you. " said Virata.

 

" O King Virata! We are very well pleased with the delightful words

that you have spoken. You can honour us after we return back to our

capital. Now I request you to kindly liberate Susarma, the king of

Trigarta. Let him go freely along with his relatives, friends and

army. Let a messenger now, at your command, speedily go to the city

in order to communicate and proclaim your victory. " said Dharmaja.

 

Honoring these words of Dharmaja, King Virata turned to Susarma " You

are freed. Your relatives friends and army are liberated. Go away as

a free man. " ordered King Virata.

 

Susarma, overwhelmed with shame, hung down his head and liberated,

saluted Virata and departed from that place.

 

King Virata called messengers and ordered " Do you go to the City and

proclaim my victory in battle and let the ladies and courtesans

decked in ornaments came out of the city with every kind of musical

instruments to welcome us " ordered Virata.

The messengers departed with cheerful hearts to the city to proclaim

the victory of the King. King Virata stayed there for that night and

returned back to city along with his army with great victory.

 

 

 

MAHA BHARAT–VIRATA PARVA –

THIRD CHAPTER CONCLUDED.

OM TATSAT.

 

B.A.,B.G.L.,

Former Registrar AP High Court,

2-31 Chaitanyapuri Colony,

Hyderabad 500060

South India

Phone No.24048104