It was the night before the great Kurukshetra war.
Duryodhana who finds pleasure in insulting the Pandavas made sure he insults
them further more before entering the battle field. He was totally certain that
he will win the war for sure and he wanted to show his dominance and his
contempt towards the Pandavas. So, he asks Uluka, Son of Saguni to go as a
messenger to the Pandavas’ camp to convey his message. Saguni, Uluka, Duchadhana and
Karna were present in Duryodhana’s camp while Duryodhana was delivering his message .
Duryodhana
looked up at Uluka and said-“Oh Uluka, go as a messenger to the Pandavas’ camp.
Speak to those Pandavas the words that I ‘m going to speak, in the manner I say
it. Look at Yudhistra directly in his eyes and say this: “Yudhistra, the
time has finally come. It’s time for action. No more words and no more
sentiments. We are about to fight a frightful war all because of you. Your
sentimental and ostentatious peace talks through that juggler Krishna and Sanjaya
are now understood that those were just dramas from your end to make everyone
look at you as a peace lover. It’s so sad to see that your performances didn’t
work well and you get to gather only those few people on your side for that
so-called army.”
Duryodhana narrowed his eyes and laughed in a mocking way.
“Oh Son of Pandu, How do you even consider yourself as an honest and
honorable man when you try to destroy the world and the life of the people who
support you all just for your desire to rule Hastinapur? You present yourself
as the most spiritual and virtuous person yet you have wicked intentions
covertly inside your heart, like the cat in the story that Rishi Narada told to
my father once.”
“If you are wondering which story,
here it is: “Once upon a time,
there was a cat that went to the Ganges. Standing on the bank of the river with
upraised front paws, he said in a firm tone, “I am going to practice asceticism
from now on. I will walk on the path of spirituality.” Saying so, the cat
started carrying out its austerity, more seriously. The cat’s asceticism and
serene conduct made the birds and mice to trust him. They even praised the
cat’s devotion and in course time, they even took shelter of him, protected the
cat from rain and cold. The birds and mice even forgot that the cat is their
natural enemy and that it’s in the cat’s blood to feed on them. They went to
the cat one day and said in most humble voice,” Oh great soul, we seek your
protection. Be our refuge. Be like a best friend who helps us at times of
trouble and protect us from our enemies.” The cat agreed halfheartedly and
said-‘I will do whatever I can. You people have helped me during my austerity. It’s
all because of your support I was able to carry out my austerity. But there’s a
small favor I would need from you guys. My austerities without food has made me
weaker and it’s tough for me to walk to the banks of the river to take bath. If
one of you can assist me daily in taking me to the river for bath, I will
be more grateful to you all.’ The mice and the birds believed in the cat’s words
and they agreed to it. Every day morning, when the cat goes for taking bath,
either a mice or a bird would assist the cat to the banks of river Ganges. The
cat would eat them. While returning, the cat would lie that they left while he
was taking bath. The cat would behave like it is eating fruits and vegetables
daily. This went on for days and as a result, the cat grew fat and stronger
whereas the count of the mice and birds withered. One wise mouse realized
what’s happening. The mice gathered all and said, “Friends, if a cat is feeding
on just fruits and vegetables, there’s no chance it could become this fat. Those
who accompany the cat to the banks are missing daily. It clearly means that the
cat is eating them. The cat is only pretending to be following the path of
spirituality but in real, it’s feeding on us. We will be safe only if we all
escape from the cat.” The other mice and birds agreed to it and they fled away.
The abandoned cat came to know that the mice and birds realized its plan and
escaped. Saddened, the cat too returned to where it came from.”
“Oh Yudhistra, You are just like the cat.
Accompanied by your brothers, you are behaving in the same way. You speak as if
you are a gentleman but in real, your acts say otherwise. At least in this
battle, come out and fight like you are a Kshatriya. Don’t hide yourself. Your
mother, Matha Kunti was crying all the time while you people were in exile. At
least try to satisfy her. Win this war, if it is possible, for her sake. She
might think at least now that she has given birth to only Kshatriyas. Show us
your real strength. Don’t fall for your weakness and go for the peace talks
again. Remember all those I have done to you all: Poisoning Bhīma, The wax
house, Insulting Draupathi, the dice game…Oh there are lots that I can bring up
but I believe these are more than enough to make you people come and fight.
With that so-called army! Oh yeah! Army! Yudhistra, don’t get scared tomorrow
on seeing the vast army of mine marching to destroy you people and your hope of
survival because we are fighting under the mighty Bhishma, Dronacharya, Krpacharya
and my Karna.”
 |
| Wax house |
Duryodhana ridiculed and mocked the
Pandavas and their army. He taunted them reminding about the vows they took
during Draupathi’s Cheer Haran- “Oh, I insulted your wife and dragged her to
the court and you all stood there doing nothing. How do you all consider
yourself as a Kshatriya? How do you even consider yourself as a man when you
let someone else drag your wife? Draupathi was not insulted by me or by my
brothers but by you all, the Pandavas. She came to this family believing you
five and yet you all left her unfortified. Shame on you all, sons of Pandu. You
five stood there like dead meat while your wife was insulted and do you all
even consider yourself as great warriors!?
If you all are man, don’t let your insult go unavenged.” He admired himself for all his powers and
also his victory in sending the Pandavas to exile. He delivered his individual
message to every son of Pandu. He conveyed his message to Krishna too, in his
own way.
Duryodhana laughed admiring at his
power. He continued his egotistical message as a result of the encouragements
from Saguni and Duchadhana. They cheered him to speak more ill of the Pandavas
and Draupathi. Duryodhana continued his boastful message,” I am far superior
to you all. I have made you guys live in exile. I have made you all live in
fear by hiding yourself. The alleged talented Arjuna wore bangles to hide from
me. Bhīma, the one who swore to kill me and my brothers, hid himself in the
kitchen, cleaning pots and utensils. Is this not enough to prove that I am
superior? Remember, I have no fear on Krishna or the Pandavas or any of the
fools and chumps who chose to fight against me. No matter what you all try, I
will never let you, the Pandavas, to live. I will never give you people land to
rule. I, in fact, will remove you all from the face of the earth. Let the battle
begin tomorrow. Then you people will realize your idiocy in fighting against
me. You all are like the fish in a tank that never knows about ocean. You all
think yourself so high and talented than the mighty and multi-talented gurus
like Pithamaha Bhishma, Dronacharya and Krpacharya. You all are like ants
trying to render a mountain with its teeny-weeny teeth. Come to the battle
field tomorrow morning to see how vast my army is. To know how many supporters
are there for me. The moment you see the vast limitless army of mine, not only
your desire to rule Hastinapur but even your beliefs of ruling the world will
disappear. For tomorrow, I am going to prove you all, yet again that I am the
rightful ruler of this world.”
 |
| Cheer Haran |
Duryodhana concluded his message and
told Uluka to deliver the message, as it is. Uluka memorized every single word
of Duryodhana’s one hour long message. He mounted on his chariot and rode
towards the camp of the Pandavas. Uluka knew that Duryodhana’s message will
provoke the Pandavas. He felt his nerves trembling out of fretfulness while he
was entering the tent of the Pandavas. Krishna, the Pandavas, Dhrishtadyumna,
Sikandi and other chiefs were present in the tent.
Uluka bowed in front of Yudhistra
and continued in a quivering tone, "I have come here on the command of
Duryodhana. Kindly see me only as a messenger. On hearing my words, don’t get
angry on me for I will speak only what Duryodhana has told me to say and
nothing more. No part of the message I convey comes from my heart.”
Yudhistra smiled at Uluka and showed him a seat
to sit and relax. “Don’t be afraid, Uluka. We have no reason to be mad at you.
Speak freely. We all know that my brother,
Duryodhana has his own reasons to rule Hastinapur and that he has failed to see
what this war means to him and to his brothers. He failed to anticipate the effect
of this war on Pithamaha and Guru Dronacharya, for his head is full of
pride and insatiability. We know that the news you brought is definitely not
peace favoring. Tell us what he has conveyed through you. You are only a messenger
and we won’t hurt the messengers.”
Uluka sensed that all pairs of eyes
in the tent were fixed upon him. With a heavy burden running through his
nerves, Uluka cleared his throat and stood up. He started conveying Duryodhana’s
message. While he was continuing, he felt the ire and agitations developing
around him. With nerves of fear, Uluka started conveying the message that was
meant for the five brothers and the separate message meant for Yudhistra.
Uluka
paused to grasp his breath wondering this might even be his last
breath. Bhīma utilized the moment of gap and rose from his seat. He started to
move towards Uluka with anger. Yudhistra stopped Bhīma saying, “Bhīma, he is
just a messenger. Control yourself and be seated. Let’s listen to the rest.”
Yudhistra turned towards Uluka and
said in a polite voice,” Uluka, Do you need something to ease your throat? Take your time and relax. You said that Duryodhana has sent message to all of my
brothers. Convey the rest too.”
Uluka staggered without words. “Do
you really want to hear the rest too?”- He mumbled in fear.
Of course. We have to, right?”-
Yudhistra said with a dejected smile.
Uluka knew that hearing the message
Bhīma would really be enraged. So, he didn’t even pause to give time for Bhīma
to respond or react. He turned towards Arjuna and continued, “Duryodhana says-“Arjuna!
Partha! The greatest archer in this world,ever!! I heard you spent your time in
Virada’s kingdom with women. Singing, dancing and having fun! Heard you were
into it. It was difficult to differentiate you from other ladies in the palace
it seemed. I wonder how a person like you is going to kill …no… no… no...’Killing’
is a tough effort for you, Hmmm…’stand against’ will be the correct term!
Right, how is it that someone like you is going to stand against the great
Pithamaha Bhishma and the great warrior Karna? Answer me, Lady! I would really
like to know the answer. Are you sure you can hold the pressure in the battle
field, Lady!?”
Uluka
turned towards Nakula and Sahadeva while Arjuna was trying to hold his fury and
said, "Duryodhana says to you both-” Nakula and Sahadeva! Oh, the darlings
of the Pandavas! I believe you both would have realized by now that you both
belong only in the stable and cowsheds and not in the battle filed. I would
really like to employ you both, the talented and authentic workers in my stable
and cowshed, But, I am sorry, for I will be killing you both in the war. It
really hurts me to lose such great labors for my country.”
Uluka hesitated to continue and starred
at Krishna with questions filled in his eyes. Sheer moment of silence persisted
in the tent. Krishna sensed Uluka’s fear and spoke with a friendly smile on his
lotus lips, “Uluka, Duryodhana has sent message for me too, right? Do tell me,
he didn’t forget me. I am eager to listen to it. Do convey it fast before I
lose my patience.”
Uluka saw Krishna wondering what is
running inside Krishna’s head who was listening calmly, without any expression
on his face. Uluka turned towards Yudhistra and bowed at him, "That’s the
message Duryodhana wanted me to convey to you all. I swear none of those came
from my heart.”
Uluka finished conveying Duryodhana’s message
to all. He sensed that everyone were speechless out of rage. The air inside the
tent was intense with silence and wrath waiting for the hot explosions. Uluka
was sure that this will be his last night on earth. Uluka spun his dreaded eyes on
everyone with his head still bowed and noticed Krishna smiling at him while
everyone else where fleeting shafts of fury on him.
Sensing Uluka’s fear from his looks,
Krishna grinned and said, "Uluka, Go back to Duryodhana and tell him that we
got his message and the connotation. Let it be as he has thought and referred.
The battle will begin tomorrow and let’s meet in the battle field tomorrow
morning.”
Enraged already on the abusive words
from Duryodhana, Bhīma’s eyes turned red out of anger and listening to
Krishna’s simple response, Bhīma delivered an angry look on Krishna, “That’s
it!? Is that all you want to convey to that heartless creature!?” Bhīma turned
towards Uluka and roared, "Say this to that callous creature. “You fool, Duryodhana!
I remember every single word of my vow. You have pushed your fate to this
situation which is not only going to kill you but also your brothers. Be
prepared from tomorrow to see your brothers being grounded in the battle field
in my very arms that’s going to kill you too. Be prepared to see the death of your
beloved Duchadhana while I drink his blood, right in front of your eyes before
I grind him and stab him to death. Even before those images will vanish from
your mind, I will kill you. I am going to be your worst nightmare from today.
To you and to your brothers. I swear by my soul that the death of you and your
brothers, your sons, nephews, cousins and kings who support you is near.””
Bhīma came back to his seat
relieving Uluka from his fear of being killed by Bhīma. Sahadeva rose from his
seat and spoke to Uluka, “Uluka, I have a message for both Duryodhana and your
father. Communicate to Duryodhana: "You dupe! You have invited death by
yourself. Motivated by Uncle Saguni, you are thinking you can win this world. Remember
that you were born only to destroy the life of your own brothers. And you will
see it yourself when my brother Bhīma slays everyone, in front of your eyes”.
Uluka, convey this to your Father, Saguni: “You fool! You are the one who is
behind all this and the Kuru dynasty’s fate has come to this situation, all
just because of your tainted heart and brain. You have always behaved with
malicious intentions in your heart. Live to see how your plans are going to be
the reason for the death of your sons and Duryodhana, till I kill you.”
Uluka sensed that Duryodhana’s
message has really stirred what Duryodhana wished for. There was turmoil in the
Pandavas’ tent and Uluka started to pray for his time to run back to the
Kauravas.
Arjuna stood up and calmed the roar
of the kings and looked up at Uluka. “Uluka, convey my message to Duryodhana. “Duryodhana, tomorrow in the battle field you will have my reply delivered
through my Gandiva. Do you consider yourself as a Kshatriya? A real Kshatriya
fights with his enemies using his strength and not using words. Only eunuchs
will do that. You are a coward. A weakling who lives happy life thinking he is
powerful. Remember that the life you live now is on the shadow of the mighty
strength of Pithamaha Bhishma, Dronacharya and your father’s love. You hide
yourself behind all these old man and call yourself as mighty warrior!?
Remember, the Sons of Pandu will live by their words. We will do what we have
sworn. So, be ready to die.”
Yudhistra who was sitting silent said
in a firm voice, “Convey my message to Duryodhana and his brothers. “Duryodhana,
I got your message. You have judged me wrongly. I don’t desire even ants and
worms. I do not have any desire to rule Hastinapur or to hurt your father’s
feelings and your wish. That’s why I agreed for five villages. To avoid this
war. You are conquered by lust. You were not ready to take the advices of Uncle Vidhura, Pithamaha, Sanjaya, your father and even Krishna’s. Even Bhīma was
ready for peace, ignoring his vows. But you were never ready to listen with your
inadequate understanding. So, remember that it’s only because of you this war
is going to happen. A war, to show you that envy and thirst to power will take
you nowhere. You have taken the path of evil, my brother. You challenge us to
war only based on others’ expertise. There’s still time for you to think but I
know you won’t do the rethinking part. So, don’t roar so much.”
Uluka was taken aback listening to Yudhistra’s
words. Even the silent Yudhistra has spoken what’s in his heart. Clearly, the
message of Duryodhana has kindled the Pandavas like bush fire. Now, Uluka was
intensely fretful. He felt the restlessness in the tent. Uluka bowed before
Yudhistra and prepared to leave before the Pandavas or anyone in the tent start
their flaming message.
Krishna said in an unruffled tone,
“Uluka, Go back safely. While you convey the messages from here, add mine too:
“Duryodhana, I know that you have sent such a message to me because I have
sworn I won’t fight. Remember that I have taken Yudhistra’s words into
consideration. That this war is among you brothers and so they have to avenge
and pay you back and not me. Else, for what you have done to Draupathi, I would
have burnt you and your brothers into ashes on that very day itself. But, I swear to
you Duryodhana, awake or asleep, you will hear my voice throbbing you, till
death. Neither of the Pandu sons is afraid of you. And same is with the army
here. So be prepared to face the vows of Bhīma and Arjuna in the battle field.”
Bhīma mangled his hands, breathed
heavily and rose from his seat. Not able to suppress his rage, he spoke harshly,
“Add this too, Uluka. “Duryodhana, I confront you sinful creature. You and your
brothers should have remained in Hastinapur itself. You all made a mistake
coming here. Know me as the death of Dhritarashtra’s sons. It’s going to be a
long night for me for I have to wait till the morning to meet you all and kill
you people.”"
As soon as Bhīma has finished,
Arjuna rose. Not satisfied in his abrupt response to Duryodhana, he spoke
again, “Tell this too, Uluka. "Oh Duryodhana, I know why you have made Pithamaha
Bhisma as the commander in chief, you sinful soul. You think we will never
attack him or Dronacharya? Although I worship my Guru and my Grandfather more
than my life, they are on your side. You are the one in their head. They act
and fight only because of you. Such a possessed wisdom and knowledge all are
gone waste just because you are taking control of their senses. And for that,
Bhīma is going to kill you. And I will kill Pithamaha for taking your side.
They chose death by being with you and they knew it. So don’t have any hopes
and dreams of killing us or ruling the world.”"
Uluka sensed that Arjuna has
finished his message. He bowed to the people assembled and started to leave the
tent with a ray of hope and happiness inside him. Even before he could cross
everyone, Dhrishtadyumna rose from his seat with his voice echoing the tent,
“Uluka, Take my message too to your Prince." Uluka’s ray of hope dimmed and
he stood frozen wondering what message it is going to be. Dhrishtadyumna
continued when Uluka turned towards him with eyes of fear, “Tell Duryodhana
that I was born to kill Dronacharya. There’s no hope for Dronacharya to survive
till the end of the war and so there’s no hope for the Kauravas to win too.
Duryodhana’s followers will be killed by me. Tell him to lose the talk and
dreams. Ask him to come and fight like a Kshatriya.”
Uluka turned his fear soaked eyes
towards Yudhistra. Yudhistra nodded his head in an accepting way. Uluka bowed
and with his palms folded, he rushed towards the entrance of the tent walking backwards.
He
ran over to his chariot and leapt aboard, urging his horses back to the Kauravas
camp. Yudhistra discussed with Dhrishtadyumna,
the commander in chief of the Pandavas and began to move his army into
position.
Night has fallen and with the fierce responses
from the Pandavas camp, Uluka went back to Kauravas’ camp. He was able to hear
Duryodhana and Duchadhana still mocking the Pandavas and laughing hysterically.
Uluka entered into Duryodhana’s tent. He
flicked through the tent and realized that the Kauravas were all celebrating
and having fun. Duryodhana and Duchadhana were drunk and were teasing the
Pandavas. “Uluka, I was waiting for you all this time. Come, come. Come fast
and tell me how those witty brothers of mine responded to my message. How was
their face on listening to message? Afraid, scared to death, terrorized! I
believe Bhīma would have shouted out of anger, like a dog barking at the one
who throws stones on it. Uluka delivered the messages of the Pandavas, Krishna
and Dhrishtadyumna.
Duryodhana laughed riotously listening to Uluka’s words and said in a mocking
way, “Oh! They think they are brave and not terrified! Poor brothers!!! Trying
to scare me with their rage filled words! They are afraid. They know that their
army will not last more than a day. Not especially against our great Pithamaha
Bhishma. I don’t need anyone else when I
have Pithamaha Bhisma, my beloved friend Karna and Dronacharya. Not to exclude
the one who cannot be killed- my dear Aswathama.”
Karna who was present in the tent
spoke in a firm voice, “That’s true Duryodhana. But you should not be taking
them so easily. I won’t be in the battle field. And I don’t think Pithamaha
Bhishma will have the inner strength to kill Arjuna or the other Pandavas. So,
Arjuna has got a lead there. You should be aware of that.”
Duryodhana who was fully drunk said
in a hysterical voice, “Ha Ha Ha… Arjuna!? Against Pithamaha!? Arjuna will speak bravely. He will also act
bravely. He will be valiant, courageous, bold and fearless. All until he sees Pithamaha.
His heart will wobble when he sees Pithamaha. Not out of fear but
out of respect! I know him. I have seen him for ages. Just wait and see
tomorrow. The Arjuna who spoke boldly and vowed that he will kill Pithamaha
Bhishma will hardly dare to raise an arrow against his grandfather when he sees
him in the battle field.”
Duryodhana was full of confident
that he will win the war and that he will get to kill the Pandavas even if
Bhisma and Dronacharya failed to do. He assembled the council and discussed
with Dronacharya, Saguni, Duchadhana, Aswathama and Pithamaha Bhishma,
the commander in chief about organizing the Kauravas army in the attack genre
and not in defense genre. With the sunrise, begins the war and Duryodhana was
so full of hope waiting to destroy the Pandavas, forever, this time.
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