New moon day!

Saguni, Duryodhana and Duchadhana

War is certain. Kurukshetra has been named as the place and both the sides were getting prepared for the epic battle.

“Duryodhana! To win in a battle, we need great soldiers, weapons and mighty warriors and good strategies. Above all, we also need the blessings of our ancestors. Starting the war at an auspicious time, offering sacrifice to Goddess Kali at the right time and all will decide the winner of the war. Offering Tarpan (a ritualistic prayer done for ancestors) to our ancestors on the right day will ensure our victory.” – Said Saguni.

“Yes uncle. I will get our priests to get the auspicious day for offering Tarpan.” – Duryodhana spoke without lifting his head from the map.

         “Go to Sahadeva and ask for the auspicious date.”- Saguni again.

         Surprised, Duryodhana stared at his uncle – “Sahadeva!? Indeed he is the world’s best. Also master in astrology. None is better than him. But, he is our prime opponent. Our nemesis. Do you expect him to say the correct date? What if he says a wrong date to ensure their victory?”

         “Not just master. Sahadeva is wiser than Lord Sukra, the Guru of demons. He can’t lie. It’s his dharma to say the truth in his profession. He is so righteous. Go right now and ask for the exact date.” – Delighted on Saguni’s word, Duryodhana left the palace and rushed to Sahadeva in his chariot.

         The Pandavas and Krishna were discussing about the war preparations.

         A Sentinel came in and said – “O King! Prince Duryodhana is here to see Sahadeva.”

         “Him!? That devil! How dare he visit us after insulting Krishna? I am going to kill him, right now.” – Bhīma said with rage.

         “Bhīma! Control yourself. He is here as our guest. Be nice to him. Though we know he is not here for peace talks, it’s our dharma to take care of our guest. Moreover, he is our brother too.”- King Yudhistra controlled Bhīma and asked the Sentinel to let in Duryodhana immediately.

         Though the Pandavas were confused on the unexpected visit of Duryodhana, King Yudhistra gave him a warm welcome. He ordered the maids to give Duryodhana fruits, honey, water and curd for refreshing.

         “Duryodhana! My brother, May I know the reason of your visit?” – King Yudhistra spoke with serenity.

         “I am here to see Sahadeva. I have something to ask and I would like to talk about it with him, in private.” – Duryodhana spoke with attitude.

         Sahadeva and Duryodhana left the hall on King Yudhistra’s permission. They went to Sahadeva’s guest chamber. “Kindly be seated, brother. Make yourself comfortable.” – said Sahadeva.

Confirming that he is alone with Sahadeva and believing that no one is listening, Duryodhana spoke –“Sahadeva! Dear brother, I know that you are man of your words and will follow dharma. I would like to ask you something and I hope that you perform your duty by speaking the truth. I am here only because I trust you wholeheartedly.”

Krishna who sneaked behind them, waited outside the room with his ears fixed listening to Duryodhana and Sahadeva’s conversation.

“O Duryodhana! You trusted Sahadeva wholeheartedly!?” – Krishna thought to himself and smiled.

“Brother! Feel free and let me know what it is. I will do my best.” – Sahadeva said with respect, though he knew that Duryodhana is twofaced.

“Sahadeva, before the start of war, it’s compulsory to offer Tarpan to ancestors, right?” – enquired Duryodhana.

“Of course, brother. Getting their blessings is more than enough to win the war. Offering Tarpan on the right day will ensure victory.” – said Sahadeva.

“Exactly! Brother, no one is better than you in astrology. I would like you to tell me the auspicious day on which I can perform the ritual, so that the victory in war will be mine.” – Duryodhana spoke with excitement and doubt.

“Brother! Give me few moments. I will get the zodiacal almanac and will tell you the exact date and right time.” – Saying so, Sahadeva went towards his table to get the zodiac calendar.

Sahadeva checked the calendar and said his prophecy – “Brother, if you offer Tarpan on the upcoming new moon day, which is day after tomorrow, the victory of your side is ensured.          Perform the offering at the auspicious time on that day and the victory will be yours.”

Krishna who was eavesdropping smiled to himself – “Your visit here has been successful Duryodhana! You still hope Saguni’s plans are working well!” He then left the place unnoticed by anyone.

Pleased on Sahadeva’s honesty and delighted on his words, Duryodhana hugged Sahadeva and left the room. In the meantime, Krishna returned to the court. Duryodhana entered the court room and bid farewell from Krishna and the Pandavas. Duryodhana then left for Hastinapur overwhelmed on his predicted victory.

“Sahadeva, what was the reason for his visit?”- Bhīma enquired unable to control his curiosity.

Sahadeva explained the conversation he had with Duryodhana.

“That’s it! We all can rest peacefully, for after the war, you all might be going to forest, forever, this time. We don’t have to worry about winning. Not anymore. Relax and ask Draupathi to get ready for Vanavasa.”-Said Krishna.

“Initially, I thought he was fool to ask you for date. Now, I realize you are the fool. Which fool will do this for the victory of their enemy? Other than you.” – Bhīma said with hesitation.

“Brother, do you expect me to lie? It’s my dharma to not lie in my profession. If I get to die for being truthful to my profession, I will gladly accept it.” – Sahadeva spoke with respect.

 “Krishna, What can we do now? We are in grave danger now. Is there any way to win this war?” – Arjuna asked looking at Krishna with expectation.

Arjuna and Krishna

“What? What more is there? If he had asked in front of all of us, we could have done something to not let Sahadeva give him the date. Also, we can’t go to Duryodhana now and trick him. He won’t believe it either. Things are done. That’s it. I don’t think we need a war to say who the subjugator is.” – Krishna said with ease.

“Even if brother had asked in front of everyone, I would definitely have given the date to him. And I also know that brother Yudhistra will let me to do it. Even if you all persuade me to change the date, I wouldn’t do that. Even if the Paramathma tries to convince me, I wouldn’t lie. We are not like Duryodhana to go against dharma. We are not afraid to die following the path dharma. Isn’t that the reason why you are with us, Lord Krishna? Also, with you by our side, what will fright me to say the truth?” – Sahadeva asked Krishna.

Krishna glanced at Sahadeva and admired at his confidence on Krishna. Krishna kept his delight within himself and smiled at Sahadeva while Arjuna spoke – “Krishna! Help us for this is the only way to sustain dharma. If Duryodhana wins, this world will never be a place for dharma. Day after tomorrow is new moon day. We don’t have time too.”

“You all do something in the name of Dharma and finally come to me for rescue! I will see what I can do. But don’t be assertive that I will sort you all out of this trouble. I am tired. I will retire for the day. Will meet you all tomorrow morning.” – Saying so, Krishna left the hall, smiling to himself about his plan for the next day.

The Pandavas spent a sleepless night on their bed distressed about the situation at hand. After a peaceful sleep, Krishna woke up in the morning and performed his morning rituals.

He then went to the banks of River Ganga. He saw the priests and the brahmins performing their morning rituals. Taking a quick glimpse at the bright sky above, Krishna sat on the bank of the river and started offering Tarpan. Witnessing Krishna, the priests and the brahmins were confused.

“What is this? The Zodiac calendar says that only tomorrow is new moon day. On new moon day only we have to perform Tarpan, right!? Why is Krishna doing today?” – “Somebody go and tell him that the new moon is tomorrow only.” – Confused brahmins spoke to each other.

“Oi...What is wrong with you? It’s Krishna who is performing Tarpan. Is there anything that he doesn’t know? Do you think we are genius to explain him?” – Though puzzled on Krishna’s act, few brahmins spoke in favor of Krishna.

“Yes…Yes… May be what’s written in our calendar might be wrong.” – said a priest.

“What ‘may be’? Definitely, our prediction only is wrong. Krishna is always correct. He knew all the three worlds. He knows the future too. How can someone so genius could be wrong.”- said another priest with his blind belief for Krishna.

“Yes…Yes…without wasting time, let us also perform Tarpan along with him. Think this is the most auspicious time as Krishna himself is offering Tarpan.” – saying so, the brahmin sat on the banks of the river and started chanting the Vedic chants for the ritual.

The brahmins, priests and even the rishis and saints on the banks of the river started offering Tarpan to their ancestors. Witnessing this, Surya Deva (Sun) and Chandra Deva (Moon) were perplexed.

“Chandra Deva! What is happening? What is Krishna doing? Today is not new moon day, right?” – asked confused Surya Deva.

         “Yeah! It’s only tomorrow. I’m wondering about the same. How can Krishna be wrong?” – spoke puzzled Chandra Deva.

         “See! The brahmins and priests, even the great sages too are offering Tarpan watching Krishna. Let’s go and stop them first. We have to inform Krishna too to stop first.” – saying so, Surya Deva ascended on his chariot and reached earth along with Chandra Deva.

         Both Chandra Deva and Surya Deva reached the banks of River Ganga. They descended from the chariot and rushed towards Krishna.

         “O Krishna! Stop what you are doing. Today is not new moon day. It’s tomorrow only. You are creating a cosmological imbalance. There can’t be two new moon days.” – Chandra Deva screamed at Krishna with tense.

         “O Chandra Deva! Surya Deva! Accept my greetings. It’s really a pleasure to see you both, at this time. Well, today is new moon day and that’s why I’m offering Tarpan. Why? What’s wrong in it?” – Asked Krishna.

         “Lord Krishna, you know everything. Tomorrow is only new moon day or Amavasya. Tomorrow only Tarpan should be offered. You, by mistake have offered Tarpan today. Seeing you, the priests and saints too are offering Tarpan.” – Said stressed Surya Deva.

         “What exactly is new moon day?” – asked Krishna with a mischievous smile.

“Krishna, just as the Sanskrit language states, ‘ama’ is ‘together’ and ‘vasya’ is ‘to dwell’. Surya Deva and I will be facing each other, with no earth in between us, to form the new moon day. It’s only tomorrow. Only on that day, Shraadh should be performed and Tarpan should be offered to ancestors. Today is only Chaturdashi, the 14^th day.” – explained Chandra Deva.

         “So, when you both are together, close to each other, it’s new moon day, right?” – Asked Krishna.

         “Yes!” – said both the Devas sounding strong.

         “Well, now you both are together! Facing each other and no earth is in between you. Right?” – Krishna again.

         “Ye…Yes.” – Both the Devas said in lowered voice.

         “Well, then today is new moon day, right!? So, me offering Tarpan is correct only, right?”- Said Krishna with a spark in his eyes.

         Both Surya Deva and Chandra Deva stood unable to argue with Krishna as Krishna’s reason is valid. With their silence, they assured that Krishna is right and left the place in acceptance to Krishna’s words.

Krishna informs Yudhistra to offer Tarpan

         The news of Krishna offering Tarpan reached the Pandavas and they rushed to the river banks. Krishna explained and asked them to perform Shraaadh and offer Tarpan to their ancestors.

         The spies of Hastinapur informed Duryodhana and Saguni about the Pandavas offering Tarpan.

         “Duryodhana, are you sure that it is tomorrow? Did you listen clearly to Sahadeva’s words?” – enquired confused Saguni.

         “Yes Uncle. I heard it clearly. He said, ‘Offer Tarpan on new moon day.’ I am confident on what I heard.”- Said Duryodhana in affirm voice.

         “Are you sure, you asked in private? That Krishna… you can’t trust him. He is a trickster. Are you sure he did not overhear the conversation? Because, he is someone who could do anything unbelievable.” – Saguni asked to confirm again.

         “Uncle, I’m sure the conversation was private. What if even he overheard it or what if he came to know about it? He can’t change the day or change the position of the moon and sun, right? I will win. I heard it from Sahadeva itself. The Pandavas must be scared to death right now and so they must be doing some other prayers to nullify my opportunity. But, I’m sure, Sahadeva said, nothing can change my victory if I offer Tarpan on new moon day. We will do it tomorrow to ensure our victory.” – Duryodhana said with brashness.

         “Yes…Yes… The Pandavas must be scared to death right now for they know that they are going to lose. Even with Krishna by their side!” – Saying so, Saguni laughed cunningly.

 Meanwhile all the Devas gathered in IndraLok to discuss about Krishna’s words and the uncommon situation they are in.

         “Will there be two new moon day this time?” – asked Lord Agni.

         “But, that’s not possible, right? Two new moon day means, he should not be moving tomorrow. That will alter the astral balance. He has to move. But if he moves tomorrow, then the new moon day is one day earlier, without even the knowledge of Chandra Deva and Surya Deva.” – Said Varuna Deva, in a funny tenor.

         “Well, I can’t jump from my position to reduce a day. Also, this has asked for correction in this year’s zodiac calendar. All because of Krishna. But, Lord Narayana is always right and in fact, he won the argument too. What should I do now, Lord Indra? Where should I stand? Should I move tomorrow or not?” – asked Chandra Deva.

         “What should I do? Should I reveal Chandra Deva tomorrow or hide him totally?” – asked stressed Surya Deva.

         “Narayana! Lord Narayana!” – Sighed Lord Indra heavily – “He works out his plans in mysterious ways, for sure. He guaranteed Sahadeva’s words now with this act. He responded to Sahadeva’s confidence. He saved his devotee Sahadeva. He made sure that Pandavas will win now. But what about us now? I haven’t been put in a situation like this. Never. The only person who can solve this confusion is the one who created it. Let’s go and ask him. Surrender to him like Sahadeva.” – Said Lord Indra.

         Lord Indra, Surya and Chandra left in their chariot to see Krishna who was resting in his chamber. 

         “O Lord Narayana! Purushotama! To ensure Pandavas’ victory and to sustain dharma on earth, what you have done is accepted. But we have a lunar imbalance now as a result of the confusion you have created. What day will tomorrow be?” – Lord Indra enquired with respect.

Lord Krishna and Lord Indra

         Krishna smiled for a moment and said in a serene voice – “Indra, For Dharma to sustain, certain regular practice has to be disturbed. One such is this. Though the day started without Amavasya, after their concurrence, this day is in fact a new moon day now. Let this Amavasya be called as ‘Bodhayana Amavasya’, from now on. This new moon day will be an exceptional one that occurs a day earlier than the regular ones.”

         “So, tomorrow will not be a new moon day. Which means…” – Lord Indra paused to get Krishna’s confirmation on his thought.

         “Which means…the Tarpan Duryodhana offers tomorrow will go in vain.” – Krishna said eyeing River Ganga from the balcony of his chamber.

Sources:

§  Mahabharata of Vyasa – K.M.Ganguli

§  Wikipedia.

§  http://www.jagritmind.in/

§  http://prakuti.blogspot.in/

§  http://www.hindu-blog.com/

§  https://tavamithramsarvada.wordpress.com/

§  Stories of Mahabharat