Ashvamedha Yaga

The war is over and Yudhistra was crowned as the King of Hastinapur. Yudhistra, Dhritarashtra, Krishna and Sage Vyasa were having an informal meeting in the Palace of Hastinapur and Yudhistra was sharing his past memories where he used to roam in the same palace with Pithamaha Bhisma, Dronacharya and his brothers, Duryodhana and the rest of the Kauravas. He even remembered the conversations with Karna.

“I was responsible for the death of many great people who molded my life. And being responsible for the death of so many great warriors and every single soldier, I don’t feel like I’m worth of this throne. I would love to retire to the forest and live the rest of my life doing Tapas.”- King Yudhistra spoke in a shattered voice.

Seeing his condition, Krishna spoke, “Oh King! If you keep on indulging in sorrow, you will be in grief for everything. So, come out of it. As a Kshatriya, you should be able to handle it. The welfare of the people should only be in your mind. Think that they have given their lives to sustain Dharma. So celebrate the moment and honor their soul by walking in the path of Dharma. Gratify the gods, the devas and the departed souls. Think of what ought to be done and follow the duties of a Kshatriya like your forefathers. Sustain the burden of the empire. Don’t turn away and walk the way of thoughtless and irresponsible losers.”

“But Krishna, What would I do to wipe all those sins that I am bearing? With all those sins how, do you propose me to rule?”-King Yudhistra spoke in a muddled voice.

Sage Vyasa replied, “Yudhistra, as a Kshatriya, you can always wash-down your sins through sacrifices. Yajur Veda states that Yagas and sacrifices purify the soul. All the celestial and celebrated Kings and empires and your forefathers have cleaned their sins and emerged miraculously powerful only through sacrifices.”

Accepting the words of Sage Vyasa, Krishna responded, “Sage Vyasa is right, Yudhistra. Do prepare for Rajasuya Yaga, Ashvamedha Yaga and also for the Sarvamedha and the Naramedha Yaga.”

“You are right! Ashvamedha Yaga will purify my soul. But, we need more wealth to conduct the Yaga and also to gratify the guests, we have to honour them with gifts. But the treasury is not having that much wealth to conduct a Yaga of that stature. Due to Kurukshetra war, the treasury is empty. We don’t have wealth to even celebrate. The same will be the condition for other Kingdoms too!”-King Yudhistra spoke of the condition of his Kingdom.

Krishna spoke after few moments of thinking, “Oh King, if you would like to fill your treasury, there is a gold mine in the mountains of the Himalayas. You could get more than what you need for the Yaga.”

Amazed on hearing about gold in the Himalayas, Yudhistra asked, “How is it possible? How come there’s gold in The Himalayas?”

Sage Vyasa replied, “Oh King, once high-souled King Marutta celebrated a sacrifice in the Himalayas, bestowing gold on Brahmins. Not being able to carry the entire quantity, they just carried as much as they could and left the remainder in the hill itself. Even the King left all those golden utensils and accessories that they used for the sacrifice. With a proper request and prayer, you could take that gold and fill your treasury.”

Satisfied on their idea, the Sons of Pandu left for Mount Meru accompanied by few Brahmins, leaving the Kingdom under the control of Yuyutsu and King Dhritarashtra. Krishna left for Dwaraka. Months went by and sensing that the Pandavas are returning, Krishna returned to Hastinapur. King Dhritarashtra, Vidhura and Yuyutsu received Krishna with honour.When Krishna reached the Kuru capital, Utthara gave birth to Parikshit. Return of Krishna and birth of Parikshit delighted the hearts of the citizens of Kuru. The entire city was in festive mood even before the Pandavas could reach. Everyone felt that the expected dawn has arrived with the birth of Parikshit and they prepared to welcome the Pandavas to celebrate.

Hearing that the Pandavas are nearing Hastinapur, Krishna, accompanied by his ministers and Yuyutsu went to the gates of the city to receive them. The Pandavas, with rejoicing hearts on hearing the birth of Parikshit from Krishna, accompanied by their army and friends entered the capital, placing that treasure in their carts. Accepting the blessings from the people all through their way to the palace, they took blessings from King Dhritarashtra, Vidhura, Gandhari and their mother, Kunti.

After discussions with King Dhritarashtra, Krishna, Sage Vyasa and Vidhura, King Yudhistra decided the date for Ashvamedha Yaga. The Yaga was finalised to be held on the full moon day on the month of Chaitra, of next year. A splendid wild black horse was selected as the Yaga Asva. On a propitious day, King Yudhistra along with Draupathi took a holy bath and with Vedic hymns chanted under the guidance of Sage Vyasa, the horse was set free.

King Yudhistra said unto Arjuna, “Oh Arjuna! Dear brother, your mission is only to protect the horse. When you get to cross by the Kingdoms who opposed us in the war, out of depression and anger of losing their loved ones, they might try to battle you. Those who come to encounter you will be the young ones whose father and brothers were killed in the war by us. Try to avoid conflicts and only defend yourselves and our army and the horse. Do not harm them. Also lend a friendly hand to those young ones. Do invite them to the Yaga and establish a friendly relationship with all.”

Taking the words of King Yudhistra, Arjuna followed the horse with a happy heart. Vrishakethu, son of Karna followed his uncle in the campaign. Many Brahmins followed Arjuna as per the advice of Sage Vyasa. Citizens of Hastinapur came to the streets to get a glance of Arjuna who was shining with blazing beauty and to bless their hero. The horse, duly protected by the Generalissimo of Kuru Dynasty, Arjuna and his army, wandered freely.The horse proceeded towards north.

The horse entered the Trigartha Kingdom. Trigartha was ruled by King Suryavarman. Trigarthas fought alongside the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war. Knowing that the horse was sent by King Yudhistra, the Trigarthas tied the steed and surrounded Arjuna.

Remembering King Yudhistra’s words, Arjuna spoke, “Oh great warriors of Trigarthas, We fought against each other in the great Kurukshetra war. Your kinsmen were slain by us in the battle. You are all young and energetic. You all have got a good future to live. Forget the war. This horse was sent by King Yudhistra. He told me not to slay the Kshatriyas who us. Recollecting his words, I would like you all to accept and offer a friendly hand.”

 The Trigarthas ignored his request and came to fight with Arjuna and his army. Mounting on their chariot and drawing their excellent sword and weapons of choice, battle between Arjuna and the sons and Grandsons of the Trigarthas took place. Arjuna with his quiver at his back defended the Trigarthas. He was just cutting down the arrows that were being shot at him. He never tried to slay anyone. Or even hurt anyone.

Fierce battle occurred between Arjuna and King Suryavarman. Arjuna cut down the arrows of the King and broke his bow. Defeated by Arjuna, Suryavarman stood helpless. Meanwhile, Suryavarman’s brothers Ketuvarman and Dritvarman came there to protect their brother. They also showered arrows at Arjuna. Dritvarman’s uninterrupted showers of arrows hit Arjuna deeply on his hand and his Gandiva fell off from his hand and unable to protect himself from the arrows of Dritvarman and Ketuvarman, Arjuna fell on his chariot. Seeing Arjuna, the mighty warrior stupefied, Dritavarman laughed at him. Picking up at pace, Arjuna took his Gandiva and stood to respond to their arrows. Appreciating Dritvarman’s skills in archery, Arjuna defended himself from their arrows. Unable to stand against Arjuna, Ketuvarman fell from his chariot, wounded. Dritvarman, unable to respond to the pace at which Arjuna was showering his arrows fiercely, he grasped his breath to shoot his arrows. But even before his eyes could blink, Arjuna showered arrows at him, breaking Dritavarman’s bow and his quiver. Suryavarman, Ketuvarman and Dritvarman fled from the battlefield. Arjuna’s army killed none in the battle.

Arjuna did not chase the army. King Suryavarman accepted his defeat and let the horse free. Arjuna, lending a friendly hand to the King invited him for the event. With a great start, Arjuna and his army followed the horse which on its free will entered Pragjyotisha Kingdom.

Pragjyotisha Kingdom fought with the Kauravas in the great Kurukshetra war when the mighty Bhagadatta was the King. Bhagadatta’s son, Vajradatta was ruling Pragjyotisha after his father’s death in the war. Knowing that King Yudhistra’s horse has entered his Kingdom, he ordered to capture the horse. He declared war against Arjuna. Arjuna spoke the words of his brother and tried to pacify Vajradatta but the King ceased to listen.

“Just because my father was old, you were able to kill him. Try killing me! Battle with me and let’s see whether your old muscles are match to my young and energetic ones.”- King Vajradatta dared and summoned Arjuna for the battle.

King Vajradatta

The battle between Arjuna and the army of King Vajradatta held for four days. Like his father, King Vajradatta fought audaciously mounting on his huge elephant. While the King was shooting arrows at him, Arjuna defended them effortlessly. Seeing that there’s no end in this, Arjuna shot arrows fiercely at Vajradatta, breaking the king’s bow and also killed the elephant. The king fell down.

Arjuna, who was not intended to prison or kill the King, spoke in a warm voice, “Oh King Vajradatta! You fight just like your father. You are exceedingly magnificent and daring. Your life is important to you. You are the one who should be protecting your father’s legacy and your people. I have no rage against you. I have no intention to kill you. All we ask you is to help us in following the path of dharma.”

Accepting his defeat, Vajradatta set the horse free. Arjuna invited the king and his family and friends and the citizens of Pragjyotisha for the event which is to be held on the full moon day of the month Chaitra, next year.

Then the horse advanced to Sindhu Kingdom. Sindhu was ruled by Jayadratha who was killed by Arjuna in Kurukshetra war. He was also the husband of Dussala, sister of Kauravas and the Pandavas. Hearing that Arjuna is nearing Sindhu Kingdom, the rulers and the warriors of Sindhu Kingdom started to attack Arjuna and his army.

Arjuna conveyed King Yudhistra’s message but they disregarded it and summoned Arjuna for battle. They even captured the stallion. Arrows were shot relentlessly from both the sides. Arjuna terrified the whole army of Sindhu Kingdom with his archery skills. The mighty warriors and soldiers re-grouped and kept attacking Arjuna from all sides.

Hearing that Arjuna is fighting against Sindhu Kingdom, Dussala rushed towards the battlefield. Seeing Dussala in the battlefield, everyone ceased attacking. Arjuna descended from his chariot and preceded towards his sister.

Seeing her brother with the Gandiva, Dussala spoke, “Oh brother! This young kid is our grandson. My grandchild. Kindly bless him. He is all I’m left with. My son Suratha’s whole world was only his father. Listening to the death of his father, he was struck in grief that he gave up his life too. Spare this kid at least…for me…for the Kingdom!”

Hearing the words of Dussala, Arjuna stood disheartened. He consoled his desperate sister and spoke, “Oh sister! Don’t you worry. Your grandchild is the future of the Sindhu Kingdom. He will be safe and will be taken care of by the Pandavas.

Dussala informed to let the horse free. Blessing her and inviting the people of Sindhu Kingdom for the event, Arjuna left the Kingdom with his army and followed the stallion. All through its way, the horse crossed many Kingdoms and none challenged Arjuna, for they knew about his archery skill and about the war. The Kings welcomed Arjuna and honoured him. Arjuna invited everyone for the Yaga and followed the horse along with Vrishakethu. Brahmins sent information to King Yudhistra from every Kingdom about the campaign of Arjuna and about the Kings who have accepted to attend the great Yaga.

Manipoora Kingdom

Wandering among kingdoms and forests, the steed entered Manipoora Kingdom. The Kingdom was ruled by Vabhruvahana (also known as, Babhruvahana), son of Arjuna and Chitrangadha. On hearing the arrival of his father, delighted Vabhruvahana made arrangements to welcome him. He accompanied with a huge army went to the fringes of his Kingdom to welcome his father.

Arjuna, though he was happy to see his son, prompted Vabhruvahana saying, “Oh Vabhruvahana! Kshatriya dharma is to catch the horse and resist its further movement. How can you welcome your enemy like a weakling? You are my son. Aren’t you supposed to behave like a great warrior and resist the horse and fight against me like a mighty king? If you think you are a great warrior and you can beat Arjuna in the battle, catch the horse and come and battle with me like a King.”

Though Vabhruvahana is also a mighty warrior like Arjuna, he did not wish to battle against his father in their first meet and so, he marched back towards the Palace saying, “If I am tagged as a coward for not fighting against my father, I will accept it. It will make my father proud. It will prove my father’s power and skill and talent.”

Arjuna refused to enter the Kingdom without a fight. Ulupi (daughter of Serpent King), wife of Arjuna sensed Arjuna’s notion and went to the outskirts of the Kingdom and stopped Vabhruvahana from returning.

“Vabhruvahana! I am Ulupi. Also, your mother. I am the daughter of the Serpent King. Don’t you know your father’s mind? Your father is a great warrior and as a warrior, he likes to know how skilled and talented his son is. Being Arjuna’s son, you should not turn yourself back from a battle call like a coward. Go and fight against him. Even if your father loses to you, he will definitely be glad that he lost to his son.”

“Oh mother! What you said is correct. I will prove myself to my father that I am skilled and talented like him. As I got permission from my mother to fight against my father, I will accept the battle in hand.”- saying so, Vabhruvahana took blessings from Ulupi and rushed for a fair fight with Arjuna.

He captured the horse and summoned Arjuna for battle. Arjuna and Vabhruvahana fought against each other inexorably. Vabhruvahana showered arrows at Arjuna like heavy rain. Admiring at his son’s skill, Arjuna defended himself by cutting down those arrows.

“I got to tell you son! You do fight like skilled person. But not mighty enough to fight against a person like me, experienced and skilled! Is that all you got?”- provoking Vabhruvahana to fight more fiercely, Arjuna cut of the flag staff of Vabhruvahana with his arrow.

Arjuna then shot arrows that pierced Vabhruvahana’s suit of armor. Arjuna continued pouring powerful arrows at his son. Filled with rage, Vabhruvahana shot arrows at Arjuna. Though Arjuna defended himself from the arrows, few pierced though his body. Before Arjuna could bring his Gandiva into attacking position, Vabhruvahana shot a single arrow aiming at Arjuna’s heart. Not noticing the arrow, Arjuna showered arrows at Vabhruvahana. The arrow of Vabhruvahana pierced Arjuna’s heart directly and he fell down from his chariot. Arjuna’s showers of arrows hit Vabhruvahana badly and he also fell down, unconscious.

Hearing the news of Arjuna and Vabhruvahana lying unconscious, Ulupi and Chitrangadha ran to the place. Beholding Uloopi, Chitrangadha spoke, “See! All this happened because of you! You provoked Vabhruvahana and he fought against his father and he killed him! And also he is lying down unconscious. He came to see us after a long time and you killed him! Is this your dharma? To be responsible for your husband and son’s death.”

Holding Arjuna in her hands, she cried “Oh dear! Wake up! You can’t be dead in your own son’s hands. You are the great archer and mighty warrior ever in this world. You have to protect your Kingdom and you have a horse to be protected. Losing you, King Yudhistra won’t be happy to rule as an emperor. Kindly come back to us!”

In the meantime, regaining his conscious, Vabhruvahana stood up and tried to recall the battle. Seeing his father lying on ground and his mothers crying, Vabhruvahana too lost his senses and ran towards Arjuna and wept, “Oh God! I have killed my father! He was not even fighting seriously. He was trying to only defend and I, enraged with wrath, killed my father! I have committed a sin that can never be washed.”

Seeing Arjuna lying dead because of him, Vabhruvahana took an oath, “I can’t live in this world holding responsibility for my father’s death. I am going to sit in Prayopravesha, waiting for death.”

Looking at Vabhruvahana and Arjuna, Ulupi closed her eyes and chanted a mantra. A divine gem appeared in her hands. She placed the gem in Vabhruvahana’s hands and said, “Oh Vabhruvahana! This is the precious Sanjeevini gem. Place it in your father’s heart to revive him. Your father wished to test your skill and bravery. You haven’t killed him for he is not easy to be killed. He’s Krishna’s Partha! He only collapsed.”

Vabhruvahana did as instructed by Ulupi and in few moments, Arjuna woke up revived. Seeing Arjuna, everyone felt happy. But, Arjuna was not able to remember what happened.

Seeing Vabhruvahana, he spoke, “Son, what happened? We were battling and I hit you hard with my arrows. How are you? Are you hurt badly? Injured anywhere?”

“Father! I am fine! I am not hurt. I am happy to see you again.”- Vabhruvahana spoke with a relieved smile.

“Why are your mothers here? What are they doing in a battlefield? How and why did they enter a battlefield?”- Baffled Arjuna enquired his son.

“Ask mother!”- pointing at Ulupi, Vabhruvahana kept quiet.

Smiling at Arjuna, Ulupi explained about the battle and the consequences. She added, “The Vasuvus cursed you for killing Pithamaha by placing Sikandi in front of you. I and my father requested them to save you and so they agreed on a condition that your sin will be amended if your son kills you. Now your sin is washed away and you won’t face any hardships because of that. You regained consciousness by the power bestowed in the Sanjeevini gem of the Nagas.”

Vabhruvahana invited Arjuna to the Palace and stay with him and his mothers.
“Son, I cannot stay. I have to follow the horse. Make sure you bring your mothers and your friends and relatives to the Yaga. Inform your citizens and make arrangements for their travel too. We will have our time together in Hastinapur.”- inviting his son and wives, Arjuna followed the horse with his army.

The steed sauntered across many small tribes and dynasties and reached the ocean. Inviting everyone for the Yaga, Arjuna followed the horse. From there, the horse turned and walked towards Hastinapur.

On its way back home, the horse entered Raja Griha Kingdom. Jarasandha’s grandson, Meghasandhi was ruling the kingdom. Meghasandhi captured the horse and summoned Arjuna for battle, ignoring King Yudhistra’s request from Arjuna. Battle between the King and Arjuna went irately that Arjuna was helpless to stop it without harming the King. With no way out, Arjuna killed the steeds of the King’s chariot. He even wounded the charioteer badly and destroyed the chariot. Standing grounded, the King took his mace and raged against Arjuna. But Arjuna destroyed his mace and made him unarmed. Defeated, Meghasandhi accepted his defeat and set the horse free. He agreed for the proposal of King Yudhistra. Arjuna extended the invitation to Meghasandhi and his family and friends and continued to follow the horse.

Arjuna’s glorious journey with the horse spreads all over the world and friendly kingdoms waited for the horse while the kingdoms with grudge waited with an army to battle against Arjuna. The horse then entered the gates of Chedi Kingdom, ruled by Sisubala’s son, Sarabha. Sarabha seizes the horse but after the advice of the council members and listening to Arjuna’s extraordinary talents and pasts, he set it free and made peace with Arjuna. Then, the horse wandered through the kingdoms of Tenkana, Kosala, Kasi and Dasarnaand and the Kings accepted to King Yudhistra’s proposal. Arjuna invited every King and their citizens for the Yaga.

Then the horse, on its way entered Nishadha Kingdom which was ruled by Eklavya’s son. Though he opposed Arjuna and fought against him in the battle, he was defeated in no time and accepted the defeat. Arjuna extended a friendly hand to the King and invited him for the event.

Then the horse strolled towards the southern regions and entered the kingdoms of Mahishakas, Poundra, Dravidas, the hill men of Kolwa, Surashtras, Gokarna and Prabhasa. After defeating those who opposed and inviting all the kings who surrendered, Arjuna followed the steed that was pacing towards the magnificent city of Dwaraka!

Krishna's Dwaraka!

The Yadavas gave Arjuna a warm welcome. Inviting all the Yadava kings and their kinsmen, Arjuna followed the horse that was striding towards the western region. The stallion marched towards the Panchala Kingdom, birth place of Draupathi. A small kingdom opposed Arjuna by capturing the horse and its king, King Yavanatha summoned Arjuna for battle. Defeated in no mean time, the King accepted his defeat and gave his daughter hand in hand to Vrishakethu. From there, the horse stepped towards Gandhara Kingdom.

Sakuni’s son who was ruling Gandhara summoned Arjuna for battle. The battle was so fierce that Arjuna used his entire power in defending the arrows of the King. Filled with frenzy, Arjuna pierced the crown on the King’s head. Seeing this, the Gandhara forces fled away from the battlefield but the King never gave up. Sakuni’s wife along with the council members intervened and begged Arjuna to let the King live. Arjuna stopped fighting and saluted her. “Oh mother! King Yudhistra and I never intended to fight. All we want is dharma and peace.”

Turning towards the King, Arjuna said, “Oh mighty King, Ruler of Gandhara, as you are from the family of Matha Gandhari and also a relative to uncle Dhritarashtra, hence you are also our family. If we fight, then how will there be peace on this world? What is the use in fighting and making enemies? I don’t intend to kill you. Kindly accept King Yudhistra’s proposal and attend the event with your mother, family and friends and citizens.” Accepting Arjuna’s words, the King set the horse free.

Roaming for almost a year and with almost all the kingdoms covered, the horse paced towards Hastinapur under Arjuna and his army’s protection. King Yudhistra was informed about the triumphant voyage of the horse and Arjuna’s valour and he made arrangements for the Yaga.

On the auspicious day, as decided, King Yudhistra performed the Ashvamedha Yaga and he was established as the Emperor of the world.