Rejoicing and cheering aloud, the victorious Pandavas returned to their camp where Draupathi and all others were waiting to join them for the celebration. Untethering their steeds, the warriors entered their bivouac to celebrate.
Arjuna, on the advice of Krishna,
descended from the chariot first with his Gandiva and inexhaustible
quiver. As soon as Krishna dismounted the chariot and steeped back, the mighty
ape in the banner disappeared and the celestial chariot, along with the steeds
reduced into ashes in a wink. Witnessing the bizarre blaze and ashes, stunned
and confused Arjuna enquired – “Krishna, from where the blazing fire came and
why has the chariot turned into ash?”
Smiling at Arjuna, with eyes on the
ash, Krishna replied – “This chariot of yours has received attacks from
diversified weapons from various warriors, including Pithamaha, Dronacharya,
Karna, Bhagadatta and many foremost warriors. Only because I was on the
chariot, though consumed by the force of the celestial weapons, the chariot
remained unaffected. With me abandoning the reins for your objective has been
accomplished, the chariot has reduced into ashes because of the power of the
astras.”
Turning towards the Sons of Pandu,
Krishna said –“With the victory, the king and the queen should stay out of the
bivouac tonight, for auspicious reason. Let us camp by the stream of river
Oghavati and perform sacred yaga to free the souls from the sins caused by the
battle and remain there for whole night.”
With Krishna’s words, everyone
returned to their respective tents and refreshed before leaving to the bank of
River Oghavati for their night stay. King Yudhistra, afraid of Gandhari’s wrath
on them while reaching Hastinapur, said unto Krishna – “Krishna, with the death
of her sons, Mother Gandhari will be angry on us. And, knowing that Duryodhana
has been vanquished unfairly, one look of her would kill us all. This victory
has brought no peace to us. I am afraid of how to face Queen Gandhari and the
King, after being responsible for the death of all their sons. Before we leave
for Hastinapur, I would request you to visit Hastinapur and comfort her. Pacify
her for she will be endured with pain, depression and anger. Except you, there
is none who can understand a distressed heart.”
Hearing the words of King Yudhistra,
Krishna replied –“You all leave to the bank of the river while I will visit
Hastinapur.” Summoning Daruka, Krishna made sure his chariot is preparedto
visit the Palace of Hastinapur.
While Krishna proceeded to Hastinapur,
King Yudhistra, his brothers and Draupathi left for the bank of River Oghavati.
Reaching the Palace gates of Hastinapur, Krishna descended from the chariot and
entered the Palace. Knowing that Krishna is in the Palace, raged Gandhari
rushed towards the corridor. Seeing Krishna walking towards her, Gandhari
possessed of ascetic virtues, burnt Krishna with her rage and anger, through
her blindfolded eyes. With her anger and scorching words of agony turning into
fire, Gandhari began to burn Krishna with blazing flames.
Krishna, standing serene and
unaffected, received the wrath and pain of Gandhari. Moments later, with her
wrath reduced, exhausted Gandhari fell on the floor and cried thinking she had
killed Krishna, while the King, Vidhura and Adhiratha rushed to the corridor
along with Kunti and Gandhari’s maids. Embracing Gandhari, Krishna spoke softly
– “Fear not for you have placed your agony and anger in my heart. Destiny is
supreme of all and none can question it. You know that this is the destined
future of your sons. Do not set your heart in agony.”
Gandhari, remembering her ill-fate and
the death of her hundred sons, began to weep. Krishna, understanding the pain
of Gandhari comforted her and the weeping King who cried for being responsible
for the death of his own sons. Pacifying Gandhari, Krishna along with the King
and the people assembled there went to the courtroom.
Meanwhile,
hearing about the defeat of Duryodhana while the Pandava warriors looted the
Kaurava camp, Aswathama, Krpacharya and Kritavarman rushed to the bank of the
lake where Duryodhana was lying alone, with broken thigh and pain. Beholding
the trio, Duryodhana, filled with happiness, said unto them –“Blessed I am to
have you all by my side. My life has passed in happiness and wealth, surrounded
by my friends, kin, family and well-wishers. As a true Kshatriya, I am dying in
the battlefield and will be joining the foremost warriors, Karna, my son, my
brothers and all those who fought by my side. Do convey to the King and to my
mother that I am dying with peace and delighted to join my brothers and my
son.”
Unable
to tolerate the injustice done to his friend, filled with wrath, Aswathama
addressed in voice filled with tear and anger – “Duryodhana, all they have done
in this battle in the name of dharma are all unfair! They tricked my father and
murdered him; they cheated to slay Pithamaha and behaved like spineless
creatures when they killed Karna! And, ceasing not, they have now vanquished
you, in an unfair manner. Grant me permission and I will slay every single soul
left alive in the Pandava army. The victory will be yours!”
Meanwhile,
in Hastinapur, Krishna said unto the King – “King, the Pandavas strived to
prevent war but, out of greed and falling for the tricks of King Saguni, you
and your son have led to the destruction of the Kshatriyas and your kin and
friends. You know that this war is a result of your fault for you did not
persuade Duryodhana from childhood to go in peace with the Pandavas. It is all
but the effects of time. What else we can say? Knowing all this, I hope you have
no hard feelings towards the sons of Pandu. Worrying about you and Gandhari,
King Yudhistra is unable to attain peace. You know how truthful he was to you
even when he was cheated. So were his brothers.”
Turning towards Gandhari, he
continued-“Matha Gandhari, you were aware of this in the past. You even warned
Duryodhana. Knowing all this, I request you to have a steady heart to embrace
the truth and the agony in it. Do not set your heart for the destruction of
Draupathi or the Pandavas. You know of the rudeness Draupathi faced in the
court.”
Gandhari, with eyes on the ground,
replied –“Krishna, I know this will happen. Where there is integrity, there is
victory. As a mother who lost all her sons, I fell into the world of agony and
my heart was filled with grief. With my anger reduced now, I can think clearly.
Only the pain of loss is left in my heart.”
In
the meantime, hearing the words of Aswathama, Krpacharya said –“Aswathama, hear
to what I say. The battle is over. The sons of Pandu crushed our 11
Akshauhinis. We three are no match to them. They have Krishna by their side. Moreover,
the night has set in. It is not fair to fight in the night. Let us retire to Hastinapur
first. Let us discuss with the King and Vidhura and proceed with what they say.
This war is theirs now. We have to get their orders.”
Raged
on hearing the genuine words of Krpacharya, Aswathama replied –“Duryodhana has
always been and will be my King. I take orders from him. Listen to the sounds
of the Panchala warriors! They are cheering over a victory achieved
unethically. I am not going to invite them for the battle. I am going to enter
their camp and slay everyone while they are asleep. I am going to assault them
along with their dream of seeing the tomorrow. Just like how they unfairly
attained victory, same way, I am going to snatch it from them, for Duryodhana.”
Filled
with regret, Krpacharya said –“Your heart is also set in reprisal, just like
Duryodhana’s. Men are controlled by destiny and no force on this earth can
change its course. As vowed to Duryodhana, before the battle, Kritavarman and I
too shall join you in this vengeance act of yours.”
Aswathama
roared in glee – “By tonight, the remnant Pandava warriors too will be
annihilated!”
Delighted
in hearing Aswathama’s words, Duryodhana said –“On a King’s command, a Brahmana
can battle! Krpacharya, get me a pot of water from this lake! Make Aswathama as
the generalissimo of the Kaurava army. Aswathama will get me the victory I
desire. And also, the one I desire the most – ‘The death of the Pandavas’!”
Meanwhile,
Krishna who was in Hastinapur came to know about the evil plan of Aswathama.
Rising from his seat swiftly, he addressed the astounded King and everyone
assembled –“I will take my leave. Aswathama has set up an evil plan to destroy
the Pandavas deceitfully! I shall go and warn the Pandavas and stop Aswathama!”
“Hurry,
Krishna! Go and save them before Aswathama does anything terrible!” – cautioned
Vidhura and the King.
Gesturing
in acceptance, Krishna rushed in his chariot to see the Pandavas. Meanwhile,
Aswathama, Krpacharya and Kritavarman reached the gates of the Pandavas’ camp. Witnessing
the warriors sleeping intrepidly, with Kritavarman and Krpacharya guarding the
gate Aswathama breached into his foe’s camp and entered the bivouac of
Dhrishtadyumna swiftly like a serpent. Standing near the bed of the
generalissimo, Aswathama kicked him. Startled Dhrishtadyumna noticed Aswathama
standing next to him with his wide open eyes. Aswathama pressed the throat of
the Panchala Prince before he could shout or reach to his sword next to his
bed.
 |
| Aswathama...all set to crush the Pandavas! |
Thus
slaying Dhrishtadyumna, Aswathama proceeded to the next bivouac of the Panchala
princes, ignoring the cries of the Panchala women. Hearing the wails of the
wives of Dhrishtadyumna, the warriors rushed to the tent of their generalissimo
with swords, but unarmored. Entering the next bivouac, he slew Prince Uttamauja
who was asleep. Hearing the moaning of Uttamauja, Prince Yudhamanyu rushed
against Aswathama with a mace in hand. Seizing the uplifted mace in his hand,
Aswathama assaulted Yudhamanyu and slew him with his sword in a flash and slew
the chariot warriors and Kshatriyas of the Panchala army. Though the camp is
awake, they were unaware of who is attacking them and where he is. Unarmored
and with their choice of weapons in hand, everyone rushed looking for the
silent assailant.
Entering
the camp of the Sons of Pandu, Aswathama witnessed the sons of Draupathi
standing armed. Though his most expected Pandavas were not there, desirous of
slaying the young princes, Aswathama struck Prathivindhya with his word in the
abdomen. Pierced, the prince fell lifeless. Cutting off the hands of Sutasoma
in a swing, Aswathama pressed his sword into the chest of the prince at which
the prince too fell dead. Beheading the rushing Satanika, and hitting the
forehead of Srutakarma with his sword’s handgrip, Aswathama slew those two
warriors in a wink. Beheading the remnant Srutakirthi
without taking any hit, Aswathama rushed against Sikandi and the Prabhadrakas
who came rushing into the bivouac, with a desire of saving the princes.
Receiving
the warriors with a smile, swinging the blood drenched sword of his, Aswathama
rushed against Sikandi with rage. Pressing his sword into the abdomen of
Sikandi, he detached it back from her abdomen with a twist. Sikandi fell
lifeless. Smiling at the dead Panchala warrior, Aswathama then slew the remnant Panchala warriors. Exterminating the Panchala
princes, the grandsons of King Drupada and the remnant Kshatriya warriors of
the Panchala army with his sword, he rushed to his chariot. Ascending his
chariot and with bow in his hand, Aswathama exterminated the followers of King
Virata. Slaying every single warrior he is opposed, Aswathama consumed the
remnant Pandava warriors like a blazing forest fire. Those who tried to flee
from the wrath of Aswathama were slain by Kritavarman and Krpacharya at the
gate. With the death of the last single soldier and warrior of the Pandavas and
with no sign of the Sons of Pandu, they set fire to the bivouacs and returned
to their King.
Beholding
Aswathama tainted in blood, Duryodhana, with a cheered heart, enquired about
the attack. With delight, holding his sword in his hand, Aswathama replied –
“Look at my sword, Duryodhana! This sword is drenched with the blood of the
Panchala princes and the Sons of Draupathi. All of them are slain! The Pandavas
are now childless. Those five brothers have no reason to celebrate anymore!
Victory is yours now. The moment they witness the way their sons lying
lifeless, they will die out of pain.”
Gladdened
on hearing the words of Aswathama, gathering all his energy, Duryodhana replied
– “Aswathama, you achieved what Pithamaha, Karna and Dronacharya failed to
accomplish. I am delighted to hear about
the death of Dhrishtadyumna and Sikandi. I thank you all for achieving this
mighty feat, for my sake. May god fill your life with all the wealth and grace.
Now, I can die peacefully. We all will get to meet again. Thank you for your
efforts and support.”
Saying
so, Duryodhana rested his head on the sand and became silent while Aswathama
stood crying at his friend’s condition. Surrounded by the remnant three
warriors of his army, Duryodhana breathed his last, with peace and delight.
Meanwhile,
Dhrishtadyumna’s charioteer rushed to the banks of Oghavati and informed King
Yudhistra and his brothers about the massacre in the Pandavas’ camp. Riding in
their chariot, everyone returned to their camp with a heavy heart. Witnessing
her sons lying dead, Draupathi fell on the ground and wept. King Yudhistra sat
on the ground and with voice choked in sorrow, he uttered – “Duryodhana is
victorious again! We got the whole world but yet, this battle is won by
Duryodhana now! After slaying the foremost warriors of Kuru family, our
friends, kin, brothers and well –wishers, in the end, we got vanquished!”
Weeping
aloud, Draupathi addressed to her husbands – “My sons are dead as a result of
the vengeance Duryodhana and Aswathama have on you five. If Aswathama is not
punished for what he has done I will enter the pyre and reach heaven along with
my sons!”
Filled with wrath, Bhīma,
on hearing the words of Draupathi, rushed to his chariot with his mace in hand.
With Nakula driving the chariot, the brothers with their weapons in their hand,
rushed looking for Aswathama.
Aswathama, beholding the Pandavas rushing towards him, he, with the desire of slaying the five brothers, invoked the destructive Brahmasthira, commanding it to destroy the sons of Pandu. Stupefied at the act of Aswathama, the brothers stood terrified for they know that there is no Astra that can nullify Brahmasthra. Arjuna, with a desire of saving the lives on earth, including Aswathama, invoked the Brahmasthra, commanding it –“Let the Brahmasthra of mine neutralize the Brahmasthra of Aswathama’s.”
Rushing in his chariot to the spot and
witnessing the two Brahmasthira’s forming on the sky with an intention
to scorch the world, Krishna shouted – “What have you both done? Arjuna, what
is this foolish act of yours? How can a Brahmasthra be an answer for a
Brahmasthra? Are you not aware that this world will not be able to handle
the wrath of even one Brahmasthra? How can you invoke it?”
Aswathama, beholding the Pandavas rushing towards him, he, with the desire of slaying the five brothers, invoked the destructive Brahmasthira, commanding it to destroy the sons of Pandu. Stupefied at the act of Aswathama, the brothers stood terrified for they know that there is no Astra that can nullify Brahmasthra. Arjuna, with a desire of saving the lives on earth, including Aswathama, invoked the Brahmasthra, commanding it –“Let the Brahmasthra of mine neutralize the Brahmasthra of Aswathama’s.”
 |
| Brahmastras...forming to crush the world! |
On the words of Krishna, Arjuna
quickly withdrew his Brahmasthra. With joined hands, he said – “Krishna, I invoked it
only to neutralize Aswathama’s Astra. He slew our sons. All we have now is
Abhimanyu’s child in the womb of Uttara. Aswathama’s Astra will definitely
consume all of us.”
Krishna intended to pacify Aswathama. Aswathama,
with fear and rage responded – “The sons of Pandu deceived and cheated sinfully
to win this battle. They cheated to slay Pithamaha, my father, Karna and above
all, Duryodhana! I will not withdraw the Astra. This Astra is invoked for the
destruction of the Pandavas and it will happen.”
Since the Brahmasthra is born
out of Lord Brahma’s energy, only a person with clean soul can withdraw it.
Aswathama feared that the Brahmasthra might slay him if he withdraws it.
Sensing the fear of Aswathama, Krishna replied – “Aswathama, do not engage in
any sinful act. Withdraw the weapon and save yourself. The sons of Pandu will
forgive you.”
Meanwhile, distressed Sage Vyasa reached
there. Failing to pacify Aswathama, he said –“Aswathama, give the gem in your
head that prevents you from getting old and sick. The Pandavas will let you
live.”
Aswathama, taking Sage Vyasa’s words
as a command, responded – “You want the sons of Pandu to live! I will let them
live, for your words and for the sake of Hastinapur. But, the Brahmasthra will
slay the child in the womb of Uttara. The Sons of Pandu too should enjoy the
fruits of their sinful cheatings in the war. They should stand uprooted like
how they did to Duryodhana. I command my Astra to slay the child of Abhimanyu.”
Saying so, Aswathama removed the gem
in his forehead and gave it to Sage Vyasa as the Astra penetrated the womb of
Uttara. Arjuna with kneels on the ground, begged Krishna to save Utthara and the womb.
Raged on the sinful act of Aswathama,
Krishna yelled – “Aswathama, you sinfully souled one! You desired to slay even
an unborn child! There is no forgiveness for those who slay a child. For your
act of rashness, I curse you to wander on this earth without any companion. You
immortal will long for death but death will never be at your doorstep until the
end of this Yuga. Your body will be the abode of all the diseases and unable to
be treated, you will carry them and roam in the forest, searching for death.
Also, listen to these words of mine: Your Astra will slay the foetus. But, it
will live again and will be called as Parikshit. He will be well versed in all the
Vedas,
he will be an expert in handling diversified weapons and observing all
Kshatriya duties, he will rule as a righteous King, in front of your eyes.”
Aswathama cheerlessly proceeded to the
forest after bowing to Sage Vyasa and Krishna. Rushing to the camp with the
gem, Krishna and the sons of Pandu witnessed Princess Uttara lying unconscious,
receiving the disastrous and brutal effects of Aswathama’s Brahmasthra.
Krishna, standing next to the
Princess, said – “If I have lived by following the Brahmana duties and never
lied to anyone, by the power and purity of my soul, I request the son of
Abhimanyu to be alive and be in full health. Let the kid be revived and live
gloriously.”
On the words of Krishna, Uttara
regained her conscious. Turning to Draupathi, Bhīma
gave the gem of Aswathama and explained everything, saying– “Aswathama is
defeated. This gem is yours now. We set him free on the request of Sage Vyasa,
Krishna and also for that he is a Brahmana.”
Witnessing the Pandavas and Draupathi
struck with grief, spiritually motivating them, Krishna addressed – “Do not
dwell in the past. Consider it as the act of destiny and look at the present
which is in your hands, waiting for a fresh start. The future’s welfare and
happiness is in your spiritual strength and courage.”
No comments:
Post a Comment