Asvamedha Yaga - The Mongoose Story

On the advice of Krishna and Sage Vyasa, Yudhistra proposed to perform the Ashvamedha Yaga to re-establish the rule of dharma all over the world. The horse that was sent by Yudhistra under the protection of the Pandavas army led by Arjuna passed through many Kingdoms for over a year and was returning towards Hastinapur. The messengers informed King Yudhistra about the returning of the horse and Arjuna towards Hastinapur.

Festive city Hastinapur!

Excited on the news of his brother’s return, King Yudhistra called Bhīma and said, “Oh Bhīma, Arjuna is returning to Hastinapur with the Yaga Asva. Make arrangements to receive him grandly and also send invitations for the yaga. Maha Sudha Poornima (Full moon Day) is approaching. We’ll be performing the Ashvamedha Yaga on that day. So, invite all the kings, sages, saints, our friends and relatives and the prominent people. Make arrangements to accommodate the guests and the visitors. Make sure the accommodation is comfortable for everyone and is also up to their status. Make sure we have arrangements to feed the people who arrive for the yaga. Make sure quality and sumptuous food is served. Also make arrangements for the Yaga Sala. Take help from Nakula and Sahadeva. Also discuss with Draupathi on the decorations of the Palace and also all over the city.”

Bhīma gathered the best architects and engineers in the kingdom and made them work on the guest accommodation rooms and Yaga Sala. He also made sure everything was ready before the arrival of Arjuna and the guests. Sahadeva sent the Brahmins with gifts and treasures to invite the kings, sages and the most prominent people. Queen Draupathi personally made sure Lord Krishna is invited for the Yaga with all his wives and family.  She even sent out special invitations for Queen Rukmani, Queen Bama, Queen Jambavathi and other wives of Lord Krishna. Nakula took care of the interior decoration workings and arrangements for the guest’s rooms. The entire city was filled in festive mood, ready to welcome their beloved archer Arjuna who is returning victoriously after winning all the kingdoms. The people gave a warm welcome to all the kings and sages who visited Hastinapur to grace the Yaga. The Palace was filled with lights and the whole city was awake in nights celebrating and welcoming their friends and relatives. The lights in the city surpassed the stars in the night sky.

Draupathi welcoming Queens

King Yudhistra and Queen Draupathi personally took care of the accommodation and facilities for the guests- the Kings and the sages. People from other cities came for the Yaga. Lakhs and lakhs of people visited the city and in order make sure the people are satisfied, Bhīma and the engineers made arrangements in such a way that the dining room could accommodate 1 Lakh people at a time. Food and liquor was served uninterruptedly to both people and Kings. 

Lord Balram, Lord Krishna, Satyaki and other Yadava elders arrived for the Yaga with their family, friends and citizens of Dwaraka. King Yudhistra and Queen Draupathi welcomed them gladly and personally took care of their accommodations. 

While Krishna and Yudhistra were having conversation, a messenger sent by Arjuna came in and informed- “Oh Dharmaraja! I am here to inform you that Generalissimo Arjuna has arrived in the outskirts of Hastinapur. He will enter the city tomorrow when the Yaga Asva enters the city.”

The full moon day of the month of Chaitra arrived. The auspicious day for the Ashvamedha Yaga!! Arjuna entered the city with his wives Chitrangadha and Ulupi and son Vabhruvahana.The Yaga Asva was walking in front of him. People gathered on the sides of the streets and gave a warm welcome to Arjuna showering flowers and playing musical instruments. Arjuna entered the Yaga Sala with the horse. King Yudhistra and his brothers along with Krishna, Queen Draupathi, Subhadra and others welcomed Arjuna gratefully. Seeking blessings from Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Vidhura and Kunti, Arjuna introduced Chitrangadha and Ulupi and his son Babhruvahana to them. With the entry of the Yaga Asva near the Yaga Vatika, the Ashvamedha Yaga commenced.

Krishna in Hastinapur!

The Yaga Vatika (the arrangement where the holy fire will be lit) was built using golden bricks with each side extending 18 inches in length. It was built on the shape of Garuda (Bald Eagle). Golden poles were erected around it for adornment. 21 Oopa Stambhas (sacred wooden pole made out of the extract of several holy trees) were erected by the saints around the Yaga Vatika. To the Oopa Stambha in the middle, the Yaga Asva (the horse) was tied.

Sage Vyasa conducted the Yaga with the support of his foremost disciples while his two prominent disciples Paila and Yajnavalkya guided King Yudhistra in performing the rituals for the Ashvamedha Yaga. King Yudhistra was the Yagamana and Queen Draupathi was the Yagamana Patni. The saints lit the holy fire and the Yaga begun. All the utensils and other accessories used in performing the Yaga were made out of gold. Vedic hymns were chanted by the saints and sages assembled. Ghee and other holy materials were offered into the holy fire.As per the rituals, 300 creatures comprising different types of fishes, birds and other animals were sacrificed. Yaga was reaching the end. Queen Draupathi washed the Yaga horse in ghee and adorned it with gold jewels and ornaments. As the final act, the Yaga Asva was cut into different pieces and Queen Draupathi and King Yudhistra sacrificed it to the holy fire.  The saints, chanting Vedic mantras burnt the rest of the body parts and thus with the sacrifices, the Yaga came to its conclusion.

Sage Vyasa stood up from his place and spoke, “Oh King Yudhistra! This is a great yaga and the Yaga was completed without any interruption. You along with your wife and brothers take the holy bath and all your sins will be vanished.”

As per the advice of Sage Vyasa, King Yudhistra accompanied with his wife and brothers took holy bath and cleansed their soul and body. As it was customary, King Yudhistra and Queen Draupathi gave away wealth to the citizens and people who attended the event. The level of charity given by the king surpassed the donations given by any other kings in the world and during any other Yagas that was ever held. King Yudhistra washed the feet of the saints and sages as a sign of respect and gave one crore thousand gold coins to those saints and sages who conducted the Yaga. He distributed all the golden utensils that were made especially for the event, to the Brahmins who assisted the saints.

The entire Kingdom was given to Sage Vyasa as Bhoodhana (donating the land). Sage Vyasa was taken back at the work of King Yudhistra and spoke, “Oh Dharmaraja! What would I do with your kingdom? Kindly take it back and compensate in terms of gold.”

King Yudhistra not agreeing to it, replied- “Once donated it’s donated, Oh Sage! I can not take it back and you can not return it back.”

“Oh King! It’s my land and I can do anything with it. Consider that I am selling this land to you. Pay me in terms of gold.”- Sage Vyasa was more firm in his decision than the King.

Unable to deny his words, King Yudhistra paid one crore gold coins to Sage Vyasa and took back the kingdom. Sage Vyasa donated the money to the people and to the Brahmins. He gave the rest to King Drithirashtra, Gandhari and Kunti. They also in turn distributed the wealth to the poor and people who were needy.

King Yudhistra gave gifts to the Kings who honored the event. He honored the Kings with gold ornaments, diamonds, wine, elephants and horses. Sisubala’s wife and grandson attended the event. As Sindhu Kingdom is under King Yudhistra, he crowned the grandson of Sisubala as the King of Sindhu Kingdom.

While King Yudhistra and Queen Draupathi were donating, a mongoose came into the hall all wet and drenched. The mongoose was half gold in color and half black. With the kings seated around and King Yudhistra and Queen Draupathi was standing in the center of the hall, the mongoose spoke in a bold voice, “Oh people! Your King Yudhistra has done a marvelous job in performing the Yaga and has donated generously to you all. But, all this prosperity and grand offering are nothing but pure waste.”

Everyone was astonished to see a golden mongoose and they were astounded to see the mongoose talk.  King Yudhistra spoke, “It is not possible for a mongoose to speak in human language. Kindly tell us who you are?”

Gold Mongoose

The mongoose replied, “I am saint Jamadagni. I was cursed by my ancestors to turn into a mongoose. I begged for mercy and they said that I will get rid of my curse only if I find fault in a great person’s doings among a great assembly of men or when I turn fully gold. I will turn gold when I get to touch the water touched by a holy man. I have been travelling a long distance all through my life in search of the holy man.”

Listening to the mongoose, King Yudhistra spoke, “Oh Saint Jamadagni! Don’t take me wrongly. But the saints and great sages and even the kings and people are pleased with the Yaga. What fault is it that you found? Is it in the catering or in hospitality? Or is it in the Yaga? Or is there any fault done by me?”

“King Dharmaraja! I did not find any fault in the Yaga after all it was performed by the great Sage Vyasa and you followed what Sage Vyasa told. I stated that the charity doings is a waste as it has got no meaning. Those actions are no match to the generosity of the Brahmin Saktuprastha.”- The mongoose spoke in an impressive voice.

King Yudhistra was clueless on the words of the mongoose and so he enquired, “Could you explain us about the generosity of the Brahmin?”

The mongoose continued, “Long ago, near Kurukshetra there was famine. The famine was so terrible that people in the city didn’t even donate food to the Brahmins who live their lives on alms. I was wandering there by that time and found it hard to live. Since people were not donating food, the Brahmins lived based on the Unccha vow. Now, Unccha vow is, the Brahmins will not go to houses asking for food. Instead, they will go to the fields where the crops have been harvested. Like birds, the Brahmins will pick the left over grains for their food. And they don’t take more than what’s needed for the day. They will leave the rest for the birds. Now, imagine the left overs in the fields during famine and how much they have to work to gain that food! And to that, think about leaving food for the birds too!”

While everyone was pondering at the life of the Brahmins, the mongoose continued, “I once met a Brahmin named Saktuprastha. He along with his family was picking grains from a field. After hours of hard word, wandering all over the field, all they ended up getting was only a handful of barley grains. He has to feed his wife, his son and his daughter-in-law with that handful of grains. That’s going to be their one time meal for the whole day after a long and tiring day under the hot sun. They took it home and the wife cooked it while Saktuprastha and his son got ready for their evening prayers. After the prayer, the whole family sat together to have food.At that time, a guest came down to their house. Without eating, all four of them got up and went to welcome the guest. The family welcomes him inside, the Brahmin washes his feet and his son makes arrangements for the guest to sit and rest. This guest was not their family member but just a passerby. The guest informs that he has been walking for days and has not eaten anything. The Brahmin gives his share of food to the guest. As it was only a handful of grains divided into four, the single share didn’t satisfy the hunger of the guest and so he asks for more. The Brahmin stood helpless.

By that time, the wife came from the Kitchen and gave her share. She told her husband with a smiling face, “When the husband is helpless, it’s the duty of his wife to stand by him and help him. I’m standing by your side with your charity. A guest is equal to god and I am doing what my husband would do in my position.”

The guest was not satisfied with that amount too and so he asked for more. The son came with his share of food and gave to his father and said, “I am a replica of my father, right father? As a son, it’s my responsibility to remove the troubles of my father. Hence give my share too.”

Proud of his son’s activity, the Brahmin gave the food to the guest. Still not satisfied, the guest asked for more. All that’s left is only the daughter-in-law’s share. And she came with her share too. “Oh dear! You are young women. Without proper food you have already lost your health. You were already hungry and now you are giving your share too!” The daughter-in-law smiled and spoke in a respectful voice, “Oh Uncle! I am a member of this family too! And it’s my responsibility to take care of the family’s pride. As long as I hold breath in me, I will live up to my best to take care of the family traditions and will help the family at all cost. Kindly offer my share to the guest and satisfy his hunger.”

The guest was satisfied after having the food. While Saktuprastha was waiting to be of more service to the guest, the guest smiled and re-appeared in front of them as Lord Dharma. Pleased with the behavior of the Brahmin and his family,Lord Dharma spoke, “Oh Saktuprastha! I am very much satisfied at the generosity of your family members. The humbleness and devotion that you and your family members have towards guests is substantial. Hunger is worst of all. It will destroy your senses and decision making. It induces desire. You and your family members conquered both hunger and desire. All of you have abandoned desire and anger. I invite you, your wife, son and daughter in law to heaven.”

While he was speaking, a divine craft arrived in front of their house. Lord Dharma spoke, “That’s the divine ride from Brahma Lok,Saktuprastha. All of you are being welcomed by Lord Brahma himself to his world. Giving part of your wealth is not charity but giving without sparing anything is. And you proved it to the world again. Kindly board the car and reach for heaven.” Accordingly, Saktuprastha and his family members climbed the craft and left for heaven.”

The mongoose continued in a solemn tone, “Oh Dharmaraja! I watched it from the hole in their house’s wall. I saw the water that the Brahmin used to wash the feet of Lord Dharma. I fell in that water and astonishingly, the side that touched the water turned to gold.  The water was pure and divine not because it was used to wash Lord Dharma’s feet but because it was touched by the Brahmin. The water dried so soon that I was left with half body turned gold. After that I have been to many places, Yagas and temples. I went in search of such kind act or equally great heart. And sadly I haven’t seen one yet. I heard of your Ashvamedha Yaga and so I came here hoping to turn myself fully into gold. I was drenching myself with the waters that you used to wash the feet of the saints and sages and Kings. But I am still the same!”

Everyone assembled there were in sheer silence while the mongoose glimpsed at Krishna who was smiling at him and continued, “Tell me, Oh King! Are you really satisfied with the Yaga? Are you really sure that your sins are washed away because of the charity done by you? If the sin of killing people in the war is washed away through this Yaga then what about the sin you have done in killing 300 plus creatures for this Yaga? Will that killing be accepted as sacrifice or sin? It’s not in the quantity of what he gives but isn’t it in the quality of his heart when he gives, right? Without any expectations. Performing Yagas to wash your sins, do you think it will satisfy Lord Dharma? Taking a holy dip in Ganga is said to wash away the sins but in real, does it wash away the desires from the heart? With a heart which desires for something every time, there’s always a sin that the soul is attached to. Should we then work to wash away our sins or our desires? Thinking that way, I believe, your Ashvamedha Yaga and the donations are no match to Saktuprastha’s charity.”

While King Yudhistra was thinking about his acts and the words of mongoose, the mongoose disappears. The Pandavas and other Kings stood speechless as they have performed various Yagas in the past.

Pondered with questions, King Yudhistra spoke, “Why would Saint Jamadagni say something like that? Kings perform Yagas. It’s an act of washing away the sins. That’s what the rituals say and it’s been followed for years. Even Sages have accepted that. By performing Yagas, the Kings attain moksha. Same way, we too performed the Ashvamedha Yaga. Why would Saint Jamadagni blame me and the Yaga? What is the reason that I fail to see?”

Krishna who was standing nearby watching all this came close to the King and spoke, “Oh Dharmaraja! There’s no wrong in the way you performed the Yaga. You have done it as per the guidance of Sage Vyasa and he has performed it as per the rituals. In fact, your Yaga is equal to the Yaga performed by Lord Indra himself. You follow dharma. But you failed to notice one thing. In the Yaga, of course, as per the ritual act, you sacrificed many animals including the Yaga horse. That’s also killing a life, right? That is also violence then, right? Being merciful towards a soul is a divine act than performing Yaga and sacrificing animals for a selfish act of washing our sins. Even a Yaga without sacrifices is considered more powerful than a Yaga performed with sacrifices. It’s all in the end, being merciful to a soul. Showing kindness to all. We can satisfy god only by showing kindness and love towards souls. A Yaga is considered glorious only when it is performed for the welfare of every soul on earth, without any self-expectations and without violence. So, as per the words of Saint Jamadagni your Yaga was against these qualities and so his curse was lifted and so he disappeared. Saatvika Yaga (without killing any soul) has more glory attached to it than the Ashvamedha Yaga. And, we can’t refute it!”

Everyone nodded in acceptance to Krishna’s words. “If that’s the case, then what can we sacrifice in Yaga? It’s customary to sacrifice in the Yaga, right? We have to please the devas, right?”- King Yudhistra placed his question in front of Krishna.

Smiling at Yudhistra, Krishna spoke, “Oh King! If it’s customary to sacrifice, why not replace those animals with seeds or grains? Even seeds have got soul inside it, right? To god, a soul inside a seed and a soul inside an animal and a soul inside a human are one and the same!”

“But Govindha, Saint Jamadagni said that the donations have no meaning to it. Why would he say like that? Isn’t charity the best dharma to be followed in life?”- asked Queen Draupathi.

“Oh Draupathi! He meant that your dharma is no match to the Brahmin’s act of dharma. It’s just that donating in sumptuous quantity expecting something is of no value compared to the act of giving a handful of food to someone when that’s all you got and also without expecting anything in return. The Brahmin didn’t expect anything. Anything with an act of love without any motive is more appreciated. The greatness of donating is in the act of generosity found in the heart of the donor.”

Understanding the meaning of charity and dharma, King Yudhistra and Draupathi realized the importance of donating and Yaga. King Yudhistra without any motive gave back the Kingdoms won by them after the war, to the respective heirs of the Kings and princes who died in the war. He crowned them Kings and gave back their lands. And he also gave back the wealth that was acquired by Arjuna and his army during the last one year from those who didn’t extend a friendly hand while the horse roamed in their Kingdom. He donated wealth to people for days.

Sage Vyasa blessing Yudhistra

Blessing the Pandavas and Queen Draupathi, Sage Vyasa and his disciples left to the forest. The Kings returned to their Kingdoms with huge elephants carrying the gifts given to them by King Yudhistra. He then gave donations to people in terms of land, cows, ornaments, clothes and food grains in carts. People and the Kings were pleased and praised King Yudhistra for his generosity. King Yudhistra honored King Balram and Krishna with valuable gifts and their queens with ornaments and gems. He also honored Satyaki and the other Yadavas with sumptuous gifts. Seeking blessing from King Drithirashtra, Gandhari and Kunti and blessing the Pandavas and Draupathi, Krishna and Balram proceeded towards Dwaraka with their Queens and Yadava clan. With the Ashvamedha Yaga, King Yudhistra became the emperor of the great nation and dharma was thus sustained. 

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.