Ashramvasika Parva

          Fifteen years have passed after the epic Kurukshetra war. Yudhistra was ruling Hastinapur under the guidance of Dritharashtra and Vidhura. Gandhari and Kunti were the Rajamatha of Hastinapur. Equanimity prevailed under King Yudhistra’s rule. 

         

Though the days passed with discerning and working on the welfare of the people of Hastinapur and discussing about the same with Yudhistra, the nights were disturbing and sleepless for Dritharashtra. The thought that he was responsible for the war and for the death of his sons made him depressed and miserable. Gandhari's loneliness and silence killed her from inside, thinking of her son's fate and her inability. Making sure that Hastinapur is wealthy and that Yudhistra is ruling generously, Dhritarashtra decided to abdicate Hastinapur and pursue sanyasa and live the rest of his life among the woods. On hearing Dhritarashtra’s decision, Gandhari, Kunti, Vidhura and Sanjaya too decided to accompany him. Yudhistra pleaded Dhritarashtra to stay in Hastinapur but Sage Vyasa who was present in Hastinapur convinced Yudhistra to allow them to proceed with their decision for it will be the only thing that will bring peace to them.

          Arrangements were made to send off Dhritarashtra and his accompanies. Before leaving the palace, Dhritarashtra met Yudhistra and his brothers and gave advice on how to rule compassionately and also about the traditions of Kuru that’s been followed for generations. Before leaving the palace, in front of the people of Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra apologized for supporting his son and for not thinking about the welfare of the people and also for being responsible for the death of the men of the families in the war. Dhritarashtra accompanied by Gandhari and Vidhura donated food and money to the people in memory of Pithamaha Bhishma, Dronacharya and his sons. With a heavy heart, the Pandavas and the people of Hastinapur bid farewell to Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti, Vidhura and Sanjaya.

          Tagging along with Sage Vyasa and his disciples, Dhritarashtra and his associates reached the banks of Bhagirathi where Satayapu, the former king of Kekeyas lives in his hermitage. Satayapu preached Dhritarashtra on how to live the life of sanyasa and to perform severe austerities. Dhritarashtra performed severe austerities to liberate himself from his sins of being selfish and for being responsible for the death of innocent men in the war. One year passed by and the Pandavas, accompanied by Draupathi, Subhadra, Uththara and Parikshit set out to the forest and visited the hermit of Satayapu where Dhritarashtra was living. In their reunion, Yudhistra and others noticed that Vidhura was missing.

          Worried, Yudhistra enquired, “Uncle Dhritarashtra, Where is uncle Vidhura? Is he not living with you all?”

          Listening to Yudhistra’s concerned voice, Dhritarashtra replied, “Son, Vidhura is not living with us. All his life Vidhura was always walking on the path of Dharma. The sages sometimes see him wandering alone deep inside the forest. Sometimes they say Vidhura was with the Brahmins doing penance. I have heard them saying that Vidhura has faded in health and he roams naked and is covered with dirt. He hardly utters a word to anyone.”

          They spent their time in the bank of river Bhagirathi. Yudhistra and others knew that Dhritarashtra and his associates will be moving to Himalayas sooner and so with a heavy heart, they left the elderlies of the Kuru dynasty. 

          Vidhura was the first to embrace moksha in Yogic trance. Two years have passed after reaching the hermitage of Satayapu. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari undertook severe austerities. Kunti and Sanjaya helped the old couple by assisting them in their daily activities. Dhritarashtra’s severe penance pleased the gods. Sage Naradha met Dhritarashtra and spoke, “Dhritarashtra! The gods are pleased on your penance. You are forgiven for your sins. Two more years and you all will leave this world with peace in your heart.

          Listening to Naradha’s words, Dhritarashtra was pleased. Satisfied, he conveyed his conversation with Sage Naradha to Gandhari. Accompanied by Gandhari, Kunti and Sanjaya, Dhritarashtra left for their final journey towards the Himalayas. While they were staying in Gangadhwara, Dhritarashtra, along with Gandhari and Kunti attained moksha while they were engulfed by the fire started from the ritual fire they were holding to. Sanjaya walked alone for the rest of his final journey and reached the upper Himalayas and lived there till he embraced death to reach heaven. 

          Two years have passed after visiting Dhritarashtra and his associates. Yudhistra was not aware of their death. Sage Naradha visited Hastinapur to convey the message and console the Pandavas.  The Pandavas were surprised on the unexpected visit of Sage Naradha. They welcomed him with respect. Yudhistra, with all due respect, spoke, “It’s been a long time since your last visit to Hastinapur. What can I do for you? Where have you been recently?”

          Sage Naradha spoke in a concerned voice, “Yudhistra! It’s been years since we have met. I was roving through various holy places in and around Ganga.”

          Listening to Sage Naradha speaking about Ganga, Yudhistra was impelled. “You were near river Ganga? Few of my known people informed me that Uncle Dhritarashtra was doing penance near River Ganga. Did you get to meet our mother, uncles and aunt? Did you see Uncle Vidhura with them? And also Uncle Sanjaya!”

          Sage Naradha was silent for a moment and replied, “Yudhistra, listen to me with a serene mind. Vidhura attained moksha when they were living in the hermitage of Satayapu. Your uncle Dhritarashtra, aunt Gandhari and mother Kunti was accompanied by Sanjaya for their journey towards the Himalayas. Your uncle and aunt did severe penance. Your mother took care of them. She assisted them in all their activities. Sanjaya too did severe austerities. All four of them did severe penance to please the god. While they were living in Gangadhwara, your uncle started living life just by breathing. Your aunt Gandhari lived only by consuming water. Your mother and Sanjaya ate only once in a month. I hope you all remember the ritual fire that your uncle was holding to from the day of his wedding. He carried the same fire to the forests and also worshiped it every day. One day, the winds blew strongly that the ritual fire that was left unattended engulfed the hermitage. Sanjaya tried to rescue your mother, uncle and aunt but they refused. They said that they would gladly accept the death for they know that this is their end and asked Sanjaya to continue without them. They went into yogic trance on the advice of Sanjaya to control their senses so that they would not feel the pain. Your mother along with your uncle and aunt embraced death and attained moksha when the fire consumed them. Sanjaya who was helpless and distressed described to the Brahmins he met about what happened to the King and the Queen and he walked towards the upper Himalayas with other sages and did penance there till he embraced death.”

          The Pandavas and Draupathi were all distressed on hearing the tragic end of their mother, the king and the queen. Engrossed in pain and sorrow on the death of their mother, uncles and aunt, Yudhistra cried, “How sad and troubled is human life! My mother, who is supposed to enjoy all the wealth and watch her sons ruling Hastinapur as a King, chose to go to forest and live her life like how we lived during the period of exile. With five sons alive, she met her end in this way, without any of us nearby. My uncle! He is… he is strong like iron and has the power of thousand elephants in his muscles even in his old age. My uncle was the ruler of Hastinapur, the king who ruled Hastinapur big-heartedly. He also died in a fire when he was supposed to live peacefully in the palace. And, my aunt Gandhari! She gave birth to hundred daring sons and yet she died helplessly. All of them are supposed to enjoy the winds of the Hastinapur from the palace garden and live their life among the people relishing the happiness of their citizens and their sons. I should not have let them leave the palace. I should have stopped them by all means possible.”

          Hearing to Yudhistra’s words, Sage Naradha consoled him and spoke in a concerned voice, “Yudhistra! They embraced death with open arms. The ritual fire that one worshiped every day should be the one used on their funeral pyre too. The funeral pyre of the person will be lit using the same fire. The fire started from the ritual fire that your uncle carried all through his life. Their funeral fire was the same fire he worshiped. This means that they have met natural death. Perform their last rites so that the souls can reach heaven with peace.”

          The news of the death of the old king and the queens spread all over Hastinapur and the people too grieved for the loss. Accompanied by Draupathi, Uththara, Subhadra, Yuyutsu and Parikshit, the Pandavas proceeded to the shores of River Ganga and performed the last rituals for the departed souls. Yuyutsu performed the last rites for his father. Then, they gave offerings to the Brahmins as a customary ritual and returned to Hastinapur after performing the ritual rites…hoping that the souls will find peace at least in heaven!

Pandavas in Hastinapur!

         

Hastinapur!!!

          With the epic Kurukshetra war ending finally, the Pandavas along with Krishna, Draupathi, Subhadra, Uththirai, Satyaki, Yuyutsu, Krpacharya and Kritavarman returned to Hastinapur with a heavy heart. There was no smile of victory. In fact, the smiles were turned as the base for a painful, regretful and contrite memory that’s going to say that this throne is not worth to sit after taking so many lives. Even the Pandavas had their heads lowered signifying that than their surviving, death of the warriors in the war has taught them more about life and dharma. The entire city was filled with cries of women who lost their loved ones. The elderly people cried on the loss of their son. Not knowing why their mom is crying, the kids were sitting in front of their houses with a sad face waiting for their father. Unable to face them, Draupathi and the Pandavas with their head lowered, walked towards the palace in serene silence, with no answers for the questions asked by the kids or the crying wives. Sage Vyasa came to Hastinapur knowing the arrival of the Pandavas. King Drithirashtra, Vidhura, Sanjaya, Gandhari and Kunti were informed about the arrival of the Pandavas to Hastinapur. King Drithirashtra and Queen Gandhari who were weeping on the loss of their sons, did not wish to see or even welcome the ones who were responsible for the death of their sons.

        Vidhura spoke in a soft and concerned voice, “Brother! Listen to me, please. What’s done cannot be undone. It’s must for the King and the Queen of the lost Kingdom to welcome the new King who has won in the battle. The new King has even got rights to arrest or even to punish you both even before he is sworn as the King. So, kindly listen to my words and welcome Yudhistra and his brothers.”

King Drithirashtra who was with full of rage on Bhīma spoke,” Oh! They have rights to punish me! Do you think their killing or punishing me is going to affect me more than what they have done to me? Vidhura, they have killed my hundred sons! Not one or two...but hundred! And my grandsons. It’s all because of them now we are left alone in this world. Even after having hundred sons! How do they expect me to welcome them with a big smile and a happy heart when they have killed all my sons and grandsons? Just because dharma and Krishna is on their side, does it mean that they have the guts to look at a father’s eyes and say to him that they have returned after killing his sons? Is that why I should welcome them? No! I don’t want to even see them. I don’t want to see their faces. But, yes, I will go and welcome them. I have to see Bhīma. The one person I would love to meet will be Bhīma. I will welcome him and hug him when he asks for apology. And will crush him to death while he is within my arms.  I, the King, though I am older, do have the strength of thousands of elephants in my arms. And my heart is full of rage to kill that Bhīma. I will definitely kill that Bhīma for killing my hundred sons. Sorry Kunti, but as a father, I have to kill the person responsible for the death of my sons.” Saying so, King Drithirashtra left the room to avenge Bhīma.

"King Yudhistra, I forgive you!"

Kunti who is supposed to welcome the Pandavas did not go to the palace doors to welcome them as she stayed alongside Gandhari to share her grief. She didn’t even try to warn the Pandavas or Krishna about the plan of King Drithirashtra, understanding their loss and pain. The Pandavas were welcomed by King Drithirashtra, Vidhura and Sanjaya at the Palace entrance. Yudhistra and his four brothers seeks apology from King Drithirashtra for the death of Duryodhana and his brothers. He embraced all of them with a smiling face. Bhīma was hesitant as he felt the burden of killing his hundred brothers while facing King Drithirashtra. When Bhīma stood without words, King Drithirashtra spoke, “Bhīma, where are you? Don’t feel sorry. You have to take care of this old man and his old lady on behalf of the sons I have lost. I know you will do it. So, forget everything and come to me so that I can embrace you with my love for you.”

Listening to King Drithirashtra’s words and looking at his expressions Krishna sensed that the emotions were unalike. He saw Bhīma moving towards King Drithirashtra. He suddenly pushed Bhīma aside and pushed an iron statue that was nearby into King Drithirashtra’s embrace. Filled with grief and raged at the loss of his sons, King Drithirashtra thought that the statue was Bhīma and he started crushing it. His anger and wrath were filled in every single muscle of his arms and as a result of the strength, his arms crushed the iron statue into junk, in matter of seconds.

Everyone stood speechless. King Drithirashtra who thought that he has killed Bhīma felt that the revenge and rage has left his heart. Sensing the silence and the sound of the crush, he felt that Bhīma is dead and he started crying.“Bhīma! Forgive me. Forgive me for what I have done. I should not have killed you, my son. I was blinded on fury and my rage for you. My loss made me kill you. Every day when I listen about the way you have killed my sons; my vengeance towards you was very assertive to kill you. I realize it’s not your fault but mine. I was not an effective king in preventing the war. I was not a good father in stopping my son Duryodhana. Yudhistra, killing Bhīma just because he has killed my sons doesn’t make things right. Punish me. Hang me or even kill me right now, right here. You, as a king and as a brother, have the right to kill me. Punish me. Hang me or behead me.”

King Drithirashtra moaned on his ineffectiveness. Everyone stood silent looking at King Drithirashtra. Krishna came towards King Drithirashtra and placing his hands on King Drithirashtra’s shoulders, he spoke in much concerned voice,”King Drithirashtra! Don’t be so harsh to yourself. What’s happened has happened. Nothing can be done to undone it.”

“No Krishna! I was never a good uncle to the sons of Pandu. I was never a good father to my sons. I was not a good brother to my brother Pandu and Vidhura. I was never a good son to Pithamaha Bhishma. It was all because of me and my greed, this war has happened. I am the one who is responsible for the death of all my sons. Though my heart knew all this, it still had the vengeance on Bhīma. Now the animal in me has killed Bhīma too. I’m the one who is supposed to take care of them after the death of my brother. But greed took me in a different path. I was in over my head. Sanjaya mentioned repeatedly that dharma is on the Pandavas’ side and war against them could not be easily won definitely. I was not able to accept it in my heart. My greed and my love for my son to rule Hastinapur made me blind. I lost not only my eyes but also my vision. It was entirely my fault. All because I was blind in my vision, I killed my own sons. Why was I even born blind? Why? I did take care of my people. I was kind to my people and to my family. Why is it I was born like this to be responsible for the death those who trusted me and those whom I was supposed to take responsibility?”- King Drithirashtra sobbed in Krishna’s arms.

Krishna held King Drithirashtra firmly and consoled him. He spoke in a soft voice, “King Drithirashtra, don’t blame on yourself. It’s all the way of Karma. Things happen based on Karma. In your previous incarnation you were a tyrant king. One day, while you were walking by the lake side, you saw a swan surrounded by hundred cygnets. You ordered to kill the hundred cygnets and also asked to attack the swan right in its eyes. You did this just to have fun. Just for fantasy.  As a result, in this birth you were born blind and all your sons were killed in the war. It’s the way of Karma. And don’t worry about Bhīma. He is safe. You crushed an iron statue and not Bhīma.”

"Bhima...forgive me!"

Relieved on Krishna’s words and realizing the path of Karma, King Drithirashtra thanked Krishna and asked for an apology from Bhīma. He said that he realized what the truth is and that now he has totally forgiven the Pandavas. The sons of Pandu along with Krishna, Sage Vyasa, King Drithirashtra and Vidhura went to see Gandhari and seek her apology.

Gandhari, mother of hundred sons who has lost everyone and also her grandsons in the war was weeping all day from the day the war has started.  On hearing Yudhistra’s voice, recalling her sons, Gandhari started weeping more. She wept thinking of her sons who had a brutal death. She wept thinking of her Grandsons who too died without even living life at its fullest. She wept thinking of her widowed daughter-in-laws whose wailing has been echoing in the palace and in her heart all these days.  Tears rushed out of her eyes making her blindfold soggy. Everyone stood silent understanding her situation and having no idea on how to console a mother who has lost all her sons.

Sage Vyasa broke the sheer silence -“Queen Gandhari, You are aware of the war and the outcomes. You yourself have taught your sons about dharma and also that "victory follows righteousness". This war was fought for righteousness. So accept dharma and karma.”

Gandhari who was weeping all this time consoled herself and stood on her knees and spoke in a firm voice, “I know that the war was fought to sustain Dharma. I accept and forgive the war but the injustice that was done to my sons and to my grandsons… I am not able to forgive those. All those done against my sons are purely unjust. I, as a mother and as a Queen, demand to know the reason on why the rules were not followed, why adharma was followed to sustain dharma? Everyone speak of dharma but have you all ever thought about the soldiers and their family before going against the rules? Those soldiers have no reason to fight and die. This is all for the throne. Between Duryodhana and Yudhistra. But why do those allies, Kings, friends and their army should come and fight for you all? They came trusting on you all but you all killed them by following adharma, in the name of dharma. How glorious they would have looked while they marched out of their city to fight for dharma, leaving their house and beloved family! The entire Kurukshetra is filled with bodies of those people who came in the name of dharma. I demand to know the answers for those lost lives and their families.”

Sage Vyasa and other sages present provided her the reply and about karma. They responded stating that all these are the ways of karma and we can’t question it and should accept it in the heart. Sage Vyasa explained further, “Gandhari, you are wise. You know that this will happen. You know that your sons did not follow the path of dharma. You know the destiny of you sons when they asked for war. For the sake of your country people, would you wish adharma to win or your sons to win? The sons of Pandu too were sinned for gambling with their wife and kingdom. But they were punished in their years of exile. When they entered Kurukshetra, they were sinless. But were your sons sinless? Have they washed away their sin for publicly disrobing a woman? Were they free from their sin of insulting Draupathi and also for being adamant that they will not give the sons of Pandu their share to live peacefully? When Krishna, Sanjaya, Vidhura and wise people like Bhishma and Dronacharya advised them, your sons were adamant like an arrogant kid not ready to share. By then already you knew that victory will not be yours. Grief is not going to reduce your pain. Dwelling on those thoughts will not bring peace to your mind. Enlighten yourself on the path of dharma.”

Sage Vyasa consoling Queen Gandhari

Listening to Sage Vyasa’s words, Gandhari’s fury grew more. She went towards Sage Vyasa and spoke in a resilient voice, “Sage Vyasa, Do you realise that you are talking about your grandchildren? The Kauravas are the sons of King Drithirashtra…your son. Those whom you tag as villains or followers of adharma are your grandchildren. You, being a sage, considering yourself as a follower of dharma, why is it that you did not preach the same to your grandchildren? Detached from worldly pleasure may mean that the happenings will not affect you but that doesn’t mean you don’t have any responsibility. Being a sage, it is fine with you for having no feelings for me or my sons but do have respect for other’s pain for they are not like you. Because they had responsibility and they took it but you failed in it.”

Gandhari paused for a moment and tried to console herself. But unable to control herself she continued, “From where and how is a human tagged as a hero or a villain? Who creates them? What is the scale that you use to measure a man based on his qualities? Yudhistra and his brothers gambled with their wife. Yet, Yudhistra follows the path of dharma. Does that put them under hero or villain? A man is filled with both good and bad within him. It’s what he shows out the most and how people react to it is what makes him a hero or a villain. My sons chose to be the wrong typed person or villains, as you tag them. But to a mother, in a mother’s heart, there is no such scale or tag. To her, no matter what, it’s her son. The pain that a hero’s mother and villain’s mother go through is always the same. The pain that Kunti or Radhaey go through for Karna’s death is same as what I go through now. Do mothers of villains doesn’t have the right to weep? Hero or villain, soldier or robber, terrorist or martyr, to a mother it’s her kid. A mother will always weep for her son, no matter how he is. For, every mother wants her children to be good in heart and not as a villain.”

Gandhari grasped her breath for a moment and continued,“When their sons die, every mother will cry saying that her son was innocent and why is it that he has to leave the earth while she is alive. No one will say that their son deserved death. The war killed both heroes and villains. My sons died because they didn’t follow the path of dharma. But yet, they were my sons. Heroes or villains, they were my sons.”

Krishna and others stood silent allowing Gandhari to express her inner pain and anger. Gandhari continued, “Why is it my sons are considered as villains? Is it because of what they have done to the Pandavas? Why did my sons refused to share the Kingdom with the Pandavas? I know we could have housed the Pandavas too. Hastinapur is vast. The reason my sons refused was all because of greed. But, is it all just their fault? Why is it Pithamaha Bhishma or Dronacharya or Krpacharya did not advise my sons when my sons were following the path of adharma? Why is it they favoured only Kunti’s sons and not my sons? If they have treated my sons and Kunti’s sons equally, then the situation would not have gone this far, right? They hold the responsibility, for my sons to be called as villains. And Karna! He accompanied my Duryodhana everywhere. He was so righteous in everything that he did. He was altruistic who donated everything without saying a “no”. But all those money that he donated came from the kingdom that my son gave to him. Why didn’t he talk about charity or dharma to my son and change him too? As a friend, isn’t it his responsibility to make sure his friend follows the path of dharma? He holds the responsibility too, for my Duryodhana to be called as villain. My sons would have been generous if the people of Hastinapur respected my husband as a King. But my husband was not allowed to be a king even though he was the eldest of all, all because he was blind. My husband is talented and he has ruled Hastinapur all these days as a great ruler. Hastinapur under his ruling was safe and wealthy. Doesn’t that say that my husband is worthy to be a King? Why is it he was refused to be hailed as a King, the rightful ruler even after seeing his brilliancy? Is it all just because the law states that a blind man cannot be permitted to be a ruler? Who made such rules? Our ancestors! Then, they too hold the responsibility for my sons to be tagged as villains. The people of Hastinapur had a happy and protected life under my husband’s reign and under my Duryodhana as Prince. Yet they never considered him as a Prince or his father as a King. The people too hold responsibility.”

Gandhari who was standing strong all this time felt a tremor passing through her nerves. Her knees were weak, unable to hold her. She went down on her knees and wept with a broken heart, “May be, my sons became greedy and villains because of me! Their father was blind and so he couldn’t see them. I, their mother, refused to see them. In order to laze as a noble wife, I blindfolded my eyes without realizing that I have blindfolded my sons too from dharma. I never saw their new born faces. I never saw their birthmarks. I never saw how beautiful and strong they were. I never saw how they smiled or even when they wept. I never saw them when they were hurt or sick. I never tried to see them when they were angry or even confused. All these years, all that I know from my sons was only their breath, sound of their footsteps, their voice and their touch. I hold responsibility for my sons to be tagged as villains. I hold the responsibility for their behaviour, their greediness and their sheer disgraceful doings and also for their death.”

Krishna came towards Gandhari and tried to console her. “Don’t cling to the past, Queen. A pain will remain until another pain comes along. This is all Karma and that’s life.”

“No Krishna! You will never understand a mother’s pain. And this pain is not something that will pass by with time. It will stay for ever. Henceforth, every day, when I see Kunti smiling and having fun with her sons, it will remind me of my sons. Every day when I hear Bhīma’s voice, I will be reminded of him killing my sons. When I walked in these corridors, there were hundred sons of mine whose hands clung to my hands. Now, I have none. The breeze will remind me of the emptiness. It will be the same for Draupathi too.”-saying so, Gandhari turned towards Draupathi who was standing next to her and spoke, “Draupathi, is this what you wanted? I have lost everything that was the world to me. Of course, what my sons did to you was not acceptable. They do deserve to be punished. They teased you, your husbands killed them. But the one who is affected the most because of your curse is me. I and my husband will be the ones who will live holding your curse till our last breath. From now on, this world will label me and my husband as the example of poor parenting who turned their sons into criminals. We will be called as worthless and shameful parents responsible for the death of their own sons. Does it make you happy to see us like this? Is this what you wanted us to go through for our poor parenting? Look at you.  You lost your sons too! Your curse was not only responsible for my sons’ death but for your sons too. Your curse was responsible for many young women to live as widows at a very young age, including Abhimanyu’s wife, Uthhara. Will it make you feel happy when you see them while you are sitting as a Queen with Yudhistra? I weep for my sons who have done a mistake but how about you? What is the need for you to weep? Was it all worth?”            

"Witness the death of your beloved!"

Draupathi on listening to Gandhari’s words started weeping. Gandhari continued, “My sons were sinned and so they were killed. What about your sons? Your vengeance is all that’s responsible for the death of your sons. The pain that you hold is the same as what I hold now and we are going to regret it till our death. You started this war only because you had Krishna by your side and you were sure that he will protect you all. But see what he has done. He failed you too.” Gandhari turned her rage towards Krishna and roared, “Krishna, you supported the Pandavas. I know who you are. Why is it that you favoured only the Pandavas? Why is it that you did not try to persuade my sons to follow the path of dharma and prevent war? You have the power to prevent the war and yet you did not choose to use it. What happened is an outcome of your unjust act. I remember you reciting Gita to Arjuna in the battle field. Sanjaya narrated to us. That’s not an excuse to go to war with family and friends. You did fail to say those to my sons. Is this the way of teaching Karma and dharma?  How can you say that a pain matters only when until another pain hurts the heart? Have you ever seen the death of your sons? This war is a cruel lesson. For both the sides. You were merciless. You were callous to your own creatures.”-Saying so, Gandhari screamed, “You are the only one who is responsible for the death of my sons. For me and my husband to suffer like this. For everyone to feel ashamed and hurt. You are responsible for the death of those innocent soldiers, for the pain and sufferings of those soldiers’ wife and mother. You are solely responsible for everything, right from the start. May you, Krishna, witness the death of your sons and grandsons. I curse you to witness the devastation and demolition of your city and the Yadava clan. I curse you, the almighty, to stand and just witness the death of your beloved ones and be unable to do anything about it. May you face death by being hunted like an animal!”-cursing Krishna Gandhari cried heavily.

On listening to Gandhari’s curse, everyone was stunned. Draupathi went on her knees, howled and begged to Gandhari, “Matha, This war was my fault. I was the one who had vengeance in my heart. If you are to curse, curse me. Kill me and my husbands, right now. Don’t blame Krishna.” Krishna was silent. He was not shocked or even sad. He hugged both Gandhari and Draupathi. He said nothing. He allowed both of them to vent out their ache. Gandhari and Draupathi were almost exhausted crying for a long time.

He held both of the shattered women within his arms. Krishna who was silent all this time, spoke kindly, “Matha, I accept your curse. For all those pain I have caused to you and to Draupathi and to all the mothers and wives, if it takes the annihilation of my clan, then let be it. But, let me tell you something. You know that I have tried to speak to Duryodhana about the effects of war and asked him to go in the path of peace. But he refused. As a mother, you should have stopped Duryodhana from doing malevolent activities, when he was a child itself. You stood silent when your brother, Uncle Saguni was leading your sons in the path of evil. You do know what dharma is. It was your love for your sons that stopped you from scolding or amending them. And it was the same love that destroyed your sons’ lives. Your sons failed to share, be affectionate and listen. You failed in making them understanding dharma. Dharma is not in giving when you have everything. It’s when a man with a lesser amount of food in his hand shares it with another. Dharma is not only in understanding and talking but in practicing, preaching and also in opposing when there is adharma. Fate throws only questions to us. But the answer...the choice is in the hands of the human soul. Which path to follow…which way to walk…how to walk…the decision is all decided by the respective human. And based on those decisions, destiny plays its part. Duryodhana chose greediness as his path.”

“Draupathi chose revenge as her path. She was not able to forgive your sons. She demanded vengeance. And so, in getting the lives of your sons, the cost she paid was her sons’ lives. Humans should discover that dharma is in forgiving and sharing. They both uproot the cause of violence. Domination works only in Jungle. Not for humans. Domination will destroy humans. When they try to dominate, it means they are following adharma. It’s only the desire to be on top makes man go greedy, makes him think he is more powerful, makes him enforce his power on others and makes him to indulge in all sorts of adharma. Dharma is about affection and love which leads to listening, giving, helping and forgiving. Matha Gandhari’s sons died because their sons refused to share. Draupathi’s sons died because she could not forgive. Dharma will be the only thing that will bring peace to this world.”

"Fate only throws questions!"

Gandhari and others accepted Krishna’s words and enlightened on what real dharma is, Gandhari forgave the Pandavas and Draupathi. She also apologised to Krishna for her misunderstanding and curse. She even tried to take back the curse but Krishna informed her that once cursed, it’s irrevocable. That’s the power of words and curse and he told that he will face it for it is in his destiny. With Krishna’s words and the effects of war, everyone realized that starting a war or following adharma is always easy but the consequences are really heavy to handle and is excruciatingly extensive. 

Kurukshetra War - Night 17

     Hearing the death of the mighty Karna, King Drithirashtra and Queen Gandhari were grief struck. Weeping for the death of Karna who was her only hope for Duryodhana to be alive and victorious, Queen Gandhari said unto her King– “O King, the final defender too has finally reached heaven, trying to protect your son. As predicted by the mighty Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Vidhura, our last and final hope too has dimmed. All those that you have heard so far is because of all the sins you and Duryodhana have done to the Pandavas. For our son, the mighty Karna has died opposing his brothers! Radhey and Adhiratha have raised a good son but look at the way, the King and Queen of great Hastinapur raised their sons! We are going to be insulted till the end of the world as the worst parents. We are also being responsible for the death of the high souled people like Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Karna.”

          Filled with fretfulness, Queen Gandhari fell unconscious. The daughter-in-laws of the King and the Queen, who were nearby, took her to her bed.     

      “Gandhari was always right, Vidhura. I ignored her words and warnings because of my ego. Now, for the same reason, I am losing all my sons. The death of undefeatable mighty Pithamaha, Drona and Karna is just the way destiny is working for the Pandavas to win. For dharma to win. My heart is really made of stone for it was able to foresee all this and yet it supported war. Also, even after hearing all their deaths, it’s still beating and hasn’t shattered into pieces. I remained silent when my son did all the evils and insults to the Pandavas and as a result, all I can do now is to remain silent, when my sons bear the fruits of their evil doings.”-  Crestfallen King spoke recalling all the harms they have done to the Sons of Pandu.

          With no words to console the King, Vidhura and Sanjaya stood looking at the King, whose aimless eyes were fixed on the night sky, engulfing the grief in his heart.

          Taking a deep breath, the King spoke – “Sanjaya, tell me what happened in both the camps after Karna’s death.”

          In the meantime, hearing about his friend’s death, Duryodhana came to the place where Karna rests, pierced by the golden shafts of Arjuna. Witnessing Duryodhana depressed, Arjuna and the other sons of Pandu were filled with joy. Arjuna was looking splendid with his Gandiva in his hands. Witnessing Karna lying dead, Yudhistra, relieved of his fear, felt like he was newly born. Bhīma was embracing Arjuna now and then, feeling proud on Arjuna’s achievement. Nakula and Sahadeva stood enjoying their victory against the Kauravas. Krishna…stood there in silence, not enjoying or participating with the Pandavas in celebrating but with his eyes fixed on Karna. Krishna’s tears rested in his eyes, waiting for Krishna’s permission to leave the eyes.

          “O Karna! Trying to save my life, you have given your life!! Where will anyone get a friend like me?! Arjuna, who considers himself as greatest archer has slain you only when you were unarmed? Consider that as a shame to him and as an example to prove your immeasurable mightiness, my friend. In fact, you are mightier and talented than Arjuna, my friend. You died proving that you are mighty. Without you, I have no interest on the throne. Without you, I have no hope to even fight anymore, O Karna. I am deprived of the ray of my life which is you Karna. You are my only refugee. What will I do now?” – cried Duryodhana.

          Though Arjuna was raged on hearing Duryodhana’s words, he did not speak a word, trying to grasp the truth in it. While the Pandavas were enjoying the moment beholding Duryodhana crying, the cry of a women in the battlefield moved their hearts. The voice seemed familiar to them. Confused, they looked at each other and looked at the direction from where the voice was approaching towards them.

          “O my dear Son!” – crying aloud from her heart, Kunti came running towards them, crossing all the slayed warriors and steeds in the battlefield.

          Baffled, Yudhistra grabbed his mother and spoke – “Mother, calm down. Arjuna is alive. Karna is only slain by our mighty Arjuna. There’s none who can defeat Arjuna.”

          “My son is dead! My son left me…My son is dead!”-crying out aloud, Kunti, removing herself from Yudhistra’s hands, fell on the ground holding Karna in her hands.

Kunti crying for her son Karna!

          Looking at Kunti, even Duryodhana was stunned, unable to understand what was happening, just like his cousin brothers, the Pandavas.

          “Mother! Karna is only slain. Your son, Arjuna is alive. I am right here! You must be confused.” – addressed Arjuna, trying to compose Kunti.

          “No…No… my son is lying dead! My son…Karna… the eldest of you five…my son, Karna…my son…!”- Tears and the burden of truth in her heart choked her words. Kunti, with teary eyes, explained the truth and her conversation with Karna before war.

          Shocked on hearing Kunti’s words, everyone stood wordless. Duryodhana, the first to regain his senses, looking at his friend with expressionless pale eyes wailed – “O Karna! You are son of Matha Kunti!?!? You fought against your brothers, for my sake!? For a friend, you stood against your family?! Just because I am your friend, just because, I had eyes on the throne, you remained silent and died fighting for me!? Karna… this war and devastation would not have happened if you had told me who you really are. I, myself, would have crowned you as the King! How will I ever be able to repay you? How will I be able to rule or even live? O friend!”

          Felt ashamed for not being aware of the heart of Karna, Duryodhana wept and ran away from the battlefield. Mortified on losing his brothers, his seniors and now his friend, all because of his greed for the throne, Duryodhana hid himself beneath the waters of Lake Dvaipayana.

          “Karna is our brother!! Mother, if Karna is our brother, he has the right to be the King. This whole war could have been averted if you had informed us about this. All because of you… all because of you...so many deaths, so many losses and pain in people’s hearts. Because of your silence, I started this war and the world will blame me for all these death! You are responsible for all this. I curse that no women in this world ever can hold a secret in her heart.”- filled with pain, Yudhistra cursed and cried looking at Karna.

          “Madhava! You know all this and yet you remained silent!? Now the burden and blame of killing my brother is on me!? How will I be able to save myself from this burden? Why have you done this to me?”- cried Arjuna.

          “You killed him!? Arjuna…do you think you are strong enough to slay Karna? You, individually, could have never defeated him. For saving your life, your father, Lord Indra beseeched the mighty protective armor from Karna. The one with which he was born. Then, your mother, Matha Kunti made Karna to swear that he should use the Nagastra only once at you and never against your brothers. A chariot rider cursed him that, when Karna’s mightiness is needed the most in the battlefield to protect him, his chariot’s wheel will plunge into earth. And most of all, Lord Parasuram cursed Karna that he will forget the mantras to invoke the celestial weapons. I pressed the chariot and protected you from the Nagastra. Thus, we all made the mighty Karna as a simple man on earth and not a warrior, so that you could kill him. The Karna you slew was not the mighty Karna known to all. The one you killed indeed was only the Karna who was deprived of his archery skills and incarcerated by fate. So, don’t think that you hold the blame and burden. None of you could have defeated him when he is the best in what he did. And here you are, like your brother,  afraid of the blame the world will talk about instead of your brother’s death and not knowing about the pain he and your mother was going through all these days!?” – said Krishna, sounding like thunder.

 Seeing Arjuna and others lowering their heads out of shame, Krishna, after a moment of silence, continued- “It’s all way of destiny, Arjuna. Dharma should be sustained on earth. For that, you have to be protected. It’s all fated. So, don’t take the burden to your heart and do what should be done. Prepare for the final sacraments of Karna. Give him a peaceful send off.”

          Listening to Krishna’s words, Yudhistra and his brothers carried out the final rituals of Karna. Arjuna cremated his brother Karna, expecting a peaceful after life for Karna. The Pandavas then proceeded to the camp for the preparations of next day’s war.

          Meanwhile, in Hastinapur, Queen Gandhari regained her conscious. She wept for being unable to save her sons. While everyone gathered were trying to console her, she reminisced Sage Vyasa and his words. Rising from her bed, she said to Sanjaya – “Sanjaya!  Send a message this instant to my son or my brother Saguni saying that I need to see Duryodhana before the sunrise.”

      When the King enquired about the need, the Queen explained, “I remembered Sage Vyasa’s words. He once told me that the life I live with my eyes blindfolded is also like a yogic life and so all my powers are in my eyes. With that power, I can even turn anyone to ashes or even give life. I am going to transfer that power to my son, as a protective shield. I can at least save one son of mine.”

         Cheered on hearing Gandhari’s words, the King sent message explaining the need for Duryodhana’s visit. Saguni, on receiving the message, asked Aswathama to look for Duryodhana. Aswathama and Saguni went looking for Duryodhana in places near to the camp. With the help of the informers, they reached the lake where Duryodhana was hiding.

          “Duryodhana! Friend! Come out of the lake this instant. We have a battle to win.”- roared Aswathama.

          “I have no battle to win. I have no interest to win. There’s nothing for me anymore to fight or win. I lost everything. I am an open target in front of the Pandavas. They can hit me or even slay me, anytime.” – replied Duryodhana from beneath the lake.

          “Duryodhana, think about Karna. He fought for you. He wished to see you as the King. You, as a friend, have to fulfill his wish. This is the right time to avenge the Pandavas. And you have the right armor this time.”- Cheering, Saguni explained about the message he received from Hastinapur. “So, get out of the waters and go see your mother before sunrise. We have a battle to win, this time, for sure.”

          Cheered in Saguni’s words, Duryodhana came out of the lake and rushed in his chariot to the palace of Hastinapur. Krishna, who was in his bivouac, came to know about this through his yogic powers.

          Duryodhana reached the palace and went to the chambers of his mother, Queen Gandhari.

          “Remember Duryodhana! While you are going to see your mother, you should be naked. Only then her powers will make your body parts turn into indestructible and imperishable. You don’t need a suit of armor anymore.” – Duryodhana remembered Saguni’s words and undressed himself before entering the chambers.

          While he was walking naked, a young beautiful woman came out of the chambers with her heads lowered, holding a bowl in her hands. The woman was none other than Krishna!! Seeing her and thinking that she’s maid, Duryodhana hid his hip part with the banana leaf nearby. After the woman has crossed, Duryodhana stopped in front of the chamber and thought, “What if there are more maids with mother? I cannot go naked in front of them! What to do now?!”

          Thinking for a minute, he came up with an idea - “Well, in wrestling and in Mace fight, the rule says that the person should not be attacked beneath the hip part. So, even if I get to fight with Bhīma, the one who vowed to kill me, he cannot attack me below my hip. So, I will be safe even if I hid my hip and legs.”

          Duryodhana then, hiding his hip unto his thigh with banana leaves, entered her mother’s chamber. Bowing in front of his mother, Duryodhana stood, waiting for her mother to remove the piece of cloth she used to blindfold her eyes. Gandhari, thinking that Duryodhana is naked, removed her blindfold. As she opened her eyes, her powers hit Duryodhana directly. All her powers were transferred to Duryodhana’s whole body, except the covered body parts. Seeking blessing from his mother and the King, Duryodhana left for the camp, with new spirit and verve.

          Meanwhile, King Balram reached the bivouac of Krishna, returning from his pilgrimage tour. He came to know about Krishna’s strategies in defeating the mighty Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Karna. He, through his yogic power, came to know about Krishna’s act in the Palace of Hastinapur.

          “Krishna! Don’t you feel that you are being partial to the Pandavas?” – asked King Balram.

        “Brother! It’s war. A war fought for dharma to be sustained. My strategies are not for vanquishing Duryodhana but to sustain dharma. And Duryodhana and his warriors are in its way.So, it affects them. You can’t call it as partial. I do pity for Duryodhana and his followers. I gave them the chance to choose, I also gave them the liberty to choose sides. What they face is because of the result of what they chose. I care for everyone but I take special care of those who surrender unto me, irrevocably. Call it partiality but they have surrendered to me and it’s my responsibility to take good care of them. The Pandavas surrendered to me and it’s my duty to protect them, no matter what. Especially for Draupathi. All this I do to redeem her honor is no match to her devotion and surrender to me, amidst all those mighty warriors and her husbands in the court room. I can never repay to that surrender and trust. That blind belief, hope and surrender is all I seek.”- replied Krishna.

        “I know, brother. But, all your strategies are favoring the Pandavas to win. You tricked Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Karna, those undefeatable mighty warriors. Though on an argument, you can say that their death is the result of the sins they did, why are you playing tricks on a mother’s love? Moreover, the Pandavas should win, for once, using their talents. All they do is only fighting while you take care of the strategies. I know that you don’t care being called as trickster in the battlefield but as your elder brother, on behalf of our parents, I expect my brother to be remembered for his generosity and not only for his political tactics. I would like to ask you this as a favor. For once, let the Pandavas gain their victory by themselves. Don’t play any tricks in the battlefield. With you by their side, I know that the Pandavas’ victory is assured. But for once, let them make steps to reach the fruit of victory. Else, the people will lose hope in the mightiness of hard work and skills. I ask this as a favor from my brother.” – said King Balram.

       Thinking for few moments, Krishna looked up at his brother and said, “For once, tomorrow, the Pandavas will do everything in the battlefield using their strategies to earn victory. I assure you that I will be only a charioteer tomorrow.”

          In the meantime, reaching the camp, Duryodhana tested the mightiness of his hands, shoulders, stomach and chest using different weapons. Feeling more energetic, Duryodhana roared- “The end of the Pandavas starts with tomorrow’s sunrise. I am invincible!!!”

          Saguni, Salya and Aswathama cheered for Duryodhana.

          “O King, you are going to be our line of defense tomorrow. Bhīma is going to die in your hands tomorrow, unable to accomplish his vow. The battle will end tomorrow because of your mightiness.”-cheered Aswathama.

          “O friend! You are right! I am waiting to see that mighty Bhīma in a combat. You take care of the rest of the army and I will deal with the Pandavas. Let’s slay our foes before sunset, tomorrow. Well, for tomorrow’s war, Aswathama, tell me whom shall we address as the generalissimo?”- asked Duryodhana.

          Aswathama replied instantly – “O King, make King Salya, the ruler of Madra as the commander of your army. His prowess, fame, battling strategies and skills are well known by every Kshatriya and non-Kshatriya. His art of war is unique and undeniably exceptional. None can match to his prowess when he is raged.”

          Accepting Aswathama’s words, Duryodhana turned towards King Salya and said-“Uncle, your time has come to lead my army towards victory. I am glad to have such an intelligent and skilled warrior as my generalissimo. I would like to offer you the commander-in-chief of my army. Kindly accept my offer and protect us.  Lead my forces to victory.”

Duryodhana..invincible!!!

          King Salya, the ruler of Madra answered – “Duryodhana! O King, I serve for you in this war and it’s my duty to accept your command. I will do everything that you ask me to accomplish in this battle. I will do everything I can to ensure your victory or die trying.”

          Hearing King Salya’s words, Duryodhana cheered and said – “O King, slay the foes in the battle tomorrow. With you as the leader of my army, the Pandavas and their friends are going to rush towards the gates of the heaven in no time. My victory tomorrow is certain.”

          “O King, I assure you that the world will tomorrow behold my prowess, my skills, my strength and the mightiness of my weapons.”- replied Salya.

          Duryodhana then addressed King Salya as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. The warriors roared in support and joy. Cheerful and energetic, they played various musical instruments. The warriors then, with a cheerful heart retired for the day, with new energy and power to battle and win.