Thirukolur Penpillai Rahasyam-55

 இரு கையும் விட்டேனோ த்ரௌபதியைப் போலே
இந்திரபிரஸ்தம் உருவாக்கப்பட்டு, யுதிஷ்டிரன் மன்னனாக முடிசூட்டப்பட்டான். விழாவில் கலந்துகொண்ட துரியோதனன், அரண்மனையை சுற்றிப் பார்க்கும் போது நீரில் விழுந்து விட, அதைக் கண்ட த்ரௌபதி நகைக்க, துரியோதனனின் கோபத்திற்கு வழி வகுத்தது.

சகுனியின் துணை கொண்டு, திட்டம் தீட்டி, பாண்டவர்களையும் த்ரௌபதியையும் அஸ்தினாபுரம் வரவழைத்தான் துரியோதனன். சகுனியுடன் யுதிஷ்டிரன் சூதாடினான். நாட்டை இழந்தான். அரண்மனையை இழந்தான். செல்வங்களை இழந்தான். தன் தம்பிகளை இழந்தான். தன்னை இழந்தான். இறுதியில், “திரௌபதி அதிர்ஷ்டம் மிக்கவள். அவளைப் பணயம் வைத்து விளையாடு. இழந்தது அனைத்தையும் திருப்பித் தருகிறேன்.” என்று சவால் விட்டான் துரியோதனன். சகுனியின் சூழ்ச்சியின் தொடர் வெற்றிகளின் விளைவாக த்ரௌபதியையும் இழந்தான்.

பாஞ்சால தேசத்து இளவரசி, இந்திரபிரஸ்தம் தேசத்து மகாராணி...பாஞ்சாலி, நொடியில் பணிப்பெண் ஆனாள். துரியோதனன் ஆணையை நிறைவேற்ற, துச்சாதனன் திரௌபதியின் சிகையைப் பிடித்து சபைக்கு இழுத்து வந்தான். சான்றோர்கள் நிறைந்த சபையில் தர்மம் தலைகுனிந்து நிற்க, அனைவரின் முன்னிலையில் துச்சாதனன் துகிலுரிக்க முன் வந்தான்.

தந்தைக்கு நிகரான தந்தையின் நண்பன் துரோணர் உதவிக்கு வரவில்லை. தர்மத்தின் திருஉருவம் பீஷ்மர் உதவிக்கு வரவில்லை. மன்னன் என மகுடம் சூடி அமர்ந்திருக்கும் மன்னனும் வரவில்லை. மற்றவர்களைப் போல், ஏதும் செய்யாது, பேசாது அமர்ந்திருக்கும் பாண்டவர்கள் கூட உதவவில்லை. வாதங்கள் வீணாய்ப்போக, உறவையும், மனிதனையும் நம்பி நின்றால் தான் காப்பாற்றப்பட போவதில்லை என்பதை உணர்ந்து, தன் பலத்தை, தன் துணிச்சலை விடுத்து, “கோவிந்தா” என்று குரல் கொடுத்து, தலை மீது இருகரம் கூப்பி வேண்டினாள்.

அழைத்ததும் வந்தான். அவள் மானத்தைக் காத்தான். மானத்தை உயிரை விடவும் பெரியதாய் கருதும் திரௌபதி, ஆடவர் நிறைந்திருக்கும் சபையில், அனைவரின் முன்னிலையில், துகிலுரியப்படும் நேரத்தில், தன் துகில் விட்டு இரு கை கூப்பி நின்று “கோவிந்தா” என்று கூவினால் என்றால், கண்ணனின் மீது அவள் கொண்டுள்ள நம்பிக்கையை என்ன வென்று கூறுவது? நுனிப்புல் அளவு கூட அவநம்பிக்கையோ ஐய்யமோ இல்லாது வேண்டி நின்றாளே!!

திருக்கோளூர் அம்மாள், “திரௌபதி போல் நான் நம்பிக்கை கொண்டிருந்தேனா?” – என்று வினவுகிறார்.

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iru kaiyum vittEnO dhraupadhiyaip pOlE

          

In the great Indian Epic, Mahabharata, after Yudhistra was crowned as the King of Indraprastha, Duryodhana, who was insulted during the ceremony fumed with anger. Duryodhana and his brothers, as per the advice of their uncle Sakuni, desired to seek revenge and designed an evil plan for it! The Kauravas built a new hall in their palace and invited the Pandavas to Hastinapur to see the hall and also for a pleasure game arranged in the evening. In the game of dice, they tricked and defeated the Pandavas through unfair means of Sakuni’s tricks and took over their kingdom, their wealth and even themselves. Finally, they made Yudishtra pledge Draupathi in the game and won her as well.

To seek revenge on Draupathi who laughed at him in Indraprastha, Duryodhana made Duschadhana drag her to the court by holding her hair. With the Pandavas being a slave to Duryodhana, Draupathi who too was now titled as slave, was insulted in the court and they had their revenge. Unable to bear the support Draupathi was getting from Pithamaha Bhishma and Vidhura, resented Duryodhana asked Duschadhana to disrobe her in the court.

When Draupathi cried out for help, none came for her aid, including Pithamaha Bheeshma, her father-like Drona who is also a friend of Draupathi’s father, the King and even her husbands-the Pandavas.  Realizing that she can neither depend on her own self nor on her husbands and the great people around her or even on others for her protection, she surrendered herself to the Lord completely. At that time, she remembered the sage Vasishta's words that Narayana is the sole refuge and surrendered to Him with both hands raised over her head:

shanka chakra gadApANe dvArakanilayAchyuta!

govinda! puNDarIkAksha! rakshamAm sharaNAgatam

It is next to impossible for a woman to give up her natural sense of modesty and let go of her dress while she is being disrobed in front of many men. But Draupathi, without even a single finch of doubt, raised her hands above her head and pleaded Krishna for help. Such was her faith in Krishna. At that time, Sri Krishna was battling in the outskirts of Dwaraka. And from there, He gave protection to Draupathi by providing her attire until Duschadhana got exhausted and gave up.

Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I show complete faith in the Lord like Draupathi?"

Thirukolur Penpillai Rahasyam-44

பூவைக் கொடுத்தேனோ மாலாகாரரைப் போலே

கம்சனின் அழைப்பையேற்று, ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனும் பலராமனும் அக்ரூரருடன் மதுரா வந்தடைந்தனர். மதுரா நகர மக்களிடையே நாகரீகம், உடை, நடை என அனைத்திலும் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனும் பலராமனும் தனித்து தெரிய, தாங்களும் மதுரா மக்களுக்குயேற்றது போல் மாற எண்ணினர்.

வண்ணான் ஒருவரிடம் இருந்து அழகிய வஸ்த்ரம் வாங்கிக்கொண்டனர். அழகிய புதிய மாலைகளை அணிய விரும்பி, மதுரா நகரின் கடைவீதியில் உள்ள மாலாகாரரின் குடிலுக்கு சென்றனர். மாலாகாரர் என்றார் பூமாலைகள் தொடுத்து விற்பவர் என்று அர்த்தம். பாகவதம், அம்மாலாகாரரின் பெயர் சுதாமா என்று கூறுகிறது. ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனையும் பலராமனையும் கண்ட சுதாமா அவர்களை அடையாளம் கண்டு கொண்டார். அவர்களின் பாதங்களில் விழுந்து வணங்கிய சுதாமா, அவர்கள் விரும்பியது போல் சிறந்த, அழகான, வாசனை மலர்கள் கொண்டு தொடுக்கப்பட்ட மாலைகள் இரண்டை எடுத்து அவர்களுக்கு கொடுத்தார்.

மாலையை ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனிடமும் பலராமனிடமும் வழங்கும் முன், தன் முகத்தை ஒரு துணியால் மூடிக்கொண்டு கொடுத்தார். மாலையின் அழகில் மயங்கி, அதை தான் உபயோகிக்க எண்ணம் கொண்டால் அம்மாலை ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனை சென்று சேராமல் போய்விடும். மேலும், அதனால் தன் முகம் வாடினால் அது ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனுக்கும் பலராமனுக்கும் வருத்தத்தை அளிக்கும். தனது சிறந்த படைப்பு, ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனுக்கே சமர்ப்பணம். எனவே, தனது முகத்தை துணியால் மறைத்துக்கொண்டு மாலைகளை கொடுத்தார். சுதாமாவின் இச்செயலை, அக்ரூரர் பாராட்டினார் என்கிறது கீதா பாஷ்யம்.

திருக்கோளூர் அம்மாள், “மாலாகாரர் போல், எதையும் எதிர்பார்க்காமல் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனிடம் அன்பு காட்டினேனா?” – என்று வினவுகிறார்.

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pUvaik koduththEnO mAlAkAraraip pOlE

Krishna and Balrama reached Mathura along with Akrura, accepting the invitation of King Kamsa. Looking at the people and the new lifestyle in Mathura which is no way like that in Gokulam, they too decided to look not like an outsider! They got new clothes from a washerman and when they wished to wear new and fragrant flowers, they entered a small street in the market place and reached for the home of a Malakara. Malakara is referred to people who make garlands.

Bhagavatam says that the florist’s name was Sudhama. Upon seeing them both, Sudhama recognized their greatness and fell at their feet. The two, who looked like freshly blossomed lotuses themselves, asked him for flowers. Sudhama praised them and gave them an attractive garland made with the most beautiful and fragrant flowers. Before giving the garland to them, Sudhama covered his face with a piece of cloth, so that he would not be captivated at the looks of the garland and also, he would make sure the best garland reached the Lord in the best way, without his heart having any worries for him, not being able to wear that flower! Such was the love of Sudhama towards the Lord. Krishna was pleased by the affection shown by Sudhama and gave him several boons.

Swami Ramanuja praises Sudama along with Akrura in his Gita Bashyam. It is due to this that many of our Azhwars and Acharyas seek to perform flower service to the Lord.

Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I show the selfless love exhibited by Malakara?"

Thirukolur Penpillai Rahasyam-28

அந்தரங்கம் புக்கேனோ சஞ்சயனைப் போலே

சஞ்சயன், மன்னன் திருதராஷ்டிரனின் தேரோட்டியும், ஆலோசகனும் ஆவார். சஞ்சயனின் குரு, வேத வியாசர் ஆவார். பாண்டவர்கள் வனவாசத்திற்கு பின் மன்னனின் சார்பாக தூது சென்றவர் சஞ்சயன் ஆவார். பாண்டவர்களுக்கும் கௌரவர்களுக்கும் இடையே நிகழும் குருச்சேத்திரப் போரில் தனது பார்வை திறமையால் கண்பார்வையற்ற மன்னன் திருதராஷ்டிரனுக்கு அன்றன்று நடப்பவற்றை உடனுக்குடன் விவரித்தார். மன்னனும் காந்தாரியும் குருஷேத்திரத்தில் நடக்கும் போரில் நடப்பவற்றை அறிய, சஞ்சயனுக்கு போரினை ஹஸ்தினாபுரத்தில் இருந்தே காணும் ஆற்றலை வேத வியாசர் அருளினார்.  பகவத் கீதையும் இவர் மூலமே மொழியப்படுகிறது.

சஞ்சயன் போரில் நடந்தவைகளை, உள்ளதை உள்ளபடியே விவரித்தார். கௌரவர்கள் தோற்கடுக்கப்படுவார்கள் என்ற தனது அன்றைய நாளின் மதிப்புரையை தயங்காது கூறினார். எவர்க்கும் கிடைக்காத காட்சி, பகவானுடைய விஸ்வரூபத்தை அர்ஜுனனோடு சேர்ந்து தரிசிக்கும் பாக்கியம் சஞ்ஜயனுக்கு மட்டுமே கிடைத்தது. அதையும் அவர் மறுபடியும் மறுபடியும் நினைத்து பெரு வியப்பும் பெருமகிழ்ச்சியும் அடைந்தார்.  

மன்னன் ஒரு நாள் சஞ்சயனிடம், போர் நடந்தால் யார் வெற்றி பெறுவார்கள் என்று வினவ, அதற்கு சஞ்சயன், சிறிதும் தயங்காமல் :

யத்ர யோகேஸ்வர: க்ருஷ்ணோ யத்ர பார்த்தோ தநுர்தர: |

தத்ர ஸ்ரீர் விஜயோ பூதி: த்ருவா நீதிர் மதிர் மம || 

“எங்கு யோகேஸ்வரனான கிருஷ்ணன் இருக்கிறானோ, எங்கு வில்லேந்திய அர்ஜுனன் இருக்கிறானோ அங்கெல்லாம் மகாலக்ஷ்மியின் கடாட்சத்தோடு வெற்றியும், அழியாத செல்வமும், நீதியும் நிச்சயமாக இருக்கும்.” – என்றார்.

பாண்டவர்களின் வனவாசம் முடிந்து, அமைதிக்கான தூது படலம் நடந்து கொண்டிருந்த நேரம், இந்திரப்ரஸ்தம் மட்டுமாவது பாண்டவர்களுக்கு வழங்குமாறு தர்மன் கேட்க, பேராசை கொண்ட மன்னன் திருதராஷ்டிரன், தன் மகன் துரியோதனன் மீதுள்ள பாசத்தால்,  அதை மறுத்து விடுகிறார். இச்செய்தியை பாண்டவர்களிடமும், கிருஷ்ணனிடமும் பக்குவமாக எடுத்துக் கூற சஞ்சயனை அனுப்பி வைத்தார் மன்னன் திருதராஷ்டிரன்.

போர் நிச்சயம் என்பதையும், மன்னன் திருதராஷ்டிரனின் புதல்வர்கள் மடிவார்கள் என்பதையும் நன்கு அறிந்த சஞ்சயன், மன்னன் மீதுள்ள மரியாதை, தன் கடமை மீது கொண்டுள்ள பக்தி மற்றும் கிருஷ்ணன் மீது கொண்டுள்ள பக்தி காரணமாக அச்செய்தியை பாண்டவர்களிடமும் கிருஷ்ணனிடமும் கொண்டு சேர்த்தார்.

சஞ்சயன் அரண்மனை வந்த நேரம், கிருஷ்ணன், தனது படுக்கையறையில், சத்யபாமா மடியில் தலை வைத்து, தன் இரு பாதங்களை அர்ஜுனனின் மடி மீது நீட்டி, அவரது படுக்கையில் படுத்திருக்க, திரௌபதி அவர்களுடன் உரையாடிக் கொண்டிருந்தாள். சஞ்சயன் வந்திருந்த செய்தி கேட்டதும், கிருஷ்ணன் – “சஞ்சயனா! உள்ளே அனுமதியுங்கள்! நமது உறவின் நெருக்கத்தை கண்டு விட்டு துரியோதனனிடம் சென்று கூறட்டும். அப்பொழுதாவது துரியோதனன் யோசிப்பானா என்று பார்ப்போம்! மன்னனும் மற்றவர்களுமாவது உணர்ந்து கொள்வர்.”, என்றார்.

உண்மையில், அந்தரங்க அறைக்குள் அந்நியர்கள் நுழைய கூடாது என்றாலும், அர்ஜுனனும் திரௌபதியும் அங்கிருந்தனர். அவர்களுடன் சேர்ந்து சஞ்சயனுக்கும் அப்பாக்கியம் கிட்டியது என்றால் அர்ஜுனனுக்கு நிகராக சஞ்சயனை கிருஷ்ணர் மதித்தார் என்றல்லவா பொருள்! சஞ்சயனின் பணிவு, நம்பகத்தன்மை, கடமையில் கொண்டுள்ள பக்தி, உண்மையை எடுத்துக்கூறுவதில் உள்ள தைரியம், தன் மன்னன் தவறான பாதையில் சென்றாலும் அதை தைரியமாக எடுத்துக்கூறியும், தன் கடமை மறவாது அம்மனனுக்கே உண்மையாக கடமையாற்றுவதும் என அவரது குணங்கள் கிருஷ்ணனை ஈர்த்ததால் சஞ்சயனுக்கு இக்காட்சியைக் காண அருளினார்.

திருக்கோளூர் அம்மாள், “சஞ்சயனைப் போல் அந்தரங்க அறையினுள் புகும் அளவிற்கு கிருஷ்ணனின் மதிப்பை பெற்றேனா?- என்கிறார்.

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andharangam pukkEnO sanjchayanaip pOlE

Sanjaya, son of Gavalgana, was the charioteer and advisor of Dritharashtra and was also his close friend in the great Indian epic Mahabharat. Sanjaya was a disciple of Sage Krishna Dwaipayana Veda Vyasa. When the Kauravas and Pandavas went to war in Kurukshetra, he acted as the eyes for the blind king and updated the King on the daily events in the war. Sanjaya was given divine vision by Veda Vyasa to let the King know what was going on in the war even though he was always in Hastinapur.

He told the king that whichever side Krishna and Arjuna are, that side will gain victory in the great battle:

yatra yogeshvara: krushNo yatra pArtho danurdhara:

tatra shrIrvijayobhUti: druvanIdirmatirmama

Before the war, while both the sides were trying hard for peace negotiations in order to avert war, Dritharashtra sent Sanjaya as his messenger to see Krishna. The king, and everybody else, believed that only Sanjay could articulate to the Pandavas in the politest manner the ruthless message of not giving back Indraprastha. Even though Sanjaya knew that his mission is going to end in war, he took the mission in his hand, only because of his loyalty to King Dritharashtra and to see Krishna.

When Sanjaya reached the palace of the Pandavas, Krishna, His wife Satyabama, Arjuna and Draupathi were together in their private chamber having a discussion. When no one other than Krishna and Satyabama can enter their private chamber, Arjuna and Draupathi were sitting along with them and discussing about the war that might happen in the near future, with Lord Krishna’s head rested on Satyabama’s lap and his feet stretched on Arjuna’s lap. 

When they heard of Sanjaya's visit, Krishna said "Let's have him meet us here. Seeing how close we are, he will take back that message to the Kauravas that I will be siding with the Pandavas. This is more than enough for them to understand our intimacy and also about the result of the war that is about to begin."

Sanjaya got the grace of Lord Krishna, to meet Lord Krishna and Satyabama, in their private chamber, as a result of his devotion to Krishna, dedication to his work and his loyalty towards King Dritharashtra.

Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I get to be a private audience with Lord Krishna like Sanjaya?"

Thirukolur Penpillai Rahasyam - 22

தெய்வத்தைப் பெற்றேனோ தேவகியார் போலே

முன்பொரு காலத்தில், முனிவர் சுதாபர் மற்றும் அவரது துணைவியார் பிரசினி, ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணனைப் போன்ற பிள்ளை வேண்டி ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணனை வேண்டி தவமிருந்தனர். அவர்களின் பக்திக்கு இணங்கி, ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணனும் அவ்வரத்தினை அவர்களுக்கு வழங்கினார். அவர்களுக்கு மகனாய், அப்பிறவியில் பிரசினிகர்பா என்ற பெயரில் அவதரித்த ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணன், அவர்கள் கச்யபர் மற்றும் அதிதியாய் மறுபிறவி எடுத்தபொழுது, வாமனனாய் அவதரித்தார்.

வசுதேவர் மற்றும் தேவகியாய் மறுபிறப்பெடுத்த பொழுது, அவர்களின் எட்டாவது மகன், ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனாய் அவதரித்தார்.

திருக்கோளூர் அம்மாள், "தேவகியைப் போல் கடுந்தவமிருந்து ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணனை பெற்றேனா?", என்று வினவுகிறார்.

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dheyvaththaip peRREnO dhEvakiyAr pOlE

During the time Lord Brahma's son Svayambhuva Manu ruled this earth, Sutapas and his wife Pruchni prayed to Narayana for a long time. When the Lord appeared before them, they asked for a son like Him to be born to them. He blessed them and He Himself was born to them as Pruchnigarba. When they were reborn as Kashyapa and Atiti, He came as their son Vamana. They were reborn for a third time as Vasudeva and Devaki.

In that birth, Devaki was born as the younger sister of Kamsa. After their wedding, a divine voice informed that their eighth son would kill Kamsa. So, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and slew every time a child was born to them.

The eighth child was born inside the jail in the month of Avani in the star Rohini in Ashtami thithi at midnight. That child was Krishna. He told them how He was born to them three times. Krishna was later switched with Yashoda's daughter Ekanamsha (an incarnation of Yoganidra/Maya) by Vasudeva, as per the advice of Lord Sriman Narayana.

Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I do severe penance and give birth to the Lord like Devaki did?"

Thirukolur Penpillai Rahasyam - 2

2. அகமொழித்து விட்டேனோ விதுரரைப் போலே

         

             மகாபாரத யுத்தம் நடக்காமல் இருக்க விரும்பிய பாண்டவர்களின் எண்ணம் அறிந்து கிருஷ்ணன் அமைதி தூதுவனாக ஹஸ்தினாபூர் சென்றார். திருதராட்டிரனின் அரண்மனை ஆடம்பரமும், வலிமையும், செல்வமும் நிறைந்தது. இரவுப் பொழுதை அங்கே கழிக்குமாறு வேண்டிய மன்னனின் வேண்டுதலை மரியாதையுடன் மறுத்த கண்ணன், தங்கத்தில் செய்த படுக்கையும், இருக்கைகளும், நிறைந்த துரியோதனனின் மாடமாளிகையை போகிற போக்கில் பார்வையாலே மறுத்து விட்டு, அனைவரும் எண்ணியது போல் பிதாமஹா பீஷ்மரின் எளிய ஆனால் மற்ற இரு மாளிகைகளையும் விட மிகவும் பெரிதான மாளிகையையும் கூட மரியாதையுடன் மறுத்துவிட்டு அமைதியும் எளிமையும் நிம்மதியும் தரக்கூடிய விதுரரின் பவனத்தில் தங்க முடிவு செய்கிறான். துவாரகை மாளிகை, இந்திரப்பிரஸ்தம் அரண்மனை, ஈர் ஐம்பது புதல்வர்களைக் கொண்ட திருதிராஷ்டிரன் வசிக்கும் ஹஸ்தினாபுரத்தின் அரண்மனையினைக் காட்டிலும் விதுரரின் பவனம் சிறியதே. ஆனாலும் கிருஷ்ணன் விதுரருடன் அவர் பவனத்தில்,அவர் உபசரிப்பில் இருக்கவே விரும்பினார்.

                காரணம்? மன்னனும் மற்றவர்களும், ஏன், பிதாமஹா பீஷ்மரே கூட, "கண்ணா! என் மாளிகை பெரிது. வசதிகள் நிறைந்தது. என் மாளிகையில் சுகத்திற்கு பஞ்சமில்லை.", "என் அரண்மனையில் தங்கு.", "என் மாடமாளிகையில் தங்கு.", "என் தங்க அறையில் தங்க படுக்கையில் இரவுப்பொழுது உறங்கு."- என்று கூறினார்கள், ஆனால், விதுரரோ - "கண்ணா! இது உன் பவனம். உன் இல்லம். உன் உள்ளம் விரும்பும் வண்ணம் தங்கிக்கொள்." - என்றார். அகங்காரம் இல்லாமல் அகத்தில் தங்குமாறு வேண்டினாரே! அதை மட்டும்தானே கண்ணன் எதிர் பார்த்தான்!! கண்ணன் அளந்தது மாளிகையை அல்லவே, மனதை அல்லவா!! கிருஷ்ணன் சுயநலமற்ற விதுரரின் அன்பிற்கு அடங்கி அவரின் உபசரிப்பை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டார். அளவில்லா அன்பினாலும் ஆனந்தத்தாலும் தன்னையே மறந்து விதுரர் பழத்தின் தோலினைக் கொடுத்த போதும் புன் முறுவலுடன் ஏற்றுக்கொண்டாரே!! "மனதில் அன்புடன் எதையும் எதிர்ப் பார்க்காமல் எதை கொடுத்தாலும் அவர்களின் உள்ளத்தில் நான் நிரந்தரமாக குடியேறுவேன்."- என்று கூறியது போல் விதுரரின் அகத்தில் குடியேறினான் கண்ணன். (அகம் = உள்ளம், அகம் = பவனம், இல்லம், அஹம் = அகங்காரம்)

"என்னால் விதுரரைப் போல் தன்னிலை மறந்த அன்பினையும் மதிப்பையும் கிருஷ்ணனின் மீது வைக்க முடியுமா? எதையும் சிந்திக்காமல் விதுரரைப் போல் என் அகத்தை கிருஷ்ணனுக்கு கொடுக்க முடியுமோ?"- என்று வினவுகிறார் திருகோளூர் அம்மாள்.

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2. Agamozhiththu vitteno vidhuraraip polae

To prevent the epic war, Krishna went as the messenger of the Pandavas to the Kauravas. Arriving in Hastinapur by evening, Krishna was asked to stay in Hastinapur and have some rest and peaceful sleep, before doing the peace talks in the morning in the court. Respectfully denying the offer from the King to stay in his palace or even in his guest house, and not even showing the slightest interest in staying in Duryodhana’s golden palace and surprising everyone, in courteously denying Pithamaha Bheeshma’s request to stay in his palace which is bigger than the palace of Hastinapur, Krishna decided to stay in the comfy abode of Vidhura.

Vidhura was the brother and advisor for King Dridharashtra. Though he is a brother of the King, an advisor to the King and Minister in the court of Hastinapur, the wise Vidhura resided in a simple but comfortable abode. When the King and Duryodhana invited Krishna to stay in their palace, they invited with attitude – “Krishna, stay in my palace.”, “Krishna my golden palace has got golden bed and golden utensils, stay with grandness.”. Even the mighty Pithamaha Bhishma requested Krishna, by saying -“Krishna, my palace is the biggest in Hastinapur. Stay in mine!”. But, when Krishna stopped in front of Vidhura and looked at him, Vidhura spoke with respect – “Krishna, it’s your abode. Your palace. Just like the one you have in Dwaraka. Make yourself home and stay comfortably. Me, as your servant, will serve you, with all my heart!” Vidhura entertained Krishna to the best of his abilities and expressed his pure love, devotion and gratitude for Krishna.

The very reason Krishna chose Vidhura’s abode is not because of the comfort in the rooms and palace but for the comfort in the hearts! While everyone was being immodest about their wealth and luxury, Vidhura was fully aware that Krishna is the supreme and everything in this world belongs to him, including his soul!

Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I ever show such love and devotion like Vidhura?"

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Kurukshetra War - Day 15

             As the sun was about to rise in the east, the warriors woke up from the battlefield and prepared for the day’s battle, after an exhausting night battle. Desire of victory after a humiliating loss in the past few days, frustrated and wrath filled Duryodhana said –“Though you battle for me, your heart desires for the victory of the Pandavas and your love for your favorite pupil, Arjuna is the reason why I am losing. If not for you and your plans to defend him, I definitely would have won the battle long time back. Divide the army into two, today. I, along with Karna, Duchadhana and Uncle Saguni and their legion will slay Arjuna in the battle while you and the rest of the army fight with the Pandava army.”

          Though angered on the offensive words of Duryodhana, on hearing the strategy of Duryodhana, laughing aloud, Drona said – “This old man is fighting for your sake and also, the whole army is fighting in the battle against their friends and family without any desire for life. Though my heart regrets for fighting against the Pandavas, I will fight for you, even if you doubt it. I am indebted to Hastinapur and I will keep my word till my last breath. You think I am favoring Arjuna!? You think you can slay Arjuna? He is undefeatable even by the Devas when he is holding his Gandiva. Now, he has got the almighty Krishna with him, leading him and defending him. Do you think you and your army can slay or even defeat him?” Pausing for a second to grab his breath, Drona continued – “You started this war! You are the very reason for all this enmity among the warriors and countries. You said you are a Kshatriya who is not afraid of battle! You have my blessings!  Go and battle against the undefeatable Arjuna and slay him! Which Kshatriya is there to vanquish Arjuna when the illustrious Krishna is there with him?”

          As the sun tinted the sky in red with his rays, the battle commenced once again, to paint the battlefield in red with the blood of the warriors. Observing the Kaurava division standing in two separate forms, on the advice of Krishna, Arjuna equipped to battle against Dronacharya. Arjuna’s shafts knocked the warriors from their horses and elephants.

          Understanding Krishna’s strategy, Drona, taking his legion away from Arjuna, proceeded to the northern side of the battlefield and engaged in annihilating the Chedis, the Panchalas, the Srinjayas, the Kaikeyas and the Matsyas while Duryodhana, Saguni and Duchadhana along with their platoon, under the defense of Karna rushed against Arjuna. Nakula, Sahadeva, Satyaki and Bhīma rushed to defend Arjuna.

Bhima defending Arjuna

          Nakula encountered Duryodhana. Though Nakula fought with his entire mightiness and energy, Duryodhana resisted him on every side with his pointy shafts and made Nakula turn back. Meanwhile, Sahadeva who was battling against Duchadhana beheaded Duchadhana’s charioteer and before Duchadhana could realize that the charioteer has been slain, Sahadeva slew the steeds. Wounded, crying in pain, the steeds ran, boring the chariot away from Sahadeva. King Bhurisravas’s father, King Somadatta was slain by Satyaki in a battle while he was engaged in defending Duryodhana.

          In his encounter with the Panchalas, the invincible Dronacharya slew the three grandsons of King Drupada. Witnessing his grandsons lying dead, King Drupada, defended by King Virata rushed against Drona. With briskness, Dronacharya responded to the shafts of his friend and King Virata. Witnessing the Kings fighting with impatience and rage, clear minded Dronacharya, with a couple of well-aimed broad headed darts, slew King Virata and King Drupada. Beholding his father slain, Prince Dhrishtadyumna rushed against Dronacharya, filled with pain and rage, vowing –“I will kill the mighty Dronacharya today. If I don’t succeed, I will lose my Kshatriya life and rights.”

          Desire of protecting their unconquerable generalissimo, Duryodhana, his brothers and Karna rushed in defense. Prince Dhrishtadyumna along with Bhīma and the Panchala warriors rushed against Dronacharya from one side as Arjuna along with his legion, rushed from another. Bhīma penetrated into the array formed for Dronacharya’s defense and slew every single warrior he engaged with. Taking the path created by Bhīma, Prince Dhrishtadyumna engaged in a fierce battle against Drona.

          Karna’s shafts resisted Bhīma from proceeding forward. Struck by Karna’s darts, Bhīma lost his chariot and his charioteer fell unconscious. Witnessing Karna slaying the steeds too, Bhīma swiftly jumped from his grounded chariot and ascended Nakula’s chariot and Nakula bore him away from the sight of Karna. Meanwhile, undefended Dhrishtadyumna was resisted by Duchadhana. Raged Panchala Prince covered Duchadhana with his pointy darts and witnessing Duchadhana unable to face the prowess of Dhrishtadyumna, Kritavarman came in defense. Nakula and Sahadeva engaged with Kritavarman and unconstrained Dhrishtadyumna proceeded towards Dronacharya.

Arjuna against Dronacharya!

          Arjuna engaged with Dronacharya from one side and Dhrishtadyumna joined the battle from other side. Excited and enthralled in witnessing the prowess of Arjuna, gladdened Dronacharya invoked mighty celestial astras. Counteracting every single celestial Astra invoked by Dronacharya in the most apt way, Arjuna stupefied the eyes of the warriors and foes near him. Dronacharya, though struggling, cheerfully resisted both Arjuna and Dhrishtadyumna and engaged in slaying the mighty Pandava soldiers. As Dhrishtadyumna and the Panchala warriors engaged with Dronacharya in a fierce battle, Arjuna engaged in resisting the Kauravas from reaching the Panchala warriors and Dronacharya.

          Duryodhana, who was desirous of rescuing Dronacharya, was resisted by the courageous Satyaki. Both of them pierced each other with their shafts. Raged on Duryodhana as he broke his bow, Satyaki, with a pointy dart, broke the bow of Duryodhana into pieces and showered darts unceasingly. Unable to respond to the shafts of Satyaki, deeply pierced Duryodhana sat on his chariot and witnessing his friend in trouble, Karna rushed in defense.

          Bhīma, engaged in defending the Panchala warriors, slaughtered the mighty King Bahlika, Father of King Somadatta. Witnessing Dronacharya crushing the Panchala warriors, the Pandavas became hopeless of their victory. Concluding that none can slay the fearsome Dronacharya, the sons of Pandu stood clueless.

          Seeing the silence in the sons of Pandu, Krishna said– “Arjuna, the illustrious Dronacharya is undefeatable by humans and by the Devas. We have to adopt some strategy to vanquish him. He will cease his battle when Aswathama is slain, I hope.”

     “But Krishna, Aswathama is invincible. He is fierce and stronger than Dronacharya.” –responded Arjuna in depressed voice.

          “Let’s tell him that Aswathama has been slain. He is battling on the other end of the battlefield.”-Hearing the words of Krishna, Arjuna and King Yudhistra immediately disagreed to enact it. “You want us to lie to our Guru so that we can win this battle! I would not prefer such a victory and throne and I will never lie.” – replied King Yudhistra.

          “Yudhistra, this battle is not for you or for throne but for dharma. A lie or trick that favors dharma is to be considered as dharma only. It will not be a sin. Telling something untrue to save a life is not a sin.”- Krishna tried to pacify Yudhistra and Arjuna. Bhīma, Nakula and Sahadeva too approved for the plan and pacified their brother to accept. King Yudhistra accepted reluctantly–“I accept to your words Krishna. But I will never lie. That is against dharma.”

          Hearing the words of Yudhistra, Krishna thought for a moment and turning towards Bhīma, he said – “Bhīma, you slay an elephant named Aswathama. That way, your brother can say the truth.”

      

Bhima slaying Aswathama, the elephant!

         On the advice of Krishna, Bhīma slaughtered with his mace, the elephant named Aswathama which belongs to Malava King Indravarman who was battling for the Pandavas. Approaching Dronacharya, Bhīma shouted – “Aswathama has been slain by me!”

       On hearing the words of Bhīma, Dronacharya ceased his battle. Beholding Bhīma and the sons of Pandu and recalling the mightiness of Aswathama and his boon, Drona smiled at Bhīma saying –“Bhīma, You cannot singly slay Aswathama. My son is invincible! Even Arjuna will not be able to slay him!”

        Saying so and turning towards the Panchala warriors, Dronacharya invoked the Brahmadanda astra. The mighty astra showering darts at the Panchala warriors instantly slew five hundred Matsyas, six thousand elephant warriors along with their mahouts and elephants and ten thousand Cavaliers along with their steeds. Ceasing not, with his pointy darts, he slew twenty thousand Panchala chariot warriors and beheaded Vasudana. 

          Krishna, desirous of the welfare of the invincible Dronacharya, on witnessing the rage of Drona, addressed – “Dronacharya, you are a Brahman. Well versed in Vedas and the truth in it. Do not fight in an unrighteous manner. Do not burden your shoulders with more sins and do not commit such sinful acts anymore.”

          Dronacharya, enlightened on the words of Krishna, with a depressing heart, turning towards Yudhistra asked – “Yudhistra, you are my only disciple whose words I trust all the time. You never speak anything that is untrue. Tell me, is Aswathama killed by Bhīma?”

          Recollecting Krishna’s words and quivering in heart at the inevitability of destiny, King Yudhistra made up his mind and said aloud- “Aswathama is slain by Bhīma!” Ceasing not, he lowered his head and in an inaudible voice he continued – “Aswathama is an elephant.”-Which even his charioteer was unable to hear as Krishna blew his conch.

          Trusting King Yudhistra’s words, Dronacharya, filled with grief casted a weary look at the Sons of Pandu and Dhrishtadyumna. Looking at Krishna who was staring at him with all kindness, Dronacharya thought that his hour to support dharma has arrived. Beholding Dhrishtadyumna who was rushing at him with rage, Dronacharya showered shafts at him and cut off the bow and standard of Dhrishtadyumna and slew the charioteer. Desire of giving up his life by battling fairly, for one last time, he showered darts at the Panchala warriors from his mighty bow. His darts consumed the life of 24,000 Kshatriyas and approximately one lakh Panchala chariot warriors.

          Laying aside his mighty celestial bow and bowing to all his weapons in the chariot, glancing at the Kauravas, he said – “Karna, with no desire, you fight in this battle. Defend Duryodhana. Duryodhana, Krpacharya and the entire Kaurava army, battle with desire for heaven. I have laid aside my weapons. Defend your friends and King, O warriors!”

          Smiling at the Sons of Pandu, he said – “Fear not my dear sons! You have surrendered to Krishna, the almighty. What you have done and what you are about to do is all for dharma to prevail on this earth. Proceed with cheered heart and trust the words of Krishna.”

        

Dronacharya!

       Bowing at Krishna with joined palms, Dronacharya descended from his chariot and sat on the ground in yogic stance, devoted himself to Lord Vishnu. Not battling, Arjuna and his brothers stood with tear filled eyes. Beholding them, the Pandava warriors of their platoon too ceased battling and so the Kauravas too stood serene. As the warriors around Dronacharya stood in distress, fixing his heart on the almighty Lord Vishnu the mighty soul of Dronacharya left his body and Dronacharya joined the company of the foremost Rishis and souls. None in the battlefield witnessed the soul of Dronacharya repairing to the regions of Lord, except Krishna. Beholding the lifeless body of Dronacharya, raged Dhrishtadyumna rushing with a sword in his hand and gathering all his energy, with a single swing, he beheaded the mighty invincible, highly souled warrior Dronacharya, not considering the words and pleading of Arjuna and his brothers. Dhrishtadyumna shouted out of happiness and witnessing him and the beheaded Dronacharya, the Kaurava warriors fled in all directions. Even the mighty Uluka and Vrishasena fled in fear, leaving their platoon.

    

Arjuna raged on Drishtadyumna!

    Arjuna, raged on Dhrishtadyumna, yelled at him for such an unmannerly and rude battling. While Krishna and King Yudhistra engaged in stopping the fight between Arjuna and Dhrishtadyumna, Aswathama, who was battling on the other side of the array rushed to the spot unaware of his father’s death. Slaughtering the Pandava warriors who were attacking the fleeing Kaurava warriors, Aswathama proceeded towards Duryodhana who was standing on his chariot, not trying to gather the fleeing warriors.

          “Duryodhana, what happened? Why are you in tears? Why is the army fleeing and why are you not stopping them?” – enquired Aswathama.

Grief and tear struck Duryodhana uttered Aswathama about the death of Dronacharya, the trick played by the sons of Pandu and the cruel act of Dhrishtadyumna. Enraged on his father’s death, Aswathama, wiping his tears, addressed – “You cruel hearted and vile Pandavas! Is this how you honor your Guru to whom you were the world? Arjuna, my father loved you more than me and he trusted you than any of us! Is this how you respond to an old man for his blinded love and trust? I will forgive none of you. I will slay you all today and end this battle, right now!!”

Narayanastra!

Saying so, Aswathama invoked the fatal and destructive Narayanastra against the Pandava army. Hearing the sound of the astra which emerged dividing the sky with a loud thunder and forceful wind, the Kauravas rushed back to the battlefield with delight while the Pandavas stood terrified and stupefied. As the sky opened, numerous pointy fire breathing darts emerged from the sky and darkness set in as the result of the darts blocking the sky and the sun. The Pandavas stood deprived of senses.

Arjuna, beholding the astra, said –“Aswathama has invoked the Narayanastra. This weapon will even kill the immortal. There is no neutralizing weapon for this. By killing Dronacharya, we have invited our death from the hands of Aswathama!”

Terrified Yudhistra commanded his generals and soldiers – “Everybody, run and save your lives. Cease battling. Let Duryodhana be crowned as the King. For being dishonest to Dronacharya, I will accept this death.”

Krishna, on witnessing the fast approaching Narayanastra, addressed –“Everyone, lay down your weapons and lie on the ground, now! Descend from your chariots and steeds and elephants. This astra will not hurt or slay anyone who stands unarmed. Even if you run away of even hide deep beneath the earth, this weapon will destroy you, definitely. Lie on the ground holding no weapons!”

Saying so, Krishna alighted from his chariot and lied down on the ground along with Arjuna and witnessing the act of those two mighty invincible souls, the soldiers of the Pandava army dropped their weapons and fell on the ground with the desire for living.

Indiscreet Bhīma, beholding everyone lying on the ground, spoke with rage – “Fear not warriors! Take your weapons and rush against the Kauravas! I will face Aswathama and witness the power of my mighty mace and my prowess. No celestial weapons can slay me!”

Saying so, Bhīma, with his mace in hand, rushed against Aswathama, ignoring the warnings of Arjuna and Krishna. With every single Pandava warrior lying on the ground without weapons, the exceedingly powerful Narayanastra turned towards Bhīma and began to shower its mightiness and energy forcefully at him. Beholding Bhīma struggling with the blazing flame and the viciousness of the astra, Arjuna, like lightning, picked his Gandiva and invoked the Varunaastra at Bhīma and basked on the ground immediately. The Varunaastra pacified Bhīma who was covered in the flaming darts of the Narayanastra.

Witnessing the Narayanastra intensifying its power on Bhīma, Arjuna and Krishna ran towards Bhīma and dragged Bhīma from the dense forest of darts and made him lie on the ground, losing hold on is mighty mace. With every single foe of Aswathama lying on the ground without weapons, the mighty Narayanastra pacified. Cheered on being alive, the soldiers roared in happiness and rushed towards the Kauravas picking their weapons and mounting on their animal.

Raged on seeing everyone alive, Duryodhana said – “Aswathama, invoke the weapon against the Pandavas again.”

Sighing heavily, Aswathama responded – “Duryodhana, it can be used only once.”

Beholding the Pandavas rushing with cheered heart, Duryodhana roared – “Then let us crush them with our own weapons and darts!”

          On hearing the words of Duryodhana, the Kaurava warriors rushed against their foes with rage and desire of victory. Aswathama, raged on the death of his father, engaged in a fierce battle with Dhrishtadyumna and repeatedly pierced him with his golden winged darts. Beholding Aswathama slaying the charioteer and steeds of Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki rushed for rescue. Slaying the steeds of Aswathama, Satyaki pierced Aswathama in the chest. Slaying then the charioteer and with a desire of slaying Aswathama, Satyaki showered darts at his foe and turned the chariot into pieces, not before showering darts at Duryodhana, Karna, Vrishasena and Krpacharya, who came to defend Aswathama.

In the fierce battle against the Kauravas, Satyaki slew 3000 chariot warriors of Vrishasena’s platoon, 15,000 elephant warriors of Krpacharya and 50,000 cavalries of Saguni. Meanwhile, Bhīma, Chedi Prince and Malava King Sudharsana surrounded Aswathama, with a desire of rescuing Dhrishtadyumna.

Raged, Aswathama with a single pointy dart beheaded Sudharsana and with a gold winged dart, he beheaded Puru King Vrihatkshatra and with broad headed darts, he slew the Chedi Prince. Beholding Aswathama’s prowess, on the command of Krishna, Arjuna showered darts at Aswathama. Filled with wrath, on seeing Arjuna, Aswathama invoked the invincible Agneya astra. As a result, numerous fire breathing darts fell from the sky and burnt the Pandava soldiers alive. Turning the warriors, steeds, elephants and even the golden chariots into ashes, the mighty astra crushed a full Akshauhini of the Pandavas. Though it caused a devastating destruction, the weapon did not affect Arjuna and Krishna.  Arjuna, invoking the Brahma weapon, pacified the Agneya astra and mild chill breeze blew and filled the air with pleasantness.

Beholding Arjuna and Krishna standing unaffected, Aswathama threw his bow on his chariot and ran away from the battlefield, filled with doubts, pain and grief. The running Aswathama was stopped by Sage Vyasa.

Filled with questions and pain, Aswathama, with teary eyes asked – “Vyasa Maharishi! I am filled with doubts and pain. Why is it, my astras are futile when aimed at Arjuna and Krishna?”

 Sage Vyasa enlightening Aswathama!

Sage Vyasa, beholding the perplexed Aswathama, said – “Aswathama, Lord Narayana is the supreme soul from whom every single mortal soul and weapon appeared. He is the creator, defender and infinitely powerful. Against him, every powerful human or godly weapon will be ineffective. Krishna, the charioteer is that supreme soul! Defended by him, Arjuna is alive, unaffected by any of the weapons aimed at him.”

Enlightened on the words of Sage Vyasa, bringing his senses under his control, he bowed to the sage and rushed back to the battlefield. Beholding Duryodhana, who was ready for a night battle, Aswathama, with the sunset, commanded the Kaurava warriors to withdraw from the battle. As the Kaurava warriors withdraw after a miserable day’s battle, Arjuna and Krishna too commanded the Pandavas to retire to their camp and with that, the battle for the day ended, assuring victory for the Pandavas.