MAHABHARATAM AADI PARVAM

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu MAHABHARATAM AADI PARVAM

© Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

Year : 2014

Copies can be had from : SRI RAMAKRISHNA TAPOVANAM Chennai – 600 032, Mobile : 9884708559 Website : sriramakrishnatapovanam.org E-mail ID : [email protected]

Typesetting by : R. Anuradha Raghuram, Hyderabad. (9441186831)

2 CONTENTS

1. Dedication 4

2. Between you and me 6

3. Vyasa Maharshi 8

4. Aadikavi Nannaya Bhattu 10

5. Tikkana Somayaji 16

6. Errapreggada 22

7. Aadiparvam 27

3 Dedication

Sri Nori Sreenadha Venkata Somayazulu & Smt. Subbalakshmi

Dedicated to my brother Sree Nori Sreenadha venkata Somayazulu and Smt. Subbalakshmi. Sree Somayazulu was born on 10-12-1922 at Thotlavalluru. He was the second son of late Sri Nori Suryanarayana and Seetamma. He learnt Vedas from his grandfather late Sri Nori Ramavadhani. Some how he did not showed much interest in academic education. In those days, education, economic background were not considered as an important parameter for a marriage. Arshayam and Paursheom are considered to be supreme. So he was married at a very early age with late Smt. Subbalakshmi at her eighth year. After marriage, he was inclined to equip himself with some professional qualifications. In those days the country was in the heat of independence movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. In

4 his movement Gandhiji strongly felt that there must be a common bondage to make the country united. He choose the propagation of Hindi as a common language in the country. Sri Somayazulu was one of the millions of youth influenced by Gandhiji’s call and immediately jumped into the movement. He started adult education in his house for adults in his village. With the same spirit he started learning Hindi and Sanskrit from scholars like Sri Ramananda Sarma, Sri Jatavallabhula Purushottam and pursued with great devotion. In the process he acquired several degrees in Hindi such as Vidwan, SahityaRatna from Allahabad University; B.A and Telugu Vidwan B.Ed degrees from Andhra University, Waltair. To spread the message of Gandhiji further he started “Netaji Hindi Vidyalaya” in Machilipatnam. (Krishna District A.P) Subsequently, He joined ZillaParishad (Krishna District), served as a Hindi, Telugu Pandit and retired as A Head Master. He helped his younger brothers Sri Ramakrishaiah, Narayanamoorthy in building up their careers. During early sixties to help. His youngest brother Chilukuru Venkateswarlu, a career he wrote the biographies of ancient Telugu poets and fixed his career as a publisher. (Subsequently, Venkateswarlu became a successful industrialist and as a writer in Telugu and English, settled at Chennai) He wrote many books on Vedanta such as Upanishads, Bhagavatgeeta, Brahmasutras, Patanjali yoga sutras etc. He died on 02- 02-1997 in his own house which was fondly named as ‘Upanishad Kuteeram’ at Tadigadapa, Vijayawada. Srimathi Subbalakshmi his wife was born in Gollakoderu near Kaikaluru Krishna district. They had six daughters and a son. I feel I am privileged to dedicate Sri Mahabharatam to my brother and sister-in-law.

- Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

5 BETWEEN YOU AND ME

Society is rotten and stinking – It is our duty to protect and preserve it. If our body fell sick it will not affect the society. But if the mind gets sick, the society gets rotten. Why? Mind is the mother of all desires. Even the waves in a sea might stop but the desires in a mind will not stop. Many more desires crops up even before the first one is fulfilled. When the desires did not fulfil, the man gets angry. Anger breeds hatredness. Hatredness breeds vengeance. Vengeance gives birth to violence. Such a person will resort to heinous crimes to fulfill his desires. Greed overpowers mind and encourages achieving his desires in all unrighteous ways. The greed will not die even if he is imprisoned. Why a man resorts to that? Is it due to lack of love for his own dharma and sadacharams? or does he disregards to the laws of land? Or does he lacks fear for the king (Constitution)? Or is it due to the lack of devotion to the god? In olden days people strive in gurukulams till they attain perfect knowledge. Our puranas reveals us that Rama and Krishna also entered in gurukulams for knowledge. Even a hundred years ago the grand parents used to make their kids to sit on their stomachs and teach them to recite the morals from Neeti satakams like Vemana and sumati satakams . They inculcate devotion in their tender minds with stories of Prahlada and Gajendra. Thus they train their minds on 6 Ethics on one side and devotion on god on the other side. Oh! What a great solid system that existed just before a century? Now this system is disappeared under the guise of secularism. Even grand parents do not know ethics and values of life. What can they teach to their children? On the other hand they are questioning “What gain my child benefit by learning time old morals? We want to make him an actor or a doctor etc” In this manner even the parents themselves are brain washing the child. While the Parents are dreaming the future of their children they are missing natural love and affection from their parents. As the parents are pushing their children to coaching centres and for campus selection, in turn the children also are driving their parents to old age homes when they are grown up. The undue growth of old age homes should be an eye opener to the greedy parents. Many Doctors, Layers, administrators politicians and many other professionals are being produced in the above manner and ruling the society. As a result ethical values are disappeared and jungle law prevailed. There is no protection for a common man. Possession of wealth, at any cost, is the order of the day. These are all off shoots of mental sickness. They are not visible to the doctors. Even Laws of the land also could not catch them. If one in a million is caught, he is boasting without shame that he will come out from the jail, like a cleaned pearal. Unless the mind is controlled this disease can not be cured. If mind becomes desireless it listens to sadbudhi. If it listens to sadbudhi, chittam becomes pure and associates close to antahkaranam. (In fact manassu, budhi, chittamu and Antahkaranam are all one and one and to the size of an atom, situates in hrudayam). Our society is built on Sanatana Dharma. Vedas are authority for those dharmas. The great rishis took out the essence from Vedas and framed in the form of Upanishads, sastras and puranas. Those dharmas were further simplified in the form moral poems, devotional stories and the grand parents were taught to their kids at a very infant age. Now that time old tradition disappeared. But it is not a difficult task for the almighty to put it back. 7 In fact these thoughts are not mime. I am only an instrument, in the hands of my guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Thought the society is rotten and stinking, people did not lost devotion towards God. The unending Qs of devotees at all temples is an evidence of their devotion towards God. This element of bhakti bhavana is enough to retreat the lost peace and hormoney in the society. Is not a small seed brings out a huge banian tree? Now let us came to the point. In marketing terminology the term P.O.P (Point of Purchase) occupies a significant place. Which means; normally a business man keeps many more articles useful to his customers with a view of serving him better. If a customer comes to buy an article, he buys some more articles also useful for him. In the same way T.T.D Board also providing several Savas to the Lord so as the devotees can avail a seva of their choice. For the first time I went to Tirumala to have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara in 1945. At that time a road was laid and dedicated for the service of devotees. In those days one bus used to come in the morning to Tirumala and the same bus returns to Tirupati before sunset. Devastanam used to provide us vessels freely and we used to cook our own food. Hardly there were 2 or 3 special services were there apart from dharma dersanam. Now the situation is different. Devotees are waiting in Q complex between 5 to 20 hours for darsan. Though they are confined in their comportments physically, but their minds are not confined at the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara. Unless their mind is also made confined on god related matters, they will not get Poorna Phalam. Keeping in view of the above, and as guided by my Gurudev I brought out 50 titles from Ramayanam, Bhagavatam, Mahabharatam etc in an abridged from not expecting 150 pages. I made an appeal to the Board of Trustees to distribute those epics freely who are all standing in Q complexes jas long as they continue the scheme of annadanam. In case the devotees develop taste in Sanatana dharmas, ethics and Sadacharams they may go for its originals and enrich their knowledge. 8 Mahabharatam In fact this is a divine cause. It is the duty of the god to propagate Sanatana dharma among the people. T.T.D has enough funds to for Dharma Pracharam at their command. In case they need more funds, people will stand in Q to donate for this divine cause. That is why Mahatma Gandhi advised “Choose the right cause, means follow”. Human mind is like a balance with two pans. As they enrich purity of their mind by reciting these epics, the worldly desires, greed and other impure qualities will disappear. In other words the society which is on the verge of rotting will comeback and start practicing its time old Sanatna dharmas. As instructed by my Gurudev I ventured to put this proposal before the learned T.T.D managing committee. Rest Lord Venkateswara will take care.

- CHILUKURU VENKATESWARLU

Aadiparvam 9 VYASA MAHARSHI

Mahabharatam is like a Kalpataru. Kalpataru is a divine tree which provides whatever is desired. In the same manner Mahabharatam also will provide all purushardhas of humans, which are dharma, ardha, kaama and moksha. Vyasa Maharshi confidently said what ever one may found outside, they are all found in Mahabharatam. But which is not found in Mahabharatam that cannot be found anywhere outside. Therefore Mahabharatam is said as an embodiment of Indian culture, heritage and the true knowledge. Vyasa Maharshi is also called as Krishna-Dwaipayana and is praised as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. He collected all those scattered Vedas and divided into four. In the same manner he compiled all Puranas into eighteen. He wrote Mahabharatam and it is applauded as the fifth veda. He is praised by all Maharishis as “Vyaso Narayano Harihi; Vyasaya Vishnu Roopaya; Vyasa Roopaya Vishnav”. Lord Krishna himself proclaimed in Bhagavat Geeta as “Muneena Mapyaham Vyasaha”. Vyasa Bharatam was spread in the world in three stages. He wrote the history of Bharata dynasty in three years and named it as “Jaya”. Narada spread this in devalokam, Devala spread in pitrulokam, Vysampayana spread on earth by teaching to Janamejaya. While listening to Vysampayana, Janamejaya expressed many doubts. Vysampayana clarified all of them within the line of Vyasa Maharishis thoughts. In this manner, with all those additions made by Vysampayana, the epic Jaya, has became popular as Bharatam. Ugravasu, son of Roma Maharishi heard the epic Jaya from Vysampayana Maharishi. He retold that it as Bharatam to Sownaka and other Maharishis in Naimisaranyam while they were performing satra yaga for 12 years. Again Sownaka and other Maharishis also raised several doubts. Ugravasu clarified those doubts in accordance with the thoughts of Vyasa Maharishi. As a result the volume of the epic has increased. With all those additions the epic was popularly known as Mahabharatam. In other words the epic Jaya has finally took the shape as Mahabharatam in three stages. Mahabharatam is mainly the family history of Kings belonging to sun and moon (Surya-Chandra) dynasties. They are all the protectors of vedic dharmas. Normally those histories will appear in Puranas and reveals the genecology of those kings. If those pedigrees are described

10 Mahabharatam independently, they are called as Itihasamu (a traditional history of heroes). In this manner Bharatam is revealing the history of Bharata and his dynasty. But it is more classified as an independent epic than a purana. The main story is known as a legend with historic basis. Subsidiaries to the main stories are called as ahyanas and Upakshyanas (connected, narrative stories, or short stories). These subsidiary stories will help to strengthen the main story. When Bharatam is said as a big tree, Akhyanams are its trunk, and Upakshyanas are like the branches. While narrating many morals and dharmas, these Upakshyanas and Akshyanams have become vital. Since Mahabharatam is a treasure of knowledge, those stories and subsidiary tales will help in explaining them in detail. The more it spreads with its branches it becomes dense, and gives more shelter to relieve the humans from their fatigue. In the same manner the morals and dharmas will relieve the mankind from distress. The essence of a tree is preserved in its fruits and seeds. In fact the fruits and seeds are the purpose of a tree. In the same manner Bhagavat Geeta is the fruit for Mahabharatam. In other words Bhagavat Geeta is the soul of Mahabharatam. Mahabharatam (in Sanskrit) contains in 19 parvams, 100 sub- parvams, 1, 00,500 slokas. This original text has been written independently in Telugu by Nannaya Bhattu, Tikkana Somayazi and Errapreggada. The Andhra Mahabharatam contained into 18 parvams, 63 Aaswasams are said in 21,507 poems.

Aadiparvam 11 AADIKAVI NANNAYA BHATTU

In Sanskrit literature Valmiki is the first poet. In the same way, Nannaya Bhattu is the first poet in Telugu poetic Literature. Thus Andhra Mahabharatam is the first epic in Telugu. In the same way, Nannaya Bhattu is our Aadikavi. Nannaya has written Aadiparvam, Sabha Parvam and a part of Aranya Parvam during 1054-61 A.C. After him Tikkana Somayazi has written 15 Parvams, in the 14th century from Virata Parvam to Swargarohana Parvam. Errapreggada has written the remaining part of Aranya Parvam in the 15th century. In this manner it took about 2 ½ centuries to complete Mahabharatam in Telugu. Though it took 2 ½ centuries for its completion, it gives an experience to the reader that as if it was written by one single poet, at a stretch. Nannaya Bhattu was a minister in the court of King Rajaraja Narendra during 1022-61. He was actively associated with the King in political, cultural and educational activities. All the enactments of the King (government orders) were made in poetry, slokas, under the supervision of Nannaya Bhattu. The dynasty of east Chalukyas ruled Vengi desam in the 11th century. Their kingdom spread from Visakhapattanam on the east upto Nellore in south, Markapuram (Kunnoor district) and a few areas in Telangana on the west. The entire east coast of Bay of Bengal was under their control. Vengi was surrounded by Orians (Kalinga) on its north, on its northwest, was ruled by Chalukyas and south Chalukyas ruled on their southern border. In those days there were frequent battles among themselves. Hence the political situation in the country was caught in political disturbances during the 11th century. Rajaraja Narendra became the King of Vengi desam in 1019 A.C. He was also popularly known as Rajaraju. In 1053, there was a big battle by name Koppam battle, where all the neighbouring kingdoms were involved. In that battle the King of Chola died. He was friendly with Rajaraju. At that critical time Nannaya with his diplomacy made a lifetime friendship treaty with the western Chalukyas. Rajaraju thus ruled his country firmly by withstanding all those political uncertainties and

12 Mahabharatam shifted his capital to Rajamahendrapuram (Rajamandy) and firmly established his rule. Before Vyasa Maharishi undertook the writing of Mahabharatam also, the country was in disorder due to social, communal and religious disturbances. At that time Vyasa Maharishi wrote the great epic Jaya and spread the message through his disciples in all parts of the country. While Nannaya undertook the writing of Mahabharata in Telugu, the Vengi desam and its surrounding countries also faced similar disturbances as Vyasa Maharishi experienced. In addition to the above Nannaya has also faced certain challenges in the field of literature. Let us know those circumstances. In those days, Sanskrit used to be the official language. Even common people were conversant and comfortable in Sanskrit. The Kings of east Chalukyas took enormous interest in developing Telugu Literature. As a result, they introduced Telugu and Sanskrit as the official languages. They used to issue sasanams (government orders) both in Sanskrit and Telugu. Nannaya Bhattu was the official writer of all those sasanams (G.O’s). Even in 11th century itself, they started writing those sasanams in poetry with Champaka Mala, Madhyakkara, Seesam, Tetageeti, Aataveladi, Kandamu, etc., in Telugu Chandassu. Ordinary people used to read, digest and enjoy those sasanams in poetry. With this we can understand the royal patronage the language commanded in those days. All those poetry in royal sasanams appeared even before Nannaya’s period. Hence it is presumed that Telugu poetry was prevalent even 2/3 centuries earlier. The dynasty of east Chalukyas encouraged the announcement of royal sasanams in Telugu poetry. Nannaya himself expressed in his Avatarika that he ventured to write Mahabharatam in Telugu with patronage of the King Rajaraja Narendra and also with the encouragement of various literary scholars (Vidvatparishattulu). From this we are able to understand that everyone can’t be a poet unless he had the approval of Vidvatparishats. Rajaraja Narendra: King Rajaraja Narendra himself was a scholar . He read and digested all Puranas, Itihasas and epics. He heard all Puranas without any partisan attitude. Inspite of his knowledge in Puranas and Itihasas,

Aadiparvam 13 he was more attracted towards Mahabharatam because it teaches all Purushardhas (dharma, ardha, kaama, moksha). He wanted to listened the epic Mahabharata again and again. As a result he requested his minister Nannaya Bhattu to write Mahabharatam in Telugu and read out for him, but he never asked to dedicate it to him. Nannaya also did not give a word to that extent. However he dedicated his epic to King Rajaraja Narendra only. Thus the King Rajaraja Narendra has became Krutibharta and Sroota also. Nannaya is the first epic writer: We are to feel proud that Nannaya has not only written Mahabharatam with more competency, but also he has paved the way for writing an epic in poetry. Thus he became the guru for the future writers in poetry. Nannaya is not only the first writer of Telugu epic but also he has shown many new styles for the future poets. Thus each poet in Telugu is indebted to Nannaya. Let all Telugu speaking people give a standing ovation to our Aadikavi. Tikkana himself applauded Nannaya’s poetry in his Virata Parvam 1-6. While Rajaraja Narendra requested him to write Mahabharatam in Telugu, Nannaya has acknowledged his gratitude with all modesty in first person (in his Aadiparvam 1-9) in the following manner. Nannaya has introduced himself in his Avatarika as his “Kula Brahmana Mantri”. 1. His personal bio-data 2. About his literary talent. 1. Personal bio-data: 1. Nannaya is the Kula Brahmana Mantri for King Rajaraja Narendra. Which means he is the hereditary priest- cum- minister. 2. He is a close friend of the King. 3. He is a religious brahmin performing all the daily rituals as prescribed in Vedas such as japam, homa etc. 4. He is good in reciting and teaching Vedas. 5. He is eligible for receiving and donating gifts (Danam). 6. He belongs to Aapastambha Sutra of Mudgala Gootra. 7. Nitya Satya Vratudu. 8. He is as virtuous and brilliant as Bruhaspati. 2. His literary talents: 1. “Vipula Sabda Sasanudu”: The poet who wants to write any epic, original of which is in Sanskrit, must be proficient in both the languages.

14 Mahabharatam 2. “Vignana Niratudu”: unless one has extensive knowledge in all the eighteen Puranas, Vedas and other Sastras cannot write Mahabharatam which is the fifth Veda. 3. Lokagnudu: he must be a poet, conversant with traditions and customs, and capable of creating characters effectively. 4. Ubhaya Bhasha Kavya Rachanadi Sobhitudu: he who has extensive knowledge in Sanskrit and Telugu alone can undertake the writing of Mahabharatam in Telugu. 5. Satprabhichabhiyogyudu: means he is not a mere translator but an original creator of the epic Mahabharatam. Before commencing the writing of Mahabharatam, he worshipped Valmiki, and Vyasa Maharishi. He has praised Valmiki as the first poet and the guru for the knowledge of poetry. He has learnt from Valmiki that the poetry need not necessarily be a sloka but whatever that can produce musical sounds also can be said as poetry. In this manner, Valmiki was the first guru for writing a sloka in Sanskrit. In the same manner Nannaya is the guru for writing an epic in Telugu, thus he became the “Guru for the knowledge of poetry”. For all Telugu poets Nannaya is the guru and also Aadikavi. From the style of his writing, he is applauded as Brahma. Viswanadha Satyanarayana has described Nannaya as the second Valmiki. Nannaya is a Jnani like Vyasa and a great poet like Valmiki. Andhra Mahabharatam is not a translation: King Rajaraja Narendra has asked Nannaya to write Vyasa Bharatam in Telugu. But he never asked him to translate as such. Nannaya has created his epic as an original on his own way. To that matter, the other two poets also followed Nannaya in completing Andhra Mahabharatam as an original epic. Nannaya himself has said in his Avatarika: 1. All the three poets have ignored the Harivamsam in Telugu, right from Aadiparvam to Swargarohana Parvam. In Vyasa Bharatam Krishna’s character was depicted more prominently than the story of Pandavas, whereas Nannaya has taken Pandavas as the heroes in his epic. Therefore it is an independent creation but not a translation. 2. Ananda Vardana, the writer of Dhwanyalokam said that Vyasa Maharishi has given more prominence for the teaching of four

Aadiparvam 15 purushardhas based on Vedas and sastras. For which he has taken up the history of kings in Chandra vamsam. In other words he has given more prominence for the debate on dharmas and sastras than the main story. Whereas Nannaya in his Andhra Mahabharatam viewed in a different way. Nannaya has given more prominence for the story than dharmas and sastras. Which means he has written within the framework of Vyasa Bharata but dealt the entire story independently. Hence it is an independent creation and not a translation. 3. As analyzed by Ananda Vardana, Vyasa took up his Bharatam in a spirit of peace and satva guna, whereas all the three poets in Andhra Mahabharatam gave prominence for dharma and valour. In Andhra Mahabharatam the sentiments and emotions are created more prominently in addition to dharma. Hence it is an independent creation and not a translation. 4. Vedam gives prominence for the sabdam whereas Puranas give prominence for the ardham. Epics will deal with both in suitable proportions. While writing Andhra Mahabharatam, all the three poets mixed up both kavyam and Itihasam and thus made a novel experiment. In this manner, they helped Telugu literature a new approach. Hence it is a new creation and not a translation. 5. All the three poets of Andhra Mahabharatam have given more importance for the nativity in dealing the story. The style of poetry of Nannaya is a mix of sabda and guna, In Andhra Mahabharatam we find more of nativity and mix up with a life style of the sons of the soil. In this manner all the three poets have given importance for the nativity. Hence it is an original creation and not a translation. 6. Even if someone argue that Andhra Mahabharatam is a translation it is said to be as a roof on the walls of Vyasa Bharatam. 7. Vyasa Bharatam contains seven hundred slokas of Bhagavad Geeta. But Tikkana has condensed it to seventy poems. Hence Andhra Mahabharatam is an independent creation and not a translation. 8. The nature of Rajaraja Narendra is to listen Mahabharata. It means he is more interested to take the essence of Mahabharata.

16 Mahabharatam Whereas Nannaya has created Andhra Mahabharatam to please his listener Rajaraja Narendra, by taking into consideration socio, economic and religious aspects prevailing in those days. In this manner Andhra Mahabharatam is an original creation and not a translation. The grandeur of Nannaya’s poetry: Nannaya adopted a simple and natural style in his poetry so as to impress both the literates and illiterates. His writing is a treasure of idioms, proverbs, dharmas and morals, etc. That is why his poetry is remembered by people for lifetime. He himself said, “Nanaruchirardha Sookti Nidhitwam” (Aadiparvam 1-26). –oOo–

Aadiparvam 17 TIKKANA SOMAYAJI

Tikkana has inherited from his ancestors intricacies in war strategy, literary talents and political diplomacy . Ketana said in his Dasakumara Charitra that the surname of Tikkana Somayazi as Kottarapu. The principal person in his dynasty was Mavena. He was popularly known as “Sumkavenggada” which means minister for finance. The son of Mavena was Gundu Sowri. His son was Ketana. Ketana had three sons, Gundana, Bhaskara Mantri and Maheshwara. Tikkana was the grandson of Bhaskara Mantri, who has written Poorva Ramayanam. He was a subordinate King of Cholaraju and ruled Gunturu and Palanadu. He was a popular epic writer (Poorva Ramayanam) and an efficient ruler. Tikkana in his early days was brought up by his grandfather and thus inherited his qualities. Bhaskara Mantri had four sons. They are Ketana, Mallana, Siddhana and Kommana. After the death of his father, Ketana migrated to Nellore and settled there. He became popular for his truthfulness, valour, performing vedic karmas, and in offering oblations to the deities. Tikkana was the son of Ketana. Tikkana settled in Vikrama Simhapuri (Nellore). He joined the court of King Tikkaraju. After his death, his son Manumasiddhi became the King. Manumasiddhi was much younger than Tikkana. Hence he used to call Tikkana as uncle. Soorana in his Markandeya Puranam - Peethika – 10 has described Mahakavi Tikkana as Vyasa Maharishi of Telugu. A poet named Ketana (not the father of Tikkana) has dedicated his poetical composition, Dasakumara Charitra to Tikkana. In his Avatarika, he described the qualities of Tikkana as follows. “He is a scholar in Sanskrit and Telugu in the court of Manumasiddhi. Since he has expressed his proficiency in writing poetical compositions in Telugu and Sanskrit, he was given the title of “Ubhaya Kavi Mithrudu”. His works were widely appreciated by scholars in those years. He used to encourage the poets and extend patronage to the pandits in both Telugu and Sanskrit”. Ketana has extensively praised Tikkana for his proficiency in various fields. He

18 Mahabharatam made extensive donations, to scholars, such as villages, cows, and ornaments. After Tikkaraju his son Manumasiddhi became the King. Because of the family quarrels among his cousins, he was dethroned from his kingdom within a short time. While Tikkaraju was ruling the kingdom, he killed Prudheeyswara, the King of Chola in a battle. After him, his son Rajendra Chola became the King. He was furious on Tikkaraju and was waiting to take revenge on his kingdom. Immediately after the death of Tikkaraju, Rajendra Chola fought Manumasiddhi and driven him out with the help of his cousins Akkanna and Bayyanna. At that juncture, Tikkana took care of Manumasiddhi’s safety and kept him in a hiding. He took his disciples with him and went to King Ganapati Deva who was ruling Orugallu. He received Tikkana Somayazi and worshipped him. Tikkana recited Vyasa Bharatam and pleased the King Ganapati Deva and his courtiers. At the end, the King asked him, “What do you want?” Tikkana explained the conditions prevailing in Nellore and requested his help to put back the King Manumasiddhi on his throne. Ganapati Deva was pleased to help Tikkana. He took huge army with him and punished first the Kuloottunga Choda and kept him under his control. After that he surrounded Nellore Mandalam from all sides and made the towns Akkanna, Bayyanna isolated and stopped all supplies from outside. Hence they came for a compromise with Ganapati Deva and thus gave back the kingdom to Manumasiddhi. In this adventure, Tikkana has exhibited an extraordinary talent as a minister, as a diplomat, as a priest, as an ambassador, and as a commander-in-chief. With all his overall performance he was applauded as Chanukya. In this manner, he was able to re-establish Manumasiddhi as the King of Nellore. During 1250 A.D, Jatavarma Sundarapandya attacked Nellore. With the help of Tikkana’s valour, Manumasiddhi was able to defeat him. By 1253, all political turmoils were settled and Manumasiddhi was able to rule peacefully. [Source: The source for the above story is taken from Siddeswara Charitra, a Dwipada Kavyam, written by Kasye Sarvyappa and also from Samadeva Rajeeyam written by Jaggakavi]

Aadiparvam 19 Tikkana and his poetic character: Tikkana’s career as a poet can be said in the following two ways. 1. As a poet of Nirvachanotara Ramayanam 2. As a poet of Bharatam. 1. Tikkana has chosen to write Nirvachanotara Ramayanam, leaving aside its Poorva Ramayanam. However he himself justified that since his grandfather, Bhaskara Mantri, has written Poorva Ramayanam and hence he has chosen to write the remaining portion of Ramayanam. 2. He wanted to dedicate the same to King Manumasiddhi. Some of his friends questioned, “How you can dedicate an epic which is a story involving tragedy.’’ Then he made the scripture a happy ending. Another important feature is that he has written the entire scripture in poetry (without prose). That is how it is called as Nirvachanotara Ramayanam. 3. In those days he made several experiments in using idioms, morals, dharmas and parables from Sanskrit and Kannada into Telugu. He not only tried this experiment by himself but also encouraged many writers to fall in line with him. In this regard, he was subjected to enormous criticism from his critics as follows. a. In Nirvachanotara Ramayanam, though Ravana was a villain, he was depicted as a hero by projecting in the first three Aswasams. In fact Rama was the real hero. However he was introduced in the last three Aswasams. In this manner it is a small scripture depicting the two heroes and not accepted as an independent epic. - Dr. Ketavarapu Venkata Ramakoti Sastri b. The villain is more prominently depicted than the hero in this scripture. - Dr. Patibandla Madhava Sarma c. Rama’s story was depicted only from eighth Aswasam to tenth Aswasam. For such a small story, why he has given the title as Nirvachanotara Ramayanam? - Sri Avantsa Somasundar Inspite of several criticisms, Tikkana did not deter from his line of writing. In those days, people also had shown more interest in literature. As a result, Tikkana encouraged many young writers to bring out the 20 Mahabharatam histories of Pampa and Basava heroes. He also encouraged the stories of devotees of Jainism, Buddhism, Nayanars and Aalwars from Sanskrit and Tamil Literatures. Tikkana encouraged his disciple Soorana and prompted him to write Markandeya Puranam. He also induced another disciple Manchana to write Keyoorabahu Charitam. From the above we understand that his pre- Mahabharatam period was full of revolutionary experiments in Telugu Literature and thus he was awarded a grand title as “Kavi Brahma”. In the middle of the 13th century, Tikkana made several experiments in Telugu Literature, though he was not very successful. But Tikkana has proved himself that a poet can sustain inspite of unsuccessful writings. Thus he has proved in writing Mahabharatam. The life sketch of Tikkana: To the good fortune of Telugu people Tikkana lived a full span of life (80-83 years), in spite of various difficulties and problems he faced in his life. As we have seen, Tikkaraju ruled Nellore Mandalam during 1190- 1252. After his death, his son Manumasiddhi became the King. Manumasiddhi was deceited by his cousins and was thrown out of power.In the power struggle, Tikkana has made use of all his experience in diplomacy, he made Manumasiddhi back on the saddle in 1253. Tikkana has written Nirvachanotara Ramayanam and dedicated the same to Manumasiddhi in 1255-60. It is believed that Manumasiddhi must have died between 1260-63. After the death of Manumasiddhi, he might have retired from active politics and performed a yagna and became Somayazi. After becoming Somayazi he must have taken up the writing of Mahabharatam. All religions and dharmas are created only for the well being of people. When the faith turns out as a blind faith, the life of the people will be disturbed and violence takes place. In course of time adharma prevails over dharma. In such occasions, god himself will take birth on earth or come with an amsa to re-establish dharma.

Aadiparvam 21 Tikkana understood the situation prevailing in the country. He must have regretted with the conditions prevailing in those days. So he wanted to advocate the adwaita theory to the people by writing Mahabharatam in Telugu and took refuge with Hari-Hara. During 1260, he must have started writing Mahabharatam to control and eradicate the communal and religious violences. It is believed that he took about 30 years for him to complete 15 parvams of Mahabharatam. Tikkana started writing Mahabharatam with Virata Parvam. By that time, he would have been in his 50’s. The time of writing Udyoga Parvam suggests us that Tikkana must have attained his 60’s. Because it has exposed all his experience in politics, diplomacy and worldly knowledge which must have helped him in writing Udyoga Parvam. As his experience and diplomacy reached a state of full maturity at the time of writing Santi Parvam and the remaining five Parvams, he must have attained an age of 70-75. After completing Mahabharatam, he must have died at an age of 75 or above. The strong desire of completing Mahabharatam alone must have made Tikkana to enjoy a full span of life. Tikkana was a Maharishi and made Telugu people fortunate by completing Mahabharatam. Religious disturbances: Either it must be a providence of god or by an accident! Whoever has taken up the writing of Mahabharatam, started under identical conditions of communal and religious disturbances prevailing in the country. While Nannaya undertook the writing of Mahabharatam, the influence of Jainism and Buddhisms was commanding the society and dominated the Hindu dharma. Nastikas prevailed all over the country and Vedas had became dim. When Rajaraju provoked Nannaya to write Mahabharatam in Telugu, Nannaya would have thought in his mind that he could bring out the communal and religious harmony by writing Mahabharatam. After two centuries, identical religious and communal disturbances prevailed between Saiva and Vyshnava communities in Andhra. Each one started interpretating Vedas on their own. Thus Veera Saivam and Aradya Saivam were at logger heads in the Saivam itself. In the same manner

22 Mahabharatam Ramanuja’s Vyshnavam and other Vyshnava sects were fighting for their supremacy. It has become a sin for a Vyshnava to pronounce a name of Siva. In the same way it has become a sin for a Saiva to utter the name of Vishnu and thus they started killing each other. The famous “Palanati Yudham” also prevailed in those ages. Tikkana was greatly distressed with the situation and prayed to god vide Virata Parvam 1-11. Tikkana’s prayers were heard by the god. He has introduced vedic dharmas and adwaita doctrine in Mahabharatam. He also condemned blind faiths and fight among the religions. He has introduced several dharmas from Vedas in Mahabharatam. He dedicated Mahabharatam to Hari-Hara Nadha and thus created peace and harmony in the society. From the above we can understand the social, religious, vedic, literary and cultural climate between 11th and 13th centuries. Tikkana, a self made genius: Tikkana was a self made genius. He has observed, practiced, and preached each and every incident that he has experienced in life. He was born and brought up in Gunturu Mandalam. He has learnt the art of administrative skills, writing poetry from his father and grandfather. Difficulties and the problems of Manumasiddhi made him a perfect minister and a diplomat. When his King was deceived by his cousins, he has countered their wicked plans efficiently. While keeping his King in a hide out, he has learnt keeping the secrets close to his chest. He won all the battles for his King. In sorting out the religious turmoils, he became a worldly wise and had the blessings of Hari-Haras. By performing yagna, he became a strong believer of vedic path and realized the knowledge of Brahman. Thus while writing Mahabharatam, he taught the people the knowledge of Brahman besides his poetical talents, diplomacy, and war stratagems. In this manner he has proved himself that he alone is eligible of writing Mahabharatam in Telugu. He said about himself in Nirvachanotara Ramayanam (1-13) as follows “I am an Ubhayakavi Mitra having knowledge both in Sanskrit and Telugu. Hence whatever I write, I write with full knowledge”. –oOo–

Aadiparvam 23 ERRAPREGGADA Tikkana applauded Nannaya as the Kavitva Visarada, Vidya Dayitudu, and Mahitmatudu. He further said only a Mahitatma could write Aranya Parvam. Nannaya, in his life time, has written Aranya Parvam upto 142 poems. He has written Aadi, Sabha and part of Aranya Parvam in about 4/5 years and would have died a natural death between 1054-1055. After 200 years of Nannaya’s death, Tikkana has written 15 parvams (from Virata Parvam) in Mahabharatam. After him, Errapreggada has completed the remaining portions of Aranya Parvam in the 14th century. Some say that Nannaya has written Aranya Parvam also by himself. Errapreggada might have completed a few soiled portions of Aranya Parvam, because at the end of each aswasam, it is stated as if Nannaya has completed it. The ethical values of literature: Nannaya died without completing the Aranya Parvam. However Tikkana did not deliberately touched the remaining portion. However he started his work from Virata Parvam. Nannaya has dedicated his scripture to Rajaraja Narendra, whereas Tikkana has dedicated his epic to Hari-Hara Nadha. Hence it may be understood that Tikkana could not have taken up the remaining portion of Aranya Parvam deliberately. Some critics also thought that Tikkana might not have touched it for sentimental reasons. Some critics say that Errapreggada has completed the epic and did not liked to announce. The same as has original work. Hence he has dedicated the remaining part of aranya parvam also to Rajaraja Narendra. From the above, the writing of Aranya Parvam has remained as a great epic in the world of literature. Because, 300 years after the death of a great poet, another poet took up the composition of the remaining portion, not only in the same style and taste but also in the name of the original poet. Is it not a great experience in the literary world? Errapreggada has said what he wanted to say and kept aside modestly. Since Errapreggada has accepted Nannaya as his guru, he conducted

24 Mahabharatam himself same manner with all respects. Errapreggada has availed this opportunity and proved his illustrious nature. By his noble act, he made Nannaya’s position more respectable in keeping him in the place of a guru. The specialty of Aranya-Santi Parvam: People criticize that both Aranya and Santi Parvams reduced the speed of the story in Mahabharatam. However these two parvams are classified by pandits as the parvams of true knowledge. Not only that, it facilitated the mental strength for Pandavas for their forthcoming Agnatevasam. In the same manner, after the war, Pandavas lost all their friends and relatives and were drowned in an ocean of grief. Dharmaraja also became a toy in the hands of vidhi twice. However he came out of his grief with the help of teachings from Jnanis and elders. With their teachings of true knowledge, he withstood all the stresses and strains. This made Dharmaraja a diplomat, an able administrator and a righteous person and enabled him to pursue the four purushardhas. These two parvams gave strength to Dharmaraja to withstand all the forthcoming stresses and strains. Dharmaraja lost all his fortune in the deceitful game of dice. Added to that, he was badly humiliated in Kuru Sabha. Thereby they all lost their peace of mind by the time they entered Aranyavasam. Having entered the forest, there were lot of discussion among themselves pertaining to various righteous matters. All these discussions comforted them from their mental agony. In addition to their discussions Krishna and other relatives came to the forest to give them moral boost and to relieve them from distress. Several Mahatmas and Maharishis came to teach the true knowledge to Dharmaraja, because only true knowledge can relieve him from distress. They told him several parables, stories from Puranas and Ithihasas. In fact Dharmaraja experienced as if he in a gurukulam. They initiated mantras. They took Pandavas to pilgrimages with them. Though they lived in forest, if helped Arjuna to equip and posses many divine astras. This Aranya Parvam made Dharmaraja to travel towards the victory, forgetting all his humiliation meted in Kuru Sabha. This is the sum and substance of the Aranya Parvam.

Aadiparvam 25 In Santi Parvam, the matter is different. Dharmaraja was victorious but he didn’t enjoyed the pleasure of victory but deeply grieved for the loss of kith and kin. He was also afraid for the consequent sin of killing so many people only to gain some land from his cousins. To remove the grief from his heart and make him a fit person to rule the country, Santhi Parvam was introduced. This is the essence of Santi Parvam. Bheeshma taught several teachings on dharma and cleared the doubts of Dharmaraja. The time and the essence of Aranyavasam: The story part of Aranyavasam is limited, whereas the time passed in the forest was about 12 years. Broadly speaking, during all the 12 years Bheema improved his strength; Arjuna improved the strength of his archery and Dharmaraja became more righteous. In short, this was a training ground for Agnatevasam and subsequently winning the battle. -Patibandla Madhava Sarma We can’t accept this comment. However we may agree that the time was expended mostly in listening stories, parables and in pilgrimages. However the poet has narrated charmful stories and upadesams from Maharishis in the available time frame. The poet has made use of all these three aspects. Thus this Parvam can be said as a three phased Parvam. In this Parvam, Dharmaraja was subjected to two major tests. One is Nahasha Prasnalu, and the second one is Yaksha Prasnalu. He succeeded in both the tests. These two tests made Dharmaraja well equipped to gain the authority on dharma. Some people say that the upadesams of Maharishis and Mahatmas also helped Dharmaraja to get through these two tests. In this manner the purpose of this Parvam was to equip all Pandavas to pave their future course of action. This is also said to be as a Prasnopanishad. Prabandha Parameswara: Chintalapudi Ellanaryudu described Mahabharatam as a nose ring of goddess Sarada. On this ring, Nannaya has studded some valuable gems and the remaining gems were studded by Tikkana Somayazi. Errapreggada has inserted a gem called “Nayaka Manisri” at the centre

26 Mahabharatam of the nose ring. In this manner, the glory of the two poets of Mahabharatam has enriched. If Mahabharatam is Sarada Devi, Errapreggada who has written the remaining of Aranya Parvam is “Nayaka Manisri”. - Chintalapudi Ellanaryudu (Taraka Brahma Rajeeyamu) From the above, Ellanarya praised Errapreggada also along with Nannaya and Tikkana, with equal respect. However Errapreggada only made the writings of Nannaya and Tikkana together. That is why he was praised as “Prabandha Parameswara”. The dictionary meaning of Prabandham can also be said as tying up of both ends. In both ways the scripture of Errana deserves the praise of Ellanarya. Because of, Errapreggada only the word Kavitrayam has remained glorious in Telugu Literature. The poet Jakkana praised Kavitrayam and awarded the following titles (in his Vikramarka Charitramu 1-12-147) to Nannaya as Sabda Sasanudu, Tikkana as Somayazi and Errapreggada as Prabandha Parameswara. Errapreggada himself declared that he has completed the remaining portion of Aranya Parvam vide (Ar. Par. 7-469 and 470). As Nannaya described his bio-data in Aadi Parvam, Errapreggada also noted his personal details in the above two poems. The personal details of Errapreggada are as follows. “I was born in Gudluru village where Neelakantheswara Swami was residing as the presiding deity. I belong to Apastambha Sootra, Sreevatsa Gotra. I am a staunch devotee of Lord Siva. I am born to Sooranarya and Potamamba. I am truthful and righteous. I am proud of bringing glory to my village, where I was born”. What provoked Errana to write (Bharatam) Aranya Parvam: By the providence of god Errana was able to write in the style of Nannaya. Friends and well-wishers appreciated and complimented that he really had the gift of Nannaya’s style. The news spread all over. He was pressurized to write some scripture or the other in the style of Nannaya. Thus he gave a serious thought and wrote a few poems from the remaining portion of Nannaya’s Aranya Parvam. Friends and well-

Aadiparvam 27 wishers appreciated him and said that “Nannaya was born again”. He was also thrilled and became confident that he could complete the epic in the same style as Nannaya. In this manner, he completed Aranya Parvam after 2 ½ centuries. As Nannaya introduced himself in the beginning of Aadi Parvam in first person, Errana also introduced himself in first person. Errapreggada has written the following four scriptures viz 1. Ramayanam 2. Remaining portion of Aranya Parvam in Mahabharatam 3. Harivamsam 4. Nrusimha Puranam. By writing remaining portion of Aranya Parvam, he occupies a place by the side of Nannaya and Tikkana. Thus he attained an eternal glory as Kavitrayam in the literary world. Comparison between Nannaya and Errana: In Nannaya’s Aranya Parvam we find the stories, parables and teachings of Mytreya, Bruhadaswu, Narada, and Vyasa Maharishis. Whereas in Errana’s Aranya Parvam, we find the stories and upadesams of Markandeya Maharishi. Broadly speaking, in Nannaya’s part of Aranya Parvam we find more of Ithihasams, whereas in the portion of Errana, we find Puranas. It is a pleasant coincidence that all the three poets written Ramayanam before the undertook the work of Mahabharatam. In the case of Nannaya, he wrote Ragavabhudyam before he wrote Mahabharatam. Tikkana has written Nirvachanottara Ramayanam before he wrote Mahabharatam. Errana also written Harivamsam and Ramayanam before he wrote Mahabharatam. –oOo–

28 Mahabharatam SRI MADANDHRA MAHABHARATHAM AADI PARVAM

Chapter 1

King Raja Raja Narendra was the son of Vimaladitya and Kundamamba. He was an expert in archery and was as valorous as Lord Kumaraswamy and was as pleasant as moon. He had the blessings of Lakshmi, Parvathi, Saraswati, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. He ruled his kingdom of Eastern Chalukya, popularly known as Vengi. His capital city was Rajamahendrapuram, presently known as Rajamandry in Andhra Pradesh. He was comparable with the ancient kings such as Manuvu and Nala. He was as charitable as Karna and as compassionate as Dharmaraja. He was keen in upkeeping and practicing the dharma as dictated in Vedas. He treated his subjects as his own children. He kept all his enemies under control. All his subordinate kings paid tribute on the due dates and thus kept cordial relations with him. He gave several villages as gifts to the scholars. He built and maintained many temples and had lavishly donated lands for the maintenance and upkeep of those temples. The people of Vengi were prosperous and were leading happy and comfortable life. He appointed learned pundits to narrate the great epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and many other puranas. He also built many auditoriums to promote dance, drama and music. Even common people used to write poetry in Telugu and Sanskrit. In those days royal orders and royal grants were inscribed on granite slabs and on brass sheets. Such orders were also written in the form of slokas and poetry. He patronized several poets, artists and sculptors in his durbar. One day while he was in his durbar, he addressed the esteemed scholars. King Raja Raja Narendra: ‘‘Great scholars! I have read and listened so many puranas. I am convinced that Mahabharata alone can teach the real state of god. Though I have read listened Mahabharatham many times, I am not satisfied because of the noble qualities of Pandavas and their ancestors from Chandra (moon) to Bharata. I would like to Aadiparvam 29 listen more and more deeply the great epic. If one listens Mahabharata only once, it is equal to donating thousands of cows. Nannaya! You render the great epic written by Vyasa maharishi in simple Telugu. Already many people translated the great epic into several languages. Now I would request you to write the same in Telugu. Because the readers will benefit of performing many yagnas. Poet Nannaya: ‘‘King! Can any body count the stars on the sky? Will any person can read all Vedas? Can Brahma cross the ocean? The writing of Mahabharata is also as difficult task as that. However I obey your orders, and make an effort with the help of my fellow poets, I am undertaking this work only with the hope that the pundits in this durbar will come to my help. ‘‘While saluting Lord Vishnu, Siva, Brahma, Vinayaka and many others I prostrate at the feet of the Aadi Kavi Valmiki Maharishi before I undertake this epic. I hope that my dearest friend Narayana Bhattu will help me in rendering this great epic in Telugu, as lord Krishna helped Arjuna as his charioteer in the battle of Kurukshetra,.

1. An Introduction to Mahabarata Sownaka and many muni communities assembled at Naimisaranyam to perform a Satra Yaga for the well being of all the people. Satra yagas are generally performed long durations such as from 13 to 100 days and beyond. In these rituals, Sowitis would come and praise the glories of gods at the intervals . The Sowiti was also called as Sutudu. These Sowitis were born to a Kshatriya and a Vysya woman. They were professionally engaged in propagating glories of gods wherever rituals were performed. ‘‘Ugrasravasudu was the son of Romaharshana. He was popularly known as Sowiti. The moment the maharishis saw Sowiti, they came forward and requested him to stay with them till the end of the yaga. Ugrasravasudu: ‘‘Maharishis! I prostrate at the feet of all of you and seek your blessings. I am the son of Romaharshana. My father was one of the close disciples of Vyasa Maharishi. I know many puranas and glories of Gods. Now you tell me what story you want to listen.’’

30 Mahabharatam Sownaka and other Maharishis were immensely happy to hear the words of Sowiti and requested in one voice, “You tell us such a story which will make our minds pure, which is new, novel; which will create suspense in us and it should be full of knowledge. Ugrasravasudu: ‘‘Maharishis! Vedas were scattered all over the world. Vyasa Maharishi had brought them all together and divided into four. He chose Pailudu, Vaisampayanudu, Sumantudu and Jaimani and instructed them to divide the Vedas into four. Thus the Vedas were classified into four, under the supervision of Vyasa Maharish and he was popularly known as Veda Vyasa. In the similar manner, he collected all the puranas of various gods and divided them into eighteen puranas. With his excellent knowledge over Vedas, Upanishad and Ithihasas, the great saints belonging to various ages, the greatness of lord Krishna, he wrote the stories of many glorious kings such as Pandavas. Those who were having the knowledge of dharma claimed it as dharma sastra. Those who had the knowledge of jeevatma-Paramatma appreciated it as Vedanta sastra. Those who were good at morals praised as a great kavyam. Those who were aware of the ancient stories appreciated it as Ithihasa. Pouranikas like me, called it as Puranam. In this manner several people were praising this epic from several angles. This epic was popularly known as Mahabharata. It was written by Veda Vyasa, son of Parasara and also an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Since he was born with an a amsa of Maha Vishnu, he was popularly known as “Vyaso Narayano Harihi”. In Baghavatam, it was said that Vyasa was one among the 21 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The Mahabharata would promise wellbeing of all faiths. Hence it was known as Panchama Vedam. The Mahabharata has 18 paravams. I will let you know the chronology of each paravams. 1. Aadi Parvam. It contains 9984 slokas, commencing from Udanka’s episode. 2. Sabha Parvam. It contains of 4311 slokas, commencing from Droupathi vastra apaharanam. 3. Aranya Parvam. It contains 13,664 slokas, commencing from the killingof Kimmeera.

Aadiparvam 31 4. Virata Parvam. It contains 6998 slokas. It entertains both the pandits and amaras. 5. Udyoga Parvam. It contains 6998 slokas, which deals with the compromise and averting of the war. 6. Bheeshma Parvam. It contains 5884 slokas which deals with Bheeshma who was appointed as the commander-in-chief and fought for 10 days at Kurukshetra. 7. Drona Parvam. It contains 10919 slokas, about Drona, as commander-in- chief for five days. 8. Karna Parvam. It contains 4900 slokas, about Karna becoming the Commander-in-chief for 2 days. 9. Selya Parvam. It contains 3220 slokas about King Selya becoming as the Commander- in-chief for half a day. 10. Sowttika Parvam. It contains 2874 slokas. . 11. Stree Parvam. It contains 1775 slokas which reveals the coronation of Dharmaraja. 12. Santhi Parvam. It contains 14525 slokas which deals with morals and dharmas for the wellbeing of all the people. 13. Anusasanika Parvam it contains 12000 slokas wherein Bheeshma revealed all the dharmas. 14. Aswameda Parvam. It contains 4420 slokas, which deals with several aspects, and which is well appreciated by pundits. 15. Ashramavasa Parvam. It contains 1106 slokas with superior stories. 16. Mowsala Parvam it contains 300 slokas. 17. Mahaprastanika Parvam. It contains 120 slokas . 18. Swargarohana Parvam. There are about 200 slokas. 2. The praise of Mahabharata: This great epic was written by Vyasa Maharishi after a struggle for three years. Sage Narada propagated this epic in the heaven. Saint Devaludu propagated in the abode of ancestral parents. Suka Maharishi spread it in the abodes of Garuda, Gandharva, Yaksha and Rakshasas.

32 Mahabharatam Sumantu Maharishi spread it in Naga Lokas. Vaisampayana taught this epic to Janamejaya. While Vaisampayana was teaching to Janamejaya, I was also there and heard this great epic. The great battle of Kurukshetra was in no way inferior to the battle between Rama and Ravana or the battle between Devas and Asuras. The entire battle was fought and ended in 18 days. Bheeshma led the battle as the Commander- in- Chief during the first 10 days. The next five days, the army was led by Drona, thereafter Karna led for two days and Salya, for just half a day, led the army. For the remaining half day, the battle was waged between Duryodhana and Bheema. Sownaka and other maharishis: ‘‘Ugrasravasu! Before you commence the story of Mahabharata, please enlighten us what is meant by ‘Samantaka Panchakam and Akshowhini. Tell us how many chariots, horses and warriors in the infantry are in each Akshowhini.’’ Ugrasravasu: ‘‘During intermediate periods between Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga, Parasurama made an expedition of war 21 times. He killed all Kshatriyas on earth and made their blood into five lakes. He had performed tarpana to his ancestral parents with their blood and cleared their debt. The ancestral parents, who were satisfied with Parasurama and advised him to leave anger and have peace. On hearing their advice Parasurama became stopped fighting. Those five lakes, formed with the blood of Kshatriyas, is known as Samantaka Panchakam. ‘‘Now I will explain you how the army was divided into different divisions. A division contains a chariot, one elephant, three horses and five soldiers is one patti. Three pattis form one Sena Mukham. Three Sena Mukhams are was one Gulmam. Three Gulmams makes one Ganam. Three Ganams make One Vahini. Three Vahinis became Prutana. Three Prutanas would becomes one Chamuvu. Three Chamuvu formed one Aneeki. Ten times of such Aneekis forms one Akshowhini. In other words, an Akshowhini would consist of 21870 chariots, 21870 elephants, 65610 horses and 109350 combatants. Kouravas and Pandavas selected Samantaka Panchakam as the place of battle field. Which became famous as Kurukshetra. King Janamejaya, who was the successor of Pandavas, performed a long drawn Satra yaga for the wellbeing of mankind.

Aadiparvam 33 3. The beginning of the story of Mahabharata: The episode of Sarama: While Janamejaya was performing Satra yaga, a puppy casually entered the yagasala without any wicked intentions. The pup was the kid of Sarama, a dog belongs to devatas. Marisena, Bhemasena and Ugrasena, the brothers of Janamejaya, saw the puppy entering yaga sala. They chased it out of yaga sala. The puppy went to his mother, crying bitterly. Sarama was furious of Janamejaya and said to him: Sarama: ‘‘Janamejaya! My son is so young and pretty. Without showing any kindness, your brothers hurled and thrown him out of yaga sala, though he did not commited any mischief. Know it well if any one causes harm to the poor and week limbs, he will certainly land in trouble sooner or later. They can’t escape from the sin of teasing the weak’’. By saying so, Sarama left the yaga sala. However Janamejaya searched for Sarama, but he could not find. The curse of Sarama was ringing in the ears and he was confused. Somehow he completed the yagna and went back to Hastinapura. Even after reaching his palace, the words of Sarama was ringing in his ears. To avert the ill effects of the Sarama’s curse, he called priests and asked them to suggest the remedial measures. The king went to Srutasravana and requested him, “ Maharishi! I request you to send your son Somasravasu to do remedial acts.” The muni agreed and sent his son to perform the remedial measures. With the help of Somasravasu, King Janamejaya performed several yagnas. He offered several valuable oblations to devatas, gifted many cows, lands to Brahmins. Thus Janamejaya performed several yagnas to avert the curse of Sarama. 4. The episode of Udanka: Paila Maharishi was as bright as Brahma. Udanka, one of his disciples, completed his studies, went to his guru and requested him, “Guru Deva! I wish to offer you Gurudakshina. Please let me know what you want “ His guru said, “ Udanka! You served me and your guru patni During your stay in gurukulam. That is enough. I don’t want any thing more’’. However Udanka persuaded him to ask for some gift. Then his guru said, “My child, I don’t want anything. If you so wish, you may go to

34 Mahabharatam your guru patni and offer her if she has anything to ask.” When he persuaded her, she wanted the ear-rings of the queen of king Powshya. Udanka was happy and went to secure. On his way, he saw a divine person riding a white bull, the divine person asked him to eat the dung of his bull. Udanka ate and reached the palace of king Powshya. Udanka said, “King! My guru patni wants the earrings of your queen. I request you to give those earrings and relieve me from the debt to my guru.” King Powshya said, “Oh Udanka! You go to my wife and take the earrings from her.” Udanka reached for the queen the palace and did not find her. He went to the king and said that he could not see the queen in the palace. The king said, “Sinless Udanka! My queen is a chaste and virtuous wife, so she would not be visible to the impure persons. Become pure and go to her. Then only you could see her.” On hearing the king’s words, Udanka turned to east and performed aachamana, purified himself. Then the queen worshipped Udanka and said, “Maharishi! You became impure since you eat the bull dung, so you could not see me. I am pleased to give my earrings but you be careful while carrying them. Takshaka the king of serpents wanting these earrings, since long time. If you keep them on an impure place, he may steal them.” Udanka took the earring and went to the king to thank him. The king said,“ Maharishi! You be my honoured guest and bless me.” Udanka agreed and while taking his meal, he found a hair in the food. Udanka became impatient and said, “ You served me an impure meal, so you become blind.” The king also became furious and cursed “You will not have children”. Udanka was afraid and said, “King! I can’t live without children. So you please withdraw your curse.” The king was very adamant in his opinion and said, “Maharishi! The heart of a brahmin is as soft and fresh as butter. However their words will be as harsh as Indra’s Vajra. Whereas in the case of kings, it is opposite. So it is not possible withdraw my curse. Better you withdraw your curse.” 4. Takshaka steals the earrings from Udanka: While Udanka was going to his ashrama, he found a lake. He kept the earrings on the shore, went into the waters and performed aachamana, Takshaka came in his original form of a serpent, stole the

Aadiparvam 35 earrings and ran away. Udanka chased him and reached Naga Loka. He praised Ananta, the king of serpents in several ways. He praised Vasuki too for his noble qualities. After him, he prayed Takshaka requesting to show pity on him. He praised all the other leading serpents in several ways, but all his efforts became a cry in the wilderness. At that time, he saw two women weaving a cloth with black and white threads. He also saw six youngsters churning a giant wheel which had twelve spokes. Nearer to them, he saw a person sitting on the back of a horse and reciting with Vedic mantras. That person was pleased and said, “Oh Udanka! You blow hard into the ears of this horse.” Udanka did so. Immediately flames surrounded the Nagaloka and thousands of serpents came out of fear. 5. Takshaka gives back the earrings: When the entire Naga Loka was engulfed with flames all nagas went and persuaded Takshaka to give away the earrings to Udanka. Takshaka came in human form and returned the earrings to Udanka. Udanka was worried since his gurupatni wanted the earrings within four days. The divine person who understood the anxiety of sitting on the horse Udanka and said, “You sit on the back of this horse. It will take you to your ashrama in a twinkle of an eye.” As instructed by the divine person, he sat on the back of the horse and reached his ashrama in time. By that time guru patni was waiting for him to wear the earrings and to commence vrata. Paila Maharishi was pleased at the devotion of Udanka and said, “ Udanka! The kingdom of Powshya is not far off from our ashrama, why you took so much time?” Udanka said all that had happened in securing the earrings and requested him to explain the inner meanings of those incidents. Paila Maharishi smiled at him and said “Udanka! You are relieved from the debt of your guru by dedicating the earrings to your guru patni. The divine person who was sitting on a bull was- Indra. The bull was- Iravatham. The bull dung you ate was- nectar. The two women you saw in Naga Loka were- Dhata and Vidhata. The treads they weaving were- the night and the day. The six youngsters who were churning the wheel Ruthus. The twelve spokes of the wheel were- twelve months. The divine person who was sitting on the back of the horse was- Varuna. Since you

36 Mahabharatam have consumed nectar in the beginning itself, you were able to withstand all the hurdles and was finally able to secure the earrings for your gurupatni. Since you had cleared your debt to me, now I am giving you permission to go to your house.” Udanka left gurukulam and penanced for several years. However he wanted to take revenge on Takshaka who gave so many troubles for no fault of his. He went to king Janamejaya and said: Udanka: ‘‘King Janamejaya! Takshaka deliberately did harmed me. Besides, he had bitten your father Parikshittu and killed him. Now you punish not only that cruel Takshaka but also on the entire nagas and relieve from the debt of you father. You invite learned brahmins and perform Sarpa yaga. In that homa all the serpents including Takshaka would fall and die. King! It is not uncommon in the world that the sins of an individual would make all his family to suffer. So you call for scholars and arrange to perform Sarpa yaga.’’ Sownaka: ‘‘Ugrasravasu! Takshaka and those serpents are more ferocious than Agni. Then how they fell in agni gundam?’’ Ugrasravasu: ‘‘Maharishi! Long ago there lived a brahmin by name Bhrugu. His wife Pulooma was pregnant . While going to have a bath, Bhrugu asked his wife Pulooma to kindle agnihotra. At that time, a rakshasa entered the agnihotra house, saw Pulooma and fell in love with her. Then the rakshasa asked Agni, “Oh Agni! This woman is very pretty. Whose wife is she?” Agni was confused. If he tells her real status, Bhrugu might curse. ‘‘If I don’t tell, I would get the sin of telling a lie.’’ Finally he chose to have a curse from the Maharishi rather than telling a lie. So he told him that she was Pulooma, the chaste wife of Bhrugu Maharishi. Then rakshasa remembered that the woman was offered to him in marriage but they went back on their word and gave her to Bhrugu Maharishi. Then he took the form of a pig and frightened her. While she was running away, the child in her stomach fell on the ground. That boy was none other than Chavana Maharishi. That boy, even at the time of his birth, was as splendid as the sun. By the look of his brilliance, the rakshasa was burnt to ashes. Then Pulooma picked up the child and went

Aadiparvam 37 to ashrama. When she was running with fear of rakshasa, her tears formed a river. Brahma came and named the river as Vasudhara. In the meanwhile, Bhrugu came and saw his son and his wife. He understood what had happened in his absence. He became furious and asked her, “How this rakshasa came to know that you were my wife.” Pulooma said, “ Maharishi! He came to know about me from Agni and started chasing me in the form of a pig. While I was running out of fear, the boy fell down and burnt rakshasa.” Bhrugu was annoyed and said, ‘‘ Agni! For the sin you have committed, you become Sarva Bhakshaka.” Agni trembled with fear and requested Bhrugu, “ Revered Maharishi! If I had not revealed the truth, I would have the sin of telling a lie, so I told him the truth. I am worshipped by all the three worlds and stood as saakshi . You cursed me for no fault of mine and made me impure. Still I am not cursing you, because It is not good to curse a brahmin, weather he was right or wrong. ‘‘I was doing good to all the Lokas, by carrying oblations offered by brahmins in their yagas to the respective devatas. By your curse, you made me impure which would affect all the vedic karmas on earth. Brahmins could not perform yagas. Thereby Indra would fail to provide timely rains on the earth.’’ While talking to the Maharishi, the brilliance of Agni became dim . All devatas and muni communities learnt what had happened and went to Brahma for protection. Brahma called Agni and said, “ Agni! You are the tutelary deity for all the living beings. You are the chaitanyam of all the movables and immovable’s. You make the men and devatas pure. How can you withdraw chaitanyam from all the worlds? In spite of his curse, you will be the purest of the pure, the most eligible and the most worshipful in three worlds. You continue to be helpful to all the brahmins in their vedic karmas.” When Chavana, the son of Bhrugu attained youth, married the daughter of King Saryaati. Through her, he had a son by name Pramati,who married Ghrutachi. They had a son by name Ruru,who fell in love with Pramadvara. One day Pramadvara was playing with her friends and she was bitten by a serpent. Gauthama and other maharishis

38 Mahabharatam treated her for the snake bite. Ruru could not control his grief. At that time, a voice was heard from the skies, “ Ruru Maharishi! Nobody can escape from the death. However if you can spare half of your longevity to the girl, she gets back to life”. Ruru gave half his longevity and made her alive. Afterwards, he married her and lived happily. However, he developed vengeance on serpents. Since then, he carried a long stick and killed serpents. One day Ruru was about to kill a nonpoisonous snake by name Dumdubha. Dumdubha prayed to Lord Vishnu and said, “Maharishi! You are a superior tapasvi with many good qualities. Why you developed so much vengeance on snakes.” By saying so, Dumdubha took the form of a muni and said, 6. The episode of Sahasrapada: Dumdubha: “I was in the gurukulam of Sahasrapada Maharishi. While my fellow disciple Khagamudu was worshipping Agni, I threw a blade of grass on him just for fun. He was annoyed and cursed me to become a nonpoisonous snake. I requested him to withdraw his curse. However he said, “My friend! One day Ruru maharishi will come to kill you. That day, you will get deliverance from my curse”. Ruru! You are born in a brahmin family and have realized Aatmajnanam. Should you not love all living beings equally. Normally brahmins should keep themselves away from violence. Long back Kadruva, the mother of all the serpents cursed her children to get burnt into ashes. As a result, they all fell in the Sarpa yaga performed by Janamejaya. Astheekudu, the disciple of your father, went to Janamejaya and stopped Sarpa yaga. Sownaka: “Ugrasravasu! Normally mother would condone even the worest sin of her children. Then why Kadruva, the mother of serpents, had cruelly cursed her own children?

Aadiparvam 39 Chapter 2

7. The episode of Garutmantha: Ugrasravasu: “ Sownaka! Long ago in Krutha Yuga, there lived a great maharishi by name Kasyapa. He had two wives. They were Kadruva and Vinatha. They were serving their husband with utmost devotion. Kasyapa was pleased and asked them to seek a boon from him. Kadruva asked for thousand valorous sons. Vinatha asked for two sons who might be more valorous than the thousand sons of her co-wife. Kasyapa performed Putra Kamana Yaga, to add divine strength to the children of his two wives. After some time, Kadruva delivered thousand eggs. She was advised to keep them all in a water pot and to nurse them carefully. After some time, all those thousand eggs were hatched. They became very venomous and powerful serpents such as Adiseshu, Vasuki, Iravatha, Takshaka and many others. Vinatha delivered two eggs. Those eggs did not hatch for a long time. She became restless and broke one of them. From that egg, a bird came out without limbs . It was called as Anurudu. Since the mother broke before its full formation, he was annoyed with his mother and cursed her that she would become a slave to her co-wife for five hundred years. He cautioned his mother to be patient with the second egg, till it grows o its full size. He also said that his brother would becomes the most valorous person in the world and would remove her bondage from her co-wife. Then he flew to the abode of Sun and became the charioteer to Sun god. After several years, the second egg hatched and a big bird came out who became the famous Garutmantha. 8. Churning of Ksheerasagara: Long ago devatas and rakshasas desired to secure nectar. They went under the leadership of Indra and prayed Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. They assured of their help in securing nectar. The strongest and the tallest mountain was Mt.Mandhara was chosen as the churning stick with the consent of The moment Brahma and Vishnu Adiseshu brought the mountain and held it on his head. To churn Ksheerasagara, Vasuki, the king of serpents was chosen as a rope. Devatas on one side, and danavas on the other side held Vasuki and

40 Mahabharatam started churning. After several years Vasuki started vomiting poison, which came in the form of fire and formed clouds of poison in all the directions . Rakshasas held Vasuki on its head and devatas held on its tail. In course of time, both got tired and became weak. Then lord Vishnu infused his strength and velocity in them so that they could continue churning. The added strength enthusiasm, and the speed in churning developed friction on vasuki and spilled poison, which was known as Haalaahalan. Lord Siva swallowed Haalaahalan and held it in his throat. Afterwards from Ksheerasagara, emerged many persons and articles such as Jyashta devi, Moon, Lakshmi, white horse, Koustuba gem, Danvantiri , Iravatham, and many more articles. Of these, Vishnu took the Koustuba gem and Lakshmi. He held both of them on his chest. The white elephant, Iravatha and the horse by name Uchaisravamu were taken by Indra. While danavas hoodwinked the devatas and denied them nectar . Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini and mesmerized all danavas and recovered the pot of nectar and tactfully gave the nectar to devatas. When the devatas were consuming nectar, a danava by name Rahu took the form of devata and sat in the line of devatas and consumed nectar. Before he gulped it, the Sun and Moon noticed him as a danava and informed Vishnu, who cut his throat with his Chakrayudha. Since the nectar touched the head, it became immortal. From that day, Rahu developed enmity with Sun and Moon. 9. The battle between devatas and danavas: Because of Vishnumaya, danavas did not get their shara of nectar. With vengeance on devatas, they went to their king Bali Chakravarthi and reported to him the injustice meted to them and provoked him for a fight. King Bali took a large army with many chariots, horses, elephants, infantry and invaded heaven. Devatas could not withstand the strength of danavas. Lord Vishnu came to their rescue and cut all the heads of danavas with his Chakrayudha. In this way, a great battle was fought on the shores of the sea. Indra took possession of nectar and kept under safe custody. 10. The challenge between Kadruva and Vinatha. While churning Ksheerasagara, a great horse Uchaisravamu, came

Aadiparvam 41 out and was roaming on the shares of Ksheerasagara. At that time Kadruva and Vinatha came for a brief walk. While they were wandering, they saw the divine horse. Kadruva said, “Oh Sister! Look at that white horse! How beautiful it is! What a pity in spite of its beauty, the black spot at the end of its tail looks like a spot on the moon.’’ On hearing Kadruva’s words, Vinatha said with a smile, “Are you awake or sleeping? The entire horse including its tail is looking like the foam of milk. How are you seeing a black spot on its tail?” Kadruva was furious and felt humiliated and said, “The tail of the horse is certainly black. You look with hundred eyes. Let us make a bet on this. If the tail of the horse is black, you have to become my slave. If the tail is spotless and white, I will be your slave. Do you accept by this?” Vinatha and Kadruva agreed and were about to go nearer to clarify their disputes Kadruva said, “ Sister! Now it is the time so serve our husband who comes out from his meditation. Let us come tomorrow and clarify.’’ Kadruva became nervous because the tail of the horse was tactually white and spotless. She grieved to become a slave to her co-wife. However she didn’t want to accept her defeat. She called all her sons (snakes) and said, “My sons! Knowingly or unknowingly, I made a challenge with my co-wife. In fact, the tail of the horse was as pure as milk. With arrogance, I said there was a black spot on its tail. If I loose, I may have to become a slave to my co-wife. I don’t like to be her slave. On the contrary, I want her to be my slave. You should help me to bail me out of this problem.” On hearing Kadruva’s words, all the serpents shouted in one voice, ‘‘ It is immoral and unethical. Just because mother asked for help, should we resort for an adharma. You have once again proved that all the women are ignorant” and flatly refused to help her. Kadruva’s eyes became red with anger and said, “Since you disobeyed my order, you will burn to ashes in the Sarpa yaga to be performed by Janamejaya’’. Karkotaka, one of her-sons, shivered with fear and said to his mother, “I will go and hang in the tail of the horse invisibly.” Next morning both Kadruva and Vinatha went to see the horse. By the time they went there, Karkotaka was hanging invisibly on the tail and it appeared like a black spot. Thus Vinatha was defeated and became the slave to Kadruva. From that day onwards, Vinatha was doing all the work entrusted by 42 Mahabharatam Kadruva. One day the second egg hatched and a full fledged bird came out. The parents named it as Garutmantha. It was born to achieve many things. 11. The birth of Garutmantha Garutmantha came out of his shell and shook of his wings. All the mountains shivered. Looking at such a powerful son, Vinatha’s heart was filled with joy, whereas her co-wife Kadruva was burnt with jealousy. Garutmantha flew into the sky. He went around all over the sky and came down to his mother Vinatha and prostrated at her feet. Looking at him, Kadruva’s heart burnt and said “ Garutmantha! Instead of wandering without any purpose, you better take all my children on your back and show them all the wonders in the world. ‘’So, Garutmantha took all his cousins, went round and showed them the wonders in the world. One day, he took them to the abode of Sun god. There the serpents fainted due to the excess heat of the Sun and fell on the ground. Looking at her children, Kadruva abused Garutmantha, held him responsible for the sickness of her children. She prayed to Indra, “Esteemed Indra! all Suras, Asuras, Siddhas, Kimpurushas, Nagas and many others who wander in the sky are living at your mercy and because of the fear of your Vajra all the three worlds are surviving. Protect my children.” Indra pity and seved them. Garutmantha was unhappy being his mother was ill treated my kadruva and said He could not “Mother! I can goad all the mountains to powder, with the velocity of my wings I can reach far of places in the sky. I am strong and valorous. Why should I am to stoop to do menial jobs to kadruva?” Vinatha said, “My son! Long back I made a challenge with my co-wife. But I lost. Added to that your elder brother, Anurvudu, had cursed me to become a slave to my co-wife. Since that day, I was silently suffering all these insults. Now you have come out, you are also made a victim being you are my son. Why don’t you try to have deliverance for me from this slavery?” Garutmantha went to the serpents and said, “My dear brothers! You are elder to me; you have better wisdom. Please tell me a way out for my mother to be relieved from her

Aadiparvam 43 slavery.” All the serpents deliberated among themselves and finally said “Garutmantha! You secure nectar for us. Then your mother would be relieved from her bondage”. 12. Garutmantha secures nectar: Garutmantha said, “Brothers! I will secure nectar as desired by you. But you should free my mother from her bondage.” He went to his mother and took her blessings. He started to the heaven to secure nectar. Before he made a start, he requested his mother for some food to gain strength to reach heaven. Vinatha said, “My son! You go to the sea, there are some cruel people belonging to Nishada community. They are killing the people without any provocation. So you and eat them all. Do not eat Brahmins, if such a brahmin is furious, he will turns out to be as a poison on you. On the other hand, if you serve him, he would become your guru and bless all that you want, even without asking.” Garutmantha went to the sea and ate all the Nishadas. But he left all those persons who dropped out from his mouth. Of all the brahmins, one person he neither went inside nor came out like other brahmins. Thereby his throat started burning. Then Garutmantha shouted, “If there is any brahmin in my throat or stomach, please come out.” Then the brahmin who was in his throat, said, “ Garutmantha! I am a brahmin but my wife is impure and belongs to Nishada communality. So how could I come without her?” Garutmantha said, “Scholar! An impure person also would become pure with associating of a pure person. So you come out with your Nishada wife.” Then the brahmin came out with his Nishada wife and blessed Garutmantha and went on his way. After satisfying his hunger, Garutmantha flew in to the sky. On the way he went to his father Kasyapa Maharishi and said, “Father! I am going to heaven to secure nectar and relieve my mother from her bondage. I seek your blessings. As advised by my mother, I have eaten all the Nishadas, but my hunger is not appeased. Hence you suggest me some more food.” Kasyapa Maharishi was happy and was pleased to know his devotion towards his mothe. 13. The episode of an elephant and a tortoise: Long back there lived a brahmin by name Vibhaavasudu. He was

44 Mahabharatam very prosperous and comfortable. One day his brother Supreethaka asked his share of his ancestral properties. Vibhaavasudu became furious and was humiliated as if he was challenging his authority. He cursed his brother to become an elephant. Supreethaka was also annoyed and, cursed his brother to become a tortoise. As they cursed each other Vibhaavasudu became a huge tortoise . Supreethaka became a huge elephant. They remembered the enmity of their previous birth. As such whenever the elephant came to drink water in the lake, Supreethaka who was in the form of a tortoise used to fight his brother. So you go to that lake and catch them, while they are together and eat them. Garutmantha caught hold of both the elephant and the tortoise and kept them in between his legs and went in search of a tree so as to eat them peacefully. At last, he found a mountain known as Alambam. On that mountain, he saw a huge tree with huge branches. Garutmantha landed on one of its branches, the branch broke with his weight. Several Valikhiya tapasvis were hanging and doing tapasya. All those munis consumed sunlight as food. They were hanging on the branches upside down and do tapasya. On seeing them, Garutmantha was worried that he might be disturbing their tapasya. Before the branch landed on the ground, he flew fast and caught hold of the branch with his beak and went to his father Kasyapa. Kasyapa advised all the tapasvis to leave that branch and go to some other place. Valikhiya Munis obliged the request of Kasyapa and went to Himalayas to continue their tapasya. After the munis left, Garutmantha dropped that branch on he ate the elephant and tortoise, and went to heaven. 14. The episode of Valikhiya Maharishis: While Garutmantha landed on heaven, the devatas noticed bad omens and Indra asked deva guru, Bruhaspathi the reason for the bad omens. Bruhaspathi: “ Indra! Garutmantha son of kashyapa maharshi has landed on the heaven. He had the blessings of great Valikhiya Maharishis. Thus he became the king of birds. His splendour, strength and valour were incomparable. So you can’t defeat Garutmantha. Now I will tell you the greatness of Garutmantha.

Aadiparvam 45 “Kasyapa performed a Putrakamana yaga, for which, you also went with other devatas to make it a success. Valikhiyas are all as small as a thumb and acted as yazika, hota and adhvarva. Even dharba grass was heavy from the and were struggling to bring to yagnavasika. Though people laughed at then the cool headed maharishis, blessed Kasyapa that one of his sons would be hundred times stronger than Indra and he also possess all sidhis. He may even become second Indra. On hearing these blessings of Valikhiyas, Indra became nervous and went to Kasyapa. Kasyapa took him to Valikhiyas and pleaded with them. Kasyapa: “Oh Valikhiya munis! Brahma has appointed Indra to protect all the living beings. He is performing his duties with competence. If you create a second Indra, it will upset the arrangements made by Brahma. However your word can’t become untrue, hence you divert your boon by saying that the boy who was going to take birth with this yaga would become the Indra of the birds race.’’ Bruhaspathi: “The Valikhiyas modified their boon and said he would become an Indra of the birds race. Hence Garutmantha was born with the blessings of Valikhiyas and you cannot defeat him. That Garutmantha has now landed on heaven to take away nectar, so as to remove the bondage of his mother.’’ On hearing Bruhaspathi’s words, Indra tightened security arrangements around the place where nectar was stored. With the velocity of his wings, all security people flew in to the air like a piece of cotton. There was no opposition. So Garutmantha reached the place where nectar was stored. 15. The fight between the security guards and Garutmantha: At the sight of garutmanta, Devata gaurds rained various astras on him, and made him wounded. He shook his wings and created a big dust storm. In that dust security people could not see where Garutmantha was. Indra went to the rescue of his people and showered a heavy rain so that the dust could settle down. As soon as the visibility was improved devatas surrounded Garutmantha and wounded him again. Garutmantha threw them with the velocity of his wings and pierced with his nose and

46 Mahabharatam drove them all to far off places and entered the place where nectar was stored. There huge flames were guarding the pot of nectar. Garutmantha went to the rivers, swallowed all the river water , came back and poured into the flames, caught hold of the pot of nectar and travelled towards the earth. On his way, Lord Vishnu said, “ Garutmantha! I am pleased with your courage and dedication for the cause of your mother. I wish to offer you a boon, you may ask.” 16: Lord Vishnu blesses Garutmantha: Garutmantha: “Deva! You bless me with youth and immortality, even without consuming nectar.’’ Lord Vishnu: “Garutmantha! You be my vehicle and sty on the flag as my symbol.’’ After Lord Vishnu disappeared, Indra came and attacked with Vajra. Garutmantha saw Vajra attacking him and said: Garutmantha: “ Vajramaa! However powerful you might be, you can’t harass me. You are made with the back bone of Dadheechi Maharishi. I shall drop a feathers as a token of respect or the maharishi. Vajramaa! Since I have respected maharishi, you go back without touching me. On hearing the words of Garutmantha, the divine communities praised the bravery and courage of Garutmantha. At last, Indra also appreciated and said: Indra: “Garutmantha! I bless you with immortality and you would be free from old age and disease. Hence what is the purpose of taking nectar from heaven? Give it back to me and be contended with the boons I have given. Garutmantha: ‘‘Indra! My mother became a slave to her co-wife. My brothers promised me that they would release my mother from her bondage, provided I secured for them nectar. So I can not go without enactor. You can take it back after my mother is discharged from bondage. Indra: ‘‘Garutmantha! I have seen your strength and valour. However I want to hear something more about you, tell me.’’

Aadiparvam 47 Garutmantha: ‘‘To praise one’s self is as big sin as that of ignoring others valour. However since you have asked , I will let you now about myself. You listen. I can hold all the movables and immovables on my back. With the velocity of my wings, I can throw out of all the gems and pearls from the bottom of the sea. I can go round all the three worlds with a sped of mind..’’ Indra: ‘‘Garutmantha! As you are taking something from me, the nectar, in return you be my friend for ever’’ Garutmantha: ‘‘ Indra! My brothers who are the sons of Kadruva, humiliated my mother for several years. So make serpents to be as my food. Garutmantha carried nectar with him, went to his brothers and said: Garutmantha: My dear brothers! Indra is protecting this nectar with thousand eyes. In spite of that, I secured it for you. Now you release my mother from her bondage. It is your responsibility to protect nectar from now onwards. Garutmantha released his mother from her bondage and walked out. All the serpents went for a bath to consume nectar. In the meanwhile, Indra took away the pot of nectar and returned to heaven. Serpents came back and found that the pot of nectar was missing. The Aadishesu hated his mother and brothers for their unethical behaviour towards their step mother. In a fit of anger he left all of them and went to Badhirivanam, Ghokarnam, Pushkarni, Himachalam and many other places. After serving all presiding deities, he went to Mt.Gandhamadana and did tapasya on Brahma for several years. Brahma appeared and blessed a boon. 17: Aadishesu holds earth on his head. Aadishesu: Oh Deva Deva! My mother and brothers left the path of dharma and did harm to my step mother and my cousin Garutmantha. I can’t live with them. I want to end up my life by doing tapasya. Brahma: Oh Sheshu! You are the most virtuous among the serpents. You are a virtuous person. You can hold any amount of weight on you, so you are the right person to hold the earth. Garutmantha had the grace

48 Mahabharatam of Kasyapa and Valikhiya maharishis. Thereby he became the most valorous and even defeated Indra. Hence you make friendship with him. That will help you in a big way. Aadishesu became a friend of Garutmantha. All powerful serpents like Vasuki and others were greatly worried about the curse made by their mother Kadruva. He assembled all his brothers and said. Vasuki: My dear brothers! Our brother Seshu pleased Brahma and was assigned to hold the earth on his head. He had been freed from the curse of our mother. As far I am concerned I was chosen as a churning rope for securing nectar. So the curse of our mother will not apply to me. However I am worried about the damage of our race. Oh hearing the words of Vasuki, some arrogant serpents said: Other serpents: Brothers! King Janamejaya is a virtuous king. We take the help of brahmins and make a representation to the king not to perform sarpa yaga. If our pleas are not conceded, we all go and crawl on the eatables. On looking at our presence all guests and visitors will run away and thereby the Sarpa yaga will be shelved. Some other serpents: ‘‘Brothers! your dream will never come true. All the materials on the yagnavatika were purified with vedic mantras. As such impure creatures like us can’t go anywhere near the yagnavatika. So you stop all wicked thinking. Elaputrudu: (younger brother of Vasuki) ‘‘Brothers! I will tell you a secret. When our mother cursed, I was very young and was lying on the lap of our mother. However I did not sleep. At that time I heard the devatas conversing with Brahma. Those words I still remember and I will let you now and please listen. Devatas: ‘‘Brahma! Kadruva cursed her own children who were the most venomous and vigorous. How hard- hearted is that woman. Is there any out? Brahma: ‘‘Devatas! All the serpents are cruel by nature. They always do harm to the people. Since earth is overburdened with serpents, I kept quiet. However the Vasuki’s sister will marry a maharishi by name Jaratkaruvu. They will have a son by name Asteekudu. He will become a great tapasvi. He will go to Janamejaya and stops sarpa yaga. Thereby the remaining serpents will survive.’

Aadiparvam 49 The words of Elaputrudu, made them happy and praised the young serpent. They are all praying for Jagatkaruvu’s arrival and his marriage with vasuki’s sister. Jagatkaruvu, who was born in the family of Mayavura, completed his Brahmacharya and was ready for marriage. While he was wandering in the forest, he saw certain tapasvis who were taking sunrays as their diet. Jagatkaruvu looked at them and said: Jagatkaruvu: maharishis! You are all hanging upside down and perform severe tapasya. What is it you are aspiring from this tapasya? Maharishis: This is not a tapasya. We are all unfortunate since we did not have sons and we are deprived of tarpanas. As such we are denied superior lokas. We are hanging upside down. One of our ancestral parents took pity on us and told that one day a tapasvi would be born in our family by name Jagatkaruvu and sons, would pave way for us to go to superior lokas. Till such time, we to pray for jagatkaruvu to marry and have children. Jagatkaruvu: My Ancestral parents! You are all most worshipful for me because I am Jagatkaruvu . Till now I did not have an inclination to marry. Now I have decided to marry.’’ All his ancestral parents felt happy and blessed him. 18: The marriage of Jagatkaruvu. Jagatkaruvu: Ancestral parents! Now I will search for a suitable girl for me. As soon as I secure a girl with an identical name of mine, I will marry her. Vasuki was also searching for a suitable bride groom for his sister, Jagatkari. In the meanwhile he came to know that a great tapasvi by name Jagatkaruvu is inclined to marry for the benefit of his ancestral parents. Then Vasuki went to Jagatkaruvu with his sister, Jagatkari and said: Vasuki: Jagatkaruvu! You are the most virtuous person knowing all sastras and dharmas. You marry to benefit the ancestral parents of both sides. My sister her name is Jagatkari. Jagatkaruvu: Vasuki! I am pleased to marry your sister.’’ However he said, ‘Oh Jagatgari I agree to marry you and live with you. I leave you

50 Mahabharatam the moment you insult me. If you agree to this, our marriage will get through. Jagatkari agreed and married him. After a few year, she became pregnant. While the child was in her stomach his brilliance was noticed on her body. One day kept Jagatkaruvu his head on her lap and sleeping till sunset. She was confused whether to wake him up or not . Since the time running out for his daily rituals, she woke him. He became angry for disturbing his sleep and said, “you have insult me. So I am leaving from the house. The child you are bearing is more splendid than the sun and Agni. Because of him, both our families will become pure. You don’t worry about me. You go to your brother and live happily. I am going to continue my tapasya. After some time, Jagatkari delivered a boy by name Asteekudu. The boy joined the gurukulam of Pramathi, a great tapasvi and son of Chavana maharishi. He learnt Vedas, Vedangas and sastras from Pramathi and performed a great tapasya. King Janamejaya assembled all his ministers and said, ‘ministers! Udanka maharishi has come and advised me” You perform sarpayaga and take revenge on serpents who killed my father”. 19. The reasons for the death of King Pareekshittu Minister: Oh king! Your father King Pareekshittu in a righteous way. His father Abhaminyu was dead in the battle of Kurukshetra. While you were still in the stomach of your mother. Lord Krishna saved you life from brahmastra released by Aswadhaama. In this manner your life was saved to continue the family line of Kuru dynasty. Oh Janamejaya! Your father Pareekshittu was also very fond of hunting as his grand father Panduraju. One day while hunting, he chased a deer for a long distance. As he was thirsty, he went to a nearby muni ashrama. At that time, Semeeka maharishi was in a state of Samadhi. Your father was not aware of the state of the maharishi’s samadhi and asked him for water. Maharishi did not reply your father as he was in Samadhi. Your father misunderstood his silence as arrogance and picked up a dead snake with his bow and kept around the neck of maharishi and went away.

Aadiparvam 51 After some time Srungi, son of Semeeka maharishi came to ashrama, saw a dead snake around the neck of his father. He was furious for the insult meted to his father and took water in to his hands and cursed. “We are living in the forest having control on our sense organs and performing tapasya. We take very little food to keep up our body. While my father was in the state of Samadhi, this King Pareekshittu put the dead snake around his neck and went away. On the seventh day he will die with a snake bite of Takshaka.” In the meanwhile, Semeeka maharishi came out of his Samadhi and understood what had happened. He was unhappy with his son and said: Semeeka Maharishi: My son! Are you not aware anger is our first enemy? Anger will destroy all eight siddhis. It will destroy all our tapasya. A tapasvi without patience and a king without dharma, will not retain any thing as no water remains in a leaky pot. You must remember that all our muni communities are making great tapasya, because of the patronage given by the king. You have committed a sin by cursing a noble king like Pareekshittu. I am more hurt by your curse than the insult committed by our king on me. Srungi: ‘‘Father! I cursed the king in a haste. As my words will not go untrue, Takshaka must have started to complete his job. On hearing the words of Srungi, Semeeka maharishi called one of his disciples and asked him to go to the king Pareekshittu and inform him about the harm he is going to face from Takshaka. The disciple went to king Parikshittu and said: Disciple: ‘‘King! I am the disciple of Semeeka maharishi. You put a dead snake around his neck. Srungi, the son of my guru was annoyed at you’re the insult committed on his father he cursed you that you will die on the seventh day with the poison of Takshaka. My guru was grieved very much for the hasty action of his son. However he asked me to convey this information to you, so that you could be on your guard. King Pareekshittu grieved for his sinful act and appreciated the great restraint of maharishi. Immediately he summoned all his ministers and built a building which would stand on a single pillar and he entered into it. He also summoned the great snake charmers and the doctors

52 Mahabharatam who can protect him with anti-venom medicines and mantras. By the time Takshaka had already started and was devising a plan to bite the king. 20. Takshaka averts Kasyapa who knows anti- venom mantras Brahma was worried with the untimely deaths on earth due to snake bites. To avert this, he called a brahmin by name Kasyapa and initiated a mantra to him and its application. He instructed him to go and save as many people as possible from the snake bites. Kasyapa came to know that the righteous king Pareekshittu was about to die with the bite of Takshaka. He wanted to meet King Pareekshittu and avert his premature death with the help of mantra. He thought that he not only get enormous wealth but also glory. Hence Kasyapa started to reach Hastinapura. Takshaka smelt the mind of Kasyapa. Takshaka transformed as an old brahmin and met Kasyapa on his way and said: Takshaka: ”Oh superior brahmin! How far you are going? On what business are you going?’’ Kasyapa: “Today Takshaka the king of serpents is going to kill our king Pareekshittu. The king Pareekshittu is a righteous person. I want to save the king and avert his death with the help of a mantra. So I am going to Hastinapura’’ . Takshaka laughed at the brahmin and said, “Oh sinless brahmin! I am Takshaka . One may escape death from Indra’s Vajra but not from my bite. No body can escape from death from my venom. All the mantras and mystics will not work with my venom. Why you take so much trouble? You go back to your place. If you want to really show the power of your mantra, I will bite this tree. This entire tree will dry up in front of your eyes. If you want to test your mantra, you bring it back to life. If you succeed, you can also bring back Pareekshittu to life. “Oh Brahmin! Brahma has decided that this king is to die with my venom. Hence neither my poison is not killing him nor you’re your mantra is going to save him. Know it well that it is the dictates of Brahma. Can you or I change his will power? So we are all instruments in the hands of god. However if you want wealth, I myself can give you. You may go back to your place’’ On hearing these words, Kasyapa thought

Aadiparvam 53 that he could not stop the death of the king and so took the precious stones from Takshaka and went back to his village. “Oh Janamejaya! You may ask me how I know all these things. One day a brahmin from Hastinapura went to the forest to pick some fruits from a tree. At that time Takshaka bit the tree. The entire tree was burnt along with the brahmin. However Kasyapa was there at that time and he recited an anti-venom mantra. With that mantra, the entire tree came back to life including Brahmin. That brahmin came to Hastinapura and said his experience to his people. 21. The death of King Parikshittu Takshaka made the brahmin to go back to his village and called his subordinate serpents and instructed them Takshaka: “My children! you all took the forms of brahmins, you carry basket full of fruits and flowers to gift to the King. I will also come with you in an invisible form. ‘’ All serpents went in the form of Brahmins, procured fruits and flowers tooffer the king. They all knew that king Pareekshittu was fond of Rigveda and Yajurveda So they started reciting the Vedas and carried the fruits and flowers with them to the king. The king said to his ministers: King Pareekshittu: “Ministers! This is the seventh day after the curse given by Srungi maharishi. In a short time, the sun is going to set. After that the curse of Srungi will loose its power. On this happy occasion, you all share these fruits and enjoy. The king also took one fruit in his hand and opened it. He found a black insect in the fruit. While looking at that, it transformed in to a big serpent bit the king and ran away. The poison of Takshaka burnt Pareekshittu and building. In that manner, your father died. 22. Janamejaya performs Sarpayaga Ministers: “King Janamejaya Your father took the responsibility of ruling the country while he was an infant. He performed several yagnas . All the people are praised him as a virtuous king. Because Srungi asked should Takshaka is to kill your father without looking into his

54 Mahabharatam anticidents? You perform Sarpa yaga and punish all the serpents. Ever since Udanka provoked King Janamejaya, dedicated to perform Sarpa yaga and entered yagasala with his wife Vapustama. Before commencing the yaga a Vastu Pandit said to the “Oh king! As per the Vastu this yaga will not be completed and it will be stopped in the middle.” However the king decided to proceed with the yaga. As the yaga was in progress, thousands of serpents came from nowhere and fell in the Homagundam. At that time Takshaka the king of serpents was afraid of his own life, and he ran to Indra for protection. In the meanwhile, Vasuki had requested his sister Jagatkari to ask her son Astika to go to Janamejaya and persuade him to stop the Sarpa yaga. Astika went to Janamejaya and said: 23. Astika approaches King Janamejaya Astika: “King Janamejaya! You hail from Chandra vamsa. You are a Rajarishi. You are as virtuous as your ancestors. The oblations that you are offering to the fire god are all turning towards right, this is a good omen. You listen to my prayer. I hail from the serpent’s family through my mother. All the serpents are vanishing from this world because of your yaga. I request you to protect the serpent’s race in the world.’’ All the people present at the yaga supported to his request. Janamejaya was convinced and stopped the sarpa yaga. At that time Takshaka was hanging in the sky and was about to fall in Homagundam. Looking at Takshaka, Astika said “ Takshaka! The sarpa yaga had been stopped. You go back. The mantras are no more binding on you.”

Aadiparvam 55 Chapter 3 24. Vaisampayana tells the story of Mahabaratha. Janamejaya had suspended the sarpayaga in the middle and paid valuable gifts to brahmins and kept them happy. One day Veda Vyasa went to Janamejaya’s palace with his disciples. Janamejaya received Vyasa maharishi and worshipped him. Janamejaya: “Vyasa Baghavan! yourself Bhishma and other elders distributed the kingdom equally to Kouravas and Pandavas. Instead of enjoying their share of kingdoms, why such a big battle took place. Have you not tried to stop the battle?’’ Visravasu : Oh Sownaka! At that time Vyasa maharishi did not reply but he looked at his disciple Vaisampayana to narrate the story to the king and went away/ 25. The glory of Mahabaratha: Vaisampayana: “Janamejaya! This story of Mahabharata will help all those people who seek dharma, ardha, kama and moksha. It will also wash away all the sins accumulated by mind, by speech and by action. Now I will tell you briefly the reason for the rivalry between Pandavas and Kauravast. After the death of Panduraju, his sons, Pandavas were brought up by Dhrutarashtra. Both Pandavas and kauravas served guru and learnt archery and other martial arts. Pandavas possessed virtuous qualities. They also established their supremacy in archery over others. Duryodhana became jealous an pandavas and took lead in all evil acts committed on Pandavas. Sakuni, Karna, and Dushsasana always provoked and encouraged Duryodhana in doing such cruel acts against Pandavas. However Pandavas maintained forbearance and used to suffer all the hardships. One day when Bheema was sleeping on the banks of Ganges after his swimming, Duryodhana and others fastened him with ropes and threw him into the river. However Bheema escaped from the death. On another occasion while Bheema was fast asleep, he was bitten by a black cobra, sent by Duryodhana. But the venom did not enter his body because his skin was so hard. On another day, they mixed poison in the food and offered to Bheema, but he digested it.

56 Mahabharatam Duryodhana and others wanted to eliminate in several ways Pandavas. So they made a house of wax made them to live in it and fired it. Vidhura came to know the wicked plans of Duryodhana and dug a tunnel for their safety which ended up in a forest. There Bheema killed a demon by name Hidumbasura and married his sister Hidumbi. From there they reached Ekachakrapura and took shelter in the house of a brahmin. Bheema killed a demon, Bakhasura who was harassing the people. From there, they entered the kingdom of Drupada in the form of brahmins. They participated in a Swayamwara announced for Draupadi. There Arjuna hit Maschya yentra and won Draupadi in that Swayamwara. The kings who came to win Draupadi were furious at Pandvas (Brahmins) and fought. Pandavas defeated all the kings and went home with Draupadi. Kunthi and Vyasa maharishi advised all the Pandavas to marry Draupadi. After that they lived happily in the palace of Drupada for a year. Dhrutarashtra came to know and called back pandavas to Hastinapura. He gave the share of Panduraju to Pandavas and asked them to rule from Indraprasta. Pandavas ruled from Indraprasta for some time. During this period Arjuna went to Dwaraka and married Subadra, the sister of Balarama and Krishna. Arjuna had a son through her by name Abhimanyu. Arjuna was gifted by Agni, a divine chariot, horses, a bow, Gandibam, a conch, Devadatam and a perpetual quiver. With this, Arjuna defeated Indra and allowed Agni to destroy Khandava vana to ashes. After that, they summoned Mayu a danava architect to build a durbar hall which was known as Mayasabha. Bheema killed Jarasandha to facilitate Dharmaraja to perform Rajasuya yaga. Duryodhana and his evil friends came to know all these glorious deeds of Pandavas and became jealous. They invited Pandavas for a gambling and defeated them with the help of Sakuni. As per the terms of game, Pandavas were to live in the forests for twelve years and for one year in Agnatha vasam. During this period, Arjuna did penance, meditated on Siva and secured Pasupatastra. Pandavas completed thirteen years and demanded their share of kingdom back. But Duryodhana did not agreed. Therefore the battle of Kurukshetra had become inevitable. The

Aadiparvam 57 history that reveals about the Kouravas and Pandavas who hailed from the King Baratha’s family line is popularly known as Baratham. 26: The episode of King Vasuvu Vaisampayana: (continues) Before we learn the story of Vasuvu, let us know the birth of Veda Vyasa. You all listen. Long ago the king Vasuvu was ruling the kingdom of Chedi.. He wanted to reties and do tapasya for rest of his life. But Indra came to him and said, “Oh Vasuvu! You have ruled the country in a righteous way. The country needs your rule for some more time.’’ In gratitude to Indra, he arranged to celebrate a festival for Indra. Indra was pleased with his devotion and blessed him with five sons. Vasuvu (Uparicharudu) gave the kingdom to all his children and became a Rajarishi. One day, he went to the river Suktimati. There he saw Mt.Kolahala, fell in love with river Suktimati and obstructed her way. Looking at this Uparicharudu (Vasuvu) pushed the Mt.Kolahala with his little finger of his foot and released Suktimati. In gratitude, Suktimati gifted her son Pavanudu and Daughter Girika to Uparicharudu. He made Pavanudu as his commander in chief, and married Girika and made her as his principal queen. After some time, Girika became matured. When Girika matured, her ancestral parents instructed him to offer deer meat to her(Girika) the King (Uparicharudu) went to the forest to fetch deer meet for his wife. While he was hunting, he remembered the prettiness of his wife and his seminal fluid fell down. He preserved in a cup made of a leaf and sent the same through a hawk to Girika. While the hawk was traveling in the sky, another hawk attacked and they fought each other. In the meanwhile the cup fell in a river. Where an apsaras by name Adrika was living in the form of fish by the curse of Brahma. Adrika consumed the sperm of the king and became pregnant. When the fishermen spread nets, Adrika also caught in their trap. When the fishermen cut the fish (Adrika) they found two kids, a male and a female. The fishermen took both the kids and gave them to the king. 27. The episode of Matsyagandhi : Brahma, while giving the deliverance to his curse, said to Adrika that she would get back to her original abode whenever she gives birth

58 Mahabharatam to humans. As such she returned to her abode. The boy was named as Matsyarajanna and became King of Matsya kingdom. The female baby who was brought up by Dasaraju was named as Matsyagandhi. She used to go with her father to ferry the raft on the river Yamuna. One day she was waiting for the passengers to come, Parasara Maharishi saw her and fell in love. With his divine knowledge, he understood her background. Maharishi was fascinated with her fish-like eyes. Though he won the senses, on that moment he lost his control. He expressed his desires to her and waited anxiously for her reply. Matsyagandhi was afraid that the Maharishi may curse her, if she refuses and said, “Pious maharishi! I am a fisher woman. All my body smells like fish. If I lose my virginity, my father will not allow me to step into the house. Hence, Keep up my purity.” Maharishi was happy and blessed her that she would not lose her virginity. He explained the secret of her birth and said she was the daughter of a Rajarishi and not a fisher woman. He blessed her to spread fragrance to a distance of one yojana from her body. From then she was popularly known as “Yojanagandhi”. She also had another name as Sathyavati. At that time, maharishi blessed her with silk garments and gold jewels. Sathyavati was feeling shy to mate with him in public. Maharishi understood her mind and drove the boat to an island in the river Yamuna. With his power of tapasya he made the entire island covered with fog. 28. The birth of Vyasa Vyasa Maharishi was born to Parasara Maharishi and Sathyavati in an island of river Yamuna. He was as brilliant as sun, and he had acquired knowledge of Vedas; he was virtuous. Because he was born on an island on river Yamuna and as he was black complexioned, he was popularly known as Krishnadypayanadu. After the birth, Vyasa said to his mother, “Beloved mother! I am going to perform tapasya; you call me whenever you need my assistance” and he went to the forest for tapasya. Since he was born with an amsa a part of Brahma, he divided Vedas into four and he was popularly known as Veda Vyasa. 29. The birth of Bheeshma Parasurama went round the earth on a war expedition and killed all the kshatriyas. Since all those kingdoms did not have any successor,

Aadiparvam 59 all the widows of those kings requested the superior brahmins, for a successor for their kingdom at their menstrual times. With the blessings of those brahmins again those kshatriya families had successors. They protected dharma and saved the people from fear of thieves and adultery. The kshatriyas born in this way became kings and ruled in the path of dharma They performed many yagnas and pleased Indra and obtained his blessings. Thereby they got timely rains and yielded crops in plenty. As a result cruel and wicked population increased, the death rate had decreased. Thus the burden on earth also increased. Mother earth could not bear the load on her, went to Brahma and Vishnu for protection. Brahma consoled her and said that Vishnu and Indra will take birth in human form and reduce the burden on earth. In addition to that, portions of Daithya, danavas, and Yakshas would take the form of kings and would be born on earth. Of those kings, some of them would act as friends and some as enemies. Those kings who were born with an amsa of devatas will fight on behalf of Pandavas, those kings who were born with an amsa of Rakshasas, would fight on Kauravas side. Great heroes like Bheeshma was born and fought in the battle of Kurukshetra. 30: The story of King Yayati Janamejaya: ‘‘Vaisampayana Maharishi! Yayati was an emperor who ruled the entire earth. How is that he married the daughter of Sukracharya who was a brahmin. How he married Devayani? Vaisampayana: ‘‘Sukracharya was the priest of king Rishaparva, a rakshasa king. In the battle of deva and danavas, many danavas died. Sukracharya knew Mrutasanjivini vidya, with that he made all danavas alive. Thereby devatas could not win danavas. Devatas wanted to gain the knowledge of mrutasanjivini from Sukracharya. They sent Kacha, the son of Bruhaspathi to learn Mruthasanjivini from Sukracharya. They provoked Kacha to make Devayani, the daughter of Sukracharya to fall in love with him. As suggested by devatas Kacha went to Sukracharya and said, “ Maharishi! I am the son of Bruhaspathi.My name is Kacha. I want to become your disciple. Kindly accept me as your disciple and bless.’’ Sukracharya was pleased with his sweet words and obedient behavior. From then onwards, he served his guru Sukracharya and his daughter Devayani obediently and won their affection.

60 Mahabharatam Rakshasas did not like their guru accepting Kacha as his disciple, because he came from the devatas who are the enemies of danavas. One day the danavas killed Kacha while he went to forest for grazing the cows of his guru. Since Kacha did not return even after late night, Devayani suspected some foul play by rakshasas and requested her father to go and search for him in the forest. Kacha lives back with the help of Mrutasanjivini On hearing from Devayani, Sukracharya looked for Kacha with his divine knowledge and came to know that he was killed by rakshasas. He ordered the Mrutasanjivini to go and bring back Kacha with life. Devayani was happy to see Kacha alive. Kacha also expressed his gratitude to them. On another occasion, rakshasas burnt Kacha into ashes. The ash was mixed in the wine and offered it to their guru Sukracharya. He consumed the wine along with the ashes of Kacha. Since Kacha did not return, Devayani and Sukracharya were worried. He came to know that Kacha was in his stomach. He said to Devayani: Sukracharya: “My daughter these rakshasas underestimated me and my sanjivini vidya. With vengeance on Kacha, they are killing him now and then. However he will certainly reach the superior lokas.’’ On hearing his fathers words, Devayani grieved for Kacha and said: Devayani: ‘‘Father! Why are you not grieving for the death of Kacha and aspiring superior lokas for him? Unless you bring him back to life, I will not touch food. Sukracharya wanted to keep his daughter happy and decided to bring back Kacha alive. ‘‘Since I am intoxicated and took wine, this mishap has happened. So I am dictating to all the worlds “that from now onwards, no brahmin should consume wine.” He had instructed Mruta Sanjivini to make Kacha alive. Sanjivini again acted as per the wishes of Sukracharya. Kacha came to life and remained in the stomach of Sukracharya. From his stomach, Kacha said: Kacha: ‘‘Sinless guru! By your grace I came back to life. Keep mercy on me and bring me out of your stomach.’’ Sukracharya understood the mistake he had committed. ‘‘If Kacha comes out, my stomach would be torn and I die. So I should teach this

Aadiparvam 61 mruta Sanjivini to Kacha, so that he could come out of my stomach and make me alive with the help of the same Sanjivini.’’ Hence he taught the Sanjivini vidya to Kacha who was living in his stomach. Then he ordered Kacha to come out. By the time Kacha came out from his stomach, Sukracharya was lying dead. Then Kacha ordered Sanjivini to make his guru alive. Thereby Sukracharya also came to life. After some years, Kacha went to his guru and expressed his desire to go back to his parents and requested for his permission. On hearing Kacha’s words, Devayani was grieved and said, Devayani: “Kacha! You are a beautiful young brahmin boy, I am also an unmarried girl. The moment I saw you, I fell in love with you. I have decided to marry you.’’ Kacha: “Devayani! You are my guru’s daughter. That means you are like my sister. So you should not entertain such sinful thoughts. Not only that! All disciples of a guru are like to his sons. This is the path of dharma. So you please erase such sinful thoughts from your mind.’’ Devayani: “Kacha! Since you have refused my love, I will curse you that the Sanjivini vidya will not be useful to you’’ Kacha: “Devayani! Your eyes are closed with lust and chosen the path of adharma. Since I have rejected your love, you have cursed me. So I am also cursing you that no brahmin will marry you. You become the wife of a Kshatriya.’’ By cursing Devayani, Kacha went back to Deva loka. After Kacha left, Devayani went with the king’s daughter Sermista and other servant maids for roaming in the nearby forests. There they entered a lake leaving their cloths on the shore. While they were taking bath, a whirlwind mixed up their cloths and thrown away. They all came out of the waters and rushed to have their cloths. In that confusion, Sermista wore the cloths of Devayani. But Devayani refused to wear the cloths of Sermista and said: Devayani: “I am the daughter of Sukracharya. I am a brahmin girl, I am superior to you by birth, I don’t wear your impure cloths. Since you have already wore my cloths, they also became impure. Sermista: (with anger) “Devayani! I am the daughter of a king Rishaparva. Your father Sukracharya is a priest in my father’s durbar. In

62 Mahabharatam other words, he and you are the servants of my father. If you don’t like to wear my cloths, you go and hide yourself in a pit nearby. By saying so she pushed her into the pit. 31. King Yayati pulls out Devayani: Yayati , the king of Nahusha, came for hunting to the forests and was wandering for a source of water to quench his thirst. On his way, he saw a girl lying in a pit in naked form. He asked her: Yayati: “Who are you? Why are you wandering in this forest alone? How you fell in to this pit?’’ Devayani: “Oh king! I saw you earlier also when you came for hunting. I am the daughter of Sukracharya. By oversight, I fell into the pit. I am not able to come out on my own. You pull me out and save me’’ On hearing Devayani words Yayati took the hand of Devayani and carefully pulled her out and went back to his town. Devayani’s heart was burning with the insult made by Sermista. She refused to enter the town of Rishaparva. And sent word to her father. Sukracharya came running to see his daughter and said: Sukracharya: “My daughter! You leave your anger and pardon Sermista. She is also a young girl. Those who will leave anger alone will be a virtuous person. The person who leaves anger is a superior person than who performs many yagnas with huge gifts. So you leave anger on Sermista and come with me.’’ Devayani: ‘’Father! I will not enter the city ruled by Rishaparva. I will go and live in some other kingdom.’’ Sukracharya: “My daughter! You are my life. I can’t live here without you. I will also come with you. Let us live elsewhere.’’ The servants of Rishaparva heard the conversation and went running to the king and informed that Sukracharya is leaving our country. 32. Devayani demands Sermista to be her servant King Rishaparva: “Gurudeva! My pranams! With the help of your Sanjivini, I am able to overwhelm devatas and expanded my kingdom. I am indebted to you. From now, it is not my kingdom, it is yours. You tell me what Devayani wants. It will be done.’’

Aadiparvam 63 Devayani: “King! I want thousand servant maids, including Sermista.’’ The king Rishaparva happily agreed to give thousand servant maids including Sermista and satisfied Sukracharya. Sermista accepted her father’s order and became a servant of Devayani and started serving her. One day Devayani took Sermista and others to the same vana and had a bath. They saw the king Yayati coming. They worshipped the king with flowers and perfumes. Yayati sat with them and asked to whom they belong? 33: The marriage of Devayani and Yayati: Devayani: “Yayati! You know me. You have pulled me out of a pit and saved my life. This girl is Sermista, daughter of Rishaparva, the king of this land. She always accompanies me and serves me as a servant. You took my right hand with you right hand and pulled me out of that pit. Sun god is witness to it. How can I forget such a memorable moment? raja! You marry me. Along with me, this Sermista and thousand more servants also will serve you. By marrying me, you will be as comfortable as Indra.’’ Yayati: “Devayani! Your desire is against dharma. Brahmins will marry a kshatriya girl but a brahmin girl will not marry a kshatriya man. Being a king, I should protect the varnashrama dharma and I can’t be a party for an inter caste marriage.’’ Devayani: ‘‘Valorous king! My father is Sukracharya. He dictates dharmas to all the worlds. If such a person orders you, will you marry me?’’ Yayati: “If Acharya orders me, I will marry you’’. On hearing Yayati’s words, Devayani sent word to Sukracharya. King Yayati saluted sukracharya with folded hands. Devayani: ‘‘Father! This king has already accepted my hand and pulled me out from a pit. As such will anybody marries me? So Yayati is my husband for this birth. He is hesitating to accept me since I happened to be a brahmin girl. Now you should interfere and arrange my marriage with him.’’

64 Mahabharatam Sukracharya: ‘‘King! You marry Devayani. I will assure you that you won’t have any sin of adharma by marrying a brahmin girl. This is my order. This is Sermista. She is the daughter of Rishaparva, the king of rakshasas. You also take her and satisfy her with food, shelter, garments and ointments and protect her body. You give her everything except mating with her. I am prohibiting you mating with her.’’ Devayani married Yayati and took Sermista and other thousand maids with her. After some time Devayani delivered two sons Yaduvu and Durvasuvudu. After seeing those boys Sermista thought in herself: “All my youth is getting wasted and I will die without providing any pleasure to any man. Though I attained full youth, I still remained unmarried. Even to get married with any one, I am imprisoned in this palace. This Devayani must have done many superior vratas. That is why she was able to marry and enjoy her life whereas I am rotting like this. Since my mind is filled with king Yayati whom else could I marry? He is also very kind and affectionate to me. The way in which Devayani loved the king, I am also loving him. My mind is fully occupied with his thoughts and I belong to him by speech, action and mind. 34. Yayati blesses Sermista with a son’s. One day, Yayati came alone to have a stroll in the Ashoka vana. There he saw Sermista sitting alone. On seeing the king she stood up with great confusion and said with folded hands: Sermista: “I am the servant of your queen and you have a right on her servants also. I am assuming you as my husband. The dharma is dictating you to comfort your wife, your servant and your son. In other words, you have to take care of all their comforts as a matter of duty. The moment you married Devayani, all her servants also became your property. That way I am also your wife. Hence I would request you to bless me with a son.’’ Yayati: ‘‘Beautiful Sermista! Sukracharya has ordered me to provide you with all comforts except mating with you. I accepted by his orders and married Devayani. If I disobey his orders I will have the sin of telling a lie.’’

Aadiparvam 65 Sermista: ‘‘One can tell a lie when his wife is in danger or when his wealth is being stolen or to save a brahmin who is about to be hanged or in blessing a son to a woman or to make a marriage.’’ On hearing Sermista’s words he was satisfied that he would not get the sin of telling a lie and satisfied the desire of Sermista. Thereby Sermista gave birth to a son. One day looking at Sermista’s son, Devayani questioned, Devayani: ‘‘Sermista! You are an unmarried girl. If you are conducting yourself in the path of dharma, how suddenly you gave birth to a son. Tell me the truth.’’ When Devayani insisted Sermista said: Sermista: A muni who read all Vedas and Vedangas saw me when I was mensturating and took pity on me and blessed a son. Devayani believed her words and left the matter at that. Sermista managed to get three sons from Yayati. They were Druhyudu, Anuvu and Poorudu. One day Yayati was spending some time with the children of Sermista. Devayani came and noticed that all the three sons resembled Yayati. She asked the children whose children you are? Show me your father and mother”. Those children showed their fingers towards Yayati and Sermista. Devayani could not digest the insult. She couldn’t control her anger. Immediately she went to her father. 35. Sukracharya curses Yayati: Devayani: Father! This king has insulted you, me and dharma. He became un-virtuous and married Sermista and gave birth to three children. He had violated the vow made to you at the time of my marriage. By that time Yayati came running to Sukracharya’s house to console Devayani and to take her back to his city. However Sukracharya could not control his anger and cursed. Sukracharya: Oh Yayati! You lost control on your senses. You became a slave to lust. You broke the promise made to me and did injustice to my daughter. So you suffer with old age and related disease from now on.

66 Mahabharatam Yayati: Oh superior muni If a girl at her menstrual times wants children and if a man doesn’t concede her request, it amounts to the sin of killing an infant child. This is what elders say. So I didn’t dared to commit that sin. That is why I agreed to the request of chaste Sermista. As a result, she had given birth to three children. For such a reasonable and virtuous act, could a tapasvi like you curse me? Still I am not free from my lust and desires of senses through your daughter Devayani, so I can’t suffer premature old age. Please take back your curse and pardon me. Sukracharya: “Yayati! My words will never go untrue. Looking at the face of my daughter and her condition, I can be lenient on my word. Hence if any of your son is prepared to take your old age in exchange of his youth , you can continue to enjoy your youth and rule the kingdom. After satisfying your sense pleasures, you can take back your old age from your son. Only such a boy will be eligible to continue your dynasty and rule the kingdom.’’ Yayati took leave from the maharishi and went back to his city with Devayani. The moment he entered the city, he became old and started shivering. All his sense organs became weak. The entire body became wrinkled, hair became white and throat was filled with phlegm. 36. Yayati curses his sons: Yayati: ‘‘Oh my sons! I had this premature old age; still lust on my sense pleasures had not subsided. If any one of you can exchange my old age with your youth, I shall return your youth after satisfying my sense pleasures. His sons: ‘‘Father! The old age and diseases will happen due to the fruits of the previous karmas. So nobody can escape from them. Knowing the consequences fully, will any one take old age and diseases? However beautiful one may be if he becomes old, will any woman likes him? Yayati became furious and called his eldest son and cautioned him that if you do not oblige me none of your successors would have the right to rule. He called the second son Durvasu and cursed him that all his successors would become kings to the tribals and interracial communities. He called his third son Druhyu and said all his successors

Aadiparvam 67 would become kings to the small islands surrounded by water on all sides. He called his fourth son Anuvu and cursed that all his successors would suffer premature death. Pooruvu, the last son of Sermista, had agreed to give his youth to his father and to take back his old age and disease with pleasure. Yayati complemented Pooruvu, gave his old age and diseases and took his youth. After thousand years Yayati satisfied all his sense pleasures. He gave back his youth to Pooruvu and made him the king of his kingdom. All the citizens came and said to Yayati. Citizens: ‘‘Oh King! You know all dharmas. We are not to tell you dharma. However we wish to tell a few words to you. Yudhuvu is your eldest son. He is a good administrator and capable person. All the more, he is the grand son of Sukracharya. While he is alive, how can you give the kingdom to your younger son? Not only that, Pooruvu is born to a woman of rakshasa family which is a prohibited community. Can you justify in making such a son as king. Yayati: My dear citizens! My first son Yadhuvu and others insulted me by disobeying my request. In the case of Pooruvu the moment I made an appeal, he had accepted with pleasure and took my old age. In my opinion, he was younger only by age, but by his virtues he was elder to all. Hence he is eligible to rule this country. This is my final decision. Not only that Sukracharya also asked me to give this kingdom only to such a son who accepts my old age and gives his youth. Hence I made Pooruvu as the king of my kingdom. By coronating purooru asking, Yayati went to forest with Brahmins to perform tapasya. He did penance for thirty years without taking food. One year he consumed only air. He did tapasya sitting in between pancha agnis (sitting in the hot sun and keeping fire all around him.) for one year. For another year, he stood on one leg and did tapasya and reached heaven. In heaven he was worshipped by all devarishis. From there he went to Brahma loka and he was worshipped by Brahmarishis. He resided there for many kalpas. From Brahma loka he came again to Indra loka. There Indra asked him. Indra: ‘‘Yayati! While returning the youth to your son Pooruvu, what instructions you gave to him? ‘’

68 Mahabharatam 37. The morals that were taught to Pooruvu by Yayati. Yayati: ‘‘Indra! I taught the following instructions to my son. 1. Read the histories of righteous people and digest those dharmas and keep reciting every day lest you forget them. 2. Donate to the needy people in such a manner that he should not go to another person for begging again. Not only that; you should donate to allthose needy people who come across and satisfy them. You should have impartial view on all the beings. 3. When you are asked to address a public meeting, it should not only be judicious but also palatable to the audience. 4. You should not make friendship with such people who don’t know the art of talking in a pleasing manner and hence you shouldn’t employ people who speak harsh words and wound others. 5. Employ people who are pure, kind and honest, who have control over their sense’s who are truthful, who are clean and who keep away the arishad vargas. These are the instructions gave to my son at the time of making him the king. By practicing these good qualities, now he is able to rule well. Oh Indra! I am proud of my great tapasya. Even devatas, daityas, Yakshas, rakshasas, humans, communities who wander in the sky and siddhas have not done as much tapasya as I did. That is why I am able to live in heaven for so many years. 38. Indra pushes out Yayati from heaven: Indra: Yayati! You have insulted many elders with the pride of your tapasya. Though you enjoyed the pleasures in heaven, pride did not left you. Thereby your religious excellence has been exhausted. In short your pride has become your enemy. So there is no place in heaven for those who have pride and ego. You go back to earth. Yayati: Indra! I can’t go back to earth. At least you consider my stay in the abode of stars. So that I can live in friendly relations with the stars.

Aadiparvam 69 Then Indra conceded to his request and made him a star. Yayati entered the Nakshatra loka. There Astakudu, Vratardhanudu and Sumantanudu, worshipped him and asked “Who are you? From where are you are coming? How you took a place in Nakshatra loka?” Yayati told them in detail, about his life. On hearing Yayati’s episode, Astaka and other stars understood him as their grandfather. Since he had enjoyed all the lokas, they thought he must have had enormous knowledge. Hence they asked him to enlighten on the following aspects.1. Pindotpatti (the formation growth of a child), 2. Varnashrama dharmas, 3. The real nature of good, bad, Dharma and Adharma. Yayati: There is no superior dharma than impartiality on all beings. All karmas are to be performed as dictated by Vedas. All the acts which are considered to be bad and adharma must be avoided. If one performs a prohibited act, he would reach the inferior lokas. The prohibited things on earth are worshipping of agni with pride, the learning of Veda with arrogance and performing yagna without proper knowledge. Astaka: ‘‘King Yayati! You know all dharmas. You know the art of living in heaven. Can we have superior lokas? Yayati affirmed them that they were all destined to superior lokas. On hearing his words, all his grandsons were happy. Subsequently Yayati went to all superior lokas with his grand children.

70 Mahabharatam Chapter 4 39. Dushyantha goes for hunting: Matinarudu hailed from the Kuru family, made tapasya for twelve years on the banks of river Saraswathi. He performed a satra yaga. River Saraswathi was fascinated with his virtuous qualities, fell in love and married him. They gave birth to Trisu. Trisu married Kalindi, and gave birth to Elinu. Elinu gave birth to Dushyantha. Dushyantha was fond of hunting and had special skill in catching and taming lions, tigers and elephants. Dushyantha by his valour and strength, ruled justly. Under his rule, people were prosperous and lived happily. One day he took a big army with him, went in to the forest for hunting. After some time they reached a river. Dushyantha chased animals without rest and tired. He was far ahead of his ministers and purohits. He was also feeling very thirsty and was looking for a muni ashrama to quench his thirst. He entered the ashrama of Kanva maharishi. As he entered, he saw Sakuntala in the ashrama. He was taken aback by looking at her beauty. At the same time, Sakuntala was also looking at his handsome figure. She felt that he must be Jayantha, son of Indra. She welcomed the king with respect and did Atidhi pooja. After a while Dushyantha said: Dushyantha: Oh beautiful girl! My name is Dushyantha. I am the king of this land. I came for hunting. As I was very much thirsty, I came to your ashrama. I want to have the darshan of maharishi. Can you tell me when he is expected? Sakuntala: Oh king I am the daughter of Kanva maharishi. He has gone to the forest to fetch fruits and roots. You please wait. He will come in a short time. 40. Sakuntala Reveals about her birth Dushyantha: Oh Sakuntala! I am not able to believe that you are a daughter of a muni . Because every body knows that Kanva Maharishi had won the control over his sense. Hence, How you became the daughter of Kanva maharishi, Please tell me.

Aadiparvam 71 Sakuntala: Oh king! Long time back another maharishi asked the same question to my father(Kanva maharishi). Now I will tell you what my father said to that maharishi. “Some time back Rajarishi Viswamitra was performing a severe tapasya. Indra was afraid and sent Menaka to spoil his tapasya. Menaka was afraid of a curse from Viswamitra and said, ‘Indra! Viswamitra is a short-tempered maharishi. He has killed all the sons of Vasista . You yourself is afraid of Viswamitra. Is it fair on your part to push me to such an unkind maharishi? However you are the king of all the three worlds. I obey your orders and do my best in distracting Viswamitra from his tapasya’’ Menaka went to the tapovana of Viswamitra. She danced and sang before him with her fellow apsaras. Viswamitra was provoked by cupid and opened his eyes. He was astonished to look at a beautiful girl, half naked and tempted his senses. He lost control and he spent a long time with her. One day Menaka gave birth to a girl. Menaka left that child on the banks of river Malini and went away to her deva loka. Viswamitra also went back to his tapovana. With the power of maharishi, all the birds in the forest came in turns and protected the baby with their wings. Incidentally myself (Kanva maharishi) and my disciples saw this child who was protected by the birds. Since she was protected by the birds, I named her Sakuntala. From that day onwards, I brought her up as my daughter.” Elders say that each woman will have three fathers. One- who has given birth, Second one-who has fed and brought up and the third one was one who protected her from the fear. Whereas for men there will be a fourth father who has perform Upanayanam. There will be a fifth father also who teach Vedas. For a man there are about five fathers and for a woman three fathers. From this standard, I have protected Sakuntala from fear and thus I became her guru. Since I am feeding her, I became her father.’’ ‘‘Oh king! This story was told by my father, Kanva Maharishi, to another maharishi.’’ 41. Dushyantha proposes to marry Sakuntala. Dushyantha: “Sakuntala! I was afraid that you must be a munikanya. Whereas you are a Kshatriya girl. I fell in love at my first

72 Mahabharatam sight and hence I wish to marry you. Please be my queen and enjoy all the royal comforts instead of living in this forest. There are several ways of marriage viz. Brahmam, daivam, aarsham, Praajapatyam, Rakshasam, Asuram, gaandarvam, Paisacham. Among the above, for kshatriyas- gaandarvam and rakshasa type of marriages are well accepted. Let us not waste time, we shall marry in Gaandharva way, if you agree.’’ Sakuntala: “My father is an embodiment of dharma. He is the kindest person among the maharishis. In a short while, he will come. After he comes, we can marry.’’ Dushyantha: “Do you know the special features of a marriage in Gaandarva way? In this way, the bride herself will be the relative and her protector. Since she is offering herself, she becomes the karta. These three are the prominent features of Gaandarva marriage.’’ Dushyantha thus convinced her in several ways and made her to agree for the marriage with him. He also said, “You keep this marriage in a secret way till I take you to the capital with royal honours.” Then Sakuntala said: Sakuntala: Oh glorious Dushyantha! If I have a son by your grace, you promise me that child should be the crown prince of your kingdom. If you agree to this, I shall marry you. On hearing Sakuntala’s words, Dushyantha gladly agreed to her condition and married her in Gaandarva way. Dushyantha: Oh Sakuntala! I shall send my ministers with big army to take you to my palace. After Dushyantha left Sakuntala was afraid of her father and became preoccupied with the thoughts of Dushyantha. In the meanwhile Kanva Maharishi came with fruits and roots and noticed certain the changes in Sakuntala. As she was feeling shy, he came to know everything with his divine sight. Maharishi consoled himself that for kshatriyas, gaandarva way of marriage is acceptable and felt happy. 42. The birth of Baratha: Kanva Maharishi: My daughter! You have chosen a suitable person as your husband. You both belong to kshatriyas. Added to that, you

Aadiparvam 73 became pregnant. The boy in your stomach will be the future emperor of the entire earth. I appreciate your obedient behaviour. You may ask for any boon. Sakuntala: The child I give birth should have long life with good health, strength and enormous wealth. He should bring glory to his family line. Maharishi blessed her with all that she asked for. One day when all the good planets congregated Sakuntala gave birth to a boy. The boy had a chakra in his palm which denotesd not only auspicious but also indicates that he would become an emperor. The child was named Bharatha. Baratha became valorous right from his childhood. He used to pull the elephants and lions by catching their ears and tie them to the trees and used to play with them. Looking at the play of the child, Sakuntala and Kanva Maharishi were amused. Unfortunately, the king did not send his men or the ministers to take her to the capital. No married woman will stay at her parents place for a long time. 43. Sakuntala goes to Dushyantha: One day Kanva Maharishi sent Sakuntala to her husband. When Sakuntala entered the palace, King Dushyantha was in his durbar. His ministers, priests, subordinate kings and prominent citizens were present in that durbar. Dushyantha did not show any love or affection as he exhibited at the time of their marriage. With that her heart broke with grief. She had a doubt whether the king remembered her or was he pretending as if he did not know her. However she consoled herself by thinking that the king must be preoccupied and hence there was a reason for him to forget her. Because his looks didn’t expressed any affection, on the contrary his looks were harsh towards her. What could be the reason? She was confused and thought in herself. ‘‘In case they forget, someone can go and make them to remember. If they really forget there is also another way to make them to know. But if this king is pretending to deceit me, even Brahma can’t convince him. Having come all the way, I didn’t want to go without achieving any thing. So the best thing could be I shall make him to remember the past and

74 Mahabharatam leave his son under his protection.’’ Thinking like that, she said to the king: Sakuntala: Oh king! Some time back you came to forest for hunting and met me in the ashrama of Kanva Maharishi. At that time you married me in Gaandarva way and gave me a boon. Look at the brilliance of this boy who is none other than your son. You have promised me that you will make him the crown prince. Now you keep up your promise. Dushyantha: Oh pretty woman! Who are you? I never saw you earlier. Why are you talking inconsistent words? Enough is enough. You go back . Sakuntala: Oh king! You are aware of every thing but you are pretending as if you don’t know. Since there was no evidence of our marriage you are denying the truth. Will any virtuous person speak untruth? Oh glorious king! for our marriage Vedas, five elements, dharma, dawn dusk, Yama, sun moon, day night and many other superior elements stood as witnesses. No body can escape from the eyes of those superior elements. You stop trying innocence and shower your love as before. ‘‘Oh king! Those who had a chaste wife alone achieves the fruits of his virtious karmas, controls his sense organs only to have glorious son. Even to achieve dharma, ardha, kama and moksha a chaste wife should be by his side. She will act as Guru in cultivating a good character. She will act as a supporting stick for the growth of family line. She is the main reason for all glorious qualities of a person. There is no substitute for a wife to provide happiness for a man. She will follow her husband wherever he is, however difficult situation he my face, just with the presence of his wife all those will melt away like ice. Since wife is half of her husband and if she dies before him, she will wait in the other world till he comes. In case the husband dies before her, she will follow him. To insult such a chaste wife, is not only injustice but also adharma. ‘‘The husband will enter the body of his wife and takes another birth as son. Vedas also says “ANGAT ANGAT SAMBHAVASI” such a son with his good character will purify both the dynasties of his father and mother. It is like lighting from one lamp to another. The light is already spread from your body to a superior son, took birth and shining.

Aadiparvam 75 ‘‘Oh King! Why so many words, take your son. Embrace him. You will not get such fragrance anywhere. You will not get such a coolness even from the moon. Oh king! a voice was heard from the sky in the presence of several munis at the time of the birth of your glorious son as “This boy will not only benefit your dynasty but also will perform hundreds of Vajayapeya yagas”. You assured me at the time of our marriage that you will make son my as the crown prince of this land. Such a son has come and stood before you. Why are you rejecting your own son? ‘‘King! Instead of hundred wells fresh water, it is better to have one lake. Instead of hundred such lakes, one yagna is better. Instead of hundred such yagnas, one son is better. Instead of such hundred sons,one word of truth is better. ‘‘The fruits of hundred Aswamedhas can’t be equated with one truthful word. So all dharmas are based on truth. This is what our Rishis say. So you keep your mind pure and remember the promise you made to me in Kanva ashrama. You yourself will come to know the truth of it.’’ ‘‘King! Had I been the daughter of Rajarishi Viswamitra and Menaka, you accept your son. Had I been brought up by Kanva Maharishi with good character, you accept this boy as your son. If I am virtuous and chaste wife of yours, you accept this boy. I swear what all I said is true.’’ Dushyantha: “Oh Sakuntala! Women can tell lies to suit the occasion in a tactful manner. This art they acquire by birth. I once again affirm that I have not seen you earlier. I have no contact with you You are showing this boy and claiming him as my son. Can you tell such lies to your king in his durbar? Since he resembles me, do you want me to accept him as my son? You stop telling stories and go back.’’ On hearing Dushyantha’s words Sakuntala grieved in herself, “The moment I was born, I lost my father and mother. Now my husband also rejecting me. Perhaps I did many bad karmas in my previous birth” and cried bitterly. 44: the voice from the sky reveals the truth: Voice from sky: “King Dushyantha! This Baratha is your son, born to Sakuntala. You accept him as your son. Your wife Sakuntala is virtuous and chaste. What all Sakuntala said is true’’

76 Mahabharatam On hearing the voice from the sky, all the people in the durbar were astonished. Dushyantha: “My subordinate kings, my ministers, my audience! Yes! Now I remember! I married her in Gaandharva way. This fact is not known to any one except myself and Sakuntala. I am afraid of the public blame and said that I did not know her. However we all witnessed a wonder. The voice from the sky has spelt out the truth in your presence. By announcing, Dushyantha ran to Baratha, embraced him. He made Sakuntala as his principal queen. After some years Baratha was crowned as the prince. Dushyantha and Sakuntala enjoyed many comforts for several years. Finally they made Baratha as the king and went for tapovanas for doing tapasya. Baratha had performed several yagnas in the plains of river Ganga and Yamuna. He gifted huge gifts to the brahmins and made them happy. 45: Ganga “Long ago there lived a king by name Mahabishudu of Ikshavaku dynasty. He made thousand Aswamedhas and hundred Rajayasuyas and pleased Indra and many other devatas. While Brahma was conducting a conference with Indra and other devatas, river Ganga also went to that Sabha in the form of a woman. At that time with the velocity of wind exposed her thighs and above. All devatas turned their faces with shy, but Mahabishudu alone looked at her with curiosity. Brahma noticed his mischief, got annoyed and cursed him to take birth to a woman. Mahabishudu prayed to Brahma , “Virtuous Brahma! Among the Rajarishis king Pradeepa is the righteous person. So you bless me to be born as his son.” Brahma agreed to his request. With the looks of Mahabishu, Ganga also fell in love with him and could not forget even after coming back to the earth. Once Vasista maharishi had cursed Asta Vasuvus to take birth on earth. While returning from Brahma loka, Asta Vasuvus revealed to her about Vasista’s curse on them. Ganga asked them why they want to be born to her. For which Vasuvus said: Vasuvus: “We are all going to take birth on earth. We wish to be born to you and get relieved from our curse. We didn’t find a purer woman, than you. All the more, as per the curse of Brahma, Mahabishuvu Aadiparvam 77 is taking birth on earth as king Sentanudu. So we wish to be born as your sons.’’ Ganga was happy and said, “I am also wishing Mahabishu to be my husband. You are also asking me the same. So I will give birth to all of you with pleasure.” Vasuvus: “Ganga! You help us in another way also. Moment we are born to you, throw us into the water without any emotion. We will sink in the water and reach our loka. That will help us in achieving twin purposes- viz taking birth on earth as per the curse of Vasista and l not remaining on the earth for a long time. On hearing the words of Vasuvus Ganga said: Ganga: “Vasuvus! I agree to do as you want. But if you leave me and go to heaven who will live with me?’’ Vasuvus: “You throw seven of us in the water immediately after we are born. But the last Vasuvu, Prabhasudu will remain with you on earth for a long time.’’ 46. King Pradeepa requests Ganga to be the wife of his son. One day king Pradeepa was doing penance on the banks of Ganga. He saw Ganga in the form of a woman. She was so pretty and beautiful. She came and sat on his right lap. Pradeepa was astonished to see such a beautiful woman on his lap and asked her who you are? From where you are coming? Why you sat on my lap?’’ Ganga: “Oh king Pradeepa! I am the daughter of Jahanu maharishi. I am known as river Ganga. I heard of your noble qualities and came here to become your wife.’’ King Pradeepa: “Beautiful Ganga! I will not accept any other woman into my life except my wife. Even in my mind. So remove such thoughts from your mind. All the more, any woman seeking a man as her husband will sit on his left lap, not on the right lap. Since you sat on my right lap I will accept you as my daughter- in- law. So you marry my son.’’ Ganga was happy and disappeared. After some time King Pradeepa had a son by name Santana. On an auspicious day he made his son

78 Mahabharatam Santana as king and went to tapovanas for tapasya. He said to his son, “My son I saw a beautiful woman on the banks of Ganges, while I was meditating. I told her that you are so beautiful and become a wife to my son. So if you happen to see a woman on the banks of Ganges, you marry her.” By saying so he went to tapovanas. 47. The meeting of Ganga and King Santana. King Santana one day went to hunting in the forests on the banks of Ganga. As he was tired of hunting, he went to river Ganga and took rest on its banks. At that time he saw a beautiful woman. Immediately he remembered his father’s advice . While he was staring at her, Ganga came to him and looked into his eyes. They attracted to each other. King Santana asked” who you are? And from where you are coming”? Ganga: “If you like me I will become your wife, but on one condition you should not object whatever I do. Some of my actions might be unacceptable to you. Even then you should not question me. I will marry you only on that condition. King Santana agreed to her condition and married her. After some time when the Vasuvus started taking birth from her, she used to throw them into the waters. King Santana was looking at this inhuman and horrible sight, but he could not either stop her or ask why she was doing so. It went for seven times. When the eighth son was born, Santana objected her killing and saved that boy. 48: Ganga narrates the story of Vasuvus to king Santana. When the eighth child was born Santana said to Ganga: Santana: “Ganga! Till now, you have killed all the children born to us. All these years I did not objected to your actions. This eighth boy is shining like brilliant sun. I don’t want to lose this boy.’’ Ganga: “Before our marriage, you gave word and married me. Now since you have questioned me, I am breaking our marriage. Know it well I am Ganga who makes all the people pure. Vasista Asta Vasuvus to take birth on earth. They requested me that they would be born to me and requested they would not live long on earth and wanted to go back to heaven immediately after their birth; thereby they could honour the curse of Vasista and would not stay on earth. That was the reason why I

Aadiparvam 79 gave birth to all the Vasuvus and killed them immediately after birth. This eighth Vasuvu will live long on earth. He was born only for the wellbeing of manking. He would teach all dharmas to the world. Santana: “Ganga! All Vasuvus are sinless. Even devatas worship them. How Vasista cursed. Why those seven Vasuvus went away immediately after birth. And why this eight Vasuvu remained on earth?’’ Ganga: “Santana! Vasista was born to Varuna who was equal to Brahma. Vasista was doing tapasya in a cave on Mt.Meru. Kamadhenu was serving Vasista. Who was born to Baghirathi and Kasyapa. One day the Asta Vasuvus went for a stroll on Mt.Meru and saw Vasista maharishi. They were astonished by looking at the power of the Kamadhenu. The wife of the eighth Vasuvu said to her husband, “Dear! By drinking the milk of Kamadhenu, one can be free from the disease and old age. One who possesses this Kamadhenu, is considered to be the richest person on earth. I have a friend by name Jitavathy. I want to this Kamadhenu to her”. Prabhasudu, the eighth Vasuvu wanted to please his wife and took Kamadhenu with them. Since Vasista could not find Kamadhenu, he searched for her and finally he came to know that the Vasuvus had stolen his Kamadhenu. Vasista cursed all the Vasuvus to live in earth. The Vasuvus came to know about the curse of Vasista and went to him for the deliverance from his curse. Vasista said, ‘‘Among you Prabhasudu only became greedy and did harm to me; all the other seven Vasuvus will take birth and will go back to heaven immediately. However the eighth Vasuvu Prabhasudu will live long and observe Brahmacharya vrata”. Ganga : We name this eight Vasuvu as Devavratudu. He will be with me till he attains youth.’ By saying so she disappeared, with Devavratudur. One day King Santana was wandering on the banks of River ganga. The saw a boy was practicing archery. To facilitate his practice, he built a dam across the Ganga with arrows and made it an island. He wondered at his proficiency in archery and asked him, “What is your name?” In the meanwhile Ganga came in a human form and said, “Oh Prabhu! This boy

80 Mahabharatam is your son Gangeya alias Devavrata, He has read all Vedas and Vedangas from Vasista and he learnt archery from Parasurama. He has realized Aathma Gananm from Sanatkumara. Now you take him with you and make him a statesman” and disappeared. Santana returned to Hastinapura, and crowned Gangeya as a prince. One day while he was hunting on the banks of river Yamuna, he had a sweet fragrance. 49. Bheeshma pledges to be a bachelor for ever King Santana found that the sweet fragrance was coming from a beautiful woman. Who was navigating a ferry. He went to her and asked, “Who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why are you navigating this ferry”. The girl replied, “Prabhu! My name is Satyavathy. I am the daughter of Dasaraju. Navigating this ferry and helping the people is my father’s profession. I have learnt navigating this from my childhood.” King Santana went to Dasaraju and said, “ Dasaraju! I wish to marry your daughter Satyavathy.” Dasaraju: “King! My daughter has attained the marriageable age. I am also looking for a suitable bride groom. She is fortunate that the king himself came forward to marry her. I am happy to give my daughter in marriage to you, but my request is that her son only must succeed you and rule your kingdom. If you agree to my request, you may marry her.’’ The king could not accept to the demand because he has already coronated Devavratudu was the crown prince. Since then his mind was fully occupied with Sathyavathy’s thoughts. Thereby he could not attend neither to his daily rituals nor royal duties. He became detached from the world. His son Gangeya noticed it and said, Gangeya: “Superior King!. At the moment there is no fear of enemies to our kingdom. All the people are living happily without any grief. All your subordinate kings are obedient to you. Then why are you emaciated alarmingly?’’ Santana: “My son! You have acquired good knowledge in astras and sastras. As you enter a battlefield you behave in a ruthless manner. In battlefields any thing may happen. So danger follows you as a shadow.

Aadiparvam 81 As such I am afraid of your longevity. Our elders say ‘one son is no son and one eye is no eye.’ Hence my mind is constantly telling me to have more sons in the interest of our family and kingdom. Hence I wish to marry. But I failed in my attempt.’’ Gangeya came to know from his ministers that his father intended to marry Satyavathy (Yojanagandhi) the daughter of a ferry man. Gangeya went to Dasaraju with his ministers and requested him to give his daughter, Satyavathy to his father in marriage. He promised that she would be the royal queen of the country. Dasaraju: “Gangeya! The Rajarishi, who gave birth to this girl, is a frequent visitor to heaven, He instructed me that I should give this girl to Santana. Some time back King Devakudu also wanted to marry this girl. I did not agree to it. So I have no objection to give my daughter to your father, but the son who will be born to my daughter alone, should become the king of this kingdom. ‘‘If your father marries my daughter her children might face troubles from the children of her co –wife. Because all worlds know that you are the most valorous person. If you are angry, even Trimoortees can’t fight with you in a battle. Hence you yourself think over and give me a solution”. Gangeya in the presence of his ministers, subordinate kings and elders, pledged, “To fulfill the desire of my father, I hereby make a pledge that the son who is born to your daughter alone, will be crowned as the king. We all accept him as our king. He alone will continue the Kuru dynasty.’’ On hearing Gangeya’s declaration, Dasaraju said, ‘‘ Gangeya! You know all dharmas. You alone can make such a pledge. What guarantee is there that your children will respect the pledge made by you?’’. On hearing Dasaraju’s words, Gangeya made another frightening pledge by saying that he would not marry and remain a bachelor for ever. In this manner he conducted the marriage of his father with Satyavathy and accepted Brahmacharya. For the frightening pledge he made, they named him as Bheeshma.

82 Mahabharatam 50. Bheeshma attends Swayamwara of king of Kasi King Santana married Satyavathy . He was pleased with the righteous character of Bheeshma(Gangeya), gave him a boon of Ichamaranam. King Santana had two sons. They were Chitraangada and Vichitraveerya. King Santana died when these boys were infants. Bheeshma took every care in bringing up his step brothers. He made Chitraangada as the king. Chitraangada was a haughty person, as such he used to get into trouble with devatas and gandharvas. One day Chitraangada invited a Gandharva for a fight. The fight took place in Kurukshetra. Since gandharvas were good at mystic wars, they killed Chitraangada. After his death Bheeshma made Vichitraveerya as the king. Vichitraveerya was obedient and was obedient to Bheeshma. While Vichitraveerya was ruling the country, King of Kasi announced a Swayamwara for his daughters Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. Bheeshma went to Kasi, defeated all the rivals and brought three princesses of Kasi to Hastinapura to marry them to Vichitraveerya. While Bheeshma was taking away the princesses of Kasi, King Salva fought with Bheeshma. Bheeshma killed Salva’s charioteer and horses. As Salva conceded his defeat and went back to his city. Then Bheeshma took the three princesses and made arrangements to marry the three princess to his brother Vichitraveerya. Just before the marriage, Amba the eldest of the three sisters said to Bheeshma, “King! Already King of Salva wanted to marry me and my father also agreed to give me in marriage to him. I also loved him. However I accompanied my sisters without any desire of Swayamvara. Not knowing my you abducted any brought me here. Do you think what you are doing is right. Please tell.” On hearing the words of Amba, Bheeshma sent her back to Salva . Bheeshma married the other two princesses to his brother. Vichitraveerya was in full lust for newly wedded wives and enjoyed day and night with them. Due to excessive sex, Vichitraveerya died at a very young age. The mother and wives of Vichitraveerya were in full grief, however Bheeshma himself ruled the country in the absence of a king. One day Satyavathy said to Bheeshma, “ My son! You alone remained alive among the sons of King Santana. So you have a responsibility of continuing this

Aadiparvam 83 family line and to satisfy our ancestral parents. You should also to keep up the rule of Kuru dynasty. In short I am asking you to marry and give successors to this throne.” Bheeshma said, “Mother I have pledged that I shall remain a bachelor for ever. I can’t break my promise. Sun may lose its brilliance, Fire may lose its heat. Moon may forego his coolness. But I will remain a bachelor. All the five elements are witnesses to my promise. However I agree with your sentiments that our dynasty should not get disrupted. I will suggest you an acceptable dharma for kshatriyas at critical times like this. You also consult our priest and pundits before you decide. “Long back Parasurama became furious on all kshatriyas since his father was killed by a Kshatriya and went on an expedition of war on earth for twenty three times and killed all male kshatriyas including infants and old. In short not even a single kshatriya remained on earth. Their entire womenfolk became widows. At that time the superior priest and the pundits had blessed children to those widows of the deceased kings and produced successors to those kingdoms. 51. The episode of Deerghata Bheeshma had quoted another episode of Deerghata . Long back there lived an ascetic by name Utarjudu. His wife was pregnant. Bruhaspathi, the devaguru had a mating with her in Devara Nyayam. At that time the child inside her stomach cried loudly, “ Bruhaspathi! What you are doing is adharma.” Bruhaspathi was angry with the child and cursed him to become blind for a long time. The child was born as blind, he was named as Deerghatamudu. Though he was blind, the boy learnt all Vedas, sastras and became a scholar. After some time he married Pradveshini and gave birth to Gauthama and another ten children. However Pradveshini used to hate and insult Deerghatamudu. One day Deerghatamudu asked his wife, “Why are you hating me?.” His wife said, “Since you are a blind man, I am working hard and I am feeding you. Instead of my becoming a dependent on you, you have become a dependent on me. So no woman on earth would love a person who is dependent on her.” By saying so Pradveshini asked her sons to leave that blind man at a far away place.

84 Mahabharatam In spite of his father being blind and well read in Vedas, they did showed any pity on him. They tied him to a raft of few bamboos and left him in river Ganga. He passed through several countries. One day while a king by name Bali was taking a bath in the river Ganga, he heard Deerghatamudu reciting Vedas in the middle of the river. He took pity on him and brought him to the shore and took him to his house. The king asked Deerghatamudu, “Oh superior brahmin! Who are you? From where are you coming? Who had tied you to this raft?” Incidentally the king had no children and requested Deerghata muni to bless children to his queen. But his queen Sudheshana did not like to go with that blind brahmin and deputed her servant maid Komali. Komali had eleven children. However the muni said to the king, “King! These children were not born in your family. They were born to your servant maid Komali. However they will become superior. Since king Bali desired to have successors to his family by his queen and made her to agree . Deerghatamudu touched the body of the queen and said, “You will give birth to a son who is a valorous person.” As muni said after some time, she gave birth to a Rajarishi by name Angaraju. “In this manner a superior brahmin can give children to the wife of a superior kshatriya. There are several Kshatriya dynasties who got their successors with the blessings of virtuous brahmins. In this manner a superior brahmin who has control on his senses, can produce sons to the wives of Vichitraveerya.” Bhishma. On hearing the words of Bheeshma, Satyavathy remembered, “While I was a virgin, Parasara Maharishi assured me that I would not lose my virginity. However I gave birth to Vyasa Maharishi. That boy has assured me that he would come me whenever I remember him and went to do tapasya. My son Vyasa knows all dharmas. He is pure and pious. If I ask him to give successors to the Kuru family, he will oblige me.” Satyavathy remembered her son Vyasa in her mind. Immediately he stood in front of her. After a while Satyavathy said to the muni, “My son! He is Devavratudu, son of Ganga and king Santana. He is also known as Gangeya. Though he has the right to rule the country, he has sacrificed his right and embraced Brahmacharya. With that oath, he is popularly known as Bheeshma. Now a situation has evolved that the Kuru dynasty has come to a halt. To continue the Kuru dynasty to flourish, I need your Aadiparvam 85 blessings through the wives of Vichitraveerya in Devara Nyayam.’’ Hearing his mother’s request, Viyasa muni said: “Mother! This custom is time old and this dharma is accepted by Vedas. I assure you that the wives of Vichitraveerya will have sons through me and the Kuru dynasty will have successors’’. Then Satyavathy said, “You take the recourse immediately. Bheeshma and myself will take care of the children. Bheeshma will also take care of the country till they become kings. Then Satyavathy went to Ambika and said, “ Ambika! It is your menstrual time. You go to Vyasa maharishi and give birth to a superior son to rule this Baratha dynasty. This night itself the maharishi will come to you. Incidentally he is the eldest brother of your husband. You wait for him’’. 52. The birth of Dhrutarashtra, Panduraju, Vidura. Ambika and Ambalika were informed by Satyavathy, that they should get children through Vyasa Maharishi . Satyavathy also told many virtuous qualities about Vyasa Maharishi. As a result both Ambika and Ambalika were assumed that Vyasa Maharishi must be a divine person and as handsome as devatas. As Vyasa Maharishi entered Ambika’s room, she saw him, lost her enthusiasm and closed her eyes. Maharshi informed Satyavathy “Mother!. Ambika closed her eyes looking at my ugly stature. So she would give birth to a blind boy”. Satyavathy was saddened with his words and requested maharishi to bless a son to Ambalika. Here also as the maharishi went to Ambalika, she was also shocked at his ugly stature and her face became pale. Vyasa blessed a child and said to Satyavathy “Mother! Ambalika was also frightened to look at me and became bloodless. So she would give birth to a strong and valorous boy with all good qualities with a pale body. Maharishi said to Satyavathy, that the son to whom Ambika gives birth will have the strength of ten thousand elephants though he was born blind. You name him as Dhrutarashtra. He could understand and know things with his mind. He was born as a successor to the Kuru dynasty. He also told that Ambalika would also give birth to a valorous son who would be born in a Pandu varna. You name him as Panduraju.

86 Mahabharatam In view of the above Satyavathy requested Vyasa Maharishi to give a flawless son who can rule the Kuru dynasty. Vyasa Maharishi told his mother, “Mother! If Ambika had control on her mind, I will give one more son to her.” This time before Vyasa entered her room, Ambika didn’t want to look at his ugly face and hence she sent her servant maid in her place. This time when maharishi went the servant maid worshipped him. Maharishi was pleased and blessed her with a son. He was named as Vidhura. Lord Yama who had a curse from Mandavya Maharishi and was born in the form of Vidhura. As a result, Vidhura had become a virtuous and strong person. In this manner Dhrutarashtra was born to Ambika, Panduraju was born to Ambalika and the servant maid gave birth to Vidhura. Janamejaya: “Oh Vaisampayana! Lord Yama is the lord of all dharmas. He gives the fruits for the actions for all living beings. How is that such a virtuous lord was born as Sudra. Vaisampayana tells the story of Mandavya Maharishi: ‘‘ Oh Janamejaya! Long time back Mandavya Maharishi was doing tapasya. One day some thieves stolen the jewels of the king and ran away. When the soldiers chased them, the thieves requested protection of Mandavya Maharishi. Since maharishi was in a Samadhi, he did not responded to their request. To save their lives, the thieves entered the ashrama. After a while the soldiers caught the thieves and took them to the king. They also arrested the Maharishi. The soldiers made a case that the himself was giving protection to the thieves. The king ordered death sentence for all the thieves. For the Maharishi he gave a ruling that a spear should be pierced in his stomach and ordered that he should not be provide any food or water. Few munis who were doing tapasya in the surrounding tapovanas took pity on Mandavya Maharishi. They came in the form of birds and said, “Maharishi! You are a great tapasvi. How you are punished like this?” Mandavya Maharishi replied, “Maharishis! You know the answer for your question. ‘Humans will get the pleasures and pains because karma phalams. So, that man alone will become Karta to experience his karma phalams. After hearing the words of maharishi, the soldiers went and informed the matter to the king. The king repented for his mistake and withdrew his order. However the soldiers tried to remove the spear from his stomach but they could not do. When they

Aadiparvam 87 pulled with all their strength, much of his body came out with the spear. That is why they called that maharishi as Mandavayudu. “The maharishi while wandering all lokas, he went to Yamaloka and said to Yama. “Oh Yama! Why you gave me such a cruel punishment? What was my crime?” Yama said, “In your childhood, you used to catch dragon flies and pierced their bodies with a nail. For that cruel act , I gave you this punishment.” Mandavya was annoyed with Yama and said, “Until fourteenth year of a person, one would be considered as a boy. In that age whatever sin he commits, it will not be taken to his account. If any one punishes such a boy, they will become sinners. I have already instructed the same to all the worlds to follow. You have ignored my instruction and committed a sin, hence you take birth on earth and be a son of a Sudra woman.” That is how Yama was born to a Sudra woman. He became the chief advisor to Bheeshma and he was highly valued and respected in the durbar.

88 Mahabharatam Chapter 5

The story of Dhrutarashtra, Panduraju, Gaandhari and Kunthi The marriage of Dhrutarashtra: Dhrutarashtra and Panduraju while studying in Gurukulam they also learnt archery, horse riding and other martial arts. Bheeshma wanted to perform the marriage of Dhrutarashtra with Gaandhari, daughter of king Subaalu. Bheeshma said to Vidura: Bheeshma: “Vidura! With the provocation of Satyavathy and by the grace of Vyasa maharishi this Kuru dynasty has revived with Dhrutarashtra and Panduraju. My self and the entire people of this country wanted this Kuru dynasty to flourish. Gaandhari meditated on Lord Siva and had a boon of having hundred sons and one daughter. If we succeed in getting her married to Dhrutarashtra, our Kuru dynasty will flourish in leaps and bounds. I am given to understand that the king Subaalu is also willing to give his daughter to Dhrutarashtra.’’ Subaalu informed his daughter, Gandhari that Dhrutarashtra was born blind. Gaandhari Being a virtuous and chaste wife of Dhrutarashtra, Gaandhari took a oath that she would not also see world what her husband could not see. From that day onwards, she blindfolded herself. Her brother Sakuni took her to Hastinapura with valuable gifts. Dhrutarashtra also married ten sisters of Gaandhari. In addition to them, he also married hundred more maids who were extraordinarily beautiful. The story of Kunthi: Prudhu was the daughter of a Yadava king by name Surudu. He gave her in adoption to his friend Kunthibojha and hence she was brought up by him from her childhood. As Prudha was more affectionate and attached to Kunthiboja, people used to call her Kunthi. King Kunthiboja was very pious and fond of worshiping Brahmins and rishis. One day Durvasa visited the house of Kunthiboja. He deputed his daughter Kunthi, to serve Durvasa Maharishi as long as he stayed in his palace. At the end, he was pleased with her services and initiated a mantra and said, Durvasa Maharishi: “ My daughter! This a powerful mantra. You recite this mantra and remember in your mind which ever devata you may like. He will come in front of you and bless you with a son.”

Aadiparvam 89 One day she went to river Ganga and suddenly entertained a silly thought of testing the power of that mantra. She recited mantra and said, “Sun god! You bless me with a son, as handsome as you.” Immediately the sun god appeared before her in human form and said, “Oh Kunthi! I came to give a son as desired by you.” Kunthi felt shy even to look at him and said, “Sun god! I am the daughter of Kunthiboja, people calls me as Kunthi. One day Durvasa Maharishi came to our house and was pleased with my services. While going he initiated me with a mantra and explained me the power of that mantra. Out of curiosity, I wanted to test the power of mantra and thought of you in mind. deva! I am an unmarried girl. I can’t bear a son before marriage. So you show pity on me and go away.” Sun god: “Kunthi! The mantra is very powerful. If I go back without fulfilling your desire, the maharishi will curse me. So I can’t go back without giving you a son. You don’t have to worry about your virginity. You will get a son by way of Sadyo garbham. That will neither affect your virginity nor you will be blamed by the people.’’ With the grace of sun god she gave birth to karna. The Birth of Karna: Karna was born with a natural shield and ear rings. Kunthi looked at the child and did not know what to do with that boy. ‘‘If I take this boy home, all my people might blame me. At the same time I can’t leave this child.’’ She lamented. While she was saddened, in the meanwhile she saw a beautiful box coming in ganga waters. She caught hold of that box and opened it. Inside the box a bed was spread, on which a boy could comfortably sleep. She thought it was the miracle of the Sun god and kept the boy inside the box and allowed it to go with the stream. After some time the box was caught by Sootudu. He opened the box and found a beautiful boy . He took that box and the child to his house, gave it to his wife Radha. The moment she had taken the boy to her hands, her breasts filled with milk and fed the boy. Sootudu and his wife Radha named the boy as Vasushenudu. Since he was born with natural earrings, he was also became popular as Karna. As Radha had brought him up he was also called as Radhayudu. In this manner, the boy was growing in the house of Sootudu.

90 Mahabharatam The marriage of Panduraju and his expedition of wars Panduraju made expeditions of war and won many kings. On his way, he attended the Swayamwara of Kunthi and married her. With the permission of Bheeshma, he also married Madri. After his marriages, he continued his expeditions of war and defeated many kings, and they are became his subordinate kings. By his expeditions, Panduraju able to secured enormous wealth. The noble deeds of Panduraju: Panduraju gave away all the wealth to Dhrutarashtra. With the permission of Bheeshma they donated everything to the brahmins and poor people. Though Dhrutarashtra was born blind, Panduraju made him the king and ruled under his guidance. Kinda Maharishi curses Panduraju: One day Panduraju went with his wives, Kunthi and Madri for hunting in the forests, south of Mt.Himalayas. He enjoyed with his two wives. He procured many valuable articles and sent them to his brother Dhrutarashtra . In that forest Kinda Maharishi was also enjoying with his wife. Suddenly they took the form of a deer and enjoying. Panduraju mistook them as real deer and shot his arrow on the male deer. The male deer while dying took the original form and cursed Panduraju as, “King! I am Kinda Maharishi. You have killed me, while I was enjoying with my wife.” On hearing maharishi’s words, Panduraju said, “Kshatriyas can be kind even at the sight of an enemy but they will not leave, a deer. However we should not kill by a fraudulent method. Long back Agastya maharishi used to perform Sradhas to his ancestral parents with the flesh of a deer. And gave a ruling that the killing of a deer will not attach any sin to a kshatriya. So you cannot blame me. “Maharshi did not relished the words of Panduraju, and cursed, “Since you killed me while I was in mating, you also will die, if you make with your wife.” Panduraju repented and took a oath as, “Though a man might born in a superior family, however knowledge he may acquire, he can’t escape from fate. Till now, I was living in a righteous manner. Suddenly I became a victim of a curse. It is nothing but an act of god. Now I resolve leading muni life treating all beings equally”. He called Kunthi and Madri and told them, “You need not lead a muni life like me and hence you may go to Hastinapura. You inform

Aadiparvam 91 Bheeshma, Dhrutarashtra, Vidura and others of my decision.” On hearing the words of their husband, they were shattered and said either they live with him or commit suicide. At last Panduraju agreed to live with them. From then onwards they lived on roots and fruits, wearing Valkalas and worshipping Agni. He had given up all his wealth to brahmins and the rest gave to Dhrutarashtra. In this manner he led a muni’s life travelled towards north. On his way, he passed Nagasailam, Chaitraradham, and Himalayas and settled on Mt.Gandhamadana which was the abode of devatas and siddhas. Panduraju’s Tapasya : Panduraju reached the highest peak called Mt.Satasrunga, which was the place of siddhas and Yakshas. Even siddhas and Yakshas were surprised with the severe tapasya of Panduraju. One day thousand Brahmarishis were passing through Mt.Satasrunga, Panduraju asked them, “Where are you going?” They said that they were going to meet Brahma. On hearing their words, Panduraju also accompanied them with his wives. After some distance maharishis said, “King! Your wives are pretty and delicate, the entire path is very rough. Please stop at that point. Not only this, there is no entry to Brahma loka for those who don’t have sons.’’ Panduraju understood that he could not reach Brahma loka for the simple reason that he had no children. The Brahmarishis with their divine knowledge, understood everything and said, “King! Don’t worry, since you don’t have sons, in a short time Yama, Vayu, Indra and Aswini devatas are going to bless you with sons. You will reach superior lokas. So you pray to them. On hearing their words, Panduraju thought in himself, “One has to clear the debt of devatas, rishis and Pitrudevatas. Otherwise he will not be eligible for superior lokas. I have cleared all other debts except, Pitrurunam. Once the body is ruined, all runas will be cleared automatically except Pitrurunam.” While thinking in that manner he said to Kunthi: Panduraju: “Kunthi! A man can’t attain superior lokas without a son. One can have son in the following six ways. 1. Kshetragnudu, 2.

92 Mahabharatam Aiurasudu 3. Dattakudu 4. Krutrimudu 5. Doodhtpnnudu 6. Apavithudu. In addition to those six ways, there are six more ways of attaining a son who don’t have the share in property. They are 1.Kaaneenudu 2.Sahoodhudu 3.Krethudu 4.Pownardhavudu 5.Swayamdattudu 6.Jathudu. “Of all these twelve ways of attaining sons, Kshetragnudu is the most superior. Hence if you secure me a son in a dharmic way, I will be entitled for superior lokas. Long back King Kekaya did not had a son. At that time, through his Dharmapatni, who is your sister, Sruthasena, performed a Kumsana homa to have a son. So you accept Devara Nyayam and produce sons for me which is accepted by sastras.’’ On hearing the words of Panduraju, Kunthi remembered about the mantra initiated by Durvasa Maharishi and informed the same to her husband. On hearing Kunthi’s words, Panduraju was happy and said, “Kunthi! All lokas are based on dharma, so you keep your mind pure and pray for Dharmudu in you mind.” Kunthi went round her husband with folded hands, recited the mantra and prayed for dharma devata (Yama dharma raja). Dharma devata came in human form and blessed her. With his grace, she became pregnant and gave birth to a boy. The birth of Dharmaraja: The moment Dharmaraja was born, a voice was heard from the sky “stars at the time of birth of this boy are in an exaltation state. He will become a King. His mind will be steadily fixed on dharma. He will treat all beings equally. He will become the most courageous king on the earth and hence he will be called as Yudhistara.” The destruction of Gandhari’s pregnancy: Gandhari became pregnant much before Dharmaraja was born. She wanted to give birth earlier than Dharmaraja’s birth. Out of distress, she hit her stomach hard. With that the premature pindam fell on ground and was broken into several pieces. All those pieces were preserved in a pot filled with cold water. After they were fully matured, the pindams gave birth to hundred sons and one daughter. Here on Mt.Satasrunga. Panduraju said to Kunthi, “Oh Kunthi! You have given birth to a righteous person. Now you give birth to a boy who will protect our Kuru dynasty with his strength and valour.” This time Kunthi recited the mantra and worshipped the wind god. With his

Aadiparvam 93 blessings, she delivered a boy. Again the voice heard from the sky named this boy as Bheemasena. The voice also said the planets at the time of birth of that boy were in a state of exaltation. The birth of Duryodhana and others : On the same day Bheemasena was born on Mt.Satasrunga, in Hastinapura, Duryodhana was born to Gaandhari . At the time of Duryodhana’s birth, the people noticed many bad omens. On the same day when Duryodhana was born Dhrutarashtra had another son by name Yuyutsudu for a Vyasa woman. After him Gaandhari gave birth to one son on each day. After she gave birth to hundred sons, the last child being a girl and she was named as Dussala. Astrologers and superior brahmins said to Dhrutarashtra, “King! We noticed many bad omens at the birth time of Duryodhana. We suspect a great damage to the people and country through him. So you better leave Duryodhana and choose any one among the remaining ninety nine as your successor.” Dhrutarashtra refused to leave Duryodhana. The strength of Bheema. On the tenth day after Bheema was born, Kunthi took him to a temple. The way was rough with sharp ups and downs. Suddenly a tiger jumped on Bheema. Panduraju killed the tiger with an arrow and saved Kunthi and Bheema. In that confusion Kunthi dropped the child and he fell on the stones. But the stones were broken into powder. Immediately Panduraju came running and picked up the boy in his hands. On his return from the temple, they came to know through a messenger that, Gaandhari gave birth to hundred sons and one daughter. The birth of Arjuna: This time Panduraju asked Kunthi to worship Indra, so that they could have a son who can conquer all the worlds. So Kunthi recited the mantra and worshipped Indra,who came and said, “ Kunthi you will have a son. He will win all the three worlds and will give successors to Kuru dynasty”. After the birth of Arjuna, a voice heard from the sky as follows. “He will be popularly known as Arjuna. He will become more valorous than Karthaveeryarjuna. He will defeat Indra and other devatas and allow the burning of Khandava vana. He will overcome all the kings on earth and make Dharmaraja to perform Rajasuya yaga. He will acquire several astras from all devatas and trounce his enemies.’’

94 Mahabharatam While Kunthi, Panduraju and Madri were spending time merrily with their children, one day Madri thought in herself, “Kunthi has given birth to three children as she desired and was happy. There Gaandhari also gave birth to hundred sons and was happy with her sons. I alone remain without children.” The birth of Nakula and Sahadeva: One day while she was with her husband, she expressed her anguish to him. “If you and Kunthi are kind to me, I will also get get sons like Kunthi.” On hearing her words, Panduraju said, “ Madri! You leave your distress, Kunthi already said to me the same thing’’. By saying so he called Kunthi and said the distress of Madri.” Panduraju advised Madri, “You give birth to sons from Aswini devatas “ As desired by her husband, Kunthi initiated the mantra to Madri. She worshipped Aswini devatas and got two sons as handsome as sun and moon. Again the voice heard from the sky, “You name them as Nakula and Sahadeva.” In this manner the king Panduraju with the grace of gods had Yudhistara, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. Panduraju remained on Mt.Satasrunga and was engaged in severe penance. Vasudeva the elder brother of Kunthi heard that her sister delivered sons and sent a Brahmarishi, Kasyapa with valuable gifts. Kasyapa stayed with them and performed Upanayanam for all the five boys. After Upanayanam he taught them Vedas. The death of Panduraju: It was spring. All the beings were fascinated by the influence of spring and provoked by cupid. In his emotion, Panduraju forgot the curse of Kinda Maharishi and had a mating with Madri. Immediately Panduraju died on the spot. When Madri was crying loudly, Kunthi and her children woke up and came running to her. They cried bitterly . Kunthi said to Madri, “ Madri! I am his dharmapatni, I can’t live without him. You take care of the children and I go with him on the pyre.” Madri said, “ Kunthi! With the power of your mantra, you gave birth to the successor to Kuru dynasty. As I could not fulfill his desire in this world, I will go to the other world with him and satisfy him. Though I know the curse of muni, I behaved in a careless manner. As such I can’t bring up the children so you allow me to go on salagamavam . You take care of the children.” Madri went to the pyre of her husband. After the cremation maharishis made the children to

Aadiparvam 95 perform last rites to their father. Maharishis consoled Kunthi and her children and said, “ Panduraju gave up his kingdom and all the wealth. He was satisfied by doing tapasya and living here peacefully. Since he reached heaven. Now let us take these boys and Kunthi to Hastinapura and hand them over to their people.’’ Pandavas reach Hastinapura: All maharishis reached Hastinapura with Kunthi and her children. The citizens of Hastinapura wondered at the birth secret of Pandavas. People started coming in groups to see Kunthi and her sons. Bheeshma and others saluted the maharishis and received Pandavas and Kunthi affectionately. One of the munis came from Mt.Satasringa and he said: Muni: “King! Panduraju had a great tapasya. With the blessings of Yama. Vayu, Indra and aswini devatas he had five sons. Panduraju had passed away just fifteen days ago. His wife Madri also went with him to heaven. We brought his Astis with us. But for children, even kunthi also wanted to follow her husband to heaven. Now you complete the last rites for the deceased. We Bless that the sons of Panduraju will become glorious and enhance the prestige of Kuru dynasty. Yudhistara, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva are all born with the amsa of the respective devatas. The voice from the sky had given them the those names. Brahmarishis who came from Vasudeva performed Upanayanam and taught Vedas and sastras. From now onwards, you should bring them up and look after their wellbeing.’’ Suddenly Vyasa Maharishi appeared and consoled Satyavathy and said to her confidentially. Vyasa maharishi: “Oh Satyavathy! The gruhasta ashrama looks as fickle as a mirage. All these wealth and kingdoms are also temporary. The past days are prove better than the future days. All the sons of Dhrutarashtra are wicked and invite troubles. Because of them, the Kuru dynasty is going to be destroyed. Since Dhrutarashtra can’t avoid this grief, I advice you to go to tapovana and perform tapasya.” On hearing Vyasa maharishi’s advice Satyavathy went to tapovanas with her daughter- in- laws Ambika and Ambalika and in due course they died one by one.

96 Mahabharatam The childhood of Kouravas and Pandavas. Dhrutarashtra showered his affection equally on Pandavas and Kouravas. All the elders in the royal family were watching curiously of all the children and enjoying their plays. Bheema always used to establish his superiority over others. Thereby they formed in groups and tried to tease Bheema in several ways but Bheema also teased kauravas by holding ten boys on his shoulders and thrown there into water. Again he used to ring them out before they are suffocated. In the similar manner when the Kauravas climbed the trees for fruits, Bheema used to shake holding the trunk of the tree. By that, the fruits and Kauravas also used to fall on ground. In all the funny games, Dushsasna and others had suffered several defeats at the hands of Bheema. Duryodhana became jealous of Bheema and wanted to get rid of him. They tried several ways to kill Bheema. They also thought to imprison Yudhistara so that there would be no competitor for the kingdom. Right from his childhood Duryodhana wanted to rule the entire Kaurava kingdom by himself. Duryodhana attempts to kill Bheema: Duryodhana was consulting Dushsasna the ways and methods of killing Bheema. One day Bheema and hundred Kauravas went for a swim in the river Ganga. After a long time Bheema was tired and taking rest on the banks, all the Kauravas fastened Bheema with strong creepers and threw him in the Ganga. The moment he woke up, he understood it was the wicked plan of his cousins and stretched his body and thereby all the creepers were broken. Once he was free, he came to the shore. On another day, when Bheema was fast asleep, they made him bitten by a poisonous cobra. Since his body was harder than diamond, the poison did not enter his body. He took the cobra in his hand and dashed it on the ground. On another day, Duryodhana secured poison and mixed it in the food. This was smelt by Yuyutsudu, who had equally affectionate for both Kauravas and Pandavas. He hinted Bheema not to eat the food offered by Duryodhana. However Bheema ate the food and digested the poison also and survived.

Aadiparvam 97 In the meanwhile, Bheeshma arranged Krupacharya and Dronacharya to teach archery to Kauravas and Pandavas. The episode of Krupacharya and Dronacharya Janamejaya: Vaisampayana! Who are Krupacharya and Dronacharya? From where they came? You let me know their episodes. Vaisampayana: Janamejaya! There lived a tapasvi by name Gauthama. He had a son, named Saradvanthudu. Though he intelligent, he did not show interest in learning Vedas. But he wanted to become an archer. To learn archery, he started doing penance. Indra was afraid of his tapasya and engaged an Apsara by name Jalavada. With the influence of cupid Saradvantha lost his concentration and opened his eyes. He saw a beautiful woman in front of him. He lost control on senses his sperm came out and fell on a shrub of dharba grass. From that sperm a boy and a girl were born. At the same time, king Santana came for hunting and saw the boy and girl. The king also saw a bow, arrow and skin of a deer lying there. The king thought they must have been the children of a great archer. However he showed Kripa and took them to his house. Since the king had no children, he brought them up as his own children. Since he had shown Kripa on them, the boy was named as Krupudu and the girl was named as Krupi. Since Krupacharya was a brahmin boy, he made upanayanam and put under the pundits and taught Danur Veda. The king himself taught archery to Krupacharya. Bheeshma came to know about Krupacharya and asked him to teach archery to his grand children. The episode of Dronacharya: Barathwaja Maharishi was doing tapasya on the banks of Ganga. One day he went for a bath, he saw an Apsara by name Ghruthaci also taking bath. By the wind. Her cloths were thrown away and she was caught in the eyes of Barathwaja maharishi. He lost control on senses and the sperm fell down. Maharishi made his own hand as a Droni and preserved his own sperm and Drona was born with an amsa of sukra. In those days King Vrushamudu was ruling the kingdom of Panchala. He was also doing penance in the same tapovana where Barathwaja was performing tapasya. One day an Apsara came to the tapovana of king Vrushamudu. On seeing her with the influence of cupid, his sperm came out and fell down. He kept it under his foot. From that

98 Mahabharatam with the Amsa of Maruthu a boy was born. He was named as Drupada. The boy was also living in Barathwaja ashrama to learn Vedas and archery. After the death of King Vrushamudu, Drupada became the king of Panchala. With the permission of his father Barathwaja, he married Krupi the sister of Krupacharya. Dronacharya gave birth to Aswadhama by Krupi. Drona came to know that Parasurama, the son of Jamadagni was very liberal in giving gifts and donations to brahmins. Dronacharya went to Parasurama for some financial help. On looking at Drona, Parasurama said, “ Drona! I have given all my wealth to all brahmins. All the land to Kasyapa maharishi. Now all that I had with me are astras and my body. You tell me what do you want out of them. I will give you whatever you ask.” Then Drona said, “ Gurudeva! I feel I am fortunate, if you give me your astras and sastras.” After that Dronacharya secured all the divine astras from Parasurama and the secrets of releasing and withdrawing of those astras. Dronacharya went to his childhood friend, King Drupada and said. “Friend! I am your childhood friend, we learnt form the same guru. Do you remember me?” My son is suffering without milk can you help me by donating a cow ?” King Drupada was hurt and not like to entertain Dronacharya and said: Drupada Offends Drona : King Drupada: “ Drona! You are an ordinary brahmin. I am the king of this land. How can we both become friends. Will there be any friendship between a king and a pauper? With a pundit and an illiterate? Between a tapasvi and a hunter Between a valorous person and a coward? The friendship should always with equals. Not only that, kings make friendship or enmity depending on the circumstances. You tell me being a king why should I have friendship with you. You are just a brahmin.’’ Drona reaches Hastinapura: While Dronacharya was coming to Hastinapura, he saw Kouravas and Pandavas were playing with a ball. That ball fell into a well. All the boys were worried. While they were all sad, Dronacharya went to them and said, “Princes! you are all disciples of Krupacharya. It is not befitting for princes like you. You all look, how

Aadiparvam 99 I take it out.” By saying so, Dronacharya released his arrows connecting one to another till they reached the ball. Finally he pulled all the arrows like a rope and the ball also came out with arrows. He picked up the ball and gave it to the princes. All of them went to Bheeshma and praised the greatness of Drona. Bheeshma was happy since he had already heard the glory of Drona and requested him to be an Acharya to his grand children for teach archery. He went to Dronacharya and asked him, ‘‘Oh Dronacharya! From where are you coming from? How far you are going? Where do you want to settle down?’’ Drona said, “My name is Drona, son of Barathwaja maharishi. I observed Brahmacharya and learnt Vedas from Agnivesya maharishi. I learnt archery also from him. The King Drupada also learnt Vedas and archery in the same Gurukulam. While we were in Gurukulam he used to tell me, “Oh Drona! As soon as I become a king, you come to me, You can share and enjoy with me all comforts.’’ After the death of king Vrushamudu, Drupada became the king of Panchala. I married Krupi the sister of Krupacharya. I had a son by name Aswadhama. Though I learnt Vedas and archery, I was living in poverty. However I am living in righteous. One day my son was playing with other boys, they were drinking milk for milk. He used to come home and cry that he also wanted to drink milk. As I was suffering from poverty, I could not provide milk to my son. One day I remembered the words of my friend Drupada and went to him with a hope that he would certainly help. With that hope I went to him and reminded him about our olden days at Gurukulam. He was hurt by my words and said that he will not make friendship with a poor brahmin and asked me to get out. I didn’t want to live in his kingdom. So I took my wife and son to settle somewhere other than his kingdom.’’ On hearing Dronacharya’s words Bheeshma worshipped him and gifted many valuables and made a request: Dronacharya becomes guru of Kouravas and Pandavas: Bheeshma called all his grandchildren and introduced them to Dronacharya and requested him to teach them archery and other martial arts. Dronacharya said, “I will make you experts in archery. Who will fulfill my desire in return?” On hearing Dronacharya all Kouravas kept silent, among the Pandavas Arjuna alone came forward and said, “I will 100 Mahabharatam do what ever you demand”. Impressed by Arjuna’s words, Dronacharya affectionately embraced him. From then onwards, Dronacharya was teaching archery to Kouravas and Pandavas. Apart from Kouravas and Pandavas, many princes of various kingdoms also came and learnt archery from Dronacharya. Karna also was one among many who learnt archery from Dronacharya. Karna developed vengeance against Arjuna and became more friendly with Duryodhana. At the same time, Aswadhama also moved close to Karna in hating Arjuna. Duryodhana asked the cook not to serve food to Arjuna in darkness, because he might develop the art of releasing his arrows while in darkness also. On one night, Arjuna was taking his dinner, the lights went off due to the velocity of the wind. However Arjuna continued eating his dinner in the darkness. Arjuna with his dedication learnt all the tricks of archery, including art of releasing the arrows in darkness. Drona appreciated the dedication of Arjuna in learning archery and he promised, “Arjuna! I will see to it that there will be no equal or superior to you in all the worlds. I will give you all astras in archery, dwanda yudham, Sankula yudham fighting from chariot, fighting on the ground, fighting from the back of a horse, fighting from the back of an elephant with Drudham, Chatram, Soustavam’’. Drona thus taught Arjuna many ways of releasing arrows, tricks, secrets. Ekalavya accepts Dronacharya as his guru: Dronacharya apart from archery taught all other martial arts such as fighting with a club, spear, sword, tomaram, kuntham, and sakthi . On hearing the greatness and reputation of Dronacharya, Ekalavya son of Hiranyadhanyudu, a tribal king approached Dronacharya to learn archery from him. Since he was a tribal boy, Dronacharya refused to accept him as his disciple. However Ekalavya went back to his place, made an idol of Dronacharya and started practicing archery, fixing him as his guru in mind. One day Kauravas and Pandavas went to the nearby forest. While they were wandering in the forest the dog that went with them, reached Ekalavya’s hermitage and started barking. Ekalavya wanted to stop the dog barking, so he dispatched seven arrows in a peculiar manner without hurting the dog and made it to stop barking. The dog ran to the princes.

Aadiparvam 101 They wondered how the seven arrows around its mouth were fixed. They went in search of the place where Ekalavya was practicing and the princes asked him. Who are you? Who is your guru?” He replied that he was Ekalavya, the son of Hiranyadhanyudu, a tribal king and that he was the disciple of Dronacharya. The princes went to Dronacharya and said about Ekalavya. Arjuna said to Dronacharya: Arjuna: “Guru deva! You told assured me that you make me the most superior archer in the world and you promised that there would be none equal or superior to me. But we saw a tribal boy who was more talented in archery than me. Therefore your promise became untrue. All the more, he said that he was your disciple.’’ On hearing Arjunas words, Dronacharya was taken aback and went to the forest, and met Ekalavya. On seeing Dronacharya, Ekalavya prostrated at his feet and offered himself with all his wealth, stood with folded hands. Looking at him, Dronacharya said, “My son! What gift do you offer to your guru” Ekalavya – said, Ekalavya: ‘’ Guru deva! This is my body, these people are my servants. Of all these, you take what you like most.” Dronacharya asked him to give his right thumb”. (Because without the thumb of right hand , Ekalavya couldn’t develop archery. Thereby he could satisfy his dear student Arjuna.) Dronacharya put to test the skill of his disciples: One day Dronacharya wanted to test his disciples in archery. He took them to a tree and fixed an artificial bird and tied it to a branch on the tree. He asked Dharmaraja to keep ready with his bow and arrow to strike the bird. Before that he asked him what are all he is seeing?. He said that he was seeing a large tree and a bird on its branch. Dronacharya said, ‘‘You can’t hit the bird because you don’t have clear aim at the target.’’ Then he called Duryodhana and all others and asked same question but every body gave similar answers. Finally he called Arjuna. He said he was seeing the neck of the bird and nothing else. Then the guru was satisfied and allowed Arjuna to release the arrow. Immediately the birds neck was cut and fell on ground. Drona was satisfied and taught all the secrets of archery to Arjuna.

102 Mahabharatam Arjuna rescues Dronacharya from a crocodile: One day Drona went to Ganga to take a bath. While he was performing the rituals, suddenly a crocodile caught hold of his leg. He shouted at his disciples to kill the crocodile and to save him. But nobody came forward but Arjuna alone killed the crocodile with five arrows. Dronacharya was happy at the devotion of Arjuna and thought that he can defeat king Drupada. Hence he had given all his divine astras exclusively to Arjuna.

Aadiparvam 103 Chapter 6

The exposition of archery between Kouravas and Pandavas One day Dronacharya wanted to exhibit the talent of both Kouravas and Pandavas in the presence of the elders. Dhrutarashtra ordered Vidura to prepare a stadium to accommodate all the royal families, to keep the elders on one side and the public on the other side. Vyasa, Bheeshma, Vidura, Selya, Krupa and many other dignitaries were present. The fight between Bheema and Duryodhana with their clubs: At the signal given by Dronacharya, Duryodhana and Bheema entered the arena to fight with each other. The fight was as ferocious as that of a real battle. At one point, the duel of their words exceeded the power of their clubs. Vidura was sitting by the side of Dhrutarashtra and provided a running commentary. When the duel of words went beyond a point, Dronacharya deputed Aswadhama to pacify. After that he declared the next event as Arjuna’s skills in archery. As soon as the announcement was made, Arjuna came in the arena with his bow, arrows. The public were praising and gossiping as, “He is the son of Indra; and a close friend of Krishna; he is a supreme warrior among the Kouravas and Pandavas,.” In this manner each one was telling to the other what all they knew about Arjuna. On seeing Arjuna and overhearing the public gossips, Kunthi was happy. Arjuna took his bow, arrow and started exhibiting his skills in archery. With Aagneyastra, he created violent flames, from Varunastra he created agonizing waters from the sky, from Vayuvyastra he created wind with great velocity, with Meghaastra he created huge clouds on the sky, with Bhowmyastra he entered in to the earth, with Sailastra he appeared himself as a huge mountain. With Adrushyastra he disappeared from the arena. Suddenly by reciting a mantra, he became a dwarf, by another mantra he became taller than a palm tree. After exhibiting his skill in archery, he exhibited his skills with club, sword and many such mortal weapons. While the entire public and the distinguished guests were astonished, Karna came to the arena and challenged that he can do better performance than Arjuna. On hearing

104 Mahabharatam the challenge of Karna, all Pandavas went to Dronacharya, whereas Duryodhana’s brothers ran to Karna and embraced him. Karna questioned the skills of Arjuna: The audience and distinguished guests were surprised to look at that handsome person, who challenged. He was very tall. He was shining with brilliance with his natural shield and earrings. He came to the arena and saluted to Dronacharya and said: Karna: “Oh King! The skills that are exhibited by Arjuna are ordinary. Even common people can also perform such skills. I can put up a better show than Arjuna. The dignitaries audience were astonished. Arjuna was furious, whereas Duryodhana was jubilant. At that juncture, Dronacharya gave an opportunity to Karna to exhibit his talents. Karna took the opportunity and exhibited his skills, for which all the audience applauded him. Duryodhana and his brothers ran and embraced him and said: Duryodhana: “Karna! I am happy with your performance. You make friendship with me. Now you have a direct fight with Arjuna and over power Arjuna. You will share in my royal comforts and pleasures. On hearing Duryodhana’s words, Arjuna said: Arjuna: “Karna! This is an exposure of talents between the princes of our family. Not knowing this you came as an uninvited guest and throwing challenges. It tells your sinister nature. ’’ On hearing Arjuna’s words, Karna became furious and said: Karna: “Arjuna! Archery is nothing but a dhanur veda. Vedas are everybody’s property. So the skill of archery is also open to all. You exhibit your heroism in archery, rather than by these evasive words.’’ Immediately Duryodhana stood up and supported Karna, Arjuna became furious and prepared to fight with Karna. The fight between Karna and Arjuna: Karna released a Meghastra and created an endless cloud. Sun god wanted to favour Karna and dispersed the clouds around Karna with his brilliant rays. As a result, Karna alone was outside the clouds and Arjuna was struck within the clouds. This situation had created an alarm among the elders. In the

Aadiparvam 105 meanwhile Arjuna released Vayuvyaastra and drove away all the clouds in a moment. At this juncture Krupacharya wanted to put an end to that confusion and said: Krupacharya: Karna! Arjuna was born in a royal family. He is the son of Kunthi and Panduraju. If you want to make a fight with him, first you name your parents and your family line. If you are equal, then I will allow you to fight with Arjuna. Karna was ashamed and stood silent. On looking at Karna, Duryodhana came and said. Duryodhana: “Acharya! You are telling that Arjuna hails from a royal family. Any one who is strong and valorous with a big army can be a king. Whereas, Karna is strong and valorous. All that he is missing is a big army and a kingdom. If that is the case, now I am crowning him as the king of Angadesa. From now onwards, he is my best friend.’’ Duryodhana crowns Karna as the king of Angadesa: Duryodhana took permission from Bheeshma, Dhrutarashtra and announced Karna as the king of Angadesam. Duryodhana summoned thousand brahmins and persuaded Karna to gift them all with cows and many other valuable gifts. Thus he made Karna equal to Arjuna. Karna was grateful to Duryodhana and said: Karna: “Emperor! Duryodhana! You honoured me by making a king in the presence of several distinguished elders. I assure you that I dedicate my life to you whenever you want and in any manner you want.’’ Bheema: “Karna! Instead of continuing your family profession of riding the chariots for others, why you embraced a kshatriya dharma. By making you the king of Angadesam, it looks like a pious havisis is being eaten by a dog.’’ Karna was hurt at these of words of Bheema. Duryodhana said: Duryodhana: “Bheema! Why you insulted Karna? Will a tiger be born to a deer? Had you ever seen an able person like Karna in the families of Sutas? Can ordinary people understand the secrets of birth of great heroes like Drona, who was born in a pot? Have you not heard that many kshatriyas were born to brahmins? I find many divine qualities

106 Mahabharatam in Karna such as his natural shield and earrings. Perhaps he also must have born with the grace of a divine power like you. So let us not go deep in to the family line of Karna. I am sure he is capable of ruling all the earth.’’ By that time the sun had set and all the people returned to their homes. Duryodhana and his brothers went to their palace with Karna. Bheeshma. Drona and others went with Pandavas. Though Kunthi understood Karna as her son, she couldn’t reveal the same for fear of public scandal. The expedition of war on King Drupada: Dronacharya after completing his morning rituals, called all his disciples and asked them to give him a Gurudakshina. All the princes saluted him and asked him what he wanted. Then Dronacharya asked them, “Defeat King Drupada, fasten him and bring before me.” So the faithful students led the expedition on king Drupada. Duryodhana, Yuyutsya, Dushsasna and others attacked the city of Panchala. Drupada defeated them with little effort. Kouravas army could not fight the attack of king Drupada and they ran to Pandavas. Bheema and Arjuna led the army and attacked king Drupada Bheema and Arjuna attack King Drupada: Bheema started breaking the foreheads of elephants with his club. Satyajittu, the brother of king Drupada led a big army and attacked Bheema,who killed many of his soldiers. Drupada led a huge army and attacked Arjuna. Arjuna fastens Drupada: At one time Drupada wanted to break the bow of Arjuna. Before he did it, Arjuna smelt his intentions harped on him with a sword and caught him. He chained Drupada and took him to Hastinapura. He presented the shackled Drupada at the feet of Dronacharya as Gurudakshina and made him happy. Dronacharya was very much happy with Arjuna and said to Drupada: Dronacharya: “King Drupada! I never expected that you will have a humiliating situation like this. Now do you understand the flimsy value of your kingdom and resources, before the anger of a brahmin?’’ By saying so, he ordered to remove all the shackles of Drupada and asked him to leave the place.

Aadiparvam 107 Though Drupada was released, he was still furious on Drona and was waiting for another opportunity to teach him a lesson. Coronation of Dharmaraja as a prince: Bheeshma, Vidura and others advised Dhrutarashtra that Yudhistara alone is eligible to be coronated as the crown prince. On the advise of elders, Dhrutarashtra made him as a crown prince. After the coronation, the remaining four Pandavas went in four directions, defeated all the kings and brought huge wealth as gifts and tributes from the subordinate kings and put all the wealth at the feet of Yudhistara. Though Yudhistara was just a prince, he was shining like an emperor. Dronacharya was pleased with Arjuna with his exemplary skills in all martial arts and initiated the great astra by name Brahmasirasu and its application and withdrawing. Dronacharya: “Arjuna! This astra was prepared by Agastya Maharishi and given to fire god Agni. Lord Agni had given it to me. Since you are great among the heroes, I am giving it to you. Please note that this astra should not be used on week limbs such as human beings. In case, it is used on weaker people, it will destroy all lokas. However you can aim it on your enemies who harass you. This will kill them. Since you have taken this astra from me, you have to give me Gurudakshina which is a promise that you would not use it against me.’’ Duryodhana became jealous of all Pandus. Dharmaraja’s crowning as prince also added to his jealousy. He openly exposed his anguish to his close mates. The advice of Kanika, The minister of Sakuni: On hearing Duryodhana’s words, Kanika, the minister of Sakuni, told the following points to Duryodhana. 1. The king should rule the country in the path of dharma by using danda neeti as a weapon. By implementing C.P.C, he should not have any discrimination between him and others. 2. Whether the person might be his guru or even father if his actions are deferential to the interests of nation, such person is to be punished in the presence of people.

108 Mahabharatam 3. One has to consult virtious people before commencing any work. Then only those actions will yield good results. 4. The king should discharge his duties with tack. By hook or crook she should be able to win others. By all means he should protect himself. 5. The king should discharge his duties with the help of his ministers depending on time and place and circumstances. However he should have the knowledge of other’s defects without exposing his own weakness. 6. The enemy is to be killed when he is weak. If he is given time, gain strength with the help of his friends and becomes impossible to kill him. 7. The king should always be vigilant in getting get the information through his spies about his enemies and about his own administration. 8. Before the king goes to public places such as sporting, hunting, pleasure gardens etc, the security people are to search thoroughly for his safety. If they found the activities of miscreants, their weapons are to be confiscated and put them in jail. 9. The king should not have fixed opinion on any one. He should suspect every one, and is to take care of his own protection. 10. The king should protect all his secrets as he protects himself. If thosesecrets were leaked out in advance, all his plans will be destroyed. Even Brihaspati cannot set them right. 11. Wicked and cunning people will always submit their view points with folded hands. They always tries to please with sweet words. They exhibit false modesty. They often resort to making pledges and vows. 12. Wicked people will pretend obedience till their job is done. Once their job is done, they will spew venom. 13. People should come to know either excessive love or hate of a king only when they experience it. It is like falling a thunderbolt from the sky.

Aadiparvam 109 14. Even an enemy is to be allowed to move freely tell an opportune time comes, then he should be thrown on ground like a mud pot. 15. Though the thorn is small, when it pierces in our foot, we cannot walk. In the similar manner, if a low person does harm we should not leave him unpunished. 16. Even though the enemy may be a small boy but we should not carry him on our shoulders. It is like a spark of fire destroys the entire forest. 17. Giving protection to a person who did harm will be as foolish as a person sleeping at the end of a tree branch. Those who did harm is to be killed immediately by any of the following ways ie. by sama, dana, bedha, danda upayas. ii. Either by sweet or king words, iii. Making a vow on truth. This is the advice of kanika, the minister of Sakuni. A sateman will kill his enemies even though they might he his own relatives. In self protection he should kill even his own relatives or enemies without any delay. Duryodhana digested his advice and went to Dhrutarashtra and said. Duryodhana expresses his distress with Dhrutarashtra: Duryodhana: ‘‘Father! You made Dharmaraja as the crown prince of this country. He had taken advantage of your good nature and turned the people to his side. He is was becoming popular day and by day he was not giving due respect to you and Bheeshma. He is pretending as if he is the most virtuous person. All his brothers were not only valorous but also obedient to him. With all these, he was convincing the people that he is the only eligible person to rule the country. In support of his contention he was telling “That Dhrutarashtra became old and hence he cannot rule the country for a long time. Bheeshma took a vow and hence he will not rule the country. Since I am young I will because the king. He is also making the people to believe that Vidura also accepting me as king”. I am also hearing the same story wherever I go. Whenever I heard such words, my heart is paining. Since you are the eldest of our family, you should also look into the interest of me and my brothers. Hence you see to it that all Pandavas be sent out of Hastinapura as early as possible.’’ 110 Mahabharatam Dhrutarashtra: ‘‘My son! If a successor is to be crowned, the king must have been killed in a battle or he should have become a Rajarishi leaving the responsibility of to his son before going to tapovanas. There is no other way for any one to become a king. In my case, I am being a born blind, I could not rule the country. Hence I was not eligible to be a king. However my younger brother Panduraju was very affectionate to me. Though I am blind he made me the king stood by my side and took the responsibility of ruling . All the sons of Panduraju are as righteous as his father. People are also attracted by their good qualities. Under the these circumstances, how can I remove them?’’ Duryodhana: ‘‘Father! This kingdom is our’s since times immemorial. Till now Panduraju ruled the country. Today if Dharmaraja becomes the king, his son alone will be eligible for the throne. In this manner, if Panduraju’s family line alone rules the country, we will be forced to lose our right to rule the country. In the same manner, my children and my family line also will be deprived of becoming the kings of this dynasty. Whatever you may say, I can’t live as a servants under my cousins. You take such a step that we will not be thrown at the mercy of my cousins. ‘‘Oh Father! From the beginning this kingdom belongs to you. However this had been ruled by Panduraju. He gained popularity in the public by his virtues. Since they are hailing Panduraju, people want his son Dharmaraju to be as their king. Keeping this in mind every day I am giving donations to poor people, honouring righteous people so as to attract the people to my side. ‘‘As a first step, you send Kunthi, Pandavas and his ministers to Varanavatam. You see to it that they live there for some time. In the meanwhile, I will see to it that people forget the virtuous qualities of Dharmaraja. After some time, even if they come back, people might forgot them and all their virtuous qualities. Then I would not face any problem with them.’’ Pandavas sent to Varanavatam: Dhrutarashtra: “My son! I am also thinking in the same way. But I could not speak out for fear of Bheeshma. Vidura, Dronacharya and others.

Aadiparvam 111 Duryodhana: “Father! If you propose this by yourself, they all agree out of respect for. Though they are all impartial and have equal affection on both of us, but they have a little soft corner for me. I will tell you how. Aswadhama is my close friend. Dronacharya will always supports his son. Krupacharya will agree whatever Dronacharya says. Bheeshma agrees whatever Drona and Krupa says. Thus all those three people are in favour of us. Though Bheeshma has equal love for both of us, he will not leave Hastinapura. So he will stay with us. Though Vidura is in favour of Pandavas he alone can’t change your decision. So you act quickly and allow me to live in peace. Remove the pricks from my heart and help me in my prosperity.’’ In this manner Duryodhana was able to convince his father. After that Duryodhana engaged some people to inspire Pandavas to narrate the natural beauties and religious glories of Varanavatam. Pandavas goes to Varanavatam: Dhrutarashtra arranged a meeting with all the elders. In their presence he remembered virtuous qualities of Panduraju and wept for a while. And said: Dhrutarashtra: “Dharmaraja! You go with your brothers and mother to Varanavatam which is on the banks of Ganga and a great religious teerdham. Take with you all your ministers, friends and relatives. You take brahmins from here and perform rites to your father Panduraju and donate Land, cows, gold, houses etc. so that his soul will rest in peace. After staying there for some time, you come back.’’ A house of wax built for Pandavas at Varanavatam: Duryodhana was happy as his father agreed to his plan. He called Purochana, a confident servant and said: Duryodhana: “Purochana! You are like my soul. I am entrusting you with a most confidential job. Nobody should know about it. You go to Varanavatam immediately. There you build a huge palace for Kunthi and Pandavas to live. See to it that building should be very close to our ordinance depot. The building is to be built wax and gum. All the interior are to be decorated with highly inflammable colourful paints. You see to it that they live in comfort and carefree. On an auspicious day you set

112 Mahabharatam fire to that house. In other words, they all should be reduced to ashes. After completing the work, you send word to me. The moment they all die, I will become the king. Once I become the king, I will take care of all your interest.’’ The message of Vidura: Purochana went to Varanavatam and built a huge house made wax in a short time. Dhrutarashtra fixed an auspicious day for Pandavas to go to Varanavatam. At that time Dharmaraja was sixteen years old. Bheema was fifteen, Arjuna was fourteen, Nakula and Sahadeva were thirteen . Many Brahmins and kshatriyas came to see off Pandavas and wept for them and said, “Somehow this king Dhrutarashtra is sending away all Pandavas from Hastinapuram. Even Bheeshma and others did not objected.’’ However they all wanted to go with Dharmaraja to Varanavatam.” Dharmaraja consoled them and asked them to go back to Hastinapura. Kunthi said to Dharmaraja, “ Dharmaraja! While Vidura was teaching you, I was also there. I suspect there is some inner meaning in his advice. Have you noticed it?” Dharmaraja said, “Mother! Vidura said that Dhrutarashtra will appear, as if he is your well wisher. But he always does harm to you. Hence you be careful and vigilant in your new palace. I suspect you may have to face danger either from the poison or from the fire. So you be careful from these two aspects and be vigilant as long as you live there.” On hearing the words of Dharmaraja, Kunthi understood the inner meaning of Vidura’s advice and thanked him herself. Pandavas reach Varanavatam: As soon as Pandavas reached Varanavatam, the people came in a big way to see them. The entire city was decorated. Purochana came forward and took them affectionately to the newly built palce. Dharmaraja appreciated the beauty of that building and said to Bheema: Dharmaraja: “Bheema! Looking at his building I suspect that some danger is ahead for us. All the walls look like wax. I am getting the smell of ghee and oils. From this, I suspect there may be a danger from fire. The house is built very close to the ordinance factory. So we must be vigilant and move carefully every moment. Our well wisher and a virtuous Vidura must have suspected this and contained me to be vigilant

Aadiparvam 113 while living in this house. He also said there is a danger from fire or poison. Now I suspect it must be from fire.’’ Bheema: “Brother! When we suspect a danger in this building, Why should we live here?” Dharmaraja: “Bheema! Since we come to know of their evil plans, we also presented as if we are innocent and plan to escape from it. Thereby Purochana will not suspect us. Let us stay here. If we go out of this building, Duryodhana may plan some other way to kill us. Instead of giving suspicion to Purochana and Duryodhana, let us stay here. If we burn this house there will be an open rift with Bheeshma, Vidura and others. So let us live here, until they put on fire to it. Then we go to some other place of safety and live there.’’ Burning the house of wax: Vidura had come to know the evil plans of Duryodhana. He sent a messenger to inform Dharmaraja as, “ This house was made with wax under the instructions of Duryodhana. On the fourteenth day of new moon, Purochana is going to burn this house. So you permit my messenger to make a tunnel for all of you to escape from the house of wax.” On the receipt of message from Vidura, Dharmaraja permitted the messenger to dig a tunnel. A tunnel was dug which ended up in a forest and informed Dharmaraja. On the fourteenth day of new moon, Kunthi invited many brahmins and their wives and made a feast. She gave many gifts to all those people. Purochana appointed a woman to assist Kunthi. He instructed all her five sons to go to their mother and inform the movements of Kunthi and Pandavas. On that fateful day, the servant maid and her sons were fully drunk and slept there itself. Bheema set fire to the house by himself and said to the messenger of Vidura to inform him that they were escaping through the tunnel. Bheema took his mother and brothers and traveled through the tunnel and reached the forest. After few minutes the entire house of wax was burnt to ashes. In the same house Purochana was also burnt to ashes. Next day the people thought that the fire broke from the nearby ordinance factory and hence the house was burnt to ashes. They removed all the debris. And found a

114 Mahabharatam dead body of a woman and five men. They thought that woman was Kunthi and the men were Pandavas. The entire people of Varanavatam wept for Kunthi and her sons. They cursed Dhrutarashtra for his wicked plan to kill Panduraju’s sons. The messenger of Vidura also mixed with the people and closed the tunnel with the ashes and the burnt material so that nobody could suspect about the tunnel. The messenger went to Hastinapura and informed Vidura that Kunthi and Pandavas were escaped from the house of wax. All people of Varanavatam believed that the this cruel act was hatched by Duryodhana himself. Dhrutarashtra Grieves: Dhrutarashtra grieved for Kunthi and Pandavas in several ways. But Duryodhana, Sakuni and others were happy for the death of Pandavas. However they all felt sorry for Purochana. Bheeshma also cried for Pandavas. Though Vidura knew that Pandavas were safe, he pretended as if he was mourning for them. Dhrutarashtra performed the last rites for Kunthi and Pandavas in a big way. Pandavas Proceed towards south: Pandavas came out of the tunnel, entered the forest and continued their travel towards south. After traveling some distance, they found a huge banyan tree and a lake nearby. They went to the lake, took a bath and drank water. By that time it was sunset. Darkness spread all over. In that darkness herds of elephants went towards the lake for water. Kunthi and other brothers were fast asleep on the ground. Bheema thought in himself, “Wicked Duryodhana thought of killing us. I feel it is better to keep away from such relatives. In the same forest a rakshasa was living by name Hidumbasura. He smelt some humans and said to his sister, Hidumbi, “Sister! Some humans entered in this forest. For a long time we have not eaten human flesh. You go and kill them and prepare food for me.” Hidumbi falls in love with Bheema: Hidumbi went in search of them to kill. Before reaching them, she hid behind the tree to know how many are there. But she could see only Bheema standing and others were sleeping. The moment she saw

Aadiparvam 115 Bheema, she fell in love with him. She could not suppress her love and went nearer him. Bheema looked at her and said, “Who are you? From where are you coming? Why have you come in the midnight? Hidumbi said, “ Dear! I am the sister of Hidumbasura, My name is Hidumbi. I fell in love with you at first sight. You marry me, so that you will not get any harm from my brother. I have decided you as my husband. If you don’t marry me, he will kill you and your people. If you agree to marry me, I will carry all of you to a place of safety before my brother comes.” Bheema said, “Oh Hidumbi! I am not afraid of your brother. And for your sake, I can’t leave my mother and brothers.” Hidumbi said, “Oh superior man! If you wish to save your mother and brothers, immediately you runaway from this place before my brother comes and see you.’’ Bheema said, “Oh beautiful Hidumbi! You know only the strength of your brother but you don’t know about my strength. So you go and send your brother. You yourself will see what will happen to him.” In the meanwhile Hidumbasura himself came there. Bheema kills Hidumbasura: Bheema: Oh rakshasa! You are killing all the innocent people. Now I will kill you and make the people happy”. They fought ferociously. In the meanwhile Kunthi and Pandavas woke and saw a beautiful girl standing near them. Kunthi asked her, ‘‘Who are you?’’ Hidumbi: I am Hidumbi, sister of Hidumbasura. Now he is fighting with your son, I fell in love with your son. I wanted to be your daughter- in- law. I told the same to my brother; he become furious and tried to kill me. At that time your son saved me and fighting with my brother. I am sure that my. In this battle, your brother is going is die in the hand sof your son. Bheema caught hold of his right leg, spun in the air and hit on the ground. Immediately Hidumbasura died. Hidumbi wept bitterly for some time . Then Bheema said: Bheema: Hidumbi! Kshatriyas do not kill women. You are a rakshasa woman, we can’t believe rakshasas. So you don’t come with us. You go on your own way. Dharmaraja: Bheema! You have already killed him, who deserved to be killed. Thus you have protected dharma, because when you kill

116 Mahabharatam adharma the remaining thing will be dharma. If you ignore dharma again, it will land us in adharma. So you don’t consider her as rakshasi. We have a soft corner for her and we all feet that she is our own relative. So you marry her. Hidumbi prostrated at the feet of Kunthi and said, Hidumbi: Mother! Lust is common and natural for all living beings. For a female it will be little more. For this birth, I have chosen Bheema as my husband. I am prepared to leave all my relatives. Since you are accepting me, I will also reciprocate and help you at the hour of your need. Though I am a rakshasi, I know the past, present and future. With my knowledge, You are all going to face difficult times after some time. At that time, if you remember me in your mind, myself or my son will come and help you. As you proceed, you will find a big lake and a banyan tree. Under that tree a great maharishi by name Salihotrudu, is doing tapasya. Those who drinks water from that lake would be free from hunger or thirst. That Maharishi was a very kind sadhu; he will guide you the future course of action. In a short while, the great Vyasa maharishi also would come and guides you. Kunthi and Pandavas were very happy with her knowledge, simplicity and humbleness. Bheema marries Hidumbi: Kunthi and Dharmaraja persuaded Bheema to marry Hidumbi. Though she was a rakshasi, she would become a virtuous wife . After marrying you, she will leave all wicked actions and lives in the path of dharma. So you marry her, go around these vanas and keep her happy.’’ Then Bheema said to Hidumbi, “Hidumbi! Neither I can live with you forever nor can I take you with us. Hence I will live with you till you gives birth to a son. After that you may live on your own”. On that condition, Bheema married her. Bheema and Hidumbi prostrated at the feet of Kunthi and Dharmaraja. After that Kunthi and other Pandavas went and lived in the ashrama of Salihotra. They used to take bath in the lake, performed their daily rituals and living under the banyan tree. One day Vyasa Maharishi appeared where Kunthi and her sons were living.

Aadiparvam 117 Vyasa Maharishi: Kunthi! You and your sons know all dharmas. In spite of the blessings of myself and Krishna, you are facing difficulties from cruel Duryodhana and others. From this you should understand that nobody can escape from fate. Since you are all virtious, these difficulties will not stay long and you will get back your kingdom. From here you go to Ekachakrapuram. There you will have every thing good. There you live in the form of brahmins. Your son Dharmaraja has four brothers who are as powerful as Vishnu’s four hands. His brothers will win over all the kings on earth and make Dharmaraja an emperor. He will enhance the prestige of Kuru dynasty. Bheema will have a strong son by Hidumbi, who will help all of you at times of difficulties. The birth of Ghatothkaja: Hidumbi gave birth to a son in the form of a rakshasa, who looked ugly. He went to Kunthi and Pandavas, prostrated at their feet and said, “Oh parents! I go and rule the rakshasa and Pichasa communities. Whenever you want any help, You just remember me. Immediately I will stand before you. I will do whatever you want.” By saying so, he flew with his mother in the northern direction. Pandavas live in Ekachakrapuram Pandavas took the form of brahmins and lived in the house of a Brahmin. They took the profession of Bhikshatana from the brahmin houses. Whatever they got, Kunthi used to make the entire food in to two parts. One half share for Bheema and the second half for other four brothers. Though they have chosen to live by begging, the villagers were astonished at the shining brilliance in their faces. One day the brothers heard loud cries from the house of a brahmin. Kunthi: My sons! These brahmins helped us by giving food and shelter. Now they are facing some unbearable grief. I feel it is a god given opportunity to us to repay their debt. First I will go and enquire what their problem was”. The Brahmins told Kunthi about the miseries, caused by Bakhasura. The episode of Bakhasura: Kunthi! A rakshasa by name Bakhasura is living in the nearby forest. He is killing and eating people and animals indiscriminately. Our king tried his level best to give us protection but he could not succeed.

118 Mahabharatam Finally he made an agreement with that rakshasa that he would provide him every day with one cartful of food, two buffalos, and a man from each house. As long as the king honours his word, he would not enter the villages to kill people. Since a long time, we are following the kings orders by providing food to him. We have to send a man everyday to be eaten by Bakhasura. ‘‘Today it has come to our turn to supply the cart load of food and buffaloes which ready. In our house we are four people, myself, my wife, my daughter and a son. My son is too young and he should perform the last rites to me. So I can’t send him. My daughter is also young and I have to give her in marriage to some one. So I can’t send her. I married my wife and promised her that I would protect her. Agni is witness for that. So I alone to go and satisfy the rakshasa. All my people are crying for me. Hence nobody can save us from this trouble.’’ On hearing their plight, Kunthi said, “Oh pious brahmin! All these days you have given us food and shelter. So it is the time for us to repay your debt. I have five sons. Even if I lose one son, still I have four sons. So you permit me to repay my debt to your family. You stop grieving and be happy.” Kunthi narrated the entire episode to her sons and asked Bheema to go and kill that rakshasa. Bheema agreed to his mother’s words and took the cart load of food, yoked with two buffalos. On his way he thought to himself, “ I am very hungry. The entire cart load of food is just sufficient for me. With that added strength it will be easy for me to kill that rakshasa.” By thinking so, he devoured all the food and went to rakshasa with empty cart . Looking at empty cart, the rakshasa became furious and asked Bheema, “I am very hungry; you not only came late but also came without food. The king had broken his promise. From now onwards, I will enter the village and kill people as before. Before that I will eat you first and assuage my hunger.” Saying so, the rakshasa attacked Bheema. Before rakshasa came nearer him Bheema pulled out a palm tree and hit at rakshasa till he was dead. By evening he returned to the village on his bullock cart and narrated to the brahmins how he killed the rakshasa. All the villagers surrounded Bheema, Kunthi and her sons to express their happiness.

Aadiparvam 119 Chapter 7

The birth of Drushtajyumna and Draupadi One day a brahmin came to that village and conveyed the news about Draupadi’s Swayamwara. Brahmin: Drupada was born in a family of Barathwaja. Drupada and Dronacharya learnt archery from a common guru by name Agniveshya. Many many years later, Drona went to see his friend and now the King Drupada for some help. The king insulted his childhood friend Drona. The humiliated Dronacharya did not want to live in his kingdom and migrated to Hastinapura. There he taught archery to Pandavas and Kauravas. One day he asked his disciples, to defeat King Drupada as Guru dakshina. Arjuna defeated Drupada, fastened him and offered his guru. Drona retorted king Drupada for the humiliations he made to him and warned him not to insult Brahmins and left. King Drupada could not digest the insult and wanted to have a son to kill Drona. ‘‘King Drupada dedicated to a yana for a son to kill Drona and a daughter to offer for Arjuna as wife. All the devatas came to receive their havisis in person. A son was born the flames of agnigundam, from Homagundam riding a chariot with bow, arrows and sword. He looked ferocious. After him a girl came out born with divine splendour. At that time a voice was heard from the sky, ‘‘Oh king you name this boy as Drushtajyumna and the name the girl as Krishna.’’ The marriage of Draupadi: King Drupada came to know that Kunthi and Pandavas were dead in a house of wax. With the death of Arjuna, the king was confused about the marriage of his daughter Krishna. His priest said, “Oh king! At the time of birth, the voice from the sky was heard that” all Pandavas will live long”. Arjuna must be alive somewhere. So you announce Swayamwara for Krishna.” He declared valour as the price for his daughter and arranged a Maschya yantra. That yantra would be revolving very fast at a height. By looking its shadow in a pool of oil kept below the yantra, the aspirant should hit that Maschya yantra with an arrow . 120 Mahabharatam On hearing the Swayamwara news, Kunthi and Pandavas went to the city of Panchaala. There Vyasa Maharishi met them on their way and said: Vyasa Maharishi: Kunthi! Wherever Dharmaraja is there, that land will have all virtues. Long ago a Muni kanya did not get married for a long time. She made tapasya by meditating on Siva, seeking a husband. After some time Siva appeared and asked her ‘what do you want.’ She was very much confused and puzzled by looking at Siva and out of amazement, she asked for a good husband. But repeated it for five times. Lord Siva smiled at her and said your desire will be fulfilled and then disappeared. The same Muni kanya is now living in the name Krishna, as the daughter of king Drupada. King Drupada had announced the Swayamwara. So you go to the city of Drupada’’ and disappeared. While Pandavas were travelling towards Panchala, they reached the banks of River Ganga. As it was night, Arjuna lit the torch and guided other towards the river. At that time a Gandharva by name Angavarnudu was taking bath in the river. He heard the sounds of humans and was annoyed for the disturbance and said: Angavarna: Humans should not enter waters during the midnight, dawn and dusk. Only for bhootas, rakshasas and Gandharvas are to take bath in those times. I am a Gandharva , friend of Kubera owning the entire land and water of Ganges. So whoever is trying to enter water is hereby warned to go back. Arjuna: Gandharva! We are superior kshatriyas and rulers of this country. We have the right to go anywhere we like. God crated nature for every body’s enjoyment”. By saying so all Pandavas entered the waters. The Gandharva sent several arrows on Arjuna, and in reply Arjuna released an Aagny astra. With that the chariot of gandarva was burnt and fell down. Arjuna caught hold of Angavarna and brought him to Dharmaraja. The wife of Gandharva requested Dharmaraja to release her husband. Dharmaraja ordered Arjuna to release him. Angavarna: Arjuna! I would like to make friendship with you. As a token of our friendship, we will exchange our astras. All gandarvas are

Aadiparvam 121 familiar with Chakshush asastra. By virtue of this, people can’t see us even when we stand before them. I will give you my astra. In return, you give me your aagnay astra. Since you have burnt my chariot, ‘Chitraratha’, from today onwards I am changing my name as ‘Chitraratha’. I will also gift you hundred horses of Gandharva pedigree to your brothers. Gandharva advises Pandavas to have their own priest: Dharmaraja! Though you are a tapasvi and learnt Vedas and archery from Dronacharya, you are to achieve all purusharthas only with the help of a priest. Your comforts in this world and the other world can be achieved only with the help of a priest. Since you have control on your senses and practicing Brahmacharya, you were able to defeat me. If you have a priest of your own even the king becomes a slave and, he can win battles. A good priest can always teach the tatwam of dharma. So you have a priest immediately and go with him wherever you go. ‘‘Dharmaraja! Long back King Samvartana fell in love with Tapati, the daughter of sun god. As he was expressing her love to her, she disappeared. He could not bear her separation and cried bitterly. Tapati was also fell in love with him and hence she spoke from the sky in an invisible form, “ Oh king! I am under the control of my father, sun god. If you convince him, I will be pleased to marry you.” ‘‘King Samvartana made penances by meditating on Vasista maharishi. After some time, he appeared and asked him, “What do you want?”. The king said, “Oh maharishi! I fell in love with Tapati, the daughter of sun god. She also loves me. So I request you to go to sun god and convince him and arrange our marriage. ‘‘Vasista went to sun god and explained him the virtious qualities of Samvartana and advised him to give his daughter in marriage to the king. The sun god was pleased with the words of Vasista Maharishi and married his daughter, Tapati with king Samvartana. Dharmaraja! Sun god will run three hundred and sixty four amadas per minute. Only Vasista Maharishi alone is able to meet Surya and arrange the marriage of Samvartana. Without the help of priest, he could not have married her. So a king who has a priest will achieve all auspiciousness and have prosperity. Since Samvartana had a wife of his

122 Mahabharatam choice, he was happy in wandering all over forgetting the rule of his country and he left dharma, thereby rains did not fell on his lands. At that time Vasista took Samvartana with him to Hastinapura. There he made him to perform yagas. All the people felt happy. Only at that time king Kuru was born to Tapati and Samvartana. That king Kuru is the origin of your Kuru dynasty. From then onwards you are all called as Kouravas. And people also started calling as the children of Tapati. On hearing from the Gandharva, Arjuna asked him to tell the story of Vasista. The episode of Vasista Gandharva : One day, Viswamitra, a powerful king, went to forest for hunting with a big army. Viswamitra was tired and went to Vasista’s ashrama. Vasista received the king and wanted to give him and his army a good feast. Vasista asked his cow, Homadhenu by name, Sabala to make arrangements for hosting Viswamitra and his army. In a short time Sabala fed them all. Viswamitra was astonished at the power of Sabala. “Oh maharishi! I will give you one lakh cows, you give Sabala to me.” Vasista said, “Oh King! With the help of Sabala and said, I was able to worship ancestral parents and Agni. Without Sabala, I can’t do anything. She is not merely a cow; she is as good as my daughter.” Viswamitra got annoyed and said, “Oh Maharishi! I am a Kshatriya. If you don’t give, I will take this cow by force. You can do whatever you can.” Vasista kept quiet. The soldiers of Viswamitra tied Sabala and tried to take her with them but she refused to go with them. Finally she came to Vasista and said, “Oh father! Why are you sending me with these cruel people? What harm did I do to you?” Vasista said to her, “Oh Sabala! I have not given you. The king himself is themselves taking you by force. I am a poor brahmin. I have no power to fight. If you want, you can show your power and get rid of them.” Then Sabala produced countless soldiers from her body, defeated Viswamitra and his soldiers. Viswamitra was humiliated with the defeat in the hands of a cow. He made one of his sons as king and left for long tapasya to gain more strength than Vasista. He did severe tapasya. Ultimately he became a Brahmarishi. Oh Chitraratha! You are our well wisher. You know everything. So you suggest me whom can we take as priest and where he will be available.

Aadiparvam 123 Chitraratha said “Arjuna! Nearby there is a pious place by name Utkacham. There you meet a brahmin by name Dhaumya. You request him to be your priest.” Then Pandavas crossed river Ganges and went to Utkacham Draupadi Swayamwara Dhaumya was a pious brahmin. He was respected by all righteous persons. Pandavas were so happy as if they got back their kingdom. Pandavas worshipped and requested him to be their priest and he too agreed. After taking his blessings, Pandavas went to the city of Drupada with Dhaumya. On their way they saw a group of brahmins. Dharmaraja asked them, “Where are you going?” They said, “We are going to the city of Drupada to attend the Swayamwara of his daughter Krishna. Since she was the daughter of Drupada, she was also called as Draupadi. The Swayamwara is going to be performed today. Many Kings are coming to attend the Swayamwara. If you also wish to come there you come with us.” At that time, Vyasa maharishi came in front of them. Kunthi and Pandavas prostrated at his feet and took his blessings. He told them that Arjuna is going to win the Swayamwara and disappeared. After reaching Drupada’s city, they found the city was full of kings from various countries. Drupada was worried since he did not know the where about to Arjuna. . Drupada announced that “The person who strikes the Maschya yantra with five arrows will marry my daughter.” Draupadi decorated herself with white garments and came to the durbar where the Swayamwara took place . On seeing Draupadi each king wanted to marry her. The prince Drushtajyumna went to Homagundam and worshipped with flowers. He showed the Maschya yantra to all the participants and said, “Oh kings! This Maschya yantra is to be broke with five arrows. Whoever succeeds will marry my sister. The yantra will be revolving fast; you show your skill and try to win my sister.” Among the king Duryodhana and his brothers, Karna, Aswadhama, Somadatta, Selya, sons of Virata, Akrura, Sarana and many other were present. Except Krishna no one could identify Pandavas in their form a brahmins. He noticed them as a spark of fire in the middle of ash. He felt happy and said to himself that, “Arjuna alone can win Draupadi.”

124 Mahabharatam All the kings tried to win the bride, but could not succeed. On the advice of Krishna, none of the Yadava heroes participated in the Swayamwara. Jarasandha, Sisupala, Selya, and Karna also failed to strike at the Maschya yantra. At last Arjuna got up . All the brahmins were surprised to look at him and blessed him stating that, “This brahmin should win the Swayamwara”. Then Arjuna remembered his guru, Dronacharya, worshipped him in mind and took the bow and fixed the arrow on the string and released five arrows at a time and broke the Maschya yantra. All the brahmins were happy and said he was not an ordinary brahmin. Dharmaraja, Nakula and Sahadeva went to inform their mother. Drushtajyumna went to receive Arjuna and offered a heroic welcome.” Draupadi slowly walked towards Arjuna with a garland in her hand and put it around the neck of Arjuna. The kings who were defeated could not digest the insult. Duryodhana and other kings declared a war against king Drupada saying ‘‘You have insulted all Kshatriyas.’’ All the brahmin community stood behind Arjuna and were ready to give a fight with kings. There was a struggle between brahmins and kings for a while. However the brahmins could not fight with the kings. Drupada was also afraid at the commotion among the royal communities. But Arjuna came out and chased all the kings with his arrows. In that battle Bheema also joined Arjuna. The kings could not fight with Bheema and Arjuna. Krishna was surprised and said to Balarama, “Brother! The person who is holding that tall bow and chasing the enemies is none other than Arjuna. You also look at the person who is uprooting the trees and fighting with the kings is none other than Bheema. The moment Arjuna hit the Maschya yantra, the person who left this assembly was Dharmaraja. The two persons who accompanied him were Nakula and Sahadeva.” On hearing Krishna’s words, Balarama said, “I am pleased to see them all here. Somehow they escaped from the house of wax and survived”. To satisfy Duryodhana, Karna went and fought with Arjuna. Selya opposed Bheema. In that battle the brahmin community was astonished to watch the battle of Karna and Arjuna. The arrows they released from their bows covered the sky and earth. Looking at Arjuna’s fight, Karna said, “I have seen your skill in releasing arrows. Certainly you are not a brahmin. You tell me the truth. Are you Parasurama, or Indra or lord

Aadiparvam 125 Siva? Other than those heroes, nobody else can fight with me. I appreciated your skill.” For which Arjuna said, “ Karna! I am neither Indra not Siva. But I know all the tricks and skills in archery. I am ready to defeat you. You stop talking and continue to fight.” On hearing Arjuna’s words, Karna said “ I don’t want to fight with a Brahmin, as a mark of respect to my guru, Parasurama” and went back. Selya fought with Bheema and withdrew by saying “I too don’t want to fight with a Brahmin”. All the brahmin communities praised Bheema and Arjuna for their courage and heroic fight. At that time Duryodhana said that Karna can win anybody other than Parasurama, Siva and Arjuna. In the same way Selya also said that he could defeat all except Bheema. Krishna said, “This superior brahmin had won the Swayamwara and secured the beautiful Draupadi which many other kings failed to do. Who could defeat this valorous Brahmin?.” Saying so, Krishna wanted to divert their attention from Pandavas and left the place. Arjuna took Draupadi with him to his house [In Mahabaratha this is the first scene where Krishna appeared in public. In this small scene itself, he had shown diplomacy, statesmanship and tact. Krishna was able to notice all Pandavas who were in the disguise of brahmins . He had personally witnessed the superiority of Arjuna’s archery. He was fully aware that Arjuna was going to participate in Swayamwara . Hence He had dissuaded the heroes of Yadava community, Vrushti, Bhoja, and Andhaka in participating Swayamwara. He had also pacified Duryodhana and others to discourage the discussion of Pandavas and see to it that they leave the Swayamwara arena.] Kunthi was confused in her mind about her children. “All my sons went to watch the Swayamwara and did not turn up. Duryodhana and others also might have come from Hastinapura to participate in Swayamwara. If they saw them, they might even kill them. Let Vyasa maharishi and Devata communities save my children.” At that time Dharmaraja, Nakula, Sahadeva reached home, After sometime Arjuna, Draupadi and Bheema also went. Arjuna said Kunthi “Mother! We secured a typical biksha.” She said you five share equally.” After knowing that biksha was Draupadi, she repented at her thoughtless blessings and said to Dharmaraja

126 Mahabharatam “My son! Unconsciously I said “You five share equally”. So far no untruthful word came out of my mouth. But what I said was unusual in the world. Let us presume it is the word of god’’. Even Dharmaraja also confused in his mind and consoled his mother and said to Arjuna, “ Arjuna! You marry her keeping agni as witness.” Arjuna said. “Brother! You are the eldest of all our brothers. Leaving you how can I marry? Hence you accept her as your wife. We four are firm on this word.” On seeing the beauty of Draupadi all the five brothers looked at her with lust. Dharmaraja said, “Vyasa Maharishi must have known this situation much in advance. As maharishi said we all accept her as our wife. So let us not have several opinions in this matter. We shall abide by words of Vyasa Maharishi.” Krishna and Balarama arrive: Krishna and Balarama were the nephews of Kunti. They came to see their aunt’s sons. They introduced themselves as Krishna and Balarama and saluted Kunthi and Dharmaraja, embraced Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. After having pleasantries, Dharmaraja said to Krishna. Dharmaraja: “Krishna! Though Duryodhana and others tried to assassinate us, by the grace of god, we came out of that danger. To protect ourselves, we are moving in the world in the disguise of brahmins. By god’s grace, nobody had noticed us. How come you are able to know us?’’ Krishna: “Dharmaraja! clouds may cover the sun but they can’t cover his splendour. In the same way, though you are hiding yourselves in the form of Brahmins, the brilliance is visible to me. In other words your valour alone made me to know who you are. When Duryodhana conspired to burn you in the house of wax, who else can escape other than you. From now onwards, all good will happen to you. Some time Krishna and Balarama left. In the palace of Drupada, and others were confused. They knew that a brahmin had won their daughter. But nobody knew who he was and knew his antecedents. So he sent his son Drushtajyumna to follow them and know who they were. Drushtajyumna went silently behind Pandavas and came to know all about them. He went back to his father and said,

Aadiparvam 127 Drushtajyumna: “Father! Bheema and Arjuna had prostrated at the feet of an old woman. All the four brothers went to a brahmin’s houses and procured Biksha and handed over the entire food to that old woman. The old woman called Draupadi and said, “My daughter! You take one part of the food the food brought by my sons and offer to guests, birds and animals. Divide the remaining food, and again divide it into two parts. [In olden days, even the food procured by begging a portion was kept for the guests; This way she taught her daughter- in- law, Their family customs and time old traditions. This is the accepted duty of a gruhasta. ] “My daughter! You make the food into two halves. One half you give it to Bheema. He requires more food The remaining half, you give equally to other sons. If there is anything left by them, we both shall eat.” All those five brothers were talking about. Drushtajyumna: (Continueshis report) They were all talking about the secrets various astras, their application, withdrawal and so many other topics related to war strategies. From their converstion, I understood either that they were superior kshatriyas or brahmins who learnt danurveda.I tried my best to know their antecedents but couldn’t succeed.” On hearing the words of Drushtajyumna, Drupada was happy and sent his priest to their house. Dharmaraja worshipped the priest at . The and offered a seat. The priest said “Oh superior brahmin! My king is anxious to know your antecedents and the history of your ancestors.” On hearing the words of the priest, Dharmaraja said, “ Your king had announced that he would give his daughter in marriage to whoever broke the masch yayantra. This hero had broken masch yayantra and won the princess in the presence of all kings. In addition to this, what more your king wants from us? Even by knowing more about us what benefit your king gain. The person who broke maschyayantra had proved his valor by defeating many kings. Thus your king has given his daughter to a great hero”. On hearing the words of Dharmaraja, the priest went and informed King what Dharmaraja said. Then Drupada said “My son! You go with 128 Mahabharatam few chariots and also the chariot you and I use and bring them to our palace.” Drushtajyumna went and said to Dharmaraja, “The king has sent many chariots for you, you may board the chariot of your choice and come to our palace”. On hearing Drushtajyumna’s words, they boarded the chariots which was decorated with diamond, gems and gold which were normally used by Drupada and went to the king’s palace. Drupada gave them several valuable gifts. They however accepted the swords, shields, bows, arrows, quiver, chariots, horses and elephants only. Drupada rightly guessed that they belonged to a superior kshatriyas. Drupada asks Dharmaraja: “Gentleman! Are you kshatriyas or brahmins or are siddhas wandering in the form of humans? Did you come to marry Draupadi from heaven?” Dharmaraja said, “King We are kshatriyas, sons of Panduraju. I am the eldest of my brothers. My name is Dharmaraja. They are my brothers Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. She is Kunthi, our mother.” Drupada was immensely happy to hear the words from Dharmaraja and shed tears with joy. No word came out of his mouth and he became dumb for a while. Finally he said, “To my great fortune, you came away safely from that house of wax and survived.” One day while Drupada was in durbar , he said. “I am fortunate that the son of Indra- the grandson of Vichitraveerya- and a superior warrior Arjuna will marry my daughter. I am very fortunate . Arjuna broke the masch yayantra and won my daughter and he is going to marry my daughter.” Dharmaraja said, “King! First I will marry your daughter, then Bheema will marry her.” Drupada said, “If that is the case, you marry her first.” Then Dharmaraja said, “King! All my brothers will marry your daughter. This is my mother’s desire. We never disobey her words.” On hearing Dharmaraja’s words king Drupada was astonished. “ Dharmaraja! Sometimes one man can marry many women. But one woman will not marry many men. This is not the accepted dharma of this world. Even in puranas, it is unheard of. Dharmaraja! You know to all sadachaarams. However this subject we shall discuss at length

Aadiparvam 129 tomorrow with your mother, your brothers, myself and my son Drushtajyumna. While they were all debating, Vyasa Maharishi appeared there. All welcomed him and worshipped. Drupada said, “ Maharishi! Dharmaraja and all his brothers want to marry my daughter. You know all dharmas and traditions in the world. You please guide us; what is the right course for us? We shall obey your orders.” Dharmaraja said, “King! my mind will always fix an dharma. What I said is the right course. You give your daughter Draupadi to me and my brothers. Not only that, earlier Jatila with the power of her tapasya married seven rishis. Another muni kanya by name Dakshayani became wife of ten people. Not only that our mother is guru. So we obey our mother’s order.” Then Drupada said: Drupada “ Maharishi! We do not know the subtle nature of dharma”. Hence we obey your orders.” Then Vyasa Maharishi said, “ Dharmaraja knows all the tatwam of dharma. He will never deviate from the path of dharma even for the sake of fun. In the same way, Kunthi also had divine virtues. No untruth word will come out from her mouth. In short, what they are telling is the opinion of all devatas. So you don’t confuse your mind. Give your daughter in marriage to all the five brothers. I will tell you the story behind it. You listen.” Long ago there lived a great tapasvi by name Moudhgaludu. Indrasena was his wife and she was serving her husband with patience though he was old and suffering from leprosy. One day the maharishi took pity on her and asked, “What do you want?” She said to her husband that she wished to enjoy her sexual life in five ways. He satisfied her lust with the power of his tapasya. However as she was not satisfied. She was born as the daughter of king of Kasi and remained unmarried for a long time. She was vexed in life, went for tapasy and meditated on Siva. When the Lord Siva appeared and asked her, “What do you want?” In a perplexed mind, she said, “ I want a good husband” and repeated it five times. Then she understood her mistake and requested the Lord, “ Lord ! Though I may live with five husbands, my virginity should be intact. I should be pure towards each of my husband, and should be chaste and virtuous. My sensual desires should be fresh like any one. I should not lose any of my husbands .” While she was talking to Lord Siva; Yama,

130 Mahabharatam Vayu, Indra and Aswini devatas appeared and said so “We will marries you”. At the request of Brahma- Yama, Vayu, Indra and aswini devatas gave birth with their amsas to Dharma, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva forms respectively. He also requested Vishnu to take the form of Balarama and Krishna. Of the two, Krishna would always help these five brothers. Draupadi did tapasya and took the amsa of Lakshmi and born from the yagnagundam in the name of Krishna. ‘‘ Drupada! To make you understand better I will give you the divine sight, by which you can see all that I said.” Drupada had the vision and saw every thing with his own eyes and was surprised. Again Vyasa Maharishi said, “ Drupada! In olden days also such marriages had happened. Hence you perform the marriage of Draupadi to all five Pandavas. And Vyasa Maharishi said to Dharmaraja, “ Dharmaraja! Today is an auspicious day, all of you marry Draupadi today itself.” On hearing the words of Vyasa Maharishi, Drupada was happy and conducted the marriage of his daughter with all the five brothers.

Aadiparvam 131 Chapter 8

Pandavas live in the palace of Drupada After the marriage, Pandavas and Draupadi were living happily in the palace of Drupada. One day Kunthi said to Draupadi, “Oh Draupadi! You happily live with all my five sons. You worships gurus, elders, pious and just people. You treat all living beings equally. You are associate in performing Rajasuya and other yagas with your husbands. With the grace of all the people, you worship and with the blessings of your husbands you give birth to valorous sons and grand sons”. While Pandavas were living happily in the palace of Draupada, Krishna and Balarama sent several valuable gifts to them. After some time, Duryodhana and his friends sent spies to know about pandavas. Those spies came and said, “Oh king! The person who broke the masch yayantra was none other than Arjuna. The valorous person who drove all the kings was no other than Bheema. All the five brothers married Draupadi and are living happily in the palace of Drupada.’’ On hearing the news of Pandavas, Duryodhana was unhappy since Pandavas escaped unhurt from the house of wax. He also grieved for the premature death of Purochana. Duryodhana was seriously thinking to isolate Pandavas and to deprive any help from other kings. ‘‘Since Pandavas became relatives to Drupada, it is difficult to separate them. Krishna was more sympathetic towards Pandavas. So we can’t separate him from Yadavas. However he wanted to create a division among yadavas by attracting Sisupala to his side. Though ’’, Vidura lives in my house he always thinks about the wellbeing of Pandavas only. Duryodhana went to Dhrutarashtra and said that Pandavas married Draupadi in a Swayamwara. Vidura said, “Oh king! Draupadi was born from a homagundam. Pandavas not only won Draupadi in a Swayamwara but also defeated all the kings who were present at that time.” The words of Vidura, irritated Duryodhana and waited till he left the house and said to Dhrutarashtra “Father! You not only spend all your time with Vidura but also lend your ears to him. You are not at all 132 Mahabharatam kind for your own children. Because of Vidura, we rarely get an opportunity to talk to you with an open mind. Now since he has left, I would like to talk to you frankly’’. Dhrutarashtra: ‘‘My son! I always pretend as if I have a great love for Pandavas. I won’t take them to my heart. But what all Vidura says . I always conceal my inner feeling from him. In short, I also think ill of Pandavas like you. But I do not expose that is why you have feeling that I am depriving your welfare. Unfortunately the Pandavas have divine blessings.’’ What can we do for that? Now you tell me what do you want me to do? Duryodhana: “Oh King! Now Drupada is giving shelter to Pandavas. They should be separated from him. If they continue to live there, they may become stronger in a short time. With the help of Krishna and Balarama, they may even secure an alliance with Yadavas also. If that goes well, it is very difficult for us to keep them under your thumb. So it is our first and foremost duty is to separate them from king Draupada. If they are in front of you, you can watch their movements closely and check them. Once they come here, we shall try to bring a rift among the five brothers, because they are all living with one woman. We can use her as a pawn to create difference of opinions among them selves. If she can make a small gap between pandavas, you can make it bigger. Firstly, if we are able to kill Bheema, we can eliminate other four without any difficulty. If Bheema and Arjuna are together, even devatas can’t defeat them. So first let us eliminate Bheema. Then Arjuna alone can’t do much damage. Even if Arjuna raises his head, Karna will kill to him. Now we have to act in choose the best way to get faster and better results.’’ Karna: “Duryodhana! Your plan will not succeed, because Drupada is strong by himself and he has a stronger son who is obedient to him. Drupada has many subordinate kings and strong kshatriyas under him. Pandavas also proved their valour in Swayamwara. Under these circumstances, Drupada may not agree to send back Pandavas to Hastinapura. One can’t create any rift between Draupadi and Pandavas, because she is chaste and virtuous . Not only that till now all attempts you made to kill Bheema have become futile. So there is no guarantee that we can kill Bheema in future also. So the only course open to you is nothing but declare a war on Drupada and eliminate all in one stroke.’’ Aadiparvam 133 “Indra has won all the three worlds by his valour. Long ago Baratha ruled the entire earth only with his valour. If one wants to be glorious, he should go on an expedition of war to win the entire earth. So we shall declare a war on Drupada, we defeat him and bring Pandavas as our captives”. Dhrutarashtra appreciated what Karna said. However he didn’t want to take an independent decision without consulting Bheeshma, Drona and others. Hence he sent world to Bheeshma and others. They came and discussed everything in detail. Then Bheeshma said: Bheeshma: “Oh King! For me the children of Dhrutarashtra and the children of Panduraju are same. Both are strong, brave, courageous and valorous. They acquired several glorious qualities and proved superior warriors. Hence I will not agree any war with Pandavas. Because the kingdom had come our ancestors, from times immemorial. Pandavas also have a share in ruling this country. So you give them half of the kingdom and allow them to rule independently. This is reasonable and a righteous path. This is an acceptable way legally, morally and also spiritually . It will be appreciated by all people. Otherwise if we don’t give their share, we will become inglorious in the eyes of everybody. Living without glory is as good as death. Duryodhana! give their share to Pandavas and become glorious in this world and other worlds also. “ Hearing this sound advice of Bheeshma, Dronacharya counseled Duryodhana as follows: Dronacharya: ‘‘Duryodhana! You accept your grandfather’s worlds. All people in the world will respect his words. I also advice you to give their half share. You don’t lend your ears to Karna and Sakuni. Don’t try to have any battle with Pandavas. You both teem as friends. Righteous people, elders, people of wisdom and impartial people will leave anger and hate before they take any right decision. You understand Pandavas are shining only because of their virtuous and truthful actions. So you give their half of the kingdom to them. All of us thought that Pandavas were dead, but they came back with life. Is it not a matter to be celebrated? But don’t entertain waging a war against your cousins. Even Indra cannot win them. Oh Dhrutarashtra! You send new cloths and gifts to king

134 Mahabharatam Drupada. You bring Pandavas to Hastinapura. You send Dushsasana and Karna to bring them here.’’ Karna: ‘‘Dronacharya! You became old. Because of your old age, you think you can talk what all you like and think that itself is dharma. But you don’t tell what the king gains from your advice. Pandavas are natural enemies of Kauravas. How can they co-exist in a friendly manner? How you call it a dharma. Is it not against the rule of justice? Ministers can talk any thing they like, but the king alone should take what is good to him. The king should leave bad and accept the good only. Long back the king Nitantnu couldn’t rule the country since he became old. At that time the minister took the entire country, control in his hands and became king by himself. In course of time the king was driven out. Hence the ministers may give advice under the mask as a well wisher with ulterior motives but internally they do harm only. Dronacharya: (Furious at Karna) ‘‘Karna! You are developing the enimity between the brothers and claiming yourself as a friend. Where as you are protecting me and Bheeshma as the enemies to the king and kingdom. Whereas you are asking them to fight each other and claim yourself as a friend. Vidura: ‘‘Dhrutarashtra! Bheeshma and Drona are pious and virtuous people. Whatever they advice will leads you in the virtious path. That alone with good to you. Dushsasana, Karna and Sakuni are all politically immature and ignorant. They don’t know the difference between dharma and adharma. They are all war mongers. Their thinking is not pure. So you don’t take their words in to your heart. You invite Pandavas immediately and give them half the kingdom. Pandavas are strong by themselves and now they became relatives to king Drupada and become stronger. Drushtajyumna is also as strong as Pandavas. Balarama, Krishna and Satyaki are more friendly with Pandavas. Not only that Pandavas have the divine grace as well as the human strength . To be frank Pandavas have more respect, love and affection for you, than your own children. Tell me, are they not your sons? Is it fair on your part to throw them away?’’ “Oh King! You please listen to my words. Arjuna is more powerful than Indra. If Bheema enters battlefield, he fights with the strength of

Aadiparvam 135 thousand elephants. When they are in the battle field, who can fight with them? Dharmaraja also equally courageous apart from he has the virtious character. They already exhibited their valour of the time of swayamvara. If any body advises you to develop enmity and to fight them, they are only your enemies in the mask of a friend. By your kindness and by the grace of god, they came out from the kernel of death. Oh king! You became inglorious by engaging Purochana to build a house of wax. Now you wash away that sin by calling them in to your fold and giving half kingdom to them. I told you several times that Duryodhana will be the public enemy. Now you act as per the advice of Bheeshma and Drona. Dhrutarashtra: “ Oh Vidura! What yourself, Bheeshma and Drona are virtious people. What all of you say will be judicious. Though I don’t have eyes, I am not ignorant. I respect your advice and do partition to our country and give half the kingdom to them. Oh Vidura! you go to king Drupada and bring Pandavas.’’ On hearing Dhrutarashtra’s words Vidura went to Drupada’s city to bring Pandavas with him. There he saw Krishna also with them and said: Vidura: “Drupada! These are the gems, diamonds and other valuables presented to you by our king. Dhrutarashtra, Bheeshma and Drona and other elders were happy to have relationship with you. Oh king! Drupada! My king Dhrutarashtra and the people of our country were very much grieved for Pandavas as they were separated from us. My king wants Pandavas to come back to Hastinapura. If you permit, I shall go with them. ‘’ Drupada: “Vidura! Since virtuous Dhrutarashtra wanted them, Pandavas will certainly obey his orders. Not only that, yourself and Krishna are the well wishers of Pandavas. Whatever you, Dhrutarashtra, Bheeshma, Dronacharya and other elders decide, that will be for Pandavas’s well being only. But I have some doubts” Krishna: “King Drupada! As long as this Vidura is there, nobody can do any harm to Pandavas. So you don’t worry much about the wellbeing of Pandavas. From now onwards what all Pandavas wanted, they will get .

136 Mahabharatam Dharmaraja: “Oh Vidura! All these elders wish the well being of our Kuru dynasty.King Drupada is one among them . Besides Krishna who is there to guide and help us. He is the greatest source of strength.’’ So long we have their blessings, we will be safe and happy. Pandavas reach Hastinapura: Vidura and Pandavas reached Hastinapura. Krishna and Drushtajyumna also accompanied them with huge army. Dhrutarashtra deputed Dronacharya and Krupacharya and others to arrange a warm welcome to Pandavas. As Pandavas were entering Hastinapura, all the people lined up on both the sides of the road and praised Panduraju and Pandavas. On seeing Pandavas, they felt as if Panduraju himself came back to life. As they entered the palace, they prostrated at the feet of Bheeshma, Dhrutarashtra and other elders. After that, Pandavas met many leading citizens and enquired about their welfare and made them happy. They also met Duryodhana and his brothers and moved as very affectionately as before. After a few days, Dhrutarashtra convened an assembly of all the elders and subordinate kings and made a declaration of dividing the country and said to Pandavas: Dhrutarashtra: ‘‘Sons of Panduraju! In the presence of Krishna, with the permission of elders from the Kuru dynasty and in the presence of all our subordinate kings I am giving you half of our kingdom with pleasure. You receive it and live happily. Oh Dharmaraja! From now onwards, you make Khandavaprasta as your capital city and rule your kingdom. You continue to have good relations with us and our people’’. By saying so, Dhrutarashtra gave the royal seal to Dharmaraja as a mark of his authority. All the elders blessed Pandavas. Dharmaraja went to Khandavaprasta with his mother, brothers and Krishna. Pandavas in Khandavaprasta As soon as they reached Khandavaprasta, Krishna ordered Viswakarma to build a capital city for Pandavas which should be as glorious as Amaravathi, the capital city of Indra. Dhaumya and others identified a suitable land for building a new capital city. Then Viswakarma, build the city as per vastu. It was comparable to beautiful

Aadiparvam 137 capital cities of Kubera and Varuna. Since the city was built by Indra’s architect, it was named as Indraprasta. With the blessings of Krishna and Dhaumya Dharmaraja ruled from Indraprasta. In the rule of Dharmaraja there were no thieves, no fear of enemies, diseases or premature deaths. One day Krishna took leave of them and went to Dwaraka. Before going he said, “Shortly Narada will comes to advice you, and you follow as per his advice.” Narada visits to advice Pandavas: One day the wandering sage, Narada arrived at Indraprasta. Dharmaraja and his brothers worshipped with traditional honours and offered a superior Aasana. Dharmaraja said, “We are all blessed with your presence.” When they were talking, Draupadi was also with them, when Draupadi went out to bring tasty dishes, he called all the five brothers and advised them confidentially. Narada: “Dharmaraja! You and your brothers are well read, virtuous and have the knowledge of all dharmas. You are all respected by all the kings. However for all of you, Draupadi is your common wife. I don’t know whether it is against the sastras or not; but it is certainly against the normal practice in this world. It is known to one and all that she is the most beautiful woman in this world. So in future, you should not have any misunderstanding or any difference of opinion on account of Draupadi. Long ago two demons by name Sunda and Upasunda fought with each other and dead on account of a woman. On hearing from Narada, Dharmaraja wanted to know the story of Sunda and Upasunda. Story of Sunda and Upasunda Narada: “Long ago there were two brothers by name Sunda and Upasunda in the family of Hiranyakasipa. They made a severe tapasya meditating on Brahma. Several devatas tried to distract their concentration but they could not succeed. Brahma appeared before them and asked, “What do you want?” They prostrated at the feet of Brahma and requested him. “Oh Deva! We should be able to assume any form that we wish and we must be able to reach any place we wish. All mayas should be in our possession and we want immortality. 138 Mahabharatam Brahma: Sunda and Upasunda! Each being that is created must perish. So I will give you all other boons that you wanted, except immortality. The moment they got the boons from Brahma, they wanted to celebrate and keep all their people happy; so he arranged a festival by name Kaumadi festival. But that was not the right time to perform that kind of festival. However they thought all times are good for praising god and hence they performed the festival. With the boons from Brahma, they started harassing devatas, Garudas and humans. They killed munis in their tapovanas. They killed people in villages and towns. One day all brahmins and devatas went to Brahma and narrated the atrocities of Sunda and Upasunda. Brahma heard their miseries and assured that he will do the needful. He called Viswakarma and asked him to create a beautiful woman. He named her as Tilottama and took that doll to Brahma. Brahma gave life to that doll and instructed her to develop a rift among Sunda and Upasunda and see that they kill each other. Tilottama went and started playing in front of Sunda and Upasunda. They were fascinated by her beauty and both fell in love with her. Prior to seeing Tilottama, they were so united that they used to eat from the same plate and used to sleep on the same cot. There were no differences among themselves on any matter. Nobody had saw them separately. As they were fully influenced by cupid now they started fighting with each other that she should be his wife. After a short while, their emotions reached the peak and started fighting each other. They went and asked her to whom she belonged. She said, ‘‘I love the most powerful and strong man.’’ That provoked them to fight vehemently and finally they killed each other. ‘‘So Dharmaraja! However strong, valorous and righteous one may be, there is every possibility that they may get in to quarrel on account of a woman. Keeping in view of this, you better have a suitable arrangement among yourselves and follow the same so as to avoid any trouble at a future date. [In all epics and puranas, Narada appears. As a creator of troubles. Whereas in this context, he had behaved contrary to his reputation. From this one can understand that Pandavas have the blessings of gods.]

Aadiparvam 139 A matter of salvation: After Narada, left all brothers sat together and gave a good thought to the advice of Narada and came to an understanding. That was each one would live with Draupadi for one full year in an orderly way. In case anybody violates, he must to go on a pilgrimage for one year, as a matter of corrective measure. All of them agreed and implemented at once. One day a brahmin came and requested, “ Arjuna! Thieves took away my cow and without that cow, I can not perform my homa and other daily rituals. Please restore my cow to me.” On hearing the appeal Arjuna thought it would be sin if he didn’t go to the rescue of a brahmin. But his bow, arrow and other weapons were stored at a place where he had to pass the house of Dharmaraja. At that time, Draupadi was living in the house of Dharmaraja. If he went to take his bow and arrows, it would amount to the violation of their understanding; he was confused the brahmin started crying again and again for his cow. However Arjuna took his bow and arrows, violating their understanding. He killed the thief and gave back the cow to the brahmin. After that Arjuna went to Dharmaraja and said that he to be the vow and hence he wanted to go on a pilgrimage. Then Dharmaraja tried to pacify him that since he had broke the vow only to help Brahmin. Hence so no sin would befall on you for braking the vow.’’ [ Whenever there is a clash between two dharmas, one has to follow subtle dharma and take refuge in it. It is our understanding that we should not violate the vow made by us. Since you have violated to give relief to a brahmin no sin will attach with you. This is the subtle dharma what Dharmaraja has suggested.] Dharmaraja: ‘‘Arjuna! Since you have killed those thieves and restored the cow to Brahmin, the fruits of it would be as much as that of performing an Aswameda. Had you left the thief and did not help the Brahmin, your sin would have been as much as that of killing a child, while it was in her mothers stomach. So why should you resort to perform a reparation.’’ Arjuna: ‘‘Dharmaraja! Even at a later date, we may have to face a public blame. Why should we take shelter under one dharma or the other?

140 Mahabharatam Arjuna goes on a pilgrimage: Arjuna took leave from Dharmaraja and other elders and started for a pilgrimage. He reached river Ganga. There he spent some days taking bath in Ganga and performing tarpanas, pinda pradanam for his ancestral parents. One day, a nagakanya saw Arjuna and fell in love with her. She fastened him and took him to Nagaloka. By the time Arjuna opened his eyes, he saw a beautiful naga kanya smiling at him. Arjuna: ‘‘Oh pretty girl! Who are you? What is your name? Whose daughter are you? Why you have fastened and brought me here? Uluchi: ‘‘Arjuna! My name is Uluchi. I am a nagakanya. I fell in love with you at my first sight. I want to marry you and hence I brought you to my house. I know all your antecedents. You stand first in helping others. We in nagaloka sing and praise your glories. The moment I saw you I fell in love with you. Arjuna: ‘‘Uluchi! As per my vow I am observing Brahmacharya for twelve months. Hence how can I fulfill your desire?’’ Uluchi: ‘‘Arjuna! I know the vow you made in connection with your wife Draupadi. And also I am aware that you have undertaken a pilgrimage as a matter of repentance. You may perform any vratas and you may visit many teerthas but it will not be equal to saving a life. So you don’t be discourteous and reject my desire. I am burning with kamagni. I am being burnt with the fever of cupid. If you don’t oblige me I am sure I will die. You alone can save me from my death. Hence save my life which will not stand in your way.’’ Arjuna convinced with her pleadings and blessed her with a son. He is named as Iravantudu. Before the sunrise she left Arjuna back on the banks of Ganga. He told what has happened to all the brahmins. They were all astonished. From there, Arjuna visited several kshetras on Himalayas and finally reached Bindu kshetram. There he performed a yagna From there he travelled towards east and reached Naimisaranyam and from there he travelled towards the south and worshipped Bhemeshvaram on the banks of Godavari. From there he went to Srisailam. He travelled further south and had sacred bath in Cuavery.

Aadiparvam 141 On the thirteenth month of his pilgrimage, Arjuna reached the city of Manipuram. The king Chitravahana was ruling the country. He was very much pleased to see Arjuna and made him his guest. At that time, he fell in love with Chitrangada. Gave his daughter to Arjuna in marriage Chitravahana. From Manipuram Arjuna reached Sowbadhra theertham. Arjuna was about to get in to the sea for taking a bath. The munis living there cautioned Arjuna not to get in to the waters for fear of ferocious crocodiles. Arjuna said to them, “Oh maharishis! I was travelling several Kshetras only to take bath in several teerdhams. Since there are some crocodiles, how can I go without taking a bath?” By saying so, Arjuna entered the water. The moment he put his leg in the water, a crocodile caught hold of his leg. Arjuna caught hold of that crocodile and threw it on the shores. Immediately a beautiful devakanya emerged from that crocodile. On seeing her, Arjuna asked: Arjuna:‘‘ Who are you? Why are you living in the form of a crocodile? How is that you took the form of a girl as soon as I threw you out on the shore?’’ Divine girl: ‘‘My name is Vanda. I am the daughter of a Yaksha who is a friend of Kubera. Myself and four more friends of mine were also living in the form of crocodiles in nearby four other teerdhams. You help them also from their curse.’’ Arjuna, saved those four Yaksha girls also. Vanda: “Arjuna! While wandering we have seen the cities of all dikpalakas and reached earth. Here in a forest, we saw a muni doing tapasya. We thought of making a fun. We disturbed his tapasya with our sang and dance. The muni was unaware of our presence. We thought he was ignoring us. We did some mischief with him. He opened his eyes and cursed all of us to become crocodiles. Then we prayed him for the deliverance from the curse. The tapasvi took pity on us and said, “If any person catches and throws you on the shore, that day you would get your original form.” Since then we are waiting for such a person. One day Narada was going this way. We went and Narada told us that Arjuna, the son of Panduraju would pass this way on his pilgrimage. The moment you catch his leg, he would redeem you from the curse. Today you made us fortunate. Thus Vanda told him about their curse.

142 Mahabharatam While he was enjoying with his wife Chitrangada he had a son. He was named as name Babruvahana. Later he succeeded his grandfather Chitravanaha. From there he went to Gokarna. From Gokarna he went to the western seas. There he came to know that Dwaraka was nearby and he went there to see his childhood friend Krishna. He also heard the prettiness of Subhadra, the sister of Krishna. He loved her and wanted to marry her, with the blessings of Krishna. So he went to Dwaraka. Before he entered Dwaraka, he changed his from as a yateeswara, because all yadavas are devoted to sadhoos. So he took that figure and entered Dwaraka. He remembered Krishna in his mind and prayed for his blessings before he entered Dwaraka. The moment Arjuna remembered Krishna appeared there in Prabhasa teertham. Arjuna reaches Dwaraka: Arjuna was astonished at the presence of Krishna, because he thought of him just now. His eyes swelled with tears and saluted with devotion and said. Arjuna: “Krishna! I have completed twelve months in making pilgrimages for breaking the vow. I have went round many places, mountains like Himalayas, great rivers like Ganga and many religious places. Now I could able to see you and destroyed all my sins and became pure.’’ Krishna embraced Arjuna and enquired about the wellbeing of people in Indraprasta. Krishna took him to Mt.Raivataka and asked him to sit under a tree. Krishna went into the city and announced that a Sanyasi came and ordered to stationed on Mt.Raivataka. He ordered the people to go and worship him and also Mt.Raivataka. Many yadava heroes went with their wives to see the Sanyasi. In the meanwhile Subhadra also came there to worship the mountain. There she prayed the Mt. Raivataka to fix Arjuna as her husband. On seeing Subhadra, Arjuna fell in love with her. Krishna looked at him with a smile and said, “ Munindra! Is it not prohibited for sanyasi to look at women with lust? Arjuna! I know you have a liking for Subhadra. I will convince my parents, and see to it that they agree for your marriage with subhadra”. At the same time he sent word to Dharmaraja informing that Arjuna was safe in Dwaraka. In the meanwhile all prominent yadavas came and

Aadiparvam 143 saw Arjuna in muni form and prostrated at his feet with devotion. Since it was rainy season, they requested him to perform his chaturmaasya vrata in Dwaraka. They took Arjuna to their palace and deputed Subhadra to serve him. However Krishna said to Rukmini and Satyabama that the hero who was in the form of Yateeswara was Arjuna. One day, while serving the Yateeswara, Subhadra said, “ Munindra! You keep visiting many places. Did you ever visited Indraprasta? Did you meet the sons of Panduraju? Is my aunt Kunthi safe? Did the great hero and valorous person, Arjuna, returned from his pilgrimage?. You please tell me more about the glories of Arjuna”. Arjuna was happy to know that subhadra is also liking him. Arjuna: ‘‘Subhadra! I am Arjuna. Krishna who is all-pervading parabrahman met me in Prabhasa tirtham and brought me here. I am fortunate I am able to see you. Subhadra! Gandharva and rakshasa types of marriages suits for kshatriyas. I wish to marry you in Gandharva way. Subhadra lowered her head and said in a low voice, “All our elders are willing for our marriage. They themselves will invite you and perform our marriage.” By saying these words, she ran away. Krishna understood that Subhadra and Arjuna were liking each other. Then he called Prajyumna, Samba, Sankarshana, Sarana, Satyaki and said that the yateeswara living in their palace was none other than Arjuna. All of them went and informed the fact to Devaki and Vasudeva. However he did not informed Balarama. On the pretext of celebrations for lord Siva, he ordered all yadava families to move to Antardwepa. Subhadra remembered Krishna in her mind and at the same time Arjuna remembered Indra. Indra came to Dwaraka with asta dikpalakas, Narada and other maharishis. They came to Dwaraka to perform their marriage. Kasyapa Prajapathi acted as the priest. Arundathi, Sasidevi , Rukmani and Satyabama were present in the marriage of Subhadra and Arjuna. Krishna was happy for completing the marriage without any interruption. He arranged a chariot and asked them to proceed to Indraprasta. On their way, the security people obstructed Arjuna and gave a fight. Arjuna defeated them and left Dwaraka. Balarama came to know about the marriage and became furious. He ordered Krishna to declare a war

144 Mahabharatam on Pandavas. Krishna pacified Balarama and said, “Brother! Arjuna is none other than our aunt’s son. Subhadra also wanted to marry him. Now there is no meaning to declare a war on Pandavas’’ Before Arjuna reached Indraprasta he said, “ Subhadra! If we go together Draupadi may get annoyed. She is a chaste wife of mine. First you go and take her blessings. I will join you latter.” Accordingly Subhadra alone went to the palace and prostrated at the feet of Kunthi and took her blessings. Then she went and prostrated at the feet of Draupadi. Draupadi said, “ Subhadra! Now since you became the wife of Arjuna, I bless you to become the mother of a hero. Who should kill all our enemies.” After some time Arjuna came. He prostrated at the feet of Kunthi and embraced all other brothers. Krishna, Balarama and others came to present gifts to the newly married. Krishna, Balarama and others present valuable gifts to Arjuna: On hearing the arrival of Balarama, Krishna and others, Dharmaraja went forward and invited them with royal honors. Dharmaraja worshipped Vasudeva and other elders. Balarama and Krishna and other yadava elders worshipped Kunthi and Dharmaraja and presented valuable diamonds as gift. After some time, Subhadra delivered a boy. The astrologers, predicted him as valorous as emperor Prudhu. He was named as Abhimanyu. Upanayana karmas were performed and put him in Gurukulam to learn Vedas, archery from his father Arjuna, who taught him all the strategies of a war. Draupadi also had five sons who were popularly known as Upa- pandavas. She gave birth to Prativindyudu for Dharmaraja, Srutasomudu for Bheema, Srutakeerthi for Arjuna, sataaneekudu for Nakula, Srutasenudu for Sahadeva. Khandavavana dahanam: One day Krishna and Arjuna went for hunting. While wandering in Khandavavana vana, Agni took the form of an old brahmin and came to Krishnarjuna and said, “ King! I am very hungry, provide me some food.” Arjuna asked, “What type of food you like?” The Brahmin said, “ Krishnarjunas! I am Agni . I want to burn Khandava Vana but Indra is not allowing me. The moment I try to burn it, he starts poring heavy rains. People say that Indra engaged Takshaka

Aadiparvam 145 in the forest to protect nectar. If you both drive away the clouds with your astras, it will be easy for me to born the forest”. On hearing Agni’s words Arjuna said, Arjuna said I did not come with my bow and arrows. I don’t have a chariot also to go round the forest and to fight. If you can provide me bow, arrows and a chariot, I can defeat even Indra”. On hearing Arjunas words, agni remembered Varuna and prayed for him. “Varuna! Some time back I kept with you my bow, arrows and a chariot yoked with Gandharva horses. You please give them to Arjuna. You also give Krishna a chakra and a club.” Immediately Varuna gave a tall bow by name Gandibam and a quiver of everlasting arrows. A chariot yoked with divine horses was kept before Arjuna. He also gave a chakra by name Sudarshana and a club by name Kowmodi to Krishna. The chariot had a flag with an image of kepi ( Hanuma). Agni said, “Oh Arjuna! this bow Gandibam is as powerful as Vajra. The horses yoked to this chariot have the speed of mind. Krishna! this Sudarshana chakra will remove the head of your enemy and it will come back to you.’’ Krishna and Arjuna boarded the chariot and said to Agni. “ Agni! you start burning this Khandavavana. Even Indra cannot stop you”. With the help of Krishna and Arjuna, Agni speed its flames in to the forest and the flames touched the sky. The animals, birds and other creatures burnt to ashes. The servants of Indra who were protecting the forest speed rain bearing clouds from all sides to extinguish the fire. But they could not fight with the sharp arrows of Arjuna and died on the spot. Agni took the help of Vayu and made it a pralayagni. With the flames, Agni burnt all the medicinal plants swallowed. All devatas guarding the Vana went to Indra that Agni is razing at Khandava vana. Takshaka the king of serpents was also living in that forest. Indra was more worried for Takshaka. He wanted to protect Takshaka, and poured rain all over the forest. Indra dispatched more powerful clouds and pored rain. As Arjunas arrows covered the sky with arrows and not even a drop of water fell into the forest. Takshaka’s son Aswasena, a serpent tried to save his mother, put her on his tail and flew in to the sky. Arjuna saw him and cut his tail with an arrow. With that

146 Mahabharatam the mother of Aswasena fell in to the fire and burnt. While Arjuna tried to hit Aswasena also with another arrow, Indra came to his rescue and saved him with a mystic by name Mohini. Thereby Indra was able to save Aswasena but not his mother. Indra and others were afraid that Takshaka could have been killed in the fire. Indra came to know that agni was blazing the Vana with the support by Krishna and Arjuna. So he ordered Suras, garudas, nagas, asuras, siddhas, and Gandharvas to fight with Krishna and Arjuna. But none of them could succeed and Agni burnt the entire Khandava vana successfully. At that time a voice was heard from the sky, “Oh Indra! This Krishna and Arjuna are none other than Nara and Narayana who have taken human forms. To purify the yadava and Kuru dynasties. So you can’t win them. You don’t worry about the safety of Takshaka. He went to Kurukshetra on some other work long time back. This Vana was burnt at the dictates of Brahma. You leave your fury and go back.’’ On hearing the words from the sky, Indra and others went to their abodes. They were happy to know that Takshaka was safe. The episode of Mandapala Maharishi: Janamejaya: Oh Vaisampayana! From that huge davaagni Mayu and Aswasena survived, but how the sons of Mandapala survived, that I can’t understand. You tell me. Vaisampayana: Oh Janamejaya! Long ago Mandapala Maharishi observed Brahmacharya vrata and performed a severe tapasya. By yoga he left his body and reached heaven. There devatas did not give him an entry. Mandapala said, “Oh devatas! I have done enough tapasya to attain superior lokas. Why are you stopping me?’’ Devatas said, “Oh Munindra! However great tapasya you might perform, if you don’t have sons you will not be permitted in to heaven. Don’t you know this much?.” Then Mandapala came back to earth and tried various ways to have a son. He thought, of all the creatures, birds will have children faster than any other creature. Immediately he took the form of a male Lavuka and chose a female Lavuka as a companion. With that female Lavuka bird, he had four sons who were Brahma gnanis. They are Genitali, Sarisprukka, Sthambamitra and Drona.

Aadiparvam 147 He left all his sons and wife in Khandava vana and he went out with his second wife Lapita to far away places from Khandava vana. While Khandava vana was burning he prayed Agni, “ Agni! You are pure, you are dharma murthy. All my sons are in the forest. You protect them.” Agni was pleased at Mandapala and saved his children. I will tell you how it happened. The mother bird worried in herself that none of her children had developed wings. I am alone, how can I save all of them?’’ In this manner the female bird Genita was grieving. “My sons! nearby there is a hole in the earth. I will carry you and keep you all in that hole. I will close the entry so that the fire may not enter the hole, if you are lucky.” Then they said to their mother, “ Mother! you don’t worry for us. If you put us in the tunnel, the rats may eat all of us. In any case, death is inevitable. Instead of dying by the rats, we prefer to die in the hands of Agni. Not only that if we are lucky and destined to live the wind god may change the direction of the fire and keep the fire away from us. By that way also we may survive.” Those four sons, who were Brahma gnanis prayed Brahma and Agni, requesting them to save their lives. Earlier to their prayers, Mandapala also prayed to Agni to save his sons. So Agni burnt all other trees leaving that tree alone unburnt. By looking at the providence of god, Genita also felt happy. “ Munisahwara! In my presence you prayed agni! He will certainly protect your children. Now you are worried about your second wife Genita. It is a full fledged bird with strong wings. It can fly away to safety and protect herself. Why are you grieving for your second wife?” Then Mandapala said with a smile, “ Though Arundathi was also as great tapasvini as that of Vasista, she was envious of her co- wife. This is natural for woman.” by saying so, he left Lapita and flew to Khandava vana. He was happy to see that his wife Genita and his sons were safe . Agni burnt all the medicinal plants and his long-standing ailment was cured and became healthy. He thanked and blessed Krishna and Arjuna and appreciated their vigour and valour in fighting with Indra. He had given Aagnaya astra, Varuna astra and Vayu astra to Arjuna. He also requested Krishna to be always with Arjuna and be friendly with himand took leave of him.

148 Mahabharatam Glossary aachamana sip water thrice as a religious rite aadi kavi Valmiki; The first Poet Aathma Gananm knowledge of the soul Acharya Guru or teacher adharma unrighteousness agnigundam sacred fire Agnihotras sacred fire ahimsa Nonviolence Amada measuring distance equal to 10 miles amsa part Antardwepa inter continent arishad vargas six internal enemies such as pride, anger, lust, greed, ignorance and jealousy asta dikpalakas gods who guard eight directions Asta Vasuvus Aapudu, Druva, Somu, Adharvu, Anilu, Prathyushu, Analu and Prabhasu Astis ashes from the pyre Athiradha An athi-radha is capable of protecting his charioteer, chariot, horses, his bow, flag and the flag post Bartha Husband Bharya wife Bhikshatana begging Brahma gnanis One who attained the knowledge of supreme spirit Brahmacharya bachelor cahturmasya vrata every year from the month Ashadam (august) to karthikam (November) rainy season. Sanyasis will not move from one place to another place as they wander in rest of eight months. chakra A wheel or a weapon of Lord Vishnu Chatram Umbrella dakshina a gift. darmica virtuous, pious, a just man

Aadiparvam 149 darshan a vision Devara Nayam the rule of getting children by the younger brother of her husband to continue the family line. dharma prescribed course of conduct, dharmapatni wife married in Vedic way Droni a water kettle Drudham a weapon durbar a hall of audience dwanda yudham direct fight, one to one dwapara yuga the third of the four yugas endamavalu mirage Gruhasta a house holder gurudakshina gift to a teacher gurukulam stay in the house of a teacher; a disciple gurupatni Wife of Guru havisis Oblations homadhenu worshiped celestial cow Ichamaranam death at will Ithihasas history or traditional account Japa repeating prayers in undertone. Jataka karmas ceremony performed by Dwijas at the time of birth of a child (Dwijas means: Brahmin, kshatriyas, Vaysya) jeevatma the individual soul enshrined in a human body kamagni Passion karta one who has the right to perform a religious rite. kavyam poem, epic kiratakas barbarian; one of the names of Lord Siva. kshatriya a man of second cast Maharishi A great sage maschya yentra a figure of a mystical nature in the form of a fish mrutasanjivini a medicinal plant supposed to have the power of reviving the dead. muni Inspired saint munikanya daughter of a muni

150 Mahabharatam Naimisaranyam a sacred place Panchama Vedamu Mahabaratha (5th veda) Pandu varna (Pale body) Paramatma the supreme spirit parava chapters Pitru Runam the debt of parents Pouranikas one versed in puranas pralayagni fire at the time of destruction of the whole world at the end of kalpa. pundits Scholars puranas Ancient history, legendry, tradition Purusharthas The principal object of human life and pursuit of which four are enumerated. Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. Sabha an assembly Sanjivini A herb that is supposed to revive Sankula yudham a confused fight in a war sarvabhakshaka eater of every object / Agni Satra yaga a kind of yaga siddhis Accomplishment Soustavam a weapon Sowiti teller of epics Sradhas funeral rite in honour of the departed spirits Sudra backward caste Sudras backward caste Swayamvara the selection of a husband by a princess or daughter of a kshatriya at a public assembly of suitors held for the purpose. Tali a small piece of gold tied by the bride groom at the time of marriage tarpana a religious rite to the deceased tirthas a holy place or holy water treta yuga The second of the yugas Upanayanam Initiation of a youth of any of the first three castes in to the sacred study. Upanishad the logical part of the veda

Aadiparvam 151 upapandavas sons of Pandavas Vajra the weapon of Indra Valkalas A hermits garb made of bark. varnashrama Duties of principal four casts viz. Brahmin, kshatriya, dharma Vaysya, Sudra. Veda Divine knowledge Vedaadhayanam learning of vedas; One of the six duties of a brahmin. Vedadyanamu learning of vedas; One of the six duties of a brahmin. Vedangas sciences regarded as auxiliary to Vedas Vedanta sastra based up on the major Upanishads Vedas Divine knowledge Vidhi sacred percept or a rule vrata religious vow yaga an act of worship yaga sala The prescribed place for offering oblations in a sacrifice. yagagni sacred fire from a yaga yagna an act of worship yateeswara a sanyasi, a fourth ashrama in four ashramas

152 Mahabharatam