Stories from Mahabharata Part -1

Stories from Mahabharata

 

 

Draupadi's Pride Crushed
Stories from Mahabharata

Note: Draupadi had an other name called 'Krishna'. Do not get confused with this.

This story in *Kashiram Das’ Bengali Mahabharata does not occur in the Sanskrit recensions or the original Vyasa Mahabharata. It is placed between the Savitri and the Dharma-Baka episodes in the Vana Parva. It is also found in the Tamil version of the epic. Both must be drawing upon a common source that has not yet been found. Very interesting light is thrown on meanings the narrator wishes to convey by using different names of Krishna and Draupadi at different stages of the narrative. Readers are invited to mull over these and draw their conclusions.

Following the recital of the Savitri-Satyavan story, Yudhishthira tells Krishna that they ought to leave Kamyaka forest as the Kauravas may disturb them here repeatedly and the period of incognito exile is approaching. Krishna approves and accompanies the Pandavas. Towards the end of the second day they reach the delightful Kamya Lake, a renowned “tirtha”. Krishna asks them to rest and purify themselves in this best of “tirthas” by bathing and making offerings to the manes. Three nights they spend there happily. On the fourth morning Yajnaseni muses, “In the three worlds I am the only sati, husband-dedicated, accompanying my husbands in forests, grieving in their grief. Repeatedly the munis praise me. Surely I can count my life successful. What greater fame than mine can the ruler of all the world lay claim to?” Thus did Yajnaseni glorify herself. Knower-of-secrets, chakra-wielder Narayana knew and thought to crush her pride.

They came upon a lovely ashram with many trees laden with fruits. Fate made them tired of travelling and they decided to rest in that spot, delightful as heaven itself. Suddenly Krishna’s eyes fell upon a mango, unseasonal, dangling from a branch. “See this amazing sight,” she said to Arjuna. “If you feel kindly towards me, please pluck this mango for me.” Hearing this, Dhananjaya shot a divine arrow and brought that mango to Krishna. As she held the mango happily in her hand, Devaki’s son appeared and said, sadly, “What is this you have done Partha? Truly, a grievous misdeed has been done today. How can I blame you? It is fate’s decree and you have to suffer for your past deeds. Such decisions are taken by those whose time is up. Even pundits lose their discrimination and commit errors. Surely, I fear you will be destroyed, otherwise why should such an evil intent seize you?’

Hearing Krishna’s words king Yudhishthira most anxiously said, “Speak, valiant Yadu, what is it that one such as you is fearful? It is no small matter, son of Devaki. This unseasonal fruit is the cause of misfortune. Whose is this forest? Who is that great one and how powerful? How shall we save ourselves today in this forest? Pray save us, for your words are infallible as the thunderbolt.”

Shri Krishna said, “The muni’s name is Sandipan and this garden is his. Gods and demons tremble at his name. His speech is infallible like the thunderbolt. No siddha and rishi in the three worlds can compare to Sandipan in ascesis. For ages he lives in this forest and rarely goes elsewhere. At dawn he leaves to perform ascesis, fasting the whole day. See how his ascesis fructifies in a miracle. Every day a single mango ripens on this tree. When the muni returns in the evening, in great satisfaction he plucks the mango from the tree and eats it. Thus he has passed a long time. Such a mango has Partha plucked for Draupadi. This misfortune is the result of their past faulty karma. Returning from his penance to the ashram and not finding the mango, the muni will turn all into a heap of ashes. I can see no way out. Alas, Partha, alas! What have you done!”

With folded hands king Yudhishthira, deeply agitated, said to Govinda, “All the good and ill of Pandavas is yours. None can save the Pandavas. It is no secret, Devaki’s son. If you wish, save us, or do what you will. Who can kill one sheltered by you? What you cannot do others had better not even think upon. We five are under your protection. Speak, Narayana, how shall we be saved?”

Hearing Dharma’s words, Shri’s spouse said, “If the tree appears just as it was when the mango was on it, then all can be saved, O king.”

Yudhishthira said, “In these three worlds, he who nourishes all their beings, at whose behest creation and destruction happen, why should he bother to fix a mango to the branch?”

Govinda said, “There is a remedy whereby the mango can be re-fixed to the branch and everyone will be saved. You can do this if you wish-- it is nothing much, if you speak the truth, abjuring deception, Dharma-king.”

Yudhishthira said, “Whatever you command, Krishna. If it is within my power, let the remedy be applied. Who desires death instead? Command us and we shall do it with all our heart and soul.”

Govinda said, “It is nothing much, O King. Everyone will be saved. Listen, great king, Drupada’s daughter and you five must say before me what is it that rises every moment in you. If you speak discarding deception, then will the mango be re-fixed.”

All undertook to do so. First spoke Dharma’s son. “Hear, wish-fulfilling Chintamani, ever I think on Narayana. Should I regain past prosperity, Narayana, day and night I would perform Brahmin-feeding yajna. Other than this I have no desire and all the time this is what I hold in my mind and heart.”

The unseasonal mango rose upwards to some height, astonishing and delighting everyone.

Then said Vrikodara, “Hear my words, Krishnachandra! This is what I think day and night: with blows of my mace I’ll slay the hundred Kauravas; riving open wicked Duhshasana’s breast with my nails, I’ll fill my stomach with his blood. Krishna’s tresses will I tie up with these hands. That wicked Kuru, mightily intoxicated with pride, lifted his garment to show Draupadi his naked thigh. That I’ll shatter in battle with my mace. This is what I hold in my heart day and night.”

When Bhima had spoken, the mango rose further upward.

Aruna said, “This rises in my mind, that when we five brothers came to the forest I strewed dust in both hands in all directions. With weapons as numerous cutting down the wicked Kshatriyas, will I slay valiant Karna with a divine arrow. Bhimasena will kill the hundred brothers—thinking on all this I pass the time. Hear my mind’s words, Narayana.”

Then the mango rose further upwards.

Nakula said, “Hear Krishna what I think of. When the ruler of Dharma will be king again, I will be the crown prince as before. I will introduce the ruling community to the Dharma-raja, will examine and report to him the kingdom’s good and ill.”

Then the mango roses further upwards.

Sahadeva said, “Ever I think that returning to the kingdom when Yudhishthira will sit on the throne I will fan him with a chowry, will find out about all citizens and will ever be engaged in feeding Brahmins. All sorrows will I forget in looking after our mother. This treasured wish have I declared frankly.”

Thereupon the mango rose further upwards, almost touching the branch.

Then, slowly, softly, spoke Yajnaseni: “This is what I think of day and night: all those wicked persons who have pained me so much, at the hands of Bhima and Arjuna they all shall be slain. All their women will weep in sorrow and I, delighted, will secretly mock them. Celebrating a great yajna as before, I will happily look after all friends and relatives.”

As gifted Krishna said this, the mango dropped to the ground again.

Terrified, Yudhishthira then said, “Why did the mango fall down? Tell us Yadu hero!”

Govinda said, “O King, what shall I say! Drupada’s daughter ruined everything. She spoke all false words. For that reason, son of Dharma, the mango fell down.”

Anxiously the five brothers said with hands folded, “Find a way out, do something Krishna so that the mango rises up!”

Govinda said, “Krishna! Speak the truth and surely the mango will be fixed to the tree.”

The lord of Dharma said to Krishna, “Why do you destroy the world, gifted one? Discarding deception speak before Govinda. The lives of all will be saved if the mango re-fixes to the tree.”

Though the son of Dharma spoke thus, the lady remained silent, saying nothing. Seeing this, bow-wielding Partha became furious and strung a divine arrow to kill Draupadi. Arjuna said, “Quickly speak truthful words, otherwise with this sharp arrow I’ll slice off your head.”

When mighty Partha spoke thus, then gifted Krishna, laying aside shame, spoke. Draupadi said, “Lord, what shall I say! You know the spoken and unspoken thoughts of all. When heroic Karna came in the yajna, seeing him I mused that were he Kunti’s son then with him I would have six husbands. That is what came to my mind now.”

When she said this, the mango shot up that very moment and was on the branch of the tree as previously. Acknowledging this a miracle, all were delighted. Saved, Yudhishthira remained silent. Heroic Vrikodara roared, “Is this your conduct, evil-minded Krishna? In a family the sati serves one husband. You, specially, have five husbands. Yet you secretly desire the charioteer’s son and are called husband-devoted sati in society? You have disclosed your ugly nature. In public you are renowned as supremely chaste. At length, woman’s true character is exposed. Untrustworthy, destructive, wicked-minded are you! What made you turn to such evil ways? As long as your mind and heart favor the enemy, who can trust you?” Saying this, lifting his mace, in mighty fury Bhima rushed with unbounded force to slay Draupadi.

With a slight smile, Lord Jagannatha swiftly seized Bhima’s hands. Then, smilingly he said to Bhimasena, “Without cause do you slander Draupadi, for Draupadi is not evil-minded. I will tell you the reason for this. I know everything about everyone. Without cause do you slander Draupadi, Partha. Among women, there is no one like her. Krishna spoke what she did feared. The cause of this is secret and it is not proper to reveal all now. After the king has returned to his kingdom and has sat on his throne, then will I specially reveal all to everyone. None can say that on this earth there is a woman, a sati, as dedicated to her husband, as Krishna.”

Hearing this response from Krishna’s mouth, heroic Vrikodara sat down, restrained; jewel among kings, Yudhishthira, counted it most surprising; ashamed, downcast remained Yajnaseni. Krishna’s irresistible Maya, who can comprehend? Just to shatter Krishna's pride he did so much delusion and false deception.

 

 

Janamejaya's Sarpa Yaga (Snake Sacrifice)
Stories from Mahabharata

 

King Janamejaya the son of King Parikshit was the king of the Kurus, ruling from Hastinapura. One day, a Brahmana named Utanka (whose story is narrated here), came to his court. The king received him graciously, and asked him if there was something he could do for him.

Utanka said, "You amaze me King Janamejaya. When the murderer of your father is roaming around free, you sit at ease in your court and enjoy the the comforts of a King. You have acquired fame as a just King, but I see no evidence of it. You have not even addressed this great injustice to your father!" not addressed this great injustice done to you."

Janamejaya was surprised. He turned to his counsellors and sad, "What is this about my father's murder. I was but a child when he passed away, I no naught of the circumstances behind his death. I would like to know if he was killed unjustly, and if so, who the culprit is."

The courtiers said, "Your father Parikshit ruled the kingdom after the Pandavas and ruled for a long time truthfully. He was popular among his subjects and was a terror to his enemies. He was killed by Takshaka, the king of the serpents, pursuant to a curse by the son of a Rishi(sage). (You can read that story here.) What Utanka has said is true, Takshaka, the murderer of your father still roams free.

When Janamejaya heard these words, he was rendered speechless for a while due to anger. Once he regained control over himself he said to Utanka, "O Brahmana, I thank you. You have brought this great injustice to my attention. I must revenge myself on this arrogant Takshaka at once. Tell me, what is the means by which I might accomplish this task?"

Utanka replied, "Takshaka is the friend of Indra. Under Indra's protection, he feels safe from retribution, so his conceit has grown boundless. However, there is a great sacrifice mentioned in the Puranas. It is the snake-sacrifice. When this sacrifice is conducted, the snakes that are named by the Mantras (incantations) will be rendered powerless and be impelled to fall into the sacrificial fire. Make arrangements to conduct this sacrifice. I shall assist you, for Takshaka has caused trouble for me also. He once stole the ear-rings that I was taking for my Guru Veda's wife. I had to face many difficulties in recovering them. So both our wishes may be accomplished by this sacrifice."

King Janamejaya then made arrangements for this sacrifice. He invited the greatest sages and priests to conduct this sacrifice. This was a truly great undertaking, for the rituals for this sacrifice were arduous, and had to be exactly followed, if the sacrifice was to bear foot. A suitable spot was chosen and the great sacrificial hall was constructed. A platform was raised in its midst and was decked with valuable articles. This was were the Brahmanas were to sit. The Ritwika (officiating priest) sat in its middle. The king also underwent the rituals that will purify him to participate in the sacrifice.

While these preparations were on, a Shudra named Lohitaksha, who was well versed in the art of sacrificial construction, examined the measurements of the hall, the type of soil on which its foundation had been laid, and said, "O King, I perceive from these signs that your sacrifice will not be completed. The omens portend that this sacrifice shall be stopped due to the intervention of a Brahmana."

This made King Janamejaya recall an incident where his brothers had beaten a small dog for fun in times gone by. The mother of that puppy, a divine bitch named Sarama, came to Janamejaya and asked him, "What was the crime committed by my son that you had him beaten? Did he lick the sacrificial offerings? Did he try to steal the sacrificial butter? Why did your brothers beat him?". The King knew that his brothers had done it merely for sport, so he hung his head in shame. Then the dog Sarama had cursed him saying, "Since your brothers have tortured my faultless pup, may the greatest undertaking that you begin, remain incomplete!".

The King recalled this curse and became very worried when he was told by the expert builder that this sacrifice would be incomplete. He then gave orders to his guards that no one was let into the sacrificial hall without his permission.

The great sacrifice began. The officiating priests were clad in black, for this was a Yagna directed towards destruction. As they chanted the appropriate Mantras and poured the clarified butter into the fire, snakes, impelled by the power of these incantations, started converging from all over the world. There were snakes of all shapes and sizes, some of them were as large as buildings, some as small as insects. As the priests called each snake by name and uttered the fatal words, "may so and so fall into fire", that snake would meet its fiery end into the sacrificial fire.

Many great Brahmanas were involved in the conduct of this sacrifice. A great Rishi named Chandabhargava, who was a descendant of Chyavana was the Hotri (I believe it is the Hotri who pours out the sacrificial oblations into the fire). A learned old Brahmana named Kautsa was the Udgatri (chanter of vedic hymns). A sage named Jaimini acted as the Brahmana (I believe this is the master of the sacrifice) and Sarngarva and Pingala were the Adhvaryus (no idea what this means). Vyasa was present with many of his disciples, and was generally supervising the conduct of the sacrifice. His students were chanting the name of the Lord. Many other great Brahmanas were present to observe the conduct of this magnificent sacrifice.

The sacrifice continued for days. Snakes were perishing in the flames in thousands. At this point, a Brahmana named Astika came to visit the sacrifice. The sacrifice was nearing completion. The King welcomed his guest and said, "O Brahmana, despite your relative youth, your very being is radiating with knowledge. I have sworn to grant whatever a Brahmana desires. Ask what you will."

At this time, the chief priest intervened and said, "O King, the sacrifice is not yet complete. Takshaka, whose destruction you desired, is still alive. Wait till he is falling to the fire, before you begin giving gifts to Brahmanas."

Janamejaya said, "Why is it that Takshaka is still alive? Invoke the Mantra with his name and make him fall into the fire."

The priests uttered the appropriate incantations, but nothing happened. They then looked at the omens in the air, and used their spiritual power to divine the cause. Finally, the head priest said, "O King, Takshaka has sought asylum from Indra. The Lord of the Devas is protecting him in his palace, that is why our Mantras have not worked."

The king said, "Then utter the Mantra in such a way that Takshaka may be impelled to fall into this fire, even though Indra has given him sanctuary."

The chief priest then invoked a powerful Mantra and said, "May Takshaka fall into this fire, accompanied by Indra."

Such was the potency of the invocation, that both Indra and Takshaka started falling into the sacrificial fire, bound to each other. When Indra saw that his friend's fate was inevitable, he let go of Takshaka and decided to save himself. Takshaka then started falling alone into the fire.

At this moment, Astika said, "STAY! Takshaka may your fall be arrested!". He then turned to the King and said, "This is the boon that I seek of you. May you stop the sacrifice at this time. You have already killed millions of snakes in revenge for your father's death. I am a Brahmana, but my mother Jaratkaru, is the sister of Vasuki, the foremost of the serpents. She sent me here to stop your sacrifice and to save her kinsmen. Even Lord Brahma desires that you should remain content with slaying so many evil snakes. The snakes that are left still (excluding of course, this vain Takshaka), are virtuous and not deserving to be destroyed. Your glory will only increase if spare their lives."

King Janamejaya demurred. At this point Vyasa spoke to him, and advised him to grant Astika's request. Thus advised by the sage for whom he had so much respect, the King gave orders for the sacrifice to end.

The King then bestowed great riches upon Astika and all the priests who had conducted the sacrifice. He gave special honor and a great amount of wealth to Lohitaksha, the master builder who had foretold that the sacrifice would be stopped by a Brahmana.

This is the story of the great snake sacrifice conducted by King Janamejaya. The tradition is that whoever hears this story will have nothing to fear from snakes.