by Kotru, Umesh
Epilogue
With the death of Karna on the seventeenth day of the war the sun finally set on the Kaurava Empire. The actual battle spilled over to the eighteenth day under the leadership of Shalya, but its outcome was a mere formality. Shalya himself was killed during the day by Yudhishthira. Sahadeva killed both Shakuni and his son Ulooka and Susharma was killed by Arjuna. Bhima also fulfilled his pledge by killing the remaining sons of Dhritarashtra. The whole body of Kaurava soldiers, barring desertions, which are common under such circumstances in every war, was annihilated on the eighteenth day. The actual end came with the falling of Duryodhana beside the lake in which he was hiding from Pandavas. Before he died, he appointed Ashvatthama as the last Commander-in-Chief of the remnant of Kaurava army which now comprised, besides him, only of Kritavarma and Kripacharya. After the successful conclusion of the war, the Pandava army returned to their camp. Shri Krishna asked Arjuna to dismount from the chariot first which he was initially reluctant to do. But Shri Krishna insisted on himself dismounting the chariot only after Arjuna had got down. The moment Sri Krishna got down, the chariot went up in flames to the astonishment of everyone present. On being asked, Shri Krishna said that the chariot was long destroyed on account of receiving hits from several divine weapons used by Guru Dronacharya and Karna, but it was only because of Him that the inevitable was postponed till he dismounted. Before nightfall, Shri Krishna took the Pandava brothers and Satyaki to celebrate their victory elsewhere outside the camp. During that very night, Ashvatthama carried out his vengeful massacre of the other Pandava heroes, including all the Panchala princes and all the sons of Draupadi, under cover of darkness when they were fast asleep in their tents. Whosoever tried to escape was killed by Kritavarma and Kripacharya at the doorway of the camp. The Pandava brothers, Shri Krishna and Satyaki were the only survivors because they were spending the night outside the camp.
As already mentioned, there were very few survivors from the war of Mahabharata. Bhishma continued to lie on his bed of arrows for 58 days, waiting for an opportune moment to leave his mortal body. The progeny of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari got wiped out completely. On the Pandava side too, Ashvatthama’s gory nocturnal revenge almost wiped out the next generation, with the exception of Parikshit who was in the womb of his mother, Uttaraa, the wife of Abhimanyu. After his midnight massacre in the Pandava camp with the help of Kripacharya and Kritavarma, Ashvatthama ran for his life from the pursuing Pandavas. But when he was cornered on the bank of Ganga, he released the terrible Brahma Astra with the instruction to wipe out the Pandavas. To counter it, Arjuna also fired the same ultimate weapon and the two clashed in the sky to produce lightning and thunder, presaging untold destruction. The dire need to save the world made the great Rishis Vyasa and Narada to intervene and call for restraint and withdrawal of both the Brahma Astras. While the pure-souled Arjuna agreed to withdraw his weapon, Ashvatthama could not do the same on account of his relatively impure nature and ignorance of the process of retraction. He therefore diverted the weapon towards Uttaraa’s womb. This created a dangerous situation as the presence of Parikshit in his mother’s womb was the only hope for continuance of the Puru line. Shri Krishna saved the day for the Pandavas by entering the womb of Uttaraa in his micro form and reviving Parikshit. He cursed Ashvatthama to a long life in seclusion while his body would rot and stink and bring him untold misery for his heinous act. Kritavarma escaped to his native place Dvaraka, where he was killed by Satyaki 36 years later during the fratricidal fight among the Yadavas, pursuant to the curse of Gandhari on Shri Krishna for not preventing the fratricidal end of the Kauravas. Kripacharya resumed his duties as the chief mentor of the Puru dynasty.
At the time of the last rites for the departed souls by their near and dear ones, Kunti asked Yudhishthira to perform the rituals for Karna as well. When Yudhishthira expressed his surprise, she confessed to the real lineage of Karna. Everyone was shocked at this startling revelation. Yudhishthira could not believe that he had been instrumental in murdering his own brother for the throne of Hastinapura. He fell into a deep swoon and after coming out of it he refused to be the King of Hastinapura and prepared to leave for the forest. It required lot of effort for days together on the part of Maharishi Vyasa, Narada and Shri Krishna to finally persuade him to desist from doing so. But in sheer agony, Yudhishthira cursed all women that thenceforth they would not be able to keep any secret for long.
Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti and Vidura were persuaded to stay on till the Ashvamedha Yajna performed by Yudhishthira to expiate the sin of fratricide. Thereafter Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti took sanyasa and entered a forest where, after some years, they are believed to have been consumed by a forest fire. Vidura also took sanyasa after sometime and undertook deep penance. After he gave up his life a light left his body and entered Yudhishthira. It may be recalled that both he and Yudhishthira were the sons of the God Dharma.
Karna had nine sons and all of them took part in the battle of Mahabharata. Eight of them were killed in the war. The only surviving son Vrishaketu was crowned by Yudhishthira as the King of Indraprastha. [According to another account, Vajra, Shri Krishna’s grandson and the only surviving Yadava, was made the ruler of Indraprastha.]
Shri Krishna, while reclining against a tree in the forest was hit on the sole of his foot by the arrow of a hunter and passed away to assume his eternal form.
The Pandavas along with Draupadi, after that epochal event of Krishna’s passing, lost interest in this world. As a result of Yudhishthira’s prodding, they decided to take sanyasa and proceed for pilgrimage to various holy places in the country. Before their departure, Parikshit was crowned as the King of Hastinapura. After conclusion of the pilgrimage in the Himalayas they gave up their human form one by one, except Yudhishthira, who, by virtue of his impeccable purity, is fabled to have ascended to heaven in his bodily form. But before the final deliverance, he, by way of final cleansing, had to witness the illusion of a brief spell in hell along with his brothers.
After many years Parikshit was bitten by a snake as a result of Rishi Shringi’s curse and the mantle of the Puru dynasty passed on to his son Janamejaya. And then, as was mentioned in the Prologue of this narrative, it was in Janamejaya’s court that the entire Mahabharata was recited by Vaishampayana, in presence of his illustrious mentor and composer of this great epic – the Maharishi Vyasa.
Character Profiles
(Supporting Cast)
Ambalika She was the daughter of the King of Kashi who, along with her sisters Ambika and Amba, was abducted by Bhishma during their Svayamvara as brides for his brother Vichitravirya. After the untimely death of Vichitravirya, Ambalika gave birth to Pandu through Maharishi Vyasa as per the prevailing custom of Niyoga. After the death of Pandu she, along with her mother-in-law Satyavati and sister Ambika, retired to the forest for undertaking Sanyasa.
Ambika Sister of Ambalika. She also had a son through Maharishi Vyasa named Dhritarashtra, who was blind by birth. While Ambalika and Ambika married Vichitravirya, Amba refused to do so, since she had already chosen a partner, who however rejected her for having been seized by another man. This led to Amba taking a vow to be the cause of Bhishma’s death.
Bhanumati Princess of Kashi and Duryodhana’s wife, whom he abducted during her Svayamvara.
Bhrigu Also known as Maharishi Bhrigu. He was one of the seven great sages called Saptarishis, who were brought into existence by Lord Brahma for facilitating creation. He is believed to be the father of Astrology.
Chitrasena The King of Gandharvas (celestial musicians). He became a good friend of Arjuna and taught him song and dance during his stay in Heaven.
Devayani The daughter of Shukracharya (the Guru of Asuras). She married Yayati and their son Yadu started the Yadava dynasty.
Dhaumya The chief priest of the Pandavas who accompanied them during their exile.
Ekalavya Prince of the aboriginal Nishada tribe, whom Guru Dronacharya refused to accept as disciple. Sti
ll, with his dedication and by practicing before the statue of Guru Drona, he became an ace archer who could threaten Arjuna’s claim as the outstanding bow-wielder. This caused the partial Guru to take away his right thumb (so crucial for archery), by way of Guru Dakshina.
Ghatotkacha Son of Bhima through the demoness Hidimba. He possessed magical powers, including the capability to fly. Like his father, his weapon of choice was the mace. He married a Kshatriya princess and had a very powerful son named Barbareeka, who was killed by Shri Krishna before the commencement of the war.
Jamadagini A great sage in the lineage of Maharishi Bhrigu. He was well versed in scriptures and all kinds of weapons. He had five sons through his wife Renuka, youngest of whom was Parashurama who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Jaratkaru A great sage who married the younger sister of serpent King Vasuki by the same name. Vasuki was advised to marry his sister to the sage by Lord Brahma since their son would be able to stop the Yajna that was to be conducted for burning down all snakes following a curse pronounced on snakes by Kadru (the mother of snakes) for disobeying her.
Kripacharya The son of Rishi Shardvaan. His twin sister Kripi married Guru Dronacharya. He, along with Dronacharya, were appointed to tutor the Puru Princes by Bhishma.
Kritavarma One of the chieftains of the Yadava army who fought on the Kaurava side since Shri Krishna pledged the support of his army to Duryodhana. He was one of the few survivors of the war.
Madri Princess of the kingdom of Madra and second wife of Pandu. Mother of Nakula and Sahadeva.
Mayasura An Asura renowned for his capabilities as an architect. He is also believed to be the father-in-law of the great Asura King Ravana.
Sanjaya The chief charioteer and advisor of King Dhritarashtra. He narrated details of the events that took place during the war to Dhritarashtra through divine vision granted to him by Maharishi Vyasa.
Satyaki A redoubtable Yadava warrior who fought on the Pandava side in spite of the Yadava army fighting on behalf of the Kauravas, due to his close association with the Pandavas, particularly Arjuna.
Satyavati Daughter of King Uparichara and an Apsara Adrika. She was brought up by a fisherman and was also known as Matsyagandha (one who smells like a fish). She had a son from Maharishi Parashara as a maiden who in turn replaced her disagreeable body odour with a sweet musk fragrance. This son of theirs went on to become the great Maharishi Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata. He was also known as Krishna Dvaipayana (meaning ‘the Dark one born on an island’) on account of his complexion and the place where he was born.
Shalya The powerful ruler of the Kingdom of Madra and brother of Madri (wife of Pandu and mother of Nakula and Sahadeva). Shalya also means a thorn. He was an ace charioteer and a skillful archer.
Shantanu The Puru King of Hastinapura and the youngest son of King Pratipa. His first wife was Ganga, who left him after he broke his vow of not interfering in her actions, which also led to his eighth son (Devavrata) remaining alive. The eight sons were the celestial Vasus, who had been cursed to be born as humans and Ganga had agreed to bear them as children and deliver them from the curse. He also went on to marry Satyavati (a fisherwoman).
Sharmishtha The daughter of Asura King Vrishparva. She was a friend of Devayani, the daughter of Shukracharaya, the guru of Asuras. She had bitter rivalry with Devayani and she also managed to become the second wife of Yayati, whom Devayani had married earlier. Her son Puru started the Puru Dynasty.
Shikhandi Daughter of King Drupada who later turned into a man. Was Amba in her previous birth, who had vowed to be responsible for Bhishma’s death in her next life after her lover King Shalva refused to accept her back once she was abducted by Bhishma for marrying her to his half brother.
Susharma The king of Trigata who held long and bitter rivalry against the kingdom of Virata. He fought the war on the Kaurava side. He commanded a large suicide squad of ferocious warriors, also known as Samshaptakas.
Takshaka A venomous snake or a Naga tribal chief, who some associate with the Ikshvaku dynasty to which Lord Rama also belonged. He lived in the Khandava forest before it was burnt down by Arjuna. After this incident he established his own kingdom known as Takshashila. He also became a robber after being expelled from his kingdom for harassing his neighbouring kingdoms. He sought refuge from his friend Lord Indra several times under distress.
Vichitravirya The younger son of Shantanu and Satyavati. He succeeded to the throne of Hastinapura after his elder brother Chitrangada was killed in battle with a Gandharva of the same name. He married Ambalika and Ambika, but could not have children from them due to his untimely death.
Vidura A half brother of Dhritarashtra and Pandu. He was born to a maid servant of Ambika when she refused to conceive another child through Maharishi Vyasa and sent her maid instead. He is believed to be a part incarnation of Lord Dharma (Yama), who had received a curse from a sage to be born in human form. He served as the Prime Minister in Dhritarashtra’s court and was renowned for his knowledge of statecraft. His dialogue with Dhritarashtra on the subject is considered to be a precursor to the famous compilation of Chanakya (Arthashastra).
Virata The King in whose domain the Pandavas took refuge in disguise during their year of living incognito during their exile. His daughter Uttaraa married Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu and their son Parikshit succeeded to the throne of Hastinapura after Yudhishthira. He was killed by Dronacharaya in the war.
Yayati One of the ancestors of the Kauravas and Pandavas. His sons Puru and Yadu started the Puru and Yadu dynasties. He was cursed by Shukracharya to become prematurely old. After that he traded his old age with the youth of his son Puru, which he enjoyed for a long time. Having understood the futility of worldly pleasure, he returned the youth to his son, made him his successor and retired to forest for penance. He is believed to have ascended to heavens in human form.
Glossary
Adharma An unrighteous, unethical or irreligious act.
Agni Fire (Fire God).
Agni Astra The Divine weapon that discharges huge flames of fire.
Amogh One that never fails.
Angaraj King of Anga.
Anjalika A divine shaft used by Arjuna to kill Karna.
Apsaras Celestial nymphs.
Ashram Hermitage.
Ashvamedha Horse Sacrifice Yajna conducted to extend sovereignty.
Ashvini Kumaras The twin gods of medicine.
Asuras Demons.
Baba (Vernacular); Father, or a way of addressing an elderly man.
Bhagavaan God.
Bharatavarsha The territory of India as it existed in ancient times.
Bhargava Astra A Divine weapon named after Lord Vishnu. It causes a shower of powerful weapons. Bhargava is another name of Parashurama
Bhiksham Dehi A request for seeking alms.
Brahmin A person with spiritual knowledge. A class/caste to which priests and teachers belong.
Brahma The creator (One of the Hindu Trinity).
Brahma Astra A divine weapon named after Lord Brahma. Capable of causing utter destruction. The most destructive weapon considered to be equivalent of modern nuclear weapon.
Chakra Wheel.
Daanaveera Exceptionally munificent (generous).
Darshan Vision.
Dasi (Daasi) Maid.
Desha A country or a region.
Deva A demigod.
Devaraj The King of gods.
Devarishi A sage of highest order.
Devata God.
Deveshvara Leader or king of gods.
Devi Goddess; or way to address a lady with respect.
Dharmaraj The Lord (god) of Death.
Dharma Law; Order; Duty; Model Conduct; Custom; Right way of life.
Didi An elder sister (vernacular).
Digvijaya Achieving victory in all directions.
Dvapar (Dvaapara) The third of the four Yugas (ages), described in Hindu scriptures. Believed to consist of 864 thousand years.
Gandiva (Gaandiva) The celestial Bow created by Lord Brahma used by Arjuna during the war of Kurukshetra.
Ganesha The elephant-headed God (Son of Shiva).
Ganga The holiest river of India.
Ghat A series of steps leading to the waters of a river built on river banks for access to the water.
Gopies Cowherd Girls.
Guru Master or Teacher.
Guru Putra Son of a teacher.
Gurudakshina Fee charged by the teacher after the completion of education.
Gurudeva Respectful salutation for a Guru.
Gurukula A residential school/college of ancient times.
Homadhenu A cow whose milk was used exclusively for conducting Yajnas (fire rituals).
Indra The Rain-god; King of gods.
Indra Astra A divine weapon, which would bring upon a shower of arrows from the sky.
Janama A birth.
Jaya Victory.
Kaka Paternal uncle (Younger brother of father).
Kaliyuga The last of the four Yugas (ages) described in Hindu scriptures. Corresponds to the prevailing times. Believed to consist of 432 thousand years. The Yuga will end with total extermination of entire creation followed by another cycle of ages.
Karma Actions.
Kauravas Sons of Dhritarashtra.
Keshava One of the names of Sri Krishna (one with long and beautiful hair).
