Bhimsena – the second among the Pandavas, was like Balaramadada. Bhimsena’s prowess was dazzling, like at the time of the killing of Jarasandha. Many people had even accepted his prowess many times. Bhimsena was not just gallant, but also thoughtful and intelligent. It was just that he frequently displayed his physical power and not so much his intelligence. What if Bhimsena had displayed it with all its subtleties? Would he have become Krishnadeva? Certainly not! There were only two ways to comprehend the matchless magnitude of Krishnadeva – either the ‘Neti Neti’ way – reaching the ultimate reality by way of negating and removing the obstructions produced by ignorance or the ‘Asti Asti’ way – by believing in his presence by assertion. And yet no one could comprehend his magnitude in its entirety. Bhimsena’s intellect was evident in what he had said to Kuntimata in the lacquer house, while living in the forest. In the entire journey of the Pandavas’ life the armour of Bhimsena’s valour was of great value. Imagine the Pandavas without Bhimsena. It had become clear, at least to me, how many difficulties they would have faced then. The notable thing about Bhimsena was that he himself never claimed to be the armour of his brothers. Draupadi always sought support in quiet Bhimsena. Keeping this quality of Bhimsena in mind once
I asked Krishnadeva, “Would you find Bhimsena to be an
apt Pandava commander in the future if such an occasion
arises?”
He didn’t at all get flustered by my unexpected question and smiling casually he promptly answered, “Bhimsena is perfectly suitable to be the commander of any army. But I wouldn’t do it if such need arises! Because just as it is quite hard to motivate Bhimsena’s valour, it is even harder to control him once he is motivated. There is also a reason why Bhimsena becomes so motivated and uncontrollably gallant on the battlefield. Whatever he wants to say about the fair rights of Pandavas, wife Draupadi, and mata Kuntidevi, remains unexpressed in his subconscious mind. Those suppressed emotions manifest in very aggressive valour on the battlefield.”
“Isn’t anybody strong enough to control him?” I would ask Krishnadeva. He would say, “It is not exactly so. Bhimsena’s foremost quality is his devotion to his mother. But there is a big difference in his devotion and Yudhishthira’s devotion towards their mother. In Yudhishthira’s devotion, there is a tinge of obedience as he is older in age. Bhimsena’s devotion to his mother is pure. It is spontaneous. If Kuntimata tells him to ‘stop’ he would never go forward. And I am the second person who can make him ‘stop’. But I am going to be unarmed on the battlefield, and I am not even going to be his charioteer. And to tell you the truth commander, my wish is that Bhimsena should be uncontrollably valiant instead of being the commander of the Pandavas. The responsibility of being a commander sets limitations on one’s valour.”
I would ask him the next question, “Then master archer Arjuna is the only one who remains as the commander of lakhs of Pandava warriors of Indraprastha! What do you think of him?” Hearing my question, he would give his usual pure, charming smile. Approaching me he would keep his arm on my shoulder and say, “Satyaki, there are many reasons why Arjuna is my most favourite. I cannot think of the Pandavas, Indraprastha and even the entire world including Dwaraka without Arjuna. He is not only Savyasachi who uses both hands equally skilfully for brandishing all kinds of weapons but he is also a cautious and humble disciple who exercises the most potent weapon of his intellect with all its facets. I like his attitude of being a perpetual student from the bottom of my heart. That is why whatever I want to convey to all the people I say only to Arjuna, as I consider him as their representative. He understands that knowledge multiplies by sharing it with others. To add to that he is also polite and humble which is a rare quality. Throughout his talk about Arjuna he would of course skilfully avoid telling me that he himself was the Narayana. But that was what would touch me the most. And I would feel that Arjuna was Krishnadeva’s shadow.
Then I would ask Krishnadeva many things only about Arjuna. I would feel convinced that just like commander Skanda was the perfect commander for the Gods, master archer Arjuna could be the perfect commander of the Pandavas, Yadavas and Kauravas. My assessment of Arjuna was that the most powerful Narayana – Krishnadeva had adjudged him as the best Nara. I felt my assessment of Arjuna was quite apt.
Still, I wanted to know more about the remaining two Pandava brothers from Krishnadeva. So, I would ask him, “What do you think of Nakula and Sahadeva, the sons of Madri?” Here too, correcting my unintentional mistake he would say, “Satyaki, they are not only Madreyas or sons of Madri but also of Kunti. They are twins. Both are experts in horses. Nakula is exquisitely handsome like our Pradyumna and therefore very attractive. As they were born together it is necessary to think of their lives as a coexistence. Just as both of them are connected to each other they are also connected with the other three Pandava brothers. This second connection usually escapes the attention of the common man. Then they unwittingly end up separating Nakula-Sahadeva from the Pandavas by calling them Madreyas. If you observe carefully you will come to know that Kunti aatya unmistakably noticed this and brought them up as ‘Pandavas’ inculcating the same sanskaras in them, and not as Kaunteyas or Madreyas.”
Whenever the topic of Kuntimata came up in a discussion, the Lord of Dwaraka would talk abundantly about her. The whole world knew that Krishnadeva had two mothers. His biological mother Devakidevi, and foster mother Yashodadevi who nurtured him. Very few people had realized that Kuntidevi was like his third mother; Bhavamata – the one emotionally connected with him! Krishnadeva was her bhacha but she herself was also an ardent devotee of Krishnadeva. She always said to him, “Krishna, never keep me without any adversity. Whenever there is adversity I remember you without fail. I cannot forget the fact that your other aatyas forgot you as they were always happy and faced no problems. Some of their sons even went against you. I don’t mind if the whole world doesn’t support me at all. But your blessings should always be with me and my sons.”
Just as Krishnadeva had three mothers he also had three sisters. As he and Uddhavadeva used to say, Ekananga, the daughter of Nandababa and Yashodadevi of Gokul was his first sister. Subhadradevi from Dwaraka was already well known as the beloved sister of two great Yadavas – Balaramadada and Krishnadeva. The third sister was Draupadidevi. She was more fortunate than the first two sisters. She was not only his sister but had also become his beloved Sakhi. She was lucky to have achieved what no other woman could – to be the wife of five great men and the sister-Sakhi of the one and only Narayana. It was because of this fortune of hers that I had utmost respect for Draupadidevi in my heart, as much as for the mother of the Pandavas.
Thus, whenever I began thinking about the Pandavas and their ladies, the Kurus of Hastinapura and their ladies, and we Yadavas of Dwaraka and our ladies, various charming facets of Krishnadeva would become apparent to me. He was the focus of all these men and women. Indeed, his life was like the Kaustubh jewel in his pearl necklace resting on his chest, dispersing various shades around. His life was like the iridescent peacock feather that he bore on his head – colourful!
Many different men and women from the three centres of power – Hastinapura, Indraprastha and Dwaraka held a specific position in the life of the Lord of Dwaraka. One thing in the royal palace of Dwaraka had also acquired such a position. That thing had sort of become a living being. It was the Srisopana in the royal palace of the Yadavas. The Lord of Dwaraka loved the Srisopana as much as he loved Dwaraka. He had paid personal attention in the making of the Srisopana from time to time as much as he had focused on the creation of the city of Dwaraka. The number of its broad golden steps had increased considerably now. It had become much grander. The wide, quite tall and spacious staircase with many glistening golden steps had now become venerable like an esteemed forefather to all the Yadavas. There were two golden lions with thick manes and their jaws wide open at the starting points of the railings on both its sides. They symbolized strength.
Nowa
days the Lord of Dwaraka had started sitting on the stone seats located near the western Aindra gate of Dwaraka for hours together. Often Uddhavadeva and Daruka would accompany him. There would be various warriors such as Chief Minister Vipruthu, Shini, Avagaha, and Kritavarman. But I would always be there every time without fail. Staring at the foaming, continuous waves of the western ocean in high tide he would say to me, “Commander Satyaki, human life is also like this ocean. It is characterized by change every single moment.” At such times, I would keep silent and just keep listening to him attentively. Lately, his speech was such, which made one listen to him attentively. You never had enough of it no matter how much you heard him.
During one such talk he asked me, “Commander, in the Kuru army how exactly would you place the world conqueror, maharathi Karna who has donated his Kavacha-kundala?”
“After giving away the Kavacha-kundala, Karna, the charioteer’s son, went to Mount Mahendra and obtained the divine astra called ‘Brahma’ from Bhagvan Parashurama. But a holy cow named Shubhada was killed by his arrow unknowingly while hunting. There itself the Brahmin owner of the cow inflicted a heart-breaking curse on him – ‘Mother earth will consume the wheel of your chariot right at the time of war just like you have consumed my aashrama by killing this cow.’ Even before that, after he obtained the Brahmastra, Gurudeva Parashurama had also cursed him saying, “You won’t remember the mantras of Brahmastra during wartime.” The reason behind this curse was that Karna had lied about his caste to gain the Brahmastra. The cursed Karna today without the Kavacha-kundala is just like the king of the jungle, the lion, with his claws removed. In my opinion he doesn’t have any significant standing in the Kuru army.” I put forth all the details about Karna that I knew as a commander.
He looked once at the western ocean and once at me and smilingly said, “Commander Satyaki, you are wrong! This ocean in front of us is also bound by high tides and low tides, but could it be considered any less powerful because of that? Karna is also the same in the Kuru army. What if the Kauravas appoint him as their commander? Then it’s going to be very tough for the Pandavas. That is why I am going to try my best to see that the Pandavas get all their rights in a peaceful manner. For that I will have to go to Hastinapura for diplomatic talks. During that visit, Satyaki, as my loyal escort I want you with your troop of extremely loyal bodyguards with me. I am telling you right now that as per his nature Duryodhana will not listen to my diplomatic advice. Rather it is quite possible that he may try to sabotage me. The arrogant, mighty, insolent kings whom I have obliterated were nothing compared to Duryodhana. It is going to be Duryodhana who we will have to deal with. It cannot be said now how things will turn out eventually.”
Now I got a tiny glimpse of what was going through his mind.
A royal envoy arrived in Dwaraka from Upaplavya with a message from Yudhishthira. As per the wish of the great Pandava Yudhishthira who had come out of incognito living, the Lord of Dwaraka left for Upaplavya. As decided I was with him along with my loyal escort troop. Upaplavya was a town in the Matsya kingdom located on the southern border of Indraprastha and the western border of Hastinapura. As we had travelled on the path from Dwaraka to Indraprastha a number of times, we knew it like the back of our hands. Our escort troop of select Yadava warriors arrived at Upaplavya along with Krishnadeva. As soon as we arrived here first of all the Lord of Dwaraka sent Dhaumya rishi and Gargamuni to Hastinapura. They finished their assigned duties and came back to Upaplavya. Sanjaya, the royal minister of Hastinapura, arrived in Upaplavya right after them. He had brought a persuasive message from Maharaja Dhritarashtra for the great Pandava Yudhishthira. In the council at Upaplavya Sanjaya presented that message to Krishnadeva in the presence of all five Pandavas, Draupadidevi and Kuntimata. As he was a Krishna devotee Sanjaya had to harden his heart and read the message in a very low voice. The so-called kind-hearted Maharaja Dhritarashtra had an atrocious and merciless message for his putane who had just come in the open after spending twelve years in forests and one year incognito. But it was in a deceptively sweet diplomatic language, ‘Pandavas are used to forest living. They are used to living on alms. They should spend their remaining lives in forests seeking alms and praying to God. They should not bother to come to Hastinapura!’
Hearing that hypocritical and humiliating message Draupadidevi burst out with rage as per her nature. She spoke directly in clear words, “Who are the people of Hastinapura
to decide whether we should seek alms or make others seek alms?”
Kuntimata had respect in her heart for Sanjaya who was a Krishna devotee. Trying to abate the sharp response of her daughter-in-law she said, “Oh Sanjaya, we are not seeking alms from the Kurus. We are asking that justice be served. If we ask for the kingdom of Hastinapura Maharaja Dhritarashtra should dutifully return it to us as he was appointed the trustee of the kingdom. My sons have completed twelve years of living in the forest and one year of incognito life as per the conditions. Now as per the condition he should honourably return the kingdom to my sons. His actions will safeguard the pride of his kingdom and the honour of my sons.”
But Krishnadeva sent a message through Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra as if it was for a a devotee. It said, ‘If we are to seek alms we will begin from Hastinapura itself. Oh Kuru minister Sanjaya, let the great Kuru know that I am coming to Hastinapura in person for mediation.’
Kuru minister Sanjaya left from Upaplavya. Krishnadeva immediately called for a meeting of the Pandavas on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartika. He said to all the Pandavas, “Brothers, on your behalf I am going to appeal for your rightful share of the kingdom in the ancient royal assembly of the Kurus. Whatever I will speak, it will be in your favour only. Still, I want to know clearly whether I have your unconditional permission including that of your wife and mother for this mediation. Would every word that I say be agreeable to you? What do you think?”
Hearing that, all Pandavas whispered among themselves for some time. They spoke with Draupadidevi and Kuntimata in subdued voices. Then they quickly took a unanimous decision and presented it through Yudhishthira and Kuntimata. The eldest Pandava Yudhishthira said, “Srikrishna, we all will accept whatever mediations you do.”
Kuntimata seconded her eldest son who always obeyed his mother and said, “Krishna, I firmly believe that Dharma and Victory go hand in hand in your presence. Whatever you do will always be right. My sons, daughter-in-law and I am giving you complete authority to speak on behalf of us whatever you deem right in the royal council of the Kurus.”
The day of Kartiki Paurnima dawned, tearing the veil of fog. From the western gates of Hastinapura Krishnadeva, Daruka and I entered the royal capital of the Kurus along with the escort of select Yadava warriors.
Today the citizens of Hastinapura were going to see Krishnadeva after a long time. That is why the entire city was bursting with energy and vigour. We were not directly going to the royal assembly of the Kurus. We took a halt in a small town called Vrikasthala on the outskirts of Hastinapura, on the banks of Ganga. A devotee of Krishnadeva lived here. He was also a friend of Vidura. We had dinner at his place. Mahamantri Vidura had made arrangements for our other troops.
The first day of the dark fortnight of Kartika dawned. The news of our arrival at Vrikasthala had reached the royal capital. As usual Krishnadeva had woken up at the Brahma Muhurta today. He performed his morning rituals including Sandhya, worshipping the cows, remembering the gurus, offering water to the manes, chanting of mantras, and giving charities. The spirited citizens had decorated the entire path from the town to the royal city.
Grandsire, Vidura, minister Sanjaya, Chief Minister Vrishavarma and Aacharya Drona arrived in Vrikasthala to welcome the Lord of Dwaraka. Karna, the king of Anga and the guru’s son Ashwatthama also accompanied them.
White-bearded grandsire spread both his arms wide and calling him ‘Oh Vaasudeva’ he held Krishnadeva in a deep embrace. The other three also inquired about his wellbei
ng. Karna directly touched Krishnadeva’s feet saying ‘my respects to you, Yadavaraja’. I clearly heard Krishnadeva whisper ‘May you be victorious Karna’.
The four of us – Krishnadeva, Gargamuni, Daruka and I climbed into the Garudadhwaja chariot. Tall grandsire Bhishma was also with us in the chariot standing on the right of Krishnadeva. Daruka steered our chariot. Many lines of chariots and armed troops followed us. Krishnadeva’s procession for mediation began in Hastinapura. The citizens of Hastinapura continuously showered fragrant flowers and vermillion on him with devotion amidst the cacophony of various instruments.
Krishnadeva began acknowledging the affection of the people of Hastinapura with a smile on his face joining both his hands. Charioteer Daruka’s dress was also covered with vermillion. He couldn’t even steer the Garudadhwaja chariot properly as the eyes of the horses were filled with vermillion powder. In half an hour, our Garudadhwaja chariot had barely moved a few inches forward. As the Sun god began ascending in the sky the slogans welcoming Krishnadeva reached their
peak.
Duryodhana was the only one who had not come to see and welcome my Lord – Krishnadeva! As he had not come Shakuni had also not come. Their brothers also had not come. How unfortunate all of them were!
In the scorching midday heat Daruka brought the Garudadhwaja chariot in front of the gates of the ancient royal palace of Hastinapura. My Lord Krishnadeva calmly descended from the chariot with a smile while shaking off the vermillion powder spread over his body and gathering his shawl together. Then the royal Kuru ladies approached with salvers of lamps to perform Aukshan. Leading them were rajmata Gandharidevi, Duryodhana’s wife Bhanumatidevi, Karna’s wife Vrishalidevi, Vidura’s wife Parasavidevi, Dushaladevi visiting her parental home, Chief Minister Vrishavarma’s wife, and Drona’s wife Kripidevi.
Srikrishna- the Lord of the Universe Page 80
