Architect Maya, and his assistants Taraksha, Kamalaksha and Vidyunmali arrived in Dwaraka according to dada’s instruction to the new Chief Minister. Vishwakarma also came. Renovation of the Srisopana commenced as per dada’s instruction under the guidance of Gargamuni. Dada himself supervised this project. He was giving minute directions to the craftsmen. That is when I realized that the Srisopana was going to be dada’s favourite treasured memory henceforth.
One such time while we were supervising this work, a servant brought the news that Sudamadeva had come to visit. Dada immediately sent him back to fetch Sudama and present him there respectfully.
Servants brought Sudama to us near the Srisopana. Now he also looked quite aged. But his frame was still the same thin and sinewy. He still carried a cloth bag on his shoulder as usual with his dear-to-heart sandalwood slippers in it.
Dada instantly spread both his arms and pulled him in a deep embrace. Sudama whispered as if he was talking to himself, “What – what a Great War! I couldn’t get any – any news about you! That is why I couldn’t resist and came here in person. Oh Keshavaa, how – how are you?”
Releasing him from the embrace dada held him in front by both his shoulders, smiled and said, “This is how I am – how are you doing? Where is the cloth bundle containing my favourite treat sent by vahini?”
Sudama pulled out the cloth bundle of his sentimental gift for his friend and while handing it to the Lord of Dwaraka, he glanced at me. Dada realized what he was wondering about and putting his hand on my shoulder said, “Sudamana, this is our Uddhava – my Udho – he has become Avadhuta now!”
My saffron dress had confused Sudama. At first, he did not recognize me. Then getting elated, he spread his arms and embraced me just as he had embraced dada. None of us spoke anything for a while. How can I say that we didn’t speak anything? Actually, we spoke volumes with each other, silently!
The craftsmen working on the renovation of the Srisopana stopped their work and amused, kept witnessing our emotional reunion. When dada cast just a glance at them they resumed the renovation of Srisopana.
For about a month Maya, his team and Vishwakarma worked diligently following Gargamuni’s instructions for the grand renovation of the Srisopana. Now the Srisopana had more than one hundred steps with gold-plated copper sheets. It meant that dada had at least these many men and women, maybe more, in his life who were close to his heart and whom he had chosen and remembered. No one around him knew in whose memory all those steps were built and in what order. Even I didn’t know it. And Arjuna was so far away – in Hastinapura.
There in Hastinapura, preparations were completed for Yudhishthira’s coronation. Just as the Pandava priest Dhaumya rishi had vigilantly made preparation for the Rajasuya Yajna he did the same for this function too. He had Yaaja-Upayaaja of the Panchalas, Gargamuni from Dwaraka, and many learned and wise sages and hermits from various kingdoms for assistance. Now Pandava horse riders had dispersed in various directions to distribute the invitations for Yudhishthira’s coronation. The Pandavas had organized this ceremony only after consulting dada from time to time. Stationed in Dwaraka, dada had held the reins of all the arrangements for Yudhishthira’s coronation in Hastinapura. Therefore, the Yadavas had received the very first invitation from the Pandavas. To deliver the invitation master archer Arjuna had arrived in person along with Vrishavarma who was the former Chief Minister of the Kurus but now had become the Pandava Chief Minister, and Dhaumya rishi. Many armed troops of the Pandavas accompanied him. They were guarding various precious gifts for the Yadavas, loaded in the bullock carts.
Eager to meet dada, Arjuna had already boarded the boat to cross the creek. But dada sent him a message through Satyaki and instructed him to wait near the coast. Dada crossed the creek and went to welcome him in person along with Balidada, me and the new chief minister. He had accepted to be his charioteer not only in the Great War but also of his life. Arjuna was going to be a brother of an officially crowned emperor. Dada wanted to set an example to all the kingdoms of Aaryavarta of how respectfully to treat him. The mission of his life was not just to help the Pandavas to gain victory in the Great War and to destroy the evil powers that wreaked havoc in the form of Duryodhana, Dushasana and Shakuni, but also to sow the seeds of precious values in Aaryavarta. Whenever he wanted to commence something new he always started it himself.
When the Lord of Dwaraka himself welcomed and brought master archer Arjuna to Dwaraka through the eastern Shuddhaksha gate lakhs of Yadava men and women of Dwaraka cheered and welcomed him like never before. When Arjuna kept the invitation for his elder brother’s coronation at the feet of Maharaja Vasudeva in the Sudharma royal assembly it reverberated with a roaring round of applause. Dada had already instructed the new Chief Minister to present gifts to the future king of the Pandavas after receiving the invitation. Accordingly, the return gift salvers were presented in front of Vasudevababa and both rajmatas for the customary touch of their hands. When Vasudevababa touched the salvers with his old trembling hands the Pandavas obtained the greatest blessing in the world.
This exchange of gifts took place in the crowded Sudharma assembly in front of thousands of Yadavas. Dada was observing all these proceedings detachedly and with a stable mind and contented eye. I could clearly see that there was a feeling of satisfaction in his eyes for fulfilling his duty.
Now Dwaraka got busy in the preparations for the travel to Hastinapura for the coronation as per Yudhishthira’s invitation. First, all the royal ladies crossed the creek with troops of armed guards and began their journey to Hastinapura. Then as the prince Balaramadada left along with all regiment leaders, selected Yadava soldiers and all his sons and those of dada. Dada summoned Kasheru, the leader of the Kamarupa women. She was now an aged married woman with many sons and daughters. Dada instructed her also to go to Hastinapura along with selected Kamarupa women. He did not forget to provide protection of armed soldiers to them.
In the very end, he sought the blessings of Vasudevababa and both the matas and sailed over the creek of Dwaraka in a big boat in his grand, embellished Garudadhwaja chariot along with me. Armed troops of Yadava soldiers accompanied us too. We travelled by the usual route, going across Saurashtra, and Aanarta, taking sojourns along the banks of river Narmada through the region of Madhyadesha. We took a sojourn near Gopalgiri. Those were the days of winter. One night we lit a big campfire outside our tent and sat around it chatting and warming ourselves. Suddenly, we heard a big commotion coming from the direction of the forests of Gopalgiri. Dada stood up at once. As he glanced at the pugnacious Yadavas in our troop, they picked up whatever weapons they could get hold of, like bow-arrow, maces, swords, and pestles and got ready to face any calamity. First, we heard the heavy tread of feet from all sides. Then we heard the rustling of bushes as they were being pushed aside to clear the way. Within moments about ten to twenty huge men holding some wild weapons in their hands came into sight. They were neither completely civil nor savage. The moment they came into our view our combative soldiers fell upon them hailing Goddess Ida. In the darkness of the night a skirmish broke out. Because of all the commotion our remaining soldiers who were sleeping in the pavilion arose and grabbing their weapons, came to our assistance. The sky-rending shouts of ‘Hail Goddess Ida’ were so loud that taking advantage of the darkness the looters retreated and disappeared like the forest wind. While going back some of the wounded looters had dropped their weapons. Some of us picked those up and showed them to dada.
All the Yadav soldiers gathered around dada while he was examining those weapons. After some time dada said, “These were wild tribes from the Maru region. It is their style to attack people suddenly. If you had not been at the ready, they might have just killed me and Avadhuta Uddhava here!”
“But who were these people, and why had they come here?” The troop leader asked dada raising his eyebrows.
“They were robbers of the Maru region who steal not only jewellery, animals, pots and pans bu
t also abduct women – they were from the Abhira caste!”
After that we sat around the campfire enjoying the warmth for a long time chatting about looters from various kingdoms. Sometime after midnight we went to our tents and slept, keeping armed guards on vigil.
In a few days, we reached the border of the Hastinapura kingdom located on the banks of Ganga. Here Balidada met us with Revativahini and all the boys. Yudhishthira and all the four Pandavas had also come to greet us at the border, bringing Kunti aatya and Draupadidevi with them. Mahatma Vidura and Sanjaya were also with them. As we entered Hastinapura the men and women of Hastinapura who were now much composed welcomed us appropriately. The Pandavas had yet to restore a lot of the damage that was done, on the strength of their virtue. This welcome was not as grand and joyous as before.
In spite of Yudhishthira’s repeated requests this time too dada decided to stay at the residence of sakha Vidura. Obviously, Satyaki, Daruka and I accompanied him.
The rituals for Yudhishthira’s coronation as the king of Hastinapura commenced in proper order on the decided Muhurta as per the scriptures. These rituals continued for an entire week. Hastinapura was again full of hustle and bustle with guests coming from various kingdoms due to their love for the Pandavas. For the entire week dada, along with me, Rukminivahini and all her sisters attended all the ceremonies carried out amidst the chanting of mantras. But while attending these ceremonies in the ancient royal palace of the Kurus he particularly followed a rule that he was determined about. He and Rukminivahini did not sit on the specially arranged golden seats even though all the Pandavas including Yudhishthira and Arjuna were lovingly insisting upon it. He sat in the guest row of the kings who attended these ceremonies. He instructed Rukminivahini to sit among the Pandava ladies. He told me to sit in the section for the royal priest and sages and hermits.
When the golden crowns of the Maharaja and Maharani of Kurus, blessed with mantras, were placed on the heads of Yudhishthira and Draupadidevi his eyes reflected great satisfaction of having fulfilled his duty. After the coronation, Maharaja Yudhishthira and Maharani Draupadi came to seek his blessings in a hall full of guests. When Yudhishthira bearing the crown of the Kurus on his head and who was senior to him in age started to bow and touch his feet dada didn’t allow him to do so. Holding his shoulders, he pulled him up and said, “Yudhishthiraa, you are elder to me. I have never allowed you and also Bhimsena to touch my feet. Now that you have become the Maharaja of the Kurus, you have become even greater. You should not touch my feet. Seek the blessings of Kunti aatya and other elders.” While he was talking to Yudhishthira Maharani Draupadidevi knelt down and put her head on dada’s feet. Dada looked at her smilingly and said, “But I gladly accept the salutations of my dear sakhi. May both of you live long and rule the kingdom befitting the glory of your ancestors.”
After seeking the blessings of all the elders Maharaja Yudhishthira and Maharani Draupadidevi ascended the royal throne. Then they spent about one ghatika in accepting the gift salvers offered by various kingdoms. After that, aged, experienced Chief Minister Vrishavarma raised the jewel-studded ancient royal sceptre of the Kurus and hailed the new Maharaja – ‘Hail the Lord of the Kurus, ruler of Hastinapura, son of Pandu, Kaunteya Maharaja Yudhishthira – Maharani Draupadidevi…’ In response, all the attendees hailed in unison.
Chief Minister Vrishavarma, an expert in royal customs glanced at dada and said precisely, “Venerable Lord of Dwaraka along with Rukminidevi is present here for this distinguished coronation ceremony in Aaryavarta. All the guests present here know very well how significant this coronation ceremony is against the backdrop of the Great War of Bharata. As the Chief Minister of this new kingdom I humbly request the Lord of Dwaraka that both of them should approach the royal altar and bless the new Maharaja and Maharani.”
Dada had astutely dodged the responsibility of giving blessings to Yudhishthira. I was curious to see how he was going to dodge the request of the aged minister. Dada respectfully kept the minister’s word. He approached the royal throne on the royal altar. From there he cast a glance at Rukminidevi sitting in the section of the royal ladies. She understood his intention and went near him.
Many a times I had heard dada speak openly in the Sudharma royal assembly of the Yadavas. Now I was curious about what he was going to say in the royal assembly of the Kurus. With his bright eyes, he glanced all over the Kuru assembly. He spoke in a profound voice, like that of the roaring ocean, which once heard will be remembered by everyone throughout their lives, “The Chief Minister should announce that the era of ‘Yudhishthira-shaka’ has started in the good name of the new Kuru Maharaja Yudhishthira. To Maharaja Yudhishthira, Maharani Draupadidevi, mace warrior Bhimsena, my dear Sakha master archer Arjuna, Madreya Nakula, Sahadeva and rajmata aatya Kuntidevi and their citizens I would only say this much for the future – May all be well!!”
His speech was over at once. The applause continued even after he climbed down the royal altar and took his seat with other invited kings and Rukminidevi went to the section of the royal ladies. The people of Hastinapura and all the assembled guests of various kingdoms were cheering only one thing – ‘Hail Lord of Dwaraka, Vaasudeva Bhagvan Srikrishna!’
Blind Maharaja Dhritarashtra and Gandharidevi were nowhere in this grand coronation ceremony. The couple had not come in spite of a formal invitation by Yudhishthira and Draupadidevi. Aatya Kuntidevi had also urged them a lot. But speaking as usual in his ambiguous language the blind father had sent I aatya back saying, “Both of us are blind. What are we going to see there? It makes no difference whether we come there or stay here in our chamber. May you rule the kingdom happily! May your sons live long!”
But dada did not forget to visit the old couple with me before leaving Hastinapura. Touching the feet of the old king he said, “Maharaja – Maharani – I, Srikrishna of Dwaraka – the son of Maharaja Vasudeva pay my respects to you with my wife Rukmini.” But this time old Maharaj Dhritarashtra groped with his hands for dada’s shoulders, holding him in front of him passionately. The tears lingering at the edges of his blind eyes trembled.
The blind father tightly squeezed dada’s upper arms and heart-wrenchingly said, ‘Oh Krishna…!’ Till date as an imperial ruler he had always addressed dada as the ‘Lord of Dwaraka, son of Vasudeva or Srikrishna’. Today the father who had lost a hundred sons instinctively called him ‘Krishna’ with affection like Kunti aatya.
“Krishna, you have been doing so many things for so many people all your life. Now do only one thing for this father with a devastated heart, mourning his one hundred sons. Tell Yudhishthira to arrange for my Vanaprasthashrama along with Gandhari. We can’t stay in Hastinapura even for a moment now.”
Dada had surmised what he was going to say. He calmly said to Maharaja Dhritarashtra, “I urge both of you to remain in Hastinapura. I am going to leave Hastinapura only after instructing Pandava Maharaja Yudhishthira that Maharaja Dhritarashtra and Maharani Gandharidevi should always be treated honourably and respectfully by everyone. The moment you feel insulted you are free to leave Hastinapura and go to the forest. Elders should not ask something in favour, they should give. I, Srikrishna – son of Vasudeva, Lord of Dwaraka, urge you to do me this favour!”
Dada had not left any chance of argument for Maharaja Dhritarashtra. He inadvertently ended up saying, “As you wish Krishna…!”
From there dada and I, along with the others came to aatya Kuntidevi’s chamber to bid farewell. While going there dada said to me, “Avadhouta, our aatya Kuntidevi would have definitely gone to the forest to serve this old couple as per grandsire’s instruction. No one can tell what can happen in the forest and when. Now as per my wish Maharaja Dhritarashtra and Gandharidevi will stay back in Hastinapura and aatya will automatically have to stay back.”
As dada had surmised when we touched aatya Kuntidevi’s feet and said our goodbyes to her she firmly said, “Krishna…! You have fulfilled all your duties. My Yudhishthira has been crowned
the ruler of Hastinapura. My daughter-in-law has become the Maharani. Now I will go to the forest for Vanaprasthashrama.”
I started listening more cautiously to what dada was saying. I knew for sure that dada won’t be able to convince his determined aatya. Aatya will not agree with any of his clever justifications, at least not at this culminating moment of fulfilling her duty. Dada let a few moments pass by. After that he spoke in his usual playful manner to his dear aatya – “You are so eager to go to the forest! Is it such a bad idea to spend some time amidst the royal riches? It won’t hurt the forests in any way!”
Kunti aatya got a bit confused. Then she said, “You are always spinning a web of your thoughts. But I am not going to listen to any of it. I am going for sure!”
Now I was curious about what dada would do. He astutely let a few moments go by. Then he pulled his ultimate ‘Krishna style’ thought and said, “Will you be going alone or is anybody else coming with you?”
This strategy of dada worked perfectly. Kunti aatya casually said, “As per grandsire’s instruction I am going to spend my remaining life serving my brother-in-law and his wife in the forest. I am going to accompany them to the forest. Nothing is going to change my decision.”
Srikrishna- the Lord of the Universe Page 98
