24. Dronacharya on the way to Hastinapuri

Humiliated by King Drupad right before a full royal court, the fire of revenge kept consuming Dronacharya. For few days, he was mulling next course of action. The diplomat in him suggested that his objective would be better served by using another powerful kingdom against the Panchals. And what could be better than Hastinapuri for this purpose, he reasoned. Without a doubt, that kingdom was the strongest on the earth. Besides, Kripacharya, his brother in law, was already the ‘Astra Guru’ of the princes there and he was respected by one and all in that country. He knew Kripacharya would only be too happy to see him there. So on one auspicious day, he set out for the capital of the Kauravas.

By the time he was in the vicinity of the city, the sun was in the mid sky. The entire brigade of princes, Kauravas and Pandavas, were out on an excursion in that place. They were playing with a metallic ball, which somehow escaped and fell into a deep well. The princes thronged the mouth of the well and trying various tricks to retrieve it without success. Dronacharya, who was passing by, observed their actions with curiosity. Seeing the princes discomfited and resigned, he provoked them – ‘Seems you have not learnt basics of archery. Can’t  take a simple ball out of a well?’ The princes felt humiliated but they had no fitting answer. A smart one quipped as a face-saver, ‘Sir, it is easy to say as you have. But can you do it yourself?’ At this the Master of archery smiled and said, ‘Just behold! See how easy the task is.’ Before the assembly of the curious princes the Acharya took a sharp-edged straw, and darted it inside the well. Surprisingly that straw pierced the ball. Then he shot another straw that  pierced the first one’s tail. Quickly he built a chain of straws and using the chain easily pulled   the ball out.’ This was the display of a sublime skill that left the princes dumbfounded. To their further astonishment now he threw a ring from his finger into the well and retrieved it by shooting an arrow. The princes had never seen anything so wonderful till then. Whereas few clung to the Acharya inquiring about his identity, the rest rushed to the grandfather Bhisma to recount the story.

23. Dronacharya leaves Drupad's court hurt, insulted

And, so Drona went on to remind Drupad of their past association. In the course, Drona reminded the king of the latter’s promise. The eyes of those present shone with interest on hearing Drona’s story. An irritated Drupad cut short Drona.and said –

‘You say we were close friends. Yet, I don’t recall any association. It does not befit a Brahmin to lie thus.’

Drona was left speechless at these words. Drupad continued –

‘You try to conjure imaginary friendship between the two of us only for your selfish interests. Hear me, O Brahmin, friendship is for two equals. Even if we were friends in our early days as you speak, that was okay then for we were equal as children. But, now I am the King of a huge empire and you are a penniless beggar trying to make money by sketching relationships. Ridiculous to claim any friendship between the two of us.’

Standing frozen, Drona could hear a couple of stifled laughs in the court. His heart was pounding, and blood gushing to his brain. Yet, he silently stood there as if the goddess of speech had forsaken him.

‘Had you come here as a beggar, I would have given you alms as befitting a Brahmin. You on the other hand, come here and tell me of your claim on half of the Panchal kingdom.’

On this Drona blurted out –

‘You have misunderstood .. I don’t ask for half ..’

‘There is no place for people like you in Panchal. Leave the court immediately and don’t bring such ideas into your mind any more’, Drupad cut him short.

His hands cold, eyes and ears shocked, Drona did not know how to react.

Surrounded by murmuring and chuckles in the court, the Brahmin walked out of the court. Drupad’s words fired the fuel of Drona’s honour and inflamed the fire of revenge.

21. King Drupad - a happy and contented man

The palace of King Drupad in Kampilyanagari looked stunning. His court was huge, and adorned with a number of great people from different spheres of life. Seated at his bejeweled crown, Drupad looked at the court and felt satisfied and happy. Most of his problems have passed away like bad dreams. His daughter turned son Shikhandi has groomed up as an excellent prince and warrior. He also got a pair of heavenly children – a son and a daughter from the sacred fire of the ‘Yajna’ – Dhristadumnya and Draupadi. They too were growing up nicely.  A successful king and administrator, he had handled his responsibilities- both royal and domestic- well, and his subjects were happy.

 He did not care to remember much of his past – his childhood, his education, his friends. The present was a comfortable and enjoyable time.

Way back, in his teens, while taking lessons on scripture and archery, he had a very good friend, Drona. Son of sage Bharadwaj, Drona was poor, but, exceptionally bright as a student. Drupad had found a faithful companion in him, who helped him throughout their childhood association. Driven by the spirit of deep friendship, Drupad once promised Drona half his kingdom after he would ascend the throne.

20. REUNION BETWEEN PANDAVA BROTHERS

Since Bhim went missing, his brothers went about their daily chores but as if they were lifeless. For past some time the boys were taking their arms training from the revered Kripacharya. The vanishing of Bhim had snatched their interest to live, let alone learn. However, Duryodhan seemed to be very ebullient and happy which confirmed their suspicion that he had a role in Bhim’s disappearance.

 

On the eighth morning as the crest-fallen brothers were preparing to go for yet another day’s routine arms lessons, there was  huge banging on the door. Yudhisthir opened it, and the sweetest surprise was waiting to unravel. On the other side of the door stood Bhim dressed in elegant white. He appeared full of strength and vigour. There was a tearful reunion and Bhim narrated the full story starting from how he was poisoned by Duryodhan. The family decided that from now on the brothers should remain very alert and protect each other. They knew their fear was not imaginary and that dangers could arise any time from known or unknown sources. At the same time, Yudhisthir advised that it would be unwise to let their cousins know that they have found out the intentions and role of Duryodhan. Five brothers decided they would pretend as if they knew nothing.

 

Duryodhan and Dushashan were surprised to see Bhim back. Not only that, they were intrigued to find out he has grown much stronger on return. They could not solve the riddle. Visibly unhappy and dismayed they kept looking for next chances to harm their cousins.

19. RETURN OF BHIM

As the relationship was unveiled, the tension and enmity disappeared as if in flash. After a hearty embrace by the grand dad, Bhim was ushered into the palace. He was badly injured and exhausted. Vasuki took every care to nurse him back to health. Some of his ministers suggested that Bhim be given ‘nectar’ for drinking. It was a very generous suggestion as Nagaloka reserved this rare drink for very special purposes.  The fiercest and strongest of the Naga soldiers safeguarded this drink for ages. As the king happily agreed to the proposition, the most coveted beverage in the earth was served to his young descendant. Before the tender and caring eyes of his hosts the Pandava drank the nectar. And it was sheer magic. All his tire and fatigue vanished and what is more, he felt his whole self was inundated by endless waves of energy as if those flowed from an infinite storehouse. As he was trying to make out the reason for his sudden transformation, Vasuki affectionately said that this nectar has now invested him with the strength of a thousand of adult elephants. Even earlier Bhim had great physical strength. Now he felt he could shake the earth.

 Bhim had a pleasant stay in the Nagalok. On the eighth day, Vasuki said,

 ‘Son, how I wish you stayed here for many more days. But I am worried about your mother and brothers. They must have turned a tormented lot by now. It would be selfish to detain you here. You should return to them without more delay.’

The strange course of events over the last few days had Bhim nearly forget his family. As soon as they came into his mind, he was nostalgic and prepared to return. Dressed in an elegant white cloth and forehead smeared with sandal powder he took leave of his great grandfather. A few giant snakes carried him on their hood and reached them on the riverbank. Bubbling with energy and enthusiasm, Bhim started for his home.

18. Vasuki, the king of the serpent country, embraces Bhim

Some distance away, the battle was still raging. The snakes would have numbered to several hundreds. But, by now, most preferred to slip into crevices in the watery rocks. During this time, the huge frame of Vasuki could be seen approaching from the west. It did not take long for Bhim to take notice of the towering figure. For a moment, Bhim did feel that this fight may not be an easy one. However, as it was to be, Vasuki’s appearance itself had a calming influence on everyone present, including Bhim. The fierce combat stopped. Looking at the graceful, charming and presently gravely injured Bhim, Basuki was suddenly flooded with tender feelings and he said:

 

‘Young man, you seem to be a prince. What’s your name? Tell me, how did you land here?’

Although generally aggressive, Bhim was touched by the affection. He responded:

‘I am Bhim, son of queen Kunti’.

Curious and beginning to understand the reasons for his attraction for the young lad, Vasuki said,

‘Kunti!  You mean the daughter of King Kunti Bhoj?’

‘Yes Sir. Precisely so. Do you know her?’

Vasuki rushed and embraced Bhim and said,

‘Very much dear. She is my granddaughter. I am so happy that I ‘m meeting her son today. Son! Come closer, give me a hug.’

17. Snakes run away ftom Bhim, rushes to Vasuki

With hundreds of poisonous snakes wriggling around his body hissing in anger and biting without relent, any one else would have been mortally afraid. But Bhim knew no fear. His first action was to tear asunder the ropes that restricted his mobility. Then caught hold of some of his enemies by their tail, tossed them around and threw away. Yet some others were simply crushed to death. The snakes were already upset that the venom, their most potent weapon, was of no use against this strange enemy. On top of that they were least prepared for a full-scale physical assault. Soon they were discomfited, left the field and rushed to Vasuki, their revered king.  

As they began to narrate their ordeal, their voices quivered in fear:

‘Your highness, the lord of the Nagaloka! …No less than a wonder that we are able to present ourselves to your majesty, our body and soul together,... not an iota of exaggeration this, Master, believe us...’.

The huge frame of the king was calm, while he learned about the extraordinary boy with amused attention.

‘We had to exercise all tricks at our command to escape from that boy. He verily looks the incarnation of death and has been causing mayhem in your peaceful kingdom. We submit your majesty visit the place – that backyard of death without delay.’

16. Bhim in the country of serpents

Both the land and sky were enveloped by the darkness of the night. This added to the mystery of the river womb, which also came under the spell of the night and seemed to have turned black. However, the continuous stream of water kept moving southwards as if in a procession bound for the sea. As Bhim, with his hands and legs securely tied, was drifting towards the riverbed, the streams passing across seemed to caress his body and say, ‘Son, you are safe here’.

For long he remained unconscious under the influence of a strong poison administered to him through the eatables. After landing in the riverbed, he started regaining consciousness amidst painful feelings of being bitten all over by sharp teeth of some creatures. Opening eyes he discovered that angry-looking snakes of various sizes and hues surrounded him. He did not know while landing on the riverbed his body fell over a medley of baby snakes literally mauling them. The cries of these babies had attracted the elders who were furious at this unwanted visitor. They unleashed their anger by biting his huge body all over. The venom their sting carried worked for a contrary purpose, as was destined. The earlier poison in his body was counteracted and Bhim came back from the jaws of death.

15. FRANTIC SEARCH FOR BHIM, NO RESULT

In the dying sunlight, Yudhisthir and his brothers were frantically searching for Bhim on the bank of the Ganges. The bonhomie, the celebration, and the feasting that enlivened the place hours ago were now replaced by an eerie silence. On that vast expanse of land there was no soul other than they four. Even servants had left after cleaning the site. Soon, the last trace of the day was devoured by the enigmatic night, which would not approve of any further searches. The brothers too were realizing it was pointless to keep groping in the darkness, yet they could not abandon their mission. But when the face of the lone, helpless, anxious mother flashed in their mind they decided to give in. Back home, the family huddled together discussing what was to be done now.

 All these days Kunti had a nagging fear that Duryodhan and some of his brothers might harm her sons, especially Bhim, whom they hated as they could never match his strength. Now that the search failed to trace Bhim, Kunti started feeling nervous. She suspected Duryodhan to have played a grave mischief but she also knew it would be of no use telling Dhritarashtra or Gandhari of her suspicion. The couple were blind in their affection for their son. Yudhisthir agreed to Kunti’s assessment. The family then brooded for some time as to what should be done now. Then they stumbled on the idea of meeting Bidur whom they reckoned was genuinely concerned about their welfare.

14. Bhim tied and drowned in the river

At the palace, Kunti had good reason to worry. The day was wearing out. Both Pandava and Kaurava children had returned home. But, Bhim was not to be seen anywhere. She started growing restive.

 Sensing his Mother’s tension, and assessing the situation, Yudhishthir with his brothers left for the riverbank to see if Bhim was still sleeping.

There at that spot, Duryadhan and Dushashan were busy executing the last leg of their plan. Duryadhan was tense. With keen eyes scanning all around, he spoke in hushed tones:

“Let us finish off quick. It will not be long before those four turn up searching here”.

Dushashan was busy tying up Bhim’s sleeping body. It was huge, and the light was dim. It was getting difficult and irritating for him. Somehow he coped with the enormous task and hapily announced:

“Almost done! Wont be long before we get rid of this monster, for ever”.

 In a moment, Duryadhan and Dushashan together dragged Bhim’s tied body to the shore of Ganges and dropped it in the water. With that, Duryadhan heaved a big sigh of relief. The duo then silently disappeared from the scene.

13. Kaurava brothers attempt to kill Bhim

At the Hastinapuri palace, the Kaurava brothers spent that night amidst intense scheming. In the next few days, they seemed to be unduly keen on creating a friendly vibe with their cousins. They reckoned this a necessity to dispel any doubt in the senior royalties about their role in the ghastly scheme that was to be commissioned soon.

An impeccably planned plot started unfurling on a pleasant day in the bank of the river Ganges. Duryadhan had organized a huge feast. There was great festivity, all young princes participating in plenty of sports. Such was the bonhomie that the hostility seemed to never have existed between the two groups!

During lunch, while all were enjoying varieties of dishes, a scheming Duryodhan had Bhim’s meal poisoned secretly. The deadly toxin was to take effect slowly, through the day. Bhim, a lover of food, ate a lot and fell asleep.

None of the Pandavas smelt any foul play. They enjoyed thoroughly and at the end of the day started returning home one by one. They decided not to disturb Bhim who seemed to be in deep sleep – they thought he would return on his own once awake.

12. Karna and Parashuram

Parashuram was renowned for his anger that consumed the awesome Kartaviryarjun. Strength personified, he had been living on the Mahendra parvat ever since he last won the earth from the kshatriyas. On seeing Karna, he was impressed. The young man in every inch looked like a god from the heavens, determination and austerity overflowing from his personality. As he prepared to rise from his seat, Karna lay prostrated at his feet.

The sage said in a voice that sounded affectionate yet thunderous:

‘Get up my boy – I don’t remember having seen you earlier. Tell me. Who are you? What brings you here, at a place where even the gods fear coming?’

‘Pray, My Lord – I am from the far off plains. My home is on the bank of the holy Ganges in the land of the Kurus. Your glory is great. You are the slayer of the mighty Kartaviryarjun. You are the guru of Bhishma and Drona. I come with the desire of being taught by you, Master - if you grant me the privilege of addressing you thus. I have walked for days, whose count I have lost, to seek your blessings. Please be kind to take me as your student’.

‘But, tell me, why are you so keen to be my student?’

‘Because my Lord, I want to be the greatest archer of the planet.’

‘I appreciate the spirit, son. But you must know I have nearly stopped teaching and do not consider any body for a disciple unless sure of his background and capabilities. Which family do you come from?’

After a very brief silence that did not seem to have happened at all, Karna spoke, ‘My Lord, I am the son of a Brahmin but my soul craves to be a warrior, better than the best. I am sure I can fulfill my dream if you bless and accept me as your student’. Karna preferred not to disclose his identity because he feared rejection if the sage knew of his modest pedigree, and thus, consider him unfit for the art of warfare.

The young man seemed to deserve a special hearing. Had it been someone else, Parashuram would have dismissed him at once. In a tone that suggested the stranger’s request was under consideration, the sage said:

‘Let me see. Meet me in the morning tomorrow.’

The next morning a test was conducted. And Parashuram did not take long to agree to take the young man as his student.

Over the next few years, Karna grew, grew immensely under Parashuram’s watchful eyes. The Guru was happy to teach Karna array of divaystras including the Brahmastra, weapon of Lord Brahma, potent enough to destroy the entire creation.

Thus began the story of a hero who was to dominate the world with the prowess of his archery.

11. Karna meets his would be Master

Although Karna had managed to keep it a closely guarded secret, he knew his destination clearly. He was prepared to travel very far to reach his coveted master in the distant mountain, Mahendra parvat. He heard about the proverbial sage warrior who had taught stalwarts like Bhisma and Dronacharya the art of using the divyastras. As he walked, high ambition and enthusiasm kept filling his heart. At the same time he also had a feeling of trepidation because the sage was equally known for his mercurial temperament.

After long days of journey, when he arrived at his Guru’s doors Karna was nearly exhausted. The sage, in his evening prayers, was seated in his asan in the courtyard. In the dying daylight his frame shone like the mid noon sun -an aura spread all around attracting awe and fear. On an extremely well-built body that stoutly defied old age, a mark of Tripundra adorned his forehead while ashes smeared on the other parts, A large glittering axe, a bow and a quiver lay near his seat. Karna sat up and waited for the sage to take notice of him.

Long hours passed before Karna would have his audience with the sage. As the Guru was slowly coming out of his meditation, Karna, both joyous and nervous at seeing the first movements, sat upright, with his palms joined.

10. Story of Karna is set to begin

As he ate, Radha, his mother, was serving the dishes hiding her emotion. Although her son had gone out intermittently in search of Gurus in the past, she knew he would be back soon. But this time, it was different. Her son had almost taken a vow either he will make it as the top-most archer of this world or never return. He was determined to move heaven and earth this time. But neither Adhirath nor Radha was sure that Karna would achieve his goal just by moving around without proper connections. But they could not dissuade him despite trying hard. Eventually they had to give in.

As Karna packed his modest belongings, Radha was unable to hold back her tears. The past years rolled past the memory lane in quick succession. It seemed only yesterday she and Adhirath found the beautiful casket on the stream of Bhagirathi. To them, a childless couple for long years, this joy of finding a divine child, was more than anything they could ever have imagined. Though certain that this child would be from a high royal family, they never tried to explore the matter lest this enormous happiness is snatched away from them. As the child grew, their happiness kept multiplying – seeing his actions of toddling, speaking in syllables. And then they themselves were not aware when he entered in his teens.

Although Radha knew Karna was not their biological son that never came in the way of her motherly feelings. She had poured out her entire love and affection on this child. At times the neighbours would whisper and gossip about their suddenly found son, but she would not care. Like his wife, Adhirath was also extremely caring about Karna and brought him up giving world of love and spending all his resources on his education and upbringing. Adhirath was a charioteer. His skill and expertise in his own profession had endeared him to King Dhritarashtra. Although he knew there was a limit up to which he can avail of a friendly relationship with a mighty king, he was prepared to take risk for the sake of his son – he would do anything. Once he put Karna under the tutelage of Kripacharya at Hastinapur by requesting Dhritarashtra. That was special favour. Immensely talented Karna finished his lessons quickly but his thirst for learning remained. He was not prepared to settle for anything ordinary in life. He had only one burning ambition – to become the greatest archer in the world. That fire within again set him on the search of a greater Guru.

Karna loved his parents immensely. Even though his father’s profession was far from a noble one, he never allowed it to affect his reverence for him. He knew that his father of modest means spent everything he had for his son’s upbringing and would do anything in his means to advance his son’s ambition. He loved his mother no less. She had put aside everything else in life to see her son’s happiness. Even though he was being erratic at times in leaving house and wandering places, his mother never showed anger or ill temper. She tried to empathize her son’s frustration and encourage him to keep trying to reach his goal. 

For sometime no one talked – it seemed the sound of words might hurt the deep emotions every one was carrying inside. Ultimately the hour of departure arrived. Karna saluted at the feet of his parents, picked up the bag and set out. The wider world and his mission were beckoning him.

9. Karna, the son of the Sun salutes his father

The dawn was about to break over Champa Nagari. The darkness that had so far enveloped the earth was bidding hasty retreat. On one ghat upon the bank of the river Bhagirathi, a boy in his late teens- just bathed, stood facing the east. The Sun was just about to ascend – in the meanwhile it was sending advance signals to the horizon of his arrival. It seemed dusts of crushed red ochre sprinkled the eastern sky giving it a pinkish glow. Soon the sun rose and its dancing image shone in the clear streaming water making it a resplendent sight. The tender sunlight fell at the tall, lean, handsome bare body of the boy. The complexion of his skin put the glitter of pure gold to shame. His facial features bore definite marks of a noble prince. But he wore a simple dhoti and that could be perplexing to any onlooker.

 

Completely unmindful of the surroundings, the boy saluted the Sun God and with folded hands reverently chanted:

          Jabakusum-o- sankasham Kashyapeyong mahaduyotim

                   Dhantarim sarbo-papoghnam prnotohosmi Divakaram

His strong, firm yet melodious voice reverberated all around. So intense and sincere were his prayers that even Sun seemed to stop for a moment, acknowledge, and then resume his journey across the sky. At that wee hours there were very few people present around. But those present were almost regulars in that ghat and witnessing this daily ritual was an attraction for them.

By the time he was finished with the ritual, his mother Radha came to call him. Her voice sounded a mix of sadness on account of an impending separation from a dear one and anxiety of the unknown:

-‘Son Karna, hurry up, must have enough food before you start. Also have to check up what to carry’

Those around knew that the young boy was set to leave Champa Nagari in search of a Guru. The profession of his adopting father Adhirath had never interested him. Though he was not aware, the blood of the loftiest of the Khsatriya royalty ran in his veins. Not only did he master the scriptures from local scholars, driven by instinct he learnt the art of warfare and archery from a number of teachers. However, the thirst of sea could obviously not be met with a cup-full of water. Every bit of his existence prompted him to go out to the wide expanse of the world in search of the right Guru. He had all the makings of a world great and he always felt an urge to be one in life.

8. Conspiracy hatched

In one evening, all princes returned to the palace except two senior Kaurava brothers. Duryodhan and Dushashan were seen in a desolate place under a banyan tree discussing something serious. It looked the matter was also secret one. They were hatching a plot to get rid of Bhim, if necessary, forever. They reckoned they would not be able to match up to the might of the middle Pandava in an open fight, even if all one hundred of them joined hands. As such they planned to host a feast and serve sweet poison to him. They knew Bhim had a soft corner for food and they wanted to silence him forever through his stomach. As they were discussing the finer points Jujutsu Raj, Dushaha, Dushal and Jalasandha – four other brothers – was seen heading towards the spot followed by a group of palace guards. Seeing Duryodhan so late in returning to palace, the anxious parents had sent the other princes to search him out. Duryodhan sent back the guards. Then he called his brothers in, narrated the plot, assigned specific responsibility to each one and cautioned them against disclosing it to others. By the time they set their foot on the path to the palace, evening was already subsumed by night. It was dark half of the lunar month. A badly truncated moon scarcely provided light. Few distant teeming stars hardly improved the matter. Walking more with the help of familiarity with the road than sight, they reached the palace. The princes tiptoed into their rooms to avoid giving any clue to their parents to the dangerous plan they had just hatched.   

7. Unhappy Kaurava brothers

Of all Kaurava royals, Duryodhan was the one most agitated – more so because these assaults were mostly one-sided. He had to see his brothers being beaten up but was not able to protect them. Another brother Dushashan shared his feelings. Dushashan was shrewd, cunning and cruel. He revelled in intrigues and conspiracies even as a child. He was daredevil type - many times committing acts of indiscretion.  But he loved his brothers, more particularly the eldest Duryodhan to whom he also showed profound loyalty. Duryodhan in turn had lots of appreciation for his brother’s advice and opinion. Two of them felt that ‘enough was enough’ and they must address the issue.

6. No bullying of my brothers, Bhim warns Duryodhan

The next day however brought in cloud and storm. As the five brothers were about to move out, Kunti asked Yudhisthir to take particular care of Sahadev. Yudhisthir, being sensible and mature, understood the mother’s concern well. In fact he was carefully monitoring relations between the cousins. But that day, despite his vigil and best efforts, a quarrel broke out between Bhim and many of the Kaurava brothers. It started with the teasing of Sahadev by his numerous Kaurava cousins prompting Bhim to come to his youngest brother’s rescue.  Soon he was surrounded by scores of Kaurava brothers. An enraged Bhim launched a fierce assault. His cousins did not expect such aggression, quickly fled and reported the tiff to Duryodhan who was some distance away. Duryodhan was greatly angered to hear the matter and arrived at the scene of the quarrel and shouted at Bhim:

‘How dare you lay hands on my brothers? You must remember you would be loitering in the forest but for us – we have given you shelter. You should behave that way, or else…’

The words were not finished when Bhim’s heavy hands fell on his shoulder pushing him hard. A scuffle ensued which almost turned bloody. Some of the scared princes went running to Bhisma and brought him to the scene.

The grandfather scolded both for the unbecoming conducts and said he would not like to see a repeat of it.

The matter was settled for the time being but the fire of revenge was lit in Duryodhan.

As days passed the quarrels became more frequent. Often these led to physical fights in which Bhim always won over the Kaurava brothers. Sometimes, he would catch two of his rival cousins by hair and hit one head against the other. While swimming in a lake, he would drown few of them forcibly and not allow them to resurface till they were fully exhausted. On a number of occasions the cousins were badly thrashed. Duryodhan would intervene at times but even he was beaten up.  These were not breaking out in open for fear of Bhisma but news regularly reached Gandhari, Dhritarashtra and Kunti. Dhritarashtra had earlier feared that the arrival of his nephews might have adverse impact on the bringing up of his sons. Now these reports were confirming his fears. At the same time, he could hardly do anything - these were children issues and the elders could not take sides. But anger kept building in his heart – particularly against Bhim. Both Gandhari and Kunti were more considerate and felt these would disappear on their own as the children grew up.

5. Five sons return home, console mother

These affectionate words reflecting both urgency and fatigue awoke Kunti from her reverie. She rose, opened the door to find her five sons standing right in front - eager to hug her and tell stories about how they spent the day. With their father no longer alive, the children had very strong bond with the mother. In later days of his life while wandering in the forest Pandu had a feeling that his immensely talented five sons were not getting the right environment to grow as true Khsatriya princes. At times he had expressed this concern to his wives Kunti and Madri. Before death suddenly and cruelly snatched him from this world, Pandu implored the queens several times to move to Hastinapuri with the children. Even if that meant absolute solitude for himself, the young princes could be brought up in the best of Kuru traditions. The bereavement of the husband was aggravated manifold by Madri’s giving up her life leaving her two sons Nakul and Sahadev to Kunti’s care. Before she could grieve enough, heavy responsibilities were thrust on her.

In spite of being a strong willed, intelligent and learned woman, Kunti was simply devastated by the rapid occurrence of these tragic events. Only her deeply spiritual life style saved her from sinking into deep depression. She decided to fight against odds and perils to restore the five children to their rightful place in Hastinapur.

She was a mother to all five brothers in equal measure – she loved them without any discrimination. However, the children felt she was more affectionate towards Sahadev, the youngest. At times they would ovingly tease her for being biased in favour of her youngest son. But was it a fact? Difficult to say because three sons of her own were so talented and good-natured that none could love them less. May be, special feeling for Sahadev could be because she had an extra responsibility towards Madri’s sons in her absence.

As Kunti sat, her five sons thronged her and narrated the day’s proceedings. She could make out that the children were happy and that Bhisma, the grandfather, was himself present to observe how they took the lessons and their special skills and abilities. Kunti was relieved. She was also relaxed that there was no quarrel or fight amongst the cousins. She stole a moment from the conversation, delved into own mind, prayed and thanked God.

4. Kunti in a reverie

The Kuntibhojas heaved a sigh of relief. Every one was in tenterhook all these days. The royal couple was gladder than all others and they grew more proud of the daughter. Gradually life returned to normalcy.

Since the saint left a childish curiosity kept tormenting Kunti to verify whether or not the mantra worked really. One morning while reclining in her bed she was looking at the sky through the huge windows of the room. At that time she chanced to see the magnificent Sun God ascending the sky. At that moment she suddenly remembered the mantra and felt an irresistible curiosity to test it.

The innocent princess chanted the mantra with a mix of disbelief and trepidation in heart. The power of mantra was however felt as soon as the chanting was complete. Its massive vibration filled her entire body sending her to a deep trance. In that she felt the presence of the immensely luminous Sun God with all his glory and magnificence. Kunti grew nervous and implored:

-‘Oh God, please forgive me! I had just tried to find out if the Mantra worked. I promise I shall never act such indiscreetly again in life.’

However, the words of the Saint could not fail. Kunti felt million of bright rays entered her body and she fell unconscious. By the time she woke up again, everything else was normal. But she carried a strange divine feeling in all her entity.

As days passed she started feeling the presence of another soul within. Fear and shame of becoming an unwed mother started engulfing her. Kunti stopped visiting her parents. Even when called, she avoided meeting them on some pretext or the other. None except her chief maid, an elderly lady, knew that she was carrying. As days progressed, Kunti got increasingly restless knowing not what to do. But the maid was an understanding motherly woman and she assured her that the child birth shall be kept a secret and they would float the new born in the nearby ‘Ashwa’ river in a secure casket so that some kind soul can pick it up and take home.

Kunti delivered a son in time. The newborn exuded aura like Sun, and in every measure looked like son of a God as if sent fresh from the heavens. The child was born with armour and earrings that declared to the world that growing up he would be invincible warrior. The more she saw him, Kunti was overpowered by tender motherly feelings. She was completely confused as to what she should do – on one hand was her divine child and on the other hand was the reputation of the Kuntibhojas. The maid who had more earthly wisdom hurried Kunti up lest any one else comes up and discovers the childbirth. Both of them went to the riverside. The maid had arranged a specially designed river-worthy box with its walls waxed for protection. Kunti decorated it with vermilion and tender grass to invoke divine blessings and dispel evils.  The newborn was placed on the bed inside the box, its door was shut and then it was placed on the swirling water of the river. While pushing the box to the mid-stream, Kunti sobbed inconsolably. As the box danced its way riding the strong current, Kunti prayed to the Sun God to protect their dear son from all perils and dangers. She kept looking at the river for a long time till the box reduced to a dot and thereafter completely went out of sight.

She held this as a top secret. None other than the maidservant knew about it. This grief was therefore very personal and visited her whenever alone. She hoped that God would hear her prayers, her son would reach safe hands and find his own place under the sun wherever he is. From her whole self she yearned for the day when she would meet her estranged son and hear the words ‘mother’ from him.

Suddenly, there was knocking on the door and she heard the words, ‘Mother! Mother! Open the door’.

3 Kunti's Reverie

With her sons away from home taking lessons from the masters, Kunti bathed, performed worship of her Ishto Devta and then had meals. Gandhari sent in message that she would visit her in the evening. As such she had no other work on hand. After a long time, she was in a secure physical surroundings unlike in the forest where threats could appear from anywhere anytime in unexpected ways.

Lying on bed, lots of thoughts kept crowding into the mind. Suddenly her childhood came alive before her eyes. The ebullient, lively, intelligent and beautiful daughter of the Vrishni King ‘Shur’ was the cynosure of the entire palace – her parents called her ‘Pritha’. Her sweet demeanour, melodious voice, intelligent words, pleased every one. Her parents could not spend moments without she being around. But destiny could not grant her so much of happiness.

One night when she was about to enter her parent’s room to say good-bye for that night, she stopped at the door overhearing an animated discussion that seemed to be concerning her. The queen was heard saying: -‘For God sake, how could you ever think of giving Pritha to your cousin in adoption? How could you be so heartless? Thought even for once, how hard shall it be on my little innocent child?’

‘Relax, Queen. My cousin Kuntibhoj has no child and he loves Pritha just as we do. He has been begging to me. And you know, he will bring Pritha up better than us. Kuntibhojas have so rich royal tradition. She will grow as a highly remarkable princess and make both Vrishnis and Kuntibhojas proud.’ Replied the King.

‘But I cannot live a day without her’.

‘Even I can’t. But daughters never remain permanently with parents. One day they leave for in-laws place. Queen, just remember the promise I made to Kuntibhoj that I will give my first child to him for adoption. How can I break that?’

At the end of a long discussion, the queen had to give in. Pritha did not enter the room. She made de-tour, reached her own room, bolted it, and jumped to the bed. Her heart was shattered and tears streamed down without relent. At the door her mother kept knocking, but she did not respond. Next morning, the little child woke up much matured. Last night was her first encounter with the impermanence of things and relationship in this mortal world. She brooded and brooded – finally decided not allow grief and emotion to over-power her intelligence and composure. She reckoned her father definitely loved her immensely but also tried to understand his compulsions.

Much of her sadness disappeared on the very day she stepped into the Kuntibhoja’s palace. Her new parents were craving for a child seemingly for ages. They outpoured world of love and affections on her. The footsteps of the princess now started reverberating in the Bhoja palace. Suddenly the place was lit up with hope and joy – the entire royalty, palace maids and servants seemed to smile after long time. Pritha could not anticipate she could give so much happiness to so many people. Soon she started forgetting her grief.

Nice time was back. Pritha was growing up in the shade of the love and affection of her new parents. All royal visitors including friends and relations of Kuntibhoj who had access to the palace were in all praise of the princess. What was particularly striking about Pritha was she combined in herself the best of both Vrishnis and the Kuntibhojas, two important royalties of Bharat. As time passed, Pritha came to be known as Kunti after the name of her new father.

And then that fateful day arrived. In the morning she heard Kuntibhoj talking in hushed but anxious tone to his wife:

‘Possibly this is the biggest challenge we have to meet. Maharishi Durvasha would stay with us for few days. You know his temperament. Even a slight omission or commission may bring us severe curse. Whoever looks after him must be very intelligent, pious and sincere. Do you have anyone in sight who can take this huge responsibility?’

‘I fully agree to what you say. And I find none other than our dear daughter who can do this.’- the queen said.

 ‘Are you serious? I agree she is full of many good qualities. But she is a tiny little child. Can she handle this enormous task?’

Kunti was unable to see her parents torn into anxieties. She assured them she would not give any opportunity to the saint to complain of any mistakes or faults. True to her words, Kunti served the fiery saint with extreme sincerity and devotion as long as he remained with the Kuntibhojas. Even Durvasha himself was surprised to see her sincerity, devotion, care and concern. Before parting he blessed her and said: -‘Mother Kunti, I am very pleased to see the way you took care of me. In fact I find no way to complain of anything. Kuntibhoj has been lucky to get a daughter like you. Now listen carefully:

 I grant you an important boon that may be help to you in life. I’m telling you a mantra. You can invoke any God from the high heavens by chanting it and get a son from him. Keep it a secret and never misuse it.’- the fiery saint left the palace after giving the young princess the mantra. The Kuntibhojas heaved a sigh of relief. Every one was in tenterhook all these days. The royal couple was gladder than all others and they grew more proud of the daughter. Gradually life returned to normalcy.