56. At last the display of heroics set to begin

There were great festivities in Hastinapur. Long queues of citizens, men, women and children in colourful robes were heading towards the newly built stadium – all busy to reach early and secure convenient seats so that they could get a better view of the princes. By noon, the stadium was packed to the hilt. People were discussing individual princes. The whole place was humming.

Since the day the event was declared, Kunti had been waiting for it. She was not impatient – rather, there were hardly any who could match her in patience. Right from the day the responsibility of the five brothers fell on her – to this day, when the guru mentioned the brothers were of outstanding calibre. To her, this was her purpose of life – her life – how she raised her  five sons.

She smiled remembering how the guru was all praises when mentioning how Yudhishthir would never stray from righteousness, ever. How Bhim could match the strength of several fleets of elephants. And how Arjun was devotion and discipline personified. Now when taking a seat about five seats left of the Queen Gandhari’s throne, her eyes were nervously searching for the princes in the vast arena.

The gathering was huge – somehow the organizers in the hindsight, now appeared farsighted to have made good arrangements. The incessant humming of impatience erupted into a pretty joyous applause as the huge iron-gate to the western end of the stadium opened – letting in few chariots.

55. Destiny pulls Karna to Hastinapuri event

Karna was startled to see his mother in a distressed condition. She had turned pale and sickly during the past few years. While serving her son food, Radha asked if he could not find time to send news of his welfare once in months. Realising that his indiscretion was the cause of his mother’s ailing health Karna felt sad and ashamed.

Before the mother and the son could have a heart to heart talk and there were so much of things Radha wanted to know from Karna, her son’s friends rushed in.  They were curious to know about Karna’s experience all these years. Though there was not enough time to tell the stories of Mahendra Parvat, Guru Parashuram and his own learning in details, every one could make out that Karna has simply undergone a metamorphosis. He was glowing with both maturity and confidence.

As for his look, it seemed he had almost turned like an ascetic, long unkempt curly hair and his face glowing. In course of talks, one of his friends mentioned about the news of the impending event at Hastinapuri, which by the by, was being discussed not only in Hastinapuri but several other countries and towns. His friends praised the princes of Hastinapuri and their Guru Dronacharya eloquently. Karna was fascinated by the news and at once resolved to visit that event. Without wasting time he asked for his mother’s permission.

Radha was deeply upset and she tried her best to dissuade her son. After all he came home after long years. She did not want to lose him once again, and so quickly. But Karna was insistent:

“O dear mother! This would be a damn good opportunity to attract the notice of the Hastinapuri royalty. Look mother. It’s duty of every son to make his parents happy. You spent all your wealth to bring me up. You only know too acutely that our economic condition is no good. Let me try to remove our hardship. Please allow me to move out of home for a career. It does not behove a Young man to sit at home while his parents, at their advanced age, keep toiling.’

Radha tried her last ruse:

‘Son, your father has gone out of town. He would be back in a couple of days. Please wait till then. For heaven’s sake till then..’

But the event was to begin shortly and Karna had to start immediately if he was to make it in time. Promising his mother that he would return very soon, Karna collected his bows and arrows and set out for Hastinapuri.

54. Karna the young archer returns from Guru's ashram to his home

Even as Hastinapuri was getting ready to witness a magnificent event, the destiny was pulling another bright Youngman inexorably towards it. Would he be a surprise participant in the great exhibition that was meant for only the princes? We do not know as yet. For the time being let’s follow him  in his journey.

Karna was returning from Mahendraparvat to his home at Champavati. It was after a long period of training. As long as he was in his Guru’s ashram, he was totally absorbed in the lessons the Guru had imparted. So focused he had been all those years that he forgot everything and everyone-  his home, his parents, his friends, in fact he grew oblivious of most of his old identity. He was a changed person by the time he came out of the ashram.

Now as he began his journey back home, the old memories began to visit him.  The beautiful small town of Champavati, the expanse of green paddy fields, the vast serene stream of the Ganges  flowing by the town’s east endlessly chatting with her banks, and his foster parents (whom he knew as real parents).

At home in Champavati, Karna’s parents had been spending few anxious years. They had no definite clues as to his whereabouts. Karna was their only son and they found it very hard to live without him. Every day seemed a year. His mother Radha, was so distressed that she gradually lost nearly all attractions for life. For last few months she spent most of the time in the small temple inside the house praying intently to the Almighty to bring her son back to home. One day, when Radha was in the midst of her prayers, the door bell rang….. once, twice and thrice. Exactly the way Karna used to do when he was a small boy and returned to the house at the sunset after playing with friends. Deep inside her heart some one told that her son has returned. So she moved to the front door, her heart beating fast out of intent expectation and the fear lest that may not turn out to be true. With great trepidation Radha opened the door. And her dear son was right in front. She broke into unbridled tears of joy and embraced her son.

53. Everyone in Hastinapuri is eager to see the princes in action

King Dhritarashtra summoned the pundits and the astrologers and asked them to determine an auspicious date for the grand event. They made a detailed study of movements of the planets  and then conferred and argued and at last settled on the precise day.  It would be a great, grand event and the feats of the Hastinapuri princes were likely to attract spectators from several parts of Bharat. Keeping in view these possibilities the King ordered for a large stadium to be constructed well in time. The architects gathered, high quality materials were brought in. With every passing day the stadium was taking little more shape. The old and the young and the children, the men, the women, all of them driven by immense curiosity, kept visiting the giant ‘structure’ that was taking shape. Gradually, the topics of discussion of the Hastinapuri citizens began to center round the impending event. People began to speculate about the skills, abilities and prowess of individual princes. As the ‘D’ day’ neared, the city was agog with speculations. For every one there was a favorite prince and there would be animated discussions amongst them with each one espousing the greatness of his own favorite. Notwithstanding these differences, which at times became emotionally charged, every one was sure of one thing – that the coming event was going to be a magnificent one.

52. Kaurava and Pandava princes have come of age - Guru Dronacharya allows them to show their heroics

The Guru was a venerable figure. Long long years ago he was one whom Lord Parashuram had found a befitting student in; and he has been the one in whom the Pitamaha found an able teacher in. Words of appreciation coming from such a one comforted the royal court.

‘How nice to hear this! I have been dying to hear precisely this. It is with considerable difficulties that I have so long managed to refrain from making inquiries. See the providence. Before I had to, you are in with this great news.’

Then the king grew little pensive:

‘Destiny has made this unfortunate a born blind. Alas, I would not be able to see the princes in action. How much I wished I could do that.’

Hours that followed the visit of the Guru were busy. Never was Pitamaha’s advice ever not been heeded to – nor was it done today. It was decided to arrange a grand demonstration – one where the citizenry would witness the martial abilities of the future governors of the state. The king had expressed great satisfaction at the advice and had Vidur immediately arrange for the event.

51. Dronacharya briefs Dhritarashtra about the learnings of the princes

The talks that the princes be invited to display their learning gathered so much momentum that the matter could no longer be kept in abeyance. But before that could take place, Guru Dronacharya was required to declare that the teachings were complete and that the princes have come of age. Eventually that day arrived and Guru Dronacharya decided to meet King Dhritarashtra.

 

It was not everyday that the guru would visit the royalty. Expectations lightened the eyes of even him who was habituated to the darkness today. It was probably not as much joy of the Guru visiting him – somehow, a glimpse into the future of the princes captured the king’s imagination.

About few minutes back, when the king and the ministers were busy dispensing some issue, Vidur more than once reminded the absence of Pitamah. Dhritharashtra felt helplessly irritated at the umpteenth reminder. But, he knew Bhishma’s indispensability to Hastinapur – more so because of his own handicap. It was just then that Bhishma had walked in – closely following him was Drona.

Now with other matters settled, Dhritharashtra found the opportunity to vent his eagerness. But, for most Aryans propriety was not something that could take the back seat.

‘Acharya, I am always eager to hear from you. Especially for past some months I was thinking to ask you of the progress of your wards – I mean the Kaurava princes. It’s good that you have chosen to step in. Tell me, how can I serve your holy being?’

‘I’m obliged, your majesty for your kind gesture. I have nothing to ask. Right from the day I stepped into your kingdom, Pitamaha has ensured that all my needs are catered to. See the coincidence. I came just to tell you that all the princes – sons of you and Pandu have completed their training. And believe me, they have emerged as excellent warriors. As far as I am aware they are the finest of princes, in the whole of the holy land of Bharat.’

50. Hastinapuri is eager to see Kaurava and Pandava princes in action

And soon the people of hastinapuri began to grow impatient to see their princes exhibit the prowess. After all, the security, progress and prosperity of the kingdom and all its people rested on these younger royalties in the years ahead. They wanted to be reassured of that fact. The keenness was no lesser amongst the royalties as well. Except probably Pitamaha Bhisma who had less curiosity but more concerns. All these years he was keeping a keen watch over the training of the princes and he had now a fairly good idea of the accomplishment of each of them. He knew the Pandavas and in particular Bhim and Arjun have already left the others way behind. He realised that once these disparities became public knowledge the vacillating king Dhritarashtra would be stung with dark jealousy. At the same time, it was only reasonable that the long years’ of training ought to culminate in a public demonstration. The citizens too had a legitimate right to see their princes in action and celebrate.

49. Bhim and Duryodhan - who is more powerful?

Even as the training of the princes, Kauravas and Pandavas, were coming to an end Hastinapuri began to be filled with different kinds of rumours. The ordinary people could hardly understand the nuances of the lessons that the princes mastered over last several years, but some news, emanating intermittently from the training camps, were too weighty not to move them. That Bhim and Duryodhan both developed the highest level of skills in handling of their maces was one such. It became a matter of frequent discussion amongst the citizens, most of whom had a soft corner for the middle Pandava. The story of Duryodhan’s attempt to administer poison to and drowning Bhim in the Ganges some years ago, though was never officially accepted, had no difficulty in evoking complete acceptance of the masses. They were unhappy to reconcile to the assumption that Duryodhan was an equal to their favourite Bhim. But then, some amongst them claiming some kinds of special expertise in the matter of warfare, would comfort these citizens saying Bhim had some special skills which he would most certainly bring round in the event of a duel. They also pointed out that as per as physical strength went, Bhim was head and shoulder above. The citizens also discussed about Yudhisthir’s skill in fighting with the spear, and the experise of Nakul and Sahadev in sword fight and horse riding. What however obviously surpassed all these stuff was the news that their very favoured prince Arjun has received the most powerful weapon on the earth – the Brahmastra from Guru Dronacharya.

Thus both the palace and the roads, the royalties and the masses began to discuss more and more about the profile of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes at the end of their formal training.

48. Karna, the young archer, determined to overcome his terrifying destiny

Karna broke into tears: ‘Lord, I take your curse on my head. But kindly shed your anger and forgive me.’ He fell at the feet of Parashuram and sobbed. But the curse was a fait accompli and Karna deemed it as his destiny. 

Once again asking for forgiveness, Karna prepared to return home. As he walked down the road, he reasoned he should not unduly worry about the curse. Death was inevitable for every one. His Guru’s curse would be operative on such a fateful day. But till then, he could take the world by storm with his might.

Thus began the eventful journey of a hero, who gathered grit and determination to defy destiny.

47. Guru Parashuram curses disciple Karna

Parashuram was touched by Karna’s sacrifice. At the same time, he was surprised at his tolerance. He thought it proper to make enquiry to remove his doubt,

‘Son, it is extremely unlikely that a Brahmin can show such degree of tolerance. Tell me- Are you really a Brahmin? Tell me the truth, otherwise you will be destroyed.’

Karna never ever imagined this catastrophe. Crestfallen on this specific enquiry, he could not tell a lie. With a trembling heart, he submitted,

‘Oh Lord, I am son of a charioteer… not a Brahmin as I had told earlier. Forgive me Lord for this indiscretion. I had no other intention. I did this only to get you as my Master. I repent and offer myself for any punishment’- saying this Karna prostrated at the feet of his Guru.

A rage of anger overwhelmed the Parashuram, the fiery and temperamental warrior saint. He just could not withstand being hoodwinked. Fury overcame love and compassion for this bright young disciple and he pronounced a deadly curse. :

‘Boy, you are guilty of theft and treachery - you have deceived me to get all the learning all these years. Remember this, for what you have done, you will be punished. Hear this, you fool, when you would be engaged in a do or die battle, and when you will need the Brahmastra the most, in those crucial hours you shall not have any memory of it. Now, disappear from my sight!’

A pall of gloom suddenly descended on the earth. The sun for few moments seemed to lose its luminosity. Guru’s infallible curse kept reverberating across the distant mountains. The surrounding trees and mountain stood silent witness to those terrifying utterances.

46. Karna - the loyal disciple of Parashuram

Then in one pleasant morning, Parashuram called him and said:

‘Son, you have come out as a great archer, possibly one of the best in the planet. I have also taught you the highest level of warfare and given you a range of divyastras including brahmastra, which every warrior craves for. I surmise your training is over and I permit you to return home. You may decide the date and let me know.’ Karna reverently nodded and said he would do so.

A couple of days before he was to leave, Karna accompanied his Guru to a distant voyage. The day was hot and the long hours of walking made Parashuram tired and he slept under a banyan tree. He lied down placing his head on Karna’s lap. Soon he went to sound sleep. Karna kept looking all around to protect his Guru’s sleep. Suddenly he felt a very sharp, tingling pain on his thigh. Looking for the cause, he found a scorpion was gradually piercing its fangs deep inside his flesh. For once, he thought he would pluck it and throw away. But afraid that the commotion would wake his Guru up, he decided to suffer the stinging bite silently. And he did that without letting out a cry. But he could not prevent blood oozing out of the wound. Worse, the flow of the blood soon touched Parashuram’s mouth and he woke up

45. Karna gets brahmastra from Parashuram

But Parashuram had a mercurial temperament and could flare up on small omissions and commissions. To avoid incurring his wrath, he took every precaution. On archery, Karna was working really hard. He would go any length to follow his Master’s precepts – practise tirelessly from dawn to dusk to make him happy and learn more weapons and take lessons on the art of warfare. Parashuram had also somehow developed a soft corner for the bright young disciple and taught him like a loving and caring father. In course of time, he gave Karna lessons in handling of divyastras. As days passed, Karna was growing as an outstanding archer. The crowning success of his apprenticeship came one day, when his Guru gave him brahmastra, one of the most powerful divaystras. Karna’s joy knew no bounds.

44. Karna training under Guru Parashuram emerging as Arjun's rival

In Mahendraparvat, another bright young person was struggling his way to become the greatest archer of the world. Equally talented as Arjun, fuelled by a burning ambition and brimming with self-confidence, Karna was learning fast from the revered warrior saint Parashuram. Parashuram, whose very name sent chill down the spine of very many famous warriors had also trained such illustrious persons as Bhisma and Dronacharya.

43. Brimming with joy Bhim embraces Arjun, Duryodhan panicky

The words soon spread around. Dhritarashtra was greatly upset. Duryodhan and his brothers were nervous. Arjun’s brothers were ecstatic. Bhim beyond himself with joy embraced his worthy younger sibling. He always had a very high regard for Arjun’s talent. But Arjun himself was quite reticent. With great poise and equanimity, he looked for opportunities to add more to his acquisitions. He continued to attend to the steadfast service of his Master, and practise very hard in the line dictated by Dronacharya. With blessings and benevolence of his worthy Guru, Arjun surpassed all other fellow disciples. Many begun calling him as the greatest archer of the planet!

42. Arjun gets Brahmastra from Dronacharya

Over the next few days the Guru kept a track of both the disciples. Although he had a natural bias for his son, he could not help liking Arjun equally if not more, as the Pandava prince was proving to be more devoted, talented, self-possessed and above all a worthy learner.

In an auspicious day, the Master called Arjun and said,

‘Son, I am satisfied by your progress and intend to hand you over one of the most powerful divyastras. this is a brahmastra by category and as such infallible. Most certainly it would destroy the target. Are you ready to receive?’ he asked Arjun.

‘It is my fortune Sir, that you deem me to be fit for the weapon. I am at your feet to learn.’ – Arjun replied.

Dronacharya gave a brief background:

‘This weapon is called “Brahmashir’. My Guru Agnivesh received it from Saint Agastya and gave it to me after I pleased him with hard work and devotion. And now I give it to you as I find you to be the fittest of all my disciples including my son Aswathama, to tell you the truth. But..’ he seemed to be pondering a while keeping Arjun in great suspense.

‘But what Sir? Kindly order me. I am prepared to undergo any hardship as you may ask of me, whether you give me this weapon or not. I count your blessings more important than anything else.’ – Arjun submitted with poise, dignity and devotion.

Dronacharya did not seem to listen these words. After some pause, he continued from where he had left,

‘ But you need to promise me two things. First, you must never make a wrong use of it – in fact, on the humans as they are too weak to withstand its immense force. May be you would find it useful against brute force like demons or extra territorial forces like Gandharvas. Second, you must give me words that, should the situation demands, you will not be afraid to fight against me, your Guru,.’

Arjun agreed. Touching the lotus feet of Dronacharya, he said, ‘Master, I promise’. As the hugely powerful weapon passed from Guru to his disciple, there was a metamorphosis in Arjun’s life. His confidence grew enormously at one stroke. He had a feeling he could now fight against any force in the creation – in the world, netherworld and heaven.

41. Shall be watching your progress- so said Guru Dronacharya

Two worthy disciples were listening with rapt attention. They looked at their Guru with reverence. Their eyes however sought to ask him if he finds them worthy for this purpose. The Guru understood the silent question and cleared the air:

‘I have no doubt about your competence – both of you. You have already excelled in traditional archery. I am happy you can shoot arrows in hundreds and thousands without a break. You have also managed to handle some of the primary grades of divyastras. By that capability, you have already transported yourselves to a different league - you are already admired by your fellow disciples, but’ …..,

the Master continued:

‘These little achievements must not make you complacent. You have potential to achieve more… much more, I’m sure of that. Look! The ability of a great archer is proved not so much in using a divyastra but in being able to withdraw it if the situation demands so – I mean calling back the weapon after launching it. That is indeed an extremely onerous task and requires harder training. Now I would tell you what you must do to achieve that proficiency.’

Then Dronacharya explained the matter in details to both disciples. By the time his talks ended all princes returned and the Guru permitted all of them to break for lunch. Before taking leave Arjun and Aswathama touched his revered feet, as the Master whispered into their ears: ‘I shall be watching your progress!’

40. Arjun and Aswathama belong to a different league of archers

It was a sultry summer noon, Guru Dronacharya was seen sitting under a banyan tree with two of his most favourite disciples – Arjun and Aswathama. He was giving them special lessons. His other disciples were sent to fetch water from the nearby river and they had not returned till then. The princes had a very hard training schedule right from the dawn. They were therefore enjoying the break and seemed to be in no hurry to return. But these two would not like to loose even seconds – especially Arjun was keen to make use of every bit of the waking hours in taking new lessons from his Guru. At present, Dronacharya was taking a special session on ‘divyastra’. Earlier he had told his disciples about both Divyastras and Brahmastras. It was time to begin imparting the lessons to the deserving few. He was thus addressing his most favourite disciple Arjun and his son Aswathama, whom he felt worthy:

‘Divyastras are not for every one. Didn’t I try hard enough to teach these to many of you, but how many have been able to grasp? Few… very few.. ‘ and he continued heaving a sigh,

‘The fact is that divyastras are very powerful weapons that can cause huge destruction of men and material. To handle that power, mere skill does not suffice. One has to develop psychic power. One has to have exemplary self restraint and a meditative mind. Look, such weapons are driven by mantras. Thus only warriors of elevated and focused mind can impart them with life force. These weapons mobilize elemental forces from the Nature which make them so powerful and devastating.’

39. Dhritarashtra and Bhisma

Bhisma understood Dhritarashtra's desire for expansion of his kingdom. But he well knew this was no easy matter, but could happen if only the King was judicious especially with regard to making the choice of his successor. He thus put forth his views:

 

‘But there’s a necessary condition to make this happen. You have to make a statesman’s choice when selecting the crown prince – the one who will succeed you. He can make or mar things.’

At this rejoinder, the blind king again sank into whirlpool of thoughts. He loved his sons dearly and more so Duryodhan. He always longed to see him as his successor. At the same time, he knew Yudhisthir was more competent to shoulder the responsibility. Bhisma, Dronacharya, Kripacharya and other elders and the citizens of Hastinapur were in praise of the eldest son of Kunti and not Duryodhan. As he thought more and more his discomfort only aggravated. So he decided to wind up the session and retire to the palace to share his anxiety with Gandhari.

38. Princes of Hastinapuri will conquer the world!

This brief description of the kings and princes in the holy land of Bharat, some neighbouring and some others distant, did not give much comfort to the blind king.

‘As you say, formidable are these kings and their countries. Sir, tell me as to how then to extend the power of Hastinapur? I am damned, a born blind person.’ 

Seeing him despondent, Bhisma comforted the King:

‘King, you have no reason to give up hope. Look, I alone can conquer all these kings. But then..’

Eager Dhritarashtra could not wait even for seconds, ‘But what Sire?’.

Bhisma sympathised with his impatience and continued,

‘I have grown old and therefore shall not be around to protect the acquisitions for long. The young princes – I mean Kunti’s and your sons are the hopes of Hastinapur. They are being groomed very well by Dronacharya, the most revered of all masters. They will restore the past glories of Hastinapur. May be they would accomplish even more than their ancestors.’

Dhritarashtra was happy. He dreamt of Duryodhan ruling over a vast Kaurava kingdom. But his reverie was snapped by Bhisma:

37. Dhritarashtra and Bhisma discussing plans for conquest

Dhritarashtra was both happy and unhappy hearing Bhisma – happy because he could avoid an immediate engagement with an issue he did not really feel concerned; unhappy because, Srikrishna was the nephew of Kunti. The blind king’s gut assessment was that Shrikrishna would be closer to Kunti’s sons than his. Thoughts of future flashed through his mind. He knew the nature of his sons and sons of Kunti and tried to figure out how would they be affected if Shrikrishna were really the incarnation of God, as Bhisma said.

The Kaurava king grew sullen as he pondered over the future possibilities. All these days, he never apprehended any external influence on the balance of power between the Kaurava and Pandava princes. But now, if Bhisma was to be believed, a new and formidable source of power had now risen in the horizon. Dhritarashtra sank deep in thoughts to search out an alternative that could somehow allay this nascent fear of Srikrishna. But as a seasoned diplomat he was determined not to betray his thoughts. As if he discounted the account given by Bhisma, Dhritarashtra asked him:

‘Sire, for long Kauravas have not gone for conquests. Brother Pandu had spread the fame of the Kuru dynasty far and wide through conquests. But, I, an ill-fated, a born blind.... have not been able to maintain those, let alone add to it. Now, please inform me about the feasibility of a conquest plan.’

To that Bhisma said:

‘King, in this holy land of ancestor Bharat, there are many mighty and powerful kings who are not easy to subjugate. Let me mention some of them. Look at the Far East. Bhagadatta ruling over Pragjyotishpur and vast stretch of coastal countries is simply formidable. He has friendship with  Indra - the Lord of the Heavens. While he rides high on his huge elephant in the battlefield, his enemies simply give up hope of life. In Magadh Jarasandha reigns supreme – his name casts fears in neighboring kingdoms. In the southwest the Matsya kingdom is quite powerful. Its king Birat and his brother-in-law Kichak are powerful warriors. Matsya’s neighbor, I mean the Trigarta kings are also valorous and would fight to the finish to retain their dignity. Five princes ruling the kingdom of Kekoy have surpassed most contemporary royalties by their prowess, courage and gallantry. King Bhismak of Bhojkotpur appears as Lord Yama to his enemies in the battleground. King Shallya of Madra, the uncle of the Pandavas, is also a renowned warrior and feared by opponents. King Sudakhsin of Kamboj, and King Brihadwal of Ayodhya are always avoided by enemies such are their prowess. King, this holy land has many more of such illustrious rulers. They are indeed difficult to exceed.’

36. Pitamaha Bhisma pays tribute to Lord Lrishna in Hastinapur Royal Court

Everyone looked sideways at an old but still extremely well built royalty. The grand patriarch Bhisma was speaking:

‘Jarasandha knows the might of Bhisma too well and would never dare to pick up a fight. But hear me O King, the issue is not Jarasandha.’

‘Then what it is about, Sire?’ –Dhritarashtra reverentially asked.

‘The fact of the matter is that’, Bhisma continued, ‘I have been closely keeping a track of the course of events in Mathura and Vrindavan. Right after his birth Shrikrishna has been manifesting divine powers - accomplishing impossible deeds, which can be done only by almighty God or his incarnation. As a child he has killed several ferocious demons with great ease.’

To many courtiers, these revelations came as a surprise. But Vidur seemed to be aware of most of these and he nodded approvingly as if to register his agreement. Bhisma continued, 

‘Even Lord Brahma and Indra, the king of the heavens, are convinced Shrikrishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Both had gone for a confrontation with the child Shrikrishna and learnt lessons the hard way. At the end they had to seek his forgiveness…’

Bhisma paused for a while before he resumed,

‘I am sure he does not need any protection from us. On the contrary, he has descended on the earth to protect dharma and the virtuous.’

35. Tidings from Mathura- Kansa out to kill Shrikrishna and Balaram

The magnificent royal court at Hastinapur was deliberating a serious issue. The grandeur of the palace and the royal throne was proverbial. Bhisma, the grand patriarch, Dronacharya, Vidur, Kunik, Balhik and a host of other senior Kaurava royalties flanked King Dhritarashtra. One of the spies, on duty at the southeastern countries, brought some important information. The court was trying to understand its significance. A serious trouble was brewing up in Mathura. Its King Kansa, had sent Akrur to Brajadham to invite Srikrishna and Balaram to his court. The spy had ascertained from reliable sources that Kansa was hatching a plot to get them killed. For this he had already made arrangements. In the guise of tournament, formidable wrestlers Mushtik and Chanur were planted to kill the two young brothers. Shrikrishna and Balaram were the future of the clan of the Yadus, who were both related to and allies of the Kurus. The court was discussing if Hastinapur should do something to foil the plot.

Dhritarashtra himself was not keen. He looked at minister Kunik, who was brilliant and cunning. His abilities lay in always giving advices that would please his master. This time too, Kunik did not disappoint his master:

‘Your Majesty, any involvement in Mathura would be contrary to the interest of Hastinapur. I am confident about it. Acting against Kansa will fetch us the wrath of the invincible Jarasandha, his father in law.’

The court nobles were listening Kunik with rapt attention. A silent agreement in favour of non-intervention seemed to be building up. Encouraged, Kunik continued:

‘Jarasandha could be a dangerous foe. He has already defeated a hundred princes and they all are languishing in his prison. He has a huge army of million ruthless soldiers who can just sweep any big country. Hitherto he has not put his eyes on Hastinapur…’.

When suddenly sounded the thunderous roar -

‘Because he cares for his pair of eyes.’

34. The test of archery

Once Drona decided to test all his disciples. In the absence of the princes he called a sculptor and got a nice blue winged bird made and placed it on a treetop. Then he called all the princes and asked them to be ready with their bows and arrows to behead that bird. A they lined up beneath the tree, the Master first called Yudhisthir and asked him to aim at the target. As Yudhisthir readied his bow looking at the decoy bird, Drona asked, ‘Son, can you see the bird and me and your brothers around?’ Yudhisthir replied: ‘Yes, master. I can very well see the bird and you together with other brothers assembled here.’ Drona was greatly unhappy hearing the answer. Asking Yudhisthir to just disappear he then called Duryodhan, repeated his question and got the same answer. Drona tried with a number of other advanced students but their answers were no different.

At last Drona asked Arjun to come forward and take an aim at the bird. As Arjun looked at the target holding his bows firmly in hand, Drona asked him:’ Son, what do you see?’ To this Arjun replied, “Master, I can see nothing other than the bird’. Drona put the next question: ‘Are you able to see the full body of the bird?’ ‘No Sir, I can see only its head and nothing else’- replied the disciple. Satisfied with the answer the Master ordered: ‘Behead it’. No sooner he said, an arrow issued out of Arjun’s bow like a flash of lightening and the next moment the beheaded bird fell to the ground.  Dronacharya was delighted and reckoned now he would be able to settle the old score with King Drupad. Incidentally, as Drona was training the princes, he could never forget the insult and humiliation at the hands of his friend Drupad. The fire of revenge often consumed him denying any peace. He had a plan to take revenge and reckoned that the time for action has nearly arrived.

33. The Secret of Brahmastra - Part 4

The disciples were listening with rapt attention. Their eyes told that they wanted to listen more and more. Meanwhile, Ashwathama had a query:

‘Sire, is there any counter to these weapons?’

‘Few, very few indeed. A Brhama Astra can be countered by another Brahma Astra or  Vashnav Astra or Pashupat Astra and likewise. All these three categories are equally potent. They are the powers of the Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively - each of them forming part of the all important trinity in charge of 'creation', 'maintenance' and 'destruction' of the universe.

‘But sons, the consequences of these Astras countering each other are simply devastating. Since these are equally powerful, their continued friction can annihilate the whole ‘creation’.’

‘But can’t the warriors who used them take these back?’ Arjun enquired.

‘Yes, it is possible. But that requires the person to have even higher orders of control over mind – so high that only very very few can achieve such a state.

‘And it may sound strange to you – once you have attained such a state as to acquire these dangerous celestial weapons, you have almost turned into a ‘Yogi’ who is a master of his mind and senses and one who has surpassed the normal base human natures like greed, jealousy, vengefulness etc. In fact one attaining that stage loses much of the motivation for which he wants to acquire these weapons as a normal human being. It almost turns out that such a person is motivated to use these weapons only to serve some higher purpose, not narrow personal ends. Such are the glory of them!’

Dronacharya stopped and looked at Arjun and Ashwathama to know their mind. Arjun said he would like to begin the lessons right then. Ashwathama also decided to follow suit.

Dronacharya was happy. He asked both to turn up for the first lesson the very next day.

32. The Secret of Brahmastra - Part 3

Dronacharya resumed:

‘ Then listen, my sons. There is a mysterious relationship between the ‘mind’ and the 'matter' that constitute the visible and perceptible universe including the primordial forces. In fact, these two are not discreet or separate but they are the two ends of a continuum.’ Here the Guru paused  to observe his disciples’ reception to his utterances.

‘Revered Gurudev, are you saying something about ‘Yoga’?’ Arjun humbly enquired.

‘Yes son’, Drona replied and continued, ‘ precisely so. To be entitled to the possession of such supreme divine weapons which can destroy the world in seconds, one has to have the same degree of control over the mind and the senses as a true Yogi, nothing less’

The two students had no further queries, at least for the time being. The voice of the Guru resonated in an absolutely silent ambience:

‘ The mind is at the beginning of the ‘continuum’ I had just referred to. It is intangible and also the subtlest. It acquires a progressively grosser form – at first turns into tanmatra and this tanmatra thereafter act as the building blocks for all the gross matters of the world that we can perceive through our senses.

‘Our mind cannot perceive this extremely intricrate relationship. The nature of our mind is to keep exploring things that are external. It never wants to reflect on itself. But to be able to understand this basic relationship between the human ‘mind’ and the ‘matter’, one would have to first deeply meditate on one's own ‘mind’, for days and months till this relationship is understood well enough.’ Dronacharya paused again.

‘Exalted Gurudev, your words are like nectar, opening whole new horizons’- said Arjun. Ashwathama nodded in agreement.

‘Once this mystery has been unveiled to you and you are comfortably settled at this truth, you would realize a new strength within you - such that by your strong ‘will’ power you would be able to bring about changes in the world of matters. You can leverage the primordial nature’s forces and use them as weapon to destroy your enemy or for that matter the whole creation.

‘You would have realized that this type of weapons are available only to a supremely exalted mind. This has nothing to do with the conventional ‘arrows’ made of iron or steel or any metals. You can invoke this great force even on a ‘straw’ and apply it.'

31. The Secret of Brahmastra - Part 2

As the Guru began and his disciple young Arjun prepared to absorb every bit of the sound, like a red hot piece of iron vessel would suck drops of water, Ashwathama, Guru’s son also joined the session. He pulled an asana and quietly sat upon it on the ground. Dronacharya said:

‘Sons, to have a mastery over these supreme celestial weapons, you ought to acquire complete control over your mind and senses. This comes not easily- but only after sustained, hard practices and penances. That means lots of hardship! Most give up midway, frustrated.’ Guru looked at his twin young disciples, his experienced eyes deeply penetrating their mind. Arjun understood and made a pronouncement of his resolve:

‘Revered Gurudev! No matter what pains, troubles, practices this would need, I would undergo all of these. Either I succeed, or I give up my life. Kindly enlighten’

Ashwathama nodded in assent, and looked to his father with keen expectations.

30. The Secret of Brahmastra - Part 1

Arjun’s eagerness to know more and to excel more in archery knew no bound. As a part of it, he came to know about the intricacies of the divyastras. Guru Dronacharya had told him about the enormous powers the divyastras were vested with. He was told he would be required to develop his mind-power to be able to master these. Thereafter, in accordance with Dronacharya’s instructions he began to practice in extreme earnest.

On another day, when he found his Guru alone, Arjun humbly asked about the secrets of the Brahma Astra:

‘Revered Gurudev! I have heard Brahm Astra is the most powerful category of all weapons – the most potent amongst the Dvyastras. That there is nothing that can counter it, not even other types of Divyastras. And that there are only very few warriors living in this planet, who are master in handling this – like you, Pitamaha Bhisma and Rishi Parashuram the guru of both you and the Pitamaha’

‘You have heard right! Yes, it is the most powerful category amongst all weapons. It is the one that has the power of Lord Brahma, the creator of this universe. There are of course two more categories of weapons which are equally potent – Pahupat Astra which is vested with the power of Lord Shiva and Vaishnav Astra which carries the power of Lord Vishnu. All these three categories of weapons are immensely dangerous. Each can annihilate the whole universe- I mean the entire creation, not merely the world. I’m conversant with Brahma Astra but not the other two. Pitamaha Bhisma is adept at both Brahma Astra and Vaishnav Astra. Such a person would be extremely rare who has mastery over all the three. By that I mean Brahma Astra, Vaishnav Astra and Pashupat Astra’ – Dronacharya spoke to his devoted disciple who was listening intently.

‘Sire, I beg of you to teach me the Brahma Astra. I’m prepared to undergo any length of practice, meditation, or any other suffering that you ask of me to learn this, which I consider is the ultimate achievement for all great archers’ – Arjun made a fervent plea.

‘Son  Arjun. Don’t  get impatient. I would of course teach those amongst you who would prove themselves worthy of this great weapon. But listen to some conditions. If you are left with same earnest after you hear me out, you would pass the first test’- Dronacharya said.

‘Tell me Gurudev. Here I sit beneath your feet eager to listen’ – replied Arjun.

29. The secret of the Divyastras - the celestial weapons

It was a sultry summer noon, Guru Dronacharya was seen sitting under a banyan tree with two of his most favourite disciples – Arjun and Aswathama. He was giving them special lessons. His other disciples were sent to fetch water from the nearby river and they had not returned till then. The princes had a very hard training schedule right from the dawn. They were therefore enjoying the break and seemed to be in no hurry to return. But these two would not like to loose even seconds – especially Arjun was keen to make use of every bit of the waking hours in taking new lessons from his Guru. At present, Dronacharya was taking a special session on ‘divyastra’. He was addressing both– his most favourite disciple Arjun and his son Aswathama:

‘Divyastras are not for every one. Didn’t I try hard enough to teach these to many of you, but how many have been able to grasp? Few… very few.. ‘ and he continued heaving a sigh,

‘The fact is that divyastras are very powerful weapons that can cause huge destruction of men and material. To handle that power, mere skill does not suffice. One has to develop psychic power. One has to have exemplary self restraint and a meditative mind. Look, such weapons are driven by mantras. Thus only warriors of elevated and focussed mind can impart them with life force. These weapons mobilise elemental forces from the Nature which make them so powerful and devastating.’

Two worthy disciples were listening with rapt attention. They looked at their Guru with reverence. Their eyes however sought to ask him if he finds them worthy for this purpose.

28. Drona's two favourite disciple - Arjun and Aswathama

As the princes made rapid progress, the fame of Dronacharya reached far and wide across countries and many princes and other worthy students from distant countries and land came flocking to Hastinapur to learn from the Acharya. Although the Master wanted to give more time to his son Aswathama, he was finding it difficult. With the rise in number of students, the problem was compounded. The Acharya then began giving special tasks to the princes to keep them engaged so that he could carve out some time to teach his son exclusively. However, these little tricks did not escape Arjun’s eyes. He somehow managed to finish all errands and be around his Master all the time. As a result, he received the all the lessons that his Guruputra Aswathama received. On the top of these, he also managed to learn something more by his sheer capability and by virtue of making his Master happy.