Keeping
them in a daze, Arjun then placed yet another arrow on his huge bow, chanted a mantra invoking Pavan
(the Wind God) and released it into the sky. In matter of seconds, mighty wind
began to blow over the stadium and it began to gather strength. It seemed it could uproot the
entire structure with all its people. Nervous audience clung to each other and
prayed it spared them. Much to their relief, that mighty wind did them no harm
and quickly changed its way and
directed its might to throw all the accumulated water miles away. The
magic of the archery continued. The Pandava prince then used another arrow to
set up a huge mountainous body in the stadum to stop the strong wind.
Thereafter, he used yet another divyastra to pulverize that huge solid
mass into enormous specks of dust. And thereafter, much to the relief of the audience, he
announced the ‘end’ of his display. He came down and touched the holy feet of his
Guru Dronacharya seeking his blessings. The spectators were now relieved
and happy. They were ecstatic having
seen an unusual spectacle and happy that they were completely unhurt. Everyone began to sing glories of Arjun. Kunti, seated in the royal gallery by the side of Gandhari, was very happy and proud.
While all
were celebrating the prowess of the Pandava prince, there were gloom and
despair amongst the Kauravas. Dhritarashtra, who was listening to the intermittent
roars of applause on Arjun’s display was keeping a façade of happiness. But he
was afflicted with jealousy and anxiety. Even more than him, his son Duryodhan,
was upset. Arjun’s display had almost conclusively established the level
differences between the Pandava and the Kaurava princes. But he knew not how to
react or respond. At that time, his gaze was fixed on one part of the stadium
where there seemed to be a small commotion.Taking a keener look he saw
an extremely handsome Youngman trying to make his way into the stadium but being
prevented by the sentries. Curious, he began to move towards that spot.
