Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 32: Part 5

• 161) Since he destroys Kali in this way, he is known as Kalki. ‘Kala’ means knowledge. ‘Ka’ means bliss. Since he possesses knowledge and bliss he is known as Kalki. He shall destroy all the Asuras in a single day.
• 162) Destroying all those who are against Sri Hari and are engaged in Adharma, the horse-riding Kalki shall establish a bridge to Dharma and propagate knowledge and devotion to Sri Vishnu amongst his people.
• 163) These and others are the endless activities, forms and noble qualities of Sri Hari. Being free from all defects at all times, he is known as Brahma and Ananta also by virtue of this.
• 164) Being ordered by Sri Narayana at Badari, Anandatirtha Muni, possessing the name of Poornaprajna, composed this grantha. He is the student of Sri Vyasa, who alone is the lord of the world.
  • Note: Sri Madhwacharya visited Sri Veda Vyasa twice at Badari. During the first time, he offered the Brahmasutra Bhashya at the feet of Sri Vyasa who then ordered him to compose a Tatparya Nirnaya on the Bharata. Sri Madhwa composed this present work and offered it at Sri Vyasa’s feet during his second Yatra to Badari.
• 165) Due to the grace of Sri Hari, he possesses complete knowledge of all the Vedas, Pancharatras, Upanishads, Itihasas, Puranas and all other Shastras.
• 166) This work is deterministic of all Shastras. It is especially deterministic of the (Maha)Bharata. He composed this grantha in order to please Sri Hari, the progenitor and Guru of the world.
• 167) There is no other decisive commentary on those Shastra vachanas which appear contradictory at the outset. For this very purpose, Sri Vyasa has composed the Brahma Sutras. However, many wrong commentaries have been written on it by others.
• 168) The message of Sri Hari’s supremacy that is propagated by the Brahma Sutras was masked by the chief Asuras who started preaching non-difference between Jeeva and Ishwara. Therefore, he has composed Bhashya on it and has explained its purport.
• 169) As per the orders of Sri Vyasa, he composed an excellent Bhashya (for the Sutras) and also composed separate Bhashyas for the Upanishads. He justified that all of them (Sutras and Upanishads) propagate the supremacy and uniqueness of Sri Hari.
• 170) This grantha was composed by the third Avatara of Pavana (Vayu) in order to propagate the meaning of the excellent Bharata. The best of the scholars, who are devotees of Sri Hari’s feet, will study this and derive great joy.
• 171) “truteeyamasya vrushabasya dohase. dashapramatim janayanta yoshanah. niryadeem budhnaanmahishasya varpasa. eeshanasah shavasaa kranta soorayah. yadeemanu pradivo madhwa aadhave. guhaasantam matarishvaa mathaayati”
  • Note: This the Balittha Sukta – Rig Veda 1/141. This Sukta reveals the three Avataras of Vayu – Hanuman, Bhima and Madhwacharya!
• 172) Through these and other statements, all these have been established. These have occurred in the Puranas and Pancharatra too. All the tales narrated here incorporate the meanings of the Veda, Itihasa and other granthas.
• 173) Therefore this is the King amongst all granthas. This is the instrument for all excellent Dharma and all other Purusharthas including Moksha. What else needs to be said about its other qualities! Sri Narayana shall be pleased with this.
  • Note: The study of Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya causes great pleasure to Sriman Narayana.
• 174) The original form of Vayu has three divine forms – so say the Vedas. The original form of Vayu is verily that of strength. It is pervaded by knowledge. It resides in the heart of all Jeevas to sustain them. It is worthy of worship in all the worlds. The Avataras also possess similar knowledge and strength. The first form (of Hanuman) is the one that carries the words of Rama. The second form (of Bhima) destroys the army of the enemy (Kauravas). The third form is known by the name of Madhwa and the present work regarding Sri Keshava is composed by this very form.
• 175) Sri Vishnu, who is complete with all auspicious attributes, and is free from all defects, is my most dear friend. May he, who is always affectionate towards me, be pleased even more!

|| End of chapter 32, known as ‘Pandava Swargarohanam’, from the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, composed by Srimadanandatirtha Bhagavatpada ||

|| Sri Raghavendra Tirtha Gurvantargata Sri Bharatiramana Mukhyapranantargata Sri Lakshmi Narayana Preeyataam ||

|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 32: Part 4

• 121) The others too who were born with the Amsha of Devatas exhausted their Karma and merged with their moolaroopas. The Asuras exhausted their punyas and were born again on Earth.
• 122) Enjoying divine pleasures in Swarga for four thousand three hundred years they attained Tamas after claiming that they were God themselves and that the world was an illusion.
• 123) They too have a hierarchy measured by sorrow. Kali attains more sorrow than anyone else. Just as Brahma attains the maximum bliss in Mukti. Measured by their hatred for Sri Hari, such variation exists.
  • Note: Just as those who attain Moksha attain a graded level of bliss commensurate with their innate nature, those Tamasic Jeevas who attain Andhantamas too have a gradation in terms of the sorrow they experience. The difference in sorrow experienced is commensurate with the hatred they possess towards Sri Hari. This is again equivalent to the grade that exists amongst Mukta Jeevas based on their devotion to Sri Hari. Kali hates Sri Vishnu the most. Hence, when he enters eternal Tamas, he experiences the maximum amount of sorrow.
• 124) Some were born as Pisachas while others were born as Asuras and Rakshasas. Undertaking hatred towards Sri Vishnu and his devotees, they quickly attained Andhantamas. The Devatas attained suitable Mukti at the appropriate time.
  • Note: Nija-yogya-muktim or suitable mukti here means the appropriate level of bliss in the liberated state.
• 125) In the Kali Yuga, after four thousand and three hundred years had passed, Bhima was born again as a Brahmana on Earth and instructed (everyone with the) philosophical truths of Sri Hari which had been subjugated by Daityas.
• 126) Draupadi too was born on Earth at the same time and ensured the fall of the great Daityas in Andhantamas in order to please Sri Hari. Arjuna and the other devotees of Sri Vishnu too were born then to please Sri Hari.
• 127) Obtaining their positions once again, they will attain appropriate Mukti at the end of Brahma’s cycle. Bhimasena, who was the Avatara of Hanuman, will merge with Vayu and attain the position of Brahma. Draupadi will attain the position of Vageeshwari (Sarasvati). Later, both of them will attain excellent Mukti.
• 128) On Earth – in the Dyuloka – in the position of Brahma – and in Mukti – Vayu and Bharati always cause great pleasure to Sri Hari, the lord of Lakshmi and the one with all auspicious attributes, through their eternal and complete devotion that exceeds the devotion of all others.
• 129) The Suktas ‘bhushannayodhi babhrushu namnate’, ‘balittha tadvapushe dhayi darshatam’, ‘tam su te keertim maghavanmahitva’ and others are the pramanas in this regard.
  • Note: ‘bhushannayodhi babhrushu namnate’ is Rig Veda 1/140/6. ‘balittha tadvapushe dhayi darshatam’ is Rig Veda 1/141/1-5. ‘tam su te keertim maghavanmahitva’ is Rig Veda 10/54.
• 130) Other mantras of the Vedas, the words of the Pancharatra and the Puranas are other evidences in this matter. When asked by Yudhishthira, Bhishma too instructed a little of the same in the Moksha Dharma (Parva).
• 131) In this way, after Sri Krishna, the Yadavas and the Pandavas returned to their lokas, Parikshita and the others who were born in their lineages were taught by Sri Vyasa and they then ruled the Earth.
• 132) Till Kshemaka, Kings used to listen to Bharata and the other Shastras and knew everything. Due to their special protection and due to the influence of Sri Vyasa, Dharma and knowledge were not destroyed in Kali Yuga.
• 133) After a thousand years in the Kali Yuga all the noble men obtained the philosophy of truth. The Tripurasuras, who had been burnt by Rudra in the three cities, were born on Earth.
• 134) Along with all the great Sages, since Sri Vyasa, the treasure of all knowledge, had become invisible, these Asuras too obtained the knowledge of truth due to the power of their sampradayas.
• 135) Since all the bad Agamas had been destroyed, since their sampradayas too had vanished, and since the noble Agamas had proliferated, sinners too obtained the knowledge of truth.
• 136) Like a dog consuming Purodasha, like an antyaja listening to the nigamas, Daityas who are qualified for utmost sorrow got access to the knowledge of truth, something the Devatas could not tolerate.
• 137) Those who possess true knowledge can never have a bad fate. They would have to get eternal bliss. But the Asuras need to attain Andhantamas and not Mukti. Hence the Devatas pondered.
• 138) The Devatas have been appointed by Sri Hari to grant knowledge to the noble and to remove knowledge from the others. Therefore Brahma, Rudra and the others went to Sri Vishnu and requested him.
• 139) When they gathered on the northern coast of Ksheera Samudra and prayed to Sri Hari with excellent Stutis, he granted him freedom from fear. Immediately, he took on the form of a beautiful child.
• 140) The first amongst the Tripurasuras was born on Earth and was known as Shuddhodana and Jina. Sri Hari threw afar the child that was born to him in Gaya and slept in its position.
• 141) Not being aware that their child had been discarded, all of them came under the illusion that Sri Hari in the form of that child was verily their son. Seeing them practice Vedic rites, Sri Hari in the form of the child laughed loudly.
• 142) Seeing that child laugh in that way right after birth, they were extremely surprised and when they enquired, Sri Hari said – “I am Buddha”. Being omniscient and complete in all respects, he told them thus and instructed them with the Buddha-darshana.
• 143) Noticing that they did not develop belief in him still, Sri Hari in the form of Buddha remembered all the Devatas, wanting them to come to battle with him. Realizing his intention, the Devatas hurled their entire cluster of weapons at him.
• 144) Sri Hari, being in the form of that newborn, swallowed Shiva’s Trishula and all the weapons of the others. In order to cause great illusion to Asuras, he quickly held the Chakra released by his own form of Vishnu.
• 145) Sri Hari converted that Chakra into a seat and sat on it. The entire group of Devatas bowed to him and returned to their lokas. Jina and the other Daityas immediately accepted his words.
• 146) All the sinners became greatly enchanted with Sri Hari, the best amongst the Devatas, and gave up knowledge and Dharma. Firmly believing that everything was momentary and that nothing was real, all of them went to Andhantamas.
• 147) Sri Narayana, in the form of Buddha, went to the Devatas and told them everything that had transpired. Upon their request, he revealed (the true) Buddha shastra that enables one to get rid of the shackles of Samsara.
• 148) “The units of time, and their attributes, get over within a short period of time by their very nature. Therefore, although they are eternal, they are considered momentary. Keeping this special attribute in mind, I informed them that everything was momentary”.
• 149) “An object and its attributes are inseparable and therefore they possess the ability to self-regulate. Therefore, there is no contradiction in saying that a substance is momentary as well as fixed”.
• 150) “Being independent I am Supreme and hence known as ‘jna’. This Universe is always ‘ananeeya’ by me. In other words it is manifest because of me. It is so because it is dependent. Therefore, I have said that this insentient Universe is ‘jnanatmaka’. It is of course self-established that sentient beings are ‘jnanatmaka’ as well”.
• 151-152) “I am verily the personification of extreme bliss. Therefore I am supreme and hence known as ‘shoo’. Since this Universe is controlled at every stage by me in my form as ‘shoo’, the Universe is ‘Shunya’. Since I am the very opposite of defects and do not possess any defects and since I am unique, I am known as ‘a’. Since everything is born from my form as ‘a’, all these are known as ‘abhava’. Since everything gets destroyed, it is known as ‘asat’. In this way, my teachings are to be (correctly) understood. There is nothing unacceptable in all of this”.
• 153) Sri Hari, in his form as Buddhadeva, instructed these and other special teachings to the Devatas and resided with them. Through another form, he proceeded to his own loka and stayed there. Thus, being distinct and unique at the same time, he remains at his own will.
• 154) After that, Jina established another sect relying on Buddha’s teachings. All those with Asuric nature were greatly pleased with the Bauddha-mata and Jaina-mata.
• 155) The Devatas obtained another teaching from Buddha known as the ‘Prashanta Vidya’ and were greatly pleased. That teaching is the very essence of all the Vedas. Those who rely upon it attain Mukti quickly.
• 156) On the other hand, many other humans got into the right sampradayas and accepted the teachings of Bharata and other Shastras and attained Mukti by worshipping Sri Vishnu. The Krodhavashas and other Daityas could not tolerate this.
• 157) Those Krodhavashas performed a lot of Tapas, pleased Shiva, and obtained great powers from him to cause confusion and were born in this world. Using twisted logic, they started causing a lot of ignorance.
• 158) To cause their downfall, and to cause the Mukti of sajjanas, the Avatara of Bhima took place as stated earlier. Durga will be born again in the family of a Brahmana and cause the destruction of all Asuras.
  • Note: Sri Madhwa was born 4300 years after the Mahabharata war. Durga will be born 36,000 years into Kali Yuga.
• 159) After the Durga Avatara, at the end of Kali Yuga, when Dharma, Jnana and all other auspicious attributes vanished completely, Brahma, Rudra, Indra and the other Devatas went to Ksheera Sagara.
  • Note: Since Kalki Avatara occurs in every Brahma Kalpa, Sri Madhwa refers to it in the past tense.
• 160) When Sri Narayana is prayed upon by the Devatas for the welfare of the world through pious Stutis, he will appear in a village called Shambhala, as a child born to the wife of a Muni called Vishnuyashas.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 32: Part 3

• 81) When the charioteer said – “Climb the chariot” Dharmaraja replied – “The dog should climb first”. The charioteer said – “That is not appropriate”.
• 82) “I shall not climb without the dog” – when Dharmaraja said thus definitively, Yamadharma revealed his true form. After all, it was Yama himself in the form of the dog, wasn’t he?
• 83) In this manner, Yama propagated the compassionate quality of his own form of Yudhishthira through wise words, thereby spreading his fame.
• 84) After that the King, being very dear to Sri Hari, climbed that chariot and crossed one higher world after the other. He exceeded all other Kings and proceeded further.
• 85) Having reached the upper most region of Indra loka, he was told by the Devatas – “This is your place’. He saw Duryodhana over there.
• 86) Seeing Duryodhana being there with his brothers and appearing resplendent, he became extremely angry and closed his auspicious eyes.
• 87-88) “Where are my brothers? Where is Draupadi? Where is Karna? Where are my relatives? Where are Dhrishtadyumna and the others? Where are Ghatotkacha and my other sons? Where are the Yadavas?” – Dharmaraja asked thus. The Devatas replied – “How does it concern you? Over here, each undergoes the (effect of their) Karma on their own; not others”.
• 89-90) When the Devatas spoke thus, Dharmaraja asked – “Duryodhana is that sinner who destroyed the Earth. He doubted everything. He was an ingrate to his friends. He turned away from Sri Narayana and was an atheist. He was a great deceiver and a cruel person. He hated Sri Vishnu and his devotees. How did such a person attain this supreme position?”
• 91) “Why are my dear ones, who know all Dharmas, who have always taken refuge in Sri Narayana and who are always engaged in utmost Dharma, not to be seen here?”
• 92) “Wherever those noble ones are there, I too need to be there. Even if it is Naraka. I cannot be here with this sinner”.
• 93-94) “The great warrior Duryodhana has attained this” – said the Devatas. They sent their messenger along with Dharmaraja who desired to see his relatives. Dharmaraja walked in the path shown by him. That place was full of unbearable stench. Darkness pervaded everywhere.
• 95) After a short distance, unable to bear that stench, Dharmaraja desired to return. Then, he heard voices that seemed to be that of his own (relatives).
• 96-97) “O King! Please stop for a moment. Your very presence is causing our pain to subside” – noticing the misery in those voices, Yudhishthira asked – “Who are you?”. He then heard voices that seemed to say “I am Bhima”, “I am Arjuna”, “I am Karna”. Dharmaraja heard them.
• 98) Hearing those voices, Dharmaraja became compassionate and, being full of misery and sorrow, told the messenger – “You can go wherever you wish. I cannot leave from here”.
• 99) “There is nothing to be had from Swarga leaving aside such relatives” – when he said thus, the messenger went away. Yudhishthira stood there.
• 100) Then, Indra and the other Devatas arrived there out of affection towards Yudhishthira. As soon as they arrived thus, the pain-filled voices, the stench and the darkness vanished.
• 101) Dharmaraja then, with an uncluttered mind, saw a place that was better than Swarga. Increasing his fame even further, Yama then spoke to Yudhisthira, who was his own form.
• 102-103) “Compassion is always greater than doing what is right. I have seen you do this thrice especially”. Indra too spoke to Dharmaraja – “A false Naraka was shown to you since you spoke falsehood to Drona. Because you uttered the words Sri Krishna asked you to, but with great difficulty. You did not have complete belief in his words. If one performs even prohibited karmas based on the words of Sri Krishna, not even a little sin will accrue”.
  • Note: The Naraka darshana for Yudhishthira was related to the incident with Drona. But the punishment was not for speaking lies but for hesitating to carry out the instructions of Sri Krishna. The three occasions during which Dharmaraja displayed extraordinary compassion was asking for Nakula’s life during Yaksha Prashna, refusing to go to Swarga without the dog and opting to stay in Naraka for the sake of his family.
• 104) “After realizing Brahma, the sins incurred by the knowledgeable one are indicative of Prarabdha-paapa just like a poison filled meal. Now you may witness Bhima and the others here, happily staying while being worshipped by Devatas and possessing charming forms”.
• 105) “How can sorrow ever touch those who have attained Aparoksha of Parabrahman, who are always engaged in pure and noble deeds, who believe in Sri Vishnu, who have given up their bodies through excellent Yoga and who are best amongst the Devatas?”
• 106) “All of these are great Devatas. In order to please Sri Hari who wished to perform Bhu-bhara-harana, they engaged their mind in him, offered all their work to him and returned happily with him to attain Swarga”.
• 107) “O King! You are not yet relieved of your human nature. Therefore you are still hating Duryodhana and the others. Take bath in this river Ganga which is the water from the sacred feet of Sri Vishnu, give up your (human) body and attain your divinity”.
  • Note: The reference here is to the river Ganga that flows in Swarga and not to the one that flows on Earth.
• 108) “After their prarabdha-punya gets exhausted, Duryodhana and the others, who are great sinners, will fall into eternal Naraka where there is not even a trace of happiness and where eternal sorrow is prevalent. They will remain there under Sri Vishnu’s control and will never return”.
• 109) “All those who possess Amshas of Devatas in them return to their original form and, during the time of Pralaya, attain Mukti that is in accordance with their nature and position in the hierarchy (of Jeevas). There is no doubt about this”.
• 110) When the Devatas spoke thus, Dharmaraja took bath in river Ganga and gave up his physical body. He immediately attained a divine form and lost all his doshas such as anger and the other vices.
• 111) Dharmaraja saw all his relatives being seated close to their original forms. He saw a resplendent Bhima seated amidst the Maruts, next to Vayu.
• 112) Next to Bhima, Dharmaraja saw Draupadi, outshining everyone else with her radiance. By force of habit he desired to touch her. Devendra stopped him and said.
• 113) “This Bharati is most dear to Sri Vayu, who is the darling of the world, the chief Prana and the best amongst Jeevas. Since she finds joy always in Prana, who is the very essence of bliss, she is known as Sri”.
• 114) “She had been created by Sri Hari, the best amongst all Purushas, for the joy of Vayu who had entered the bodies of you four and for the joy of Bhima who was Vayu himself. For your happiness, she had gotten together with your wives”.
• 115) “Therefore she was most affectionate towards Bhima. After that she possessed affection towards Arjuna and then towards all of you, depending upon the extent of Sri Vayu’s Avesha in all of you”.
• 116) “Now, Draupadi is present here in her pristine form of Bharati, without the presence of Shachi or the others. Similarly, all of you too are here in your original forms without the special presence of Vayu”.
• 117) “Therefore you do not possess the required purity to touch her since she is the consort of Vayu. Neither will you attain such purity in the future, just like how those possessing human bodies can never qualify to touch Devatas”.
• 118) When Indra spoke thus, Dharmaraja immediately moved back. In order to rid him of the remaining human traces, Yama, who was born from the right breast of Sri Hari, gave him a deep hug. Immediately he came equal to Yamadharma.
  • Note: Due to that hug, Yudhisthira and Yama became one and the same in essence and capabilities.
• 119) After that, all the Pandavas entered their own lokas with great joy, along with their original forms. They resided there with their wives amidst material comforts that never fell short.
• 120) The Pandavas, being devotees of Sri Krishna, obtained his company there too! Sri Krishna too, just as earlier, remained there with Arjuna and the chariot.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 32: Part 2

• 41) Arjuna started out of Dwaraka, along with the women, children and wealth. Dwaraka submerged into the ocean.
• 42) When Arjuna was moving along the road, all alone with the women and children, by virtue of Sri Krishna’s curse, the intoxicated Abhiras, who were great sinners, kidnapped the women.
• 43-44) Due to the curse, the sixteen thousand and hundred wives of Sri Krishna were seized by the Mlecchas. When the women and wealth were thus kidnapped by the Abhiras, Arjuna desired to battle and, with great difficulty, strung the Gandiva.
• 45) His arrows became empty due to divine maya. He started forgetting astras. Considering it to be divine providence, Arjuna meditated upon Sri Krishna, the best amongst all, and killed many of them with the Gandiva. He proceeded towards Kurukshetra, protecting the remaining ones.
• 46) Arjuna saw Sri Vyasa, who was none other than Sri Hari, the ocean of complete knowledge and strength, one who possesses excellent bliss and the lord of the world. In complete sorrow, he fell at his feet.
• 47) Arjuna was instructed by Sri Vyasa, the best amongst Purushas and one who is Sun-like towards ignorance, through many wise words. Arjuna planted his heart firmly at Sri Vyasa and took courage and reduced his sorrow to a great extent.
• 48) The wives of Sri Krishna, who had been kidnapped by the Abhiras, undertook the Govinda Ekadashi vrata as per the words of Sage Dalbhya. They took bath in the Sarasvati river and, heeding to the words of Vayu, gave up their bodies and attained Swarga.
  • Note: Some scriptures term the Ekadashi of Ashada Shukla Paksha as Govinda Ekadashi. Some others consider it to be on the Ekadashi of Phalguna Shukla Paksha.
• 49) Arjuna crowned the sons of Krutavarma and Satyaki as the rulers of the Kurukshetra and Sarasvata countries.
• 50) Arjuna, the Yogi, crowned Vajra, the son of Aniruddha, who was dear to Sri Krishna and possessed excellent attributes, as the ruler of Shurasena and Indraprastha countries.
• 51) Handing over the women, children and wealth to Vajra, Arjuna went to Dharmaraja and the other brothers. He narrated everything that happened to them.
• 52) The Pandavas recalled their agreement with Sri Krishna that they would not separate. They coronated Parikshita, a great devotee (of Sri Krishna), as the Emperor.
• 53) They instructed him to kill the Mlecchas who had kidnapped the women. Having borne the burden of his grandfathers, he completed that task later.
• 54) As per the agreement with Sri Krishna, they did not do that task themselves. The rule they considered was that they would resolve the dangers faced by the world only as long as Sri Krishna’s feet were touching Mother Earth. Following him after that was the other rule they kept.
• 55) “We should always follow Sri Krishna. We should neither enjoy nor protect the land when he is no longer around” – was the rule they had framed a long time ago.
• 56) Then, Kali, wife of Bhima, accepted Vaishnava Yoga and gave up her human form and merged with Draupadi.
• 57) Subhadra and the other wives of the Pandavas, as well as Yuyutsu, stayed back at Hastinapura as per the orders of the Pandavas in order to guide the grandson (Parikshita).
• 58) All the Pandavas gave up their royal insignia, engaged in Vaishnava Yoga, and undertook Mahaprasthana along with Draupadi.
• 59) They first proceeded in the north-eastern direction. Out of greed, Arjuna had not given up the Gandiva yet. When they were near the ocean, Agni saw it and requested Dharmaraja. As per the King’s words, Arjuna discarded it in the ocean.
• 60-61) Agni cleared himself of Varuna’s debt and vanished. The Pandavas too quickly crossed all seven seas in just seven days due to the power of Yoga. Without stopping anywhere they circumambulated the Earth and reached Gandhamadana mountain.
  • Note: Agni had given Arjuna the Gandiva by fetching it from Varuna, to whom it actually belonged. By ensuring it was discarded back into the ocean, Agni ensured it reached its rightful owner and hence his debt towards Varuna was cleared.
• 62-63) Over there, in the Narayana Kshetra, the bodies of the five including Draupadi, Sahadeva and the others fell in that order. Bhimasena then, although knowing the reality that they gave up their bodies not desiring to the enter Swarga in that form, asked Dharmaraja – “Due to what defects are the bodies falling in this manner?”
• 64) Since the Shruthi states that the Runa (Karmic debt) of a person shall be relieved if the defects of a just-deceased person are listed, Bhimasena got Yudhisthira to list their defects in order to clear his Runa with all of them.
• 65) Without realizing that all of them gave up their bodies out of their own will and that they had all performed pure Karma, Dharmaraja thought that there must have been some defect on their part since nothing takes place without a reason and started guessing some defects (in each of them).
• 66) Pandavas and Draupadi had undergone Swacchanda Mrutyu (gave up their bodies on their own will). There is a Shruti that confirms all of them had given up their bodies through Yoga and had attained those lokas that are difficult for even Devatas to attain. Therefore, these very powerful ones had not given up their bodies due to defects of any sort.
• 67) There is a statement in the Skanda Purana which quotes Sri Vyasa’s words to Rishis in which it is stated that Bhimasena cleared all his Runa with the others by getting those defects stated and that he gave up his body while remembering Sri Hari and attained an excellent position (loka).
• 68) Apart from Bhimasena, since it was very appropriate of Draupadi to be partial towards Arjuna, it can never be a defect of hers.
  • Note: Dharmaraja tells Bhima that Draupadi fell down as she was partial to Arjuna. Sri Madhwacharya clarifies here that Arjuna was most qualified after Bhima. Hence it was very appropriate of Draupadi to be partial towards him. Therefore it was not a defect.
• 69) Ethics, beauty, valour and strength – these qualities were present in the Pandavas in increasing order (Sahadeva, Nakula, Yudhisthira, Arjuna and Bhima). Therefore these can never cause Dosha. Since Bhimasena was Prana himself, ability to enjoy can never a defect in him.
• 70) Since the Vyasa-Smriti states that it is never a defect to understand one’s own capabilities appropriately, how can the defects stated (by Dharmaraja) be applicable to them?
• 71) On some occasions, the three of them including Arjuna used to feel excess ego about their own qualities. That, however, was not the reason for them giving up their bodies. That only causes difference in Mukti.
  • Note: Those less qualified Satvikas develop ego and other defects from time to time. This reduces their ananda or bliss in Mukti, in line with the inherent nature of the soul.
• 72) The variations in guna and dosha does not cause the fall of the physical body in samsara. Once Prarabdha Karma is exhausted, the body of even a completely sinless person will fall!
• 73) Even Dharmaraja did not get to enjoy Swarga in that body! That being the case, how can excess ego and other defects be associated with Bhimasena?
• 74) Those (souls) who are free from all defects since eternity and possess more gunas than all others attain the position of Vayu. These Devatas, known as Rujus, are Devatas to Devatas!
  • Note: Only those Jeevas who belong to the category of Rujus attain the position of Vayu and, after that, the position of Brahma.
• 75-77) Sri Krishna himself has stated that Bhima does not have excess Ahamkara. “O Pandava! Those auspicious qualities which you consider yourself to possess very little, I consider you to possess them a thousand fold more”. Therefore, just as Dharmaraja considered Adharma to have been done by virtue of the war, here too he considered Adharma to be the reason for the fall of (Bhima’s) body.
  • Note: Just before Sri Krishna’s proceeds towards Hastinapura for negotiations, he consults all the Pandavas. At that time, when Bhima agrees for peace, Sri Krishna asks him if he was scared. Then, Bhima narrates a list of his gunas. Sri Krishna replies saying he considers Bhima to possess those qualities at least a thousand times more in potency! Sri Madhwa quotes those words of Sri Krishna here.
• 78-79) Desiring to leave the physical body before the older ones, the fall of their bodies occurred in that particular order and not because of sins. Just as how it is for those who attain Mukti.
  • Note: Draupadi, being the wife, quit her body first. Amongst the brothers, the first born was to depart later. Hence the order. In Mukti too, the higher souls perform sadhana for a longer duration and become ready for Mukti later than the lower souls who finish their sadhana earlier and then await Mukti.
• 80) When the rest of them departed to their own lokas, Dharmaraja, with a dog that was his own form, proceeded further. A divine chariot then came down in front of him.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 32: Part 1

• 1) Thereafter, Sri Krishna went to Kurukshetra and undertook Deeksha to perform a Yajna for twelve years. The one who is beyond logic undertook the responsibility of a ‘Sadas’ through the forms of Sri Vyasa and Sri Parashurama.
  • Note: In a Yajna, the Ritvik who oversees all activities is a Sadas.
• 2) In that Yajna, devotees of Sri Hari such as Daksha, Bhrugu and the other Ritviks, Pandavas, the best amongst Yadavas, Brahma, Rudra, Indra and the other Devatas took part as servitors in various roles.
• 3) All the servants at the feet of Sri Narayana, including all Jeevas on Earth, those living in the Antariksha and Dyu lokas and the Nagas living in the nether worlds took part with great joy.
• 4) Due to the conferences on philosophy held between the Devatas and Sages and due to the words of wisdom of Sri Vyasa and Sri Parashurama, inquisitive polemics obtained excellent and definitive knowledge about philosophical truth in that Yajna.
• 5) Those desirous of Dharma, Artha and Kama got the same from Sri Krishna. Those desiring Moksha too got it from Sri Krishna. All the people, including Suras and humans, obtained food, drinks and clothes as per their desires and moved around in the Yajna.
• 6) (Kuru)Kshetra then appeared like Vaikunta because all the noble men had gathered there at one place. Amongst them, there were none whose desires were unfulfilled. And Sri Krishna, the controller of even Brahma and Rudra, was appearing there without any effort (on the part of the noble men to see him).
• 7) In this way, Sri Krishna performed that great Yajna for twelve years and then performed the Avabhrutha snana. According great respects to all the people who had gathered there, he sent them off over a period of one year.
• 8-9) Sri Krishna, wishing to end his own Kula, caused the Brahmana’s curse to take place. Instructing Uddhava with excellent knowledge, he sent him to Badari. Awaiting his hundred and seventh year, he ruled the Earth along with the Parthas.
  • Note: The Yadavas dressed up Samba as a pregnant lady and asked an assembly of Sages including Vishwamitra, Kashyapa, Narada and others what kind of child would be delivered. The Sages cursed them saying that a pestle that would destroy the Yadava race would be born.
• 10) When Duryodhana fell, Kaliyuga started. Sri Krishna ensured Kruta Yuga prevailed for a further thirty-six years.
  • Note: Although Kali Yuga had technically started, Dharma was so prevalent on Earth that it matched Kruta Yuga for another thirty six years till Sri Krishna departed.
• 11) Due to Sri Krishna’s dictum, any work that brought punya fetched greater results and paapa carried lesser results. Due to this, that period became better than Kruta Yuga.
• 12-13) In this way, when the world was engaged in devotion of Sri Hari and adherent towards Dharma, the signs of Kali Yuga vanished. Wanting the established norms of Kali Yuga to take effect, Brahma, Rudra and the other Devatas prayed to the indestructible Sri Krishna and pleaded with him to return to his own loka. Sri Krishna said “All right”.
• 14) Since the strength of Kali would not increase if noble men were in majority in this world, Lord Sri Krishna took his Kula to Prabhasa to cause their destruction.
• 15-16) Even if it is a sacred place, death at one’s own residence does not fetch much punya. Even if the place is lesser in merit, dying at another Kshetra brings greater punya. In order to enlighten everyone with this truth, Sri Krishna took all of them to Prabhasa from Dwaraka and got them to undertake Daanas and other meritorious activities.
• 17) Undergoing illusion due to Sri Krishna himself, all of them consumed alcohol due to the effect of the curse, lost control over themselves, killed each other and attained their original forms. Seeing this, Balarama too attained his original form through Yoga.
  • Note: The pestle born to Samba due to the curse of the Rishis had been powdered and thrown into the ocean. That powder grew into a grass called Airaka. The Yadavas plucked that deadly Airaka grass and hit each other to death.
• 18) After that, Sri Krishna, the Supreme Devata and the one with infinite capabilities, sent his charioteer quickly to the Pandavas to ensure that they too should follow him and depart to their lokas shortly thereafter.
• 19) Lord Sri Krishna sat down under an Ashwatha tree with his copper-red foot placed over his thigh. Seeing this, a hunter by name Jara, although a great devotee of Sri Krishna by nature, thought of it as a red-deer and released an arrow.
• 20) Sri Krishna’s body is impenetrable and unbreakable. As soon as the arrow struck his foot, the hunter approached him and collapsed on the ground after seeing (what had actually happened).
• 21) In order to respect the words of the Brahmana, Sri Krishna got him to do thus. “O Deva Krishna! I am a sinner. Kill me” – when the hunter requested thus, Sri Krishna sent him (instead) to Swarga.
• 22) Sage Bhrugu had taken birth as that hunter for the sin of having kicked him with his feet. Due to his atonement, and being pleased with his devotion, he sent him in that very body to Swarga, through a Vimana that had appeared there upon his command.
  • Note: The hunter who hit the arrow at Sri Krishna’s feet was the Avatara of Rishi Bhrugu.
• 23) Due to extremely abhorrent Karma, he had undertaken that undesired birth and had performed the most lowly act (of hurting Sri Krishna). Yet Sri Krishna caused him good. Since his heart was clear, there was no loss of devotion either for Sage Bhrugu. Since he hit the arrow unknowingly, it did not lead to great sin for him.
• 24) After that Brahma, Shiva, Indra and the others came to Sri Krishna once again and, after prostration, followed him. Due to his radiance, Sri Krishna caused all of them to glow. He then quickly departed to his loka.
• 25) He stayed in an invisible form on Earth in order to give results to those who chant his Gopala (Krishna) mantra. With a second form, he stayed in the Suryamandala. With a third form, he stayed while being worshipped by Shiva.
• 26) With a fourth form, he stayed at Brahma loka, being worshipped especially by Brahma. After that the best amongst the Devatas followed him devotedly as per their capabilities as he was entering his moolaroopa through a fifth form.
  • Note: The moolaroopa is his Narayana form in Anantashayana.
• 27) Due to the unlimited great radiance emanating from that fifth form of Sri Krishna, the vision for Indra and the other Devatas became hazy. Having followed him as long as they could, they closed their eyes and stopped, being unable to proceed further.
• 28) Being followed by Garuda, Rudra and Shesha, Brahma bowed to Sri Krishna who entered his Parandhama and, leaving aside Garuda and the others, conversed secretly with Sri Hari after being hugged by him. He chanted his praises too.
  • Note: While Indra and the other Devatas had to stop much earlier, Garuda, Rudra and Shesha were able to follow Paramatma till his Parandhama. They too had to stop at that point and only Brahmadeva was able to proceed further.
• 29) Sri Krishna, the one with infinite auspicious attributes, merged with his moolaroopa and yet at the same time remained in the separate form too. Being worshipped very well by Mahalakshmi and the liberated souls including (the liberated) Brahma, he rejoiced there as per his own wish.
• 30) Brahma got together with Rudra and the others and returned to his loka, where he saw the form of Sri Krishna and worshipped him in various ways and rejoiced. The other Devatas saw Sri Krishna’s form in Surya and worshipped him and felt great joy.
• 31-33) Sri Hari, who is blemish-free always, had never caused any illusion about giving up a physical body in any of his earlier Avataras. Therefore, in order to cause confusion to Asuras and send them to Andhantamas, in spite of possessing only pure knowledge and bliss as his body, created another physical body and, after giving it up, rested it on the ground and left for Vaikunta. Arjuna arrived there as per the words of Daruka (Sri Krishna’s charioteer) and cremated it.
• 34) Arjuna chiefly performed the cremation for the bodies of Balarama and the others. Daruka went back to Vishnu loka just as he had arrived.
• 35) Similarly, to cause confusion amongst Asuras, Rugmini vanished in a fire and went to (unite with) Sri Hari. In the same manner, Satyabhamaa performed Tapas in the forest and became invisible and attained Sri Hari.
• 36) Rugmini and Satyabhamaa were Mahalakshmi herself. They stayed in two distinct forms. They too cause illusion to Asuras just as Sri Krishna.
• 37) The other six Mahamahishis too gave up their bodies, some by entering fires while some others through Tapas. They attained Sri Hari.
• 38) The wives of Balarama and others gave up their bodies through fires and attained their husbands. All of them were great Pativratas.
• 39) Vasudeva heard the news from Arjuna and gave up his body after entering into Yoga. Due to his devotion to Sri Krishna, he attained Kashyapatva.
  • Note: Vasudeva, the father of Sri Krishna, was the Avatara of Sage Kashyapa.
• 40) Arjuna performed his cremation from the fire of his Ashwamedha. The wives of Vasudeva gave up their bodies in the fire and attained him.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 31: Part 2

• 41) Dharmaraja and Arjuna too were followers of Dharma. They, however, had compassion over the world. When Vidura said thus, Dhritharashtra did not feel anger. He remained pleasant minded.
  • Note: Although Dharmaraja and Arjuna too were Dharmishtas they kept the niceties of the world in mind. Bhimasena, being the follower of Shuddha Bhagavata Dharma, did not let emotion come in the way of doing what is right.
• 42) In order to rid himself of the debt of his sons, Dhritharashtra performed their Shraddhas and with a pure heart gave great Daanas continuously for ten days.
• 43) The King, possessed of great intellect, offered all his Karma to Sri Krishna. Having obtained the consent of the Pandavas and other relatives he stood ready to go to the forest. He requested the citizens and villagers with tears in his eyes.
• 44) “All of you great souls had been ruled with Dharma by my ancestors. However, I did not take care of you in the same way. Since all of you are compassionate and noble, you never called me out for not having taken care of you, due to your great affection for me”.
• 45-46) “With your help I conducted Yajnas. Many ponds and wells were dug by me. My son, however, was a sinner and fool. He became the reason for the destruction of the Kshatriyas. He doubted everyone. He violated the orders of elders. He forsake brotherly feeling over the noble Pandavas and greatly deceived them, unlike anything anyone had done earlier”.
• 47-48) “Being evil-minded, he did many unpleasant things against Sri Krishna. He foolishly did many bad things to you too. All of his brothers emulated his behavior. Due to their sins, they destroyed themselves along with their children, friends and relatives”.
• 49) “I am old now. I have been pained greatly by my sons. Having misbehaved very badly with Sri Krishna and the Pandavas due to their association, I am now eager to relieve myself (from those sins) by performing Tapas”.
• 50) “Being affectionate towards friends, all of you should permit me to go to the forest. All of you should continue to respect the noble Pandavas just like now. You should continue to treat them well at all times and do so even more for my sake”.
• 51-52) “They are my true sons. They will ensure happiness for me in this world and the other world” – when Dhritharashtra spoke thus, all of them praised his noble qualities loudly and felt great sorrow. The citizens and villagers permitted him to go to the forest after a long time, with great difficulty and tearful eyes. Walking with him, the Pandavas followed him a very long distance”.
• 53) Sanjaya and Vidura, along with Gandhari, followed Dhritharashtra. Kunti, having decided upon Vanavasa, followed him too.
• 54) In spite of being stopped by the grieving Pandavas and their wives, Kunti did not listen. With great difficulty she convinced them and followed the King.
• 55) With Kunti, Vidura and Sanjaya showing him the way, Dhritharashtra, along with Gandhari, reached Kurukshetra. Eventually he reached the divine-worshipped Ashrama of Sri Vyasa, the lord of the world.
• 56) Sage Narada, who arrived there, informed him that he would attain his loka with his wife after three years. Having gained a lot of confidence with that (assurance from Sage Narada), he undertook an excellent Tapas as instructed by Sri Vyasa.
• 57) When the son of Vichitravirya, in the company of Vidura, Gandhari, Kunti and Sanjaya, was worshipping Lord Sri Hari through his Tapas, the Pandavas, with their wives, relatives and servants, came there to see them.
• 58) Then, Vidura merged into Yudhisthira. After that the Pandavas served Dhritharashtra, who was with Gandhari and Sanjaya, and Kunti.
  • Note: Yudhisthira and Vidura were both Avataras of Yama. Vidura therefore merged into Dharmaraja and ended his Avatara.
• 59) Sri Hari, in the form of Vyasa, the very essence of unlimited strength, tejas, knowledge, excellent wealth, joy and other attributes, appeared there. As soon as he became visible, all of them worshipped him very well with great devotion.
• 60) Having been worshipped by all of them, Sri Vyasa said – “Whosoever wants whatever they desire, they may inform me. I shall fulfill them now”. When he said thus, the Pandavas, along with their wives, requested him that their devotion may grow further. Kunti requested that the sin she accumulated due to the birth and death of the son of Surya (Karna) be removed.
• 61) When he fulfilled all their wishes, Dhritharashtra consulted his wife and requested the omnipotent one (Sri Vyasa) that he should be able to see all those who were killed in the war.
• 62) Then, as per the orders of Lord Sri Vyasa, all of them came there instantly from Swarga loka. Sri Vyasa gave divine vision to Dhritharashtra. As per the orders of the Supreme One, all of them spent that night in the company of their wives.
• 63) Dhritharashtra, along with his wife and the others, saw that amazing miracle and felt great satisfaction. After that, as per Sri Vyasa’s orders, all the women-folk got together with their husbands and proceeded to Swarga.
• 64) Apart from Uttaraa, all of them went (to Swarga). When the son of Parikshita (Janamejaya) heard this story, he requested to see his father. Sri Vyasa, the one with unfathomable capabilities, immediately brought him from Vaikunta loka.
  • Note: Sri Vaishampayana Muni was narrating the story to Janamejaya when this incident occurred. Sri Vyasa was present in that assembly.
• 65) Janamejaya saw his father Parikshita, who had been brought there by Sri Vyasa, and became greatly joyed. He worshipped Sri Vyasa, the one to whom even Brahma and the other Devatas bow, in many ways and sought forgiveness. Along with the other people there, he developed even more faith in the Mahabharata.
• 66) The Pandavas reached their city and ruled the Earth with Dharma. Enjoying comforts that were appropriate, without getting attached to it, they worshipped Sri Krishna, the bearer of the Universe, with devotion.
• 67) At the end of three years, when Dhritharashtra lit his burning pyre with the Oupasana Agni that he had preserved, the Pandavas heard the news that he, along with his wife Gandhari and Kunti, had been burnt in that fire.
• 68) Hearing the news that their elder father had left for Swarga with a modesty-filled face and having stayed in meditation, and that Kunti was united with her husband Pandu and staying happily, the grieving Pandavas performed their post-death rites.
• 69) All of them had performed many extremely pious acts of punya with devotion to Sri Vishnu. They had meditated upon him even during their last moments. They had received all the post-death ceremonies and offerings from the Pandavas, their noble sons. Therefore, they attained permanent, special and abundant bliss. 
• 70) Sanjaya approached Sri Vyasa and, through service to him, attained his original form again. The Pandavas, awaiting Sri Krishna’s departure to Parandhama, ruled the Earth.
• 71) Ruling the entire Earth in this way, the noble Pandavas spent eighteen years. They used to enjoy pleasures without giving up on Dharma or Artha. They never gave up remembering the feet of Sri Hari, the one who is without an end temporally, spatially or in terms of auspicious attributes.

|| End of chapter 31, known as ‘Dhritharashtradi Swargaprapti’, from the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, composed by Srimadanandatirtha Bhagavatpada ||

|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 31: Part 1

• 1) When the Pandavas were ruling the Earth with devotion towards Sri Krishna, the lord of the Yajnas, one excellent Brahmana came to Yudhisthira at night with the intention of performing Yajnas.
• 2) When Dharmaraja said that he would give in the morning, the Brahmana, being in a hurry, asked Bhima. Listening to what Yudhishthira had said, Bhima immediately gave him his armlet.
• 3) Having obtained that invaluable armlet that was shining like fire and studded with precious stones, that excellent Brahmana left with a feeling of accomplishment. Bhima then got the Nandighosha beaten loudly.
  • Note: Nandighosha is the custom of beating a drum or bell to indicate happiness or victory.
• 4) Hearing that sound of victory at an odd time, Dharmaraja sent messenger after messenger to enquire with Bhima who replied – “Being in a mortal body, Dharmaraja has certainty about his lifespan. Therefore I was pleased”.
• 5) When Bhima said thus, Dharmaraja understood Bhima’s intent that there must never be delay in practicing Dharma. He respected it and said “Wonderful!”. Later he ensured he was responsive in practicing Dharma.
• 6) After that Bhimasena noticed Dhritharashtra, who in spite of being tainted due to evil company, being responsible for the death of all Kings, having committed great sin, was still immersed in material pleasures. He developed compassion towards him.
• 7) “Unless he engages in extreme Tapas he will never attain his own loka. Due to excessive material indulgence he will not be able to perform Tapas” – thinking thus, Bhima started doing those things that would develop Vairagya in him.
  • Note: The harshness shown by Bhima towards Dhritharashtra was to sprout the seed of Vairagya in him.
• 8) Noticing his brothers and the women-folk giving excess respect to Dhritharashtra, he got others to disobey his orders. He personally did the same too. In spite of this, since the others kept serving him, he did not develop Vairagya.
• 9) Apart from Bhima, all the other Pandavas and their wives used to serve the son of Vichitravirya along with his wife with great respect and care. Wanting to ensure that they do not suffer from the grief of their sons’ deaths, Draupadi too was serving him.
• 10) Although Dhritharashtra was greatly satisfied with the others, he would not get that affectionate with Bhima in spite of knowing his great influence, recalling always that his sons were killed by him.
• 11) In order to eliminate the excessive inclination towards material comforts, and to reduce the hatred towards him, Bhimasena patted his own shoulders and spoke in front of Nakula and Sahadeva such that Dhritharashtra could hear him.
• 12) “It is between these two round, plum and sandal-paste laden shoulders that the old man’s sons were caught and killed”.
• 13) Out of affection and respect towards him, Nakula and Sahadeva accepted these words. But Draupadi, Kunti or Dharmaraja could not realize this.
• 14) Listening to his words, the elder one (Dhritharashtra) developed Vairagya. In order to increase it further, Vidura said – “O King! Your attachment towards life is excessive”.
• 15) “What surprise! For a living being, attachment over life is everything. That is why you are eating the morsels thrown by Bhima like a dog”.
• 16) “There is nothing wrong in Bhima speaking like this. All of you lit fire. You fed him poison. Insulted his wife. Snatched away their wealth and land. But, has Bhima done anything wrong to you in return?”
• 17) “In order to help you who is excessively interested in material luxuries, Bhima has spoken such Vairagya inducing words. Give up your hatred towards him”.
• 18) “Giving up attachment and hatred, worship Tirthas in the forest and perform Tapas of Sri Hari and worship him. You shall become pure”.
  • Note: Tirthas here refer to sacred places and banks of great rivers.
• 19) When Vidura spoke thus, Dhritharashtra gave up hatred towards Bhima and attained Vairagya. In order to obtain Dharmaraja’s consent for Tapas, he started an Upavasa.
• 20) Getting to know that he had kept away from food for the fourth day, Dharmaraja rushed to him and requested him repeatedly to consume food.
• 21) “I shall consume food only after obtaining your consent for moving to the forest. Otherwise I shall not” – saying thus, Dhritharashtra, who was tired due to fasting, fell unconscious at that moment and leaned against his wife.
• 22) Dharmaraja touched him softly with his comforting hands and woke him up. Later he spoke out of great sorrow.
• 23) “Keeping Yuyutsu in front, may you rule this land without any troubles. For your sake, all of us will perform Tapas in the forest”.
• 24) Dhritharashtra said to him – “Not possible. It is the tradition of our Kula to give up one’s life in the forest at the end. Therefore grant me permission”.
• 25) When the two of them were engaged in a dispute thus, Lord Sri Krishna Dwaipayana appeared there. Being omniscient and the doer of all activity, he said to Dharmaraja.
• 26) “Grant your consent to the King (Dhritharashtra) who desires to lose all his sins through Tapas. Do not come in the way of him accomplishing Dharma”.
• 27) “If he attains Vairagya in time and relieves himself of all sins through Tapas, he shall attain Sadgati. Definitely not otherwise”.
• 28-32) When Sri Vyasa said thus, Dharmaraja gave him his consent. He had his food then. Later he instructed Dharmaraja in matters of noble Dharmas and political strategy, out of affection. The King listened to it as a matter of courtesy. Having given his consent, the son of Dharma returned to his palace. Dhritharashtra then sent Vidura to Dharmaraja asking for money to perform his sons’ Shraddha. Listening to his (Vidura’s) words, Dharmaraja said to Bhima – “It is appropriate for us to give him money since he wishes to perform Shraddha for his sons, grandsons, close ones and relatives”. Bhima thought – “Those who have turned against Sri Madhusudana should not be rendered any help that could aid their sadhana in the other world. Even if money is given keeping the others in mind, he will use it to perform Shraddha for his sons. Giving him money in spite of knowing this will lead to defect (sin)”. Thinking thus, Bhima said.
• 33) “May Duryodhana and the others attain a state that is tougher than the toughest. On the other hand, we are performing Shraddha for Bhishma and the others. Therefore, why should we give (money) to Dhritharashtra?”
• 34) “Since Karna is a Kaneena, Kunti, along with us, possesses the right to perform Shraddha for him. Why then should we give money to Dhritharashtra?” – when he said thus, the King and Arjuna requested again.
  • Note: Kaneena is the son of a Kanya.
• 35-37) “Dhritharashtra wishes to go to the forest. He has requested us for money. Give him his own money that he earned through his prowess. Will he ask you again like this in future?” – when they said thus, Bhimasena, the follower of Shuddha Dharma, refused again. Dharmaraja, being disappointed, said – “You remain quiet. I shall give him my money, that does not belong to the treasury, and money that will lead to Daana and other material pleasures”.
• 38) Arjuna too said the same thing. Dharmaraja and Arjuna then requested Vidura – “Father should not get upset with Bhima who is engaged in Mukhya-Dharma“.
• 39-40) When they said thus, Vidura took the money (from them) and went to Dhritharashtra and said – “Yudhishthira and Arjuna have shown great respect towards you. However, Bhima does not like your instruction very much. He has engaged himself in pure Kshatriya Dharma. Therefore, do not get angry at him”.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 30: Part 5

• 162) Knowing the opinion of Sri Krishna (on this matter), the Sages praised the many great qualities of Sri Krishna, the Pandavas and the Yajna and condemned it (the mongoose).
• 163-164) Earlier, the Asura, being the presiding deity of anger, had tasted milk kept by Sage Jamadagni for Shraddha in the guise of a mongoose. The Pitru Devatas had then cursed him saying – “May you remain as a mongoose until you berate Dharmaraja and the other Devatas”. Their aim was to ensure terrible Tamas and hence they had cursed thus. Having done so, he went to Tamas.
  • Note: Although berating Dharmaraja appears to rid the mongoose from the curse, the abuse of Devatas ensures permanent Tamas, which is wholly appropriate for an Asura like him.
• 165) While it is true that the Daana of wealth by a poor man fetches more punya, what fetches greater punya is always the qualities of the practitioner such as knowledge and devotion.
• 166) Another reason (that fetches punya) is the pleasure of noble people. Sri Hari himself is the best amongst noble. In terms of auspicious qualities, who else is greater or even equal to the Pandavas?
• 167-168) That excellent Yajna which the greatest noble one Sri Vishnu, along with noble Sages and Devatas, is getting done through his most dear Pandavas under his own presence – what other instrument of auspiciousness can be equal to this? The followers of the Paingi branch chant the following appropriate mantra.
• 169) “All the Karma done by those who do not possess devotion in Sri Vishnu gives fragile benefits. The Karma of Sri Vishnu’s devotees fetches infinite punya. There too, more and more punya is obtained as per the order of the Varnas”.
• 170-171) “”Even amongst Vaishnavas, the Karma done by Gandharvas is a hundred times more (better) than those of humans. The Karmas rendered by Pitrus, Munis, Devatas, Indra, Shiva and Brahma are to be understood as being hundred times better than the previous ones in the same order. The Karma performed by Brahma is unmatched by anyone”.
  • Note: The Karma of Pitrus is a hundred times better than those of Gandharvas. Munis perform Karma hundred times better than Pitrus. Devatas exceed Munis in Karma by a hundred fold. Similarly, the Karma of Indra is a hundred times more than other Devatas. Shiva exceeds Indra by a hundred times. Brahma performs hundred-fold better Karma than Shiva.
• 172) “Amongst the pile of Jeevas, devotion towards Sri Vishnu keeps increasing in order till Brahma. Even in terms of results obtained for Karma, the pleasure of Sri Vishnu is the main factor and nothing else”.
• 173) Therefore, there is no match for the Karma performed by Pandavas. In terms of knowledge and other auspicious attributes, no one is equal to them. Therefore, that Daitya, being the presiding deity of anger, was a great sinner and, having berated the most Satvika Pandavas, attained Andhantamas.
• 174) Later, in that divine assembly of Devatas and Munis, upon the request of Dharmaraja, Lord Sri Krishna instructed all the Vaishnava Dharmas with utmost pleasure.
• 175) All of them, having listened to all the Dharmas from Sri Krishna, worshipped the lord of the world with excellent and utmost devotion and obtained supreme bliss.

|| End of chapter 30, known as ‘Ashwamedha Kathanam’, from the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, composed by Srimadanandatirtha Bhagavatpada ||

|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 30: Part 4

• 121) When he asked thus, Sri Keshava said – “Your brother has a slightly tall body. Therefore, he is undergoing all this sorrow”. When he started revealing more, Draupadi stopped him indicating through the corner of her eyes.
• 122) Only four of them – Sri Krishna, Satyabhama, Vrikodara and Draupadi – know all the lakshanaa shastra. There is no fifth one. This is very pristine knowledge.
  • Note: Samudrika Lakshanaa Shastra is the science of omens, signs and indicators.
• 123) Wary that Yudhishthira, being a keen learner, may yearn to learn this shastra due to the occasion, Draupadi stopped Sri Vasudeva out of greed.
• 124) Out of affection for Draupadi, Sri Krishna did not continue. He changed the topic and made him forget it (the conversation).
• 125) A slightly larger abdomen, a big reproductive organ and a longer left shoulder – these were the other physical defects of Arjuna.
• 126) Although they were clearly visible, Sri Krishna did not mention them. These defective signs always cause loss of knowledge and happiness.
• 127) Amongst all sentient beings, the only ones who are completely free from all defective attributes and qualify for complete knowledge, bliss, strength and other auspicious attributes are Draupadi and Maruti (Bhimasena).
• 128-129) These lakshanas are indicative of eternal freedom from sorrow and for immense bliss. Such indications are higher in Rugmini and Satyabhama who are none other than Sri (Mahalakshmi) when compared to Vayu and Bharati. More than all of them, these physical characteristics are present in Sri Vyasa and other forms of Sri Hari but in none else. He alone is complete with all auspicious attributes.
• 130) When Arjuna entered the hall of the Yajna along with the sacrificial horse, he paid his respects to Sri Keshava and his brothers. They too comforted Arjuna.
• 131) After that, under the protection of the hero of the Yadavas, being instructed by Sri Vyasa and being conducted by Sages, the Yajna became especially resplendent. All the Kings and the best amongst Brahmanas came there and participated.
• 132) Being attended by the three forms of Sri Hari – the two Krishnas and the Bhargava – that Yajna became splendorous just like the world that shines due to the Vishwa, Taijasa and Prajna forms of Sri Hari.
  • Note: In that Ashwamedha Yajna, Sri Hari was present in three forms – Vasishta Krishna, Yadava Krishna and Sri Parashurama.
• 133) The Yajna of the Pandavas, being graced by the presence of Brahma, Shiva, Indra and the other Devatas became especially glorious, just like the Yajna of Brahma in the past and like the Yajna through which Indra became Shatakratu.
  • Note: Indra performed a hundred Ashwamedha Yajnas and was called Shata-kratu thereafter. The Yajna of the Pandavas is compared here to that hundredth Yajna of Devendra.
• 134) Amongst Devatas, Gandharvas, Sages and humans who followed Swadharma, there was no one who did not participate! Due to the presence of Devatas in their best appearances along with their wives, that gathering appeared splendorous like Devaloka.
• 135) In that gathering, discussions about philosophical truths took place and all philosophical purports that were under question were decisively cleared without any trace of doubt by the three forms of Sri Hari through their excellent and auspicious words.
• 136) In that excellent Yajna, the best of the Gandharvas sang beautifully. The best of Apsaras danced well. Brahmanas continuously engaged in philosophical discussions. Groups of Devatas and Kings displayed their greatness separately. In this way, that emperor of all Yagas took place.
• 137) All the Devata women, with faces like blossomed lotuses, got together with the wives of Sri Krishna and moved around in that sacrificial hall, being well made-up and with the company of Apsaras. They joyously participated in listening to the excellent tales of Sri Hari.
• 138) There was no one left with his desires unfulfilled when the son of Vayu, the greatest amongst intellectuals, stood there giving Daana. There was not one person left still desiring Moksha, or wealth, or philosophical inquisitiveness or food.
• 139-141) Everyday there were mounds of food, pools of dishes and rivers of delicacies. Ponds of sweet dishes made of milk and honey were created. Huge ponds of sandalpaste and other perfumes that were fit for consumption by Devatas, eyeliners, Alaktakas and other decorative items and wells full of precious stones and gold and other unlimited food items and drinks were available there. Perfumes, liquids and other materials of luxury were arranged in the thousands by Bhimasena. The entire place was full of pleasing material comforts just as in the Devaloka.
• 142) All the people who witnessed the Yajna remarked that the Yajna conducted by Sri Krishna was like the ones performed by Rama, Brahma and Indra and that no other Yajna matched it.
• 143) In this way, that Yajna, which had Sri Hari himself as the Devata, was conducted as a five-fold one and performed in the best possible mode. It went on joyfully, increasing in splendour day after day, for fifteen years.
  • Note: Each Ashwamedha requires three years to complete when performed in the best possible way. The Pandavas performed five such Yajnas, one for each brother. Each Yajna can be performed as ‘Adhama’, ‘Madhyama’ and ‘Uttama’ Kalpa. The Pandavas performed it in the Uttama Kalpa which means in each and every ritual the best possible option was chosen.
• 144-145) At the end of the Yajna, the Pandavas handed over their entire treasury, along with the entire land and all jewellery apart from the mangalya on their wives’ necks to the eternal and worship-worthy Sri Vyasa, so he could divide it as per Shastras and distribute it amongst the Ritviks of the Yajna. Isn’t division the favorite activity of Sri Vyasa? Hence they gave it to him so he could divide and distribute.
• 146) One more reason for handing it over whole heartedly was that it was Sri Hari himself who resides inside of all Dvijas and gets everything done. They submitted their bodies, senses, prana, manas and even their chetana to him and bowed with reverence.
• 147) “All of this is yours. We too are yours. There is nothing anywhere that is ours. O Lord! You alone are independent. No one else is. You are always complete in all respects” – they said thus with great joy.
• 148) Accordingly when Sri Vyasa distributed the dakshina, the Sages replied – “We are handing this land back to the Pandavas. This material is sufficient for us. With regard to the task of ruling the Earth, these (Pandavas) are most qualified”.
  • Note: The Brahmanas accepted the gold, jewellery, cows and other remuneration offered to them and returned the land back to the Pandavas.
• 149) Hearing those words of the Sages, the Pandavas and their wives prostrated again to Sri Vyasa and requested – “Having handed over this land, duly obtained by us through Dharma, to you at the end of this Yajna, we shall retire to the forests to perform Tapas”.
• 150) When they said thus, upon the request of the Sages, Sri Vyasa, the lord of all, said – “This gold is verily wealth for the Munis. As per my orders, you shall enjoy this entire land”.
  • Note: Sri Vyasa instructed the Pandavas to rule the Kingdom once again.
• 151) “Since it had been donated to me, it is being given as a blessing to you. Therefore, there is no defect in receiving it back. I am your grandfather and your Guru especially. I am your lord. Therefore, you are fit to receive it from me”.
  • Note: It is considered as a great sin to accept anything given in Daana. Hence Sri Vyasa is explaining here why that sin would not attach to the Pandavas by them getting back the land they donated.
• 152) When Sri Vyasa said thus, Pandavas accepted the Kingdom and handed over all the gold, which he distributed amongst the Vipras. Greatly pleased, he gave his part of the gold to Kunti.
• 153) Prabhu Sri Vyasa gave excellent jewels and precious stones to the Pandavas and their wives. He then gave separate and appropriate boons to each of them. The Pandavas bowed to him with great joy.
• 154) Since the Yajna was done with excellent Dakshina, Sri Vyasa converted it into a three-fold Yajna with Dakshina and transformed each of those three Ashwamedhas into a Bahusuvarnaka Yajna.
  • Note: Any Yajna in which excess Dakshina is given is termed as a Bahusuvarnaka Yajna. Sri Vyasa blessed the Pandavas such that each of the Ashwamedhas gave them thrice the punya. The five Ashwamedhas they performed thereby became equivalent to fifteen Ashwamedhas!
• 155) The Pandavas, along with Sri Krishna, completed the Avabhruta snana, and appeared splendorous like five Indras. The Devatas praised them.
• 156-158) When the Yajna was being praised thus, an Asura who was the presiding deity of anger, arrived there in the guise of a mongoose. He let out a terrible roar and started berating the Yajna and its performers. When asked, he said – “A Brahmana with his wife and son was engaged in the Uncha vrutti and offered Saktu-prastha with great devotion. He gave it to Yama who had come there in the form of a guest. This Yajna is not equal to even one-sixteenth of the punya fetched by that act”. When the Sages asked for the reason, he started explaining.
  • Note: Uncha vrutti is subsistence by picking up left-over grains. Saktu-prastha is the offering in Vaishwadeva rituals.
• 159-161) “One side of my body that was cleaned by the water used for washing that guest’s feet turned into gold. Even after taking bath in many great rivers and bathing in the waters of Yajnas, the other side of my body did not turn into gold”. Knowing the real reason behind this, the Sages and Sri Krishna laughed to ensure the Asura went to Andhantamas. Immediately he vanished. Subsequently he attained Andhantamas. That is why one side of his body had turned golden.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 30: Part 3

• 81) “He is dear to us. We too are always dear to him. O King! Let us therefore perform this Yajna using the wealth obtained through his permission”.
• 82) “Our grandfather Sri Vyasa is verily Sri Parashurama himself. He will himself grant us wealth”. After that, the Pandavas proceeded with Sri Vyasa ahead of them.
• 83) Sri Vyasa granted them wealth that was a hundred yojanas in size. The Pandavas fetched that (wealth) through elephants, horses, camels and humans.
• 84) Except for Dharmaraja, Bhimasena and the others carried home huge amounts of gold that appeared like the rising Sun for the purpose of the Yajna.
  • Note: Since Yudhishthira was the Chakravarty of the world, he did not carry or rather was not allowed to carry any burden.
• 85) At that very moment, Sri Vasudeva arrived at Hastinapura along with his wives and Subhadra even as he was worshipped on the way by Sage Udanka.
• 86) When he (Sage Udanka) desired water, Sri Krishna granted him clouds thereby fulfilling his boons and then proceeded towards Hastinapura.
  • Note: Sri Krishna had earlier granted him a boon that he would get Amruta. In this particular instance, Udanka asked him for water to quench his thirst. But Sri Krishna granted him many clouds that showered nectar-like water on him. Thus Sri Krishna kept his promise. Those clouds came to be known as Udanka Megha.
• 87) As Sri Vyasa, the best amongst Purushas, and the Pandavas approached Hastinapura, Sri Krishna too entered the city. At that time, Uttaraa gave birth to a dead child.
• 88) Seeing the child arriving dead due to the astra of Ashwathama, Kunti and the other womenfolk took refuge in Sri Vasudeva, the protector of all and the lord of the world.
• 89) When the child was in the womb, Sri Keshava had protected the womb itself. Now, when the child was killed during birth he brought it back to life, in order to ensure the progeny of the Pandavas.
• 90) At that moment, the Pandavas, carrying a huge amount of wealth, entered the city along with Sri Vyasa. Seeing their grandchild being protected thus by Sri Keshava, they became (immensely) happy.
• 91) Yudhisthira, the son of Dharma, became pleased with the birth of a grandson and gave many types of Daanas. He also bowed to Sri Vasudeva.
• 92) Sri Krishna had his glories sung by Kunti, Draupadi, Subhadra, Uttara and the other women, and by the Pandavas and other men-folk. They also bowed to him.
• 93) Thereafter, after obtaining the consent of Sri Krishna, the Pandavas established Sri Vyasa as the head of the gathering and, along with many Sages who were propagators of the truth about Parabrahma, started the Ashwamedha.
  • Note: Sri Vyasa was honored as the Sabhadhyaksha.
• 94) Bhagavan Sri Vyasa, the lord of the world, himself got the Ashwamedha done such that all Yajnas were performed.
  • Note: As part of the Ashwamedha, all the main Yajnas in the Vedic parampara was performed then.
• 95) Bhimasena, as per the orders of Sri Krishna Dwaipayana, got all the materials for the Yajna ready and also prepared the golden Yajnashala.
• 96) After that Pandavas released a horse of black and other mixed hues, having duly consecrated it with mantras. Arjuna followed the horse, with the Purohita Sage Dhaumya in lead.
• 97) Arjuna ensured the horse roamed everywhere, winning against all the Kings who stopped it, and remained undefeated against enemies of all nations.
• 98) As per the orders of Dharmaraja, Arjuna did not kill anyone. With affection, he invited all the Kings to the Yajna.
• 99) As per the order (route), when Arjuna arrived at Manalura, Babhruvahana welcomed him with arghya and padya. Arjuna said thus to his son.
  • Note: There are few other versions of Mahabharata in which it is stated that Babhruvahana could not recognize his father. In the Vyasa Bharata, and therefore in the Tatparya Nirnaya, there is no such mention. Arjuna clearly recognizes his son.
• 100) “You are welcoming me with arghya when I have arrived here desiring war. I do not like this. You have not stopped my sacrificial horse. Fie on your manliness!”
• 101) Even then Babhruvahana did not engage in battle. Uloopi then told him – “One should always do what pleases one’s father. There is no doubt regarding this. Therefore, commence battle”.
• 102) “Displaying your strength to your father, battle with him in order to please him” – when she said thus, Babhruvahana put forth his complete strength and engaged in war with him.
• 103-104) Arjuna engaged with him in a mild manner out of love for his son. Noticing that Arjuna was not getting hurt in spite of hurling all weapons at him, Babhruvahana decided to test his skill and, out of childishness, released a divine arrow powered by mantras at him. Arjuna fell unconscious.
• 105) Seeing him fall unconscious, Babhruvahana felt great sorrow and sat down, having decided to give up his life out of devotion to Arjuna. His mother Chitrangada started lamenting from grief.
• 106) Chitrangada then berated Uloopi – “Fie on you! You have gotten my husband, worshipped by all three worlds, killed by his own son”.
• 107) “I have nothing else to do without my husband who is most valorous in this world. I shall attain his world along with my son. You, who are always keen on fighting, may become satisfied (now)”.
• 108-109) Noticing Chitrangada struggling on the ground having decided mentally to give up her life, Uloopi immediately went to the Nagaloka and fetched the Vishalyakarani medicine. Applying the same on Arjuna, the greatest warrior in all three worlds, she ensured he got up.
  • Note: Vishalyakarani was a special Ayurvedic medicine that helped remove weapons from one’s body and also removed their toxic effect. This was one of the four medicines brought by Hanuman in the Ramayana.
• 110-111) Uloopi then smiled and said – “I had earlier overheard the conversation of Devatas in Suraloka. They had said – ‘Bhishma and the others have not been killed in a Dharmika way by Arjuna. Therefore he must undergo immense pain’. Ensuring no one else caused such pain, I asked Babhruvahana to engage in war to ensure the words of the Devatas (came true)”.
• 112) “It is due to the resolve of the Devatas that he fell unconscious. Since he has experienced the results of his mistakes, there shall be no occasion to experience it through others”.
• 113) “If Arjuna had lost to others, his fame, which is spread all over the three worlds, would have been tainted. Devatas did thus to ensure his fame does not suffer any loss”.
• 114) When Uloopi narrated thus, Arjuna became affectionate towards his wife and son. Having invited both of them to the Yajna, he proceeded further.
• 115) When Arjuna approached Dwaraka, Pradyumna and the other sons of Sri Krishna invited him to war by forcibly capturing the horse.
• 116-117) When they took the horse in that way to extract revenge for the kidnapping of Subhadra, Arjuna, only due to the respect he carried towards Sri Krishna and Vasudeva told the latter – “Like enemies, your grandsons have captured the horse”. Vasudeva scolded the youngsters and got the sacrificial horse released.
• 118) After that, Arjuna bowed to his maternal uncle (Vasudeva) and invited them to the Yajna. Proceeding towards Hastinapura, he sent a messenger in advance to the King.
• 119) Dharmaraja, accompanied by his brothers and Sri Krishna, heard the news of Arjuna’s return and was delighted. With eyes swollen with tears, and out of brotherly love, he asked Sri Krishna.
• 120) “O ageless Krishna! I cannot spot any defective attributes in Arjuna. Yet, due to what defects does he always remain on the move and undergoes consequent sufferings?”