Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 20: Part 2

41) Sri Krishna proved to Balarama that he was not a cheat. Knowing that Balarama, Ugrasena and Jambavati, the mother of Samba, were desirous of the jewel, he spoke again.
42) “It is not appropriate for others to possess this jewel. Since Akrura always performs yajnas, and since he is always engaged in daana, let it remain with him”. Even though he knew Satyabhama would not desire anything that he doesn’t want, he said – “This is fit for her only!”.
43) Having obtained the jewel, Akrura was greatly enthused and he engaged himself in the performance of yajnas. After having shown Balarama the jewel, Sri Krishna left for Indraprastha out of great love for the Pandavas.
44) Sri Krishna stayed at Indraprastha for many months. Once, when he and Arjuna had gone for hunting, he killed many deer and later approached the banks of river Yamuna. There, he saw another lady known as Kalindi, who was the sister of Yamuna.
45) Kalindi was the daughter of Surya and the sister of Yamuna. Out of great desire to obtain Sri Krishna, she had performed a lot of penance. When Arjuna asked her, she narrated everything. Sri Krishna then accepted her as his wife.
46) Sri Krishna later went to a King known as Nagnajit and, in a Swayamvara, brought under control seven oxen. The oxen were asuric in nature and could not be controlled by others due to Shiva’s boon. All the other Kings had been defeated by them.
47) After that Sri Krishna married his daughter Neela. Earlier she had been a gopakanya. She had entered the body of Neela too. The same person had been born as two Avataras.
48) Mitravinda was Sri Krishna’s paternal aunt’s daughter. In the midst of several Kings, she garlanded Sri Krishna. Her brothers Vinda and Anuvinda wanted to marry her off to Duryodhana and hence caused obstacles (to her marriage with Sri Krishna).
49) Sri Krishna defeated those two princes of Avanti country, as also several other Kings and left from there along with her (Neela). Another of Sri Krishna’s paternal aunt’s daughter was Bhadraa. Her brothers gave her in marriage to Sri Krishna, and he accepted her.
50) The Kekaya brothers who gave the hand of their sister Bhadraa to Sri Krishna were the Avataras of Vishwedevatas. They were devotees of Sri Hari as also of the Pandavas. Their father King Shaibya would always listen to their counsel. He was the Avatara of a Rubhu Devata.
51) The Swayamvara of Lakshanaa Devi took place in the Madra country. In that, the goal was to hit an instrument just like in Draupadi’s Swayamvara. Her father had pleaded with Shiva and brought the Pinaka bow for this purpose.
52) In this case, the target was covered from all directions with an opening only at the top. The target had to be hit with just a piece of an arrow. Therefore, this target much more impossible than the one set for winning Draupadi.
53) Jarasandha and the others had arrived there. The Pandavas had come there to watch the event. Karna too had come there along with Duryodhana and the others. They were all keen to tie the bow.
54) Some of them got hit by the bow and fell, while others couldn’t even tie the bow. Duryodhana, Jarasandha and Karna strung the bow but could not identify the target.
55) Arjuna, in order to show his strength, strung the bow and also identified the target. But, he deliberately mishit the target. He knew that Lakshanaa had to be won by Sri Krishna only.
56) Bhimasena did not desire neither to see the arrow nor to aim at the target. Being the noble one that he was, he was fully aware that even attempting something that was meant only for Sri Hari, the bearer of the Chakra, would render him at fault.
57) Sri Krishna, the one whose greatness is unfathomable, quickly strung the bow and hit the target with a small arrow. The divine instruments started blowing. The Devatas showered flowers on him.
58) Even as Brahma and the others were singing praises of Sri Krishna, the princes Lakshanaa put the garland on his shoulders and stood next to him. The Kings present there picked up weapons and went to battle with Sri Krishna.
59) Sri Krishna defeated Jarasandha and the others and returned to Dwaraka along with Bhima and Arjuna. These are the ashta-mahaa-mahishis of Sri Krishna, the eight divine beauties of the world who were very dear to Sri Krishna.
- Note: Rugmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Neela, Mitravindaa, Bhadraa and Lakshanaa were the eight main consorts of Sri Krishna.
60) Rugmini and Satyabhama were the Avataras of Mahalakshmi, who is the presiding deity of Prakruti, and had taken two forms. The others had the permanent Avesha of Mahalakshmi. Amongst them (the latter six), Jambavati was the main one.
61) Jambavati was equal to Balarama when it came to the affection of Sri Krishna. The others were a little lower. However, when the Avesha of Ramaa was more in them, Sri Krishna showered them with special affection.
62) When the Avesha of Ramaa was lesser in them, all of them were still twenty times higher than Kaama. Since eternity they have never attained anyone else but Sri Krishna. He enjoyed with them while staying at Dwaravati (Dwaraka).
63) In this way when Sri Krishna was staying at Dwaraka, all the Kings came over to Raivata mountain once. Duryodhana and his associates, Pandavas and Kings of various countries came there too.
64) Since all of them had come there (Raivata) to see him, Sri Krishna appeared there. He was with Rugmini, and was seated in a divine throne. All the Kings offered their respects to him.
65) Then, Sage Narada appeared from the sky and told Sri Krishna – “You are the Supreme One; There is none else like you”. He stated this by uttering the words “Ashcharya” and “Dhanya”. Sri Krishna replied to him.
- Note: Sage Narada said – “tvaM AscharyaH dhayaH…” to Sri Krishna
66) “Along with Dakshina” – said he. The Kings present there asked him – “What is this?”. Sri Krishna said to Sage Narada – “Explain it to them”. Sage Narada said – “Listen” and started explaining.
67) “I once saw a tortoise in river Ganga. I told it that it was the best. The tortoise said Ganga was superior to it. Ganga in turn said Varuna was better. Varuna said Uma Devi, who is also known as Prithvi, is better than him”.
68) “Since she bears (takes care of) all Devatas like me, Uma Devi is known as Prithvi. She said Shiva, Shesha and Garuda were better than her. Since they protect others, they are known as Parvata”.
69) “I am because of them. Sauparni and Varuni Devis, who are equal to me, are ruled by them” – said Uma. “Later when I went to them, they said Brahma was superior to them. Brahma said Mahalakshmi, the presiding deity of the Vedas and wife of Sri Vishnu, was better than him”.
70) “At that moment, Mahalakshmi, the presiding deity of the Vedas spoke as she has several forms. She said that her ‘Yajna’ form was superior as she joins Sri Vishnu in that form while he is known as ‘jna’. In that form, she is the presiding deity for all rituals related to yajnas. Since he enters them, he (Narayana) is also known as ‘Yajna'”.
71) “Rama Devi, who is also known as Yajna, and who is encompassed by Sri Vishnu and is seated on his lap, said that Sri Hari, who is the cause of the appearance of Brahma, Rudra and all others, is the most superior amongst all. There is none even equal to him. So who can be greater than him? She told me – O Sage! This is true and nothing is untrue here”.
72-75) “Having been taught thus, I realized that there is no difference in the Avataras of Sri Vishnu and came here to Sri Krishna, the best amongst the Yadavas, and told him that he was the Supreme Being. He said thus to me – ‘I am not just superior to Mahalakshmi who is seated on my left thigh. She stays on the left side of me bearing the name Dakshinaa. Since I am seated to her right, she is known as Dakshinaa. She is the presiding deity of Dakshina (the monetary remuneration offered in Yajnas). She bears numerous forms. She resides in the left half of my body. Since half my body is mingled with her, I am known as Ardha-Narayana. Even then, I am superior to her. There is none else who is as complete as me, nor is superior to me’. He conveyed all this by uttering the words – ‘dakshiNAbhiH saha’. When he spoke, he conveyed the truth that he was superior even to Mahalakshmi, the presiding deity of Dakshina”.
76) “Sri Krishna said – ‘O Narada! I am always superior compared to Dakshinaa and all her other forms, and compared to the entire Universe. She does not possess even one fraction of my infinite capabilities'”.
77) “This is what the incomparable Sri Krishna just said. The Dakshinaa form of Mahalakshmi is always superior to everything else. Rugmini is that very Dakshinaa form (of Lakshmi). O Kings! Know that Sri Keshava is the one who is superior to her”.
78) “All of you are witness to Sri Krishna’s ability. When Kunti requested him to battle, he showed her ability. In one moment, he rendered Pandavas, Kauravas, Bhishma, Drona, Ashwathama, Krupa and Karna, all warriors who are the best in the world and who cannot be defeated even by the Devatas, completely weapon-less”.
- Note: The meaning of this shloka is that Kunti had once requested Sri Krishna to show everyone his strength. He obliged and, in one instance, rendered all the great warriors weapon-less.
79) Bhima had a vrata that he would never oppose Sri Krishna. So, as per his orders, Bhima bowed to Sri Krishna’s chariot and held its wheel. Sri Krishna freed it (the wheel) and went away from there.
- Note: In this contest, the defeat of Bhima was symbolic as he was very dear to Sri Krishna, and a great devotee. So he was made to hold Sri Krishna’s chariot-wheel which the Lord then freed.
80) In this way, all of them engaged in playful competition and, even after trying as per their strengths, they were defeated by Sri Krishna and bowed to him. Kunti too was surprised and paid her respects.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 20: Part 1

1) Yudhisthira was engaged in the performance of yajnas, giving mahadanas, receiving tributes from Kings, becoming the moderator in discussions on topics of shastra and in worshiping Rishis and Munis. Bhima was engaged in giving discourses on Dharma, dissipating the knowledge of Sri Hari and in the protection of the nation.
2) Draupadi got engaged in giving discourses on Stree Dharma, protecting the servants of the palace, expenditure from the treasury and other activities including keeping a tab on the qualities and defects of those working in the inner palace. She also became a guide on the Bhagavata Dharma to those in the inner palace.
3) Arjuna’s task was to control the other countries. Kings like Jarasandha and the rest and Keechaka and his followers used to be kept under check by Bhima. It was only his strength that they used to be afraid of!
4) When Bhima took control of all the Kingdoms, those rulers were rendered jobless after having lost the wars. Under Bhima’s rule, the citizens used to be mostly engaged in Vaishnava Dharma.
5) The task of distributing salary to all the employees fell to the elder son of Madri (Nakula). Sahadeva engaged in the task of negotiations and treaties with other countries and he also served as a bodyguard of Yudhishthira, always carrying a sword with him.
6) Due to the special friendship with the Pandavas, Dhrishtadyumna stayed there at Indraprastha as the commander of their army. He developed a special friendship with Bhima. In this way, their Kingdom was complete with all required comforts.
7) In their Kingdom, due to Bhima’s rule, there were no non-Vaishnavas. None suffered from poverty. No one faced any obstacle in treading the path of Dharma nor did people die of diseases. None faced death that was out of turn.
8) People used to approach Yudhisthira only for obtaining dana or for getting yajnas done and not with any other material requests. Because all other things used to get done by Bhima only.
9) The Gandharvas, Vidyadharas and Charanas always served the Pandavas, just as they served Indra. All the Devatas and Rishis too used to come there in order to worship Sri Krishna.
10) In their rule, Dharma came into being even more than what was prevalent in the Kruta Yuga. Therefore wealth in terms of gold, jewels, clothes and greenery was much more abundant than the Kruta Yuga.
11) After that, Yudhishthira married the daughter of Shishupala named Devaki. She was his wife earlier too (in their original Devata form). Her brother was Dhrishtaketu. He was the Avatara of Anuhlada and had the Amsha of Savitru, an Aditya.
12) Yudhishthira had a son named Suhotra from her (Devaki). He was the Avatara of Chitragupta, the writer of Yamadharma. Draupadi (Bharati) was born in another form as the daughter of the King of Kashi. She was known as Kali.
13) That Kali was Bharati Devi herself. The other Devatas did not have any presence in her. The King of Kashi invited all Kings for her Swayamvara and they all gathered there with great enthusiasm.
14) In the midst of all of them, Kali put the garland on the shoulders of Bhimasena. Jarasandha and the others were greatly infuriated and they rushed towards him berating the devotees of Vishnu while shouting praise of Shiva.
15) At first, Bhimasena defeated all of them by using excellent and unassailable logic in arguments showing that the Vedas are defect-free, citing numerous proofs from the Vedas themselves, and from other satvik-scriptures.
16) Even the Shaiva shastras have extolled the Vedas. Further, they have condemned shastras such as Shakta, Skanda and Soura and others that have gone against the Vedas. Vedas themselves declare their pro-Vishnu leanings.
17) These Shaiva shastras themselves have declared the supremacy of Vishnu over Shiva. But, nowhere in the Vedas has Shiva been called as superior to Vishnu. Even the Bauddhas and others have told everywhere that Vishnu is the supreme one.
18) Even the Charvakas, in some places, have called Vishnu as the supreme one and the Guru of Brihaspati. Therefore, Vishnu is the one well known as the supreme being and giver of salvation in all shastras.
19) “Among the other philosophies there is contradiction within the scriptures. O Kings! you shall now see the strength of my shoulders that are always at the service of Sri Vishnu’s feet and in the propagation of Vishnu’s supremacy” – said Bhima.
20) “Earlier, in the Kaurava capital of Hastinapura, river Ganga had arrived to obstruct my performance of Vishnu pooja. When I had pushed her aside with my left hand, she shifted many yojanas. Shiva arrived there at that moment”.
21) “Shiva, in order to test me, came there in the form of a tiger and acted as if he was about to kill a Kapila cow, who was none other than Parvati. He rushed towards the cow and fell unconscious after getting hit by the force of my gada. He entered into the form of a Linga”.
22) “That Linga became famous on Earth as the Vyaghreshwara. Similarly, on another occasion, at the banks of river Gomati near Himavat mountain, a battle took place. There too, Shiva was defeated and a Shardula Linga came into being”.
23) “In this way, it is established by facts that I, who has sought refuge at Sri Vishnu’s feet, is stronger. What then to speak of Sri Vishnu’s superiority? Amongst Kshatriyas, strength determines greatness. Amongst Brahmanas it is knowledge. So say the knowledgeable”.
24) “At Kedara (Kedarnath) Shiva, in the guise of a Brahmana, was defeated by me and he entered into a Linga due to fear. Embarrassed, he cursed saying – “May this place be out of bounds for those who know (study) the Vedas”.
25) “In this way, when facts themselves clearly establish Sri Vishnu’s ability, if anyone feels otherwise, then let such a person respond. Instead of that, if one wants to only increase his anger then let such a person come to war with me” – when Bhima declared thus, all the Kings rushed towards him (for battle).
26) Bhimasena chased all of them away with his shower of arrows. He toppled Jarasandha down with his gada. Lifting him with both his hands, he threw him into the divine river Ganga, born from the feet of Vishnu.
27) An embarrassed Jarasandha got together with the other Kings and went back to Magadha. Bhimasena was greatly honoured by the King of Kashi and he then climbed on to his chariot, along with Kali, and left for Indraprastha.
28) Bhimasena united with Kali Devi, whose beauty and auspicious traits were unmatched in all three worlds and who was greatly favourable to him, and obtained a son named Sharvatrata. He was the Avatara of a Marut named Samana, who was full of strength and valour.
29) Sri Krishna too returned to Dwaraka along with Balarama, and wished to kill Shatadhanva, who had murdered Satrajita, the father of Satyabhama. Shatadhanva asked Akrura and Krutavarma for help.
30) The two of them said – “We cannot even fathom in our minds about deceiving Sri Krishna, who is the primordial reason for this Universe and who is the Lord of all”. When they said thus, Shatadhanva was beseeched with fear and he escaped from there, riding a female horse.
31) Sri Krishna and Balarama chased him on their chariots. After running a hundred yojanas, the horses died. Shatadhanva then continued running barefoot. Sri Krishna too chased him on foot.
32) Sri Krishna beheaded him with his chakra. Even though he very well knew that the jewel had been given to Akrura, for the sake of complying with worldly nature, Sri Krishna examined his clothes and said to Balarama – “He does not have the jewel”.
33) Balarama did not believe Sri Krishna and, out of anger, went to Videha and stayed there for five years. Knowing fully well that Sri Krishna cannot be won over from the side of the Pandavas, Duryodhana went to Balarama intending to win him over.
34) Duryodhana became a shishya of Balarama and learnt gadayuddha. Knowing Sri Krishna wasn’t around, he asked Balarama for giving him his sister Subhadra. He too promised him that he would do so.
35) Duryodhana did so calculating that Sri Krishna would never overrule his older brother. In order to establish the promise, he asked Balarama to give him his hand. Balarama extended his palm, that had the marks of the plough, and gave it to Duryodhana (as a mark of a solemn promise).
36) Duryodhana, who had fallen for Subhadra’s beauty, believed that due to attachment over their sister, Sri Krishna and Balarama would come under his control. Thinking thus, he held the hand of Balarama that bore the mark of the plough.
37) In her previous life, Subhadra was known as Trijata. Bearing very auspicious beauty, she was born as Vasudeva’s daughter through Devaki. Rohini had raised her as her own daughter.
- Note: In the Ramayana, Trijata was the assistant who was beside Sita in the Ashoka vana.
38) Since she had served Sita very well in her previous life, she was born as Sri Krishna’s dear sister. Due to the presence of Parvati’s Avesha, she was full of beauty and auspicious traits. She had lotus like eyes and a reddish complexion like the Champaka flower.
39) Having done so much, Duryodhana returned to his own country while Balarama stayed back. Sri Krishna called back Akrura and Krutavarma, who were hiding due to his fear, and told them.
40) Sri Krishna called Balarama too, and in front of all Yadavas, told Akrura – “The Syamantaka jewel is with you. Show it to everyone!”. Akrura, who was frightened, showed it to all present.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 19: Part 9

181) Gandhari too, along with Duryodhana’s wife, took excellent care of Draupadi. The Pandavas started to live there. Gandhari, realizing that the ill-manner of her son would lead to great fear from Bhima, with Draupadi being the reason, said thus.
182) “O Kunti! You please go to your own home along with your daughter-in-law. Because of my son’s ill-mannerisms, I fear Bhima greatly. Because Draupadi is the most beautiful amongst all women in all three worlds”. Kunti accordingly moved to her own home along with her sons.
183) The Pandavas stayed in this way in the house of Pandu for five years, enjoying great comfort and happiness. Draupadi, although possessing a single body, took on four different forms due to the presence of four different Devis and enjoyed with the Pandavas.
- Note: Pandavas spent five parivatsaras in this way. Each parivatsara is roughly equal to one year, and is actually the time taken by Brihaspati (Jupiter) to traverse through the twelve rashis.
184) Draupadi would turn into a kanya everyday. The presiding deities in her body would end their stay every day and re-appear again. Therefore, she would undergo the equivalent of death and birth everyday. Bharati Devi, on the other hand, remained in that body continuously. Therefore, Sri Vayu too had entered the body of the other four (Pandavas).
185) Sri Vayu would enter the bodies of Yudhishthira and the others and cause ignorance to mask their buddhi. In this way, it was Sri Vayu who would always enjoy with Bharati Devi. Therefore, he would remain pure every day. The other Pandavas, due to ignorance (of this matter) taking over their mind, would undergo the equivalent of death everyday. She (Draupadi) would turn into a kanya again and again.
186) The loss of possession used to occur there due to the control of the other (Bharati Devi). Therefore, the joy that Draupadi used to experience was not equivalent to sleep. There used to be constant remembrance of Sri Hari. Therefore it was not like being unconscious. Nor was it like possession by another soul (Avesha). Therefore, it was a death like situation (everyday). Since she was born (in this manner) everyday, she would become a kanya.
187) In this way, Sri Vayu would remain in Yudhishthira and others as Avesha and also as Bhima and would alone enjoy with Bharati Devi separately in those bodies. The ways of enjoyment of Devatas is different and the way humans experience is different. Therefore, there is no room whatsoever for any suspicion (about this truth).
188) Sri Hari, in the form of Vasishtha Krishna (Sri Vyasa) and Yadava Krishna, stayed there with the Pandavas. Engaging in excellent and appropriate conversations with the two, who possessed infinite auspicious traits and were the personification of complete bliss, the Pandavas too enjoyed there.
189) Earlier, when they were in the forest, a big gathering of Kings had occurred for the Swayamvara of the daughter of the King of Kashi. Duryodhana, with pride over the strength he possessed, had kidnapped the bride.
190) When the Kings were being recognized (in the ceremony), Jarasandha had been recognized first which greatly angered Duryodhana and he therefore kidnapped that kanya. The Kings engaged in battle with him. With help from Karna and his brothers, he defeated them all.
191) Having lost the battle, all of the Kings came back again with their bows. Karna then told Duryodhana – “You get back to Hastinapura along with your brothers. There, once you join Bhishma and the others, these people will never be capable of coming into the city and attacking”.
192) “Jarasandha would have never started off unless he was sure of victory. Once you enter the city, he will no longer be sure of victory. Since he has always been aware that Ashwathama is the Avatara of Rudra, he has never liked engaging in battle with him, as he himself is a devotee of Rudra”
193) “I alone will face these Kings. Even if I get defeated by them, there will be no dent to your fame. But your fame shall be destroyed even if one of your brothers is held by them”.
194) “Even Bhishma and the others are not capable of engaging in battle with him (Jarasandha). That is why even Bahlika is his dasa. He hasn’t gone to war with Bhishma since he (Bhishma) is not a King. Therefore, there has been no battle between Bhishma and him”.
195) When Karna said thus, Duryodhana thought about it for a while and then returned to his city. Karna fought with the Kings and won against them. Underestimating the strength of Karna, Jarasandha sent the Kings one after the other and hence Karna’s victory became possible.
196) After all of them were defeated, Jarasandha started on his chariot to fight with him. Due to Sri Parashurama’s boon, Karna rendered him chariot-less and weapon-less. He too did the same to Karna. After that, both of them engaged in a fist-fight.
197) Ignoring other parts, Karna started hitting Jarasandha at those joints which Jara had brought together. Jarasandha was impressed by this and said – “Even Balarama did not know about these joints of mine. You are aware of it. Therefore, you become my accomplice”.
- Note: Jarasandha was born two separate pieces, which Jara brought together and gave him life. Hence his name.
198) “I cannot kill a clever person like you who is so skilled in many different forms of war. Not just that, I had earlier snatched the Kingdom of Anga from your father due to the strength of my shoulders. You can take it back now. Become an accomplice of mine in war”.
199) As soon as Jarasandha said thus, Karna agreed immediately. Earlier, Duryodhana had given him one part of Anga. That Kingdom was actually won by Bhima by defeating Jarasandha and given to Dhritharashtra.
200) Having earned the other half of the Anga country, and the friendship of Jarasandha, Karna, the son of Surya, returned to the Kauravas. All of them became happy seeing him and claimed that even Sri Krishna was not equal to him.
201) Duryodhana married the daughter of the King of Kashi. She had the Avesha of Parvati, but was actually the Avatara of Jyeshtalakshmi (Alakshmi). A son was born to her, who was actually Akshakumara in his previous life. She bore a daughter too who was the Avatara of Shanmukha’s wife Rati.
- Note: Sri Vadiraja Tirtha explains that at the time of Draupadi’s vastrapaharana, Duryodhana’s wife had expressed sorrow. Parvati Devi’s Avesha in her was the sole reason for this satvik reaction.
202) The son was named Lakshana. Possessing excellent beauty and auspicious attributes, the daughter came to be known as Lakshanaa. As time went by, Duryodhana’s brothers too found brides suitable to their own traits. Duryodhana later married a few others too.
203) Later, the Rakshasa who was in his earlier life known as Surantaka was born as Dushasana’s son. The Kauravas saw the strength, capability, traits and prosperity of the Pandavas and suffered greatly. Thereafter, they once went to the Kalinga country.
- Note: Surantaka was born to Ravana by a Gandharva woman. He was also known as Devantaka and was killed in the Ramayana war by Sri Hanuman.
204) There was a Swayamvara arranged for the daughter of the King of Kalinga. The King used to be known as Suvajra. Due to Shiva’s boon he had become invincible. Duryodhana forcefully kidnapped his daughter too.
205) Suvajra then got together with Jarasandha and captured Duryodhana as a prisoner. Karna fled from there. He had developed a sense of competition with the Pandavas in his mind, which led to his defeat there.
206) When Duryodhana was thus taken prisoner along with his brothers, Bhima was encouraged by the words of Bhishma, Dhritharashtra, Vidura and his older brother Yudhishthira, and went there and defeated all the Kings, including Jarasandha. He killed Suvajra and released the Kauravas from prison.
207) All of them, along with Karna, returned to Hastinapura bearing the look of Pretas on their faces. Noticing the enmity growing between them, Dhritharashtra said to Dharmaraja – “You proceed immediately to Indraprastha”.
208) “You rule half of the Kingdom from there, along with your brothers. Accept half of the treasury too. Earlier, Indra was crowned by Sri Brahma and the others over there, and had ruled the land for a long time”.
209) “O brave one! You are verily equivalent to Indra. Therefore, that is a fitting capital for you. I shall coronate you soon” – when Dhritharashtra said thus Dharmaraja replied – “May it be so”. The son of Ambika soon performed his coronation.
210) The first one to perform abhisheka to Dharmaraja was Sri Vyasa. “May you become a great Emperor. May it be possible for you to always perform excellent yajnas like the Rajasuya that includes the Ashwamedha. Always be on the path of Dharma”.
211) In this way, when Yudhishthira was coronated as the King along with Draupadi, Sri Krishna, the best amongst the Vrishnis, too performed his abhisheka. Similarly, the two of them (Sri Vyasa and Sri Krishna) performed the coronation of Bhimasena along with his wife, as the crown-prince.
212) When Bhima too, after Dharmaraja, was given the abhisheka along with Draupadi by Sri Vyasa and Sri Krishna, the personification of infinite bliss, strength and knowledge, their abhisheka was performed by other excellent Brahmanas. All the noble people felt great joy.
213) That very best of the ceremony lasted seven days. After that the Pandavas, together with Sri Vasishta Krishna and Sri Yadava Krishna, and with Kunti and Draupadi, left for Indraprastha.
214) When they started towards Indraprastha along with half the treasury, the dwellers of the city (Hastinapura) got ready to leave with them. “Fie! The evil Duryodhana has distanced (us from) the noble Pandavas” – they exclaimed.
215) “He leaned upon the strength of Bhima and got out of prison in Kalinga. He also managed to bring his daughter to the city. Yet he constantly hates the powerful Pandavas. Let us today go along with the Pandavas, who possess noble qualities”.
216) Duryodhana got an announcement made through the beating of the drums – “Do not follow the Pandavas. If you do so, your wealth shall be confiscated”. In spite of this they said – “Let this evil one do as he says. We shall not desert the Pandavas” and started off.
217) The people had firmed up their decision saying – “Staying with the noble is the main instrument for happiness. It is also the instrument for salvation later. On the other hand, the company of the evil fetches sorrow both here and in the after-life. Therefore, let us proceed to Indraprastha along with the Pandavas”. Dharmaraja then made a request (to them).
218) “If you really love me and my brothers, please stay here under the rule of our father. If you follow us, our reputation will be tarnished as you would have violated the words of our father. Therefore, please follow Dhritharashtra and stay here”.
219) When the city dwellers were thus stopped by all the Pandavas, they stayed back there with great difficulty. Their minds, however, had followed them. After they (the Pandavas) went to Indraprastha, Sri Krishna and Sri Vyasa summoned the divine architect Vishwakarma. He immediately arrived there.
220) When Sri Vashishta Krishna and Sri Yadava Krishna ordered him saying – “Construct a city for the Pandavas that is just like Amaravati and full of precious stones”, Vishwakarma bowed to both the Lords and built a city (as per the orders).
221) Although the city was sparsely populated, the Pandavas quickly filled it by bringing people from other countries. The noble people from other countries came there and settled down, due to the auspicious qualities of the Pandavas and creating the excuse of falling at the feet of Sri Hari.
222) Having sent away his brother’s children thus, Dhritharashtra performed the coronation of Duryodhana. He coronated Dushashana as the crown-prince and thought of himself has having accomplished much, although his desire for material pursuits had not ended.
223) The Pandavas followed the path of truth laid down by Sri Vyasa and Sri Krishna and enjoyed the land as per Dharma. Always relying on the lotus-like feet of Sri Hari, the Lord of Ramaa, they led a joyous life.
|| End of chapter 19, known as ‘Pandava Rajya Labha’, from the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, composed by Srimadanandatirtha Bhagavatpada ||
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 19: Part 8

141) “I have nothing to gain by fighting with excellent Brahmanas” – saying thus Karna left for Hastinapura along with Duryodhana and the others. Taking along Draupadi, Bhima left along with Arjuna.
142) Prior to this, Yudhishthira had left for the house of a potter along with Nakula-Sahadeva. Bhima and Arjuna left behind them. When they said “Bhiksha” she replied asking them all to have it. After that she saw the bride.
143) Normally, Kunti would never speak inappropriately even by mistake. So they all got worried as to how such a thing happened. By then Sri Krishna, who was Vasudeva, arrived there with great affection and friendship.
144) After conversing with them in the most cordial manner, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the one with unlimited natural strength, returned to Dwaraka along with the Yadavas. Drupada sent his son Dhrishtadyumna at night in order to gather information on who they were. He watched them even as he hid himself out of sight.
145) Seeing all of them eating food gathered through bhiksha, and noticing that his sister was very comfortable there, and hearing their baritone voices discussing the news of the battle, the brave Dhrishtadyumna concluded that they were excellent Kshatriyas.
146) In the morning, as per his father’s words (Drupada’s) a purohita came to them. Bhimasena, the most knowledgeable one, treated him excellently as per the shastras. Taking them and their mother along with him, the purohita made them enter the palace.
147) After taking good care of them and his daughter, Drupada showed four houses which were full of household and other items fit for Brahmanas and the other varnas. They entered the house which was full of weapons and other paraphernalia.
148) Noticing that their behavior, voice, appearance, capabilities, valour and courage were all compatible with Kshatriyas, Drupada concluded that they were princes. He approached Dharmaraja and asked him – “O best amongst men! Who are you? Tell me the truth”.
149) Dharmaraja smiled and replied – “Why is that relevant now? Earlier no qualifications with regard to varna were imposed, right? Your son had explained only the rules of the target with regard to your daughter. My brother achieved the same”.
150) When he said thus, Drupada repeatedly requested him and Kunti to reveal the truth. Kunti and he (Dharmaraja) then told him everything. Drupada was greatly pleased and said – “I feel a great sense of accomplishment”.
151) “I have tried all this for Arjuna. So either Arjuna, you or the others should hold the hand of my daughter” – when he said thus Yudhishthira replied – “I have decided in my mind that all of us would accept her hand”.
152) “In this matter, I do not have any evidences from the Shastras in my mind. However, my intellect is always rooted in Dharma. That is the basis for this” – even when Dharmaraja said thus, Drupada along with his son Dhrishtadyumna did not agree to it. Sri Vyasa, who is Bhagavan himself, arrived there.
153) All of them paid their respects to Sri Vyasa, the one who is Bhagavan himself an the one who possesses infinite, complete and unchangeable inherent auspicious attributes. After he sat down on an excellent seat, all the others took his permission and sat down with him.
154) Sri Vyasa said to Drupada – “You give your daughter’s hand to them. They are verily Yama, Vayu, Indra and Ashwini Devatas themselves. They have occupied the position of Indra before and after Sri Hari and also currently”.
- Note: Indra is a position and not the name of a person. The Jeevas who are currently Yama, Vayu and Ashwini Devatas have earlier occupied the position of Indra. Arjuna is anyway the current Indra.
155) “Their wives have got together and have been born as your daughter. Therefore there is nothing wrong with it”. Even when he said thus, Drupada did not make up his mind. Sri Vyasa then spoke again.
156) “I shall grant you divine vision now. See for yourself how your daughter is staying separately with the Devatas who are Pandavas in the Devaloka. After that, do as you please”.
157) As soon as Sri Vyasa said thus, King Drupada saw them through his grace. Like he said, he saw them in the Devaloka too. Fearing that he had greatly disrespected him, he took refuge at the feet of the Lord of the Universe.
158) Sri Vyasa, the Bhagavan, granted him assurance and, once Drupada gave consent, personally conducted all the marriage rituals along with Sage Dhaumya. All the Pandavas accepted her hand one by one.
159) There was a big celebration in Panchala country. Drupada felt great joy along with his children, relatives, city-dwellers and other citizens, just as King Janaka had enjoyed when he gave his daughter to Sri Rama.
160) When they got married thus and were staying there (in Panchala), Sri Krishna, along with Balarama and the Yadavas came there out of joy, bringing along numerous gifts, to see them and Kunti.
161) As soon as they saw Sri Krishna, the Pandavas were exhilarated. They hugged him and paid their respects. Sri Krishna saw Draupadi and gifted her all the utensils needed for the house. He gave all of them excellent jewellery.
162) He gave all six of them excellent gifts including jewellery that would suit the bodies of Devatas, such as ear-rings, garlands, crowns, armlets, clothes and other jewels. After that, he gave gifts to his maternal aunt Kunti, that was suitable for her (personality).
163) Sri Krishna gifted them many types of precious jewels, cows, elephants, horses, chariots and golden bricks. Sri Vyasa too showered them with excellent blessings. Drupada gifted them ornaments, chariots, horses, elephants, stones and golden jewellery.
164) Sri Krishna and Drupada gifted them thousands of well dressed and good looking dasis and dasas. They gave them too (to the servants i.e.) many different types of clothes, ornaments and jewels.
165) Sri Krishna spent many months with them pleasantly and returned to Dwaraka along with his older brother. Sri Vyasa, the Bhagavan and the one with great capabilities, also disappeared from there. In this way, the Pandavas spent a year (at Panchala).
166) The Kauravas, along with Shakuni, Karna, the King of Sindhu (Jayadratha), Bhurishravas and others, along with a huge retinue of chariots, elephants and foot-soldiers, came from their country and attacked, wanting to kill King Drupada.
167) Seeing them destroy his city, Drupada, the King of the Somakas, came out with his sons and soldiers. A great battle took place between them. Two of his sons died and both armies suffered losses.
168) In that battle, when Chitraketu and Chitra died, even the best of Drupada’s soldiers started fleeing. At that time, the Pandavas, picked up their bows and arrows, climbed their chariots and faced the Kauravas and Karna.
169) When the five of them were fighting thus, Bhurishravas and Karna got together and destroyed the chariot of Arjuna. At that very moment, Bhima plucked a mountain like tree with his bare hands.
170) As soon as they saw Bhima rushing towards them with a tree, Duryodhana, along with Bhurishravas, Shakuni, Bhuri, Jayadratha and the others and also Karna fled from there. They in fact returned to their city.
171) Knowing all that happened, Vidura told his older brother Dhritharashtra – “O King! Your sons are shining victoriously”. Dhritharashtra thought that his son Duryodhana had obtained Draupadi and gave him excellent ornaments and clothes.
172) Immediately Vidura said – “It was the Pandavas”. Dhritharashtra then, in order to hide the true feelings in his heart, said – “In that case I am even happier. Did they not die along with Kunti? Tell me all of their deeds”.
173) When he asked thus, Vidura narrated all the events starting with killing of Hidimba and the breaking of the fish-target by the Pandavas. He described the wedding too. Listening to all of it, Bhishma and the others became extremely thrilled. In this way, the Pandavas spent one year in the city of Drupada.
174) Getting to know that Sri Krishna had visited the Pandavas and that he gave them lots of jewels before leaving, Duryodhana and the others were deeply antagonized in their hearts and they held a discussion. Keeping Karna in front, they prepared for war.
175) When they got ready for battle again that way with their chariot, Vidura told his brother and Bhishma and the others – “These evil minded ones will go to battle with the Pandavas and die. There is no doubt”.
176-177) “Even the best amongst the Devatas do not have the ability to face Bhima and Arjuna. They have now grown a lot. Even after knowing (about them being alive), it is a big Adharma to have neglected them for over a year. Stop this. Make arrangements to bring them. O King! Bring them here with good words and give them half the Kingdom. By doing so, you shall facilitate the progress of your lineage. You shall garner punya too. Otherwise, you will destroy both these”.
178) As soon as Vidura said thus, Bhishma, Drona and Krupa too said that it (Vidura’s words) was right. Dhritharashtra then said to Vidura – “You go and bring them yourself”. Immediately, Vidura set off on a speedy chariot. All of them (the Pandavas) offered him great respects.
179) At the same time, Sri Krishna, the son of Vasudeva and the one with inexhaustible strength, and Sri Vyasa too came to the Pandavas. The two of them, along with Kunti and Vidura, brought the Pandavas to Hastinapura, along with Draupadi.
180) As soon as they arrived, the citizens and people of the Kuru country were greatly joyed. Bhishma and the others too felt elated. They joined Dhritharashtra and welcomed the Pandavas, accompanied with great celebration, and brought them inside the palace.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 19: Part 7

121) “O brave Kings! Draupadi shall follow the person who, using this excellent bow, shall hit and bring down the fish located on top of the wood above by looking into its reflection in the water (below) with these five arrows”.
122) As soon as Dhrishtadyumna said thus, all the princes got up. They had immense ego due to their strengths. When they got up their ear-rings started rolling. Thinking that their knowledge of astras and strength were both natural, the princes, who were all well dressed, got down to competing with each other.
123) Some of them saw it (from close) and gave up. A few others tried to shake it and gave up the challenge. At that time Shishupala, that great warrior, came near it and got into the effort of trying to bend it and tying the thread.
124) He started pulling the edge of the bow. When the distance between the thread and the edge of the bow was only the width of a black gram the bow sprang back and hit him. The boon of Shiva that none other than Arjuna shall be able (to tie it) was the reason. The defeated Shishupala got back.
125) Shalya, the King of Madra, came next. Although old, he wanted to show his strength. Coming near it, he managed to bend it a little more than the King of Chedi. When the distance (between the thread and the edge of the bow) was only a width of a green gram the bow hit him back. Realizing that it was not possible for him, he returned. The other Kings became depressed (after seeing this).
126) When the Kings calmed down, Jarasandha rushed towards the bow. Bloated with ego due to his strength and capabilities, he started pulling it with contempt. His limbs started shivering. But when the distance was that of a mustard seed, the bow hit him badly.
127) Although his leg slipped, he tried hard to remain standing out of his arrogance. But his knees sank into the ground. When the boon of Shiva (regarding Arjuna) led to his current state of immobility he got up and returned to his country without even looking at the faces of the assembled Kings.
128) Along with him, the other Kings also soon went out of contention. Then, Karna bent the bow for the sake of Duryodhana. Due to the result of the excellent education given by Sri Parashurama, he managed to bend it till the distance was only that of a strand of hair.
129) When Karna too failed after getting hit by the bow, Bhima and Arjuna, who were seated amidst the Brahmanas and who were shining like the Sun and Moon, got up. Out of fear, the Brahmanas started to stop them.
130) Some Brahmanas said – “This is very appropriate. The two of them are brave like the Devatas. Then, the two of them, the best amongst the powerful, saw the lotus-like face of Sri Krishna and proceeded close to the bow.
131) There, Arjuna took the permission of his dear Bhimasena. He bowed to Sri Krishna, the one without a beginning, in his manas. Without any effort, he easily tied the bow. Through the hole in the middle of the instrument, he hit the target with five arrows.
132) When that happened, Draupadi put a new lotus garland on him. Placing her in their midst, the princes Bhima and Arjuna bowed to Sri Krishna and started from there. The ocean of Kings, who were upset, rushed towards them.
133) Sri Krishna had instructed the Yadavas that they were going to the Swayamvara only to watch it and not for the bride and that therefore none of them should touch the bow. Therefore none of the Yadavas had any desire to complete the bow and win (the bet).
134) When Bhima saw the groups of Kings attacking them, he plucked a tree that was ten yojanas tall and stood in front of them. As soon as they saw it, most of the Kings ran away.
135) At that moment, Sri Krishna pointed towards them and said to Balarama – “This is Bhima. This is Arjuna. These are the other Pandavas”. Seeing them, Balarama was greatly joyed. Satyaki, the grandson of Shini, was so happy that he held a sword in his hand and started dancing.
136) The Yadavas became happy. Duryodhana and the other Kings saw Bhima and ran away from there. Karna faced Arjuna, the son of Indra. Shalya, the King of Madra, rushed against Bhima.
137) The Brahmanas gathered there became angry and started hitting them with their staff, cloth, darbha, krishnajina and other things. Drupada, fearing that their angst against Kshatriyas may end the world, pleaded with Sri Krishna and the Brahmanas. Bhima went against Shalya.
138) Bhimasena placed the tree back in its original place and lifted Shalya with both his hands and threw him into the air. Before he fell down, Bhima held him softly as he was their relative. Getting to know his true strength, Shalya started (his return journey) towards his capital.
139) Arjuna engaged with Karna with that bow itself. Karna too displayed his skill with the astras and his strength. The two unparalleled archers fought against each other for a long time. Getting frustrated, Karna said thus.
140) “You must be Arjuna, Indra or verily the personification of the tapas of Brahmanas. None else are capable of standing in front of me”. Arjuna replied – “How does it matter who I am? If you are capable, release arrows. Otherwise, return from the battle”.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 19: Part 6

101) In the midst of all this, Krutavarma, the son of Hridika, leaning on the intellect of Akrura, told his brother Shatadhanva thus – “This Satrajita had assured us earlier that he would give us Satyabhama along with the Syamantaka jewel”.
102) “But, he ignored all of us and handed over his daughter to Sri Krishna. You kill that evil-minded one at night. Bring the jewel to us. If this leads to a battle with Sri Krishna, Akrura and I too shall come to your help”.
103) As soon as he said thus, the evil-minded Shatadhanva complied immediately (killed Satrajita). The reason was that he was a Daitya in his previous life. Satyabhama, although she was the personification of knowledge and wisdom, kept the body (of her father) in sesame oil and went to Sri Krishna, acting as per the ways of the world.
104) Listening to her words, Bhagavan Sri Krishna returned to his city. At that moment, the messenger of the King of Panchala gave him the news of the Swayamvara of Draupadi and he left for the city of Drupada along with the Yadavas and his brother, the wielder of the plough.
105) Bhima, the one who is worthy of worship by all devotees of Sri Hari, had destroyed the Rakshasa who had been protected by the boon of Rudra as if he were a blade of grass. After spending a few days there, he too left (for Panchala) along with his people, as per the words of Sri Vyasa, the unblemished one.
106) “It is a unique and auspicious event. Therefore, proceed towards Panchala country. You will get excellent food there” – listening to such words of Brahmanas at every little distance, the Pandavas went Northwards.
107) Amongst the six of them, the Brahmanas looked at Bhima, with his huge shoulders, broad chest and complete manly attributes, and kept saying that Draupadi would get him only.
108) Without taking a break, they traveled day and night and reached the banks of Ganga one night. Then, Bhima walked behind all of them for protection, while Arjuna was in front, with the others in between.
109) When Arjuna was leading them with a torch, as they approached river Ganga, a Gandharva King named Chitraratha spotted them at that midnight. Seeing that they were without any accompanying Brahmanas, he quickly realized that they were Kshatriyas and got ready to battle them.
110) “I shall slay all of you as you have come near this river water in the middle of the night when it is inappropriate for humans to be out” – when he said thus Arjuna replied – “O Gandharva! We do not fear you as we are well versed in astras“.
111) “If you employ your strength against those who are knowledgeable in the astras, it will go waste like a bubble on water” – said Arjuna. The Gandharva, who was an assistant of Indra, and who was seated on an excellent chariot, faced Arjuna and threw many arrows at him.
112) Arjuna then invoked the Agneyastra in the torch and threw it at him. The chariot of the Gandharva was burnt and the fire caught him too. Arjuna held him by his hair and pulled him around.
113) Having been defeated thus, Chitraratha surrendered to Yudhisthira and Arjuna. The terrible astra was withdrawn by Arjuna then. Since Chitraratha’s skin colour had completely changed to black, he came to be known as Angaravarna.
114) Earlier, the Gandharva possessed a dark red coloured skin and was radiant like gold. Later, he became friends with Arjuna and requested him to teach that great astra (Agneyastra) that was difficult to obtain. Although he knew Agneyastra, he did not know that particular (type of Agni) astra.
115) Arjuna had excellent command over that skill. He taught the same to the Gandharva. The Gandharva too taught him the skill of becoming invisible (at a later point in time). Since Arjuna refused to learn that skill at that time, the Gandharva did not teach the same.
- Note: The Gandharva taught him that skill later when Arjuna went to Indra Loka during the Vana Parva.
116) Since his own skill was greater than that of the Gandharva, Arjuna did not agree for an exchange as it (an exchange) can be done only when there is equivalence. Therefore, Arjuna taught him for the purpose of punya and learnt the other vidya at a later date for the sake of Dharma.
117) The Gandharva Chitraratha told numerous stories to Arjuna (and the others) and asked them to appoint Sage Dhaumya as their purohita. Assuring him that he would give divine horses some day in the future, he left for Devaloka. The Pandavas continued ahead.
118) The Pandavas accepted Dhaumya, the one with excellent knowledge, as their purohita and entered Panchala city in the guise of Brahmanas. There, they saw the entire congregation of Kings, all of whom were well decorated.
119) Dhrishtadyumna saw the teeming group of Kings and went amidst them along with his sister who was carrying a garland in her hands. He described all the Kings to her, detailing their lineage, strengths and wealth.
120) He showed Draupadi all the Kings and had the bow, along with five arrows, brought over there. Then Dhrishtadyumna, the one with a fire-like radiant body, one with a cloud like somber voice and the one who was the Avatara of Agni, addressed the Kings.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 19: Part 5

81) “O best amongst the Brahmanas! I have five sons now. Let one of them fall into the mouth of the Rakshasa” – when she said thus the Brahmana replied – “I shall become a sinner by getting your son killed. Oh! How strong is your heart!”.
82) When the Brahmana said thus, Kunti replied – “My son has some special skills that even the Dikpalaka Devatas cannot tolerate. But he doesn’t use them even if elders advise him to do so. Still, even the leaders of the Devatas or Asuras cannot kill him”.
83) Having responded thus, Kunti came to Bhima and narrated everything to him. Listening to all she said , Bhima became immensely happy thinking that he had got a great opportunity to perform Swadharma. Dharmaraja returned with Arjuna and the others and, seeing Bhima’s wide and excited eyes, asked his mother.
84) “O mother! Why is he so excited?”. Kunti narrated everything that had happened to Yudhishthira. He asked her – “You have done a dangerous thing. Why are you getting Bhima killed, when he is the one whose strength we are all dependent upon?”.
85) “You are sending that very person to the mouth of the Rakshasa, upon whose strength of shoulders we are all chiefly dependent upon to obtain our Kingdom and to perform our Swadharma that is the destruction of our enemies. Please let me know quickly as to with what thinking you are doing thus”.
86) When he said thus, Kunti spoke with great discretion – “O son! It is not possible for either the Suras or Asuras to kill him. Didn’t he destroy the Shatashrunga mountain when he was born itself?”.
87) “He is verily Sri Vayu born in human form. Who in this world has the requisite strength to kill him?” – when she said thus Dharmaraja replied – “May it be so then”. The next day Bhima put together all the luxurious materials such as sandalpaste, garlands and others and set off in the cart.
88) Bhima quickly went to the forest of Baka and desired to eat all the excellent dishes, including the special payasas, good sweets and the milk filled pots, that were all together in a mountainous heap, before the cannibal Baka even touched them.
89) When Bhima started consuming that entire pile of delicacies, Bakasura picked up a tree and rushed towards him. Stopping the hits of Baka with just his left hand, Bhima finished all the dishes.
90) Without looking at the Rakshasa, Bhima finished all the milk, performed the achamana (for cleansing) and then engaged in battle. When Baka started hitting him with numerous big trees, rocks and boulders, Bhima grasped him and thrust him on the ground.
91) Bhima held one leg of the Rakshasa with his knees and grasped his other leg with both his hands. He pulled him apart splitting him into two. The hater of Vishnu died in this way and left for Andhantamas, from where there is no return.
92) Bhima, the one with infinite strength, thus killed Bakasura, who was destroying all the people. He had not been controlled by even Jarasandha. Before this, he had not been subjugated by either Narakasura or King Bharata. Having killed him thus, Bhima brought his body and hung it in front of the city.
93) Placing the corpse near the main gate of the city, Bhima took bath and went to meet his brothers. They (the brothers) felt greatly elated after listening to all the events, along with their mother. On the other hand, the residents of the city became frightened.
94) As soon as the citizens saw the huge corpse they were scared but eventually they realized that it was him (Baka) who had died by identifying several marks on the body. From the words of the Brahmana, they got to know that it was Bhima who had killed him and became greatly excited.
95) All of them offered tributes to Bhima in the form of food. He offered all of it to the Sri Narasimha form of Paramatma. After that, having received instructions from Sri Vyasa, they moved out of the city.
96) Sri Vyasa, the Guru and Lord of the world, narrated the details behind Draupadi’s birth and related incidents, and told them – “You go there”. After that, the other excellent Brahmanas too thought of them as Brahmanas and said – “Come with us. You will get excellent food there”.
97) Initially King Drupada heard the news of the burning of the wax palace and felt great sorrow in his heart. But later he thought that the words of Yaja and Upayaja are not worth discounting and hence decided that they (Pandavas) were still alive.
98) He thought that the Pandavas must have hid somewhere secretly and quickly arranged a Swayamvara for Arjuna and announced the same. He arranged for a bow, that no one (else) could lift, with the boon of Shiva.
99) At the same time, Sri Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, even though he knew everything that had happened due to his inherent omniscience, heard the news of the death of Pandavas and, in order to follow the customs of the lineage, left for Hastinapura along with his brother Balarama.
100) Having reached Hastinapura, Sri Krishna spoke words favourable to the Kauravas in order to mislead them. He engaged with Bhishma and others and acted as if he was mourning the Pandavas. The one who is the very personification of bliss and eternally joyous then returned to Dwaraka.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 19: Part 4

61) As soon as Sri Vyasa, the one with infinite attributes and the Lord of Ramaa, said thus, Bhima agreed and did as asked to. Every morning, before sunrise itself, Hidimbi used to carry off Bhima on her shoulders to places where the Devatas used to roam.
62) She used to relax in the Nandana and other vanas along with Bhima and would return to Kunti and the other Pandavas by evening. In this way, half a year passed by. They had a son who had immense strength and valour.
63) The Rakshasa form of a Devata named Nirruti was born as Ghatotkacha, along with the Avesha of Shiva. When he was born his head was bald like a pot. Within minutes, he had thick hair. Hence he got that name.
64) As soon as he was born, Bhima ordered her to leave along with the son, as per the injunction of Sri Vyasa. She left for the Deva lokas after assuring the Pandavas that they would appear as soon as they remembered them.
65) Sri Vyasa, the one who is the source of infinite excellent auspicious attributes and the one with infinite great bliss, took the Pandavas along with him and quickly left for Ekachakra in order to ensure the killing of Baka, who had become invincible and could not be killed, due to the boon of Shiva.
66) Sri Vyasa placed them in the house of a Brahmana saying – “These are my shishyas” since they were in the guise of Brahmana youth. “I shall return at the appropriate time” – saying thus he took leave of them. Pandavas resided there, always reciting the Vedas.
67) Whenever they sought bhiksha, Bhima would carry a pot, the size of a house, made by a potter and seek bhiksha from the house of Vaishyas. Fearing that every roar of Bhima would reveal their identity as Pandavas, Yudhishthira said thus (to Bhima).
68) “You protected the house of the potter from fire by lifting the entire house with just one hand of yours. Due to that the potter gave you this pot, using which you are seeking bhiksha while letting out a roar”.
69) “Due to your extreme adherence to Dharma and immense strength, the spies of Duryodhana may get a clue about us. Such is my fear. Therefore, you stay back (at home) along with our mother. You can consume whatever Arjuna and the others bring. But you do not go for bhiksha”.
- Note: Bhima would seek bhiksha from only the house of Vaishyas. And only after letting out a roar, which would scare them and they would offer food. Since he was a Kshatriya in reality, he could not accept bhiksha but could only accept it if the giver offered it out of fear.
70) When Dharmaraja said thus, Bhima immediately agreed to it. The others used to beg silently in order to protect their Dharma. Once when the four of them had gone out Bhima was at the home along with his mother.
71) At the same time, Bhima heard the crying of the Brahmana and the lady who owned the house they stayed in and told his mother. Thinking that his own entry may cause embarrassment in the house where women stayed and took care of young children, he did not go himself.
72) “Please find out why the Brahmana is crying and come back. I shall resolve the problem appropriately” – when he said thus Kunti left immediately. She stayed in the corner and overheard their conversation. The Brahmana was speaking thus with his wife.
73) “We have to offer a ton of eatables and savouries to that Rakshasa Baka as tax, along with an ox and a human. There is no human ready to be offered. On the other hand, if we do not hand over (a human) our destruction is guaranteed”.
74) “I had told you earlier itself that we shall move elsewhere. O dear! You did not like it. (Therefore) I shall leave myself and fall prey to the Rakshasa” – when he said thus his wife replied – “You should not go. I will leave for there”.
75) “By sacrificing my life for you I shall obtain the loka meant for chaste wives. Otherwise, the nether world is guaranteed for me”. At that moment their daughter said – “I shall go there. What is the use of a young girl?”. When she said thus, the Brahmana said – “Fie on me!”.
76) “Kanya means one who brings glory to two families, isn’t she? The Shruti says patni means one who is a friend. The son, on the other hand, is the other form of oneself. Therefore, I can never knowingly hand any of you over to that cannibal”.
77) When they were wailing thus, the little girl pointed to the blade of grass she was holding and said – “I shall kill the Rakshasa with this”. Kunti, at that appropriate (auspicious) moment, entered their home.
78) When she asked, the Brahmana said – “Bakasura’s valour and capabilities are such that there is none amongst even the Devatas, the enemies of Asuras, who can match him. He is the maternal uncle of Ravana. Once every thirteen years, everyone has to pay him his tax”.
79) “That valorous Bakasura, who possesses immense strength, had hid himself in a cave out of fear of the unmatched arrow of Sri Ramachandra. After Sri Rama left for his abode, he has subjugated numerous Kings and is causing fear and extracting tax out of them”. Hearing this Kunti became very joyous.
80) “By killing such a powerful one, Bhima shall gain a lot of fame and punya. Because of him we too can gain a share in the punya” – thinking thus, she spoke to the Brahmana.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 19: Part 3

41) Bhimasena, knowing all of this completely, killed that evil-minded woman along with her sons and Purochana. Carrying his brothers and mother on him, he left through that tunnel. Due to fear, they (the rest of the Pandavas) had become weak.
42) All the other Pandavas, apart from Bhima, were scared of the thought of the Kauravas fighting with Bhishma and the others after knowing about the killing of Purochana. They were worried about what would happen to themselves (under such a scenario).
43) Bhima, although fearless, did not wish to fight a war with the Gurus and elders directly through his own initiation. Along with his he had the directions of Yudhishthira as well and hence he carried them and crossed the Ganga from where they traveled through the waters using the boat arranged by Vidura.
44) They listened to the words spoken by the boatmen which were verily the words of Vidura spoken earlier. Reassured by this they crossed the river and left for the forest on the back of Bhimasena. Later when the Sun rose, the dwellers of the city (of Varanavata) saw the dead bodies of the seven and they wailed a lot.
45) “Fie! The evil minded Duryodhana has gotten the Pandavas burnt in this way through Purochana. Due to divine will, that most evil Purochana also has been burnt. How can one who cheats noble people live happily?”.
46) Hearing the news from the citizens, Bhishma and the others exclaimed in sorrow and mourned a lot. Duryodhana and the others and Vidura cried (artificially). Their last rites were performed.
47) On the other side, Bhima reached the forest of Hidimba even as he carried Kunti and his brothers. When they asked for water due to thirst, he brought water for them with his upper garment covered with lotus leaves. When he came back he saw all of them deep in sleep.
48) When Bhima stayed awake for protecting them, the Rakshasa Hidimba sent his sister Hidimbi over there. She saw Bhimasena, who was handsome and possessed the essence of all auspicious attributes.
49) She was an Apsara woman called Sri who was the presiding deity for wealth in Indra loka. She was another of Indra’s wives. She had once competed with Shachi and was cursed to be born as a Rakshasi due to the same. She wanted to marry Bhima and then obtain her original form. She therefore requested Bhima.
50) Bhima addressed the beautiful bodied lady thus – “I cannot marry any woman before my older brother’s marriage. Doing so is absolutely not Dharma”. Still, she repeatedly requested him, being troubled by lust. The reason for her behavior was the Avesha of Bharati Devi, the consort of Sri Vayu, in her.
51) Being very pleased with her extreme penance, Bharati Devi had granted her own Avesha, union with her husband and release from her curse. Due to such a boon, she (Hidimbi) asked for Bhima, who was inherently Sri Vayu.
52) In order to reveal her natural divine knowledge, Hidimbi spoke again – “Sri Vyasa, the Guru of the entire world and the personification of Narayana himself, shall arrive here the day after tomorrow and hand me over to you. Then, you shall satisfy my wish”.
53) At the same time, Hidimba rushed there to kill Bhima and his own sister. He had sent her there to catch them for his meals. He rushed towards Bhima.
54) Hidimbi took refuge in Bhima. Bhima, in order to protect her, his own brothers and his mother, went after Hidimba. Fearing that his brothers’ sleep may be disturbed, he dragged Hidimba a long distance away and fought with him.
55) The two of them fought each other using trees, stones and big boulders, causing a lot of noise which woke them all. Seeing the apprehension in his brothers, Bhimasena immediately smashed the chest of the Rakshasa.
56) Due to the strength of the shoulders of Bhima, Hidimba fell down on the ground though he had Shiva’s boon and was therefore invincible. He bled profusely from his mouth and died. In due time, he attained the eternal Andhantamas.
57) Having killed the Rakshasa who was protected by Shiva’s boon and who was invincible by others, Bhima got ready to leave along with his mother and brothers. Hidimbi too followed them. She requested Kunti and Yudhishthira to convince Bhima.
58) When Bhima refused to agree to their words in spite of being repeatedly convinced, Sri Vyasa, the one who is complete with all auspicious attributes, the one who is the ocean of infinite bliss, the one who is omnipresent with his rays of knowledge and the one who is supreme, appeared there.
59) As soon as they saw Sri Vyasa, the Guru of even Brahma, the Pandavas were greatly joyed. Together with their mother, they worshipped him in various ways. Sri Vyasa caused them great joy with his wide and lotus-like eyes filled with love. He sat down there.
60) The Pandavas bowed down with devotion. Hidimbi too bowed to him. Seeing them with affection, Sri Vyasa told Bhima – “You shall marry this young one who is the jewel of the Deva lokas. Once you have a son, she may leave with him”.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 19: Part 2

21) “If the Pandavas are sent far away, the citizens will lose their refuge, become weakened and will then depend upon me for everything. Bhishma and the others too will never oppose them if they are close by. If they are far away, solidarity with them will reduce”.
22) “It is certain that divisions leading to the destruction of our family will arise if they stay here with us. Therefore, it is only appropriate that they are sent away to Varanavata by deploying appropriate means. I have already thought of such a plan”.
23) “Vishnu is established in that city of Varanavata along with Shiva who is in his ‘Jayanta’ form. A grand festival of the Devata is going to take place there. The Pandavas are great devotees of Vishnu, the wielder of the Chakra. If you tell them they will immediately travel to that festival”.
24) “My men, without revealing their loyalty to me, will act as coordinators and explain the festival to them in great terms. In fact, they now already have the desire to see that city which is so full of wonderful things”.
25) When his son said thus, Dhritharashtra agreed to it. When the Pandavas came in front of him, he said the same to them too. They realized the thinking of their father’s elder brother and, out of respect for him and to safeguard statecraft, they got ready to leave (for Varanavata) along with their mother Prithaa.
26) Bhima then said – “If we do this we will have to beg; knowing this correctly we should not give up our Swadharma”. Having said thus to his elder brother, he further said – “Let us not go from this city to that place. Doing thus is our Swadharma”.
27) “If they are going to send us away when we are (only) engaging in Swadharma, let us battle them here itself. It is not Adharma to kill thieves, right?” – when Bhima said thus Yudhishthira replied – “If we oppose our Gurus will it not taint our fame?”
28) When the older brother replied thus, Bhima complied with him. What Bhima stated first is the duty of following Swadharma. What he did now was to follow his elder. It is wrong to keep quiet on matters of Swadharma and it is also inappropriate to violate the words of elders. Therefore, Swadharma must be emphasized but one must not violate the directions of the elders. Such was Bhima’s thinking.
29) Whenever a situation arose that required violation of Swadharma, Bhima could resolve the difficulty by listening to the words of his older brother. It was Sri Hari’s wish that Bhima should not commit either sin and hence Dharmaraja was born as the first son.
30) Whenever Duryodhana and the others deserved death, nothing apart from killing them would be Swadharma. However, if they were killed (early) then all of their defects would not get exposed. Such being the reason, Sri Krishna ensured Dharmaraja was (born as) the first one.
31) After that, Vidura spoke to Yudhisthira using the language of Antyajas and said – “Always be careful of poison and fire”. Yudhisthira understood the message and said yes (agreed to be careful) and left for Varanavata along with his brothers and mother.
32) In order to kill them all, Duryodhana had quickly constructed a wax palace covered with gold and jewels and sent the Pandavas there through the river Ganga. He also sent his minister Purochana along with them.
33) Earlier (in the Ramayana) the one who was Prahasta came to the Pandavas and became their minister. “I have left Duryodhana and come to you” – in this manner he told them a lie.
34) “I have built this magnificent house for you out of love. It was not possible for me to follow that sinner and live. Hence I will be with you, the followers of Dharma, forever” – he said thus. They replied – “Oh! Is it? This is very good”.
35) As soon as he saw the palace, Yudhishthira smelt the fat and realized that it was a wax palace and spoke to Bhima, the son of Vayu, thus – “This one (Purochana) is a great sinner. O handsome Bhima! He desires to kill us. Always remain vigilant”.
36) Vidura, due to the strength of his intellect, and due to information from his informants, got to know about everything and called a tunnel digger and said – “Go and repeat to Yudhisthira all that I had warned him earlier. Also dig a long tunnel over there”.
37) He made an excuse of adding a fortification at the palace and dug the tunnel successfully. He covered the entrance of the tunnel so no one could spot it and returned back. Bhima and Purochana spent half a year, each waiting for an opportunity to kill the other.
38) His (Purochana’s) elder sister and her five sons came over there. Bhima decided that it was the right time and, observing that they were all in deep sleep, sent his brothers and mother through the tunnel ahead of himself.
39) Along with her sons, Bhima burnt down the sister of the sinner, the wax palace and him (Purochana) too. She had come there to poison the Pandavas and kill them. Since Bhima had eaten all the food earlier itself, she had failed (in feeding them poison).
40) Desiring the position of Aditi, she had performed a terrible penance along with her sons. After one year, Shiva had given her a boon – “If you do not die along with your sons, you shall obtain what you desire”.