Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 25: Part 2

41) Even after Bhishma and Drona, the great archers, fixed their chariots and came back again and tried howsoever hard, Bhima easily defeated them again. He slayed the Kauravas. Surprise!
42-44) Then, twenty-five powerful Kauravas were slain by Bhima. Bhagadatta, Ashwathama, Krupa, Shalya, Duryodhana and the others lost and fled from there. A large portion of the army was destroyed. Duryodhana, rendered chariot-less and weapon-less, was injured a lot and became deeply unconscious. Bhima did all this even as all the Kings kept watching. Later, driven by fear, the Kauravas withdrew their army.
45-46) At night, Duryodhana went to Bhishma’s place. He was bleeding profusely due to injuries caused by Bhima’s arrows. He bowed to Bhishma and asked him – “Why are we consistently losing? And why are the Pandavas winning and celebrating every day?”
47) Bhishma told him – “They are invincible Devatas who have come down to Earth. They are especially protected by Sri Krishna. They are always dear to him”.
48) “Earlier, in the Manasottara mountain, Brahma and the other Devatas had gathered. Then, only Brahma was able to see Sri Hari”.
49) “Brahma worshipped Sri Hari a lot, chanted his praises, and requested him to reduce Earth’s burden (eliminate evil). He then narrated to the Devatas what he heard from Sri Hari”.
50) “He is Deva Narayana. He, the one who is complete, eternal and an ocean of auspiciousness, has ordered all of you to take Avatara on Earth. The lord of the world will himself appear as the son of Devaki”.
51) “In this way, with Brahma ordering them, Yama, Vayu and the other Devatas, getting together with Indra and the Maruts, took Avatara as Pandavas and the rest”.
52) “Deva Sri Narayana has made his appearance as the son of Devaki. Being protected by him, the Pandavas are the invincible personifications of Devatas. If you do not desire defeat, garner a truce with them”.
53) When Bhishma spoke thus, the cunning minded Duryodhana faked a show of worship to Sri Hari and left. The next day (however) the evil minded one got his army ready for war.
54) Due to the effect of the divine medicine prescribed by Bhishma, Duryodhana had ridden himself of all pain. Putting on his kavacha and other armaments, he left for war, keeping Bhishma in front.
55) On that day, a big battle took place between the brave followers of Bhima who never withdrew from battle and the Kauravas who were following Bhishma.
56) Dhrishtadyumna followed Bhima and fought the brothers of Duryodhana. Using the sammohanastra, he rendered Vikarna and the others unconscious and proceeded to destroy their army.
57) Drona then brought all of them back to consciousness by using the vijananastra and raced (to fight) against Dhrishtadyumna. Bhimasena caused Drona to end up without a charioteer and chased away the enemies by showering them with arrows.
58) Later Krutavarma came to face Dhrishtadyumna on his chariot. Both of them showered a terrible reign of arrows against each other. Dhrishtadyumna rendered Krutavarma chariot-less.
59) When that great chariot-warrior Krutavarma was defeated thus, Duryodhana went against Dhrishtadyumna. Bhima then caused Duryodhana to lose his chariot and all weapons. With one arrow he hit Duryodhana with great force, aiming at his neck.
60) Krupa carried away the blood spilling and deeply unconscious Duryodhana from the battlefield lifting him on to his chariot. Bhimasena started chasing away the Kaurava army through a flood of arrows.
61) After that, riding on the chariot being driven by Sri Krishna, Arjuna caused chaos amongst the enemies with a shower of arrows and drove twenty-five thousand chariot-warriors to the abode of Yama.
62) Satyaki, that excellent archer, followed Arjuna even as he chased away the Kaurava army. Bhurishravas went ahead and challenged him. A terrible battle, involving great astras, took place between the two of them.
63) The brave Bhurishravas killed and felled ten of Satyaki’s children right in front of him. He hurt Satyaki too with arrows that almost tore his body apart. The two of them destroyed each others chariot.
64) Then, seeing Bhurishravas confront the sword-wielding Satyaki with a great sword of his own, Bhimasena got Satyaki to climb his chariot.
65) Duryodhana boarded Bhurishravas on to his chariot and fled afar from Bhimasena. Arjuna, the one who is equal to Mahendra, faced Bhishma in battle.
66) Even as Devatas looked on, Bhishma and Arjuna, both being extremely strong warriors, full of pride and best amongst knowers of astras, hurt each other by hurling arrows that were like the poison of great serpents.
67) Arjuna, that great chariot-warrior on Earth, defeated Bhishma with his prowess. Bhishma withdrew his army. Since it was getting dark, the Pandavas too withdrew their army.
68) The next day, both the armies resumed battle with Bhima and Bhishma leading them from the front. Bhimasena immediately caused Bhishma to lose his charioteer and rushed towards the enemies.
69) Duryodhana, Bhishma, Drona, Ashwathama and the others fled the battleground even as Bhimasena destroyed chariots, elephants and horses. The rest of them started fleeing, losing their sense of direction.
70) Then, Bhagadatta climbed a big elephant and arrived. He started hurling arrows at Bhimasena. When many arrows started falling on Bhima Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima, stopped his rushing father and, with his maya, sat on four different elephants in four different forms, and faced Bhagadatta.
71) Bhagadatta possessed a Vaishnava astra which, due to Sri Hari’s boon, was insurmountable for anyone apart from Sri Vishnu himself. Knowing this, Bhimasena did not continue after his son Ghatotkacha went after him (Bhagadatta).
72) Bhima knew very well that he was invincible due to the foremost grace of Sri Vasudeva. However, in order to make his words come true due to great devotion towards him, he did not go directly against the enemy.
73) “When he is defeated by my son, has it got to be said separately that he would be defeated by me?” – in order to convey such an impression Bhima did not face him. Whenever Bhagadatta would forget that weapon, Bhima would face him. He very well knew that Bhagadatta would not use that Vaishnavastra against anyone apart from himself or Arjuna.
74) Seated on four elephants in four forms, Ghatotkacha hurt Bhagadatta and his elephant Supratika with various hits and made it appear, in front of everyone, as if their survival itself was in doubt.
75) Bhishma and the others heard the pain-filled cry of that elephant and rushed there. Seeing Ghatotkacha in that huge form, and Bhima standing guard behind him, they became very frightened. Bhishma and the others, being very afraid, withdrew their armies and went back towards their camps.
76) The next day, Pandavas and the Kauravas faced each other once again. Iravanta, born to Arjuna in the Naga-kanya (Uloopi), faced six sons of Shakuni all by himself.
77) When they hurt him with a weapon called Prasa held in their hands, the brave Iravan became very angry and cut off their heads with a sword. This caused a great fear to engulf the Kauravas.
78) Seeing the terrible Iravan, Duryodhana said – “Kill this son of Arjuna quickly” and sent a Rakshasa by name Alambusa. He took on the son of the Naga.
79) An amazing and terrible war took place between then, in which both of them used maya. Alambusa used maya and created horses and horsemen which killed the cavalry of Iravan. Then, even as Iravan took on the form of a snake, the Rakshasa took on the form of a Garuda and quickly killed him.
80) Hearing the news of the death of Arjuna’s son, the son of Bhima (Ghatotkacha) roared out of anger. His roar then caused oceans, trees, hills and the ground to quake.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 25: Part 1

1) At the start of the war, looking at the two ocean-like armies assembled there under the leadership of Bhima and Bhishma, Arjuna said to Sri Krishna.
2) “O Achyuta! Place my chariot in the middle of the two armies” – when Arjuna requested thus, Sri Krishna did the same. Arjuna saw his relatives in both the armies. Out of the fear of sin, he gave up his bow.
3) Sri Krishna then said – “For Kshatriyas punishing the evil and protecting Dharma and knowledge is Swadharma. If this is forsaken then such a person shall be condemned and he shall definitely obtain the lower worlds”.
4) “By worshipping well through his Swadharma that Bhagavan, who is responsible for all activities of all beings and who is omnipresent, a human being attains Siddhi“.
- Note: Siddhi in this shloka means attainment of Moksha.
5) “You do not have to mourn the killing of relatives. Because the destruction of the body cannot be avoided. At the same time, the eternal Chetana can never undergo destruction”.
6) “It is through me alone, and not through anyone else, that the creation, maintenance, destruction, knowledge, entrapment, release, activity and restrictions on perishable beings such as Brahma, Rudra and others and the imperishable one that is Mahalakshmi, the personification of nature, takes place”.
- Note: Souls such as Brahma, Rudra and others come into the cycle of Samsara at the beginning of creation and attain Moksha or other appropriate states in the end during Pralaya. Their states (from bonded to released) are perishable in that sense, although the soul itself is eternal. Hence they are ‘Kshara’. Mahalakshmi is the presiding deity of Nature and she is eternal and never undergoes Samsara or any other form of modification or change. Hence she is ‘Akshara’.
7) “Since I possess complete independence, and since I am full of auspicious attributes, I am not subject to birth or other states through any other power. In this way, since there is none equal to or greater than me, everything is under my control”.
8) “Realizing the (truth about) death and other states of these relatives, and the dependence of sentient and insentient beings (on me), understand that you are not independent even to quit war. Focus your thoughts on me and engage in battle”.
9-10) “He who offers all his Karma in me, who realizes that I am the Supreme One, who meditates on me through undistracted Yoga and worships me – very soon I shall surely remove such a person, who focuses his mind on me, from the ocean of death and Samsara”.
11) “I, being formless, pervade this entire Universe. All beings are dependent upon me, while I am not dependent upon them”.
12) “All complete auspicious attributes are verily my body. I am the most capable one, without any defects, possess an eternal and excellent body and suffer no destruction” – when Sri Krishna said thus Arjuna requested him – “O Lord! Show me your universal nature”.
13) After that, Bhagavan Sri Krishna granted Arjuna divine vision and, in accordance with his merit (yogyata), showed him his form that was omnipresent, full of auspicious attributes without the constraints of space or time and divine.
14-15) When Arjuna requested, Sri Krishna once again took on his earlier form that was in accordance with the ways of the world. He continued granting him knowledge. He revealed to him (the intricacies of) knowledge, the knowable and Prakruti. Having received such knowledge from him, Arjuna picked up his bow and arrows.
16) When the war started after the armies had made their formations, Bhimasena attacked the Kaurava forces even as he let out a leonine roar. All of them tried to stop him.
17-18) They showered numerous arrows on his head. Since it was inappropriate to immediately respond to the attack of relatives, Bhima accepted those attacks without counter-attacking them. The Upapandavas (sons of Pandavas), Abhimanyu and other heroes showered unbearable number of weapons on the Kauravas.
19) The Kauravas, in turn, caused them pain by attacking them with weapons from all directions. Casting a shower of arrows (on the enemy), the son of Vayu rescued them.
20) Then, being tormented by Bhima’s arrows, the Kauravas suffered from all directions and started to flee. Bhishma, knowledgeable in divine weapons, rushed to protect them.
21) Later, desirous of victory over each other, duels between Drona-Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki-Krutavarma and other heroes started taking place.
22-23) When duels started taking place between Dushashana and the younger son of Madri (Sahadeva), Nakula and Vikarna and the Upapandavas and Durmukha and the rest, except Satyaki all the others from the Pandava camp suffered defeats. Satyaki defeated Krutavarma.
24) After that, even as Bhishma, Drona and the others and similarly Bhagadatta and others were chasing away the (Pandava) army, Bhima stopped them.
25) Relying only on the power of his shoulders, that terrifying warrior Bhima defeated Drona, Bhagadatta, Krupa and Duryodhana.
- Note: The term ‘power of the shoulders’ is used often to indicate warfare with material weapons, without relying upon divine astras. The term is not restricted to just physical prowess.
26) Shalya killed Uttara and chased away the army. After that, Arjuna and Abhimanyu faced Bhishma and Bhurishravas, who were chasing away the army by making use of great astras.
27) Bhishma moved ahead of the always-valorous Abhimanyu and started chasing away the Panchalas, even as Arjuna watched him.
28) Dharmaraja noticed the great heroics of Bhishma, and also the soft approach of Arjuna towards him, and withdrew the army in anger.
29) During the night, Yudhisthira became very worried and berated Arjuna. Sri Krishna and the others consoled him. He again left for battle.
- Note: He left for the battleground on the second morning.
30) In this way, Bhishma commandeered the army for ten days and fought against the Pandavas. What he did was impossible for the others to emulate.
31-32) Having been classified as an ardha-ratha by Bhishma, Karna had not participated in the war. After Karna departed saying “I shall not participate in the war until you are doing so” Bhishma made a vow that he would kill ten thousand chariot-warriors every day. That best amongst the knowers of astras did fulfill his vow too.
33) Although Bhima and Arjuna were capable of killing Bhishma, they stopped (themselves) out of love for him. Out of respect for him, they acted favourably towards him (in the war).
34) Many thrilling battles took place there. Seated in their planes, Brahma, Rudra and the other Devatas, all the Gandharvas, Apsaras and Asuras viewed them from the skies.
35) Dhrishtadyumna, the best amongst archers, prepared vyuhas countering those prepared by Bhishma. Being undefeated against his enemies, he fought many battles.
36) Thereafter, noticing Arjuna fighting softly, Sri Krishna picked up the Chakra in his hand and proceeded towards Bhishma.
- Note: This was on the third day of the war.
37) Bhishma chanted praises of Sri Krishna. Arjuna stopped him and bowed to him and fervently requested. Sri Krishna then climbed the chariot and blew his conch.
38) Later, Bhishma and Arjuna showered each other with many weapons and astras. Then, Arjuna defeated Bhishma without any significant effort.
39) In the battle, Arjuna killed many including ten thousand chariot-warriors. Bhishma and the others, having been defeated, withdrew their armies and left.
40) Once, Bhimasena led the battle from the front and rendered Bhishma and Drona chariot-less. Driving away their horses, he pierced their vyuha and rushed in.
- Note: This was on the fourth day of the war.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 24: Part 2

42-43) Noticing that the two of them did not arrive, he conducted discussions with Sri Krishna. Then, Sri Shouri said – “I shall go. Amidst all Rishis in that gathering, I shall speak appropriately. If he still doesn’t accept them, then Duryodhana would become deserving of being killed in the eyes of all people, for having betrayed Dharma”.
44) When Sri Krishna spoke thus, Bhimasena, in order to prevent the accusation of having started the enmity, spoke thus in order to teach all others.
45) “Because of my excuse, let our lineage not get destroyed. In order to protect our clan, we shall walk below Duryodhana”.
46) Although he had firmly decided to slay all the Kauravas, Bhimasena spoke in this fashion desiring to show the way of the world.
47) Appearing to object to Bhima, Sri Krishna motivated him for war, in order to show the world that the destruction of the Kauravas was Dharma indeed.
48) Having understood the mentality of Sri Krishna, Bhima then narrated his real capabilities in front of the Kings. Sri Krishna endorsed it by saying that his strength was much more.
49) Amidst those Kings, Sri Krishna illuminated the facts, through excellent truth-revealing words, that the killing of Kauravas was excellent Dharma, and that the qualities of Bhima were unlimited.
50) Sri Krishna and Bhima possessed similar attitude always (on all matters). However, in order to cause everyone to firmly believe this, the two of them engaged in such an artificial debate.
- Note: Through this staged debate, Sri Krishna and Bhima convinced everyone that the two of them had the same outlook towards all matters regarding Dharma.
51) Later Sri Krishna calmed down Arjuna, who wanted peace, through auspicious words filled with reasoning and logic. Nakula then spoke like a strategist, thinking of him, the lord of the world (Sri Krishna), as a mere mortal.
52) Sahadeva then asked for the war to be arranged, wanting to show his valour. Satyaki too gave the same suggestion.
53) Draupadi then said to Sri Krishna – “It is the foremost Dharma of Kshatriyas to bring Dasyus under control. Therefore, there should never be an agreement with the Kauravas”. Sri Krishna too gave her his word saying “May it be so” and left.
54) Sri Krishna, who sat in an excellent chariot along with Satyaki, was escorted by the Pandavas and other Kings for a very long distance. Sri Krishna then stopped them with his words and went to meet the Kauravas, along with the best of Brahmanas.
55) Along with the Sages, Sri Hari in the form of Parashurama and Vyasa also accompanied him and proceeded (towards Hastinapura). Although he is the same Vishnu (in all three forms), it isn’t possible for anyone else apart from him to understand the infinite qualities of his words.
56) Throughout the way, Sri Krishna was worshipped by the citizens of the country. Brahma and the other Devatas showered flowers on him and bowed to him and praised him profusely. Sri Krishna, the one beyond the grasp of knowledge and the supreme one, reached Hastinapura.
57) Sri Krishna was received with great devotion by Bhishma and the others. He walked along with them on the royal pathway. Desiring to see Sri Krishna, the most beautiful one on Earth and the ocean of auspicious attributes, all the citizens rushed there.
58) Being offered great respect filled with devotion by all of them, the eternal one went to Dhritharashtra’s house. Led by Bhishma and others, Dhritharashtra performed special worship of Sri Krishna. Being seated on a golden throne, he was radiant, illuminating all the directions with his shine.
59) Conducting appropriate interaction with all of them, Sri Krishna went to Duryodhana’s house. He too offered respects to Sri Krishna. But he rejected that worship as Duryodhana was the enemy of the noble Pandavas. He proceeded to Vidura’s house.
60) In spite of repeated requests from Bhishma and others, Sri Krishna, the primordial lord, did not go to their houses. Their neglect of Draupadi was the reason behind this. The indiscernible one immediately proceeded to Vidura’s house.
61) Being very pleased with the devotion filled welcome of Vidura, Sri Krishna entered his house. Vidura worshipped him with great excitement and with full devotion, and offered him everything.
62) The next day, Duryodhana escorted Sri Krishna to the gathering of the Kauravas. Being seated amidst the best of the Sages on a gem-studded golden divine seat, Sri Krishna put forth (his proposal).
63) Sri Krishna, the reliever of Kali’s influence and the one with lotus-eyes, was worshipped well by Bhishma and the others and appeared radiant. After exchanging appropriate pleasantries with them, he spoke at the appropriate time.
64) “O Dhritharashtra! For the sake of your family’s welfare, hand over the Kingdom to your son Dharmaraja. Only then will you gather fame, punya and my foremost grace”.
65) “If you do not do so, you will lose fame and punya. And you will become my opponent” – when Sri Krishna spoke thus, Dhritharashtra replied – “You yourself advise my son as he always violates my words”.
66) In spite of being advised especially by Sri Vasudeva, the evil-minded Duryodhana got up along with his brothers and ministers and made up his mind to imprison the all-mighty Sri Krishna.
67) All those who thought about imprisoning Sri Krishna at that moment were the opponents of Devatas. Therefore, all of them, including Vikarna, became fit for being slayed. They voided themselves of an auspicious ending.
68) Karna, although being the personification of a Devata, possessed the Avesha of an Asura and engaged in that plan for the sake of Duryodhana. By character he was not evil. Therefore, he obtained a noble after-life. All those who acted in accordance with Sri Krishna there were of noble character.
69-70) In spite of being advised by Rishis, Sri Parashurama, Sri Vyasa – the one possessing unlimited tejas, Sri Krishna, his parents and Bhishma and the others, the evil-minded Duryodhana went ahead with his plan to arrest Sri Krishna.
71) Satyaki and Krutavarma heard the plan of arresting Sri Krishna very clearly. Satyaki made Krutavarma stand elsewhere and met Sri Krishna alone and informed him of Duryodhana’s evil thinking.
72) Sri Krishna, although omniscient, heard that plan from the mouth of Satyaki and told the son of Vichitravirya – “Watch my omnipresent form”.
73) Then, as Dhritharashtra called Duryodhana along with his ministers over there, Sri Krishna, the best amongst men showed his all-pervading form that was full of the six auspicious attributes.
- Note: Sri Mahavishnu is shad-guna-poorna – full of six auspicious qualities – dominion, might, glory, splendor, wisdom, and dispassion
74) As soon as that amazing form of Sri Krishna, that was bright like the Sun at the time of dissolution, being full of unlimited radiance, bearing the entire Universe, eternal and one that could not be understood fully was seen, Duryodhana and the others closed their eyes, being unable to bear the intensity of the radiance.
75) Sri Krishna took back his Vishwaroopa. After Dhritharashtra pleaded with him a lot, he made him blind as earlier. After showing the whole world that Duryodhana and his followers were great sinners, he left.
76) Although Sri Krishna, the one with unlimited strength and the best amongst all sentient beings, was fully capable of inspiring Duryodhana to follow his advice, he did not do so. He caused him to fall into Andhantamas.
77) Sri Krishna went to Kunti’s house again and listened to her message for Dharmaraja. He got Karna into his chariot and left. Narrating to him the incidents surrounding his birth, he told him – “Come to the side of Pandavas”. Having received great affection from the Kauravas, Karna did not heed his words.
78) Bhagavan Sri Krishna left Karna there and met Ashwathama in solitude and advised him to be friendly with the Pandavas. Ashwathama replied that he would go soft on them until his father was alive. Sri Krishna bid him farewell and, having taken leave of the Kauravas earlier itself, returned to the Pandavas.
79) Although Kunti repeatedly requested him saying – “You are my son. Join the Pandavas” Karna did not agree and, in turn, gave her his word saying – “Apart from Arjuna, I shall not kill any other son of yours”.
80) Desirous of battling (each other), both the Pandavas and the Kauravas left for Kurukshetra, along with Sri Krishna and erected their camps. The Pandavas, as instructed by Sri Krishna, put up their camps at an auspicious place.

|| End of chapter 24, known as ‘Yuddhodyoga’, from the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, composed by Srimadanandatirtha Bhagavatpada ||

|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 24: Part 1

1) Later, after discussions and having obtained the permission of Sri Krishna, King Drupada sent his purohita to Dhritharashtra for negotiations.
2) Drupada’s purohita went to Hastinapura and addressed Dhritharashtra, who was seated along with Bhishma, Drona and the others. He said – “It is not good for you to oppose Dharmaraja”.
3) “Bhima and Arjuna are the warriors-in-chief for Yudhisthira. Sri Krishna is their leader. You have anyways heard the news of Jarasandha and others being killed by Bhima”.
4-5) “Due to the boon of invincibility from Shiva, three crore great Rakshasas had occupied all the Tirthakshetras and were causing obstacles for Tirthayatras. Bhimasena, desiring the welfare of his brothers, the Brahmanas and the entire world, killed all those brave ones. Due to this, all the Tirthakshetras on Earth are now approachable by humans”.
6) “The sinner Jatasura had become invincible by taking refuge in the boon of Parvati. By putting on the guise of a Brahmana, he stayed with the Pandavas, all the while cheating them”.
7-9) “In spite of knowing that he was an Asura, Bhima had not killed him as he was appearing as a Brahmana. Once, when Bhima had gone hunting, he captured Dharmaraja, the twins and Draupadi, and started running. When he saw Bhima, he released them and started battling Bhima. Pulling him down on the ground, Bhima crushed his head with his foot. He departed to Andhantamas. (This being the case,) Should I explicitly say he (Bhima) is capable of slaying your sons? You would have also heard that the Nivachakavachas were killed by Arjuna”.
10) “On the other hand, you anyways know the capability of Sri Hari. This entire world, including sentient and insentient beings, along with Brahma, Shiva, Indra and the others are all under his control”.
11) “Therefore you return back the wealth to Dharmaraja, who is looked after by these people”. Even when he spoke thus, Dhritharashtra did not do as requested.
12) Later both Arjuna and Duryodhana left at the same time to meet Sri Krishna, who had left for Dwaravati along with the Yadavas, in order to seek help for the war. Duryodhana outpaced Arjuna.
13) “I being the King of Kings cannot sit by the feet” – thinking thus Duryodhana sat near the head of Sri Krishna, with great ego.
14) Sri Krishna, being the omniscient and all-capable one, knew of their impending arrival. Although being the one without sleep, he acted as if he was sleeping. Arjuna bowed to Sri Krishna’s feet and, out of excessive Bhakti, stood near his feet with folded hands.
15) Lord Sri Krishna, although he knew Duryodhana had arrived first, saw Arjuna and said – “Arjuna! Welcome!”. When he said thus, Duryodhana spoke – “I came here first”. Sri Krishna welcomed him too and offered him hospitality.
16-17) Getting to know of the reason for their arrival, Sri Krishna said – “One of you came first. (But) I saw the other one first. Therefore, I shall offer equal help to both of you. On one side it shall be me without any weapons. On the other side will be ten lakh brave sons of mine as soldiers”.
18) When Sri Krishna said thus, Arjuna selected Sri Krishna himself. This was due to his deep Bhakti in him. Duryodhana, being devotion-less, selected the sons (Gopas) of Sri Krishna who would take part in battle.
19) Although Sri Krishna would help only the Pandavas, he acted as if he would treat both of them equally in order to show (the world) that Duryodhana had no Bhakti in him. Later, Sri Krishna proceeded towards the Pandavas, along with Arjuna.
20) Duryodhana went to Balarama. Although he possessed friendship towards him, Balarama said “I cannot help you” due to fear of Sri Krishna.
21) At Upaplavya when Balarama had spoken in support of Duryodhana in the gathering, Satyaki had refuted him in front of Sri Krishna himself.
22) Therefore, he did not go with Duryodhana. Along with Krutavarma, Duryodhana left for Hastinapura. Bringing together the Kings of many nations, Duryodhana gathered an army of eleven Akshouhinis.
23) The army of the Pandavas became seven Akshouhinis in size as Virata, Drupada, Kekaya, Dhrishtaketu, Sahadeva – the son of Jarasandha and the King of Kashi joined them.
24) Purujit, Kuntibhoja, Chekitana, Satyaki and all the others who were on the side of the Devatas moved towards the Pandavas along with their armies.
25-27) Vinda and Anuvinda from the Avanti country, Jayatsena, the other Kekayas, Kshemadhoorti, Dandadhara, Kalinga, Ambashta, Shrutayu, Achyutayu, Bruhadbala, Sudakshina, Shrutayudha, Jayadratha, the Rakshasas Alambusha, Alayudha and Alambala and all the other Daityas took the side of Duryodhana. Since he was personally invited by Duryodhana, Bhagadatta joined him.
28) Bahlika along with his sons and grandsons, Bhishma, Drona and Kripa joined Duryodhana in order to please Dhritharashtra. Veerasena, the King of Pandya country, took the side of the Pandavas.
29) Learning of Shalya’s march towards the Pandava camp, Duryodhana arranged excellent rest houses throughout the route, all of which were full of material luxuries.
30) Assuming that Yudhishthira had arranged all of those, Shalya said – “I shall fulfill the desire of the one who has arranged these”.
31) Listening to those words, the hiding Duryodhana came out and said – “Make your words come true. Help me in the war”. Shalya, in order to increase his fame, and to keep his word, said – “May it be so”.
32) Later Shalya went to the Pandavas and obtained their consent. When Dharmaraja asked him to denigrate Karna for the sake of Arjuna, he said yes and went to the Kaurava camp.
33) Later Dhritharashtra sent Sanjaya to the Pandavas in order to negotiate. Sanjaya argued that it was against Dharma to engage in war.
34) In the intense debate that ensued, Dharmaraja spoke about the Dharma that Bhima and Draupadi had taught him (in the forest) and rendered Sanjaya speechless. Sri Krishna too spoke about the genuineness of war.
35) Sanjaya, who could not counter the arguments, bowed to Sri Krishna and the Pandavas and returned to Dhritharashtra. Having returned that way, he berated Dhritharashtra and went home.
36) Having been insulted that way by Sanjaya, Dhritharashtra called Vidura at night and asked him questions about Dharma. Then, Vidura advised him that it was Dharma to hand over the Kingdom to the Parthas.
37) “Handing over the Kingdom to the Pandavas will ensure happiness in this world. It will also avoid condemnation. If you do not do so, Dharma will be violated and it will lead to the destruction of all your sons”.
38) Not inclining towards that, Dhritharashtra, in order to rid himself of the sin of hating Pandavas by obtaining the knowledge of Brahman, asked him the truth about Sri Vishnu. Vidura then remembered Sage Sanatana.
39) Sage Sanatsujata arrived there and instructed him about the essence of Sri Vishnu. He also told him that a charlatan would never attain Sadgati. The next day, in the morning gathering, Sanjaya conveyed the message of the Pandavas in front of all the Kauravas.
- Note: Sanatsujata was also known by the name of Sanatana.
40-41) Listening to it, Dhritharashtra, although overcome by fear, did not hand over the Kingdom out of attachment towards his son. King Yudhisthira had earlier told Sanjaya – “If our father is ready to hand over the Kingdom, you or Vidura may come here. Otherwise there is no need”.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 23: Part 2

41) Then, Uttara proceeded towards getting the cows released, appointing Arjuna as his charioteer. Seeing the Kauravas, however, he immediately became scared. Arjuna then stopped him with great difficulty and, after making him his charioteer in turn, proceeded against the Kauravas.
42) Retrieving the Gandiva, putting on the Hanuman mast and holding the Devadatta conch, Arjuna at first got the cows released. He then started fighting the Kauravas. One by one, they engaged with him in battle from their chariots.
43) When the Kauravas again came after him together, he rendered everyone apart from Bhishma unconscious by using the Sammohana astra and picked up all of their upper garments. Only Bhishma knew of the counter astra to the Sammohana astra.
- Note: The Sammohana was a divine weapon that would cause the enemy to fall unconscious.
44) Arjuna rendered Bhishma chariot-less and returned. Hearing the news of the defeat of all Kauravas, King Virata assumed that it was due to his son and felt elated. Yudhisthira then told him that their defeat was due to the transgender (Brihannala – Arjuna).
45) King Virata then got angry and assaulted Yudhishthira with the dice used for gambling. Bhima and Arjuna became furious after getting to know of this. Dharmaraja stopped them.
46) “If he doesn’t bow to us and apologize when we appear in our original form, then he qualifies to be killed” – said Dharmaraja. The next day, all of them put on their original forms and stood there.
47) Then, Virata saw Dharmaraja sitting on his throne and asked them – “What is this?”. Prince Uttara told him that they were the Pandavas and narrated all that happened during the go-grahana.
48) King Virata started shivering with fear and fell at the feet of the Pandavas and took refuge. He gave his daughter Uttaraa to Arjuna. He accepted her for his son (i.e. as his daughter-in-law).
49) In this way, for having released Virata and the cows, and for having sent the Keechakas to Andhantamas, Bhimasena accumulated a lot of excellent punya. After him, Arjuna gained a lot of punya for having freed the cows.
50) After that, the Pandavas sent messengers to Sri Krishna. Along with Balarama, Sri Krishna, the personification of knowledge and bliss, came there bringing with him Abhimanyu. Later the wedding of Abhimanyu took place.
51) That occasion became a great festival for the Pandavas, Panchalas and the brave Yadavas. They finished the Ajnatavasa and felt great joy being accompanied by Sri Krishna.
52) Having been troubled greatly by Arjuna in the war, Duryodhana and the others got together with Karna, Shakuni, Bhishma and the others at Hastinapura and engaged in a discussion.
53) When the Kauravas claimed “We saw Arjuna today during the period of exile. Therefore, the Pandavas must go back to exile once again”, Bhishma replied – “The Ajnatavasa is over”. Drona too said the same thing.
54) Ignoring the words of those two, the evil Kauravas sent messengers to the Pandavas and said – “You must go back to the forest once again”. Dharmaraja, in reply, said – “The Brahmanas know this”.
55) The Kauravas made the claim based on the solar calendar, as per which the period (of exile) had not yet completed. However, according to the lunar calendar, the said period had been completed.
56) Surya is the lord of the day. When it comes to the paksha, masa and varsha, Chandra is the lord. Therefore, the knowledgeable ones say that the lunar year is the important (relevant i.e.) one for calculating years.
57-58) Therefore, in Yajnas, it is the lunar calendar that is considered and not the solar one. Without considering all this, the Kauravas, seized by greed, did not hand over the Kingdom to the Pandavas. Getting the Brahmanas to declare that the Ajnatavasa had been completed successfully, the Pandavas left for Upaplavya.
59) The Pandavas, accompanied by Sri Vasudeva and all the Yadavas, Panchalas and Matsyas, stayed at Upaplavya for a few days, along with their wives, while receiving instructions from Sri Krishna.

|| End of chapter 23, known as ‘Pandava Ajnatavasa Samapti’, from the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, composed by Srimadanandatirtha Bhagavatpada ||

|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 23: Part 1

1) The Pandavas, due to the blessings of Sri Narayana, completed twelve years of their exile in the forest appropriately. Bidding farewell to Sage Dhaumya, the Brahmanas and the others, they made up their mind to undergo the Ajnatavasa.
2) The Pandavas reached the city of King Virata and, after keeping their weapons in a Shami tree, changed their appearances. They took on the guise of a yati, cook, transgender, horse-keeper, cowherd and a female assistant.
3) All of them went to King Virata. Being adorned with excellent auspicious traits, they were all accorded great respect by him, just as if they were Devatas. They worshipped Sri Hari residing inside of Dharmaraja mainly, and not anyone else.
4) Bhimasena took the guise of a cook as it was not appropriate for a Gruhastha, especially for a Kshatriya, to consume the food of others.
5) Bhima took the guise of a Shudra also because his knowledge would become apparent if he appeared in any Vaidika guise, and people would therefore identify him.
6) When it is said that those who know the Vedas possess ownership over other’s wealth, what else needs to be said about the Pandavas, who are the best amongst Devatas? Therefore they stayed there on the basis of their own strength, and not by relying upon anyone else.
7) Due to the curse he had received, Arjuna took on the role of a transgender. Similarly, Nakula took on the guise of a Suta as it was the next jati after Kshatriya.
8-9) After the Suta, Vaishyas are the next higher caste. Hence Sahadeva took on the guise of a Vaishya. Amongst Vaishyas, cowherds are the best. Therefore he relied upon the profession of tending to cows. Since a yati is worshipped by all, Dharmaraja took on that guise. He also engaged constantly in gambling to build expertise. His goal was to display his skill in gambling later (at the end of the exile).
10) In order to be known as a saha-dharmini to Bhimasena, Draupadi took on the guise of a Sairandhri, belonging to the Shudra varna. Isn’t it the Dharma of a wife to be known as one discharging similar duties as the husband?
11) Later a wrestler came there. Due to the boon of Shiva, he had become invincible and used to win (wrestling contests) against everyone. He came there and gave out a loud roar.
- Note: The name of the wrestler was Jeemuta.
12) Seeing him, all the wrestlers who were under the patronage of King Virata ran away due to fear. Then, Dharmaraja said.
13) “O King! The cook that you have employed can quickly kill this wrestler and increase your fame. Summon him now”.
14) When Dharmaraja suggested thus, Virata summoned Bhima. “Due to Sri Hari’s grace I shall immediately slay this wrestler” – said the son of Maruti.
15) “Sri Hari, the controller of Brahma and Rudra, is bigger than all the Devatas belonging to various groups. He bears those names by which all Devatas are known. Due to my devotion to him, I possess strength”.
- Note: The names Brahma, Rudra, Indra, Vayu etc are all actually names of Paramatma. The Devatas are actually named after him.
16) “There is a Shruti that goes by ‘ya eva devanamadha’. Therefore, Sri Hari is the biggest Daiva (Mahadeva). Hence he along will grant me victory”.
17) “Sri Hari as residing inside of Yudhisthira is known by the name of Yudhishthira. Similarly, Sri Hari inside you is known as Tvam. In this way, it is Sri Hari who is primarily addressed by all names”.
18) Stating this way, Bhimasena faced that wrestler. He sent that wrestler, who was invincible by even the strongest, to the loka of Yama.
19) In this way, when the Pandavas were residing there, when only two months remained in the year, Keechaka, the brother of Virata’s wife, who was known as the best amongst the powerful, returned there after gaining victories in all directions.
20) Seeing Draupadi, and overcome by lust, he pleaded with her in many ways and was rejected. Even as a month passed by (in his attempts), he requested (his sister) Sudeshna repeatedly seeking Draupadi.
21) Since Keechaka kept requesting her even after she tried to stop him, Sudeshna told Draupadi – “You bring me Sura (alchohol) from him immediately”. Draupadi was frightened and said – “Not possible”.
22) Draupadi went to his place after being forced to do so. He tried to grab her by her hands. She shook off his hands, pushed him down, and rushed to the royal gathering. While running that way, she prayed to Sri Hari, the Supreme lord, as residing inside of Surya.
23) Chasing Draupadi, Keechaka kicked her after pushing her down. Then, Sri Narayana, who was inside of Surya, sent a Rakshasa named Heti. He had come there being invisible all the while.
24) Sri Vayu entered that Rakshasa, hit Keechaka and made him fall down. Seeing Draupadi in that state, Bhima became furious. Noticing Bhima staring at a nearby tree, his older brother Yudhishthira stopped him.
25) That night, Draupadi approached Bhima and encouraged him to kill the sinner Keechaka. As instructed by him, she asked Keechaka to go to the empty dancing school the next night. He (Bhima) too went there.
26) Bhima, having reached there, won against him in a combat and killed him. He then mangled his body, stuffing his head and limbs into his anus.
27) Getting to know that the invincible Keechaka has been killed, a hundred and five brothers of his, who were also invincible due to Shiva’s boon, tied up Draupadi, wanting to burn her along with their brother’s body.
- Note: The 105 brothers of Keechaka were known as Upakeechakas.
28) As she was being dragged by those Keechakas, Draupadi let out a loud shout. Hearing the same, Bhimasena immediately uprooted a huge tree and killed all of them with it. He then left for the city, along with Draupadi.
29) In this way, the hundred and six of them, who had through great efforts obtained boons from Shiva for remaining invincible and free from death, were killed by Bhima.
30) Even as he was being thought of as a Gandharva, Bhima enjoyed killing all of them. Draupadi too became happy. Later, Sudheshna, out of fear, asked Draupadi to leave. “Let me be under your care for thirteen more days” – replied Draupadi. Sudeshna, still reeling with fear, said yes to her. In this way, Pandavas completed the one year period of disguise.
31) Around that time, the soldiers of Duryodhana, who had searched the entire world for the in-disguise Pandavas, returned to him without having spotted them. They gave him the news that Keechaka had been killed for a woman.
32) Then, Duryodhana said – “Keechaka has been killed by Bhima because of Draupadi”. Later, Duryodhana and the others, along with Bhishma and the rest, and with Karna, left for the city of Virata.
33) At first, Susharma went to the city of Virata to wage a war. There, he captured the cows of Virata. Hearing this, Virata left along with his army. The Pandavas, apart from Arjuna, followed him.
34) Susharma defeated Virata and captured the King. Then, Bhima went against him. He destroyed the army (of Susharma), released Virata and captured Susharma.
35) Yudhishthira got Susharma released. Later that night, the Pandavas camped outside the city.
36) The next day, Bhishma, Drona and the others decided it would easy to win against a Virata army that does not have Keechaka, and proceeded.
37-38) It had not been possible for even Bhishma and the others to bring under control Keechaka, Hidimba, Baka, Kirmeera, King Jarasandha, Kamsa and the rest. Therefore, knowing Keechaka to be dead, they proceeded for war against Virata.
39) In order to make true his assurance that he would protect the Kauravas against Bhima, Drona proceeded for war with them, taking along his son.
40) “If the Pandavas come out to help them, they would be identified. Else, we can defeat Virata who has been invincible till date” – thinking thus, they caught Virata’s cows from all directions.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 22: Part 11

401) Karna, who was rendered chariot-less, climbed the chariot of Vikarna and, driving his horses, ran away from there along with Vikarna. Duryodhana engaged in a duel with Chitrasena.
402) For a muhurtha, Duryodhana fought an equal battle with Chitrasena and the numerous Gandharvas. Due to the maya of the Gandharvas, his chariot was destroyed. Chitrasena then captured him even as he stood on the ground.
403) Although Duryodhana was extremely powerful, due to the boon of Indra, and due to Sri Vishnu’s orders, Chitrasena had accumulated lot of strength to which Duryodhana fell prisoner. He also got arrested by the electric shackles given (to Chitrasena) by Indra.
404) His brothers, Shakuni and royal wives were all taken prisoners by Indra’s assistants. When Chitrasena left through the route of the skies along with them, the ministers (of Duryodhana) went to the Pandavas in a desperate condition.
405) They came to the Pandavas and said – “Your clan has been defeated by Indra’s assistants. Duryodhana has been captured along with his brothers and wives. You, being the best of the Bharatas, should get your brother released”.
406-407) When they spoke thus, Bhimasena addressed his older brother – “O King! I know how this confrontation took place. Duryodhana came here to display his wealth to us. In order to harm his glory, Indra, the bearer of the Vajra, has done this, after realizing his evil intentions. There is nothing that has gone wrong for us in this”. Showing his divine ability in this way, Bhima went silent.
408) Dharmaraja, who was engaged in a Yajna lasting a full day, sent Bhima and Arjuna along with Nakula and Sahadeva. The two of them (Bhima and Arjuna) defeated Chitrasena in battle and quickly released Duryodhana.
409) Chitrasena then narrated all the evil designs of Duryodhana, as told by Indra, to Bhima and Partha. Hearing the same, Duryodhana felt extremely embarrassed.
410) All of them reached Dharmaraja, who was approaching them after completing the Yajna. Dharmaraja sent off Chitrasena after according him respect, and told Duryodhana – “Do not repeat this, O Duryodhana!”.
411) Having been released by the Pandavas, along with his family and wives, Duryodhana went a little further from there and, out of great shame, sat down waiting for everyone to gather. Then, he saw Karna.
412) He told Duryodhana – “O King! Providence has ensured you won”. Duryodhana felt ashamed and said no. He narrated all that had happened. Later, out of extreme grief, he sat down, intending to give up his life.
413) Even after Karna, Dushashana, the gambler Shakuni and others requested him repeatedly, Duryodhana refused to give up his resolve and get up.
414) As night set in, the Asuras held a discussion, noticing that their side had been weakened, and created a Daitya-shakti (evil force) by performing a homa.
415) That evil being, which was created by Sage Shukracharya, lifted Duryodhana and took him to Patala, even as all of his ministers were asleep.
416-417) Later all the Asuras convinced Duryodhana in multiple ways – “You are a divine being. A brave soul. We pleased Shiva through penance and that resulted in you being made. You are on our side, and are invincible always. The Pandavas belong to the Devatas”.
418) “Due to the boons of all Devatas, you lost in the battle. We will (now) ensure that you win against the Pandavas”.
419) “Narakasura, who was killed by Krishna, has now entered Karna. He will surely ensure Krishna and Arjuna are no more. There is no doubt about this”.
420) “All of us shall enter Bhishma and the others, to ensure your victory. We will increase Karna’s and your strength through our tapas”.
421) “O King! Therefore go back and rule the Kingdom without fear. This is of utmost secrecy and will increase your fortune. Do not reveal this to anyone”.
422-423) Stating thus, they sent back Duryodhana, through that Kshudra Devata, to the place from where he was brought. Believing that his upper torso was made by Shiva, and the lower part by Parvati, Duryodhana convinced himself to be invincible and decided to rule the Kingdom. He did not reveal his experiences to anyone else.
424-425) In the morning, Karna spoke again – “Since you have been released through your servants, the Pandavas themselves, your fame has actually increased in the world. Is it necessary to state how great you are when your servants themselves are thus? Therefore, O best amongst Kings! Arise! Be firm in your decision”.
426) “Give up your concerns with regard to Arjuna. Listening to what I am about to say. Till I kill Arjuna, I shall wash my legs myself”.
- Note: It was custom for Kings to have their servants wash their feet. Karna undertook a pledge to wash his feet himself till he kills Arjuna (which never happened).
427) When Karna said thus, and when Shakuni and his brothers requested him similarly, Duryodhana climbed his chariot and speedily went to Hastinapura.
428) Knowing that Karna could not be killed till he possessed his ear-rings and kavacha, Indra desired to take away those excellent accessories.
429) Getting to know of this (intention of Indra), Surya revealed the same to Karna in his dream and asked him not to hand them over. When Karna said – “I will definitely give it”, he replied – “In that case, obtain that best weapon from Indra in return”.
- Note: Surya asked Karna to ask for, and obtain, the amazing Shakti.
430) Even though Karna knew Indra had come to him in the guise of a Brahmana to obtain Daana, he cut the ear-rings and kavacha from his body and handed them over. In return, he obtained the extra-ordinary Shakti from him.
431) Indra gave him the Shakti weapon, told him that he would be able to kill one person apart from Arjuna using it, and returned with his ear-rings and kavacha.
432) The Pandavas, after freeing Duryodhana, lived happily in that forest. Getting to know that a deer had taken away the firesticks (arani) and the holding vessel of a Brahmana, they chased it.
433) When they could not locate the deer, they felt thirsty. Apart from Dharmaraja, the others went to fetch water, one after the other. Due to the maya of Yama, all of them fell into deep sleep.
434) Yama, being invisible, stopped them. All of them drank water (without answering him). In order to protect the Dharma of Kshatriyas, those great destroyers of enemies did not answer his questions in exchange for water, although they were fully capable.
435) It is not Dharma for even Brahmanas to trade their knowledge for the sake of livelihood. What then to say of Kshatriyas? Therefore they drank water forcing their way through.
436) Apart from Sri Hari, the other Devatas, when they are born as humans, behave like normal humans, even though they are extremely powerful.
437) Only when an occasion arises, their auspicious qualities manifest externally. Therefore, Bhima and Arjuna, although more powerful than Yama, were put to sleep in an instant by him, due to the wishes of Paramatma.
438) That divine maya is capable of taking effect on them for only a muhurtha. Once they wake up, Yama is not equal to even one-hundredth of the strength of Bhima and Arjuna.
439) All of this has been stated in the Padma Purana in great detail. Therefore, one should not doubt incapability in Bhima or Arjuna.
440) Later, Dharmaraja came near that body of water. There, seeing his brothers, he suffered in sorrow. When he desired to drink that water, Yama, in the form of a crane, stopped him. He therefore did not drink it.
441) The compassionate Yudhishthira desired to answer the questions of that crane, for the sake of his brothers. Later, Yama started asking him questions after taking the guise of a Yaksha. Dharmaraja answered them.
442) Then, Yama became very happy and gave him a boon that he would bring to life one among his brothers. Dharma said – “In case only one would wake up, let it be Nakula”. Yama, out of joy, asked him – “What are you doing?”
443) “You have great love for Bhimasena. He is strong, and is also the reason for you obtaining the Kingdom” – when Yama said thus, Dharmaraja replied – “It is inappropriate to wake up the son of Kunti leaving out the son of Madri”.
444) When he replied thus, Yama became very pleased and woke all of them up. He also gave them boons allowing them to take guises as they wish, and to return to their original forms when required.
445) Being pleased with Dharmaraja’s attribute of compassion, he gave them a boon saying that they would remain incognito during the Ajnatavasa. In this way, Yama sportingly engaged with himself as though he was with his son, and increased his own fame and punya.
446) Having taken away the firesticks and created the other incidents in order to increase the fame and punya of his own form of Yudhishthira, Yama gave it back so it could be handed over to the Brahmana, and then returned to his loka.
447) Later Dharmaraja went along with Bhima, Arjuna and the twins and handed over the firesticks to the Brahmana. Joined together by Draupadi, all of them were happy and spent time chanting the glory of Sri Krishna, the one who is eternal and without a trace of any defect.

|| End of chapter 22, known as ‘Arani Prapti’, from the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, composed by Srimadanandatirtha Bhagavatpada ||

|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 22: Part 10

361) As the tapas and strength of Nahusha got filled in Bhima, slowly Nahusha started losing his strength.
362) When Bhima had departed, Yudhishthira noticed several ill omens and a doubt developed in his mind. He asked Draupadi – “Where has Bhima gone?”
363) Getting to know that he had gone for hunting, Dharmaraja found the path made due to Bhima’s thighs forcefully bringing down big trees and went in the same direction. He noticed Bhima constricted by the python and asked.
364) Yudhishthira heard the reason from Nahusha in its entirety. Out of affection for his brother, he answered all the questions asked by him. Immediately, Nahusha rose to Swarga.
365) As their forefather Nahusha, putting on divine robes and ear-rings, left for Swarga in an aero-plane, Dharmaraja and Bhima returned to their ashrama. There, Dharmaraja narrated all the incidents.
366) Listening to the narration, all the brothers who had extreme devotion towards Bhima, along with the best of the Rishis and Draupadi, became embarrassed after knowing that Bhima was held by the python. Out of friendship towards him, they told him the same too.
- Note: The incident caused somewhat of an embarrassment to Draupadi, the Pandavas and the Sages. They told Bhima that they felt so.
367) “Such a daring act is not appropriate. Even though you were capable, you did not attempt to free yourself and thereby caused lot of pain to your close ones”.
368) “Don’t not repeat this” – saying thus, all of them came near Bhima and hugged him. After some days, the Pandavas got together with some of the chief Rishis and left for Dvaita forest, that was near the Kuru country.
369) There, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the one with unlimited strength, came to meet them along with Satyabhamaa. Worshipped well by the Pandavas, he engaged with them, doing banter on a lot of topics.
370) Satyabhamaa and Draupadi, the two best amongst women, joyfully engaged in conversation. When Satyabhamaa, the omniscient one who is without any defects, asked Draupadi in order to test her, Draupadi replied.
371) Draupadi narrated the entire Stree-Dharma to Satyabhamaa, knowing fully well that she was defect-less and omniscient. Teaching the world was the purpose (of that narration).
372) Draupadi was aware that Satyabhamaa’s words were in jest, and replied to her with affection in the same manner.
- Note: Satyabhamaa asked Draupadi how she had kept her five husbands under control!
373) Later, Sri Krishna, after staying there for a few days, returned to Dwaraka with Satyabhamaa, after being warmly sent off by the Pandavas.
374) Once, when all the Pandavas were away for hunting, Jayadratha, the King of Sindhu, came to that excellent Ashrama along with Kotikashya and his army. There, he saw Draupadi.
375) Jayadratha, who was on his way to a wedding, sent Kotikashya when he saw Draupadi with a message saying – “Come to me”. When she refused, that evil sinner came forward to grab her hand.
376) When Draupadi shook her hand, that sinner fell down unconscious. He got up and, without shame, rushed to kidnap her. Then, as she was helpless, Draupadi asked Sage Dhaumya to follow her, along with the Agni.
- Note: Draupadi asked Sage Dhaumya to carry the Aupasana Agni with him.
377) Draupadi climbed his chariot even as she was saying – “You cannot leave in peace now”. The Pandavas noticed several ill omen and immediately returned to the Ashrama.
378) They heard the whole incident from a maid and immediately chased the King of Sindhu. They saw Sage Dhaumya who was shouting – “Bhimasena!”. In front of him, they saw the evil sinner Jayadratha.
379) The Pandavas roared like lions. Seeing them, Draupadi got down from the chariot and returned to the Ashrama along with Sage Dhaumya. The Pandavas then started pounding the army of the Saindhava with great valour.
380) First, Bhimasena beheaded Kotikashya, who had called Draupadi to come to Jayadratha, and sent him to his death. He reached Tamas.
381) Bhima and Arjuna destroyed the entire army of the Saindhava. They sent back Dharmaraja, Nakula and Sahadeva and chased the escaping Jayadratha. Arjuna rendered him chariot-less.
382) When he started running on his feet, Bhimasena caught him and rendered a few blows. He went into great sorrow, even as Bhima brought him to Draupadi’s feet. The son of Dharma released him.
383) “I am Draupadi’s servant” – Bhima released him after making him say so. He went away to the forest, fully embarrassed. The Pandavas started living there with great joy.
384) Then, Sage Markandeya came to the Pandavas and told them numerous stories. Those stories were varied, and were composed of the three types of Bhashas.
- Note: The three types of Bhashas are Guhya, Darshana and Samadhi.
385) Relying upon the face value of the incidents, Devatas and Sages narrate stories. Only the essence of those stories are to be grasped. The superficial stories are never to be accepted.
386-387) In the ‘Samadhi’ Bhasha, all the meanings are acceptable. There is no doubt. In the ‘Darshana’ Bhasha that corresponds to other philosophies, only the fact that those philosophies are such and such are to be accepted. The interpretations are not to be considered as truth. The Vedic Darshana is of course always acceptable. In the Guhya Bhasha, the main purport is the one that is hidden and is to be interpreted and accepted. This is the key to understanding Bhashas.
388) Jayadratha, whose hair was cut off by Bhimasena, except for five tufts, performed a penance to please Shiva and asked for a boon to be able to stop the Pandavas. Shiva, being pleased with Arjuna’s penance, granted him a boon that he would be able to stop all of them (for a day) except Arjuna.
389) Even as the Pandavas were in the forest, Duryodhana performed a Yajna known as the Paundarika, out of competition with them. That Yajna was not equivalent to even a fraction of the Rajasuya.
390) As per Duryodhana’s orders, Dushasana sent a messenger to the Pandavas in order to insult them and told them – “Come (to the Yajna)”. Bhimasena sent a reply – “We shall come without fail to the Yajna that is war”.
391) After a few days, the Kauravas held a ill-intentioned discussion with Karna and Shakuni, and in order to display their great wealth to the Pandavas and Draupadi and insult them, proceeded along with their wives.
392) Accompanied by chariots decked with gold and precious stones, excellent elephants, horses and foot-soldiers, they put on attractive dresses and garlands and decorated themselves well, and quickly proceeded towards the Dvaita forest.
393) Getting to know that they have made an excuse of watching cows, and desiring to break their pride, Indra sent Chitrasena after granting him a boon to possess the necessary strength to arrest them.
- Note: Chitrasena was a Gandharva.
394) Chitrasena proceeded to the lake where Duryodhana desired to take bath, along with an army of sixty thousand crores, and the best Gandharvas. As per the orders of Duryodhana, his assistants told the Gandharvas thus.
395) “The King of Kings, Duryodhana, is soon to come here for taking bath. You people need to get out of this Tirtha. Obey his orders” – when they said thus, the Gandharvas laughed loudly.
396) They replied – “Devendra is the lord of the three worlds. We will obey (only) his orders dutifully. We do not listen to the words of even Emperors amongst humans. What then to say about the orders of this lowly hero Duryodhana”.
397) When they spoke thus, an angered Duryodhana started attacking those excellent Gandharvas with a shower of arrows. Karna and the Kaurava brothers also started attacking them. In turn, the Gandharvas too hit back at Duryodhana’s army.
398) For a duration of one muhurtha, the battle between the Gandharvas and Duryodhana went equal. After that, due to the boon of Indra, and due to the maya of the brave Gandharvas, their strength started to increase.
399) Brahma and Vishnu, for the sake of the Pandavas, had granted strength to those Gandharvas to destroy the pride of Duryodhana. They faced the Kauravas.
400) At first, Chitrasena fought against Karna. Fighting with a sense of competition against Arjuna in mind, Karna failed to win against him, due to the words of Sri Parashurama, the one with the six auspicious attributes.
- Note: Sri Parashurama had cursed Karna that he would lose in any battle where he engaged with a sense of one-upmanship or competition against Arjuna.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 22: Part 9

321) Hearing the sounds of Arjuna’s conch, and the twang of the Gandiva, the Nivatakavacha Asuras, who were most valorous, came to face him.
322) Those three crore Danavas had bloated egos due to the boon of Brahma. Together, they showered numerous weapons on Partha.
323) Arjuna, who was well decked with a crown and garlands, countered their weapons with great astras powered by his knowledge of divine weapons, discharged excellent arrows from his Gandiva to stop those astras, and chopped their heads off.
324) Those Rakshasas were all killed by that great chariot-warrior Arjuna. After that, he went after sixty thousand great warriors who were known as Pauloma-gana and Kaleya-gana.
325) Even as they were showering astras and other weapons, Arjuna burnt all of them with the Pashupata astra. He returned to Indra loka where Shakra embraced him with great affection.
326) All of those Asuras, who were haters of the Devatas, reached Andhantamas. Later Arjuna obtained the permission of his father and returned to his brothers, seated in the shining chariot of the bearer of the Vajra.
327) Seeing the arrival of Arjuna, the brothers felt great joy. Enjoying their time, they spent a further four years on that mountain.
328) The Pandavas, whose minds were always fixed upon Sri Hari, spent their time happily by listening to stories of Sri Vishnu, and by meditating upon, and worshipping him.
329) “Without destroying enemies, without earning great fame and without following Sri Hari’s orders, Kings will never attain their primary goal”.
330) “For those belonging to other Varnas, forgiving enemies is an important Dharma. For all the Varnas, the primary Dharma is to follow Sri Hari’s orders”.
331) Hearing these words of Bhima, Yudhishthira once again climbed the shoulders of the Rakshasas along with Draupadi and his brothers and left.
332) When the Pandavas were staying on the lower hills of the Himalayas, Bhimasena, the son of Vayu, once went deer hunting with his bow, and came near Nahusha who was in the form of a large python.
333) Earlier, due to the killing of Vrutrasura, Indra, the husband of Shachi, had himself in the stem of a lotus. All the Devatas then conferred amongst themselves and made Nahusha, the son of Ayu, as the lord of the three worlds, after granting him a boon that he would receive the tapas and strength of all those whom he stared at.
- Note: Indra hid in the stem of a lotus in Lake Manasa Sarovara, in order to hide from the Brahma Hatya Dosha for having killed Vrutrasura.
334) That Nahusha obtained every day, a large amount of tapas and strength of all the Suras and best of Brahmanas, and grew immensely. Swelling with pride, he then desired to obtain Shachi too.
335) As per the instructions of Indra, Shachi, in order to cheat him, asked Nahusha to sit in a vehicle carried by a group of great Rishis. Nahusha made the Rishis carry his vehicle.
336) The great Sage Agastya, in order to ensure Nahusha does not force himself upon Shachi, asked him a question about the pramanya of the Vedas. His mind being clouded, he replied that the Vedas were not a pramana. When Sage Agastya argued otherwise, he kicked the head of the Rishi.
337) At that moment, Brahma entered inside of Sage Bhrigu, who was all the while hiding inside the matted locks of Sage Agastya and had never been sighted by Nahusha, and cursed him – “O sinner! May you immediately become a python”.
338) “During the sixth part of the day, even those more powerful than you shall come under your grasp. When it becomes impossible to kill such a man, and if that man refuses to release himself even though he is capable, then all the excess tapas and strength you possess shall go to that man”.
339) “The entire tapas belonging to all the Devatas and the best Sages that is presently in you shall go to that man completely. Let there be no dispute about this”.
340) “Whenever a person answers all your questions, you will give up the body of the python and reach Swarga. Due to my grace, you will retain memory of your previous birth always”.
341) When Nahusha was thus cursed by Brahma, who was inside of Sage Bhrigu, he instantly fell down on Earth as a python.
342) Indra too worshipped Sri Vishnu and cleansed his sins and obtained his position again. For Indra, the sin due to the killing of Vrutra became an instrument for increasing punya.
343) How can the killing of Vrutrasura, and consequent protection of the world, be a sin for Indra, the ruler of the three worlds? Isn’t there a Veda-vakya that says Indra gained immense punya by killing Vrutra?
344) Sometimes it is clear sins too become an instrument for increase of punya. Just like the killing of Vrutra became a reason for increase of Indra’s punya.
345) This happens only for Devatas or Sages. For humans, it is never so. For them, paapa is paapa and punya remains punya. Similarly, the punya earned by Asuras sometimes becomes responsible for increase of their sins. So says the Skanda Purana. Therefore, it did not become sin for the husband of Shachi.
346) It is an excellent vrata of Devatas to not occupy the position of another (Devata). Therefore, even though they were capable, they seated Nahusha in the position of Indra.
347) In this way, due to the curse of Brahma, Nahusha fell down to Earth and, in the twenty-eighth Mahayuga, Bhimasena recognized Nahusha and knowingly came to him in order to take away his tapas.
348) In order to take away all of his tapas, that originally belonged to the Devatas and Munis, Bhima willingly came under his grasp.
349) When Devatas incarnate as humans, only a part of their strength manifests. However, for Sri Vayu alone, it manifests fully as per his desire. It is not so for the others.
350) It is the purport of Shastras that for Sri Vishnu alone all his qualities manifest fully at all times. Similarly, for humans and others, the rest of the qualities too manifest similarly (in decreased amounts).
351) When Devatas take Avatara as humans, if they do not express their true capabilities in spite of being able to do so, their punya increases and Sri Keshava becomes especially pleased.
352) Therefore, when his humane strength was blocked by the boon of Brahma, Bhimasena did not manifest his divine strength, although he was fully capable of doing so.
353-354) Even though he was extremely capable, Bhima did not answer the questions (of Nahusha). It is not Dharma for even Brahmanas to sustain themselves through (the trading of) education. Therefore, is there a need to say that the same cannot be done by Kshatriyas? Hence, Bhima, although he was knowledgeable, did not desire to free himself by answering the questions of Nahusha.
355) Even though Bhima did not make any explicit attempt, and although the snake was filled with the strength of the entire world, Nahusha could not even move Bhima. He only circled and held him, but could not do anything more.
356) Out of love for his brothers and mother, although Bhima wanted to get freed quickly, he did not make any attempts towards it.
357-359) In order to accept the tapas of all the Devatas and the best amongst Sages towards himself, Bhimasena remained that way, although he knew that he should not stay there for long due to the affection over his brothers and others. He thought that the strength of the python would decrease very soon, due to the orders of Sri Hari and the ruggedness of his own body.
360) At that moment, as per the words of Brahma stated earlier, and as per the orders of Sri Hari, the entire strength and tapas of the Devatas got into Vrikodara.

Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya: Chapter 22: Part 8

281) Having been requested by Draupadi, Bhimasena, with a mace in his hand, started climbing that mountain furiously. He destroyed many Daityas who were guised as Lions and Tigers. The groups of Devatas and Siddhas praised him profusely.
282) On the way, he saw Hanumanta, who was radiant like the rising Sun and was his own (alternate) form. Even though he knew him to be his own rupa, he still sportingly engaged with him as if he was different.
283) Whenever they are born as humans, it is utmost Dharma for Devatas to engage with their own alternate form as if they are different, to especially not receive the same strength as the original form and to always conduct themselves complying with human nature. Therefore, both Hanuman and Bhima behaved as if they were brothers even though they were same.
284) When Devatas take Avatara as humans, depending upon the Yuga, and depending upon the (capability of the) original form, their qualities get masked as appropriate. The excellent amongst those Devatas have their original qualities expressed in part, whenever an occasion arises.
285) In all his appearances, Sri Vishnu, who displays all his qualities in full measure, never faces such restrictions on displaying his attributes. For Sri Vayu, his qualities usually manifest depending upon his own intent. For the other Devatas, such qualities manifest only during special circumstances.
286) Therefore, at that moment, Bhimasena behaved as if he was interacting with a different person, only in order to increase his own punya. Although he is the very essence of strength, he acted that way in order to cause illusion to Asuras.
287) Bhimasena saw that form of Hanuman becoming immense. He heard the tales of Sri Rama from him. He heard the divine glory of the four forms of Sri Hari. He also listened to the excellent Dharmas that are appropriate for the four Yugas.
288) Hanuman granted him a boon saying he would sit on Arjuna’s flag and cause defeat to the enemies merely by his roar. Later, Bhima bowed to him and quickly left for that excellent forest containing the Sougandhika (flowers).
289) Having reached that lake which was unreachable by (ordinary) humans, Bhima saw golden lotus flowers that had amazing form, were divine, and had excellent scent. He was then opposed by some carnivorous Rakshasas.
290) Bhima, who was terrible, most powerful, of handsome outlook, and possessed a weapon, was stopped together by hundred crore Daityas known as Krodhavashas.
291) Talking about those Shastras proclaiming Shiva as the Supreme One, and having become invincible due to Shiva’s boons, they showered Bhima, the omniscient one who was the very personification of Tapas and an ocean of strength, with terrible weapons and astras.
292) Bhimasena first defeated them in the war of words using Vaishnava shastras, destroyed their weapons and then killed them all with his mace.
293) Bhima was that son of Kunti, born from Sri Vayu, who was powerful, brave, tapasvi, destroyer of enemies, always engaged in truth and Dharma and who was never subdued in valour by his enemies.
294) Bhima defeated many other Rakshasas there who were arguing that the world was unreal, without a God, that it doesn’t depend upon anyone and claiming themselves to be siddha and Ishwara, by singing the glory of Sri Vishnu.
295) Declaring Vishnu to be distinct than all others and Vishnu to be the Supreme One, he killed one lakh warriors among them. Seeing his valour, strength, knowledge and physical prowess, they failed to face him in spite of attacking together, and were killed. The remaining ones immediately fled from there.
296) Bhimasena, the great Kuru hero, attacked all of them with his mace. Having chased them away, he entered that lotus pond, drank its nectar like water and picked up those divine flowers.
297) Around that time, noticing many ill-omens indicative of war, Yudhisthira felt disturbed in his mind and asked Draupadi – “Where is Bhima?”
298) Hearing from Draupadi that Bhima had gone to fetch Saugandhika flowers, Dharmaraja climbed the best amongst Rakshasas and left for that place, along with Draupadi and his brothers.
- Note: They sat on the shoulders of Ghatotkacha and his assistants.
299) Having reached the place where Bhima was present, he saw his state and asked him not to do such things, out of fear of Shiva.
300) Rakshasas who were fearful of death from the Devatas were guarding that pond as per the orders of Kubera. Shiva in turn was the protector of Kubera. The lord of wealth, however, knew the greatness of Bhima and was not furious at him.
301-302) When the Pandavas were staying there, a few more days passed by. One day, a wind brought there a few flowers, bearing five colours, from the house of Kubera. Knowing that it would bring glory to Bhimasena if he brought those flowers from that place inhospitable to humans, and that his punya would also increase, Draupadi asked him (to bring them).
303) “Since this mountain is lorded by Kubera, its terrain is difficult for all. You should go there today itself and defeat all the Rakshasas”.
304) When Draupadi asked him thus, Bhimasena, the one who had never tasted defeat, picked up his mace, bow and arrows and climbed that mountain. There, seeing him approach, an army of three padma Rakshasas who were intoxicated (with over-confidence) stopped him.
305) The Rakshasa Manimanta, who had become invincible due to the boon of Shiva, engaged in battle by showering numerous weapons and great astras. Bhimasena immediately felled all the Rakshasas, who were with Manimanta, through a barrage of excellent arrows and killed them.
306) Those Rakshasas, known as Krodhavashas, although they were invincible, were killed in an instant by the most-powerful Bhimasena in battle. Having been slain by Bhima, who was on top of that mountain, all of them entered Andhantamas.
307) Manimanta, who was killed in the Sougandhika forest, was born again in Kaliyuga and, having spread false knowledge especially, obtain higher Tamoloka.
308) Later King Kubera, seeing that his army of three padmas and their leader and his friend Manimanta had been slain, climbed a divine chariot in order to face Bhima in battle.
309) Due to Asura-avesha, he had developed great anger against Bhima. The lord of wealth himself came there to fight Bhima.
310) At that time, King Dharmaraja heard the roar of Bhima and immediately asked Draupadi – “Where is Bhima?”. As soon as she told him, he climbed the shoulders of Ghatotkacha and reached the place (where Bhima and Kubera were about to battle).
311) When Dharmaraja, along with his brothers, Sages and Draupadi reached the place where Bhima was, the Asura-avesha of Kubera reduced a little upon seeing him. Similarly, a littleness friendliness developed towards them.
312) Since a little Asura-avesha still resided in him, he could not recognize the greatness of Bhima even after seeing him wield the weapon. He then stated that the reason for his friend Manimanta’s killing was the curse of Sage Agastya.
313) Later, when his Asura-avesha went away completely, his mind became calm and he happily offered his house to the Pandavas for them to stay. The Pandavas started living there, as well as in the houses of the other Devatas.
314) Even as the noble Pandavas stayed there happily, four years passed by. Arjuna, who had by then spent five years learning great astras from Indra, requested him to ask for Guru-dakshina.
315-316) Indra asked Arjuna, who was his own Avatara, to kill his enemies the Nivatakavachas. Brahma had granted them a boon saying that they could not be killed by Devatas, Daityas, Gandharvas, Yakshas or even Rakshasas. When Indra had requested (Brahma) again, he had granted him a boon too, asking him to kill them through human form.
317) Therefore, Indra told Arjuna, his own Avatara in human form – “Kill them”. Saying thus, he placed his crown on Arjuna’s head.
- Note: Arjuna came to be known as Kiriti after receiving Indra’s divine crown.
318) Partha climbed Indra’s chariot along with Matali and, holding the Gandiva bow, proceeded to slay those great Asuras.
319-320) The Devatas then gave him a conch. That great conch was (named) Devadatta. Causing an echo from the sounds of that conch, Arjuna, wearing divine ear-rings given by Indra, twang the Gandiva which led to a loud thunder, and reached the divine city of those Daityas.