*****
“Why don’t you also showcase you abilities in the event?” Vikram asked Rikshavi as they watched laborers make arrangements for Amogh’s event. “No Vikram. I compete with my own self. Not with anybody else. I am happy with knowing what I can attain. I do not want to showcase it. But I do want to show the new bow to Maa… She will be proud of me!” Rikshavi said. Amogh walked in the courtyard as the laborers finished their arrangements. He waved at Vikram and Rikshavi and walked inside the courtyard to resume practice. Rikshavi kept staring at Amogh as he walked… Vikram looked at her apprehensively. “Why is she staring at him?” he thought, “After all, even Amogh is a handsome young man… and a skilled archer as well!”
“Sometimes I feel that Amogh has many similarities with Taat!” Rikshavi suddenly exclaimed, “His jaw line is like Taat and he also walks like him!” “Oh! That’s why you were staring at him!” Vikram said with apparent relief. Rikshavi smiled to herself, as she realized that Vikram was observing her, and was obviously jealous!
The event was attended by everyone at the palace, including the King, Queen, Prime Minister Prabhavsen and the Chief Commander of the army, Vajrasen. Everyone lauded Amogh. King Vrajesh especially looked very happy and excited as he watched Amogh perform archery feats. Rikshavi was seated next to her mother. “Even you can do all this, my child!” Queen Bhairavi said. The Queen had sensed Rikshavi’s anger when Amogh was offered royal archery training. But Rikshavi looked much relaxed at the event. She smiled at her mother. “Watch this feat, Maa!” she said, as Amogh aimed at a long distance target. By noon, the event was over. Everyone joined the royal lunch.
“I want to show you something, Maa!” Rikshavi whispered as they finished lunch. She dragged her mother to the backside courtyard. She pulled out her bow and pointed out at the apple which was placed atop a tree branch at a long distance. “Look Maa, I am going to hit that apple!” she told her mother. Bhairavi looked at her daughter apprehensively. She knew that longer distances required greater muscular strength. But within moments, the apple was struck down. Bhairavi’s astonishment knew no bounds. “How did you manage to do that?” she asked Rikshavi. “Even you can do it, Maa! Take this bow…” Rikshavi handed over the bow to her mother.
Bhairavi looked at the unusual bow. She took aim. She realized that the string was pulled with much lesser effort. She released the arrow. The apple was struck down! “What magic is this?” she asked Rikshavi with astonishment. “I have got special apparatus fitted inside this casing, which reduces the effort required to pull the bowstring” Rikshavi said, “I dedicate this bow to you, Maa… You are my ultimate friend, guide and teacher! We will call this bow Bhairavi Dhanush!” Bhairavi hugged her daughter. She had tears in her eyes and a smile on her lips….
*****
“I have no words to thank you Shaimakji!” Rikshavi said with deep gratitude to the royal weapon – contractor. The Princess had made a special visit to his house to thank him for the magnificent Bhairavi Dhanush. “Maa has given kheer for you…” Rikshavi said as she handed him a bronze pot. Shaimak was moved by the humility of the royal family. “I was just doing my duty, Your Highness!” he said. He turned and bowed before a picture, which was hung on a wall. “It’s all because of his blessings!” he said. Rikshavi was intrigued. She keenly looked at the picture. It was a disk - like weapon with serrated edges.
“What is this?” Rikshavi curiously asked. “This is the Sudarshan Chakra!” Shaimak replied, “It is the most powerful weapon on the earth, which is always in motion. It keeps rotating! My family has been worshipping Lord Sudarshan since generations!” “Where is this weapon found?” Rikshavi curiously asked.
“It’s a mythological weapon Rikshavi!” Vikram said as he entered Shaimak’s house. Shaimak frowned. “I beg your pardon, Vikramji…” he said, “But we believe that it exists… Not all supernatural things are mythological! And we also believe that Lord Krishna has left back the Sudarshan Chakra on this earth for the benefit of Bharatkhanda. Lord Krishna had declared that he will establish order in Bharat whenever dharma is endangered. We believe that his divine Chakra will establish a new order in the Bharatkhanda!” Vikram was a little embarrassed. “I am sorry Shaimakji! I did not mean to hurt you!” he said. He soon hurried out of the house along with Rikshavi.
Rikshavi mischievously smiled at Vikram as they came out. “So why didn’t you defend yourself before Shaimak?” She asked, “Your philosophical beliefs ain’t very strong…” Vikram smiled back. “Stop teasing me, Princess!” he said, “It is useless to argue with a man of faith…. His faith inspires him to do his work well… Why question it?” “Another philosophical quote!” Rikshavi chuckled and nudged Vikram. “But I want to know about this so-called mythological weapon!” she insisted.
“The Sudarshan Chakra is a spinning disk – like weapon with sharp serrated edges...” Vikram replied, “According to scriptures, it is owned by the God, Lord Vishnu. Scriptures say that it is the most powerful weapon on the earth, which is always in motion. Legend says that Lord Vasudev Krishna had the knowledge of this weapon….”
“Amazing!” Rikshavi whispered. “Wouldn’t Lord Krishna have passed on the knowledge of this weapon to someone? I think Shaimak may not be entirely wrong….” she wondered aloud. “Why not?” Vikram mockingly said, “He might have left the weapon somewhere, to be discovered by great warriors like you! I always wonder why Kshatriyas are so obsessed with weapons…” Rikshavi scowled at him. “It’s the same way Brahmins are so obsessed with scriptures and philosophy” she replied. “But mind you Vikram...” Rikshavi continued, “All of us know that Lord Krishna had promised to establish order in this land whenever dharma is endangered… If he cannot appear in a mortal form, he might have left behind a legacy to fulfill his promise…”
“Yes!” Vikram thoughtfully agreed. “Dharmasanthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge! - I will appear in every era to establish dharma…” Vikram muttered under his breath as he remembered the legendary verses of Lord Krishna….
*****
900 BCE.
Thirty Six years after the great Mahabharata war.
Hastinapur, the Kuru capital, now the capital of the Pandavs, ruled by Emperor Yudhistir, the eldest Pandav.
“Where is Vasudev Krishna?” Sahadev eagerly asked.
Arjun had just returned from Saurashtra. Dwarka, the island city of Yadavs, had drowned in the sea after Yadav men killed each other in a violent brawl… Krishna had saved the women and children and brought them safely to the shores at Prabhas in Saurashtra. He had sent Daruka, his messenger, to request the Pandavs to rescue and take care of the Yadav women and children. Arjun had himself gone to Saurashtra to honour the request of their dear friend and cousin, Vasudev Krishna. He had now come back…..
The other Pandavs had never seen their brother look so weak and depressed. The mighty Arjun, the greatest archer in the world, broke down into tears in front of his brothers. Sahadev was shocked. “What happened?!” he anxiously inquired. “He is no more! Vasudev Krishna is no more!” Arjun exclaimed. His words quivered with pain.
The Pandavs were overwhelmed with grief. Sahadev too could not control his tears. “Where are the Yadav women and children?” he asked, regaining composure. “I could not save them, Sahadev! I am a wretched old man, not fit to be called a warrior now!” Arjun cried, “Our caravan was attacked by a nomadic tribe… They took away many women and children and plundered the Yadav wealth. I could save only a few of them. I have left them safely in the city of Indraprastha….”
Sahadev stiffened. Their dear cousin and friend Vasudev Krishna was no more…. This was not only a great personal loss for them, but a great loss for the entire Bharatkhanda…. “Has he left behind something important for us?” Sahadev asked expectantly. “Yes!” Arjun said as he wiped his tears. He handed a long metal box to Sahadev…. “This is for you…” he said grimly. Arjun then pulled out another metal box… “This was meant for me…” he whispered.
; “I will leave behind for you as my legacy, the most powerful chakra in the world!” Arjun remembered the words of Vasudev Krishna as he looked at the metal box…..
*****
600 BCE. Vaishali, the capital of Vrij.
“I will be going to Kaawar tomorrow, Rikshavi!” Vikram told Rikshavi as they were walking in the palace garden. Rikshavi was surprised. “What for?” she asked. “To meet Acharya Birendra….” Vikram smilingly replied. “You know him?” Rikshavi asked with surprise. “He is a family friend” Vikram said, “My parents expired when I was ten years old. Amogh’s family supported me after that. Acharya Birendra was my father’s close friend. Both of them were teachers at Takshashila. Our families originally hail from the eastern kingdom of Anga. A few years after my father expired, Birendra uncle left Takshashila. We lost touch after that. When you mentioned Acharya Birendra, I had a feeling that he was my Birendra Uncle. I had sent a message to Acharya Birendra through one of the royal administration officers who was travelling to Kaawar. I have received a reply from him. He is indeed my Birendra Uncle. What a coincidence!” “Wonderful!” Rikshavi said, “So how many days will you be away?” “I will be back in two weeks” Vikram replied, “It’s been such a long time… And Chaitra must have also grown up now! She was such a sweet girl!” Vikram said.
“Who’s Chaitra?” Rikshavi breezily asked, cunningly hiding her jealousy. “She’s Uncle Birendra’s daughter. I used to play with her…” Rikshavi hid her envy with great difficulty. They kept chatting for some more time, but the thought of Chaitra troubled Rikshavi….
*****
CHAPTER 8
THE SECRET REVEALED
“The time has come that we reveal everything!” King Vrajesh said, as he sat in one of the meeting chambers with Prime Minister Prabhavsen. Prabhavsen pondered. “But how are we going to do it, Your Highness?” he asked. “That’s not a difficult task, Prabhav… Once we tell Queen Bhairavi, we would easily be able to handle things further…. But I have not been able to muster the courage to talk to Bhairavi about this…. Will you help me Prabhav? Will you speak to her?” Vrajesh apprehensively asked his Prime Minister. “If that is your command, Your Highness, then…..” Prabhavsen anxiously replied. “No, Prime Minister! It is my request!” said Vrajesh. “But how can I bring up the subject all of a sudden, Your Highness?” Prabhavsen nervously asked. “Well…” Vrajesh said, “Have you given the royal locket to Amogh?” “Yes, Your Highness!” Prabhavsen replied, “I told him that King Vrajesh has given that locket to him as a token of appreciation for his skills. He respectfully took it and wore it around his neck….” “Wonderful! Then wait until Bhairavi or Rikshavi notice that locket. It is so conspicuous, it cannot go unnoticed. Since you are in charge of the royal jewellery and antiques, Queen Bhairavi will definitely question you. You can take that opportunity to reveal everything to her!” Vrajesh said.
Prabhavsen was stunned. He realized that the King’s request was merely out of courtesy. The King had already planned his confrontation with Queen Bhairavi….. “Have you sent a message to our royal representative in the court of Gandhaar? Vrajesh asked, breaking into the Prime Minister’s thoughts. “Yes, Your Highness!” Prabhavsen replied, “Mitrasen has been transferred back to Vaishali. The official orders have been sent. We have deputed another officer as a representative in the royal court of Gandhaar. Mitrasen has already left Takshashila and is on his way back to Vaishali..…”
*****
It was a bright sunny morning. Rikshavi had finished her daily practice. She did not go towards the garden, but listlessly sat in a corner of the backside courtyard. She was missing Vikram. “What’s the matter Licchavi? Suketu asked. Rikshavi did not respond. “She is missing Vikram” Kairee whispered to him. “Oh!” Suketu whispered back. “Let’s go to the garden!” he said aloud and gestured to Kairee. Kairee pulled at Rikshavi’s hand. “Let’s go Licchavi!” she said. Rikshavi got up and silently followed them. “What do we do to cheer her up? What does she like?” Suketu asked Kairee in a hushed voice. “She likes flowers… She told me that….. That’s why she used to come to the garden…” Kairee said. “Yes, until she met Vikram!” Suketu added. Both of them giggled. Rikshavi, oblivious to their gossip, sat by the fountain.
“Look what I have got for you Licchavi!” Suketu said after a while. He handed her a garland of delicate white flowers. Their fragrance delighted Rikshavi. “Mogra flowers, my favourite!” she exclaimed. Though Rikshavi loved colours, the white Mogra flowers were her favourite due to their heavenly fragrance. “Who told you that I like Mogra flowers?” she asked. “Vikram!” Suketu replied with a giggle. Rikshavi sighed at his mention. She kept the garland away. Suketu frowned. “Look Kairee, the Princess does not want my garland. She wears the royal gold locket. What is the value of this garland?” he mockingly lamented. “Shut up Suketu!” Rikshavi scolded, “Don’t be melodramatic! Take this locket for you and I will keep the garland!” Suketu laughed. “No Princess. That locket is for the royal family only. You cannot give it away to anyone else! But……” Suketu suddenly stopped. He hesitantly looked at Rikshavi.
“What’s the matter Suketu? What do you want to tell me?” Rikshavi asked. “I just remembered Licchavi…. I saw the royal locket around Amogh’s neck yesterday!” Suketu replied. Rikshavi was shocked. “Are you sure Suketu?” she asked. “Yes Licchavi. I saw it!” Suketu firmly replied. Rikshavi rushed to the royal courtyard of the palace where Amogh was learning under various royal teachers. After Acharya Upendra, King Vrajesh had appointed other royal teachers to train and test him in various other weapons. Rikshavi waved to Amogh. The lovelorn young man was delighted at her sight. He courteously walked towards her. “How are you, Princess Rikshavi?” he asked. Rikshavi hesitantly smiled. “I am fine, how are you?” she said. She was trying to have a good look at his neck, without appearing to be intrusive. “Yes! There it is!” Rikshavi gasped. A shining royal locket made of gold, with the carving of a lion, was proudly perched on the broad chest of Amogh….
*****
“Are you sure Rikshavi?” Queen Bhairavi asked. She was also surprised to hear that Amogh was wearing a royal locket. “Yes Maa… I saw it myself… It is the royal locket of Vrij. It is made of gold and has a carving of a lion….” Rikshavi replied. The Queen summoned Prabhavsen. “Is it true that Amogh has been bestowed with a royal locket?” she asked. Prabhavsen hesitated for a while. He had expected this. He had prepared himself for this moment. “Yes Your Highness! His Highness, King Vrajesh has himself given a royal locket to Amogh!” he calmly replied. “By what right has he got a royal locket, Prabhavsenji?” Queen Bhairavi angrily questioned, “Isn’t it meant only for the members of the royal family? “He is a member of the royal family, Your Highness! He is your son…” Prabhavsen muttered. He was sweating profusely. “Are you out of your mind, Prime Minister?” Bhairavi thundered, “My son, Pranav is no more…”. “Amogh is your second son, Your Highness!” Prabhavsen mumbled with great difficulty. He had been given the responsibility to reveal this truth…... He had to do his duty. “I am sorry, Prime Minister! I think you have gone crazy!” Queen Bhairavi was red with anger… “Do you think I would not know my own children?” she angrily asked.
“Seventeen years ago, as per King Vrajesh’s orders, I had arranged to replace your new born son with a new born baby girl, Your Highness…. Rikshavi is actually my niece, the daughter of Mitrasen…” Prabhavsen replied, in a weak but firm voice. Queen Bhairavi could not believe her ears…. Rikshavi froze with shock…. Prabhavsen calmly continued to narrate the incidents of the past which were kept secret till now….
*****
More than twenty years ago, Prince Pranav, the first born son of King Vrajesh and Queen Bhairavi, passed away due to an unknown illness, at a tender age of four. He had suddenly fallen sick with fever and gradually succumbed to his illness within two weeks… The royal doctors had no explanations….. King Vrajesh suspected foul play. He tried investigating the matter through his int
elligence unit, but could not find anything. When Bhairavi was pregnant again after a few years, King Vrajesh did not want to take chances. He strongly suspected that few of the neighbouring kingdoms had conspired to kill his son, Pranav. He did not want the new heir of his kingdom to be under any threat now. He made arrangements through his trusted Prime Minister, Prabhavsen. Gradually, Bhairavi was alienated from the outside world. Only Baijaamaa was allowed to be with her. Her food was strictly monitored. A trusted midwife, Anuveda, was appointed for the delivery. Vrushali, the wife of Mitrasen, was also pregnant. Mitrasen was Prabhavsen’s brother, also an officer in royal duty. Vrushali gave birth to a baby girl. She was delivered by Anuveda herself. Vrushali was given a medicine which put her to deep sleep after her delivery. It was a common practice to give such a medicine so that new mothers could rest after a stressful childbirth. A day later, Bhairavi gave birth to a baby boy. She was also delivered by Anuveda and given the same medicine. Mitrasen handed over his daughter to Anuveda. Anuveda replaced the new born prince with the baby girl…. She was handsomely rewarded for her services and sent away to an unknown destination, from where she never returned to Vaishali. The new born prince was handed over to Mitrasen, who took an oath to be the Prince’s guardian till he received further orders from the King. His family was given royal patronage. The prince was named Amogh, which meant “the invincible”. After two years, Mitrasen set off for Takshashila with his ‘family’, as per royal orders of Vrij. He was appointed as the representative of Vrij in the royal court of Gandhaar. Gandhaar was an ally of Vrij. It was a faraway land and did not share a boundary with Vrij. Hence it had no political ambitions about Vrij. The royal families of Gandhaar and Vrij had friendly relations since two generations……
In the meanwhile, news spread that Queen Bhairavi had given birth to a baby girl, not an heir to the Vrijian kingdom! King Vrajesh was successful in protecting the real heir of Vrij…. Prince Amogh was safely growing up in Takshashila, under the able guidance of renowned teachers…
The Rigveda Code Page 9