Arjuna

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Arjuna Page 7

by Anuja Chandramouli


  8

  Serpent Princess

  When the news of Draupadi’s marriage to the Pandavas reached Hastinapura, Duryodhana and his followers were filled with resentment as the most beautiful woman of the age had given herself to their arch enemies. They trooped in to see the blind King and poured out their grievances before him. Fresh schemes were suggested and the best way to rid themselves of their cousins were discussed and discarded as hopeless. For once Dhritarashtra ignored the psychotic ravings of his firstborn and chose to listen instead to the wise council of Bhishma, Drona and Vidura, overcoming his own latent partiality for his sons. He ordered Vidura to go to Panchala and bring the sons of Pandu back with suitable ceremony. Half the Kingdom would be given to them on their return, in the hope of avoiding conflict in future.

  The Pandavas were wary but returned to Hastinapura, accompanied by Krishna. The citizens rejoiced on their return and thanked the Gods for keeping them safe. Having paid their respects to the Kuru elders and having presented their wife to them, they headed for Khandavaprastha, which was their allotted share of the Kingdom. It was a bleak, desolate landscape adjoining a large forest and nothing grew on that barren land as far as the eye could see. But the Pandavas remained undaunted as they had grown accustomed to worse injustices at the hands of the Kauravas. Besides, the place, bad as it was, had some merits when compared to Varanavata, which had been built with the express purpose of consigning them to a fiery hell. Seeking the guidance of Veda Vyasa and Sage Dhoumya, the Pandavas selected a piece of land and had it consecrated before proceeding to build a magnificent city. Indra, at the behest of Krishna, sent the chief architect of the Devas, Vishwakarma, to help the Pandavas. Soon, thanks to Vishwakarma’s endeavours, the wretched piece of land was transformed into a city fit for the Gods and came to be called Indraprastha. People flocked to this new place hoping for a slice of the prosperity it promised. Consequently, the city grew and flourished. Krishna stayed till the Pandavas had settled down and then bid them farewell.

  One day, the Sage Narada came to visit the Pandavas, who warmly welcomed him to their abode. The Sage first blessed them all and then revealed the purpose of his visit. He had come to give them a piece of advice concerning their new wife. He told them of the asura brothers, Sunda and Upasunda, the sons of Nikumbha, a descendent of Hiranyakasipu, the dreaded rakhshasa, who was the father of Prahlad and met his end at the hands of Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar. The brothers loved each other dearly and did everything together. Their thoughts, hopes and dreams were entwined and they could easily have been mistaken for a single being that resided in different bodies.

  Having decided to acquire enough power to become the Lords of the Universe, Sunda and Upasunda moved to the Vindhyas and began performing the harshest penances and austerities. Legend has it that the mountains began to spout smoke in thick clouds, unable to withstand the heat of their austere efforts. Alarmed, the Gods did everything to sway the duo from their chosen path. But the brothers proved themselves above temptation. Finally, Brahma the Creator appeared before them with the promise of a boon. Snatching at this God-given opportunity, they replied in unison, ‘We seek supreme power that will make us adept in the use of magic and the arcane arts, skilled in the use of any form of weaponry, strong of body with the ability to change our forms at will and the gift of immortality’.

  Sensing the darkness in their souls and abhorring their greed, Brahma said, ‘It shall be as you ask, except for one thing. The boon of immortality I am unable to grant. But you shall be invulnerable to all but each other’. The brothers were happy with this boon as they felt it was as good as immortality since neither could conceive harming even a hair on the other’s person.

  Drunk with their newfound power, the demons returned to their fellow daityas. Together they embarked on a campaign to bring the world under their yoke. The earth was razed to the ground as all living creatures were subdued with an iron fist. The birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and even the animals that roamed the earth, were butchered by the brothers. The Brahmins were specially targeted as they had the spiritual merits required to perform sacrifices and promote prosperity. They were deemed a threat and that non­violent class was almost annihilated by the duo who seemed to have lost all sense of reason and had succumbed to bloodlust and the acquisition of power. Kingdom after kingdom was captured and sacked with rapacious abandon. The established religion was abandoned as the asura brothers could not abide the Vedas. Suffering from the unpleasant attentions of the demon brothers, Mother Earth oozed blood and became a wretched land fit only for carrion.

  Furious with the depravity and debauchery of the terrible brothers, Brahma summoned Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods, and asked him to create a beautiful being that would prove to be the undoing of the abominable duo. Taking the task to heart, Vishwakarma went to every corner of the three worlds, painstakingly gathering every iota of the best and beautiful things and gems, which ran into billions. Having completed this arduous task, he created a wondrous damsel made entirely of these incomparable things. When completed, there was not even a tiny part of her that was not perfectly formed or that failed to captivate all who had the fortune to behold her ethereal beauty. She was given the name Tilottama, after the iotas or bits (tilas), from which she had been crafted. Having received her assignment, she circumambulated the Gods and none save Shiva could resist looking at her in wonderment. Brahma himself sprouted four heads and Indra developed a thousand eyes (to replace the thousand vulvas that had sprang up on his person, after he was cursed by Sage Gautama for seducing his wife, Ahalya), when they resisted the urge to gaze upon her exquisite beauty. Shiva, by virtue of his stoical immobility, acquired the appellation Sthanu.

  The titillating temptress sauntered over to Kurukshetra, where Sunda and Upasunda had gone after laying waste to the world. Having accomplished their goals and finding themselves the masters of all they surveyed, the brothers were revelling in sensual pleasures, surrounded with the choicest of food, finest wines, and beautiful women who were experts in the fine arts of music, dance and love. In this domain of pleasure, Tilottama made her entrance, pretending to pick flowers even as she displayed her voluptuous charms before the hungry eyes of the brothers, impaling them on the spear of her incomparable beauty.

  Driven mad with desire for her, Sunda and Upasunda forgot their great sibling love and fought a duel to the death with their clubs and beat the life out of each other. As the two fell, the earth and all her creatures fell silent, saddened despite everything that had transpired, to see such a beautiful bond of brotherhood broken over a bewitching woman.

  The Pandavas listened to this tragic tale in spellbound silence, all too aware of the lesson being imparted to them by the great Sage. Narada, having made his point clear, proceeded to caution the Pandavas: ‘Wise men always learn from the lessons history has to offer. It would be prudent to have some ground rules where Draupadi is concerned so that you can avoid quarrelling with each other over her.’

  The five brothers were deeply disturbed by the tragic tale of the inseparable brothers who were driven to fratricide because of their love for the same woman. They decided to pay heed to the words of Narada and immediately laid down the rules. It was decided that they would take it in turns to be with Draupadi and when she was with one brother, the others would not disturb their privacy or witness their intimacy. Any brother who broke this rule would go into exile for twelve years and take a vow of celibacy. Pleased that his mission had been accomplished successfully, Narada made his departure.

  The Pandavas adhered to the rules and lived in blissful harmony. But one day, a Brahmin came to Arjuna in great agitation and begged for his help. Some thieves had stolen his precious cows and he requested Arjuna to retrieve them for him. Arjuna was in a dilemma as his weapons were in Yudhishthira’s chamber and Draupadi was with him. He hesitated only briefly as he knew where his duty lay. As a Kshatriya he was obliged to help any distressed man who sought his help. Without fu
rther ado, he sped into Yudhishthira’s room, snatched up his weapons and made a hasty retreat. After chasing down the thieves and restoring the Brahmin’s property, he returned to the palace. Once there, he made hasty preparations for his departure as dictated by the rules framed by the Pandavas, although the brothers were deeply saddened by his going.

  Yudhishthira tried to dissuade his younger brother from leaving saying, ‘Arjuna, you were merely doing your duty when you broke the pledge. You deserve to be excused this time. I am not at all angered by your actions. Moreover, a younger brother is allowed to take liberties where the elder is concerned. It is an indulgence allowed to younger ones. Your actions were justified. Please stay with us.’

  But Arjuna replied, ‘Brother, it is unlike you to twist dharma to suit personal convenience. We made those rules for a good reason and we should stick to them. I shall retire to the forest for twelve years as punishment for my lapse. Please don’t attempt to make me change my mind. Wish me luck instead and give me your blessings.’

  Arjuna remained adamant and refused to listen to his brothers’ entreaties to remain. With heavy hearts they finally bade him farewell. Divesting himself of his fine clothes and ornaments, Arjuna set off, accompanied by a group of ascetics, scholars and musicians. They journeyed far and wide, visiting many pilgrim sites and offered their prayers to the resident deities. In this manner, they reached Gangadwar (Haridwar). It was a beautiful place and Arjuna spent many days at that peaceful spot in prayer and meditation. One day he stepped into the river to cleanse himself before performing the sacrificial rites. Suddenly he was dragged to the bottom of the river by an irresistible force. He was bewildered to find himself in a luxuriant, underwater palace. A sacrificial fire was blazing in one of the rooms and Arjuna, setting his confusion aside, completed his prayers to Agni.

  When he opened his eyes, he saw a ravishing maiden standing demurely to one side, her eyes fastened in adoration on him. Arjuna smiled and admonished her gently saying, ‘That was a reckless thing you did, pretty one. Who are you and why did you bring me here?’

  ‘I am Uloopi, the daughter of King Kauravya. You are in the abode of the Nagas. We are known as the serpent people who dwell in the watery depths. When I first laid my eyes on you, I fell victim to Kama’s darts of love and have longed for you ever since. There can be no life for me without you. Make me yours and the Gods will bless you for your kindness. If you refuse, I will perish!’ the maiden replied.

  Arjuna spoke gently but with unwavering conviction. ‘O Princess, I cannot fulfil your wishes. I have vowed to spend twelve years practising celibacy and cannot go back on my word.’

  The lovely Pricess replied, ‘I am familiar with the circumstances of your exile. The rule of celibacy in your case applies only where Draupadi is concerned. Therefore you can give yourself to me without qualms. Moreover, my life will be forfeit if you leave me in this state and it is your duty as a Kshatriya to rescue me from such a fate.’

  Arjuna gave in to the wishes of the charming Princess with the eloquent tongue and made her his wife by walking around the sacred fire. Thus, with Agni as witness, their union was consecrated and consummated.

  The next day, a grateful Uloopi led Arjuna back to the banks of the Ganga. Her heart was breaking but she knew she had to let him go as he had shown absolutely no intention of staying with her of his own accord. It was evident to her that he had acceded to her wishes out of kindness and did not reciprocate her love. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but Uloopi accepted it with grace and it did not diminish her own love for the Pandava. Before her departure she blessed him saying, ‘You shall be undefeated in water. All sea creatures will obey you and spare you from harm. Farewell, my beloved, I will care for you always’.

  Arjuna felt as though he were waking from a pleasurable dream that was turning hazy and already fading from his memory. He resumed his travels northwards, accompanied by the Brahmins who had set out with him from Indraprastha. Guided by his companions he visited various holy places in the Himalayan region, made famous by ancient sages, and imbibed the deeply spiritual essence of his surroundings.

  During these wanderings, Arjuna stumbled upon a holy spot on the bank of a river. He was informed that this particular place was avoided by all as a monstrous crocodile had made its home in the waters and dragged down everyone who attempted to cleanse themselves or offer prayers at the hallowed spot.

  Arjuna was undaunted and said with a confident smile, ‘It would take more than a gluttonous crocodile to stop me’. He then stepped into the river to begin his ablutions. The monster had been lying in wait and pounced at once. Latching onto Arjuna’s feet with its lethal jaws, it attempted to drag him into the water. But Arjuna freed himself and throwing a powerful arm around the writhing creature, he dragged it to the shore. As soon as the crocodile touched land, it became transformed into a beautiful maiden. Arjuna gazed at this apparition in wonder. The maiden bowed gracefully and touched his feet in gratitude. She then proceeded to tell her story. ‘I am an apsara. My four companions and I attempted to distract a great sage while he was performing his austerities. Angered by our shallow antics, he cursed us and we were doomed to live as crocodiles for a hundred years till a great man released us from the spell. Thank you for the favour you have done me. I beg you to come with me to the places where my companions reside and do them the same service.’ Realizing the significance of Uloopi’s blessing, Arjuna accompanied the celestial maiden and freed the others.

  Having stopped at all the prescribed places for spiritual worship, Arjuna decided to part company with the holy men and visit Manipur, of which he had heard much. He was received with considerable hospitality by the ruler of the land and no effort was spared to ensure his comfort. While relaxing in the palace, Arjuna saw a beautiful maiden. She was none other than Princess Chitrangada, the daughter of the King. Filled with desire for her, Arjuna wasted no time in pressing his suit with her father.

  The Manipuri King was pleased that his daughter’s hand had been requested by such a redoubtable warrior and he said to Arjuna, ‘Mighty warrior, my daughter is truly fortunate. This match is agreeable to me but I have a stipulation to make first. I have no sons and it is my hope that the sons begotten by Chitrangada will perpetuate my line and take over the reins of kingship from me some day. You may marry her but as the bride-price, you must be willing to hand over any son born to her, so that he will always belong to this land.’ Arjuna acquiesced and the marriage between him and Chitrangada took place amidst joyous revelry.

  Arjuna spent three years with his new bride and they were blissful ones indeed. Chitrangada gave birth to a healthy baby boy who was christened Babhruvahana. Ever true to his word, Arjuna handed over his son to the King in a formal ceremony before making his departure. It would be many years before he saw his son again.

  It was time for Arjuna to complete the remaining years of his exile and he headed southwards. Uloopi, the Serpent Princess who had loved and lost him, was pining for him. She had borne a son by Arjuna and named him Iravan. He grew up as a Naga Prince and became a magnificent warrior. He met his father in the abode of Indra and the usually fearless youngster trembled with apprehension as he revealed to Arjuna the nature of their relationship. The Pandava was pleased to see the young warrior and warmly embraced him. Father and son spent many happy hours together. When the time came for them to part, Arjuna sought the help of Iravan and his Nagas in the epic struggle that lay ahead and Iravan promised to fight beside his father.

  True to his word, Iravan fought at Kurukshetra and dazzled all with his display of valour. Skilled in the art of illusion and transmogrification peculiar to the Nagas, Iravan wrought havoc on Duryodhana’s army, claiming the lives of five of their uncle Shakuni’s brothers. Finally, Iravan was killed by the rakshasha Alambusha, who cut off his head with a sword.

  Long before these events came to pass, Uloopi, who was miserable living without Arjuna but unwilling to chase after him, heard about Chitrangada and Babhruvahan
a. She decided to go to them. She felt that in this way, though she could not be with the man she loved, she could be close to those who had the fortune to be loved by him. The love-struck Princess introduced herself to Chitrangada, who welcomed her warmly. Soon Uloopi became like the sister Chitrangada had never had. Babhruvahana became a favourite of Uloopi’s and she personally took charge of his education and instruction in the martial arts. She galvanised him with tales of his father’s tremendous prowess whenever his motivation or discipline flagged and moulded him in Arjuna’s image. Soon the cub was transformed into a lion among men.

  Chitrangada and Babhruvahana followed the adventures of their beloved Arjuna from distant Manipur and waited impatiently for any news brought by Uloopi. They wept when he went through hard times and rejoiced when he triumphed over his adversaries. The tales of Arjuna’s matchless bravery, legendary valour and accounts of the manner in which he vanquished the greatest warriors of the day, narrated by Uloopi, enlivened their days. Chitrangada and Babhruvahana listened eagerly and nearly burst with pride. In this manner, they were always with Arjuna in spirit. When the great war at Kurukshetra was fought, Babhruvahana arrived with his Manipuri warriors to fight on the Pandava side before returning to his Kingdom.

 

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