by Pratibha Ray
25
The joint arrival of the great sage Krishna Dvaipayan and the noble soul Krishna Vasudev in Indraprasth was as significant as it was fortunate.
What was the intention of their joint arrival? The public of Indraprasth wondered, startled.
Only a few days before the celebrations to mark the beginning of Subhadra's son Abhimanyu had been held in Indraprasth with great pomp and show. Then both Krishnas had come and after blessing Abhimanyu had gone back. While returning, Krishna Vasudev had said in jest, "Krishnaa! Subhadra's son has arrived as this family's eldest son. Do not grieve over this. This is the tradition of the Puru dynasty. Though Gandhari was pregnant first, still, because the sons of the younger sister-in-law, Kunti, were born first, they are shouldering the grave responsibilities of the first-born. You should be glad that your sons will not have to bear the heavy burden of the royal crown."
Laughing I said, "Sakha! Despite being born of Subhadra's womb Abhimanyu is my husband's son. Therefore, Abhimanyu is my eldest son. Abhimanyu calls me ma while he calls Subhadra chhoti ma, 'junior mother'. Subhadra has only given him birth but he is growing up in my lap. It is with me that he studies, learns singing, draws pictures. Listening to tales of his ancestors he drops off to sleep in my lap. Subhadra's childishness has not yet gone. Should Abhimanyu insist on anything with her, she teases him all the more. When Abhimanyu weeps, instead of consoling him Subhadra is on the verge of tears. When Abhimanyu chatters away, Subhadra packs him off to me. Now tell me, is he my son or Subhadra's?"
Laughing, Krishna said, "What should I say! Abhimanyu is himself going around saying this. The first day his teacher asked him 'What is your introduction?' Abhimanyu said, 'My father is Arjun, maternal uncle is Krishan and mother is Krishnaa — just this is my introduction.' There is no trace of my darling sister, Subhadra there."
So Krishna was jesting! Still I said, "Sakha, since birth Abhimanyu has been listening to the history of his clan from my lips. In his dynasty it is the eldest who has the highest status. Not just because of the respect due to age, but it is because of intellect, discrimination and nobility of heart that the eldest was given the highest status. The sons of Madri, Nakul and Sahadev, too, feel proud to call themselves Kunti's sons. Despite enmity between the Kauravs and the Pandavs, in the eyes of mothers Gandhari and Kunti the hundred Kauravs and the five Pandavs are brothers. So how is it unnatural in any way if Abhimanyu introduces himself as 'son of Krishnaa'?"
Sakha laughed aloud and left. While leaving, he said, "Sakhi, my heart is not in Dvaraka. I constantly wait for an opportunity to visit Indraprasth. Do not begin the education of your five sons Prativindhya, Shrutasom, Shrutakarma, Shatanik and Shrutakirti together. I will get the chance of coming each time for the ceremony of each one. Then I will not have to make up false excuses before brother Balaram for coming here."
Hearing sakha's words who would not laugh? I said, "Is it a great deal of labour for you to create an excuse for visiting Indraprasth? The Pandavs will seek your help all their lives. Have they been able to do anything without you till today?"
He left that day, promising to return. But that he would return so soon no one had imagined. However, I knew that they were coming, summoned by Yudhishthir. He was in some dilemma which would be resolved after he had had the advice of both Krishnas.
Yudhishthir had dreamt of his father, Pandu. In the dream his father had directed his eldest son to fulfil his unfulfilled desire. It was the supreme duty of the son to fulfil the desires of his ancestors. But Pandu's desire was no ordinary one. He wanted Yudhishthir to perform the rajasuya yajna and become emperor. Pandu too had wanted to perform it. By conquering many kingdoms, he had proved his valour and prowess. He was planning to perform the rajasuya sacrifice when because of a hermit's curse he died. The desire to perform the rajasuya sacrifice remained unfulfilled. His dissatisfied spirit had been restless ever since.
After the dream broke, Yudhishthir was worried. The divine, sage Narad too had seen Pandu at the gates of heaven. He appeared sorrowful. If Yudhishthir performed the rajasuya yajna his spirit would be satisfied. Such was the news sent through Narad.
Yudhishthir's dream and Narad's message had produced the desire for the rajasuya yajna in the minds of the Pandavs. But what was Yudhishthir's dilemma?
Whoever else might or might not know, I was aware that keen as Yudhishthir was in obeying his father's command, he was equally distressed at the mention of the rajasuya. Yudhishthir was ever peace-loving and turned away from battle. His peaceable nature could not tolerate war, bloodshed, cruelty, loss of life and property, grief, sorrow, lamentation etc. He was not afraid of war, though he certainly detested it. But hesitation at the mention of the rajasuya was against kshatriya dharma. The meaning of rajasuya was not conquering kingdoms or establishing a despotism. Rather, as a result of the rajasuya, fraternity, dharma and unity were established in the country. Despite this, before taking a decision about it, he wished to have the benefit of the considered views of both noble souls, the two Krishnas. Therefore he had requested them to come.
Krishna Dvaipayan and Krishna Vasudev were seated at the centre. The five Pandavs sat around them. Whether the rajasuya would be held or not — grave discussions were on. Ma Kunti and I were also present. While taking any decision, in the Pandav family it was customary to take the opinion of the head of the household. My father-in-law, Pandu, too used to respect ma Kunti's views on all matters. The elder brother of my father-in-law, Dhritarashtra, also regarded with respect ma Gandhari's views. Grandmother Satyavati's opinions were respected by the Puru dynasty. In every sphere the views of the grandmother were honoured. Ma Kunti too was in her seat. Even Krishna did not dare to do without her wisdom. But the Kauravs failed to give proper respect to women. They were merely playthings in their inner apartments. They regarded women purely as objects of pleasure and enjoyment. They tortured them in various ways let alone respect their opinions. In what way was Duryodhan's wife Bhanumati lacking in learning, intelligence, beauty and other qualities? Her generosity and nobility were incomparable. Had Duryodhan listened to queen Bhanumati in every matter, then sin, adharma, hatred etc. would never have touched him. It was because of Bhanumati's chastity, devotion to her husband, practice of dharma, that despite all the immorality the Kauravs were still alive. Bhanumati was dear to sakha Krishna. Because of her husband's neglect and lust, the poor thing stayed depressed day and night. On account of lack of mental peace and anxiety she was mostly unwell. If she died an untimely death, then the Kauravs would surely be destroyed.
We had all expressed our views. Kunti, who ever detested war and bloodshed, had expressed her opinion in favour of the rajasuya.
Still Yudhishthir was unwilling. He had left it all to the decision of Krishna Dvaipayan and Krishna Vasudev. When Krishna Vasudev was there, what was the need of anyone else's advice?
Krishna Vasudev said, "Maharaj Yudhishthir! You are fit to perform the rajasuya yajna. If a righteous monarch performs the rajasuya yajna, it brings about the establishment of dharma. Adharma is wiped out."
In a worried voice Yudhishthir said, "Will it be desirable to invite war and bloodshed by announcing the rajasuya just for the sake of satisfying my desire to be called emperor?"
Calmly Krishna Vasudev said, "The intention behind the rajasuya is not simply the expansion of the kingdom or despotism. Its significance is to acknowledge the superiority of dharma. In Yudhishthir's kingdom adharma has no place. This fact can be proved only by holding the rajasuya yajna. The rajasuya never opposes non-violence, peace or friendship. Rather, the rajasuya actually gives recognition to the king who protects dharma, gives him fame, unfurls the pennant of dharma on this earth. Therefore, king Yudhishthir! Without any delay make arrangements for the rajasuya. But before this, Jarasandh, the king of Magadh, will have to be slain. As long as so unrighteous a king as he, exists on the face of the earth, the establishment of dharma on earth is not possible. The king of Chedi, Shishupal, is the commander-in-chie
f of Jarasandh. He is no mean warrior. Therefore, first a campaign against Magadh will have to be launched. Thereafter, let arrangements for the rajasuya be made."
With the help of Krishna, Bhim and Arjun slew the sinful Jarasandh, king of Magadh. Then no obstacle remained to holding the rajasuya. All arrangements were completed in Indraprasth. Various responsibilities were entrusted to everyone. Arjun, Bhim, Nakul, Sahadev — all four returned after conquests in the four quarters. In all Aryavart everyone acknowledged defeat before the valour of these four brothers and the righteousness of Yudhishthir. Where the noblest hero of Aryavart, Krishna Vasudev, was the guide, where was the question of defeat?
Responding to Yudhishthir's humble requests, Bhishma, Drona, Dhritarashtra, Duryodhan etc. had arrived in time at Indraprasth from Hastinapur. All the kings of the country had been sent invitations. Everyone was overwhelmed by emperor Yudhishthir's politeness and heartfelt hospitality. The prosperity and wealth of Indraprasth left everyone astounded. In such a short time so undeveloped an area as Khandavprasth had been transformed into Indra's palace. Everyone was discussing this. From time to time on the pretext of jesting, Bhim kept adding fuel to their envy.
Yudhishthir divided the work among the brothers. Ashvatthama would take care of the hospitality of the sages and brahmins. Sanjay would welcome the kings and look after their needs. Kripacharya was vested with the responsibility of the security of the treasury. Duhshasan remained in charge of keeping everything in place. Duryodhan would take care of the valuable gifts brought from various places. Bhishma and Drona would provide directions regarding the arrangements and lay down the rules to guide everything.
Laughing, Krishna said, "O King-Emperor! Give me some orders too!"
Humbly Yudhishthir responded, "It is you who are getting this entire work done. Then what orders can I give you? Krishna! Truly speaking, it is you who are worthy to be emperor! Who am I? Everything is becoming possible because of you."
Krishna replied, "Am I that fortunate! I have one regret left in life, Yudhishthir! Not everyone is fated to be called an emperor."
Full of hesitation and doubt, Yudhishthir said, "In the world such great souls are also born who, despite being worthy of the highest honours, delight in conferring them on others."
Duhshasan could not tolerate this any longer, "Here you will keep flattering one another and we will sit around neglecting matters of state!"
Bhim laughed aloud, 'There are people in this world who are not fit to be praised by anyone and who do not even have the good fortune of purifying their ears by listening to the just praises showered on others."
Krishna changed the subject, "I understand. So I am useless! Therefore, Yudhishthir will not give me any responsibility."
The great sage Krishna Dvaipayan laughed and said, "This has been obvious from your very childhood. Now only after the sacrifice is over will your effectiveness be proved. Is there any lack of work in the world? You can do precisely what you wish — who can stop you?"
The preliminary rituals for the sacrifice were complete. Grandfather Bhishma called Yudhishthir and told him, "It is the duty of the host to extend formal greetings to the honoured guests. Preceptors, priests, relations, scholars, kings and the beloved of all — these six types of persons have the right to be honoured with formal offerings. It is the custom to honour each by offering them an arghya each. However, he who is the most worthy among these six types, it is to him that the arghya must be offered first, according to the rules of the sacrifice. To such a person two arghyas should be offered."
Among the assembled guests who was the most worthy and fit to receive this honour? Muted discussions began among those present at the gathering. To receive the arghya was a matter of very great honour. Therefore, everyone began hoping that their favourite person would receive it. At this time Krishna was sought for. His advice too was required. But where was he? He was not near the assembly-hall. Jesting, Bhim said, "He has no responsibility after all. So he must be having fun somewhere."
Taking this harmless jest as bitter sarcasm, Duhshasan said, "Born in the Yadav clan, how can he find any interest in the rajasuya altar?"
Maya and I both became anxious. Seeking him, we found Krishna standing beside the gate made for the entrance of brahmins. I was stunned to see what was happening there. To salute the brahmins coming from afar, Vasudev was bowing down. Then with great care he was washing their dusty feet and wiping them with his yellow upper-cloth. His curved lips were a bright smile. Because of the exertion, drops of perspiration were dotting his forehead and cheeks, as though flakes of snow were falling on blue mountains.
I was startled, "Maya! What is this peculiar work sakha is doing! The work that servants and attendants should be doing — who has given this responsibility to Vasudev? By this not only is sakha himself being insulted but the honour of all the people of Indraprasth and of king Yudhishthir is being affected. Moreover, all of us will be regarded as grave offenders."
Maya, knowing everything, smiled gently and said, "Sakhi! Gently! Be patient! Vasudev's doings are not going to end with this only. Watch all he does."
"Why is he doing all this?" I asked in confusion.
Smiling, Maya said, "Because he is full of hurt! When Yudhishthir would not give him any responsibility, he began searching. He found no one willing to do this work and took it up himself. It is a good thing because on such a glorious occasion, who would like to do such a petty job?"
Worried, I was wondering what to do. Just then I noticed the brahmins had got up after taking some refreshment and sakha moved towards that place. I understood his intention. Swiftly I went forward taking Maya's hand, "Maya! With us here shall we let sakha do this?"
It seemed to me that Maya was hesitant. Letting go of her hand I went ahead. Before I could reach, Krishna had begun picking up the used leaves. Forgetting all my pride and status, good and ill, before everyone I caught hold of both his hands and pleaded, "Sakha! By reproaching Yudhishthir you are shaming me! Yudhishthir is the servant of the people of Indraprasth. Therefore, I am their maidservant. With the maidservant present, it does not look proper that you should do such petty things."
Laughing, Vasudev said, "No work is petty in this world: Even from the smallest work great results can be obtained. Look, today it is because I did that very task which you are looking down upon as petty, voluntarily, that Such a great reward has been given me."
Holding on tightly to both hands of sakha with used leaves held in them, I kept looking at his face in amazement. What sort of reward has sakha received today? Looking down at my hands made lovely with begemmed bracelets Vasudev said, "It is because I was doing this work that the honourable lady Yajnaseni is, on her own, before everyone, standing for so long, holding both my hands. What can be a greater reward than this for any man in all Aryavart!"
Oh! I felt so shy. I let go of sakha's hands. Immediately sakha took up the used leaves. I wanted to catch hold of his feet and prevent him. But at that very time grandfather Bhishma, Krishna Dvaipayan appeared, coming towards us. Embarrassed, I drew away. I was thinking, "How noble is Krishna Vasudev! He does not differentiate between man and man. In his eyes master, servant, king, subject — all are equal. In life everyone remains lost in useless pride. Today he has opened our eyes."
Bhishma and Krishna Dvaipayan called Vasudev to the sacrificial altar. Before everyone Bhishma announced that Krishna Vasudev was the noblest man in all Aryavart. He was an altruist, wise, brave and fearless. Why only energy, strength, prowess and wisdom? He had indeed all the qualities and was the best of all and dear to all. He had dedicated his life to establishing dharma on earth. Whatever he had done since childhood till now had benefited the world. The supreme vow of his life was the destruction of the wicked and the protection of the virtuous. Hence, it was he who was worthy to be honoured first of all. The first arghya ought to be offered to him.
Shishupal was Krishna's cousin, but he hated Krishna. For, at the wedding of Rukmini, Shishupal had be
en insulted, as before him Krishna had abducted Rukmini and married her. Of course, Rukmini had wanted this. Shishupal opposed Krishna being offered the highest honour. And the Kauravs, burning with jealousy for quite some time, began supporting Shishupal, they being full of hatred against the guide of the Pandavs, Krishna. In grossly offensive language Shishupal began to abuse Krishna and the Pandavs. Hearing this, Sahadev got excited and said, "Those to whom the honouring of Krishna, dear to all, is intolerable, on the heads of those mean creatures I place my foot."
The events after this were terrible. Shishupal and his blind supporters became violent. In the meantime, disregarding their objections, on Yudhishthir's command, Sahadev presented Krishna with the first arghya. How could sinful Shishupal bear this enchanting scene? Wicked persons of the same mind plotted to ruin the proceedings and along with that kill Krishna.
The invited kings, sages, scholars, all were worried. If discipline was not maintained in the rajasuya sacrifice of such a virtuous and righteous king as Yudhishthir, then what was the point of being called an emperor?
Exactly at that moment, removing the doubts and turbulence in the minds of everyone, the Sudarshan discus sped through the air. In an instant it cut off Shishupal's head and returned to Shri Krishna's hand.
All were stunned! The next moment everyone surrendered to Krishna.
It was as though the death of Shishupal was the auspicious beginning of the oblation of the wicked in the rajasuya sacrifice. It seemed to everyone that there was no place for the wicked in Yudhishthir's kingdom of dharma. For the mission of his life was the destruction of the wicked. And Krishna himself was the guide of Yudhishthir and his brother Pandavs.