Many of us have had many narrow escapes in our lives. Yet, we have not have had so many of these incidents within a short span of time like a year or a month, let alone a day. Pandavas had this graceful moment within a 24 hour span, shortly Bhima fatally defeated Duryodhana. These escapes were not lucky breaks, but the constant guidance of Sri Krishna who protected them from every form of harm. It takes a subtle mind to notice the protection of Bhagawan. As our mind is immersed in the world of sense objects, it has lost its ability to sense these subtleties. To overcome this grave deficiency, let us dive into the last sections in Shalya Parva and the entire Sauptika Parva of the Mahabharata. This will provide us the wondrous insight that Bhagawan is busy mostly protecting ourselves from our own bad Karmas and Karmaphalas.
Storytime:
Chariot on fire: Challenged by the fallen Duryodhana that it was not a fair victory, Krishna recalled all the mahapapas Duryodhana had done and it was merely the effect of all those that manifested in the war. Later, Krishna informed the Pandavas that Duryodhana’s statement was factual. In order to establish Dharma and restore the rights of the Pandavas, Krishna revealed that he had to use his Maya powers and lots of techniques to get around the strength of Kaurava army. As the remainder of the victorious Pandava army reached in celebration to take over the Duryodhana’s pavilion, Krishna urged Arjuna to get off his chariot along with Gandiva and his two inexhaustible quivers. As Arjuna did per instructions without any questions, Krishna released the steeds and alighted. The kapidwaja that added to the beauty of Arjuna’s chariot disappeared. The chariot burst into flames spontaneously and burnt to ashes. The awestruck Arjuna pleaded to know what was happening with folded hands. Krishna revealed that the Brahmastra of Drona and Karna were contained by Krishna’s energies. Once the mission was accomplished, Krishna let the energies of the past Brahmastra to finish their task.
Krishna recalled that when he had arrived in Uppaplavya, Arjuna and Yudhishtra had offered him madhuparka. Yudhishtra requested Krishna to protect Arjuna as he was not just a brother, but also his best friend. Krishna agreed to this plea. He now reminded Yudhishtra that this cruel war, that took the lives of hundreds of thousands, had spared the Pandavas and had them intact. Though Yudhishtra was always grateful, the gentle reminder of a passing casual request of the Bhakta is taken so seriously by Bhagawan, who bends over backwards in protecting them from the toughest enemies. After taking control of the wealth in the enemies’ pavilion, Krishna suggested that the Pandavas must spend the night away from the camp as a sign of blessedness. The Pandavas and Satyaki spent the night on the banks of the river Oghavati, while the rest went back to the Pandava pavilion.
Krishna on a less remembered peace mission: Yudhishtra, whose mind was always centered in Dharma, turned his mind’s attention to Gandhari. This devout tapasvi must be roiling in rage, seeing the deaths of her sons and grandsons. Worse yet, Duryodhana’s death was not in a fair fight, though it was due to his curse and karmaphala, yet his death cast a long shadow over the Pandavas. Yudhishtra feared that Gandhari’s ire will reduce the Pandavas to ashes. He sought the feet of Krishna as his sole refuge and urged him to pacify Gandhari. Veda Vyasa will also be at Krishna’s side if another supporting voice was needed. Krishna ordered Daruka to fetch his chariot and proceeded to Hastinapura. He embraced the feet of Vyasa and Dhritarashtra and quietly saluted Gandhari. Krishna shed copious tears profusely to make the pain as mutual and relatable. In a slow gentle voice, he reminded the turn of events that led to this catastrophe. He recalled his peace mission and the strong pleas of peace from Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Somadutta, Valhika and Vidura.
Krishna recalled that even five villages would have stopped this slaughter. Instead of blaming Dhritarashtra point blank, Krishna pegged the blame on a person under the influence of time. Though it is euphemism, it is also a wonderful lesson in diplomacy. Krishna urged Dhritarashtra not to impute any blame on the Pandavas as the root cause of all this misery was only his own inactions. Krishna informed how Yudhishtra was devoted to Dhritarashtra and Gandhari and was under great misery having pushed to this option. Yudhishtra’s pain at causing this great sorrow made him aggravated, as his despair burnt his mind.
Turning his attention to Gandhari, Krishna declared that there is no parallel to Gandhari, in terms of her tapasya. He recalled how when the eager Duryodhana wanted to her blessing of victory, she declared that victory will always be on the side of Dharma (यतॊ धर्मस ततॊ जयः - yato dharmas tato jayaḥ). Krishna noted that her powerful understanding of the truth merely manifested today. Gandhari acknowledged that her mind was disturbed by the events, but Vasudeva’s words have brought peace to it. But the gravity of her loss made her weep bitterly and loudly. She declared that Krishna was the only solace and guide for not just the Pandavas, but also for herself and her husband. As Krishna continued to console her through careful choice of words, he suddenly rose from his seat sensing the dastardly plan of Aswattama. Krishna apologized for his hasty retreat, due to Aswattama’s dark intentions of murdering Pandavas in sleep. Dhritarashtra urged Krishna to protect the Pandavas. Krishna returned quickly to the Pandavas location and informed the events of Hastinapura.
Save Pandavas from the murderous Aswattama: The almost dead Duryodhana makes Aswattama as the next commander-in-chief, with Kripa and Kritavarma as the only two lieutenants left. Seething in rage at the illegal move of Bhima resulting in Duryodhana’s life, still burning in rage at Dhrishtadyumna over his father Drona’s beheading, Aswattama gets inspired by watching how the owl easily attacked at night and killed its mortal daytime enemy, the crows, while resting under a banyan tree. Though his plan was severely criticized by Kripa, Aswattama was intent on entering the Pandava pavilion and slaughter the unsuspecting, sleeping warriors. Unable to let their companion alone, Kripa and Kritavarma joined him.
Aswattama found a gigantic powerful creature, blocking his path at the gates of the Pandava pavilion. Despite using all the powerful missiles in his arsenal, they were making no dent. Unlike the dullard Duryodhana who only believed in blind might, Aswattama quickly realized that this creature is of divine nature and he cannot counter it without a superhuman intervention. He gave his complete attention to Rudra and sought his blessings to overcome this predicament. He built an altar and invoked Shiva with undivided attention. As many Ghanas emanated from the sacrificial fire, Aswattama proceeded to give his life as ahuti. Just as he was about to cast his life following the burning wrath, Shiva emanated with a smiling face and a trident. Shiva declared that Krishna’s high actions, truth, purity, honesty, tapas, vows, patience, bhakti, courage, thoughts, words and deeds were pleasing to him. There is no one dearer to him than Krishna and hence to honor his words, the Panchalas were protected. Now Time has touched everyone and hence there is no further protection. He armed Aswattama with a powerful sword and entered his body.
Aswattama entered the pavilion and literally shone like Kala. He hunted Dhristadyumna, Uttamaujas and brutally murdered them. The UpaPandavas put a valiant fight and were no match. One by one they were mercilessly tortured and killed. Shikhandi and the other Pandava leaders were the next. He roamed in the dark of the night, causing mayhem with his sword, unconquerable and unleashing terror on anyone in sight. Kripa and Kritavarma performed their role of slaughtering anyone who tried to escape from the pavilion gates. Thus the carnage unleashed left the Pandavas and Satyaki alone alive with Krishna, who were are all secure by the foresight of Krishna’s advice.
Saving Pandavas again: Aswattama had accomplished a task that Bhishma, Drona, Karna and Shalya couldn’t. He reported it to the almost dead Duryodhana. Having gotten a taste of success, his life parted. Aswattama cognizant of his crime and the grave repercussions went far away and retired secretly in Ved Vyasa’s ashram.
The dawn brought Dhristadyumna’s charioteer bring the intelligence report to the Pandavas. He was the lone survivor of the huge army and escaped Kritavarma when he was heedless. Yudhishtra fainted at the information. He was held by Satyaki and later the Pandavas. Upon regaining senses, Yudhishtra lamented continuously that this victory was very hollow. He felt that the entire loss was due to carelessness, Pramada. In success, no one should let the guard down. He sent Nakula to fetch Draupadi and other women. The repeatedly fainting Yudhistra could not mellow the shock of Draupadi. She declared that unless Aswattama is neutralized, she will perform Prayopavesa, fast until death for a superior cause. Yudhishtra informed that Aswattama has gone off far away and how would she determine his defeat. Draupadi declared if she is given proof of the gem of Aswattama’s head she will break her Prayopavesa.
Draupadi aimed her sorrow at the one man who was as emotional as her, who would translate it to action without any ifs and buts – Bhimasena. He was the go to person who destroyed all the Kauravas, even fulfilled her vow against Dhushasana and Duryodhana. Bhima asked Nakula to chariot his path towards Aswattama.
Krishna questioned Yudhishtra why he was not acting when Bhima was being sent the harm’s way. Arjuna pleased Drona with his austerities and earned the BrahmaSiras astra. Jealous filled Aswattama begged Drona to teach him as well. Drona gave only the techniques to launch this missile to Aswattama, but for Arjuna he had given both the launch and recall options. He further instructed Aswattama never to use it unless his life was threatened. He further declared that Aswattama will never apply his mind along the path of the good. Dulled by his father’s words, Aswattama roamed around his way to Dwaraka. This happened during Yudhishtra’s stay in the forest during Vana Parva.
Aswattama proudly approached the lonely Krishna by the seaside and offered him BrahmaSiras as barter for the Sudarshana Chakra. Krishna placed in front of him, his bow – Saranga, his Gada Kaumodaki, his Sudarshana, his dart etc and asked him to take his pick. The arrogant Aswattama did his level best to lift, but could not even budge the Chakra. Feeling defeated he stood there. Krishna wondered that such a request never came from his closest friend Arjuna, who had earned even Pasupatastra from Shiva. Nor did his eldest son Pradyumna or even his naughty son Samba. He was curious what Aswattama would have done once he obtained. Aswattama was filled with such darkness that he was planning to use it against Krishna himself. Narrating the incident Krishna revealed Aswattama’s dark side and the fatal collision with BrahmaSiras.
Krishna had his weapon ready chariot brought in. Arjuna and Yudhishtra too ascended the chariot as they tried to race and cut off Bhima. Watching the two chariots filled with rage filled Pandavas with Krishna, Aswattama hiding in Vyasa’s ashrama took a blade of grass, invoked the BrahmaSiras and sent it for the complete destruction of the Pandavas. Krishna urged Arjuna to counter it with his astra. The two fatal missiles capable of global destruction were pitted against each other. Narada Maharishi and Vyasa using their powers held the two astras and pleaded them to be revoked for the global good. Arjuna immediately obliged to the Rishis. But the arrogant Aswattama not only was incapable, but kept justifying it and said he used it in self defence. Vyasa mediated that handing over his gem as a sign of defeat; the Pandavas will spare his life. Though he handed over the gem, he turned his wrath on the Pandava future and redirected the astra to terminate all future progeny of the Pandavas. At the moment only Uttara, Abhimanyu’s wife, was pregnant with Parikshit.
Krishna told Aswattama though his weapon will be effective, a child will be born due to HIS grace and rule for sixty years. The child will be completely under his protection. He cursed that Aswattama to have a long, solitary life, filled with pain, body infested with pus. Parikshit will grow up into one of the best, despite Aswattama’s attempt to direct his anger on an unborn. Vyasa concurred may Krishna’s words be true. They returned back to Draupadi to break her from continuing Prayopavesa, who requested that Aswattama’s gem be worn by Yudhishtra as it wards of hunger, thirst and disease. Krishna saved the Pandavas again.
Understanding Krishna – applying in our lives:
Krishna keeps saving us again and again – Just like a mother is never tired of taking care of her new born, repeatedly wards off insects, feeds the baby, changes the diapers and keeps showering love incessantly, Krishna continuously cares for us. Our past Karmas and prayers may be forgotten by us, but never by Bhagawan. He never kept count of the number of times he saved the Pandavas, nor did equate to the occasional singular request. Unlike Abrahamic faiths that keep mass marketing one odd luck about some half baked save to recruit and sell their belief system, Bhagawan keeps doing this in our lives day in and day out. Yet due to our ignorance, we do not even realize that we are continuously being saved from our own stupidity. Imagine, if all our fears and follies were to materialize!
Karmaphala boomerang: The entire Mahabharata war was a boomerang that was sent from the Draupadi’s abuse episode. Bhishma hid himself wondering what can be done to mitigate this shame to a helpless woman, the princess, the daughter-in-law of the house, instead of defending her. He met a similar fate with his hands tied at the sight of Shikandi, when Arjuna eliminated him. Drona hid behind a lie that he could not do anything to defend Dharma, when it was his paymasters who abused. His end came through a similar lie. Karna who instigated the entire episode by stunning Draupadi with barbed words met the same fate, when all his papas coalesced to hand out his fate. Duryodhana proud of his strength, abused it only to realize his real weakness was born from such a shallow strength. Dhritarashtra who rejoiced at the loss of Yudhishtra with every Shakuni move, had the events of the war and destruction get narrated to him with a blow by blow account. Fearless and intoxicated by one’s strength, the mindless Karma one does without any heed to its outcome, comes back to haunt us as the Karmaphala at the least opportunistic time, when the fall is the worst.
Wrath knows no end: A strong attachment coupled with an emotional desire when obstructed can morph into extreme wrath. Aswattama had legitimate anger on his father’s death by trickery. He can even be forgiven for the carnage he unleashed over the unsuspecting sleeping warriors, as it was impossible for him to even enter on his own. It was Rudra’s influence through him that made it happen. So it was Deiva sankalpa. Even invoking BrahmaSiras in fear could be a natural response, but his real evil inside him rears its ugly head when he decides to kill a defenseless unborn fetus. Wrath blinds a person so much that even the most heinous crimes do not get registered against even the most powerful intellect or reason.
Don’t ignore mahatmas suffering, as they are bound to hurt us: Unlike Duryodhana who never bothered about the subtle thoughts of Mahatmas, Yudhishtra is in tune with the insights of Mahatmas. His craving to always be rooted in Dharma compliments his yearning the teachings and life of Mahatmas. He fears the Tapasya of Gandhari, which is now rocked by the deaths of her entire lineage. It takes a real subtle mind to know the powers of another mind that is sharpened by discipline. The pain and misery of Mahatmas get transferred to the transgressors or if directed as an imprecation. Intelligent people are always wary of disturbing other evolved athmas, especially the ones that are steeped in Dharma and Sadhana.
Pramada – Heedlessness – a recipe for your peril: Yudhishtra’s down to earth reasoning for this possible massacre was Pramada. He deduced that if proper attention was given not to let the guard down, assuming that the enemies are highly outnumbered and had no outside chance to attack; such a disaster could have been prevented. While Yudhishtra’s factor did not include Rudra, his premise is correct that letting the guard down on the last day did add to the annihilation. Pramada is repeatedly highlighted as the real reason for death, our succumbing to vasanas, and our walking blindly into a trap when all the warning signs are all around. Pramada is highlighted by Sanatsujata as the reason for death to Dhritarashtra’s question and even mentioned centrally in Hamsa Gita of Srimad Bhagavatam.
Go to person: Bhimasena was the go to person for Draupadi. When it was Kichaka’s episode, she turned to him for succor. She realized that the Pandavas were repeatedly protected by the strength of Bhima’s might and dedication. When Draupadi was abused, it was he who wanted to burn Yudhishtra’s hands for putting her in such a plight. He vowed to kill all the Kauravas, which he fulfilled. He made an extraordinary vow to bring the blood of Dushshasana for fulfilling Draupadi’s vow to braid her hair after thirteen years. He fulfilled his promise to kill Duryodhana by breaking his thighs, though it was against all the norms of mace warfare. Draupadi knew going to Bhima was her ticket to avenging her battered mind, at the massacre of her father, brothers, sons and relatives at the hands of Aswattama. Be dependable like Bhima. Be good for your word by backing up with action. Whenever there is trouble, the mind that is trained to protect and defend Dharma will always be the one we can count on and we all must be that one whom Dharma can count on.
Think through before you rush: The one flaw Bhima demonstrated quite often was in an excitement to perform the action; he fails to take into consideration all the factors involved. He did not realize this lesson, when he mindlessly went searching for the heavenly flower for Draupadi, walking into Kubera’s army. He exhibited the same brash approach when Narayanastra was launched by Aswattama on the eve of Drona’s death. Even in this episode, he did not wait to seek counsel from Krishna, when he must have been definitely aware of the BrahmaSiras astra in the hands of Aswattama. It is imperative while we must be quick to act; we cannot compromise a deep thorough thinking of the complete picture, ahead of launching ourselves mindlessly.
Deivam vs Purushartha: Kripa advises Aswattama about the importance of both our actions and the blessings of Bhagawan, though it fell into deaf ears. There are two major elements for the fructification of any Karma. The first and most important action is our action, our Purushartha and the second which includes all the unaccounted past momentum, commonly referred as fate, but in Mahabharata language as Deivam. Some rely on faith in a higher power alone and luck. On some instances, due to our Prarabda it may even happen, making us tamasic on such reliance. It is utter foolishness to rely on only unknown external factors. On the other hand, Duryodhana blindly relied only on his sheer might. He completely ignored Krishna’s grace. In fact, earlier when he had the option to have Krishna unarmed on his side, he was happy to let Arjuna have that choice. In reality, apart from our actions, Deivam is a huge factor. It can translate as hidden Prarabda or in case of the Pandavas as Krishna steering clear of every problem through his astute presence of mind. Even in case of Aswattama, his actions were thwarted by the fiery creature Krishna had installed. Only when he invoked Rudra’s blessings and only due to his influence, even the carnage was possible. So what is the best way? Just like the Pandavas who were willing to do all their actions, but under the guidance of Krishna, this combination of Purushartha guided by Deivam is the sure shot guarantee for lasting victory.
What if Bhagawan gives up: Arjuna was protected repeatedly. After the use of the special chariot had come to an end, Krishna relinquished his hand of protection. Immediately the Karmaphala began to manifest with it combusting spontaneously on account of the past actions on it. Similarly, when Rudra came to the scene to perform his role, the fiery creature obstructing Aswattama earlier also vanished. In fact, Shiva informed that Krishna’s protection was now over as time had touched these warriors. When we fall in the eyes of Bhagawan’s protection we put ourselves in grave danger. The only place we are not on his radar is when we immerse ourselves in Adharma and challenge Dharma’s existence. This ensures complete self destruction.
May these incidents repeatedly reiterate to our simple minds that Bhagawan’s grace is immense and incessant. As long as we even attempt to follow Dharma and his loving hands tend to our needs. May we seek refuge in his infinite mercy. May we rest comforted that even when we are ignorant, his hands of protection continues to bestow his grace upon on us.
ॐ तत् सत