Killing anyone is a heinous act. If that happened to a husband at the hands of a very devoted wife, the tragedy is unspeakable. Yet we find Arjuna, the undefeated warrior of Mahabharata war gets killed due to his wife’s plot. In this less remembered story from Mahabharata’s Ashwamedha Parva, we will unearth the incident along with the lessons one can apply in their day today life. The Mahabharata has had a profound impact on our civilization for many millennia. Many proverbs in numerous languages have their origin in it, including this famous Tamil proverb – (கொலையும் செய்வாள் பத்தினி – kolaiyum seyvaal pathini). It translates as a devoted loving wife can also kill her husband. To the urgent reader it can result in the misunderstanding that the proverb is encouraging mariticide. Let’s unearth the treasures along with this fascinating incident.
Arjuna’s wives: Arjuna gets himself self exiled to twelve years of forest life, on account of inadvertently violating the privacy of Yudhishtra and Draupadi. They were merely chatting. The pact, per Narada’s suggestion, was that Draupadi will be given privacy with each of her husband. Though Arjuna’s entry was to fetch the weapons to aid a Brahmana’s cause, he undertook the teerthayatra, as prayaschita. During his visit to the place where Ganga originates, as Arjuna entered the waters, he found himself pulled into water. He found himself in an underwater palace with a girl of ravishing beauty, who introduced herself as Ulupi, the daughter of Kauravya, a Naga King. Ulupi was deeply in love with Arjuna and wanted to have Gandharva vivaha with him, immediately. Arjuna hesitated citing his Brahmacharya vrta on account of the accidental violation of Draupadi’s privacy. Ulupi was completely overwhelmed by Kama and surrendered to Arjuna. She said if Arjuna ignored her love, she will live no longer. She clarified that the Brahmacharya was only with respect to Draupadi. The convinced Arjuna spent the night with her and eventually begat a son, Iravan. At dawn, she returned him to the surface as promised and gave him a boon that no water creature can ever defeat him in water and they will be under his complete control.
As Arjuna proceeded south, he encountered many teerthas, kshetras and interacted with numerous rishis. He crossed Kalinga, past the Godavari and Kaveri rivers and eventually came to the Kingdom of Manalurapuram, situated along the seashore and ruled by Chitravahana. (In northern renditions, the Kingdom is referred as Manipura). Arjuna saw his daughter Chitrangada of extraordinary beauty and approached the King seeking her hand. The King was satisfied with Arjuna’s background, but laid a condition for the marriage. According to the boon received by one of his ancestors, there was only a single child that was born in that family for generations. But in his case, he had a single daughter, so the King raised her like his son. He was willing to offer Chitrangada’s hand, provided Arjuna was willing to give the throne to the son to be born and let the lineage continue, per Putrika putri dharma. This happened during the thirteenth month of teerth yatra. After accepting the terms and marrying, Arjuna stayed happily with Chitrangada for three months, before venturing to nearby kshetras.
During this visit, Arjuna encounters five crocodiles and releases the cursed apsaras back to their original form. This reminded him strongly of the times he spent with Chitrangada, so he returned to Manalurapuram. During this stay, Chitrangada gave birth to a son, Babruvahana. Per his promise, Arjuna offered his son as the next heir and took leave of Chitrangada. He suggested her to visit Indraprastha when Yudhishtra conducts Rajasuya Yajna. Eventually, Arjuna begins his north western journey to visit Krishna in Dwaraka and win the hands of Subadra, before proceeding to Indraprastha.
Arjuna’s death: After the Mahabharata war was over, as a part of bringing peace to the subcontinent and to his disturbed mind, Yudhishtra performed Aswamedha Yajna. Since Yudhishtra had already performed Rajasuya Yajna from Indraprastha, he had the option for Aswamedha Yajna. The Aswamedha horse is allowed to roam freely. The ruler either has a choice to accept the suzerainty or fight the King who is performing the sacrifice. Arjuna led this effort and eventually came to Manalurapuram. Babruvahana brought the elders and Brahmanas and was eager to meet his father, Arjuna. Shocked at this conduct, Arjuna reprimanded Babruvahana as the right thing for a Kshatriya would have been to fight.
The barrage of Arjuna’s verbal shaming made Babruvahana feel very humiliated. Unable to bear this disgrace, Ulupi burst forth from the ground, introduced herself and advised Babruvahana to perform the Kshatriya Dharma by fighting Arjuna, if he hoped of pleasing his father. Understanding his position and Dharma, Babruvahana got ready for battle, raising his flag and wearing his armor. He sent skilled horsemen to capture the horse and declare his intent to Arjuna who was overjoyed. Babruvahana showered extremely sharp arrows at Arjuna. One of them went through Arjuna’s shoulders, who slumped onto the chariot as dead. Recovering from the shock, Arjuna spoke words of pride about his son and advised him to stay focused on the battle. Both were now engaged in a wondrous duel of showering arrows at each other and cutting the opponents arrows. Arjuna showed his superiority in archery by destroying Babruvahana’s chariot and horses.
Undeterred the angered Babruvahana fought valiantly from foot. Arjuna enjoying his son’s valor did not want to torment his son so he did not fight with ferocity. Babruvahana still caught in the emotional turmoil of anger and wanting to prove to his father started aiming very sharp arrows at Arjuna. One such arrow pierced Arjuna’s armor and caused excruciating pain. Arjuna fell dead on to the ground from the chariot. Already tired from the battle, seeing his father unconscious, Babruvahana also fell unconscious (presumed dead). Hearing the double tragedy, the devastated Chitrangada came to the battlefield to see her dead husband and son. Unable to see this ghastly sight, she fell unconscious.
The sight of calm Ulupi irritated Chitrangada further. She questioned her wrong advice to (their) her son of instigating him to fight with their husband. She knew Ulupi was always rooted in her Dharma and was very devoted to their husband Arjuna’s welfare. She mocked at her successful advice that took away both their husband and son. She pleaded that Ulupi must revive Arjuna. She said her son’s death did not bother her as he fought valiantly. Chitrangada repeatedly pleaded for Arjuna’s cause and wanted Ulupi to give up her anger towards Arjuna, if any.
Chitrangada’s lamentations grew louder as she wept for Arjuna. She declared she has released the Yajna horse and demanded Arjuna to wake up and lead it back to Yudhishtra. Seeing Ulupi without a trace of sorrow further angered Chitrangada. She pleaded repeatedly for Arjuna to be revived even if it is at the cost of her son. She wondered if Ulupi was consumed by jealousy of Arjuna having numerous wives. She declared, if Ulupi failed to revive Arjuna, she will end her life through Prayopavesa. After regaining some composure, she held Arjuna’s feet and sighed at Babruvahana.
Slowly Babruvahana woke from his unconscious state feeling the calamity this unnecessary battle had caused. He wondered at the horrible plight that has befallen upon everyone around and what kind of naraka awaits him. Was there any prayaschita for a mahapapi like him who killed his own father? He pointed his ire and lament at Ulupi. He repeatedly spoke highly of Dharmatama Arjuna and what a horrible papa to have taken his life away. He reiterated his intent to give up his life if Arjuna would not wake up. He resolved to give his life Prayopavesa by doing achamana and became silent.
Seeing both Chitrangada and Babruvahana firm in their resolve, Ulupi thought about the Sanjeeva mani, a jewel that invigorates the Nagas. As the mani came to her hands, she addressed Babruvahana in a calm, reassuring voice that Arjuna was not dead and cannot even be defeated by the Devas. Ulupi informed that this episode was done only to please her husband, Arjuna, through her mohini maya. Understanding Arjuna’s desire to test his son’s mettle, she instigated Babruvahana to battle. She consoled him that he was faultless. She showed the Sanjeeva mani, the precious gem that revives the dead nagas and encouraged him to place it on Arjuna’s chest. Feeling encouraged, Babruvahana lovingly placed the mani with lots of hope only to find Arjuna wake up as if from sleep.
Regaining his normal composure, Arjuna was pleased to see the humble Babruvahana with his folded hands. He hugged him in happiness. Seeing the battlefield in waves of happiness, Arjuna sought an explanation. He also wanted to know why Chitrangada and Ulupi were in the battleground. Arjuna wondered that the battle happened per his demand and what the confusion was. Babruvahana humbly directed Arjuna to ask Ulupi for clarifications. Arjuna added more questions if Ulupi was taking sides with either one of them or if Chitrangada or Babruvahana or even he were guilty of offending her.
Ulupi laughingly replied that no one ever offended her and these incidents were guided by her for the sole benefit of Arjuna and his welfare. She also pleaded Arjuna not to get angry with her. She reminded Arjuna that Bhishma was not eliminated in frontal warfare, but by using Shikandi as a shield. If no Prayaschita was done, Arjuna would have been relegated to Naraka. The ignominy of being killed by his own son’s hands would atone for this papa. When she met Ganga and the Vasus she had discussed these matters. She also informed that the Vasus had cursed Arjuna for having transgressed the norms while killing Bhishma. Ganga agreed that the curse will become a reality. Hearing this distressing news from his daughter, Nagaraja Kauravya approached the Vasus and sought a remediation. Being kind to his request, they informed that Arjuna will be freed from this curse and his papa when he is killed by his own son Babruvahana in a battle. Having learnt this information, Ulupi wanted to liberate Arjuna from both the curse and papa.
The son is a form of the father, so this defeat is not real disgrace. Besides, Arjuna is invincible even by Devas. Ulupi wanted to hear Arjuna’s thoughts. Arjuna was extremely delighted at the words of Ulupi. He advised Babruvahana to attend Yudhishtra’s Aswamedha Yajna along with his two mothers, Chitrangada and Ulupi, and all his ministers. Babruvahana immediately agreed and requested that he be allotted the job of serving food to the Brahmanas. Babruvahana requested that Arjuna grace his city with a visit, along with his two wives. Arjuna politely declined as he was under the rules of Aswamedha Yajna and could not enter the city. He took leave of his wives and dear son, as the horse headed north towards Hastinapura.
Fascinating story, what is in it for me?
The modern mind will find it hard to translate this incident into practical application. The dark mind can see the possibility of validating the murder of own spouse, which is definitely twisted.
Importance of trust in marriage: Arjuna spent only a night with Ulupi. She gave him a wonderful boon as he departed. Ulupi kept her focus on her husband’s welfare, despite the distance he had with her in space and time. Arjuna when he woke up from his temporary death, was not angry, but wanted to know for whose welfare Ulupi resorted to such an extreme measure. Ulupi’s relationship with her co-wife is also interesting. There is no jealousy, though Chitranganda got more time. Chitrangada though devastated by Arjuna’s loss, is perplexed at the emotionless calm Ulupi. Arjuna’s and Ulupi’s trust in each other is worth emulating, as both are concerned about each other’s welfare.
Purity of purpose: Ulupi was committed to protecting her husband from the papa and the curse that he was not even aware of. Instead of trying to confuse and excite everyone involved, be it Chitrangada, Babruvahana and Arjuna, she is focused on acting on the information she had personally gathered. Despite her initial efforts to resolve it by sending her father, Kauravya, to obtain a nullification of the curse, she merely obtains the location and incident of his upcoming death. She resolves to protect her husband. Knowing well that she could revive Arjuna with the Sanjeeva mani, Ulupi proceeds to instigate a battle between Babruvahana and Arjuna. As the outcome was per the prediction and curse of the Vasus, Ulupi takes charge of the conditions by procuring the rare mani. Though she was not understood by Babruvahana or his mother Chitrangada, Ulupi still commanded their respect as they believed she was capable of helping Arjuna’s cause.
Importance of vision and planning: Ulupi demonstrated her foresight in giving a blessing to Arjuna that he will reign superior to all water creatures. Ulupi had overpowered him in the water, but Arjuna was setting out to visit all the theerthas. It was natural that he would encounter more water creatures and his life may be at risk. This blessing came to the rescue when he encountered the cursed crocodiles. In the same way, Ulupi is keeping tabs of her husband’s future and tries to use the offices of her father to seek a release from the curse. When it was not possible, she sets out to identify the conditions where these events can manifest. Then she shows extreme calmness in handling the tragedy by producing the Sanjeeva mani. Thus demonstrates a practical application of planning and vision.
Begin with the end in mind: The above two incidents also highlight the importance of keeping an eye on what we intent to produce. If we need a certain outcome, then it needs to drive our methods, steps taken and guide our intent.
Karma and Karmaphala: The most important lesson one can derive from this incident is that no one is immune to their Karmaphala. Though the Vasus and Ganga verbalized the curse, Arjuna’s action of killing Bhishma using Shikandi as a shield had its own Karmaphala. Every Karma has its Karmaphala. Once an action is done, its outcome is already predetermined, even if it may not manifest immediately. Ignorance of Karmaphala is not an excuse for it from happening. Such ignorance is only a display of our Tamas.
Even Arjuna who was under the protection of Krishna’s grace, though he acted in the best interests balancing many factors, upholding the superior of the two dharmas that were in conflict during the war, he was subject to his Karmaphala, which would have been naraka. The curse of Ganga and the Vasus only accelerated the manifestation of the Karmaphala. Yet, the astute Ulupi due to her undying love for Arjuna was able to counter the negative effects of both the curse and his Karmaphala. For much such Karma, an application of the Saatvic mind coupled with good Purushartha can nullify the negative effects of the Karmaphala it generates. This is captured in another tamil proverb, which says that fate (past action’s karmaphala) can be overcome by astute application of the buddhi. (விதியை மதியால் வெல்லலாம் – vidhiyai madhiyal vellalam). The key components to manifest such an effect will require a calm, unbiased, focused mind that can analyze the pros and cons of the Karma; when, where and how it will bear fruits and a level of effort that will surpass the undesired effects that may happen.
May Bhagawan’s grace be upon us to maintain such a saatvic mind that we will be able to understand and evaluate our Karma and Karmaphala even before we act. This happens only when we are rooted in Dharma. May this Dharma guide us to live to our maximum potential by doing our Purusharthas.
ॐ तत् सत
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