Mahabharata in Prose – Part 38-B (continued)
A story of the Dvapara Yuga based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata by Lokanath Mishra, Jenamath Lane, Puri.
Subhadra, fully armed with all the weapons brought from Mayavati, went with Satyabhama to Savyasachi’s chamber at midnight. Though Satyabhama called repeatedly, Arjuna did not open the door. She then asked Subhadra to test it by reciting the Uluka mantra. Immediately, the door opened.
Subhadra went straight in and stood before Arjuna. Seeing her, Arjuna became angry, grabbed her by the hair, and threatened, “I will cut off your nose and ears!” He rebuked her, saying, “Shameless woman! Wicked one! Immoral! I have told you again and again that I do not even look at another man’s wife. Why have you come here?”
Subhadra replied, “I am not another man’s wife—why would I be immoral? My younger brother has promised to marry me to you.” Saying this, she recited the mantra given by Mayavati. She had already applied the enchanted ointment to her eyes. Taking dust from her left foot, she sprinkled it on Arjuna’s body, and instantly the arrows of Cupid pierced every part of his being.
“Overpowered by mystical knowledge, Dhananjaya succumbed;
Struck by the pangs of love, his body trembled.
He who in anger had seized Subhadra’s hair,
Released it, and in love, the hero embraced her.”
Now it was Subhadra’s turn. She feigned anger, turned her face away, and sat in mock resentment. After much persuasion, she spoke with pride, “Leave me! I am immoral, shameless, and unworthy. You are a pure man of noble lineage. To touch an unmarried maiden is a grave sin. I am to become your sister-in-law—your guru’s wife! Do you not realize the disgrace this would bring to our family? How ashamed my brothers would be!”
By then, Dhananjaya was restless in the flames of desire. Struck by the five arrows of Cupid, his body was filled with the sweet torment of love. He begged forgiveness for all the harsh words he had spoken to Subhadra. Satyabhama, realizing that her plan had succeeded, quietly left the chamber.
Returning from Arjuna’s quarters, Satyabhama narrated to her husband how Subhadra had attained Arjuna. A smile of success briefly appeared on Krishna’s face, but vanished the next moment. Danger was approaching. He could foresee how dreadful the situation might become, yet he was troubled about how to control its course.
Meanwhile, in solitude, Partha and Subhadra drifted far away in the surging waves of love. The night passed as they savored the many delights of affection. As dawn approached, Arjuna asked Subhadra to quickly return to her chamber. Subhadra asked, “Why are you so afraid?” Arjuna replied, “If this secret love becomes known, do you realize how complicated things will become? No one will be spared from the wrath of Lord Balarama.”
Subhadra had no desire to part from Arjuna, even for a moment, but with great reluctance she took leave. After completing his daily rituals, Arjuna prepared to join Krishna at the Vasant festival.
Every night, Subhadra and Partha continued to meet. Thus, seven days passed.
One day, the women and maidens of the Yadu clan entered a pond reserved for them to engage in water sports. Some splashed water on each other, some used squirters, some smeared vermilion, while others playfully applied mud. Some dived underwater and pulled others by their legs.
Subhadra, being the only sister-in-law, was surrounded and teased by the others. Someone pulled away her garment, leaving her unclothed. Embarrassed, Subhadra submerged herself up to her neck in the water. Revati lifted her up, embraced her, and brought her to the shore.
Marks of teeth and nails were clearly visible on her cheeks, thighs, and other private parts. Revati was shocked. She quickly covered Subhadra with clothes, but her face revealed distress, anger, and fear. She began questioning her—“With whom is this secret love? How long has it been going on? With what courage?”
Then, softly near her ear, she asked, “Was it Arjuna who has put you in this condition?”
From a distance, Satyabhama and Mayavati understood everything. By the time they approached, Subhadra had already uttered Arjuna’s name.
Revati said, “Do you know what will happen if your elder brother hears of this? He has already sent Uddhava to invite Duryodhana for your marriage. By now, he must have reached Hastinapura.”
Satyabhama said, “Sister, Krishna has given his consent. We will all try to persuade your elder brother and calm him.”
Revati replied, “Impossible. He will never understand. It would be better if Arjuna elopes with Subhadra.”
Everyone requested Revati to help persuade Balarama. Unable to refuse, she agreed.
That night, pretending ignorance, Revati asked Sankarshana (Balarama), “Subhadra has come of age. Why are you keeping her unmarried at home?”
Balarama replied, “Do not tell anyone, but I have already sent a messenger to invite Duryodhana as her bridegroom. By tomorrow morning, the wedding party will arrive. Duryodhana alone is worthy of Subhadra—a friend like no other.”
Gathering courage, Revati suggested, “What if Arjuna were considered?”
Balarama cast a sharp glance at her and said, “Be careful! I do not want to hear such absurd proposals from you again.”
Revati could think of nothing further. Filled with foreboding, she spent a sleepless night.
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(To be continued)