Mahabharata in Prose – Part 39A (continued)
A story of the Dvapara Yuga based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata:
By Lokanath Mishra
The counsel of Krishna weighed deeply upon the minds of the Pandavas. The name of Jarasandha was not one to be taken lightly. His power was immense, his army vast, and his pride unyielding. Many kings had already fallen before him, and countless others were held captive in his prisons, awaiting a grim fate.
Yudhishthira, ever righteous, spoke with concern,
“Is it just to wage war for the sake of a sacrifice? The Rajasuya must not be built upon unnecessary bloodshed.”
Krishna smiled gently, his eyes reflecting both wisdom and resolve.
“This is not a war for ambition alone, O King. Jarasandha has imprisoned righteous rulers and seeks to sacrifice them for his own dark purposes. To free them is dharma itself.”
Hearing this, Bhima clenched his fists with eagerness, while Arjuna stood ready, his mind already set upon the path ahead.
The Secret Journey to Magadha
To avoid a full-scale war, Krishna devised a clever plan. Instead of marching with armies, he proposed that he, Bhima, and Arjuna would travel in disguise to the capital of Magadha.
Dressed as humble Brahmins, the three heroes entered the court of Jarasandha. Despite their simple appearance, their bearing could not conceal their true nature. Jarasandha, a seasoned warrior, sensed something unusual.
“Who are you,” he demanded, “that carry the strength of kings beneath the robes of ascetics?”
Krishna stepped forward and revealed their identities without fear.
“We have come not as guests, but as challengers. Release the captive kings—or face us in combat.”
Jarasandha laughed, his voice echoing through the hall.
“I do not fear you. Among you, who dares to face me?”
At once, Bhima stepped forward.
The Duel of Titans
The challenge was accepted, and the two mighty warriors—Bhima and Jarasandha—met in a fierce duel of strength. No weapons were used; it was a contest of raw power, a wrestling match that would determine the fate of many.
For days they fought, neither yielding, neither weakening. The earth trembled beneath their struggle, and the skies seemed to watch in silence.
Even Bhima, unmatched in strength, found Jarasandha to be a formidable opponent. Confusion began to creep into his mind.
Sensing this, Krishna gave a subtle संकेत—a silent hint. Picking up a twig, he split it into two pieces and cast them apart in opposite directions.
Bhima understood.
With renewed determination, he seized Jarasandha, tore his body into two halves, and hurled them in opposite directions. This time, the pieces did not reunite.
Thus fell Jarasandha, the mighty king of Magadha.
Liberation and Triumph
With Jarasandha’s death, the prison doors were opened. The captive kings, weak but grateful, were freed from their suffering. They bowed before Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna, praising their courage and righteousness.
Many of these kings pledged their allegiance to Yudhishthira, recognizing his virtue and accepting his sovereignty.
Returning to Indraprastha, the three heroes were welcomed with great joy. Yudhishthira, hearing of their success, understood that the path to the Rajasuya Yajna had now been cleared.
Preparations began in earnest. Messengers were sent across Aryavarta, inviting kings, sages, and dignitaries to witness the grand sacrifice.
Yet, even as the flames of the sacred yajna were being prepared, destiny quietly wove its next thread—one that would bring both glory and sorrow in equal measure.
Thus, the fall of Jarasandha not only freed the oppressed but also paved the way for Yudhishthira’s rise as an emperor. However, in the grand tapestry of fate, every victory carried the seed of future trials.
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(To be continued in Part 40…)