Mahabharata in Prose (continued), Part–34
by Lokanath Mishra (based on Odia Sarala Mahabharata)
When Satyabhama reached Arjuna, Subhadra was also there. Satyabhama informed them of the immediate situation. She said, “From elder sister Revati, elder brother (Balarama) has come to know everything. Today he has ordered Ugrasena to arrest Arjuna. Not only imprisonment—he has already declared a death sentence for Partha. The only way to escape his wrath is to leave Dwaraka before sunrise. O Phalguni, take Bhadra and flee from Dwaraka tonight. This is timely advice. It is also the instruction of your friend (Krishna).”
Subhadra well understood the consequences of Balarama’s anger. She pleaded with Arjuna to accept her sister-in-law’s advice. Dhananjaya said, “I knew this would be the outcome. You have put me in such a situation that I am neither here nor there. I belong to no clan now. I shall be blamed in Dwaraka and ridiculed in Hastinapura. What have you done, O Bhadra?” Subhadra only wept.
Arjuna said, “In many ways I tried to avoid you, but you compelled me into love. Now again, abducting you at night and earning the title of a coward does not appeal to me. Whatever happens, let it happen. I shall bear what fate has in store. It seems that for your sake I must fight against the royal power of Dwaraka.”
Satyabhama said, “Do you know the strength of elder brother?” Partha replied, “My only refuge is Lord Narayana. Go and tell my friend—if he shows me even a little grace, I shall not fear even if thousands of Balaramas come.”
Returning from Arjuna and Subhadra, Satyabhama told everything to her husband. War now seemed inevitable. Vasudeva summoned his sons and explained the situation, asking what should be done. Pradyumna, Samba, and Gada, along with others, declared in one voice that they would support Arjuna.
That dreadful night, filled with crisis, doubt, and terror, came to an end. At dawn, the noise of soldiers, elephants, horses, and the clashing of weapons made it clear that Ugrasena had arrived with forces to capture Arjuna. Subhadra said, “They have surrounded you. I have already accepted you as my husband. You are my path and my liberation. Your life is more precious to me than my own. Mayavati has prepared a Pushpaka aerial chariot for you. Please save your life and leave.”
Savyasachi replied, “People call me ‘Vijaya.’ How can I disgrace that name by fleeing in fear of death? Beloved, I was only testing you. You do not know Partha’s valor. Tell your brother not to grieve later. Now watch how I destroy the Yadava forces.”
Upon Subhadra’s remembrance, Mayavati sent the Pushpaka chariot. Arjuna armed himself with bow and arrows, spear, mace, lance, and sword. Seating Subhadra in the chariot, he mounted it himself.
By then, the Yadava army had surrounded all sides of the gates. With a single sweeping arrow, Arjuna struck down many soldiers. As the citizens of Dwaraka saw the beautiful Subhadra and the handsome, well-built Arjuna riding together, they praised them. The city echoed with conch-shells and festive sounds. It was a strange situation—on one side, the destructive call of war; on the other, auspicious celebrations. The women of the city whispered that Subhadra had chosen a worthy husband. The citizens compared the couple to Lakshmi-Narayana, Shiva-Parvati, Indra-Indrani, and Rati-Kandarpa.
Seeing more Yadava forces approaching, Pradyumna, Samba, Gada, and other well-wishers of Arjuna mounted their chariots and joined the battle on his side. Satyaki and Akrura also fought in support of Arjuna. The sound of bows, weapons, war drums, and cries of “Catch him! Strike him!” filled all directions. Even the common people of Dwaraka came out to support Arjuna.
Uddhava informed Balarama that Partha was carrying Subhadra away in his chariot. Balarama ordered Ugrasena to take more troops to stop him. But for the great archer Dhananjaya—who had defeated mighty foes and slain powerful demons—the Yadava army was too weak. Moreover, the army was divided, and those opposing Arjuna lacked true resolve.
Seeing the Yadavas losing, Balarama himself took up his plough and mace in great anger and ordered his charioteer to drive toward Arjuna. Seeing his fierce form, even Krishna grew concerned and approached him, pleading to calm down. He said, “Brother, truly Partha is not at fault. Without our sister’s consent, this could not have happened. It was wrong of us to keep her unmarried for so long.”
Seeing Subhadra seated fearlessly beside Arjuna, Balarama said, “Look how boldly she sits! She does not even fear me!” Krishna replied, “If one has strength and is a capable warrior, why should he act like a thief?”
Enraged, Balarama attacked Arjuna, saying, “You dare abduct the sister of Krishna and Balarama? Today the Pandava lineage shall be destroyed because of you!”
Arjuna replied, “O Lord Sankarshana, I am not at fault. Your sister willingly chose to be my wife. What is done is done—rather than blaming anyone, it would be better if you accept our union. Though I am not equal to you, today you cannot stop me from taking Subhadra.”
Hearing this, Balarama launched a fierce attack, supported by his faction of the Yadava army. Seeing this, Pradyumna and other commanders supporting Arjuna fought with great valor, showering arrows. Weapons clashed, and many soldiers fell dead or wounded.
Meanwhile, Balarama angrily told Krishna, “All this is your doing! You did not inform me. I unnecessarily promised Subhadra to Duryodhana. He has already arrived in wedding attire—what shall I say to him now?”
Krishna replied, “It is destiny, brother. The Creator has destined Subhadra for Arjuna—how can it be otherwise?”
At that time, Duryodhana, who was waiting on Mount Raivata, received the news. He gathered Bhishma, Drona, Bhurishrava, Vidura, and others, and said, “You always advise harmony between Kauravas and Pandavas—now see what has happened! With everyone’s consent, Balarama had promised her to me. Was what Arjuna did right?”
Vidura replied, “I had warned you earlier that the maiden was already attached elsewhere, but you did not listen.”
Duryodhana said, “Do not blame me now. Today I shall kill Arjuna and take the maiden. Let me see who can protect him!”
Bhima rebuked him, but Yudhishthira restrained Bhima and asked Sahadeva, “In this war at Dwaraka, whose side is Krishna on?”
Sahadeva replied, “It is by Krishna’s will that Arjuna abducted Subhadra. Though he appears to fight with his elder brother against Arjuna, he has secretly given his bow, discus, and mace to him.”
Yudhishthira understood the meaning.
He said, “Then we must go quickly and help Arjuna.”
Bhima said, “Before fighting the Yadavas, we must first control the Kaurava forces—who knows what trouble they may cause?” Saying this, he rushed ahead.
Soon, the Kaurava army also reached Arjuna. Seeing Balarama, Bhishma, Drona, and others paid their respects. Balarama complained to Bhishma about Arjuna’s conduct and declared his destruction certain. Bhishma advised him to restrain his anger, saying both Arjuna and Duryodhana belonged to the same lineage. Duryodhana, however, angrily accused Bhishma of always favoring the Pandavas.
The battle intensified further. On one side were Balarama, Krishna, Ugrasena, half of the Yadava army, and the Kaurava warriors; on the other were Pradyumna, Samba, Gada, the remaining Yadavas, and the five Pandava brothers. The earth trembled with the fierce combat. The gods watched from the heavens, and Narada joyfully played his veena and danced.
Balarama tried to reach Arjuna to strike him with his plough and mace, but Arjuna’s relentless shower of arrows prevented him. Forced to take up a bow, Balarama fought back. Every arrow he shot was countered by Arjuna.
Yudhishthira, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Krishna’s sons engaged their respective opponents. But Bhima—full of delight—continued to crush the Kaurava brothers relentlessly.
(To be continued)