Mahabharata ( A Story of Dvapar Yuga in Prose) Part 33B
By Lokanath Mishra
Arjuna’s Valor and the Preparation for Draupadi’s Swayamvara
Vidura informed Lord Krishna that Duryodhana, along with grandsire Bhishma, Guru Drona, and Karna, had already set out for Panchala. Krishna replied that an invitation had also been sent to Dwaraka and that he himself would soon arrive there with King Ugrasena. He entrusted Vidura with the responsibility of ensuring the timely presence of the Pandavas at Panchala. In addition, Krishna gave him another important task: he was to inform King Drupada to arrange a special kind of target for the swayamvara ceremony. After giving the necessary instructions regarding the construction of this unique target to Sage Vyasa, Lord Vasudeva departed.
As the Pandavas proceeded on their journey, they came across a beautiful garden on the way. The forest was adorned with fruit-bearing trees, blooming flowers, and fresh green leaves, enhancing its natural beauty. Eternal spring seemed to reside there, and a cool, fragrant breeze constantly blew through the grove. Joyfully wandering around, Arjuna began plucking fruits from the trees.
At that time, a Gandharva named Angaraparnna was roaming in that forest along with his many wives. Some celestial women noticed Arjuna plucking fruits and informed Angaraparnna. Since entry of humans into that forest was forbidden, the Gandharva approached Arjuna and threatened him. Arjuna, enraged by the harsh words, responded angrily. Soon, a fierce battle broke out between them.
Using his extraordinary skill in weaponry, Arjuna eventually disarmed the Gandharva. He seized Angaraparnna by the hair with his left hand and raised his sword with the right, threatening to behead him. Meanwhile, Yudhishthira arrived at the scene. Some of the Gandharva’s wives rushed to him and begged for their husband’s life. Yudhishthira first reassured them and then sent Bhima to stop Arjuna. However, realizing Bhima’s impulsive nature, Yudhishthira himself hurried forward, loudly calling out to Arjuna not to kill the Gandharva. Reaching the spot, he released Angaraparnna from Arjuna’s grip.
Surprised, Angaraparnna asked about their identities. When he learned that the warrior who defeated him was Arjuna, he revealed that he himself was the son of Indra and thus Arjuna’s elder brother. Arjuna immediately sought forgiveness. Consoling him, Angaraparnna said that there was no shame in being defeated by a younger brother. He embraced Arjuna and asked him to seek a boon. Arjuna humbly left the choice to him, and the Gandharva gifted Arjuna the powerful Gandharva Astra.
Later, Sage Vyasa reached the kingdom of Panchala and met King Drupada. The king respectfully welcomed the sage and showed him the grand arrangements made for the swayamvara. Beautiful camps were set up for visiting kings, with proper facilities for elephants and horses. Spacious kitchens and dining halls were constructed for mass feasts. The entire city was decorated with colorful arches, flower garlands, flags, and ceremonial pots. Musicians played melodious instruments at various crossroads, and the festive atmosphere filled the city with joy. Vyasa was pleased by the magnificent preparations.
In private, Vyasa explained to King Drupada the plan for constructing the special target, following Lord Krishna’s instructions. Accordingly, a unique mechanism was created. A rotating wheel with sharp edges was set high above, beneath which a golden fish was placed. Below it stood a bow, and under that, a reflective surface filled with water. The rule of the contest was that the archer must look only at the reflection below, aim upward, pierce the rotating wheel, and strike the left eye of the fish.
Vyasa declared that whoever accomplished this extraordinary feat would win the hand of Princess Draupadi in marriage. Thus, the stage was set for a historic event that would test not only strength and skill, but destiny itself.
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(To be continued)
ସୋମନାଥ
ସ୍ମୃତି, ଭକ୍ତି ଓ ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତି