Mahabharata in Prose – Part 36-E
A story of the Dvapara Yuga in prose based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata
By Lokanath Mishra
During the burning of the Khandava forest, all the trees, creepers, animals, birds, reptiles, and insects living within it were consumed by the flames. Only a very few creatures and plants managed to survive.
At that time, Maya the demon, who was wandering in the Khandava forest, sought refuge from Arjuna to escape the grasp of the fire god (Agni). Arjuna granted him protection.
A serpent named Shoshaka witnessed with his own eyes the destruction of his entire lineage. Whenever the serpents tried to escape by flying, Arjuna struck them down with arrows. Their bodies, torn apart, fell into the blazing fire. This was in accordance with Agni’s condition. He had said, “Not only the trees and creepers of Khandava, but all animals and birds must be brought within the reach of my consumption.”
Among the serpents, there was a particular class capable of flying. Shoshaka was one of them. Although he fled by flying, Agni did not object, for that serpent was the son of his friend, the noble Naga.
Escaping from Khandava, Shoshaka fell into the ocean. From there, passing through river mouths and swimming along the Yamuna, he eventually returned and met Karna near Varanavata. Filled with a strong desire to avenge the destruction of his lineage by Arjuna, he sought refuge from Karna. Radheya (Karna) granted him shelter.
Those who survived the burning—either due to Arjuna’s mercy or Agni’s leniency—were:
• The bird Tarakshi, who was pregnant
• The bird Sarangi, who had pleased Agni through prayer, along with her four sons
• Birds like Tamrachuda, Chakravaka, Vishnuprasad, and Neelakantha
• Among plants: Bakula, Hibiscus, and Tarata
• A horse named Vishnuprasad and one tree also survived
The demon architect Maya promised Arjuna that he would repay his kindness at the appropriate time. As a token of gratitude, he presented to Dhananjaya the conch named Devadatta, whose sound instilled fear in enemies.
After consuming the entire Khandava forest, Agni was finally satisfied. His ailment was cured, and he appeared radiant once again. With a pleased heart, he approached Arjuna and said:
“Blessed are you, Arjuna! Because of you, I have been freed from an incurable disease that had lasted for three yugas. I shall surely repay this debt. With my blessings, you shall not be defeated in water or fire, and you shall conquer the three worlds, O Dhananjaya.
I grant you knowledge of powers such as stambhana (paralysis), mohana (bewilderment), vashya (control), uchchatana (dispelling), and the use of magical ointments and charms. I also give you divine ashes and great medicinal powers, by which no thunderbolt, arrow, or weapon shall pierce your body.
Return now the celestial weapons I had given you.”
Arjuna returned the divine weapons to Agni.
Hearing that Indra had fallen unconscious, his consort Pulomaja (Shachi) arrived at the battlefield in the Pushpaka chariot. By then, the king of gods had regained consciousness. Shachi was displeased that he had fought against his own son. Arjuna bowed to her. Indrani embraced Partha and kissed his forehead, saying:
“Why did you do this, O Savyasachi? You have destroyed such a vast and valuable forest without reason.”
Arjuna explained Agni’s vow. At Shachi’s request, Arjuna used a life-restoring arrow to revive all the unconscious gods and Gandharvas. When the gods requested the restoration of the Khandava forest, Arjuna looked toward Agni.
Agni said, “Why do you ask me? Do as you deem fit for the gods’ work.”
Hearing this, Arjuna obeyed the command of the gods. He released the Amrita arrow, and all the trees returned to their original places. As before, they spread their branches, filled with fruits and flowers beyond description. Seeing this, all the gods rejoiced and praised Arjuna, saying, “Blessed, blessed is Arjuna!”
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Indra too was pleased and offered a boon to Arjuna. Arjuna said:
“May all the divine weapons that Vaishvanara obtained from the gods and gave to me be granted to me again, along with the knowledge of their use and withdrawal.”
The lord of the gods replied, “So be it. For now, they shall remain with the gods. Whenever you remember them, they will come to you.”
Having said this, Indra disappeared after leaving Arjuna upon the earth. Arjuna’s exile in the forest continued as ordained.
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[To be continued…]