Mahabharata in Prose – Part 37A
A story of the Dvapara Yuga in prose, based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata by Lokanath Mishra
While wandering on Mount Raivataka with the Yadavas, Krishna and Balarama found the place extremely vast and beautiful. King Ugrasena, observing the pure and serene atmosphere, proposed that a yajna (sacrificial ritual) should be performed there. Arrangements were made accordingly. Sages and seers arrived, and invitations were sent to kings of various regions. The yajna began.
Prince Samba was sent to the west, Pradyumna to the south, Gada to the east, and Satyaki to the north, each carrying invitation letters along with ceremonial offerings of coconut and betel nut.
In the northern direction, where Satyaki went, there existed a kingdom named Jenabali Patana. It was ruled by a fierce demon named Gosingha. The demons of that land were cannibals, devouring living beings of all kinds, though human flesh was their favorite.
At the gate of the royal palace, two gatekeepers seized Satyaki and began arguing over who would eat him. Death seemed imminent. Satyaki thought, “Perhaps the gods have orchestrated my arrival here. If I can take these demons to the yajna site, Krishna and Balarama will surely find a way to destroy them.”
He said, “What is the gain in killing me alone? I have come to invite your king to the yajna of King Ugrasena. There, kings from many lands, along with their armies and attendants, are present. Hundreds of thousands of sages have gathered. Take me to your king so that I may first deliver the invitation.”
Satyaki was taken before Gosingha. The gigantic demon king, empowered by a boon from Brahma, burst into loud, terrifying laughter upon seeing him. “Being a mere human, how did you dare to enter my kingdom?”
Satyaki read out King Ugrasena’s invitation and handed the letter to the minister. He described the massive gathering at the yajna. Hearing this, Gosingha was delighted at the thought of feasting on countless humans. He treated Satyaki like a friend, gifted him ornaments, and arranged a fine chariot for him.
With a vast army of demons, Gosingha set out toward Mount Raivataka. Along the way, whenever they encountered settlements, the demons slaughtered and devoured people. As evening approached, they set up camp at a place still far from the yajna site. Once the demons fell asleep, Satyaki mounted a horse and fled, reaching Mount Raivataka that very night.
Trembling with fear, Satyaki confessed his grave mistake, weeping. “They are not coming to attend the yajna,” he said, “but to devour the humans and animals gathered there. Because of me, this great yajna is about to be ruined.”
The assembled kings were terrified upon hearing of Gosingha’s approach. It was necessary to stop the demon army before it reached the yajna site. Balarama set out wielding his plough and mace. At Krishna’s remembrance, Garuda, the son of Vinata, appeared. With the combined might of these three, the destruction of the demon army began.
After one-third of the demon forces had been slain, Gosingha’s minister came forward bearing a signal of surrender. The minister Japasura said, “We have come upon receiving your invitation. Why are we being attacked instead of being allowed to enter the yajna? This is unjust.”
The battle was halted. Krishna and Balarama consulted each other and said to Gosingha, “If your entire army enters the yajna, the other noble guests may flee in fear. You, along with a few distinguished members of your court, may accompany us to the yajna. The rest of your forces can stay here; food and drink will be sent to them.”
Gosingha agreed to the proposal, though his minister Japasura silently harbored doubts. The demons rested after eating and drinking.
Meanwhile, Indra (Purandara), wishing for the success of the yajna, sent Chitrasena with two garlands of Parijata flowers for Krishna and Balarama. However, his true purpose was different. Chitrasena carried a special message. Bowing at their feet and offering the garlands, he quietly conveyed Indra’s request:
“O Lord, this invincible demon Gosingha is the greatest enemy of the gods and has spread terror across heaven and earth. His city, Jenabali Patana, is an impregnable fortress. Once he returns there, it will be impossible to kill him. I pray that he does not leave this place alive.”
Similarly, Kubera sent his son Nalakubera with ornaments and offerings, along with a similar message:
“Kubera said—take these jewels and secretly urge them to slay Gosingha; only then will the city of the gods be safe, for the lord of demons has plundered the treasury.”
Krishna instructed both Chitrasena and Nalakubera to keep their messages confidential until the yajna was completed.
The yajna commenced. Krishna and Balarama laid aside their weapons, took kusa grass in hand, and sat beside the sacred fire altar.
(To be continued…)