Mahabharata in Prose (Part–36)
A Story of the Dvapara Yuga (Based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata)
By Lokanath Mishra
Arjuna’s Exile
Sahadeva fixed his gaze on his palm and said, “For ages, the sages and rishis have been performing sacred fire sacrifices and offering oblations of ghee to the gods. By consuming this ghee continuously, the Fire God (Agni) has developed a disease called Ludubudu. The divine physician Dhanvantari has prescribed a remedy for this illness, and that remedy exists in the Khandava forest. However, only by burning the entire Khandava forest can Vaishvanara (Agni) be cured of this disease.
Agni had sought permission from the king of the gods, Indra, for this purpose. But why would Shachipati (Indra) allow his beloved forest to be reduced to ashes? No god in heaven was willing to help Agni because doing so might provoke the wrath of the lord of the gods. In this difficult situation, the divine sage Narada became Agni’s last refuge. Unable to bear Agni’s suffering, the son of Brahma advised him to seek the help of Phalguni (Arjuna). Perhaps, out of affection for his son, Indra might not react harshly. And even if protecting the Khandava forest was very important to him, Savyasachi (Arjuna) possessed enough strength in his arms to defeat the armies of the gods.
Following Narada’s advice, Agni came to bring about a situation that would separate Arjuna from his mother and brothers and send him into the forest. During this period of exile, Arjuna would gain many divine powers and perform numerous deeds for the welfare of the gods.
After hearing all these details from Sahadeva, everyone prepared to bid farewell to Arjuna. Arjuna also took leave from each one of them individually. The Kauravas and the Pandavas together accompanied him up to the banks of the Ganga River before returning.
In response to Duryodhana’s farewell words, Arjuna said only this:
“Brother, until I return, the responsibility of my elders and younger ones rests with you. Brother Bhima may sometimes behave harshly towards you, but please do not take it to heart.”
Duryodhana embraced Arjuna and bade him farewell. After receiving the blessings of all the elders, Partha entered the forest.
In the forest, the friend of Krishna wandered about disguised as a hunter (Kirata). During his travels, he spent most of his time visiting sacred pilgrimage places. Once, he was roaming in a forest near the banks of the Kashi river.
On that day, Shiva and Parvati were also passing through that forest. They had assumed the appearance of a Nishada (tribal) couple. Suddenly, a wild rhinoceros, wounded by an arrow, staggered forward and collapsed before them.
Parvati exclaimed in compassion, “Alas! Alas!”
Shankara became angry and roared, “Who is the one who has struck this rhinoceros with an arrow? Does he not know that hunting is forbidden in this forest? Today his destruction is certain! Where is my bow?”
But Bholanath had forgotten to bring his bow. Mother Bhavani reminded him of that fact. Even his trident was not with him, for they were merely on a pleasure outing and had not thought it necessary to carry weapons.
Meanwhile, the one who had shot the arrow was following the wounded animal. It was Arjuna.
Seeing the fierce form of Sadashiva disguised as a hunter, Arjuna calmly said,
“I am the one who struck this rhinoceros with my arrow. Hunting is the sport of a Kshatriya. It does not befit you, a mere tribal hunter, to become so agitated. If I become angry, your precious life will be lost, and your beautiful wife—who resembles Parvati herself—will become a widow.”
Hearing this, the trident-bearer was enraged.
“You will make my wife a widow? Now your death is inevitable. No one can save you!”
Uprooting a tree, Dhurjati rushed toward him. Arjuna, however, did not think it proper to kill an ignorant forest hunter without reason. Instead, he slipped his bow around the neck of Baba Vishwanath and began to whirl him around.
Arjuna kept spinning him, and Ashutosh kept spinning along. At last, exhausted, Kapali said,
“Enough, enough, my boy! Stop this spinning now. I am pleased with you. Ask for a boon—whatever you desire.”
It was a strange situation. A simple forest-dwelling hunter asking someone to request a boon! Arjuna stopped spinning him.
By that time, Mahadeva was completely drenched in sweat. Parvati was smiling. She said,
“I have never seen a god who, after being defeated in battle, asks the victor to request a boon.”
Then both of them revealed their true divine forms.
Dhananjaya immediately threw away his bow and fell flat on the ground in prostration.
“Lord Panchanana! Bholanath! Ashutosh! Kailashapati! O great god of gods, Mahadeva! Mother, daughter of the king of mountains, Aparna, Bhavani! I am your ignorant child. Without knowing, I have committed many offenses. There is no forgiveness for my sins, Mother! Please punish me, Lord!”
Shiva and Parvati raised their hands in the gesture of granting a boon.
(To be continued)