Mahabharata in Prose – Part 38
A story of the Dvapara Yuga in prose, based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata by Lokanath Mishra
Satyabhama met Mother Yashoda and raised the topic of the marriage of Subhadra and Arjuna. Yashoda and Devaki supported this alliance, but Balarama’s consent was necessary. To obtain Sankarshana’s approval, Yashoda went to him at night.
Hearing this, Balarama touched the ground and covered his ears, saying, “Shame, shame! The lineage of the Pandavas is not proper. Their mother Kunti bore sons through relationships elsewhere. Their father carries the sin of Brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin). Five brothers have married a single woman. There can be no question of forming a relationship with such a family. I have decided to marry Subhadra to King Managobinda. His lineage is pure and unblemished. He possesses the treasures Shankhanidhi and Padmanidhi. Whatever he touches turns to gold; wherever he walks, lotuses bloom. He is a suitable groom for Subhadra. Tomorrow I will send word to Duryodhana. But do not tell Krishna about this.”
Yashoda returned to her abode and conveyed everything to Satyabhama. Satyabhama then informed her husband and requested him to fulfill Subhadra’s wish. Krishna said, “This is exactly what I feared. You take Subhadra and arrange for her to meet Arjuna. First, Arjuna must agree to marry Subhadra.”
(To be continued)
Mahabharata in Prose – Part 38
Jagannath Culture: A Timeless Tradition Rooted in Antiquity Beyond the Present Temple
Mahabharata in Prose – Part 37A