Mahabharata in Prose – Part 36A
A story of the Dvapara Yuga based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata
by Lokanath Mishra
Krishna–Arjuna Encounter
Even in the sacred city of Dwaraka, crimes like theft and murder occurred due to the greed for the Syamantaka gem. Anadhṛṣṭa, Sahasrajit, and Shatadhanva were three Yadava youths of criminal disposition. On a dark night, when Shakrajit was fast asleep, the three ruthless brothers entered his chamber, brutally killed him, and stole the Syamantaka gem from his neck.
Chaos spread throughout Dwaraka. Satyabhama was nearly driven mad with grief over her father’s death. Shri Krishna declared that the culprits involved in the murder would be punished with death. The spies of Dwaraka began searching everywhere for those responsible for the crime.
The three murderers gathered and discussed their fate. Out of fear for their lives, they handed the gem over to Akrura and confessed their crime. Akrura said, “The gem will certainly reach Shri Krishna, but your lives are in grave danger. If you can, flee at once.” The three fled in different directions.
Among them, Anadhṛṣṭa was caught and sentenced to death. Sahasrajit went into hiding elsewhere. A spy reported that Shatadhanva had fled toward the forest. Krishna himself, armed with weapons, set out in pursuit of Shatadhanva, questioning everyone he met along the way.
At that time, an Asura king named Krutakeshi had gone into the forest for hunting. When Shatadhanva sought refuge from him, the Asura king granted him shelter. A fierce battle took place between Krishna and Krutakeshi along with his army. In that battle, the demon king and his forces were slain. However, before Krutakeshi was defeated, Shatadhanva had already fled from that place.
Eventually, he reached the Manibhadra mountain, where he encountered Arjuna. Seeing him, Shatadhanva thought, “Perhaps he can save my life.” From a distance, he cried out loudly, “Refuge! Refuge!” in desperation. Seeing his condition, Dhananjaya (Arjuna) said, “I grant you refuge—do not be anxious.” Though somewhat reassured, Shatadhanva still had little hope for survival.
When he came closer, Arjuna asked, “Tell me fully about your trouble. From whom do you seek protection?” Upon hearing that he was an enemy of Shri Krishna, Arjuna said, “Had I known this earlier, I myself would have killed you first.” But he had already given his word.
By the time Krishna reached near Manibhadra mountain, it had grown dark. He saw Shatadhanva sitting beside a hunter (Kirata). Filled with anger, Krishna began shooting arrows at the hunter. But when Arjuna remained unharmed, Krishna used powerful divine weapons. He invoked the Brahmashira weapon, but as soon as Arjuna remembered the mantra of Agni, the weapon left Krishna’s hand and came into Arjuna’s possession. The same happened with the Narayana Astra, Pashupata Astra, Manavedhi weapons, and other infallible powers.
Krishna exclaimed, “O hunter! How did you obtain these divine weapons?”
Arjuna replied, “You have shot many arrows—now face mine.”
Saying this, he used the Mohanastra given by Agni. Shri Krishna fell unconscious to the ground. Arjuna descended from the mountain, lifted Krishna’s head onto his lap, removed the arrows from his body, and revived him by chanting the mantra to dispel unconsciousness.
When Krishna regained consciousness, Arjuna appeased him with prayers. Krishna said, “You have defeated even Mahadeva and the king of gods, Indra. At last, it was my turn—to be defeated by you. You are my dearest friend. There is no shame for me in being defeated by you.”
Arjuna said, “Shatadhanva was forced into this conspiracy. It was Anadhṛṣṭa who killed Shakrajit, and you have already punished him. Now, please forgive Shatadhanva.” Krishna honored his friend’s request.
Shri Krishna expressed his desire to take Arjuna back with him to Dwaraka, but Arjuna said, “A little time remains in my exile. After completing it, I will come to see you first.” Krishna embraced his friend and took leave.
Shatadhanva decided not to return to Dwaraka immediately and chose to stay with Arjuna until Krishna’s anger subsided.
(To be continued)