Mahabharata in Prose – Part 38
A tale from the Dvapara Yuga, rendered in prose from the Odia Sarala Mahabharata by Lokanath Mishra
Falguni placed the vast wealth that Gosimha had abducted into his aerial chariot named Suryaketu. Seating Satyabhama and Shatadhanva in it, he himself drove the chariot and arrived at the Raivata mountain. The entire sacrificial ground bore the marks of a ruined festival, yet the sacred fire in the yajna-kunda was still blazing.
Savyasachi (Arjuna) knelt down and prayed to Agni. He knew that Vaishvanara did not possess the power to burn the Creator of the universe; he had only temporarily sheltered both of them. Pleased with his praise, Agni revealed them. The dark and fair brothers (Krishna and Balarama) manifested themselves. Seeing Satyabhama with Arjuna, both were astonished.
Shatadhanva then narrated in detail how Satyabhama had been abducted by Gosimha and how he met his death in a fierce battle with Arjuna. Vasudeva, appreciating Shatadhanva’s commendable role in rescuing Satyabhama, forgave his past अपराधs and permitted him to reside in Dwaraka. Balarama, greatly pleased, embraced Partha and praised him profusely.
When Shatadhanva informed the hidden noblewomen, maidens, and other Yadavas, they came out of hiding. All returned to Dwaraka. Preparations began for Arjuna’s grand स्वागत (reception). Krishna himself arranged for Arjuna’s transformation from his forest-dwelling Kirata appearance into that of a royal hero. His unkempt matted hair and beard were trimmed. He was anointed with aguru and sandal paste. Krishna’s sons bathed him with fragrant water. Clad in splendid garments and adorned with fine ornaments, Arjuna appeared like a second Krishna.
When the women of the inner chambers arrived with offerings to perform the ceremonial welcome, they found Krishna and Arjuna seated together. Unable to distinguish between them, they were confused about whom to honor. To resolve their dilemma, Krishna asked Arjuna, “O Partha, how many days remain of your exile?” Arjuna replied, “Three days.” This cleared their doubt, and they were able to recognize Arjuna. The ritual welcome was then duly completed. But with this, a new chapter began.
Subhadra, the daughter of Nanda, could no longer take her eyes off the son of Indra (Arjuna). Krishna asked Rukmini to arrange for the meal. Subhadra, along with the other queens, had to leave, but as she went, she repeatedly turned back to look at Arjuna. Her mind found no interest in anything else. She lost all inclination for eating, drinking, or adornment. The first stirrings of love disturbed her mind and made her restless. After a sleepless night, her condition caught Satyabhama’s attention.
In great बेचैनी (distress), Subhadra sought refuge in Satyabhama. Overwhelmed with love, she held her feet and pleaded, “Sister-in-law, somehow bring Partha to me.” At that moment, seeing Krishna entering, Subhadra fled to her chamber in embarrassment.
When Krishna inquired, Satyabhama said, “The situation is delicate. The poor girl has fallen in love with Falguni.” Vasudeva replied, “From the way she kept looking at Arjuna, I had already sensed it.” Satyabhama added, “Now it seems she cannot live without him.”
Krishna then said, “Go to Mother Yashoda and tell her to obtain elder brother’s consent for the marriage of Partha and Subhadra.”
The next day, before beginning his meal, Krishna invoked the name of Lord Mahadeva. Seeing this, Rukmini asked in surprise, “My Lord, the whole world invokes your name before meals—whose name are you invoking?” Krishna replied, “He who has renounced everything and lives like a detached yogi—I meditate upon that Lord Mahadeva to absolve my sins. Before eating, I always behold my Lord. Today, because of Arjuna, I was slightly delayed.”
Then turning to Arjuna, he said, “You continue your meal; I shall just return from Kailash.” Rukmini remarked, “If that yogi is above you, then is his yogini wife above me?” Krishna replied, “What doubt is there in that?”
Rukmini grew inwardly angry and said, “I sustain the entire world. Whomever I bless becomes prosperous and lives happily; whomever I am displeased with wanders begging from door to door. Who can be greater than me?” Krishna responded, “If I speak, you will be angry. People do not truly revere you as a goddess; they worship you out of fear. Everyone knows you are fickle—you do not stay with anyone forever. You do not favor the virtuous; rather, you show great affection for the greedy, cunning, deceitful, and miserly. You destroy one and build another without hesitation. Come with me—by beholding Uma-Maheshwara, your sins too will be absolved.”
Enraged, Rukmini said, “Very well, let us go. I shall atone for my sins.” But inwardly she resolved, “There I will prove where my true position lies.” Calling upon Garuda, the king of birds, both of them set out towards Kailash. Meanwhile, Jambavati, Kalindi, Satyabhama, Lakshmana, and the other wives of Krishna began discussing Arjuna.
(To be continued)