Mahabharata in Prose – Part 38-A (Continued)
A story from the Dvapara Yuga based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata by Lokanath Mishra, Jenamath Lane, Puri
Satyabhama, accompanied by Subhadra, knocked at Arjuna’s door during the second watch of the night. When Arjuna asked, “Who is it?”, Satyabhama replied, “It is I, Satyabhama. I have come to speak with you.”
Arjuna said, “You are the wife of my friend and lord. It is not proper for you to come at night. Whatever you wish to say, you may say in the morning—I shall listen. Please return to your palace now.”
Satyabhama answered, “Your friend and lord himself has sent me. Open the door.”
Arjuna replied, “Even so, I will not allow another man’s wife to approach me at night. Please go back.”
Satyabhama then said, “Nanda’s daughter Subhadra wishes to see you just once. Speak a few words with her and we shall leave.”
Arjuna responded, “For an unmarried maiden to meet a man at midnight is not a mark of civilized conduct. Do you understand how low I would fall in the eyes of Hari and Balarama?”
Satyabhama said, “This is also the wish of your dear friend—why are you afraid?”
Annoyed, Arjuna replied, “Do not compel me to act against dharma. There is no question of opening the door. This is my final answer.”
Helpless, Satyabhama returned with Subhadra and narrated the entire घटना to her husband.
At that time, the Spring Festival had begun in Dwaraka. The entire city was filled with various amusements and festivities. The seven clans of the Yadavas roamed in groups through the fair. Arjuna joined Hari and Balarama in enjoying the celebrations.
Subhadra too wandered in the fair with her sisters-in-law, but her eyes constantly searched for Arjuna. As Arjuna always remained beside Krishna, and Balarama stayed close as well, Satyabhama found no opportunity to bring Subhadra and Arjuna together.
At one moment, Krishna found himself alone. Seizing the chance, Shatadhanva informed him, “My lord, I shall speak if you permit. From early this morning, Uddhava has departed for Hastinapura to arrange Subhadra’s marriage with Duryodhana. He has taken all the wedding materials. Brother Sankarshana has sent word inviting the groom’s party to come prepared. By the command of the elder lord, this matter has been kept secret.”
Krishna had little time. He began to think of a solution. That night, he himself escorted Arjuna to his chamber and told him to keep the door open. However, before Arjuna dharma could arrive, the door had already been shut.
The events of the previous night were repeated. Nothing new occurred. Arjuna firmly declared, “I regard another man’s wife as a mother—I will not commit such a sin.” Despite repeated requests, he harshly rejected Subhadra’s plea of love.
Satyabhama said, “Your dear friend wishes to give Subhadra to you.”
Subhadra herself said, “My elder brother has sent a proposal to Duryodhana, but I will marry no one except you.”
Arjuna replied, “That would be best—he is a suitable match for you. You are about to become my sister-in-law. I offer you my salutations.”
Satyabhama said, “You show such respect for your enemy, yet have no compassion for one who has surrendered her heart and soul to you?”
Overwhelmed by Arjuna’s harshness, Subhadra fainted. Satyabhama cried out, “Open the door, Arjuna! Look, Subhadra has fainted. She may not survive. You will be guilty of killing a woman!”
But Arjuna gave no reply. Disheartened, both returned.
After hearing everything from Satyabhama, Lord Krishna said, “Arjuna is a perfected soul—he cannot be easily disturbed. Tomorrow, take Subhadra to Pradyumna’s city. Seek the help of Mayavati—she alone can devise a solution.”
When Mayavati saw Satyabhama and Subhadra, she brought water in a golden vessel, washed their feet, seated them on a jeweled throne, and offered her respects. After receiving their blessings, she asked the reason for their visit.
Satyabhama explained Subhadra’s predicament and mentioned that they had come on Krishna’s advice, seeking her help. Subhadra herself clasped Mayavati’s hands and pleaded for assistance in winning Arjuna.
Mayavati reassured her and began teaching her secret arts. She said, “Arjuna is a perfected being. Moreover, during the burning of the Khandava forest, Agni gave him the divine arrows of Kamadeva. Thus, he is not affected by desire. But I possess a mantra which can break all his restraint.”
She taught Subhadra that mantra. She also taught the “Uluka” Vidya to open closed doors—by using it, Subhadra could see everyone while remaining unseen herself. She further imparted knowledge of magical sandals, medicinal arts, and collyrium (anjana) which could melt even the hardest heart upon sight.
Additionally, she taught techniques of enchantment, attraction, subjugation, and expulsion.
After taking leave from Mayavati, Subhadra returned and began anxiously awaiting the night, counting each passing moment with eager anticipation.
(To be continued)