Mahabharata in Prose – Part 53 (continued)
A Story of Dvapara Yuga in Prose by Lokanath Mishra
Though Arjuna dwelt in the celestial realms, surrounded by divine splendor and honored among the gods, his heart never drifted far from earth.
He often thought of his brothers living in exile.
He remembered Yudhishthira’s calm wisdom, Bhima’s fierce loyalty, the silent devotion of Nakula and Sahadeva, and the enduring strength of Draupadi.
The pleasures of heaven did not weaken his purpose.
Instead, they sharpened it.
For Arjuna understood that he had not come to Amaravati for enjoyment—but for preparation.
And soon, that preparation would be tested.
The Concern of the Gods
One day, the great assembly of the devas gathered in Indra’s court.
Their faces, though radiant, carried traces of concern.
Arjuna noticed this and turned toward Indra.
“My lord,” he asked respectfully, “why does anxiety cloud the heavens?”
Indra replied gravely:
“There exists a race of powerful asuras known as the Nivatakavachas. Through severe penance, they obtained immense boons and have become nearly invincible. Their strength has disturbed not only the earth, but even the celestial realms.”
The very mention of their name caused murmurs among the gods.
“These demons,” Indra continued, “dwell in fortified regions beneath the oceans and hidden realms. Their mastery of illusion and warfare is terrible. Even the devas have found them difficult to overcome.”
Arjuna listened carefully.
Then, without hesitation, he spoke:
“If it is my duty, command me. I shall face them.”
The gods looked toward him with admiration.
Indra’s eyes shone with pride.
“This,” he thought, “is why he is worthy of divine weapons.”
The Divine Armor
Before the battle, Indra summoned celestial artisans and divine attendants.
They brought forth armor forged through heavenly power.
Its brilliance resembled liquid gold, yet its strength surpassed mortal metal. Upon its surface were sacred symbols glowing with subtle light.
Indra himself placed the armor upon Arjuna.
“Wear this with humility,” he said. “For no warrior becomes great through weapons alone. True victory belongs to one whose mind remains steady amidst destruction.”
He then handed Arjuna celestial arrows capable of piercing illusions and dispelling darkness.
The Gandiva bow seemed almost alive in Arjuna’s hands, resonating with divine energy.
Matali prepared the heavenly chariot once more.
Its wheels shone like suns. Its banner fluttered with celestial radiance. The sound of its movement echoed like distant thunder.
The time for battle had come.
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Journey to the Realm of the Asuras
Arjuna ascended the chariot beside Matali.
As they traveled beyond the heavenly regions, the atmosphere began to change.
The bright purity of Amaravati faded behind them.
Dark clouds gathered.
Violent winds roared across the skies.
The regions ahead seemed untouched by peace.
Matali pointed toward the distance.
“Beyond those waters lies the domain of the Nivatakavachas,” he said. “Remain alert, for their illusions can deceive even the strongest minds.”
Arjuna tightened his grip upon Gandiva.
His face remained calm.
“I shall remember.”
Soon they approached a vast hidden city beneath the oceanic mist.
It was unlike any kingdom Arjuna had ever seen.
Gigantic fortresses rose from dark waters. Towers of black stone pierced the sky. Fires burned without smoke. The very air felt heavy with hostility.
From every direction came the sound of war drums.
The asuras had sensed his arrival.
The Battle Begins
Suddenly, the sky darkened.
Thousands of demon warriors emerged like a storm.
Some rode monstrous beasts. Others wielded terrifying weapons forged through dark powers. Their cries shook the heavens.
Without fear, Arjuna raised the Gandiva.
Its twang thundered across the battlefield.
Then began a battle unlike any fought upon earth.
Arjuna’s arrows flew like blazing meteors.
Each shaft struck with devastating precision. Entire formations of asuras collapsed beneath his attack.
Yet the demons were masters of illusion.
One moment they appeared before him—then vanished into shadows.
Mountains seemed to rise suddenly in his path. Rivers of fire erupted from nowhere. Darkness swallowed the skies.
But Arjuna remembered the teachings of the gods.
Closing his eyes briefly, he steadied his mind.
“This is illusion,” he thought. “Truth alone must guide my sight.”
Invoking celestial astras, he shattered the demonic illusions one by one.
The darkness split apart.
The false mountains crumbled.
The rivers of fire disappeared like mist.
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Arjuna Unleashes Divine Power
Enraged by their failing illusions, the Nivatakavachas attacked together.
The heavens trembled under the force of their assault.
Weapons filled the skies like swarms of deadly serpents.
Even Matali, seasoned by countless celestial battles, spoke with urgency:
“Partha! This enemy is no ordinary foe. Use the divine weapons wisely!”
Arjuna nodded.
Invoking the power of the Vayavyastra, he unleashed storms powerful enough to scatter entire armies.
With the Agneyastra, blazing flames engulfed the battlefield.
When the demons regrouped once more, Arjuna invoked Indra’s celestial weapon.
Thunder roared across the heavens.
Lightning shattered the demon fortresses.
The ocean itself seemed to tremble beneath the fury of the battle.
Still, the asuras fought on relentlessly.
Their king emerged at last—massive in form, armored in dark brilliance, his eyes burning with hatred.
“You are only a mortal!” he roared. “How dare you challenge us?”
Arjuna stood tall upon the celestial chariot.
“I fight not for pride,” he replied, “but for dharma.”
Then, drawing a divine arrow infused with heavenly power, he released it with full concentration.
The arrow blazed across the battlefield like a fragment of the sun itself.
It struck the demon king directly.
A thunderous explosion followed.
The leader of the Nivatakavachas fell.
At once, fear spread through the remaining asuras.
Arjuna pressed forward relentlessly.
Unable to withstand his divine might, the demon armies were finally destroyed.
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Victory in the Heavens
Silence slowly descended upon the battlefield.
The dark skies began to clear.
The violent winds faded.
Matali looked upon Arjuna with amazement.
“Even the gods shall speak of this victory for ages,” he said.
As Arjuna returned to Amaravati, celestial drums resounded through the heavens.
The devas rejoiced.
Flowers rained from the skies.
The sages praised him, saying:
“Truly, this warrior is destined for greatness.”
Indra welcomed Arjuna with pride.
“You have accomplished what even the gods found difficult,” he declared. “You have proven not only your strength, but also your discipline and purity of purpose.”
Yet despite all praise, Arjuna remained humble.
For he knew the greatest battle still awaited him—not in heaven, but upon the earth.
A battlefield where brothers would face brothers.
Where dharma itself would be tested.
And where every lesson learned among the gods would one day determine the fate of the world.
Thus, Arjuna’s fame spread across heaven and earth alike—
for he had defeated the mighty Nivatakavachas,
not through arrogance, but through courage guided by divine wisdom.
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(Continued in Part 54…)