|
28.PASUPATA
He would sometimes answer with
common maxims of politics and refer to
the relative strength of the parties. He
would say: "Our enemy has such
adherents as Bhurisravas, Bhishma,
Drona, Karna and Aswatthama.
Duryodhana and his brothers are expert in
warfare. Many feudatory princes, as well
as mighty monarchs, are now on their
side. Bhishma and Drona, indeed, have no
respect for Duryodhana's character, but
will not give him up and are prepared to
sacrifice their lives on his side in the
battlefield. Karna is a brave and skilful
fighter, well versed in the use of all the
weapons. The course of war is
unpredictable and success is uncertain.
There is no use in being hasty." Thus
Yudhishthira managed with difficulty to
restrain the impatience of the younger
Pandavas.
Later, as advised by Vyasa, Arjuna went
to the Himalayas to practise austerities for
the purpose of getting new weapons from
the devas. Arjuna took leave of his
brothers and went to Panchali to bid her
farewell.
She said: "O Dhananjaya, may you
prosper in your mission. May God give
you all that Kuntidevi hoped and wished
for when you were born. The happiness,
life, honor and prosperity of us all depend
on you. Return after acquiring new
weapons." Thus Panchali sent him forth
with auspicious words.
It is noteworthy that though the voice was
Draupadi the wife's, yet the benediction
was Kunti the mother's for the words
were: "May God give all that Kuntidevi
wished and hoped for when you were
born."
Arjuna passed through dense forests and
reached the mountain of Indrakila, where
he met an old brahmana. The ascetic
smiled and spoke affectionately to Arjuna:
"Child, you are clad in armor and carry
weapons. Who are you? Weapons are of
no use here. What do you seek in this garb
of a kshatriya in this abode of ascetics and
saints who have conquered anger and
passion?" That was Indra, the king of
gods, who came to have the pleasure of
meeting his son.
Arjuna bowed to his father and said: "I
seek arms.
|
|