Chapter 1: The Return of Krishna

The air was filled with music and anticipation as the city of Dwarka prepared for the return of its beloved hero. Mirchi presented a special feature titled "Times of Puran," and the sound of drums and flutes echoed through the streets, heralding the arrival of Krishna.

In the midst of the bustling city, a cry for help reached Krishna's ears. "Krishna, disaster has struck. Krishna, save us," pleaded a voice from the crowd. Another called out, "Madhav, protect us. Take up your weapons, mighty warrior, and fight alongside me."

Krishna, known for his wisdom and compassion, responded with a calm resolve. "I have come to you to beg for my grandson's life. By the power of my faith and truth, let my son Abhimanyu, who is dead, come back to life," he declared. The people listened in awe as Krishna, of the Vrishni clan, spoke with the authority of a god.

Amidst the whispers and prayers, a question lingered: Why was the Mahabharata, the timeless epic written by the great sage Vyasa, always new? The Bengali translation of this epic had been crafted by scholars like Haridas Siddhanta Bagish, Kaliprasanna Singha, and Rajshekhar Basu. Based on these interpretations, the Mahabharata was now presented in simple language for all to understand, produced by Pastel Entertainment.

After the great war of Kurukshetra, Yudhishthira was too sorrowful to return to the kingdom. The loss of Karna and Bhishma weighed heavily on his heart, and he wished to retreat to the forest. Yet, with the comforting words of Vasudeva Krishna, Vyasa, and Dhritarashtra, Yudhishthira found the strength to return to Hastinapur. However, the empty treasury troubled him. Vyasa advised him to perform the Ashwamedha Yagna by gathering wealth from the Himalayas and the desert. After bidding farewell to the Pandavas, Krishna returned to Dwarka.

Upon his return, Yudhishthira ascended to the throne of Hastinapur. The last rites for the wise Bhishma were completed, and the Brahmins received their due offerings. Preparations for the Ashwamedha Yagna began, and with a promise to return when the Yagna commenced, Krishna left Hastinapur for Dwarka.

Krishna had been away from Dwarka for far too long. His absence had made his parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, anxious. Eager to see them, Krishna urged his charioteer, Daruka, to hurry. "No more delays, Daruka. Let's go quickly. I want to enter Dwarka. My heart longs for my parents. It's been so long since I touched their feet. Hurry up, let's go."

The chariot sped like a shooting star, carrying Krishna swiftly to Dwarka. The people of the city felt a wave of relief as Krishna arrived. His elder brother Balarama beamed with happiness. His sons, Pradyumna, Samba, and others, rushed forward to welcome him. At the gate, his two main queens, Rukmini and Satyabhama, awaited him with flower garlands, beautiful clothes, precious jewels, lamps, flowers, and fragrant items.

As Krishna's arrival was announced, his parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, were filled with joy. Yet, amidst the celebration, there was someone whose face was shadowed with sadness. Subhadra, the beloved daughter, sat beside her father, Vasudeva. Tears of emptiness filled her eyes, for her heart was troubled by the news she awaited.

As soon as Krishna stepped down from the chariot, he hurried to his parents. "Greetings, Father. Greetings, Mother. Are you both well? Are you living happily? I have missed you terribly during this long separation. Please bless me."

Vasudeva embraced his son warmly. "Dear son, during this long time without you, your mother and I felt empty. Today, with your arrival, this palace feels alive again, like a new sunrise. My child, are you well? I am eagerly waiting to hear about the Kurukshetra war from you. I have heard some things from the warriors who returned, but I want to hear the full story from you. Krishna, please tell me about it."

Krishna nodded, understanding the weight of his father's words. He knew that the stories of war, loss, and victory would soon unfold, bringing both sorrow and wisdom to those who listened.

Chapter 2: Tales of the Great War

Krishna looked at his father with gentle eyes and said, "Your wish is my command, Father. You want to hear about the war, and so I will tell you the stories. But, Father, if I were to recount every detail of those eighteen days, it could take a hundred years. So, I will share the main points."

In the room, Vasudeva and Devaki were joined by other elders and family members of the Vrishni clan. They all sat in a circle, anticipation heavy in the air as Krishna began to weave the tale of the great war. He spoke of the bravery and the tragedies, the strategies and the sacrifices, recounting even the noble Bhishma’s passing. Yet, one event he kept secret—the terrifying loss of his grandson, fearing the news would deeply wound his father's heart.

As Krishna painted the scenes of battle with his words, Vasudeva let out a deep sigh, a mixture of sorrow and sadness etched on his face. Devaki, Krishna's mother, remained silent, her heart heavy with worry. When Krishna finished recounting the war, Vasudeva, tears glistening in his eyes, looked at him earnestly and asked, "Tell me about Abhimanyu, Krishna. What happened to him? Is my son safe? Oh, Abhimanyu, what has happened? I couldn't protect you, Abhimanyu. Krishna, you are known for your truthfulness and strength. Please don't hide anything from me. Tell me everything about Abhimanyu."

"Please, Krishna," Devaki added softly, her voice trembling, "did Abhimanyu face the enemy bravely in the battle? Did he show any fear or ask for mercy from Drona, Karna, and the others? Please, tell me."

Krishna took a deep breath and replied, "Father, Abhimanyu did none of those things. He fought bravely, just like his father, and died heroically in battle. Even the king of gods, Indra, would have been proud of his valor."

Krishna described how Abhimanyu, the young hero who could not be defeated, did not bow his head or beg for his life before Drona, Karna, or Kripacharya. After his death, Subhadra was so heartbroken that, with Kunti's permission, they had to send her to Dwaraka for solace.

Hearing of Abhimanyu's death, Vasudeva and Devaki remained silent for a moment, their heads bowed in grief. Then, following the scriptures, they performed the rituals for Abhimanyu's afterlife, fed relatives and priests, and gave generously in his memory. Vasudeva, following his father's footsteps, donated many riches in memory of Krishna and the brave Abhimanyu.

Upon returning to Dwaraka from Hastinapur, Krishna gathered his brothers and spoke of retrieving the treasure of King Marutta, hidden in a secret place in the Himalayas. Bhima and Arjuna had no doubts that if Yudhishthira could please Lord Shiva, they could overcome the fierce guards and bring back the treasure.

With Dhritarashtra's permission, and after choosing an auspicious day, the five Pandavas entrusted the kingdom to Yuyutsu and set out for the Himalayas. They worshipped Lord Shiva with sweets, offerings, and prayers from the priests, starting their journey with joy. Along Yudhishthira's path, they saw many good omens. With pure hearts and focused minds, they crossed rivers, mountains, forests, and groves until they reached the place where King Marutta's treasure was hidden and set up their camp.

The next morning, amidst the celestial presence of Lord Shiva, spirits, celestial musicians, kings, and other gods, they completed their rituals and prayers. Following Krishna's instructions, they made their way to the treasure's hiding place. Under King Yudhishthira's orders, the diggers began their work. As they dug, incredible wealth was revealed—pots, jars, small and large containers, and thousands of treasure-filled vessels appeared one by one.

To transport the vast treasure, which filled 1,056,000 vessels, countless animals like donkeys, horses, elephants, and carts, along with numerous people, came to help. After worshipping Lord Shiva and Kubera once more, the five Pandavas set off for Hastinapur, the treasure protected by a large army.

Chapter 3: The Miracle of Life

As the time for the grand Ashwamedha Yagna approached, Yudhishthira eagerly awaited the presence of Krishna, who had promised to attend. True to his word, Krishna sent his brother Balarama ahead and soon arrived in Hastinapur with his sons and friends. Among them was his grieving sister, Subhadra, who joined the journey to the city. The news of Krishna's arrival spread quickly, and Yuyutsu, Vidura, and the other family elders welcomed him with deep respect. Meanwhile, Kunti, Draupadi, and Uttara retired to their homes, preparing for the events to come.

Shortly after Krishna and Subhadra's arrival, a significant event unfolded in the royal palace. Abhimanyu and Uttara's son, Parikshit, was born. However, the joy of the newborn's arrival was marred by a dark shadow—Ashwatthama's weapon had injured the child before his birth, leaving him lifeless.

The palace, once filled with anticipation, now echoed with sorrow. Upon hearing the tragic news, Krishna, who was seated in the palace, sprang to his feet and rushed towards the inner chambers with Satyaki by his side. As he neared, he could hear Kunti's anguished cries.

"Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, where are you, Krishna?" she called out desperately. "Come quickly, Krishna! Disaster has struck, Krishna, save us, Madhava, save us. Your nephew, Abhimanyu's son, has been born dead due to Ashwatthama's weapon. Krishna, give life to this child, Keshava. Our family is in your hands, you are our protector, our guide, you are everything to us. Revive this child, Krishna, save our lineage, Madhusudana. I bow before you, Keshava, save us, save us."

Krishna entered the chamber and saw Kunti, her face lined with grief, and Panchali, overwhelmed with sorrow. Even the teacher's wife stood there, her eyes full of tears. Kunti continued, her voice filled with hope and desperation, "You are the only hope of this family, Keshav. You know everything, see everything, and can do anything. Oh Govinda, oh Madhav, I have no son, no grandson. How will I live? Nothing is impossible for you, Madhav. You promised that you would bring back to life the child killed by Ashwatthama's weapon. Please keep your promise, Keshav. Give peace to the grieving Uttara, Lord, give peace."

With a calm and reassuring presence, Krishna addressed the distraught women. "Subhadra and Uttara, don't cry, dear ones. I have never spoken a lie, even in jest, nor have I ever turned my back on the battlefield. I have never sided with anything but righteousness. I, Krishna of the Vrishni clan, say that by the power of truth and righteousness, Abhimanyu's dead son will live again."

As Krishna spoke these words, a miraculous transformation took place. Life slowly returned to the lifeless child. The child's body began to glow with a divine light, and the effects of the weapon vanished. The child opened his eyes, taking his first breath, and joy spread throughout Hastinapur. Overjoyed, Uttara repeatedly bowed to Krishna, gently touching the child's head with Krishna's feet.

"Oh Supreme Being, I bow to you. Oh protector of the Pandavas, I bow to you. Oh Mukunda, Murari, I bow to you. May your blessings always shower upon this newborn. Protect this son of your beloved Abhimanyu from all dangers, Lord," she prayed fervently.

Krishna smiled warmly at the child and his family. "Dear Uttara, the Kuru family has become small. In this situation, since your son is born, I have named him Parikshit. He will be known by this name throughout the world."

A month later, King Marut brought treasures from the Himalayas to Hastinapur, adding to the celebrations. The Pandavas, having returned, listened to the miraculous story of Parikshit's birth and bowed to Lord Krishna with great devotion. With the blessings of Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and Kunti, Yudhishthira invited Krishna to lead the Ashwamedha Yagna.

For this sacred yagna, a chosen horse was given to Arjuna. Clad in the attire of a warrior and armed with Gandiva and other mighty weapons, Arjuna set out to protect the horse on its journey. The streets of Hastinapur were lined with people eager to catch a glimpse of Arjuna. Learned Brahmins followed him, chanting blessings. The horse began its majestic journey, first heading south from the north, along the paths of the kingdoms the Pandavas had once conquered.

Chapter 4: Trials of the Ashwamedha

The kingdom of Trigarta had long harbored resentment against the Pandavas. As Arjuna and the sacred horse approached, King Suryavarma stood ready to challenge them. Arjuna, recalling the wise counsel of his elder brother Yudhishthira, first attempted a peaceful approach.

"King Suryavarma," Arjuna called out, his voice calm yet firm, "let us pass without conflict. This is a holy journey, an Ashwamedha Yagna, meant to bring peace and prosperity."

Suryavarma's eyes narrowed, refusing to be swayed by Arjuna's words. "Warriors of Trigarta do not bow so easily, Arjuna. Prepare for battle!"

With a heavy heart, Arjuna took up his bow, Gandiva, and a fierce battle ensued. Arjuna's arrows flew true, and Suryavarma's forces were no match for his prowess. Suryavarma's brother, Ketuvama, fell in the heat of battle, and even the skilled young prince, Dhritavarma, was eventually overpowered. The warriors of Trigarta, recognizing Arjuna's superiority, laid down their arms.

From Trigarta, Arjuna led the horse to the kingdom of Pragjyotisha. Here, Vajradatta, son of the mighty Bhagadatta, attempted to capture the horse. Arjuna's arrows swiftly intervened, freeing the noble creature. Vajradatta, undeterred, fought valiantly against Arjuna throughout the day but ultimately faced defeat. True to Yudhishthira's teachings, Arjuna spared Vajradatta's life and extended an invitation to the Ashwamedha ceremony before moving on to Sindhu.

In Sindhu, the air was thick with the desire for vengeance. The warriors sought retribution for their king, Jayadratha's death. As battle raged, Arjuna, blessed by the gods, overcame the furious assault. News of Sindhu's defeat reached Dusshala, daughter of Dhritarashtra and widow of Jayadratha. Trembling with fear and sorrow, she approached the battlefield, her young grandson by her side.

"Forgive us, third Pandava, forgive us. Please save Sindhu," she cried out, her voice echoing across the field.

Arjuna's expression softened as he saw his sister. "Sister Dusshala, why have you come to this terrible battlefield? Where is your brave son?"

Dusshala's voice quivered with grief. "Hearing that you, Partha, the slayer of his father, had come, my son Suratha died suddenly in fear. Brother, look at this child beside me. He is Suratha's son, your own kin, like Parikshit, son of Abhimanyu. I beg for my grandson's life. Have mercy on us, as you did on Duryodhana and Jayadratha."

Arjuna's heart ached with regret. "It was because of Duryodhana that I lost all my friends and family. I have caused so much suffering. I am filled with regret. Do not grieve anymore; I will not stay here. I bless your young grandson for his well-being and grant freedom to the warriors of Sindhu. Live happily with your kingdom, warriors, and grandson, dear sister. Be happy."

With Dusshala's tears turning to relief, the Ashwamedha horse continued its journey, eventually arriving in Manipur. Here ruled Babruvahana, the son of Arjuna and Chitrangada. Upon hearing of his father's arrival, Babruvahana prepared a grand welcome, leading the Brahmins with gifts and offerings.

Babruvahana bowed deeply before Arjuna, his heart filled with respect. Yet, Arjuna's face darkened with disappointment. "Babruvahana, shame on you!" he thundered. "Is this how a warrior behaves? Have you forgotten the teachings of duty and honor? I come with the Ashwamedha horse, ready for battle, and you greet me with humility like a woman. Where is your courage and your weapons? I am ashamed to call you my son. Pick up your weapons, Babruvahana, and fight me!"

Arjuna's words struck Babruvahana like arrows, and he knew he must prove his worth to his father.

Chapter 5: The Battle of Father and Son

Babruvahana's voice trembled as he replied, "Father, I cannot raise weapons against you. It would be wrong for me to do so." Despite the fierce words from Arjuna, Babruvahana stood firm, his hands folded in respect, unsure of what to do next. Arjuna's anger simmered, his desire to teach his son the warrior's duty burning bright. But Ulupi, the Naga princess and Babruvahana's stepmother, watched with a heavy heart. She could not bear to see her son insulted.

Ulupi had already endured the pain of losing her brave son, Iravan, another of Arjuna's sons, during the battle of Kurukshetra. Iravan, taught by the Naga warriors, had been as valiant as Arjuna himself. Now, seeing Babruvahana hesitate, Ulupi appeared before him, her presence commanding and serene.

"Son Babruvahana," she began, her voice gentle yet firm, "I am Ulupi, the Naga princess, and your stepmother. Your father is right. You must heed his words. Fighting your father, the great warrior Arjuna, is your highest duty. It will bring him honor and joy."

Babruvahana nodded, determination replacing his uncertainty. "As you wish, Mother. Your command is my duty. I have decided to fight my father. I will enter the battlefield, ready for war."

Inspired by Ulupi's words, Babruvahana donned his shining armor and helmet. He climbed onto a grand golden chariot, its lion flag fluttering in the wind, and filled with weapons—spears, swords, and more. The horses that pulled the chariot were swifter than the wind.

Armed and ready, Babruvahana charged towards Arjuna's sacrificial ceremony. Arjuna, witnessing his son's great strength, felt a swell of pride and prepared himself for battle. The clash between father and son was fierce. Babruvahana launched a sharp arrow, striking Arjuna and causing him to fall. As Arjuna regained consciousness, he looked at his son with admiration. "Son of Gada," he praised, "I admire your bravery. You are the best among warriors. Your courage, skill, and speed are unmatched. I am very happy to see your fighting spirit. Now, respond to my arrows."

"Yes, Father," Babruvahana replied, his voice steady. "I will defend against your weapons." With skillful precision, Babruvahana's arrows shattered Arjuna's into countless fragments. He then knocked down Arjuna's chariot flag and defeated his horses. With renewed vigor, he leaped from his chariot, continuing the intense battle on foot.

Arjuna, recognizing his son's power, decided to conserve his arrows and slowed his pace. Yet, in his youthful excitement, Babruvahana misinterpreted his father's actions as fear. Seizing the moment, he shot a brilliant arrow that pierced Arjuna's heart, sending him crashing to the ground, nearly lifeless.

The sight of his father fallen overwhelmed Babruvahana with grief and regret. He dropped his bow and arrows, stunned and sorrowful. News of Arjuna's fall reached Chitrangada, who rushed to the battlefield, her heart heavy with anguish. Seeing Ulupi, her distress deepened.

"Ulupi," Chitrangada cried, her voice choked with sorrow, "because of you, my son has killed his father. If you hadn't encouraged him, Babruvahana would never have raised arms against Arjuna. Tell me, Ulupi, what should I do now? What should I do? Without my husband, without fortune, what should I do, Ulupi? Tell me, what should I do?"

"Chitrangada, do not grieve, princess," Ulupi said, her voice soothing yet resolute. "Such sorrow does not suit someone as brave as you. You know the rules of our faith: if a warrior dies in battle, they achieve heroism. Why do you despair, Chitrangada? Like me, you are devoted to your husband."

Chitrangada, tears in her eyes, implored, "Following the path of a faithful wife, I ask you, Ulupi, to help me. Your husband has fallen in battle before you. Tell me how to bring him back to life. Ulupi, please help me, daughter, help me. I pray, bring him back to life. I do not grieve for Babruvahana, Ulupi, but I am deeply sorrowful that a son has caused his father's death. This is how I welcomed him to my kingdom. I cannot bear the thought that my son has become a father-slayer. Please, give life back to my husband, fulfill my prayer, fulfill my prayer."

Chapter 6: The Gem of Life

Ulupi was deeply moved by Chitrangada's sorrow and the tears that streamed down her face. Her heart ached for the grieving mother, and she approached the nearly lifeless Arjuna with a sense of urgency. Kneeling beside him, she pleaded, "Lord, rise. O great warrior, friend of Krishna, Arjuna, rise. I have unlocked the secret of your sacrifice. You must return to the king with this offering. You, who give life to others, how can you abandon your own life, mighty one?"

Her voice trembled with emotion as she continued, "Ulupi, why did you make your son fight his father, only to now strive to save him? I do not wish for Babhruvahana's life to be lost, but grant life to the third Pandava. Somehow, somehow, bring him back to life. If not, I will give up my life right here, right now."

As Ulupi spoke, Babhruvahana slowly regained consciousness. Seeing his father lying nearly lifeless and his mother weeping, a wave of regret and shame washed over him. He thought he had killed his father and decided to atone by fasting until death. With a heavy heart, he cried out in front of the Brahmins and fell at his mother's feet.

Just then, Ulupi remembered the life-giving gem. The memory sparked hope within her, and she called for the gem. As if summoned by magic, it appeared before her. Holding it carefully, Ulupi spoke with calm confidence, "Babhruvahana, rise, son, do not grieve. You have not defeated your father. He is bound by the king of the gods, Indra. He only pretended to be nearly dead to test your strength. Do not worry, child. I used a magical illusion to encourage you to fight. How could I truly wish you to harm your father? Be at peace."

Babhruvahana's voice trembled as he spoke, "How can I be at peace, mother? How can I be at peace? My father!"

Ulupi gently handed him the life-giving gem and said, "Take this gem. It always brings the dead back to life. Place it on your father's chest, and he will awaken."

With hope renewed, Babhruvahana placed the gem on Arjuna's chest. Slowly, as if waking from a deep sleep, Arjuna opened his eyes. He sat up and wiped his blood-red eyes with both hands. Seeing his father come back to life, Babhruvahana felt peace wash over him like a gentle wave. It was as though life had returned to Chitrangada as well. Alive again, Arjuna embraced his son warmly, kissing his forehead.

Yet, confusion clouded Arjuna's mind. He looked around at Chitrangada and Ulupi, puzzled as to why they were at the battlefield. He turned to his son and asked, "What has happened here?"

The respectful Babhruvahana bowed and explained everything to his father. Ulupi added, "Mighty Dhananjaya, I had to do this to save you from a great danger. In the Kurukshetra war, you used Shikhandi to defeat the great Bhishma, shooting arrows while hiding behind him. Today, you have atoned for that serious wrongdoing by being defeated by your own son. Without this atonement, you would have faced endless suffering. I salute you, Ulupi, for your actions will always be remembered."

Ulupi continued, "On the next full moon of Chaitra, King Yudhishthira will perform the Ashwamedha Yagna in Hastinapur. You all should go there with the ministers. May you be blessed."

Arjuna nodded, understanding the gravity of Ulupi's words. He traveled through many kingdoms, including Magadha, Bengal, Pundra, Koshala, Gandhara, Dravida, Prabhasa, and Panchanada, conquering them and returning to Hastinapur with the mystery of the yagna. The news of the grand yagna to be held on the next full moon of Chaitra spread across the world.

After the Ashwamedha Yagna, Yudhishthira ruled the kingdom wisely for fifteen years with Dhritarashtra's permission. The Pandava wives and Kunti herself served Gandhari with devotion. Yudhishthira instructed his brothers to always ensure Dhritarashtra was treated with respect.

However, one day, in the absence of his four brothers and Draupadi, Bhima insulted Dhritarashtra severely.