Chapter 1: The Battle of Mathura

The air was thick with tension as the sounds of battle echoed across the fields of Mathura. The Yadavas, led by the mighty Krishna and his brother Balarama, faced a formidable foe. Their enemy, the fearsome sage Jarasandha, had already caused them great loss. But now, the people of Mathura looked to their leaders for protection and hope.

In the midst of the chaos, a voice boomed over the battlefield. "Oh, who knew Krishna was so timid?" it taunted, followed by loud laughter. "And what happened to the mighty Balarama? They had to run away without fighting. Protect the people of Mathura. They have no other protector."

Krishna, standing tall amidst his warriors, knew the urgency of the moment. "The punishment for what the army did to Mathura must be given today, right now," he declared with determination.

As the battle raged on, the voice of a sage narrated the unfolding tale. "Listen to the stories of Krishna," he began, "based on the works of the great sage Vedavyasa's Shrimad Bhagavatam and the Garg Samhita. Today, you will hear about the death of Kalayavana."

The Yadavas had suffered greatly at the hands of Jarasandha's army, and the question loomed large: What could Krishna and Balarama do alone against such a massive force? Understanding the divine play of God was never easy, yet Krishna possessed weapons of extraordinary power. As arrows rained down upon his soldiers, Krishna took up his revered Saranga bow. With precision and speed, he began to dismantle the enemy ranks.

"Is the Saranga bow a weapon with extraordinary power?" a curious listener asked.

"Yes, King," the sage replied. "This bow was respected by both gods and demons." Sensing the danger, Krishna unleashed a torrent of arrows, each one finding its mark with deadly accuracy.

Meanwhile, Balarama wielded his mighty mace, striking down foes with each swing. The battlefield was a grim sight, covered with the fallen bodies of soldiers, elephants, and horses. Rivers of blood flowed like streams, painting a gruesome picture of war.

"How long did this battle last?" the listener inquired.

"Jarasandha's army was terrifying and unstoppable," the sage explained. "Defeating this force was extremely difficult. But Krishna and Balarama quickly broke them apart."

As the battle drew to a close, Jarasandha lay severely injured, clinging to life. Balarama, seeing his chance, captured him with Varuna's noose and a human snare. But just as he was about to deliver the final blow, Krishna intervened.

"Brother, brother, calm down," Krishna urged. "Jarasandha's time to die has not yet come. Let him go. Release him."

Balarama was incredulous. "What are you saying, Krishna? We have this tyrant in our grasp, and you want to set him free?"

"No, brother," Krishna replied calmly. "The punishment for what the army did to Mathura must be given today, right now. But if we let him go, he will return with an even larger army in the future. They are all as wicked as he is. If we fight them, we can rid the world of these sinners and pave the way for a better world."

Balarama nodded reluctantly. "Fine, I will follow your advice, Krishna. I have released Jarasandha."

Jarasandha, humiliated by his defeat and unexpected release, vowed revenge. He turned to his supporters and declared, "Listen, everyone. Until I take revenge on the Yadavas, I will not be at peace. But to defeat clever Krishna and the mighty Balarama, I need more strength. That's why I will meditate."

"King, the Yadavas are in no way your equals," one of his allies assured him. "What do they have? Neither manpower nor wealth. They have nothing. You were defeated only because of your fate, nothing else. Next time, attack them with all your might. God will be with you."

"Is that what you say?" Jarasandha asked, considering the advice.

"Of course, King, we are all with you. We will ensure your victory. There is no need for meditation."

And so, Jarasandha decided against meditation. Meanwhile, Mathura enjoyed a brief period of calm. But this was not the end. Jarasandha attacked Mathura seventeen times with twenty-three divisions of soldiers. Each time, however, he was thwarted by Krishna's brilliant strategies.

But before we delve further into Jarasandha's relentless assaults, let us turn our attention to another tale—one involving the notorious Kalayavana.

"Is Kalayavana the Yavana king who befriended Jarasandha?" asked the listener, eager to hear more.

The sage nodded, signaling the beginning of another captivating story.

Chapter 2: The Challenge of Kalayavana

The sage settled into his seat, his eyes twinkling with the promise of a new tale. "Yes, King," he began, "there was no warrior like Kalayavana at that time. After being defeated seventeen times, Jarasandha was preparing yet again to attack Mathura. But then Kalayavana approached him with a proposal."

Kalayavana, confident and bold, addressed Jarasandha, "Maharaj, if you allow, I shall lead the attack on Mathura with my Yavana army first. If necessary, you can follow with yours afterward."

Jarasandha considered the offer and nodded, "That's a very good proposal. However, remember, underestimating the Yadavas could be a mistake. They may be few in number but are incredibly powerful." He chuckled, his laughter echoing through the hall.

Kalayavana, unfazed, replied with certainty, "With Shiva's blessing, I am invincible in battle. My army is immense. No matter how strong the Yadavas are, they will be like straw before my three crore soldiers."

"Then proceed, King," Jarasandha agreed. "Attack Mathura with your army first. I will support you from behind."

So, with his massive force, Kalayavana launched a sudden attack on Mathura. Krishna and Balarama, the leaders of the Yadavas, pondered deeply. On one side was the enormous army of Jarasandha, and now, a warrior like Kalayavana was upon them. The Yadavas could find safety in Dwaraka, but Mathura faced destruction. Those still in Mathura might survive, but the city itself would not.

Balarama, recognizing Krishna's unmatched strategic mind, turned to him for guidance. "What will be my role in this battle, Krishna?" he asked. "Should I destroy Jarasandha's soldiers? And what about Kalayavana?"

Krishna replied, "Brother, you will not fight Kalayavana. Only I will go."

Balarama was taken aback. "What are you saying, Krishna? I cannot sit quietly while you face danger alone. This plan is unacceptable. You must think of another."

Krishna placed a reassuring hand on Balarama's shoulder. "No, no, brother, don't misunderstand me. There's a reason I want to leave you in Mathura. You must protect its people. Without you, they have no protector. By entrusting Mathura to you, I can enter the battlefield without worry."

Balarama sighed, conceding, "Alright, let it be so. But Krishna, I've heard... tomorrow is the battle with the Yavana. Will you be safe? You can't fight him with weapons, brother. I'm thinking of another plan. I'll tell you everything later. Now, let me go. Farewell, brother."

"Be victorious, Krishna," Balarama said, his voice filled with both hope and concern.

Krishna left Balarama in Mathura and walked out of the city gates, unarmed, with only a garland of lotus flowers around his neck. Narada Muni had described Krishna to Kalayavana, and as Krishna approached the battlefield, Kalayavana recognized him immediately. Seeing Krishna without weapons, Kalayavana decided to fight without weapons too.

But Krishna had no intention of fighting Kalayavana with his bare hands. As Kalayavana charged, Krishna turned and began to move away from the battlefield. His plan was to lead Kalayavana far from Mathura, knowing the warrior would follow.

Kalayavana, confused and enraged, shouted after him, "Krishna, Krishna, why are you running away from the battlefield? Come back here. Come back, I say. What kind of coward are you, leaving your soldiers to face the enemy alone? They say you've defeated demons, giants, and even King Kamsa."

Krishna glanced back, his expression calm. "You don't know everything about me, Kalayavana. You'll find out soon. Just wait a little longer."

"You coward, you who are the pride of the Yadu clan, come back. Come back, I say," Kalayavana taunted.

Krishna continued, undeterred. "Say what you will. I'm not coming back. If you need me, follow me. Come and catch me."

"So be it. Let me end you today," Kalayavana declared, determined to chase Krishna down.

The sage paused, his audience leaning in with anticipation. "Where was Krishna running, sage?" the listener asked.

"No, King. The Lord was leading Kalayavana far from the battlefield to a cave in the mountains. Ignoring his taunts, he headed towards that cave."

"Why, teacher? Who was in that cave?" the listener inquired, curiosity piqued.

"In that cave," the sage explained, "slept a great king from the Treta Yuga, King Muchukunda."

The listener's eyes widened in surprise. "Who was King Muchukunda, and how did a king from the Treta Yuga end up in that cave after so long? I don't understand. Please tell me everything, master."

And with that, the sage prepared to unravel yet another captivating tale.

Chapter 3: The Tale of King Muchukunda

The sage's voice was calm and steady as he began the tale of King Muchukunda, a legendary figure from the Treta Yuga. "King Muchukunda was the son of King Mandhata, hailing from the renowned Ikshvaku dynasty," he explained. "Known for his devotion to the Brahmins and his unwavering honesty, Muchukunda was also a formidable warrior. His bravery was such that the gods often relied on him to defeat the demons."

The listener leaned forward, eyes wide with wonder. "Was King Muchukunda stronger than the gods themselves?" he asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

The sage nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, indeed," he replied. "Once, when a fearsome army of demons attacked the court of Indra, the king of the gods, even mighty Indra had to flee his throne."

The listener gasped, imagining the chaos. "What happened then, teacher?"

"The demons took over Indra's throne," the sage continued. "Desperate to reclaim it, Indra sought the help of King Muchukunda. Without hesitation, Muchukunda waged a fierce battle against the demons, ultimately restoring Indra to his rightful place. However, the battle left him utterly exhausted."

The sage's eyes twinkled as he recounted Indra's gratitude. "In appreciation, Indra invited Muchukunda to his heavenly court and offered him a boon. 'King Muchukunda,' he declared, 'all the gods are very pleased with your service. Ask for a boon from me.'"

"And what did King Muchukunda ask for?" the listener asked, eager to know.

"King Muchukunda, weary from his battles, requested only one thing," the sage said. "'King of gods,' he replied, 'I am very tired from fighting the demons for so long. I only wish to rest. I want to sleep for as long as I want, and no one should disturb my sleep.'"

The sage smiled, recalling Indra's response. "'So be it, King,' Indra granted. 'You can sleep as long as you wish. And if anyone disturbs your sleep, they will be burned to ashes by your gaze.'"

"And so, King Muchukunda slept in a cave from the Treta Yuga," the sage continued. "No one dared to wake him, for fear of Indra's powerful boon. Only the all-knowing Lord Krishna knew of his location."

"But why did Krishna go to the cave?" the listener wondered aloud.

The sage leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Let me tell you. Lord Krishna, in his divine wisdom, went to the cave and carefully covered the sleeping Muchukunda with his shawl. Then he hid nearby. A fierce warrior named Kalayavana, who was in pursuit of Krishna, entered the cave. Seeing the figure covered by the shawl, Kalayavana mistook it for Krishna and kicked the sleeping person hard."

The listener gasped again, eyes wide with anticipation. "What happened then?"

"When Muchukunda awoke and looked at Kalayavana with fiery eyes, the warrior was instantly reduced to ashes, just as Indra's boon promised."

The listener shook his head in awe. "Ah, what a divine play by God! There is always a reason behind every action He takes."

The sage nodded in agreement. "Indeed, understanding it is just a matter of time. After this event, Lord Krishna revealed his identity to King Muchukunda. The king remembered that Sage Garg had foretold the Lord's birth in the Yadu dynasty. Overwhelmed by the realization that the Lord was before him, Muchukunda humbly bowed."

The listener's voice was filled with reverence. "Oh, what great fortune, what immense luck! Lord Hari himself is standing before me. This is beyond imagination."

The sage continued the dialogue between the two. "'Rise, Muchukunda,' Lord Krishna said. 'I am pleased with your devotion. Ask for a boon from me. Tell me what you desire.'"

"King Muchukunda replied with humility, 'Lord, you know everything. You know that I have given up all desires connected to goodness, passion, and darkness. Now, I am beyond all qualities. Supreme Being, I wish to seek refuge in you. Please grant me this shelter.'"

The sage's voice was gentle as he recounted Krishna's response. "'King Muchukunda, your intentions and goals are very pure. I tempted you with the promise of a boon to test your true nature. When you were a king, you harmed many animals. So first, you must cleanse yourself of those sins.'"

The listener asked, "How did Muchukunda cleanse himself, Teacher?"

The sage replied, "'Please tell me how to do that, Lord,' Muchukunda implored. 'Now, focus your mind and worship me,' Krishna instructed. 'Through penance, your sins will be washed away. King, I bless you. In your next life, you will be a true friend and well-wisher of all living beings.'"

"Muchukunda bowed to Lord Krishna and stepped out of the cave," the sage continued. "He saw that all the people, animals, birds, plants, and trees had become much smaller. Realizing that the age of Kali had begun on Earth, he set off towards the north."

The listener's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Where did King Muchukunda go after heading north, Teacher?"

"He surrendered his mind to Krishna and first went to the Gandhamadana Mountain," the sage explained. "From there, he settled in Badrikashram. Ignoring the harshness of winter and summer, he began to worship God through intense penance."

"And what did Krishna do after Muchukunda left?" the listener asked.

"Meanwhile, the battle continued," the sage said. "Krishna returned to Mathura. The army of Kalayavana was still surrounding Mathura. He joined Balarama, and together they defeated the Yavanas, taking all their wealth."

The listener sat back, absorbing the tale, eager to hear what would happen next in this divine saga.

Chapter 4: The Great Escape

The listener leaned in closer, eager to hear more about the adventures of Krishna and Balarama. "And what about Jarasandha's army?" they asked. "Had they arrived yet?"

The sage shook his head. "No, Parikshit, Jarasandha's army had not arrived at that moment. After Krishna and Balarama defeated the Yavanas, they set off in a chariot with Mathura's soldiers and the captured wealth, heading towards Dwarka."

As they traveled, Krishna and Balarama found themselves suddenly facing Jarasandha's mighty army. Under Jarasandha's orders, the soldiers launched a fierce attack on them. The odds seemed insurmountable. How could they possibly escape such a strong force?

In the midst of chaos, Krishna turned to Balarama with a plan. "We must act like ordinary people," he said. "We can't defeat such a large army directly. We need to be clever."

He called over a trusted messenger. "Listen," Krishna instructed, "Balarama and I will keep Jarasandha and his army occupied. Meanwhile, you all must leave the chariots and the treasure here and escape to Dwarka."

The messenger hesitated, his loyalty clear in his voice. "How can we do that, Lord? We cannot run away like cowards, leaving you in the hands of the enemy."

"Don't be foolish," Krishna replied firmly. "If it's just the two of us, we'll find a way to escape from Jarasandha alive. But if you all stay, we'll all be caught by this huge army. There's no time left. You must hurry and find a way to escape."

Reluctantly, the messenger agreed. "Yes, master."

With the others sent off to safety, Krishna and Balarama enacted their plan. They pretended to be terrified of Jarasandha and, in front of his army, began to run away. Seeing this, Jarasandha laughed heartily. "I didn't know Krishna was such a coward," he mocked. "And what about the mighty Balarama? They had to run away without even fighting. Let's go after them quickly. This should be fun."

His soldiers echoed his enthusiasm. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Jarasandha, along with his soldiers, chased after the fleeing duo. As they drew near, Krishna and Balarama, still acting scared, abandoned their treasures and chariot, fleeing on foot. Jarasandha, relentless, continued the pursuit. Eventually, Krishna and Balarama reached the towering Pravarshan Mountain, known for its heavy rains year-round, and climbed to its peak to hide.

The listener was captivated. "I understand, teacher. What happened next? Did Jarasandha's soldiers find Krishna and Balarama there?"

"No," the sage replied. "Jarasandha searched tirelessly but couldn't find them. Then he did something unexpected."

"What did he do?" the listener asked, eyes wide with anticipation.

"He ordered his commander to set fire all around the base of the mountain, hoping to trap Krishna and Balarama in the flames."

The listener gasped. "Really? So how did Krishna and Balarama save themselves?"

"Can a little fire stop the gods, king?" the sage asked with a twinkle in his eye. "Krishna and Balarama did something unimaginable."

"What did they do, wise one?" the listener pressed.

"They leapt from the 44-cubit high Pravarshan Mountain to the ground below," the sage revealed. "And Jarasandha's soldiers didn't see them, king. There were no guards where they landed, so no one witnessed their escape. After that, they safely reached Dwarka. Jarasandha, on the other hand, was convinced that it was impossible for Krishna and Balarama to escape the fire, so he thought they were surely dead. Thinking this, he returned to Magadha with his huge army."

"When Krishna reached Dwarka, what did he do, Acharyadev?" the listener asked, still engrossed in the tale.

"I told you before, Parikshit, that Balarama married King Raivata's daughter, Revati," the sage reminded him. "Now, let me tell you the story of Krishna and Goddess Rukmini's marriage."

The listener's eyes sparkled with interest. "Acharyadev, how did Krishna and Goddess Rukmini get married?"

The sage smiled knowingly. "Does anything about the Lord happen in an ordinary way? King, Krishna and Rukmini's marriage was not ordinary either. Krishna took Rukmini away from her swayamvara ceremony."

"Acharyadev, I am very eager to know about this divine play of the Lord. Please tell me in detail," the listener urged.

"Who was Goddess Rukmini really?" the sage began. "Lord Narayana came to Earth as Krishna. Could his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, stay in Goloka? No, she was born as the daughter of King Bhishmaka and waited for Krishna. When it was time for Rukmini to marry, Lord Krishna went to her swayamvara, defeated kings like Shishupala and Jarasandha, and took her away."

"But why did Krishna suddenly decide to take Rukmini?" the listener asked, eager for more of the story.

Parikshit listened intently as the sage continued the tale. "Look, Parikshit," the sage said, "King Bhishmaka ruled over Vidarbha, and he had five sons and a daughter, each more remarkable than the last. His eldest son was Rukmi, and his youngest daughter was the beautiful Rukmini. Upon hearing tales of Krishna's looks, virtues, strength, and immense wealth from the royal courtiers, Rukmini secretly decided that Krishna was the one she wished to marry. Her family, too, hoped for this union."

"But did Krishna know of her feelings?" Parikshit asked, his curiosity piqued.

The sage smiled and nodded. "Krishna had indeed heard of this generous and virtuous princess. Though he may not have known her feelings, he had already decided in his heart that Rukmini would be his bride. However, a significant obstacle stood in their way: Rukmini's brother, Rukmi. He held a deep dislike for Krishna and believed that Shishupala was a more suitable husband for his sister. Thus, he arranged for Rukmini to be wed to Shishupala."

Parikshit frowned, troubled by this development. "What did Rukmini do?"

"Rukmini was distraught but determined," the sage continued. "She knew she had to act quickly to prevent the marriage with Shishupala. After much thought, she devised a plan. She sent a trusted Brahmin to Dwaraka to deliver a message to Krishna."

The young king leaned forward, eager to hear more. "And what happened when the Brahmin reached Dwaraka?"

"When the Brahmin arrived," said the sage, "he introduced himself to the gatekeeper, who led him to the palace where Krishna sat upon a golden throne. Upon seeing the Brahmin, Krishna rose immediately, greeting him with respect. 'O Brahmin,' Krishna said warmly, 'please accept my hospitality. Rest and eat, and then I will hear all that you have to say.'"

The sage paused, allowing Parikshit to imagine the scene. "Krishna himself ensured that the Brahmin was well cared for. After the Brahmin had eaten and rested, Krishna inquired, 'Dear Brahmin, from where do you come, and what brings you on such a difficult journey? If your mission is not too secret, please share it with me. Let me know if there is any way I can assist you.'"

The Brahmin then revealed his purpose. "I come from Vidarbha with a special message from Princess Rukmini, Vasudeva. She instructed me to deliver this message to you in secret. Here, everything is written in this letter."

Krishna took the letter, his expression serious as he read Rukmini's heartfelt words. "Dear Lord," she had written, "I have heard of your beauty, bravery, and noble deeds. Casting aside all shyness, I have given my heart to you. O Shyam Sundar, unmatched in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, and wealth, you bring peace to all who see you. Your words ease the pain of many lifetimes. Is there any noble, virtuous girl who would not wish to have you as her husband?"

"My beloved, I surrender to you completely. Please come and accept me as your wife. My brother believes Shishupala is a suitable match for me. But a jackal should not take what belongs to a lion. I will never marry Shishupala. He should not even touch me. I am waiting for you."

"If I have done any good deeds in my past lives and if God is pleased with me, may Lord Krishna come and take my hand in marriage. On the day before my wedding, please come and defeat Shishupala, Jarasandha, and the others, and marry me by the Rakshasa custom."

After reading, Krishna addressed the Brahmin. "Dear Brahmin, the princess will be surrounded by women in the inner chambers. How can I take her away without causing distress to her family?"

"Your Majesty," the Brahmin replied, "the princess has outlined a plan in her letter. Please read further."

Krishna read on, finding Rukmini's instructions. "How will you rescue me from there? If you have any doubts, I will tell you a way. The day before the wedding, by family tradition, there is a grand celebration. The bride must go outside the city to the Girija Temple to offer prayers to the family goddess. O gentle-eyed one, I hope I need not say more. I am waiting to find refuge at your lotus feet."

Parikshit sat back, his eyes shining with anticipation. "And did Krishna follow through with her plan?" he asked, eager to learn the outcome.

The sage smiled, knowing the story's climax would soon unfold.

Chapter 5: The Race Against Time

Krishna sat in his chamber, the letter from Princess Rukmini clutched tightly in his hand. His heart was a storm of emotions—worry, urgency, and a deep longing. He read Rukmini's words over and over, her plea echoing in his mind. Just then, the Brahmin who had delivered the message spoke up, his voice calm but insistent.

"O jewel of the Yadu dynasty," the Brahmin began, "I have come to Dwaraka to deliver this secret message from Princess Rukmini to you. There is very little time. Please decide what you must do and act quickly, Your Majesty."

Krishna looked up, determination lighting up his eyes. "O revered Brahmin," he replied, his voice firm, "as much as Princess Rukmini wishes to have me, I too wish to have her as my wife. I am so troubled by thoughts of her that I cannot even sleep at night. I know that Rukmi is preventing our marriage. But this time, I will go there, fight, and rescue Princess Rukmini to bring her to me."

The Brahmin nodded, understanding the urgency. "Your Majesty, the wedding of Princess Rukmini is set for the night after tomorrow."

"I will leave for Vidarbha today itself," Krishna declared, his resolve unshakeable. Without wasting another moment, he called for his charioteer, Daruka. "Prepare for the journey to Vidarbha," he instructed.

Daruka, knowing the gravity of the situation, worked swiftly. He readied the chariot and harnessed it with four of the fastest horses—Shaibya, Sugriva, Meghapushpa, and Balahaka. With these swift horses, they reached Vidarbha in just one night.

As Krishna entered the city under the cloak of night, Vidarbha was alive with the sounds of wedding preparations. The streets were vibrant with decorations, and lights twinkled like stars. But amidst the celebration, Krishna's eyes were fixed on his mission.

Shishupala was there as the groom, surrounded by powerful kings like Shalya, Jarasandha, and Viduratha. They were all on high alert, determined to prevent Krishna and Balarama from rescuing the princess.

Meanwhile, Balarama, having heard of the formidable forces gathered against them, grew concerned. He quickly assembled a large army and set out for Kundinpur to support his brother.

The stage was set for an epic confrontation, with destiny hanging in the balance.

[End of Chapter 5: The Race Against Time]

This tale, drawn from the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Garg Samhita, was penned by the sage Vyasa, and its retelling will continue in the next chapter.

Production Notes:
Main roles:

• Sukhdev Subhajit Chatterjee as Parikshit
• Spandan Das as Krishna
• Gaurik Dasgupta as Balarama
• Abhik Ghoshal as Kalayavana
• Arghamallya Maity as King Indra
• Kaushik Banerjee as Muchukunda
• Ramswaroop Ganguly as Jarasandha
• Joy Mahapatra as Mitra King
• Sayantan Ghosh as Rukmini
• Adhya Saha as Brahmin

Play adaptation: Mahua Bandopadhyay and Sujata Bhattacharya
Sound recording and ambiance: Satyajit Sen
Sound design and mixing: Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Directed by: Shaoli Majumdar
Creative direction: Indrani Chakraborty
Produced by: Pastel Entertainment

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