The Grand Festival

"Princess Chitrangada, accept Arjuna's greetings, beautiful one."

"Partha, Partha, you have returned. Partha, I knew you would not be able to forget Chitrangada. I was waiting for the day you would come back to this Manipur."

"No, beautiful one, I did not forget Chitrangada. That is why I came back. King Chitrabahana's condition has still not been fulfilled. This son of ours will be the heir to the kingdom."

After Arjuna returned to Manipur for the second time, Chitrangada gave birth to a son by him. He was named Babhruvahana. To keep King Chitrabahana's word, Arjuna placed that child in the hands of the king of Manipur.

"Maharaj, I had asked you for Chitrangada. You fulfilled that wish of mine. Now it is time for me to repay my debt. Maharaj, I leave my son Babhruvahana in your care. He will be the heir to your kingdom."

Then Arjuna turned to Chitrangada and spoke gently.

"Chitrangada, raise our son in the best possible way. Beloved, may good come to you. I invite you to Indraprastha. Go there and bow at the feet of mother Kunti, Maharaja Yudhishthira, and my middle brother Bhima Sena. You will also meet my younger brothers Nakula and Sahadeva, and many dear ones."

"Will I not see you there, Partha?" she asked.

"Surely you will, dear one. Maharaja Yudhishthira will very soon conquer the whole earth and perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. Many kings from many lands will come there. At that time, you too should go to Indraprastha with your father, dear one. There we will meet again. Till then, raise this child of ours. Now let me take my leave. Do not grieve for me. Chitrangada, you will always remain in my heart."

Giving more importance to duty than to love, Arjuna took leave of Manipur and Chitrangada. He could not stop and stay in one place. During this exile, he also had to learn about the many kingdoms of the north-east and west of Aryavarta. Arjuna had already told Chitrangada that Yudhishthira's Rajasuya was not far away. So perhaps he was seeing this exile as the beginning of that great work. It was not easy to gain early knowledge about different kingdoms, their kings and people, and their united strength. So not even a single day of these twelve years could be wasted.

Leaving Manipur, Arjuna moved toward the west of Aryavarta. Visiting the holy places of the west, he finally came to the sacred place of Prabhasa. Krishna was in Dwaraka when he heard from a messenger that his dear friend had come to Prabhasa.

"Victory to Shri Krishna, lord of the Yadu clan."

"Come, messenger. Why have you come to Dwaraka from Prabhasa? Have you brought any news?"

"The third Pandava, Kunti's son Arjuna, has arrived at Prabhasa."

"What, Arjuna has come to Prabhasa? I did not know. Listen, I will go there at once to welcome Arjuna. Tell them to prepare my chariot. And send swift horsemen quickly to Prabhasa with the message that there must be no lack of care for him."

As soon as he heard of Arjuna's arrival, Krishna came to Prabhasa as quickly as possible. They met after a long time. They embraced each other. After Arjuna had bathed well, eaten, and rested, and his tiredness had passed, Krishna asked,

"Now tell me, Partha, why have you suddenly come to Prabhasa alone like this? Is everything well?"

"Do not worry, Keshava. All is well in Indraprastha. Only I have long been wandering in exile and on pilgrimages, away from Maharaja Yudhishthira."

"So, Partha, have you become tired of royal life? You are roaming about dressed like a celibate!"

"It cannot be called complete celibacy, Krishna. I have already been joined in marriage with the Naga princess Ulupi and the princess Chitrangada of Manipur, and I have also had children. Now hear the true reason why I left Indraprastha. To make sure no quarrel arose among us five brothers because of Draupadi, by the advice of the divine sage Narada I left Indraprastha and went into exile for 12 years. The whole story..."

Arjuna told Krishna everything from beginning to end. He hid nothing from his dear friend. Hearing it all, Krishna said,

"You did the right thing, Arjuna. But now that you have come to Prabhasa, stay here with me for some days. Today I will show you the holy place of Prabhasa. Then we will spend the night in the beautiful palace on Mount Raivataka, and tomorrow morning I will take you back with me to Dwaraka."

That night Arjuna spent happily with Krishna on Mount Raivataka. He was pleased with the fine food and dancing. Then, while telling Krishna in full detail about all the holy places he had seen so far, his eyes slowly closed in deep tiredness. In the love and care of his dear friend, Arjuna's long weariness seemed to disappear completely.

The next morning Arjuna woke to the sweet sound of the vina, soft songs, and holy chants. After morning worship, he set out with Krishna on a golden chariot toward Dwaraka.

There was great excitement in the city of Dwaraka. Krishna's dear friend, the third Pandava Arjuna, was coming. Hearing this news, all of Dwaraka was decorated beautifully. Every house, and every garden and grove beside it, was made lovely by the people of Dwaraka. Then countless people stood in rows along the royal road, at windows, and on rooftops. As soon as they saw the chariot of Krishna and Arjuna, they all loudly began to shout victory in Arjuna's name.

"Victory to Arjuna..."

Krishna smiled and said, "Do you hear, Arjuna, how the people of Dwaraka are greeting you?"

"There is no credit to me in this, Kishor," Arjuna replied. "It is only because I am your friend that the city of Dwaraka is so joyful to see me. Look there, Keshava, the Yadava princes are galloping this way on horseback."

Soon the princes came near and said, "Victory to the great hero Arjuna. We are a few representatives of the Andhaka, Vrishni, and Bhoja clans. If the third Pandava would once bless our houses with the dust of his feet, we would be blessed."

"Come, friends, let me embrace you," Arjuna said warmly. "I am very happy to be joined with you in friendship. I have come to Dwaraka as the guest of my friend Krishna. So I will stay in Krishna's house. But on this way I will go to the royal palace after receiving the blessings of elders and the affection of you all. Princes, do not feel hurt."

Arjuna stayed for quite some time in Krishna's house. Then one day a great festival of the Vrishnis and Andhakas began on Mount Raivataka. The people of Dwaraka came there with their wives and relatives. The Brahmins living on Raivataka received rich gifts, jewels, and many costly presents from them.

The princes of the Vrishni clan were the main attraction of the festival. Wearing many ornaments and riding golden chariots, they moved grandly all over Raivataka. There was dancing, music, and every kind of instrument. The mighty Yadava king Ugrasena, Satyaki, Samba, Sarana, and many other great warriors wandered there joyfully with many women of their families. Even the Gandharvas of heaven had been invited to this festival. They too followed the great Yadava heroes.

When Balarama entered that place of joy with his wife Revati, filled with drink and delight, the festival of Mount Raivataka seemed complete in beauty.

"Let the music play, play louder, let it sound even higher. Where, where is the Gandharva prince Chitraratha? Strike a joyful tune, prince. Today is a day of festival. I came here to hear your music. People of Dwaraka, all of you drink honey-wine. Without drinking, how can there be merriment? Ho charioteer, charioteer, where is Krishna? Where is Krishna? Where is my blue Madhava?"

"He is just now coming with Kunti's son Arjuna."

Alongside the merry Balarama, wise men like Uddhava also came to the festival ground and enjoyed it deeply. Just then Krishna's chariot entered there with Arjuna. Krishna enjoyed the festival fully with Arjuna beside him.

Almost all the wives and daughters of the Yadu clan were there. Walking with Krishna, Arjuna came to a place and saw among many companions a young woman blooming like a lotus bud. Her whole body was adorned with precious jewels. It seemed pearls were falling from her laughter and playful words. Her eyebrows looked like folds of lightning, and light seemed to shine from her eyes. What wonderful beauty covered her whole form! Arjuna stared at that lovely girl without blinking. No other thought remained in his mind.

No one else noticed Arjuna's feeling in the festival ground. But it was not possible to hide from Krishna's eyes. Arjuna did not even understand that Krishna was looking at him in the same way.

"At whom are you looking so deeply, Arjuna?" Krishna asked.

"Vasudeva, Vasudeva, that girl there, shining like a royal swan, surrounded by so many companions..."

"She is Subhadra. She is the much-loved daughter of my father Vasudeva, sister of Sarana, and the dearly loved sister of Balarama and me. If true affection has really arisen in you for this girl, then say so. I myself will speak to father about it."

"Daughter of Vasudeva, sister of Vasudeva, and so beautiful too—such a girl would charm any man, Krishna. If your sister becomes my wife, I will truly be blessed. Tell me how I may gain her, friend. If the way is within human power, I will try for it at once."

"There is the way of svayamvara, of course. But I do not know whom Subhadra would choose as her husband. You may not get your chance there, Partha. Better carry Subhadra away by force and marry her. For a Kshatriya this kind of marriage is honorable. Men who know dharma have also approved of this kind of marriage."

"Since you advise it, Krishna, then I will indeed carry the girl away. But first I need the permission of my elder brother."

"I will arrange at once to send a swift messenger to Indraprastha."

Krishna's messenger set out for Indraprastha at once. Hearing everything from the messenger, Yudhishthira agreed to Arjuna's proposal. With Krishna's advice and his elder brother's permission, Arjuna now prepared to carry off Subhadra.

By Krishna's order, a golden chariot had already been prepared. Its charioteer had two very spirited horses named Shaibya and Sugriva. Many kinds of weapons were placed in the chariot. As its wheels touched the earth, it made a deep sound like clouds.

By Krishna's advice, Arjuna went toward the slopes of Mount Raivataka as if on a hunting trip. He was dressed like a warrior, wearing arm-guards, sword, armor, and other gear. Subhadra had just worshipped the great Mount Raivataka and other gods, taken blessings from the Brahmins, and set out on the road. Just then Arjuna's chariot blocked her way, and then he forcefully lifted Subhadra into his own chariot. At Arjuna's sign, the chariot sped toward Hastinapura.

Though many Yadava soldiers were around Mount Raivataka, they could do nothing before this sudden act. They could not even decide what should be done. In great shouting among themselves, they all rushed quickly along the road.

"Come, such boldness from Arjuna after touching our princess! Kill him, kill him. Kill the two horses of that chariot."

"No, no, do not lose your senses. If Indraprastha attacks, there will be great danger. Better let us go at once to Dwaraka and give this news to the leaders. If we attack Arjuna, we will need many more soldiers. So come, let us go to Dwaraka."

The soldiers of Dwaraka returned to their own kingdom and described Arjuna's deed before the keeper of the assembly hall. Trembling with excitement, the hall keeper sounded the war drum. Its deep sound spread through all Dwaraka. No one could understand why the war drum had sounded at such a strange time. But as soon as the sound reached their ears, the leaders of all the Yadava groups—the Bhojas, Vrishnis, Andhakas, and others—left their drink, food, and amusements and rushed at once to the assembly.

Balarama and Krishna came to that assembly. After each had taken his golden seat, the hall keeper gave a full account of Subhadra's abduction. Hearing everything from him, the faces of the Yadava leaders turned red with anger.

"What! That rogue Arjuna dared so much! He repaid our hospitality by carrying off our girl! Charioteer, prepare the chariot at once. Bring my armor. Let us march to war now. Arjuna must be taught the strength of these Yadavas."

"You are right, Samba, Satyaki, Pradyumna. Get ready at once. Surround him from all sides. He must not escape in any way. He must be punished for carrying off Bhadra."

"Why are you still giving no order, great Balarama?"

"You fools, you are shouting like fools," Balarama thundered. "Do you not see that Krishna is still silent? Why make so much noise without knowing his opinion? All of you sit quietly. Now let Krishna speak."

"Yes, yes, let it be so. Great Balarama has spoken rightly."

"Yes, that is right. First of all we should hear what great Krishna says."

"You tell us, lord of the Yadu clan, what should we do now?"

Balarama turned to Krishna and said, "Krishna, Krishna, all are looking at your face. Do not remain silent in this matter, younger brother. The whole of Dwaraka honored Arjuna only because of you. But this is how Arjuna repaid that honor... Arjuna is not worthy of such respect. Does any good man break to pieces the very vessel from which he eats? Tell us, Krishna, tell us. Arjuna has insulted you, Krishna. Do you understand? And with that he has insulted our whole Yadava clan. In truth, he has embraced not Bhadra, but his own death. Arjuna has struck my head with his foot, Govinda, struck my head. Does a serpent forgive someone who steps on its head? No, never. I need no one's help. Alone I will destroy the Kauravas from the whole earth."

"Well said, well said, most excellent, great Balarama. We too are with you."

Krishna then spoke calmly. "O Yadava leaders, wait, wait. Why are you so impatient? Without judging what is right and wrong in this matter, you go on shouting. If you wish to hear me, elder brother, then I say this: Arjuna has done no wrong."

"No wrong? What are you saying, Kanai?"

"No, brother, Arjuna has committed no offense. He has done exactly what a Kshatriya hero should do. Think of it. At Subhadra's svayamvara there was every chance that Arjuna would have had to fight the friendly kings of the Yadavas. He did not choose that path. Also, he did not wish to insult us by giving bride-price for Subhadra, as if he thought the Yadavas cared for money. Besides, where is the heroic spirit of a Kshatriya in simply taking blessings from elders and then marrying the girl, elder brother? For a hero like Arjuna, the best in Aryavarta, there was no other path open except carrying the girl away."

Balarama's anger softened. "Hm, Krishna, in your words... in your words there is reason. Then what do you think should be done now?"

"If Arjuna attacks, it will be very hard to win against him in battle. Then the Yadavas will lose honor. I have seen no hero in the three worlds like Arjuna, this grandson of Kuntibhoja, this Kunti's son of the Bharata line. To make a bond with him is a matter of pride for the Yadavas. If Arjuna is by our side, the Yadavas will have no fear of enemies. Also, Arjuna is our brother. Is it proper to quarrel with him, tell me, elder brother? So I think that before Arjuna leaves our kingdom, he should be brought back and married to Bhadra."

This time Balarama agreed with Krishna. By their advice, the Yadava heroes went and brought back Arjuna and Subhadra. In Dwaraka, Arjuna married Subhadra according to the sacred rules and stayed there for a year under the hospitality of Krishna and Balarama. After spending the remaining part of his 12 years of exile at the holy place of Pushkara, Arjuna then set out for Indraprastha with Subhadra.

After 12 years Arjuna returned to Indraprastha. The people of the kingdom could not contain their joy when they saw him. They came out onto the royal road and greeted him. Showing proper humility, respect, and loving greetings to the people, Arjuna returned to the royal palace and worshipped the Brahmins and Yudhishthira with water and offerings. After finishing all his duties, he went to Draupadi's chamber to meet her.

"Panchali, are you well, dear one?"

"Partha, to me... well, what do you need? It seems there is no longer much need for Draupadi in your life."

"What are you saying, Panchali? How can it ever be possible that Draupadi will not be in Arjuna's life?"

"Now there is Subhadra, the sister of Vasudeva. Surely she too will be as dear as Vasudeva himself. And what can I even say separately of her beauty! Before that beauty, everything in the three worlds seems small. The charm of Vasudeva's sister must surely be like Vasudeva's own. Otherwise would world-conquering Arjuna see her and forget Draupadi?"

"No, Panch... this is blame without reason. I have not forgotten you. Nor do I think of anyone else as your equal. You are my queen of the heart, Krishnaa, just as you were before. No one else can have a place there."

"You must have said this same thing to Subhadra too, clever one. Vasudeva is your friend. Without his help his sister could not be carried away, Partha. I understand that. Did he not also teach you what pleases his sister?"

"Panchali, tell me how I can make you believe me. Krishna himself loves you dearly. He too has not put anyone in your place, not even his own sister. And I am still that same Arjuna who hit the target. There is no difference between that Arjuna and the Arjuna of today. Krishnaa, even today I am charmed only by you."

"After living so long with Vasudeva, I see that you too now speak like Vasudeva, Partha. Charmed only by Draupadi, is that so? But my name is not Chitrangada or Subhadra, Partha."

"Beloved, if only I could make you understand how great the difference is between 'dear' and 'dearest,' Panchali."

"You need not try. When something is tied a second time, the first tie becomes loose, does it not?"

"Forgive me, Panchali. Hurt me as much as you can, but do not send me away, Krishnaa. Your rejection pierces my heart like an arrow. If it gives you joy to wound me and make me bleed, I will bear that blow with a smile. But I have only one request—do not misunderstand me, Draupadi. Partha speaks the truth. He will not use deception just to please your heart. Keep at least this much faith in me, Partha."

"Great hero, this sorrow does not suit you. Krishnaa is still given to you just as at that first meeting. Forgive my boldness."

With much difficulty Arjuna calmed Draupadi's hurt feelings. But the real task still remained. He had to place Subhadra before mother Kunti. Kunti too was waiting for Arjuna in the women's palace, proud and happy. Subhadra quickly came there.

At that time Subhadra's favorite color, bright red cloth, was wrapped around her body. In that dress it was as if flames were shining from her form.

"No, no, Subhadra, not this dress," Arjuna said. "I cannot send you to mother in this attire. You are Vasudeva's sister. The love my mother has for Vasudeva should be shown to you as well."

"Tell me what I must do."

"Then you must dress like a cowherd girl. Have you seen how the cowherd girls of Vrindavana dress, Subhadra? Dress like that. The attendants will bring you those ornaments. Go to mother Kunti dressed as a village bride and bow to her."

Subhadra dressed herself as a cowherd girl. Then Arjuna sent her to mother Kunti in the main palace. Outside Kunti's room, Subhadra came and stood silently, waiting for permission. Hearing her soft footsteps, Kunti came out of her chamber.

"Subhadra, sister of Vasudeva? Come, daughter, come. I welcome you into my house. I cannot tell you how this dress of a cowherd girl has touched my heart, child!"

"Please accept my salutations, mother."

"May you always be fortunate, may you live long, may you bear heroic sons, child."

Following the way Arjuna had shown her, Subhadra next came from Kunti to Draupadi's chamber. She had entered Indraprastha having learned from Arjuna and Krishna to honor, respect, and obey Draupadi. She did not know nothing of the story of the daughter of Drupada. So she already felt a fear mixed with respect toward her. Going quickly to Draupadi, bowing before her, Subhadra said humbly,

"I am your servant. Elder sister, please accept the servant's salutations."

"You are Vasudeva's sister. From today you are also like my own sister. I bless you. May your husband have no enemy."

After Draupadi accepted Subhadra, the joy of the Pandavas knew no bounds.

Meanwhile, the heroes of Dwaraka set out for Indraprastha carrying dowry and gifts for Arjuna and Subhadra. Krishna and Balarama were with them all the way. Along with them came Akrura, Anadhrishti, Uddhava, Satyaka, Kritavarma, Sarana, and countless princes of the Yadava, Bhoja, and Andhaka clans.

News quickly spread that Krishna and Balarama were coming to Indraprastha. This was the first time they were coming to Yudhishthira's kingdom. Maharaja Yudhishthira became restless with joy. He sent Nakula and Sahadeva to welcome Krishna and Balarama.

"Balarama the plough-bearer is coming, Vasudeva Krishna is coming."

Hearing this news, the people of Indraprastha too became wild with joyful excitement. One moment they decorated themselves, the next they decorated their houses, and then at once they began to color and adorn the roads of the city. Trees, vines, groves, rivers, ponds, gardens, walls, mansions, towers—nothing was left undone. The dust of the roads was cleaned away and sandalwood water was poured there. In front of every house incense and agarwood spread holiness through the air. Lamps and rows of lights were lit at the doors. All Indraprastha seemed dressed like the kingdom of Indra.

When Krishna and Balarama entered Indraprastha with Nakula and Sahadeva, nothing was lacking in their welcome and honor—dance, song, sweet music, and the sound of holy conches. With countless male and female servants, jewels, fine horses, war elephants, charioteers, costly clothes, ornaments, and many kinds of banners as gifts, they came and stood before Yudhishthira.

"Salutations, Maharaja Yudhishthira."

"Balarama, I welcome you to Indraprastha."

"Please accept the greetings of Vasudeva's son, elder brother."

"Come, Vasudeva, come. Come, may good be yours, may you always be happy. Wise Akrura, I am greatly pleased to see you in Indraprastha. Yadava heroes, I welcome all of you to my kingdom. Roam here as you wish. In Indraprastha there is no lack of food, drink, or any kind of enjoyment. All this is offered for you."

The Yadava princes and the young men of the other clans enjoyed luxury in Indraprastha for quite some time and then returned to Dwaraka. Balarama also left. But Krishna stayed on in Indraprastha, for he wished to remain there with Arjuna for some more time.

In time, Subhadra gave birth to a son with good signs. Holding that son in his lap, Arjuna sat very still, his face thoughtful. Subhadra asked,

"What are you thinking so deeply while holding your son, lord? There is no bad sign in this child's body, is there? Will he become a worthy heir of your line?"

"Bad sign? What are you saying, Bhadra! Look how my whole body thrills while holding this child. In him I seem to smell the scent of Vasudeva. I did not see Vasudeva's childhood, Subhadra. I have many times tried to imagine with closed eyes what he was like. But today, holding this child in my lap, I feel as if I am holding the child Krishna himself. And his touch gives me a strange joy. This child of ours is like Krishna's shadow, Subhadra. Like Krishna, this child too will become an extraordinary man."

"Then choose an auspicious day and name our son, lord."

"Vasudeva is still in Indraprastha, Bhadra. He himself will perform all the good rites for this child."

At the news that Arjuna's son had been born from Subhadra's womb, Maharaja Yudhishthira gave the Brahmins of Indraprastha much gold, ornaments, and ten thousand cows in joy. Then, at the request of Yudhishthira and Arjuna, Krishna himself named Subhadra's child.

"Fearless, and his brightness is greater than that of other children, so his name shall be Abhimanyu."

As dear as this child was to Yudhishthira, Arjuna, and the Pandavas, so too he became very dear to Krishna.

Meanwhile Draupadi also gave birth to five sons from the five Pandavas. From Yudhishthira was born Prativindhya. From Bhima came Sutasoma. From Arjuna came Shrutakarma. From Nakula and Sahadeva were born Satanika and Shrutasena. The sage Dhaumya performed all the sacred rites for these five Upapandavas, including the sacred thread ceremony. Then these five sons of the Pandavas, along with Abhimanyu, began learning weapons from Arjuna. The sage Dhaumya also made them skilled in the Vedas and other scriptures. But Krishna himself took charge of Abhimanyu's training. Under the combined teaching of Arjuna and Krishna, from childhood itself Abhimanyu began to show valor and strength like Krishna.

Remembering what Arjuna had said after the boy's birth, Subhadra was truly amazed.

One day she said, "What is this, son! Are you still practicing? This is the time for your rest. Your brothers are all resting. Will you not go to your room?"

"No, mother. Acharyadeva has said that there is no rest for a Kshatriya. Except for a few hours of sleep, all the rest of the time is for practice and training. That is what I am doing, mother. Sometimes weapons, sometimes the Vedas—to stay busy in these two kinds of practice is the duty of a Kshatriya prince."

"But son, do you not need rest?"

"One needs rest only when one is tired. I never feel tired, mother. My father and my maternal uncle, who are my teachers, never grow weary in their work. As their student, may tiredness never come to me either. Give me your blessing, mother."

"Become a hero who conquers the world, son. May both friend and enemy look at me and say, there, that is Abhimanyu's mother—then may my pride touch the sky. May your name too remain immortal in this world, like your two death-conquering teachers. This is my blessing to you, son."

"Salutations, mother. I will always try to be worthy of your blessing. I promise you."

Draupadi's five sons and Abhimanyu studied weapons and the Vedas together, and all of them grew great in courage and power. Arjuna poured all his teaching into their shining young selves. But behind the making of Abhimanyu there was not only Arjuna's hand, but Krishna's own hand as well. That hand shaped him into a great warrior, fearless and skilled in marvelous battle strategy. Krishna gave him all the inheritance of his own knowledge of war, wisdom, judgment, and power of observation. Abhimanyu's fame gradually spread beyond Indraprastha to Dwaraka and even Hastinapura. Beside the mighty sons of Krishna like Satyaki, Samba, and Pradyumna, Abhimanyu of the Kuru line was in no way less in brightness or honor.

The Pandavas lived in great happiness and peace at Indraprastha with their children. Bound by love and brotherhood, Arjuna's friend Krishna too lived happily in Indraprastha. Of course, Yudhishthira and Arjuna had strongly requested him to stay there.

Krishna was deeply pleased to see Yudhishthira's righteous kingdom. In that kingdom, because of sacrifices, penance, gifts, and other good deeds, the people were very happy. By the order of Dhritarashtra and Bhishma, the Pandavas had conquered the nearby kingdoms and made their own throne secure.

Soon summer came. The air of Indraprastha became hot and heavy. It was no longer a good time for hunting. In this condition some new kind of pleasure was needed. One day Arjuna said to Krishna,

"Vasudeva, I see no way to escape this terrible heat. What if we go to the Yamuna for water sports with our friends and family? We will go in the morning and return to the palace by evening. What do you say, Janardana?"

"I too was thinking of the Yamuna, Partha. Let us ask elder brother Yudhishthira's permission and arrange this water outing."

With Yudhishthira's permission, Krishna and Arjuna came to the Yamuna with their wives, relatives, and friends for water play. After much enjoyment, food, and amusement, Krishna and Arjuna sat in a beautifully arranged place and began talking about their duties and future plans.

At that time they saw someone coming toward them. His body was tall like a great sala tree, and his color shone like heated gold. His beard and hair were both tawny in color. This Brahmin, wearing only a loincloth and matted hair, also gave off a golden light from his body. But his two eyes were very beautiful, like lotus leaves.

As the Brahmin came toward them, Krishna stood up with folded hands. Beside him Arjuna was still amazed. Could such a golden radiance truly come from a person's body! In his mind Arjuna decided that this Brahmin was surely no ordinary man.

When the Brahmin came near and stood before them, Krishna asked, "Gentle sir, who are you? What is your true identity?"

"I am a Brahmin of great appetite. I eat in great quantities. There are no heroes in the world equal to you. So I ask you for a meal that will fully satisfy me."

"Tell me, noble Brahmin, what kind of food and meal will satisfy you. I will arrange it for you at once."

"I am Agnideva. You cannot satisfy me with ordinary food, Arjuna. Give me the food I truly desire. None but you can arrange that meal for me."

"Please say without fear what you want, Agnideva. We will offer you that very food."

"O Vasudeva, for a full twelve years I have drunk only clarified butter, and from that I have suffered greatly from loss of hunger. A king named Svetaki performed a great sacrifice for twelve years to gain endless merit. There, as offerings, he gave me huge amounts of ghee every day. At the end of the sacrifice, tormented badly, I went to Prajapati Brahma hoping for a remedy. He clearly told me that only by burning this Khandava forest and eating the flesh, fat, and marrow of the creatures here would my sickness of hunger go away."

"O Agnideva, wherever you wish on earth, you can burn it at will. Then how can we help you in burning the Khandava forest?" Krishna asked.

"Every time I have tried to burn the Khandava forest, I have failed. For in this forest lives Takshaka the serpent, friend of Indra, with his family. The moment I light the fire, Indra pours down great rain and puts it out. King Indra himself is the protector of this Khandava forest. I do not have the power to defeat him. So I have come to your shelter. You two are the forms of the sages Nara and Narayana. Only you can stop the rain and block the escape of beasts and birds so that I may burn Khandava."

Arjuna bowed slightly and answered, "O Agnideva, to fight King Indra I have many powerful arrows. Yakshas, Rakshasas, none can stand against them. But I do not now have a bow fit to bear the force of my arrows and my arm strength. At this moment I also lack a worthy strong chariot and inexhaustible quivers. Krishna too is without weapons. In this state, how can the two of us help you?"

"Partha, very soon I will fulfill all your needs. I now remember my dear friend and beloved Varunadeva. He will provide fitting weapons for you. Here I sit in meditation. At my call Varunadeva will surely appear here."

At once Varuna appeared and said, "For what need have you remembered me, Agnideva?"

"Varunadeva, I greet you. Please give me the wonderful bow, the monkey-bannered chariot, the inexhaustible quivers, and the discus that Chandradeva once gave you. With the help of those weapons Krishna and Arjuna will complete a very important task."

"I will bring you those weapons at once, Agnideva."

The bow that Varunadeva brought had been made by Prajapati Brahma. That huge shining bow, bright with many colors, could not be destroyed by any weapon in the three worlds. It was the king of all weapons. Gods, demons, and Gandharvas had worshipped it for a long time. The name of that wondrous bow was Gandiva. When its string was drawn, it made a deep strange sound. That sound echoed and spread in all directions. Arjuna had many amazing weapons, but he had never before seen a bow with such a deep and mighty voice as this Gandiva. Not only Arjuna—even no warrior on earth had ever before seen such a divine weapon filled with glory like Gandiva.

Agnideva placed that Gandiva in Arjuna's hands. He also gave him two inexhaustible quivers and a great chariot drawn by four horses of the Gandharva world. On the banner of that chariot was painted the face of a terrible monkey like a lion, and so it was called the monkey-bannered chariot. At the sight of that banner, enemies felt fear in their hearts.

Having armed Arjuna for battle, Agnideva now placed a terrible discus in Krishna's hand. The middle of that discus was like a thunderbolt. Giving that discus to Krishna, Agnideva said,

"Krishna, with this discus you will be able to kill men, gods, Rakshasas, and Daityas alike. After striking down the enemy, this discus will return to you again. Its power will never fade."

Agnideva gave Gandiva to Arjuna and the discus to Krishna. Showing honor to Krishna, Varunadeva gave him a terrible mace named Kaumodaki.

Dressed for battle, Arjuna walked around that divine chariot in reverence. Then, with Krishna before him, the third Pandava mounted the chariot. Bowing to Agnideva, Arjuna said,

"O Agnideva, Krishna, strong in body and mind, is now armed with discus and mace. He can now conquer the three worlds. And with this Gandiva and these inexhaustible quivers that you have given me, I too fear no one in the three worlds. Now burn the Khandava forest without worry. King Indra will no longer be able to save the creatures of this forest."

Encouraged by Arjuna's words, Agni gave up the form of the Brahmin and took on his blazing true form. Then he began to burn the Khandava forest. The fire spread with unstoppable speed. Its terrible roar made it seem that the end of the world had come upon the earth.

Seeing that dreadful fire, the creatures of the forest tried to flee in every direction. But on both sides of the forest were Krishna and Arjuna seated in their wonderful chariots. Their chariots were so swift and the weapons in their hands so terrible that almost no creature could survive after crossing the barrier of Krishna and Arjuna. Wherever the creatures of the forest tried to run in fear for their lives, the chariots of Krishna and Arjuna chased them there and drove them back again toward the forest. Even flight into the sky brought no safety. The birds in the air found no escape from Arjuna's arrows.

A terrible screaming rose all through the forest. Some cried out in terror, some gave desperate cries to save their lives. On some creatures one whole side of the body was fully burned, others were half-burned. By the power of the fierce fire, some had their whole bodies reduced to ashes. Even the ponds and waters grew hot from the heat of Agni. Unable to bear that heat, the creatures in the water also writhed and died.

Agni's power now grew greater and greater. His blazing flames rose and touched the sky. The gods became afraid and went to King Indra.

"King Indra, we have come to you in great distress."

"O gods, why are your faces so troubled?"

"Agnideva cannot be stopped at all, King Indra. His blaze has reached even the heavenly world. Because of his power there is cries of death and sorrow."

"What has happened there?"

"While burning the Khandava forest, Agnideva may destroy the whole world itself! Has the time of destruction come, King Indra?"

"What? The Khandava forest! Such boldness from Agnideva! Though I have stopped him again and again, he has still gone to that Khandava forest? I will teach him the right lesson at once."

Hearing of the burning of Khandava from the gods, King Indra became very angry. He went at once to protect the Khandava forest. At his command, the sky filled with countless chariots. At his call, the clouds came and stood at his feet. Then from that gathering of chariots and clouds he began to pour down rain in violent force. But before the fierce blaze of Agni, Indra's rain seemed to vanish like steam. With streams of water, smoke, and fierce wind, Agnideva's power grew even more terrible.

Arjuna too began to shoot countless arrows with such impossible speed that they spread like a wide covering over the Khandava forest. No creature could get out through that layer. There was not even the smallest empty space through which a drop of rain could slip.

In that forest were Ashvasena, son of the serpent king Takshaka, and his mother. Ashvasena became desperate to free himself somehow.

"Mother, my father has gone to Kurukshetra. It is very important that news of this terrible disaster reach him. Somehow I must get out of here, mother."

"How will you go out of this forest, son? Even the rain sent by King Indra could do no harm to this terrible fire. Will you be able to come out alive from within it?"

"Even if I stay here, I will die, mother. King Indra is my father's friend. He must have come to protect us. In this state father is greatly needed here. Do not stop me, mother. Give me leave to try to get out."

"No, son, no. If you try to get out, you will burn alive. Look, look there, son, that ball of fire is rushing toward us."

"Mother, mother, what terrible heat! I think my head is turning to ash."

"No, son, while I live I will not let you become ash. Whether your father is here or not, I will protect you. I will swallow your body whole. Then the fire will not be able to harm you. Inside me you will stay safe, son."

"Ah, yes, mother, do so."

Then Agni cried out, "Krishna, Arjuna, look there, look, the mother has saved Takshaka's son. It is because of that Takshaka that I failed again and again before in trying to destroy Khandava. King Indra himself came and protected them. And now again Takshaka's son Ashvasena has escaped from my grasp."

"I will at once shoot an arrow and cut off the head of Takshaka's wife and kill Ashvasena," Arjuna said.

Arjuna cut off the head of Takshaka's wife. From the sky King Indra clearly saw the scene. Greatly angered, he now used his magical power. By it a fierce storm of wind began. In that sudden blow Arjuna was confused for a moment. At that very moment King Indra freed Takshaka's son Ashvasena. When that brief confusion passed, Arjuna's own power shone out again. Learning that it was by Indra's magic that Ashvasena had escaped, Krishna, Arjuna, and Agnideva all together spoke a curse upon Ashvasena:

"Deceitful Ashvasena, you shall become homeless."

After freeing Ashvasena, King Indra kept using his magic one after another. Great pillars of water rose like huge waves of the sea; now fierce storms rushed in; now violent winds shook heaven and earth and made all ten directions dark. Along with this came the terrible sound of thunder and flashes of lightning that seemed to scorch Krishna and Arjuna. King Indra tried to frighten them and break their focus. But under the power of Arjuna's arrows, one by one all those disasters passed away. The clouds broke and the sun was seen again in the sky. A gentle breeze began to blow. And by that breeze the sacred fire seemed to seize Khandava all the more strongly.

Vomiting poison fiercely from their burning mouths, the serpents rushed toward Krishna and Arjuna. Struck by Krishna's discus and Arjuna's arrows, they died there. Demons and flesh-eating spirits came rushing out of the burning Khandava forest with iron and golden clubs in their hands, shouting loudly. They hurled those huge clubs at Krishna and Arjuna. But after Arjuna's arrows broke the clubs into pieces, Krishna's discus began cutting off the heads of those roaring demons. Their lifeless bodies were then swallowed by the flames.

Watching that doomsday play of fire, King Indra now roared from his Amaravati, "O gods, take up your weapons. We must now at once enter open battle against Krishna and Arjuna. If not, by Agnideva's power the whole earth will be destroyed today. Arjuna has no right to cause such great harm to creation and its creatures. Come, gods, not a moment more, come."

Having ordered the gods, the angry King Indra mounted his Airavata. Carrying his thunderbolt and many other terrible weapons, he rushed with the gods toward Arjuna and Krishna. And as he came, he roared, "This time they will surely die. No human has the power to fight against these weapons."

Seeing King Indra raise his thunderbolt, the other gods too took up their own weapons. Yama took the staff of death, Kubera took his mace, Varuna held noose and thunder weapon. The two Ashvini Kumaras held bright healing herbs. Kartikeya raised his bow, Surya took up his weapon, and the terribly strong guardian of the directions lifted an entire mountain in great anger. Mitra, Pusha, Bhaga, Savita, the eleven Rudras, and all the other gods too prepared for battle with their own powers.

Yet even seeing the host of gods armed for war, Krishna and Arjuna were without fear. Even Indra's anger caused no shaking in their minds. Seeing Agnideva troubled by Indra's wrath, Krishna comforted him and said,

"Do not be disturbed, Agnideva. Arjuna and I are here for your protection. Even if King Indra himself comes to battle, defeat at our hands is certain for him. Be at peace."

Indra cried out, "What, such great boldness! Are there truly men on earth who do not fear the power of King Indra? Listen, Krishna and Arjuna, I warn you for the last time. Move away from my path. It is by your strength that Agnideva boasts so much. I will give a proper answer to that boasting. I have no real quarrel with you. Why should you become victims of my anger for nothing? I protect my friend Takshaka. Agni will not escape from my hand today after destroying his family."

Arjuna answered with respect, "O King Indra, accept Arjuna's salutations. We too have no enmity with you. Agnideva came to us asking for help. By the dharma of a Kshatriya, we cannot turn away one who seeks help. That is why we two have only helped Agnideva in burning Khandava. Do not stand in the way of our Kshatriya duty."

"In other words, Arjuna, you are insulting King Indra. Good, then you must bear the result. Prepare yourself now. This stone weapon will take your life at once."

King Indra hurled the stone weapon at Arjuna. At once a rain of stones began to fall from that weapon. Huge rocks as large as mountains came rushing toward Arjuna. But with one arrow after another, Arjuna quickly shattered those stones into small pieces. Even the sages of heaven were stunned to see the greatness of Arjuna's arrows.

Indra grew even angrier and with his own hand lifted a peak of Mount Manda and threw it at Arjuna. But Arjuna's swift arrows broke that mountain too into pieces. It looked from afar as if moon, sun, and stars were falling from the sky upon that side of the Khandava forest. Those broken peaks fell upon the creatures of the forest and destroyed one living being after another.

Meanwhile, seeing this fierce duel between King Indra and Arjuna—father and son—sages, seers, ascetics, and all beings of heaven and earth became deeply troubled. At King Indra's command, the other gods of heaven also began attacking Arjuna and Krishna. But before the mighty power of Krishna and Arjuna, none of them could stand. Defeated in battle, they returned to King Indra. However much King Indra struck his son Arjuna as if to test him, Dhananjaya returned every one of those blows. Seeing Arjuna's great power, King Indra was surely pleased.

As the defeated gods returned to King Indra, at that very time he heard a heavenly voice from the sky.

"O King Indra, now stop. Your friend the serpent king Takshaka is not here. He has already gone to Kurukshetra on pilgrimage. So you have no cause to be troubled. Besides, no one can defeat Krishna and Arjuna in battle. Neither gods nor demons can bind them. Krishna and Arjuna are the forms of Narayana and the sage Nara. They are ancient and supreme sages, unconquered everywhere. Both are worthy of worship by gods, demons, yakshas, rakshasas, and serpents. No one in the three worlds can block their course."

Hearing the heavenly voice, King Indra laid down his weapons. He thought that every word coming from the sky was true. As soon as King Indra and the gods withdrew, Krishna and Arjuna gave great lion-roars. After defeating the gods, who was left that could stand against them?

Then, for 15 days without stopping, the Khandava forest kept burning. At that time a demon named Maya tried to flee quickly from Takshaka's house. Till then the heat of the fire had not reached him inside that house, but now that house too could no longer hold. So as he fled, Maya came into Krishna's sight. As Krishna remembered his discus to kill that demon, Maya, shaken with fear for his life, cried out,

"O great hero Arjuna, come quickly and save me. I am terrified for my life. I do not wish to die by Krishna's discus. O third Pandava, save my life."

"Do not fear, demon. Stay at peace. No harm will come to you. Go fearlessly by whatever path you wish."

With Arjuna's assurance, Maya came out alive from the Khandava forest. The fire did not touch him.

And not only Maya—even four young birds were saved from Agni's wrath. Agni did not touch them either. They were the sons of the sage Mandapala, who had taken the form of a bird, and his wife Jarita.

At the time of the burning of Khandava, those four birds were still very small. Their father, the sage Mandapala, praised Agnideva and said,

"O Agnideva, O Supreme Being, O creator of the world, accept Mandapala's salutations, lord. From you all creation has come forth. You are the ruler of this creation. You know all and see all. Cast out from heaven because I had no sons, I joined with a bird in desire for children. Our four sons are now still very small. They are in this Khandava forest. Their wings have not yet grown. Protect those four children of mine, Agnideva. Even in their mother's womb they received the nature of sages. If they live, this world will be blessed. Show mercy, lord. Let no harm come to my children."

"Sage Mandapala, I am pleased by your prayer. Be at peace. No harm will come to your sons."

Having received this promise from Agnideva, Mandapala went elsewhere. But in Khandava, their mother Jarita held those four baby birds to her breast and became terribly frightened. She knew nothing of Mandapala's prayer. Seeing the fire come toward the branch where they lived, Jarita became desperate to save her children. She said to the four chicks,

"Sons, listen. In that mouse hole ahead there is no mouse. A hawk carried off that mouse—I saw it with my own eyes. You go into that hole. I will cover the mouth of it with earth. If you stay in the hole, the fire will not be able to touch you."

"Mother, you are only trying to comfort us. Just because one mouse was carried away, how do you know there is no other mouse in that hole? Mother, do not worry for us. If we go into that hole and become food for a mouse, then better to die burned in the fire, for then at least we may reach heaven."

"But sons..."

"Mother, we beg you, keep one request of ours. We are still very small; our bodies are not fully formed. So we cannot yet do any great deed. We also cannot yet fulfill the wish for which our father desired our birth. But if you live, that purpose may still be fulfilled. First, mother, leave us here and go away. If you live, more children may yet come. But if you go, then we will die anyway. Better that you live. Fly now to some safe place."

The chicks did not listen to anything their mother said. Almost by force they sent her away elsewhere. And just then they saw Agnideva rushing toward them with his flames. Finding no other way, they all together began to praise Agnideva. Seeing this, Agnideva said,

"Listen, little birds, I am pleased by your prayer. Your father Mandapala has already begged your lives from me. I give you safety. Stay here without fear. My fire will not touch you."

For 15 days Khandava burned. Feeding and drinking on the blood, flesh, and marrow of countless birds, beasts, demons, and spirits, Agnideva returned again to his former state. When the burning ended, only six living beings of Khandava remained alive—the four young birds, Takshaka's son Ashvasena, and Maya.

After completing that great task, Agnideva came to Krishna and Arjuna and said,

"O Krishna, O Arjuna, now I am satisfied. Your duty too is finished. Now return to your own homes."

When the burning of Khandava was over, King Indra came and stood before Krishna and Arjuna. Greeting them, he said,

"O Krishna and Arjuna, seeing your valor has greatly pleased me. Ask a boon of me."

Krishna said, "May my friendship with Arjuna remain unbroken. Grant me this boon, King Indra."

"So it shall be. You two shall remain friends forever. Child Arjuna, now you ask a boon."

"O King Indra, if you are truly pleased with me, then please give me all your divine weapons."

"Child Arjuna, to gain divine weapons one must first become worthy of them. I am greatly pleased by your valor. Now you must become fit to receive them. For that you must worship Mahadeva through penance and satisfy him. Only when he gives the order will I be able to give you all my divine weapons."

After giving boons to Krishna and Arjuna, King Indra left. The two friends then sat by the river for a little rest. Nature was calm. A cool gentle breeze was blowing. Small waves rose in the river water. Krishna sat looking steadily at that endless flow. Arjuna looked with affection at the soft yet fire-bright face of his friend.

At that time Maya the demon came and stood before the two friends.

"O Arjuna, O best of heroes, please accept the greetings and salutations of Maya the demon."

"Tell me, Maya, what do you want from me?"

"You gave me my life. I have offered that life to you. Ask of me any desired thing. I will give it to you at once."

"It is not the duty of a Kshatriya to save someone's life and then take something in return. It is enough that you have come to express your gratitude. I want nothing else from you."

"That cannot be, Dhananjaya. If I do not give you some gift, I will fall from dharma. Save me from that fall. I... I am the Vishvakarma among the demons. In the art of building I have no equal. Whatever you want, I will build for you."

"What shall I say to you? I have nothing to ask from you. But if you truly wish to give something, give it to my friend. What Krishna wants, that is what I want. By serving him, your gratitude will be shown."

"O Keshava, you tell me, what service can Maya do for you?"

"Listen, Maya, I want nothing for myself. But if you wish to give me something, then build for Maharaja Yudhishthira an assembly hall such as no one has ever seen before. Let that hall be unmatched in the three worlds."

"As you command, Vasudeva. I will build Maharaja Yudhishthira's hall with gems and riches that are not found in this world. Seeing that hall, all will be filled with wonder. It will be without equal in the world."

"That is very good indeed," said Arjuna. "Come, Keshava, let us take the demon architect to Maharaja Yudhishthira."

Taking Maya with them, Krishna and Arjuna came to Maharaja Yudhishthira's royal palace at Khandavaprastha. Hearing everything from Krishna and Arjuna, Yudhishthira showed Maya proper honor. After the guest had been received, Maya began thinking deeply about where the hall should stand. It had to be built in such a place that every season would appear equally beautiful there.

Then, choosing an especially holy day, he pleased the Brahmins with offerings of sweet rice cooked with ghee and began the auspicious work. After that Maya measured out a place ten thousand hands in size and chose a spot he liked. With the permission of Vasudeva Krishna and Maharaja Yudhishthira, he decided to build the hall there.

Having settled the Pandavas in a happy household life, Krishna now wished to return to Dwaraka. He had become very eager to see his aged father. But it was not so easy simply to say he would go and then leave. A shadow of sorrow spread over Khandavaprastha. The Pandavas could not bring themselves to let Krishna go. Krishna then, forced by the situation, came to Kunti. Kunti's command was now his only hope. He had to return to Dwaraka.