The Pandavas’ Pilgrimage

The great sage Lomasa came into the heavenly court and bowed with respect. Lord Indra welcomed him warmly.

"Great sage Lomasa, please accept the greetings of Lord Indra. I am very happy to see you in heaven."

Lomasa bowed and replied, "My greetings, Lord of the gods. I came to see you after a long time. But I am quite surprised here. Till today, no one ever dared to sit on your seat. Then how did Arjuna get such boldness? By what power of penance did Arjuna gain this right? I am very curious to know, Lord of the gods."

Indra smiled and answered, "Great sage, even after gaining success in penance, you ask such a question? Though Arjuna was born from Kunti's womb, he is also my son, O sage. But that is not his only identity. Arjuna and Krishna are both forms of the sages Nara and Narayana. In a former birth, they performed severe penance in the Badarika hermitage on earth. That Badarika hermitage still exists on earth, but no person of the earthly world can see it. From that very Badarika hermitage the sacred river Ganga first began on earth. At my own request, the great sages Nara and Narayana have now taken birth as Arjuna and Krishna to lighten the burden of the earth."

Lomasa listened with deep attention. Then he said, "Lord of the gods, I am greatly satisfied to hear the true nature of Krishna and Arjuna from your mouth. But does Arjuna have any special duty here in heaven?"

"Yes, great sage," said Indra. "Arjuna has specially learned the use of weapons from me. Before helping the world of men, Arjuna will also free this heaven from danger. He will kill the Nivatakavacha demons. They are the sons of Danu, very powerful and very terrible demons. They now live in the netherworld, but by penance they pleased Brahma, the lord of creation, and gained the boon of ruling heaven. They can defeat the gods. If they do not fear the gods, why would they fear men? Yet death is written for them at the hands of a man. Arjuna, you are their fate. In battle with you, those demons will die. Then this heaven will be safe."

Lomasa asked, "Can these Nivatakavachas defeat Narayana too, Lord of the gods?"

Indra replied, "No, O sage. By a single glance from him, that whole race of Nivatakavachas would be destroyed. But if his anger takes a terrible form, then fire will spread through creation and the world. So the gods cannot now seek Krishna's help. Therefore the duty of freeing heaven from enemies now rests on Arjuna's shoulders. After doing that duty, Arjuna will soon return to his brothers on earth. I want to give you a task, O sage."

"Command me, Lord of the gods."

"O sage, go to the earth. There in the Kamyaka forest you will find the righteous Yudhishthira. Reassure him and tell him that Arjuna will soon return to them. They should not be troubled in mind."

"As you command, Lord of the gods. I am going at once."

At that moment Arjuna also spoke with humility. "I have one request to make to you, great sage."

Lomasa turned to him kindly. "Do not hesitate, Arjuna. Do you have any message for your brothers? Tell me freely. I will deliver that message to the son of Dharma."

Arjuna said, "O sage, please bow for me to my eldest brother and tell him kindly that he should travel to the holy places with all the others. He should also not stop his natural acts of charity and meditation. They are deeply sorrowful because of me. Please go to them and give them news of my safety, great sage. And during their pilgrimage, they should remain careful of demons and rakshasas."

Lomasa was pleased. "Well said, well said. Your devotion and sense of duty have pleased me, Arjuna. With the messages of Lord Indra and yours, I will soon go to Yudhishthira in the Kamyaka forest. I will protect Yudhishthira from the terrible rakshasas in the hard mountain regions, child."

The Pandavas were not happy at all in Arjuna's absence. Arjuna had gone dressed like an ascetic in search of divine weapons, and a long time had already passed. Since then there had been no news of him. Even the sages who traveled to many holy places had not seen Arjuna. Hearing this, Bhima became deeply upset. In the minds of the other Pandavas too, along with Draupadi, the darkness of worry grew thick.

One day Bhima, with a wounded heart, complained to Yudhishthira.

"Maharaj, by your order he went far away from us. No one even knows whether he is alive or safe. What have you done, Maharaj? Arjuna is our protector. We are counting the days to defeat our enemies by trusting in Arjuna's Gandiva. Joined with Krishna, we will kill a dangerous enemy like Karna. But Arjuna, Maharaj, Arjuna's absence is making me very restless."

Yudhishthira answered gently, "You are worrying without reason, Bhima. Arjuna knows how to protect himself. No one will dare to place Arjuna in danger, brother."

But Bhima's heart was still burning.

"Maharaj, unknown wild forests and unseen enemies are always very frightening. Arjuna does not know the nature of all these hills and forests. He may be in danger at any moment, Maharaj. The greatest danger for us is Duryodhana. We do not know when or where his followers may reach. Duryodhana wants to kill us in this forest life. If the five brothers stay together, that is impossible, but he has the power to place lonely Arjuna in danger, Maharaj. Maharaj, order me. I will go at once to search for the third Pandava. If some danger has truly come upon him, then now he is completely without friends. It is my duty to protect him, Maharaj."

Yudhishthira said, "Brother, be calm. The gods protect Arjuna. When Vasudeva Krishna himself stands as Arjuna's protector, why are all of you so anxious?"

Bhima lowered his voice, but not his sorrow.

"Maharaj, forgive me. If any danger comes to Arjuna, then Vasudeva himself will also be destroyed, Maharaj. Vasudeva Krishna, Pradyumna, Satyaki, all of them are deeply attached to Arjuna. If Arjuna is not there, they will not... Maharaj, I can no longer keep patience. Living in the forest is not the true duty of a kshatriya. Command me to do the eternal duty of a kshatriya, that is war, Maharaj. After that, you may rule the kingdom in peace."

"Your wish will be fulfilled, Bhima," Yudhishthira replied. "Once Arjuna gains the right to use divine weapons, our victory in war will become even more certain."

But Bhima could not accept delay.

"No, Maharaj. It is wrong to wait for thirteen years. Shakuni took away your kingdom by deceit. Deceit should be answered with deceit, Maharaj. Shakuni did nothing lawful with you. He knows nothing except lies. Then why should we alone keep following truth? We should answer deceit with deceit. Now command me, Maharaj. Let me go and bring an end to Duryodhana and Shakuni."

Yudhishthira's voice became firm.

"No, I cannot give you that permission. Whatever others may do, I can never act with deceit. I cannot leave the path of truth and walk on any other path. War is certain, but not now. War will come only at the end of the thirteen years."

Bhima said again, "But Maharaj, if during our hidden exile Duryodhana's spies discover us, then we will again have to fulfill the condition of another thirteen years in the forest."

Yudhishthira answered, "We must remain very careful. Besides, so many Brahmins and ascetics bless us every day. By their grace, we will surely succeed, Bhima. I have never followed an evil path, nor have I ever behaved wrongly. Therefore fate will not be so cruel to us. Keep faith, brother."

While this heated argument was going on between sorrowing Bhima and Yudhishthira in Arjuna's absence, the sage Brihadashva arrived in the Kamyaka forest. He had come to discuss sacred knowledge with Dharmaputra Yudhishthira. Brahmins and sages always kept coming to hear holy teachings from Yudhishthira, who knew all the scriptures well. The whole day of the forest-dwelling Pandavas passed in such discussions. Since Arjuna's departure, in their pain of heart the Pandavas had made study and explanation of the scriptures their only support.

So Yudhishthira felt blessed by the coming of the sage Brihadashva. They served that perfected yogi with water for washing feet and proper offerings. When the tiredness of travel had left him, Yudhishthira came and stood before the sage with folded hands.

Looking at his face, the sage Brihadashva asked gently, "Child, has some sorrow appeared in your mind? I see such signs of sadness on your usually cheerful face. Are you worried for some reason, Yudhishthira?"

Yudhishthira replied, "You have guessed correctly, O sage. By deceit we lost our kingdom, our relatives, our honor, and our wealth, and because of that we have become forest dwellers for thirteen years. Because of me, our beloved wife also had to suffer terrible insult, O sage. My misfortune has no end. Because of me, all my brothers are unhappy beyond measure. Because of me, Arjuna too has long been away from us. Separation from Arjuna is giving all of us great pain, O sage."

The sage said, "Do not grieve for Arjuna, Yudhishthira. Arjuna cannot be defeated. No evil will come to him."

Yudhishthira bowed his head. "I too believe that, O sage. But I cannot control my own worry and despair. Have you ever seen any man more unfortunate than me, or heard of such a one? Please tell me, is my fate the worst in this world?"

Brihadashva answered, "Dharmaputra Yudhishthira, be calm, child. If you think yourself the most unfortunate of men, then I must say you do not know the story of King Nala of Nishadha. His sorrow was much greater than yours."

Seeing the interest of Kunti's son, the sage began the tale.

"King Nala of Nishadha and Princess Damayanti of Vidarbha loved each other so deeply that even though the gods themselves wished to marry her, Damayanti chose the human king Nala. The gods too were pleased by their love, blessed them, and returned to heaven. But two beings named Kali and Dvapara still had not given up hope of marrying Damayanti. In spite of Lord Indra's warning, Kali began to plan the separation of Nala and Damayanti. He told Dvapara to enter the dice, and he himself entered Nala's body.

"Urged on by Kali, Nala's brother Pushkara one day invited Nala to a game of dice. Accepting that invitation, Nala lost all his wealth one by one and became poor. In sorrow of mind he wandered through the forests with Damayanti dressed like a poor man, yet they could not find even a little food. Suffering from hunger and thirst, Nala thought to himself that Damayanti should be sent back to her father's house. But while she lived, Damayanti would not agree to leave him. Then one deep night Nala himself left her, so that Damayanti might return to her father.

"After losing her husband, Damayanti wandered like a mad woman and at last came to the city of King Subahu of Chedi, where she found shelter with the queen mother. From there, one day, with the help of a man from Vidarbha, Damayanti returned to her parents in her own land.

"On the other side, while wandering in the forest, by good fortune Nala received advice from a serpent named Karkotaka. He became the charioteer of a king of the Ikshvaku line in Ayodhya, and from him he learned skill in the game of dice. By the poison of that well-wishing serpent, Kali's influence was also removed from Nala's body. After passing through much more suffering, Nala reached Vidarbha and found his wife again. Then the king returned to his own country, defeated his brother Pushkara in a game of dice, and regained his kingdom and wealth."

When the story ended, Brihadashva said, "Yudhishthira, child Yudhishthira, did you hear? Even after losing everything in dice, King Nala got back all that he had lost and was freed from sorrow. Kali's influence and fear left his body. Son of Dharma, there is still fear in your mind. You are still troubled by the fear that someone may again take away all that remains to you through another game of dice. Conquer fear, Yudhishthira. Sadness does not suit you. I know all the rules and methods of dice, and I will teach them all to you. Learn with attention, Yudhishthira. After that, with your brothers you will recover your kingdom and rule it in peace with queen Draupadi."

The sage Brihadashva then taught Dharmaputra Yudhishthira every detail of the game of dice. After that, he left again for pilgrimage.

To tell the news of Arjuna's rise to heaven and his learning of weapons, I, Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, arrived at Hastinapura.

I said, "Son Dhritarashtra, are you well, my son?"

Dhritarashtra bowed with respect. "O great sage, great sage Vyasa, accept my respects. Please take a seat, O sage. I am very worried. Thoughts of the future have made me restless."

I told him, "He who cannot control the present is not obeyed by the future either, my son."

Dhritarashtra said, "You have spoken truly, O sage. I am truly helpless. Are the sons of Pandu all safe, O sage? Are you not coming from Yudhishthira?"

"It is true that I am not coming from Yudhishthira," I replied. "But I know the news of the Pandavas. Lord Indra has taken Arjuna to heaven to learn divine weapons. The other four brothers and the famous Draupadi are safe in the Kamyaka forest."

Dhritarashtra said, "Arjuna has gone to heaven and learned weapons! Ah, very good. I pray for Arjuna's long life and glory."

Though he spoke words of satisfaction, it was clear that the Kauravas would get no peace after hearing of Arjuna's training. Dhritarashtra sat in his hall in deep worry. Seeing the king so full of sorrow and lost in thought, his charioteer Sanjaya became greatly troubled.

"Maharaj, Maharaj."

"Who is it? Sanjaya? Come near."

"Yes, Maharaj. Shall I prepare the chariot? Do you wish to go somewhere?"

"No, I have no wish now. Tell me, Sanjaya, do you know anything about Arjuna? Have you heard that he is not with his brothers now?"

"No, Maharaj. He is not with his brothers? Then where is Prince Arjuna now, Maharaj?"

Dhritarashtra said, "Arjuna has gone to heaven to learn the use of weapons from Lord Indra, Sanjaya. There are very few people on earth with such fortune. And look at Duryodhana. This sinful son, blinded by pride, will ruin the Kuru kingdom, Sanjaya. I can clearly see that the side which has a warrior like Arjuna is sure to win. Do you not think so?"

Sanjaya answered carefully, "Forgive me, Maharaj. Why suffer now by thinking such thoughts without use? No man can step outside what fate has fixed."

Dhritarashtra gave a heavy sigh. "Yes, fate. By using fate as an excuse, I watch Hastinapura slowly move toward destruction. Very weak, Sanjaya, very weak."

"No, Maharaj, you are not weak," Sanjaya said. "The greatest heroes of the earth stand on your side. Warriors equal to the wise Bhishma and teacher Dronacharya are rare in this world. Almost all the heroes of the world are pupils of Drona. Either directly or in another way, they have learned weapons thinking of Drona as their teacher. And that very Dronacharya is on your side. Whom else do you need, Maharaj? The great archer Karna stays like a shadow beside Crown Prince Duryodhana, and still you say..."

But Dhritarashtra interrupted him.

"Dronacharya, the great-minded Bhishma, King Karna of Anga... no, Sanjaya, no. Against any other enemy, any one of them could destroy him. But, Sanjaya, when the enemy is Arjuna himself, I see no chance at all of his defeat. There is no one among men who can defeat him or overcome him. He has no equal even in heaven, Sanjaya. Arjuna, Arjuna cannot be conquered. Do you understand, Sanjaya? Arjuna cannot be conquered."

Sanjaya said, "Crown Prince Duryodhana does not accept that, Maharaj."

"Duryodhana! Duryodhana, foolish Duryodhana!" cried the blind king. "Can Duryodhana survive before Arjuna's anger? Either Karna or Arjuna, if one of them dies, then this quarrel may end, and I may find peace, Sanjaya. And if that does not happen, then the result will be terrible, Sanjaya. Arjuna will move across the battlefield like death itself. At the sound of his chariot alone, Duryodhana's soldiers will scatter, Sanjaya."

Sanjaya then said, "Our spies heard the talk of the Pandavas in the Kamyaka forest long ago, Maharaj. Vasudeva Krishna was there, and Dhrishtadyumna was there. There Vasudeva Krishna himself agreed to become Arjuna's charioteer in the great war. The pair of Arjuna and Krishna can become very dangerous in any war, Maharaj."

Dhritarashtra's sorrow grew even deeper.

"What danger still remains, Sanjaya? Evil advisers like Shakuni and Karna are bringing ruin to Duryodhana and making him even more deluded. Seeing me blind, old, and weak, Duryodhana listens to none of my words. Alone in this chamber, I suffer great unrest day and night, Sanjaya. Even now I can hear the thunder of Arjuna's Gandiva and Bhima's mace. Even now I can hear it."

Just as there was no peace in Dhritarashtra's mind in Hastinapura, in the Kamyaka forest too there was no peace in the hearts of Draupadi and the four Pandavas. Since Arjuna went away, the Pandavas seemed to have lost their brightness and spirit.

One day Draupadi came to Yudhishthira and said, "From the day Partha left, the world has been empty, Maharaj. This Kamyaka forest is so beautiful. There are such strange and lovely flowers, fruits, butterflies, and such wonderful beauty. But to me, to me everything seems dark, Maharaj. I can no longer enjoy the beauty, taste, or fragrance of this world. Remembering the sound of enemy-killing Arjuna's Gandiva, I grow restless again and again, Maharaj."

Bhima then spoke in agreement.

"Maharaj, Panchali has spoken truly. Without Arjuna, this Kamyaka forest can no longer be dear to us. Arjuna was the true beauty of this forest. Since he is not here, there is no need for us to stay in this forest any longer. Give us permission to go elsewhere, Maharaj. This is Bhima's prayer to you."

Nakula and Sahadeva also spoke with pain in their hearts.

"Elder brother, Arjuna's seat lies empty. Each day when our eyes fall upon it, great pain rises in the heart, Maharaj. When Sahadeva and I bow before this seat, our eyes fill with tears. This forest was his most beloved place. Now without him this Kamyaka forest is slowly becoming a hard test. We beg you, Maharaj, leave this forest and command us to go elsewhere."

Hearing the words of Draupadi and his dear brothers, Yudhishthira too became sad. They were discussing what they should do next when the divine sage Narada arrived in the Kamyaka forest.

"Narayana Narayana."

Yudhishthira rose at once and welcomed him with reverence.

"O divine sage, what great fortune is ours! You yourself have come to us here in this forest exile. Our arrangements are very small, O divine sage. Still, with that little we worship you. Please accept that worship, O divine sage."

Narada was pleased. "Dharmaputra Yudhishthira, your worship and humility have greatly pleased me, child. What do you want from me? Speak without fear."

Yudhishthira replied, "O divine sage, you are honored in all the three worlds. By worshiping you, all our lacks are ended. Divine sage, we want nothing of this earthly world. We have only one prayer to you. Please advise us about the importance of pilgrimage, O divine sage. In Arjuna's absence, we are all deeply sorrowful. So we have decided to leave this Kamyaka forest and go on pilgrimage. Show us the way, O divine sage."

Narada said, "You wish to go on pilgrimage? This is very good news. You are upholdors of dharma. It is very necessary for you to make pilgrimage. Your grandfather once asked this same question to the great sage Pulastya. The answer that sage Pulastya gave, I will give the same answer to you, O king.

"Sage Pulastya said that the righteous person whose hands, feet, and mind are well controlled, and who has learning, penance, and good fame, can gain the full fruit of pilgrimage. Therefore, Yudhishthira, the humble person who depends on no one and is content with little is fit for pilgrimage."

Yudhishthira then asked, "Divine sage, kings often go on pilgrimage with much show and luxury. Does such a journey bear no fruit?"

Narada replied, "No, son of Dharma. One must go to holy places like a poor man. Pride has no place there. Kings and rich men perform sacrifices, but poor men cannot gather the cost for such sacrifices. So they go on pilgrimage, son of Dharma. And the fruit of seeing holy places is even greater than that of sacrifice. The fruit that is gained at holy places cannot be gained even by the great and holy Agnishtoma sacrifice."

Yudhishthira folded his hands and asked again, "Please tell me which holy place is the greatest, divine sage."

Narada answered, "Each holy place gives a different fruit. But the famous holy place of Pushkara is very dear to Mahadeva. By doing penance there, one may gain the state of Mahadeva. Gods, ascetics, great sages, and even demons perform penance there. By merely wishing to see this holy place, all a person's sins are destroyed. He is honored in heaven. Lord Brahma always stays there. As Narayana is first among the gods, so Pushkara is first among holy places, Yudhishthira. The great sage Lomasa will come to you soon. Go on pilgrimage with him. Then your fame will never die."

Yudhishthira bowed and said, "O divine sage, your command will be carried on our heads. We will begin pilgrimage with the great sage Lomasa."

After the divine sage Narada disappeared, Yudhishthira bowed to the sage Dhaumya and asked, "O best of sages, until the great sage Lomasa arrives, we wish to wait for him in another forest. Without Arjuna, this Kamyaka forest feels unbearable to us. O best of sages, please tell us of some forest where there is enough light, air, water, and fruit. There we may also not be deprived of the company of holy men."

Dhaumya replied, "Maharaj Yudhishthira, if the desire has arisen in your mind to go elsewhere, then go east with your wife and brothers along with me. There lies Naimisharanya, most beloved to gods, sages, yakshas, rakshasas, and ascetics, and a place of worship for them all. Stay in that Naimisharanya until Arjuna returns. Or from there you may begin pilgrimage to other holy places."

Yudhishthira asked, "Are there any other holy places near Naimisharanya, O sage?"

Dhaumya said, "Near that Naimisharanya are the holy Gomati river, the Phalgu river, the Kaushiki river, and many other sacred places. On the bank of this Kaushiki river, the sage Vishvamitra gained Brahminhood. After seeing that holy place, go to see Prayaga, O king. In that eastern direction also lies the hermitage of sage Agastya. There too is Mount Mahendra, made holy by the memory of great Parashurama. The meeting place of the Ganga and Yamuna is also in that eastern direction. Therefore, Yudhishthira, go eastward with your brothers and Draupadi."

Yudhishthira listened with full attention to the description of the holy places from sage Dhaumya. The other holy men and ascetics of Kamyaka forest also sat around them with eager minds.

At that very moment, sage Lomasa came and stood among those seekers of holiness. Seeing him, everyone quickly stood up. They bowed to him and took the dust of his feet upon their heads. Yudhishthira greeted him with folded hands.

"Great sage Lomasa, after the penance of many births we have gained your sight. By traveling to holy places with you, one gains the fruit of many great sacrifices. O sage, do not deprive us of your full company. This is my prayer to you."

Lomasa replied, "I have come for the very purpose of making pilgrimage with you. Lord Indra and your brother Arjuna wish the same."

At once Yudhishthira's eyes widened.

"Arjuna! O sage, you, you are coming from Arjuna? How is he? Is he well? Is he safe? Please, please tell us all about Arjuna in detail, O sage. We are very anxious."

Lomasa smiled and comforted him.

"Dharmaputra Yudhishthira, no, no, do not worry about Arjuna, Yudhishthira. He is in great happiness in the court of Lord Indra. Arjuna is carefully learning all that is to be learned in heaven. He has gained knowledge of all divine weapons from Lord Indra. He has received training in dance and music from Chitrasena, king of the Gandharvas. In courage, strength, and heroism, Arjuna is now greater than all others in the three worlds. Karna, son of the sun, is very weak beside Arjuna. Lord Indra has promised me that there is no need to fear Karna, because he will take away Karna's hard armor and earrings."

Yudhishthira felt as if a mountain had been lifted from his heart.

"By giving us Arjuna's news, you have freed us from worry, O sage. We remain forever in your debt. Please tell us when Arjuna will return to us, O sage."

Lomasa answered, "After finishing one serious work of service for heaven, Arjuna will return to you, Yudhishthira. Do not grieve. But before that, I will begin pilgrimage with you all. I will free you from all worry and fear. Such is the order laid upon me. But before that, you must carry out one duty, O king."

Yudhishthira bowed. "What must I do? I am ready to obey, O sage."

Lomasa said, "Many followers, Brahmins, and townspeople still remain around you. It is difficult to travel to holy places with so many people. One cannot make pilgrimage without a focused mind, Yudhishthira. Do not keep so many attendants with you. Dismiss them, O king. Unless you become light, you will not succeed in any work."

Hearing the order of sage Lomasa, Yudhishthira became worried again. None of the attendants and companions wished to leave him, and as long as he lived, Dharmaraja himself could not leave anyone behind. In such a situation, whom should he keep and whom should he send away? A strong conflict rose in his mind. Truly, it was very hard to make that decision.