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Mahabharata
Khandavadaha Parva
Arrival of Agni. Defeat of Agni. Colloquy between Arjuna and Agni. Burning of the Khandava. Wrath of Indra. Battle between the celestial and Krishna and Arjuna. Rescue of Maya. History of Sharangakas. Lamentation of Jarita. History of Sharangakas. End of Khandavadaha.
Vaishampayana said:
When at the command of the king, Dhritarashtra and the son of Shantanu, (Bhishma), the Pandavas had taken up their abode at Indraprastha, they brought under their sway many other kings and monarchs.
As a soul lives happily depending on the body blessed with auspicious marks and pious deeds, so all the subjects lived most happily, depending on Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira).
O best of the Bharata race, he (Yudhishthira) served equally Dharma, Artha and Kama, as if each of them was a friend as dear to him as his own soul.
It appeared as if the three pursuits, Dharma, Artha and Kama, became personified on earth; and with them the king shined as the fourth (pursuit).
Having obtained him as their king, they obtained a monarch who was devoted to the study of the Vedas, who was a performer of great sacrifices and who was the protector of all good works.
(During his reign) Lakshmi became stationary and hearts became devoted to the Supreme Spirit. Virtue itself began to grow all over the world.
Surrounded by his four brothers the king looked as resplendent as a great sacrifice depending upon and assisted by the four Vedas.
Many learned Brahmanas with Dhaumya at their head, each equal to Brihaspati, waited upon the king, as the celestial wait upon the Lord of creation.
On account of the excessive affection of the people, both their hearts and eyes equally took great delight in Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) who was like a full moon without a stain.
The people took delight in him, not only because he was their king, but because they bore for him a great affection. The king also did not was agreeable to them.
The sweet-speeched and greatly intelligent son of Pritha (Yudhishthira) never uttered any thing that was improper, or untrue or unbearable or disagreeable.
That greatly powerful and best king of the Varata race happily passed his days in seeking the good of every body, as if every one was his own self.
(His brothers) the Pandavas brought by their great powers many kings under their sway; they passed their days in happiness, having nothing to disturb their peace.
After a few days, Vivatsu (Arjuna) thus spoke to Krishna, "O Krishna, the summer is come, let us go to the Yamuna.
O Janardana, O slayer of Madhu, if you like, let us sport their with out friends and then return in the evening.
Krishna said:
O son of Kunti, this is also my wish. O Partha, let us sport with our friends in the waters( of the Yamuna).
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Bharata, having consulted with each other and after receiving Yudhishthira's permission, Partha (Arjuna) and Govinda (Krishna) in company with their friends set out (for the Yamuna).
And arrived at a charming spot, fitted for the purpose of pleasure, overgrown with numerous tall trees and adorned with high mansions and looking like the city of Indra. O descendant of Bharata, in these houses were collected for the descendants of Vrishni and Pritha (Arjuna and Krishna) numerous well-flavoured and costly viands, drinks and other articles of enjoyments and floral wreathes and various perfumes. The party soon entered the inner apartments (of the house), adorned with many precious gems of pure brilliancy. Entering these apartments, every one of them began to sport at his pleasure.
The women with beautiful full hips and rising breasts with handsome eyes and unsteady gait for drink began to sport.
Some sported at their pleasure in the woods, some in the waters and some within the houses as directed and commanded by Krishna and Partha (Arjuna).
O king, Draupadi and Subhadra, exhilarated with wine, gave away costly robes and ornaments to the women that were sporting there.
Some amongst them danced in joy and some began to sing; some laughed and jested and some drank excellent wines.
Some obstructed one another's progress, some fought with one another and some again talked with one another in private and some cut jokes at one another.
Those woods, filled with the charming music of the flute, guitars and drums, became the scene of prosperity itself.
When such was the state of things there, the descendants of Kuru and Dasharha (Krishna and Arjuna) went to a certain charming spot near by.
O king, after having gone there, the two illustrious Krishna, the two subjugators of the hostile cities, (Krishna and Arjuna) sat themselves down on two very costly seats.
Partha and Madhava amused themselves there by talking over their past achievements and discoursing on heroism and various other topics.
When Vasudeva and Dhananjaya were thus happily sitting together (in that charming spot), like the twin Ashvinis in heaven, a certain Brahmanas came to them.
He looked like an old Shala tree, his complexion was like that of heated gold, his beard with bright yellow tinged with green, the height and thickness of his body were in just proportion.
He had matted locks, he was attired in rags, he was as effulgent as the morning sun, his eyes were like lotus-leaves, his colour was tawny and he appeared to be blazing in splendour.
Seeing that foremost of Brahmanas blazing with splendour coming towards them, Arjuna and Vasudeva hastily rose up and stood waiting (to receive command).
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon that Brahmana thus spoke to Arjuna and Vasudeva of Satvata race," You two, who are now staying so near the Khandava, are two foremost of men.
I am a voracious Brahmana that eats much. O descendants of Vrishni and Pritha, I ask you to gratify me by giving me sufficient food."
Having been thus addressed, Krishna and the Pandava (Arjuna) thus spoke to him, " Tell us what food will gratify you. We shall try to give it to you."
Having been thus addressed, the illustrious Brahmana thus spoke to those two heroes who were enquiries what kind of food he wanted.
The Brahmana said:
I do not wish to eat ordinary food. Know that I am Agni (fire). Give me that food which suits me.
This Khandava (forest) is every protected by Indra. I always fail to consume it, because it is ever protected by that illustrious god.
There lives (in this forest) his friend the Naga Takshaka with his relatives and followers. It is for him that the wilder of thunder (Indra) protects it.
Many other creatures are also protected by him (in this forest) for the sake of Takshaka. Although I am ever desirous of consuming it, I cannot do it for Indra's prowess.
Whenever he sees me blazing up (in this forest), he pours upon me waters from the clouds. I cannot thus succeed to consume it, though very much desirous of doing it.
I have now come to you, you are both great experts in arms. I shall be able to consume Khandava with your help. This is the food I desire to have from you.
Expert as you are in excellent weapons, I pray you to prevent the showers of rain from coming down upon me and to prevent also any creatures from escaping when I begin to consume it (the forest).
Janamejaya said:
Why did the high-souled Agni desire to consume the forest of Khandava, abounding in various living creatures and protected by Indra?
When Agni consumed the Khandava in wrath, there was certainly a grave cause for it. I desire to hear from you all this in detail. O Rishi, tell me why the Khandava (forest) was consumed (by fire) in the days of yore.
O king, hear I am telling you the whole story of why Khandava forest was consumed by the fire.
Vaishampayana said:
O best of men, I shall narrate to you the story of the destruction of the Khandavas as told by the Rishis in the Puranas.
O king, it has been heard in the Puranas that there was a king named Shvetaki who was endued with both strength and prowess and who was a rival to Indra himself.
None has equalled him in sacrifices, charity and intelligence. He performed five great sacrifices and many other smaller ones, in all of which Dakshinas (presents to Brahmanas) were very large.
O king, the heart of that monarch was always set upon sacrifices, religious rites and gifts of all kind. That greatly intelligent king performed sacrifices for many years, assisted by the Ritvijas till they, becoming weak and their eyes afflicted with smoke, left that king, wishing never more to assist him at his sacrifices. The king, however, again and again asked them to come to him, but on account of their sore eyes, they did not come.
Thereupon the king with the permission of the Ritvijas completed his sacrifices with the assistance of other Ritvijas.
Some days after, he desired to perform another sacrifice which would extend for one hundred years. But the illustrious king did not get any Ritvijas.
They high-souled king with his friends and relatives again and again courted them by bowing down to them, by conciliatory speeches and by the gifts of wealth. But they refused to accomplish the purpose of that greatly effulgent (king).
Thereupon that royal sage thus spoke to them in anger, sitting in their own hermitage, "O Brahmanas, if I were a fallen person, if I were in wanting in service to you, I should then deserve to be abandoned by you and other Brahmanas.
O excellent Brahmanas, as I am neither degraded, nor wanting in homage to you, you should not obstruct sacrifice performed by me and abandon me thus without sufficient reason. O Brahmanas, I seek your protection, you should be propitious to me. O excellent Brahmanas, if you abandon me from enmity alone, I shall go to other Brahmanas and I shall ask for their assistance at my sacrifice. Conciliating them with sweet words and speeches, I shall tell them what is my business to be done so that they may accomplish it."
Having said this, the king became silent. The Brahmanas knew well that they could not assist that chastiser of foes at his sacrifice; therefore they pretended to be angry with that best of kings and they said, "O best of kings, your sacrifices are incessant.
We have been fatigued by assisting you (at your sacrifices). We are tried in consequence of this labour; therefore, you should give us leave (to go away). O sinless one, from your loss of judgement only you cannot wait. Go to Rudra (Shiva); he will assist you at your sacrifice."
Having heard these words of censure and wrath, the king Shvetaki became angry. Going to the Kailasa mountain, he begin to worship the God (Shiva), observing rigid vows and performing austere penances. Giving up all food, he passed many years.
He only ate fruits and roots sometimes at the twelfth and sometimes at the sixteenth hour of the day.
He stood like the trunk of a tree. For six months with upraised arms and eyes fixed, the king performed the severest penances there (on the Kailasa mountain).
O descendant ofBharata, Shankara (Shiva) was greatly pleased; and he at last appeared before him.
He said," O chastiser of foes, O best of men, I have been much pleased with your asceticism.
O king, now ask the boon you desire," Hearing these words of the immeasurably effulgent Rudra (Shiva). The royal sage bowed to him and thus replied to him,
"O illustrious one, O chief of the celestial, O god of gods, if you are pleased with me, assist me then in my sacrifices." Having heard these words of the king, the deity was pleased and smilingly replied,
"We ourselves do not assist at scarifies. But O king, O chastiser of foes, as you have undergone the severest of penances with the desire of obtaining a boon, I shall assist you at your sacrifice on this condition.
Rudra said:
O king of kings, if for full twelve years you can incessantly pour libations of ghee into the sacrificial fire, you yourself leading all the while the life of a Brahmachari. Then, O king, you can obtain me, for the purpose for which you ask me."
Having been thus addressed by Rudra, the king Shvetaki did what he was asked to do by the wielder of Shula (Shiva). When twelve years were completed, he again came to Maheshwara (Shiva).
On seeing the king and being much pleased with him, the creator of the world Shankara (Shiva) spoke thus to that best of monarchs, Shvetaki.
"O best of kings, I have been pleased with your (great) act. O chastiser of foes, the duty of assisting at scarifies belongs to the Brahmanas.
O chastiser of foes, therefore, I shall not myself assist you at your sacrifice today. There is one earth a greatly illustrious and best of Brahmanas who is a portion of my own self.
He is known by the name of Durvasa. He will assist you at your sacrifice. He is endued with ascetic powers, he will assist you. Therefore, let every preparation be made (by you)".
Having heard these words of Rudra, the king returned to his capital and begin to collect all that were necessary for his sacrifice.
When every thing had been collected, the king again appeared before Shankara and said, "Every necessary things has been collected. And through your grace all my preparations are ready. O god of gods, let me, therefore be installed in the sacrifices tomorrow." Having heard these words of the illustrious king. Rudra summoned Durvasa and spoke to him thus, O best of Brahmanas, this is the high-souled king Shvetaki. O chief of Brahmanas assist him at his sacrifice at my command." The Rishi said to Rudra, "Be it-so."
Thereupon the sacrifice for which the illustrious king made preparations who performed according to the ordinance, at the proper season and a with large amount of Dakshinas.
When the sacrifice of that illustrious king came to an end, all the other priests that assisted at it went away with the permission of Durvasa. All other greatly effulgent Sadasyas also, who had been installed in that sacrifice, went away. O king, then that high-souled (royal sage) entered his own palace.
The Brahmanas well-versed in the Vedas adorned him and singers praised him. The people of the city welcomed him.
The great king Shvetaki was always righteous. After a long time, adorning by all, he went to the heaven accompanied by all members and Ritvijas of the sacrifice. Agni drank ghee for twelve years in his sacrifice.
In that unique sacrifice Agni drank large quantity of Ghee, which provided him enormous satisfaction.
Now, he had no desire to take more oblation from others. Thereupon the illustrious Agni became pale, (because he drank a very large quantity of ghee in that sacrifice). He could not shine as before.
Then the lord Agni brought some mistransformations in his stomach. Being lusterless he felt hatred.
Seeing himself pale, Agni went to the sacred abode of Brahma ever adorned by all.
Coming to Brahma seated (on his throne), he spoke to him thus, " King Svetaki satisfied me by his sacrifice. O lord of the universe, I am reduced both in splendour and strength. I desire to regain my own permanent nature through your grade."
Having heard these words of Agni, the illustrious creator of all the worlds. Smilingly thus spoke to Agni, "You have drunk continuously for twelve years a very large quantity of ghee poured into your mouth. O exalted Deity, it is for this you have been affected with illness. O Agni, you have, therefore, suddenly lost both your splendour strength. O Agni, do not grieve for it. You shall soon regain your own nature. I shall dispel you this malady.
O Agni, the abode of the enemies of the celestial, the fearful forest of Khandava, which at the request of the celestial you reduced to washes in the days of yore has again been filled with numerous creatures. When you will eat the fat of all those creatures (now living in the Khandava), you will then regain your own nature.
Go there soon to consume it with all its living creatures. You will then certainly be cured of your malady." Having heard these words that were uttered by the Supreme Deity, Agni proceeded with great speed (towards that great forest). Arriving at the fearful Khandava forest in full vigour, he suddenly blazed up with the help of the wind.
Seeing the Khandava on fire, the dwellers of that forest made great efforts to extinguish it.
Hundreds and thousands of elephants speedily brought water in their trunks and they scattered it over the fire in great wrath.
Many-headed snakes, becoming mad with anger, speedily scattered on the fire water from their many hoods.
O best of the Bharata race, they and the other creatures that lived in that forest soon extinguished the fire by various means and efforts.
Thus Agni blazed forth again and again in the Khandava (forest), but the blazing fire was again and again extinguished by the dwellers of that forest.
Vaishampayana said:
Then Agni in despair and his malady (uncured) came to the grandsire in anger.
He told Brahma all that had happened. The illustrious one, then reflecting for a moment, spoke thus to him,
"O sinless one, I see a means by which you may consume Khandava today. O Agni! wait for some time, then you will consume.
O Fire! Nara and Narayana will assist you. Accompanied by both of them you will burn Khandava.
Agni said to Brahma 'so it be'. Thereafter knowing the incemation of Nara and Narayana he remembered the words of Brahma and he went to him.
Then Brahma addressed him that I see a means by which you may consume Khandava today even before the very sight of the husband of Sachi (Indra).
O Vibhavasu, the two old deities Nara and Narayana have become incarnates in the world of men to accomplish the purposes of the dwellers of heaven (the celestial).
They are called on earth Vasudeva (Krishna) and Arjuna. They are now staying near the Khandava (forest). Ask those two (heroes) to help you in consuming the Khandava. You will then be able to consume it, even if it be protected by the celestial.
They will certainly prevent the dwellers of the Khandava to escape; and they will thwart Indra also. I have not the least doubt in this."
Having heard his words, Agni speedily came to Krishna and Arjuna. What he said to those illustrious pair, I have already told you. O best of kings, hearing these words of Agni who desired to consume the foes of Pandava against the wishes of Indra, Vivatsu (Arjuna) said to him these words will suited to the occasion.
"I have numberless excellent celestial weapons with which I can fight even with many wielders of thunder(Indra).
But, O illustrious one, I have no bow suited to the strength of my arms and capable of bearing the might I put fourth in battle.
In consequence of the great lightness of my hands, I require arrows that will be inexhaustible (in the quiver). My car also is hardly able to bear the load of arrows that I desire to keep by me.
I desire to have (some) celestial horses of pure white colour, possessing the speed of the wind and (I also desire to have) a car, possessing the splendour of the sun; the clatter of its wheels should resemble the roars of clouds.
Then there is no weapon suited to Krishna's prowess. He requires weapon like the one with which Mahadeva (Shiva) kills Nagas and Pishachas in the battle.
O illustrious one, you should give us the means by which we may gain success; and we can prevent Indra from pouring rains on that extensive forest.
O Agni, we are ready to do what is possible to be done by manliness and prowess. O illustrious one, but you should give us the proper means.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed, the illustrious smoke-banned (deity) Agni recollected Varuna, the protector of the world, the son of Aditi and the lord of waters having his home in the waters, He too knowing that he was thought of, appeared before Agni.
The smoke-banned deity (Agni) with reverence welcomes the lord of the waters, the foremost of the Lokapalas, the eternal god of gods and he then thus spoke to him,
"Give me without delay the bow and the quiver and also the ape-banned chariot which were obtained from the king Soma.
Partha will (today) accomplish a great deed with the Gandiva (the bow in question) and Vasudeva also with the discus. Therefore, give them both to me today."
Varuna said to Agni, "I am giving." He then gave him that jewel of a bow, Gandiva, a bow endued with great energy. It was a great enhancer of fame and achievements, it was incapable of being injured by any weapon, it was the chief of all weapons and the gem of them all, it was the smiter of hostile armies and it was alone equal to one hundred thousand bow; it was the enhancer of kingdoms and it was variegated with excellent colours; it was well-adomed and beautiful to look at without a mark of weakness and injury anywhere and it was always worshipped both by the celestial and the Gandharvas.
He also gave him a chariot filled with celestial weapons and having a large ape as its standard. Yoked to that chariot were steeds as white as the silver or the fleecy clouds, they were born in the regions of the Gandharvas and they were all adorned with golden harness. They had the speed of the wind or the mind. The chariot was equipped with every instruments of war and was incapable of being vanquished by the celestial or the Asuras.
Its splendour was very great and the sound of its wheels were tremendous; it delighted the heart of every creature that looked at it. It was created by Prajapati after severe ascetic mediation. It was as effulgent as the sun and its splendour was so great that none could gaze at it. It was that very chariot riding on which the lord Soma defeated the Danavas.
Resplendent with beauty, it looked like an evening could reflecting the splendour of the sun. It was furnished with an excellent flag-staff of golden colour and beauty. And there sat upon that staff a fierce-looking celestial ape which looked like a lion or a tiger.
Stationed on high the ape seemed bent upon burning everything it saw. There were other creatures also on other flags.
Whose roars caused the soldiers of the enemy's army to faint away. Then walking round that excellent car adorned with various flags and banners and bowing to the celestial, Arjuna, attired in armour, armed with sword and his fingers increased in leather, ascended it as a virtuous man (on a celestial car that takes him to heaven).
Taking upto that celestial and the best of all bows, that which was created by Brahma in days of yore and which was called Gandiva, Arjuna became exceedingly glad. Bowing down to Agni, the greatly powerful hero took up the bow with force and stringed it. His heart trembled who heard the noise that was made while the bow was stringed by the mighty Pandava (Arjuna).
Having obtained that chariot and bow and the two inexhaustible quivers the son of Kunti became exceedingly glad; and he then thought that he was competent to assist Agni in the task. Then (Agni) gave Krishna a discuss with a piece of iron attached to its centre.
It was a desirable fiery weapon and on receiving it, he too became competent to assist Agni. Then Agni said, "O slayer of Madhu Krishna, you shall certainly, with the help of this weapon, be able to defeat you enemies, even if they are not human. O Madhava, with this weapon you shall certainly be superior to men and gods, to Rakshasas and Pishachas, to Daityas and Nagas. You shall certainly be able to kill all creatures with this weapon.
Being hurled at your enemy by you in battle, it will irresistibly kill the enemy and it will then again come back to your hands."
Then lord Varuna gave him (Krishna) a club, named Kaumodaki, capable of killing every Daityas and producing a roar like that of the thunder.
Then Arjuna and Achyuta (Krishna) thus spoke to Agni in joy, "O illustrious one, furnished ass we are now with great weapons and well conversant with their use and possessed as we are of cars with flats and flat-staff, we are now able to fight even with all the celestial and the Asuras put together, not to speak of the wielder of thunder (Indra) who desire to fight for the sake of the Naga Takshaka.
Arjuna said:
O Agni, when the greatly powerful Hrishikesha Krishna moves on the field of battle with this discuss in hand, there is nothing in the three worlds which he is not able to consume by hurling his weapon. Having obtained the bow Gandiva and these two inexhaustible quivers, I am also ready to vanquish the three worlds.
Therefore, O lord, blaze as much as you like. Surround this large forest with fire. We are quite capable of helping you.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by Dasharha (Krishna) and Arjuna, the illustrious (Agni) put forth his most energetic form and he then prepared himself to consume that forest.
Having surrounded it from all sides with his seven flames and appearing as fearful as he appears at the end of a Yuga, he begin to consume the Khandava.
O best of the Bharata race, having surrounded that forest and catching it on all sides, he roared like that of the clouds and made every creature within it tremble (with fear).
O descendant of Bharata, that burning forest looked like, the resplendent Meru, the king of the mountains, blazing with the rays of the sun falling on it.
Vaishampayana said:
Then those two foremost of car warriors (Krishna and Arjuna), riding on their cars and placing themselves each on one side of the burning forest, began a great slaughter of all creatures.
Wherever and whenever they saw any creature, any dweller of the Khandava, escaping from the fire, those two great heroes immediately shot it down.
There cars moved so fast round the forest that the creatures dwelling in it saw not the smallest space between the two rushing cars (so that they might escape by that way). Those two excellent cars seemed to be one car and those two heroes also seemed as if they were one man.
When the Khandava was on fire, hundreds and thousands of living creatures, uttering fearful yells, ran in all directions.
Some had their limbs burnt, some were scorched with the excessive heat, some had their eyes burst out, some were withered away and some .ran about in fear.
Some died calmly within the forest clasping their children and some their parents and brothers; they were unable to abandon those that were dear to them out of excessive affection.
Many rose high upwards, biting their nether lips, but they soon again fell below whirling into the blazing fire.
Some were seen rolling on the ground with their wings, eyes and feet scorched and burnt. They were soon after found to be dead.
The tanks and the ponds that lay within that forest were heated with the fire and they began to boil. The fishes and tortoises that were in their waters were all seen to perish.
In that great massacre of creatures in that forest, the burning bodies of various animals looked as if Agni had assumed to many forms.
The birds that took to their wings to escape from that fire were soon pierced by Arjuna's arrows; and being cut down to pieces, they again fell into the burning fire.
Being pierced by Arjuna's arrows the flying birds again fell into the Khandava with great speed and uttering loud cries.
Being pierced by the arrows, the dwellers of that forest begin to cry and the noise they made was like the fearful noise that rose at the churning of the ocean.
The great flame of the blazing fire rose to the sky and created a great anxiety in the minds of the dwellers of heavens the Devas.
Thereupon all the illustrious celestial went in a .body to their chief of one hundred sacrifices and one thousands eyes the grinder of the Asuras, Indra.
The Celestial said :
O lord of the immortals, who does Agni burn all the creatures below? Has the time for the destruction of the world come?
Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and himself seeing what Agni was doing, the slayer of Vitra (Indra) set out to save the creatures from the fire.
The lord of the celestial, Vasava soon covered the sky with masses of clouds of various kinds; he then began to pour rain.
As soon as commanded by the king of the celestial, those hundreds and thousands of clouds begin to shower on the Khandava forest in as thick drops as the flag-staffs of war-chariots.
But the showers were all dried up even in the sky by the heat of the fire; and they could not reach the fire below.
The slayer of Namuchi (Indra) becoming very angry with Agni, again collected many more masses of clouds and made them shower a heavy down-pour.
Then the flames fought with that heavy shower and those masses of clouds overhead. The forest, being filled with smoke and lightings, became fearful to look at.
Vaishampayana said:
The son of Pandu, Vivatsu (Arjuna), calling his excellent weapons to his help, stopped that shower of rain by means of a shower of his own.
The high-souled Pandava covered the Khandava forest with innumerable arrows, as the atmosphere is filled with a thick fog.
When the sky over the forest was thus covered with the arrows of Savyasachi (Arjuna), not a single creature could escape (from that forest).
The greatly powerful king of the Nagas Takshaka, was not there. When the forest was on fire, he was absent in Kurukshetra where he had gone.
But the powerful son of Takshaka, named Ashvasena, was there (in the forest); and he made great efforts to escape from the fire.
Confined by Arjuna's arrows, he could not succeed to come out (of the forest), but the snakes lady, his mother, determined to save his life.
She first swallowed his head and then she began to swallow his tail; in that state she then attempted to save her son and rose to the sky.
As soon as the Pandava (Arjuna) saw her escaping, he cut off her head by means of sharp arrows, but the husband of Sachi, the wielder of thunder, Indra, saw all this; and he resolved to save the son of his friend. He raised a violent wind and deprived Arjuna of his consciousness. In the meantime Ashvasena succeeded in effecting his escape.
Having seen this fearful delusion and having been deceived by the Nagas, the Pandava cut down all creatures into two three or more pieces.
Vivatsu (Arjuna) cursed in anger the Naga that had so deceitfully escaped; so did Vasudeva (Krishna) and Agni. They said, "Never shall you be able to win fame or position."
Then remembering the deception practised on him, Jishnu (Arjuna) became very much angry and covering the sky with a cloud of arrows, he sought to fight with the god of thousand eyes(Indra).
Seeing Arjuna in wrath, the king of the celestial also sought to fight with him. He hurled his very fearful weapons and covered whole of the sky.
Then greatly roaring winds, agitating all the oceans, gathered together masses of clouds charged with torrents of rains.
Thereupon those clouds, charged with thunder-rattle, vomited thunder and flashes of lightings; but to dispel them Arjuna hurled and excellent weapon. Named Vayavya (wind weapon) with proper Mantras. In a moment it destroyed the force and the energy of Indra's thunder and it dried up the water that was in those masses of clouds; it then destroyed the lightings that played amongst them.
(In a moment) the sky was cleared off dust and darkness; delicious and cool breeze began to blow and the sun regained its normal state. Then Agni, sprinkled over with the fat that came out of the burning bodies of the various creatures, blazed up with all his flames and filled the universe with his roars.
O great king, seeing that the forest was protected by the two Krishnas, many feathery creatures of the Garuda race proudly came down from the sky with the desire of striking those two heroes Krishna and the Pandava (Arjuna) with their thunder like strong wings, breaks and claws.
Many Nagas also came down upon the Pandava (Arjuna), all with faces emitting most virulent poisons.
Partha cut them to pieces by his arrows which appeared as if they had been steeped in the fire of his wrath. They (those birds and snakes) all fell into the burning fire below.
Wishing to fight, there also came innumerable Asuras, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Rakshasas and Nagas, all uttering fearful yells.
Armed with instruments which vomited iron balls and bullets from their throats and with machines and propelled huge stones and rockets, they rushed forward to strike Krishna and Partha.
Though they rained a fearful shower of weapons, Vivatsu (Arjuna) cut off their heads with his sharp arrows.
That slayer of foes, the greatly effulgent Krishna, also made a great slaughter of the Daityas and the Danavas with his discus.
Being struck with the force of his discus and pierced with his arrows, many immeasurably powerful Asuras became as motionless as the waifs and strays thrown on the shores by the waves.
Then the lord of the celestial Indra, riding on him white elephant, rushed upon the two heroes and speedily taking up his irresistible thunder bolt he hurled it with great force. The slayer of the Asuras (Indra) said to the celestial, " These two (Krishna and Arjuna) are already killed."
Thereupon seeing the great thunder about to be hurled by the great Indra, the celestial each took up his own respective weapon.
O king, Yama took up his death dealing club, the lord of wealth (Kubera) his mace, Varuna his noose and his beautiful missiles,
Skanda (Kartikeya) took up his weapon Shakti and he stood as motionless as Meru mountain. The Ashvinis stood up with their fiery plaints in there hands.
Dhatri (creator) stood with his bow in hand and Jaya with a great club, the greatly strong Tvashtri took up in anger a huge mountain.
Surya took up a bright dart and Mrityu a battle axe. Aryamana taking up a fearful bludgeon walked about.
Mitra stood there taking up a discuss as sharp as a razor. O king, Pushkara, Bhaga and Savita. Rushed upon Partha and Krishna with bows and swords in their hands.
The Rudras, the Vasus, the greatly powerful Marutas. The Vishvadevas and the Sadhyas, all blazing in their own effulgence, these and many other celestial, armed with various weapons, rushed upon those two best of men, Krishna and Partha, with the desire of killing them.
Then a wonderful phenomenon was seen in that great battle. Mysterious protects appeared, resembling those that appear at the great dissolution. Seeing this and seeing also Indra with millions of celestial prepared for fight. They (Krishna and Arjuna), fearless and invincible in battle, stood calmly with their bows in hands.
Well-skilled in battle those warriors angrily attacked the advancing hosts of the celestial with their thunder-like arrows.
They the celestial left the battle (field) in fear and sought the protection of Indra.
Seeing the celestial routed by Madhava (Krishna) and Arjuna. The Rishis who were in the sky became very much astonished.
Indra also, seeing that great prowess in the battle. Became exceedingly pleased; and he once more rushed upon them.
The chastiser of Paka (Indra) then sent down a shower of stones to ascertain the power of Savyasachi (Arjuna).
Who could draw his bow even with his left hand, but Arjuna dispelled that shower. Seeing his showers dispelled (by Arjuna), the god of one thousand sacrifices (Indra), the chastiser of Paka, once more sent down a thick shower of stone.
The son of the chastiser of Paka Arjuna gave great pleasure to his father Indra by dispelling that shower also by his greatly swift arrows.
Then Shakra Indra, wishing to kill the son of Pandu, tore up with his hands a large peak from the Mandara mountain with trees and all; he then hurled it against him.
But Arjuna soon cut down that mountain peak into thousand pieces by his swift and fire-mouthed arrows.
Fragments of that mountain peak in falling through the sky, looked as if the sun, the moon and the planets loosened from their positions fell down on earth.
The fragments of that huge peak fell down on that forest and they killed numerous creatures, the dwellers of the Khandava.
Vaishampayana said:
The dwellers of the Khandava the Danavas, the Rakshasas, the Nagas the wolves and the bears, the other wild animals, the elephants with their temples rent, the tigers, the lions with manes, hundred of deer and buffaloes, birds and various other creatures, all being frightened by the falling stones and afflicted with anxiety, began to fly in all directions.
They saw the fire and also two Krishnas ready with their weapons. Frightened at the fearful sounds, they lost their power of locomotion. Seeing the fire burning in innumerable places and seeing also Krishna with weapons to shoot them down they all set up a terrible roar.
The whole of the firmament resounded with a terrible roar and with also the roar of the fire, as when the clouds roar at the time of the great dissolution.
The mighty-armed Krishna (dark) Keshava hurled at them for their destruction his large, fierce and greatly effulgent discuss.
The dwellers of that forest, including the Danavas and the Rakshasas, were struck by that weapon; and being cut into hundred of pieces, they fill into the mouth of Agni (fire).
Mangled by Krishna's discus, the Daityas were covered with fat and blood; and they looked like the evening clouds.
O descendant of Bharata, the Vrishni hero Krishna, moving about like Death himself, killed again and again thousands of birds, the Pishachas, the Nagas and other creatures.
The discus, being hurled from the hands of Krishna, the slayer of foes killed innumerable creatures; and then it came back again to his hands.
While he was thus engaged in killing the Pishachas, the Nagas and the Rakshasas, the face and the feature of Krishna, the soul of all creatures, became fearful to look at.
Now the celestial that came to fight and mustered there could not defeat Krishna and Arjuna in battle.
When the celestial found that they could not extinguish the fire or protect the forest from the prowess (of Arjuna and Krishna), they retired.
O king, the deity of one hundred sacrifices (Indra),seeing the immortals retreat (from the battle), became exceedingly glad and much praised Keshava (Krishna) and Arjuna.
When the celestial retreated, an invisible voice thus spoke in a loud and deep voice to the deity of one thousand sacrifices (Indra).
"Your friend, that best of the Nagas, Takshaka, has not been slain. Before the fire broke out in the Khandava, he had gone to Kurukshetra.
O Vasava, known from what I say that none can ever defeat in battle Vasudeva (Krishna) and Arjuna. They are Nara and Narayana. These two Rishis were formerly heard of in heavens. You will know what is their prowess and energy. They are invincible in battle; these two best of old Rishis are incapable of ever being defeated by any in all the worlds.
They deserve worship from all the celestial, the Asuras, the Yakshas, the Rakshasas, the Gandharvas, the human beings, the Asuras and the Nagas.
O Vasava, therefore, you should go away from this place with all the celestial. The destruction of the Khandava (forest) has been ordained by fate."
Having ascertained these words to be true, the lord of the immortals Indra gave up his wrath and jealousy and went back to heaven.
O king, seeing that illustrious celestial gone away, the dwellers of heaven all followed Indra with their soldiers.
When those two heroes, Vasudeva and Arjuna, saw the chief of the celestial retreat with all the dwellers of heaven, they set up a leonine roar.
O king, when Indra had gone away Keshava and Arjuna became exceedingly glad. Those two heroes then fearlessly assisted Agni to consume that forest.
Having scattered the celestial as the wind scatters the cloud, Arjuna killed with the showers of arrows numberless creatures who dwelt in the Khandava.
Cut off by Savyasachi's (Arjuna's) arrows, not one among those innumerable creatures could escape (from that burning forest).
Not to speak of fighting with him none amongst the strongest creatures, who mustered together to fight, could even look at Arjuna with infallible arms. Sometimes piercing one hundred creatures with one arrow and sometimes piercing one creature with one hundred arrows.
Arjuna (whirled about one his car). All creatures fell into the mouth of Agni as if struck dead by (Death himself). The creatures found no ease on the banks of the river, or on uneven plains, of in Sakshatas (crematoriums).
Everywhere they were afflicted with great heat. Innumerable creatures yelled in pain.
Elephants, deer and wolves all wept and set up cries of affliction. At the sound the fishes that lived in the waters of the Ganges and the sea.
The various classes of Vidhyadharas, the dwellers of that forest became very much alarmed. O mighty-armed hero, not to speak of fighting with Arjuna and Krishna dark Janardana, none could even look at them.
(Krishna) killed with his discus all the Rakshasas, the Nagas and the Danavas who rushed out in crowds.
Those creatures of huge bodies, their heads and trunks cut off by the swift discus, deprived of their lives, fell down into the burning fire.
Being gratified with a large quantity of flesh, blood and fat, the flames rose up to a great height with curling wreath of smoke. Agni with fiery and coppery eyes and with flaming tongue and large mouth.
Agni with fiery hair on his head, drank with the assistance of Krishna and Arjuna that nectar-like stream of fat. He was filled with great joy and thus being much gratified, he enjoyed much happiness.
Then the slayer of Madhu saw an Asura, named Maya suddenly escaping from the abode of Takshaka.
Agni, whose charioteer was the wind, immediately assuming a body with (fiery) matted looks on his head and roaring like the clouds, pursued the Asura with the intention of consuming him.
Seeing the Asura, Vasudeva stood with his weapon upraised, ready to cut him down. Seeing the discus upraised and Agni after him, with the intention of burning him, Maya said "O Arjuna, come soon to me and protect me".
Having heard his frightened voice, Dhananjaya (Arjuna) exclaimed, "Do not fear."
O descendant of Bharata, the reply of Partha seemed to give (Maya) his life.
As the kind Partha said to Maya not to fear, the Dasharha hero (Krishna) did not desire to kill him who was the brother of Namuchi. Agni also did not burn him down.
Having been protected by Krishna and Partha from the attacks of the chastiser of Paka (Indra), the greatly intelligent Agni burnt the forest for fifteen days.
In the burning of that forest, he (Agni) speared the lives of only six creatures, (namely) Ashvasena, Maya and the four Sharangakas (a kind of feathery creatures).
Janamejaya said:
O Brahmana, tell me why Agni did not consume the Sharangakas when that forest was being burnt?
O Brahmana, you have narrated the cause of Ashvasena and Danava Maya having been not burnt, but you have not narrated the cause of the Sharangakas having been not burnt.
O Brahmana, the escape of the Sharanagakas seems to be wonderful. Tell us why they were not destroyed by Agni in the great conflagration.
Vaishampayana said:
O chastiser of foes, I shall tell you all about the reason for which Agni did not consume the Sharangakas in that conflagration.
O king, there was a great Rishi, the foremost of all virtuous men, known by the name of Mandapala. He was learned in all the Shastras and devoted to asceticism and rigid vows.
O king, following the footsteps of those Rishis who had brought their passion under complete control, he devoted himself to study and virtue and he became a victor over all his senses.
O descendant of Bharata, having reached the opposite shore of asceticism (gaining success in asceticism), he gave up his human body and went to the region of the Pitris. But he did not get there the fruits (of his virtuous actions).
He asked the dwellers of heaven (celestial) sitting round Dharmaraja (the king of the dead) what was the cause of his not getting the fruits of his severe asceticism.
Mandapala said:
Why have these regions become unattainable by me? I thought they have been acquired by me by my asceticism. What have I not done, the fruits of which are these regions?
O dwellers of heaven, tell me why these regions are shut against me. I will do that which will give me the fruit of my asceticism.
The Celestial said:
O Brahmana, hear of those acts and things for which men are born debtors. There is no doubt that men are born debtors for Kriya, religious rites, for Brahmacharya, study according to the ordinance and for progeny. These debts are discharged by scarifies, asceticism and offspring. You are an ascetic, you have also performed scarifies, but you have no offspring.
These regions are shut against you, because you have no offspring. Therefore, beget off spring you will then enjoy various regions of felicity.
It is said in Smriti, that the son rescues the father from the hell, called Put, O best of Brahmanas, therefore, try to be get children.
Vaishampayana said:
Having heard these words of the dwellers of heaven, Mandapala thought how he could obtain the largest number offspring within the shortest period of time.
After reflection, he came to the conclusion that the birds alone have the greatest power of fecundity. Becoming a Sharanagaka, he had connection, with a female Sharangaka, named Jarita.
He begot on her four sons who were all utterers of the Vedas. Leaving these sons with their mother in the forest while they were still within the eggs, he went to Lapita.
O descendant of Bharata, when the illustrious Rishi went away to Lapita. Jarita, filled with affection for her offspring, became very thoughtful.
Though forsaken by their father in that forest of Khandava, Jarita, out other affection for her children, could not forsake her of offspring, those infant Rishis still living within the eggs. She brought up those children, her self following the pursuit proper to her own species.
Sometime after, the Rishi Mandapala, while wandering in the forest with Lapita, saw Agni coming towards the Khandava to burn it.
Knowing the intention of Agni and remembering also that his children were all young, moved by fear, he gratified Agni, the greatly effulgent regent of the universe. He did it, wishing to say a word for his unfledged offspring.
Mandapala said:
O Agni, you are the mouth of all the worlds, you are the carrier of sacrificial ghee.
O purifier, you move invisible in the body of every creature. The learned have said that you are a unit and again you possess triple nature.
This wise perform their sacrifices before you and they consider you as having eight (murtis). The great Rishis say that this universe is erected by you.
O eater of the sacrificial ghee, this whole universe will be destroyed in a single day if you were not present in it. Bowing down to you, the Brahmanas, accompanied by their wives and children, go to the eternal regions acquired by them by their own (good) deeds. O Agni, the learned say that you are the clouds charged with lightning. The flames put forth by you consume every creatures, (on earth).
O effulgent deity, this universe is created by you. The Vedas are your words; all creatures, mobile and immobile, depend upon you.
Water primarily depends upon you. Whole universe also depends upon you. All offerings of sacrificial ghee and all libations of food offered to the Pitris have also been established in you.
O deity, you are the consumer, you are the creator, you are Brihaspati himself. You are Surya, you are Soma and you are Vayu.
Vaishampayana said:
O king, thus praised by Mandapala, Agni was much pleased with the immeasurably effulgent Rishi. He thus spoke to him with a delightful heart," what good can I do to you?"
Thereupon Mandapala with joined hands said to the carrier of sacrificial ghee fire, "When you will burn the Khandava, spare my sons."
The illustrious carrier of the sacrificial ghee Agni promised it by saying "Be it so." And then at that very movement he blazed up with the intention of burning the Khandava.
Vaishampayana said:
When the fire blazed up the Sharangakas became very much distressed. Afflicted with anxiety, they did not find any means of escape.
Their ascetic mother Jarita, full of grief and sorrow, seeing that her sons were too young to escape, wept and lamented in grief.
Jarita said:
Alas, the terrible fire, the enhancer of my misery, is coming towards us, illuminating the whole universe and burning the forest.
I am filled with sorrow for the sake of these infants with immature understanding and without feathers and feet, who are the sole refuge of our deceased ancestors.
The fire is rushing towards us, licking with its tongue the tallest trees and spreading fear all around. My unfledged children are incapable of effecting their escape.
I myself am incapable of escaping-specially taking all these (my children) with me. I am incapable of abandoning them; my heart is distressed for their sake.
Whom amongst my sons shall I leave behind and whom shall I carry with me? What should I do which is consistent with duty? O my infant sons, what is your opinion?
Even after good deal of reflection, I do not see any way of escape for you. I shall now cover you with my wings and die with you.
Your cruel father went away saying, "O Jarita, my race will depend on this Jaritari, because he is the eldest of my sons. My second son Sarisrikka will beget offsprings for the spread of my forefather's race; my third son Stambamitra will be devoted to asceticism; and my youngest son Drona will be the foremost of all the learned men in the Vedas."
Now this great calamity has befallen on us, whom shall I take with me? I am deprived of my judgement. What should I do consistent with duty? By exercising my judgement, I do not find any means of escape for my children from this fire.
Vaishampayana said:
The young Sharangakas thus spoke to their mother who was thus lamenting, "O mother, giving up all affection for us, go to the place where there is no fire.
If we are killed, you might have other children born to you, but, O mother, if you are killed, we shall have no children in our race.
O mother, taking into your consideration both these two calamities, the time has come for you to do that which will be for the good of our race.
Do not perform anything out of affection for your children. If you are saved, our father who is desirous of acquiring regions of felicity will have his wishes fulfilled.
Jarita said:
There is a hole here in the ground near to this tree; enter this hole without any delay; you shall then have no fear from fire.
O children, when you will enter it, I shall then cover its mouth with dust. This is the only means that I see for your escape from this blazing fire.
When the fire will be out, I shall then come back here to remove the ashes. If you want to escape from the fire, follow my advice.
The Sharangakas said:
We are but so many balls of flesh without having our feathers. If we enter the hole, there is no doubt the carnivorous mouse will destroy us all. Seeing this fear before us, we cannot enter the hole.
We do not know how we may escape from the fire, or from the mouse. We do not see how our father's act of procreation may not be in vain and how our mother may be saved.
If we enter the hole, the mouse will kill us. If we remain where we are, the sky-ranger Agni will destroys us. Taking both the (two) calamities into our consideration, (we think) death from the fire is preferable to the death by being eaten up.
To be eaten up by the mouse in the hole is a most ignoble death. But destruction of the body by fire is praised by the wise.
Jarita said:
The little mouse that came out of this hole was seized by a hawk with its claws and it has been carried away. Therefore, you may enter it without any fear.
The Sharangakas said :
We are not at all certain whether that mouse has been carried away by the hawk. There may be other mice living there. We have every fear from them.
There is every chance that the fire will not reach us in this place, for it may be carried away in some other direction by the wind. There is no doubt, however, that if we enter the hole, we shall be killed by the dwellers of the hole.
If we remain where we are, death is uncertain. O mother, a position in which death is uncertain is better than one in which it is certain. Therefore, it is your duty to escape, for if you live, you may have other children as good as ourselves.
Jarita said:
O children, I myself saw the great hawk, that best of birds, swoop down with great speed and fly away with the mouse from the hole. I quickly followed the bird and I pronounced blessings upon him for his carrying away the mouse from the hole, saying-
"O king of hawks, as you are flying away with our enemy, the mouse, in your claws, may you live in heaven with a golden body and having not a single foe.
When the hawk devoured the mouse, I then obtained his leave and returned to this place. O children, enter this hole with all confidence, you have nothing to fear. I myself has seen the mouse carried away by the illustrious hawk.
The Sharangakas said:
O mother, we do know whether the mouse has been really carried away by the hawk. We cannot enter the hole in the grounds without knowing it.
The Jarita said:
I know to a certainty that the mouse has been carried away by the hawk. Therefore, O children, you have nothing to fear. Do what I say.
The Sharangakas said:
O mother, we do not mean that you are trying to dispel our fears with a false story. When a person's reason is confused, his acts cannot be called his deliberate acts.
You have in no way been benefited by us; you do not know who we are. Why do you then try to save us to so much cost to yourself? Who are we to you?
You are young and handsome you are able to search for your husband. O mother, go to your husband and you will obtain excellent sons again.
Let us obtain the higher regions by entering the fire. If the fire does not consume us, you can then come back and obtain us.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by them, the female bird (Jarita) left them (her sons) in the Khandava; with great speed she went to the place where there was no fire and where there was safety.
Then Agni in haste and with fearful flames came to the spot where the sons of Mandapala were.
The (young) birds saw the blazing fire coming towards them. Then Jaritari spoke these wards in the hearing of Agni.
Jaritari said:
The intelligent men always remain wakeful in view of death. When the house of death approaches, he feels no pangs.
But a man with perplexed soul who does not remain wakeful (in view of death) feels the pangs of death when the hours of death come. He never gets salvation.
Sarisrikka said:
You are patient and intelligent. The time has come when our lives are in danger. There is no doubt one only amongst many becomes wise and brave.
Stambamitra said:
The elder brother is called the protector. It is the eldest brother who rescues (the younger brothers) from danger. If the eldest fails to rescue them what can the younger brothers do?
Drona said:
The cruel deity of fire with seven tongues and the seven mouths is coming towards our abode with all speed, blazing forth in his great splendour and licking up every thing on his way.
Vaishampayana said:
Having thus addressed one another, the sons of Mandapala then each with reverence uttered an eulogistic hymn to Agni. O king, listen to them as I recite.
Jaritari said:
O fire, you are the soul of our body you are the body of the earth's visitation. O Shukra, you are the progenitor of the water and the water is your progenitor as well.
O effulgent deity, your flame like the rays of the sun exists above, below, behind and on every side.
Sarisrikka said:
O smoke-banned deity, we cannot see our mother; we know not our father. Our feathers have not grown as yet. We have no one except you who can protect us. We are infants, therefore, O Agni protect us.
O Agni, we are in (great) distress. Protect us with your auspicious form and with your seven flames. We pray for your protection.
O deity, O carrier of the (sacrificial) ghee, O Agni, you are the giver of heat, you alone give heat to the rays of the sun. We are young, we are Rishis, protect us; and be pleased to go from this place by some other way.
Stambamitra said:
O Agni, you are every thing. The whole universe is established in you. You uphold every creature and you support the worlds.
O Agni, you are the career of (sacrificial) ghee, you are the great (sacrificial) ghee itself. The wise know you to be One and (at the same time) Many.
O carrier of (sacrificial) ghee (Agni), you create the three worlds and you again destroy them when the time comes for their destruction by swelling (your body to a fearful dimension). You are the progenerating mother of the whole universe; you are the essence also in which the universe dissolves.
Drona said:
O lord of the universe, growing in strength and remaining within their bodies, you cause to be digested the food that creatures eat. Every thing is established in you.
O Shukra, O deity from whose mouth the Vedas have sprung, in the form of the sun you suck up the waters of the earth and every liquid juice that earth yields. You then again in proper time and in proper season give them back in the form of rains; and you thus cause every thing to grow.
O Shukra, these plants and creepers with green leaves have all sprung through you. These tanks and ponds and the ever blessed great ocean also, have all sprung from you.
O deity of fearful rays, this our (mortal) body depends on Varuna (the god of waters). We are incapable of bearing your heat. Therefore, (O deity) be our blessed protector. Do not destroy us today.
O Agni of copper-coloured eyes and of red neck, O deity whose path is marked by black colour, save us as the ocean saves the houses on its banks by going away (from this place) by some other way.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by that utterer of the Vedas, Drona, the deity from whose mouth the Vedas have sprung (Agni) being well-pleased and remembering his promise to Mandapala, thus spoke.
Agni said:
O Drona, you are a Rishi, what you have said is the Vedic truth. I shall do your pleasure. You have nothing to fear.
I was formerly asked by Mandapala to spare his sons when consuming the forest. The words be spoke and your speech also both are entitled to great weight. Tell me what I am to do. O excellent Brahmana, I have been greatly pleased with your blessed hymn.
Drona said:
O Shukra, these eats trouble us every day. O fire, consume them with their friends and relatives.
Vaishampayana said:
O Janamejaya, telling them what were his intentions, Agni then accomplished all that the Sharanagakas asked him to do. Growing in strength, he then again began to consume the Khandava.
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Kuru, Mandapala became anxious for his sons. Although he had spoken of them to the deity of fearful rays (Agni), his mind was not in peace.
Being very much anxious for his sons, he spoke thus to Lapita, my children are not now in possession of the power of moving, how are they (now)? When the fire will grow in strength and when the wind will begin to blow with violence, my children will be incapable of saving themselves.
How shall their ascetic mother be able to save them? She will be afflicted with great sorrow when she will find herself unable to save them.
She will run about uttering various laminations; for my sons are incapable of flying or rising up in the air.
Alas, how is Jaritari, my son! How is Sarisrikka, how is Stamvamitra and how id Drona! Alas, how is also the ascetic lady (their helpless mother)!"
O descendant of Bharata, when the Rishi Mandapala was thus lamenting in the forest, Lapita, out of jealousy, thus replied to him,
"You need have no anxiety for your children who, as you have assured me, are all greatly effulgent and powerful Rishis. They can have no fear from the fire.
Did you not yourself in my presence speak to Agni on their behalf? Did not the illustrious deity promise to save them?
Being the protector of creatures, he (Agni) will never falsify his words. You have no anxiety in your mind, your heart is never inclined towards your friends.
It is only by thinking of her, my enemy (Jarita), that you are so very much in anxiety. It is certain that the love you bear for her is not equal to that you bear for me.
He who has two parties to divide his attention can easily see one of them suffer all sorts of pangs. But he can never disregard the party next to his heart.
Go to Jarita for whom your heart is so very sorrowful. As for myself, I shall roam alone, it would be a fit regard for me for having attached myself to a wicked man.
Mandapala said :
I do not roam over the world with such intentions as you believe. It is only for begetting offspring that I am here. But even those that I have is now in danger.
He who casts off that which he has for the sake of what he. may acquire(in future) is a wicked man. The world disregards and insults him. As for myself, you are at liberty to do what you choose.
This blazing fire that licks up the tries produces sorrow in my anxious heart; it create in my mind anticipations of fear.
Vaishampayana said:
After Agni has left the place where the Sharangakas lives, Jarita, very much attached to her sons, came with all speed to see how they all were.
She found that all of them had escaped from the conflagration and they were all well. Seeing their mother, they too began to weep, although they were safe and well.
Seeing them (well), she too shed tears again and again. She embraced one by one all her weeping children.
O descendant of Bharata, just at that very time, Mandapala suddenly arrived there, but none of his sons expressed any joy on seeing him.
But he spoke to them one after the other and he spoke also to Jarita, but none of them said ill or well to him in reply.
Mandapala said:
Who amongst these (my sons) is your first born and who is born next to him? And who is the third and who is the youngest?
I am speaking to you in sorrow; why do you not reply to me? It is true I left you, but I did not get peace where I was.
Jarita said:
What business have you with the eldest of these (sons) and with him also who is the next and with him also who is the third and with him who is the youngest?
Go to Lapita of sweet smiles who is endued with beauty and youth and to whom you had gone on seeing me difficult in every thing.
Mandapala said:
As regards woman, there is nothing that destroys their happiness more in this or the next world than a co-wife and a clandestine lover.
They inflame the fire of hostility and cause great anxiety. Even the auspiciously blessed and well behaved Arundhati, ever renowned among all creatures felt jealousy against the illustrious and pure minded Vasishtha, ever devoted to the greatly good of his wife. She insulted even that Rishi, one of the seven (great Rishis, the mind born sons of Brahma). On account of her that insulting thought, she has become a little star and looks like fire covered with smoke, sometimes visible and sometimes invisible, as if she is an evil omen.
I had connection with you for offspring. I have never wronged you as did not the Rishi (Vasishtha) of old, but you have become jealous as Arundhati (once was).
Men should never trust women, even if they be wedded wives. When women become mothers, they do not much care to serve their husbands.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon all his sons came to worship him. And he too giving them all assurance spoke kindly towards them.
Mandapala said:
I spoke to Agni about your safety, the illustrious deity also promised me that he would do what I wished.
On account of those words of Agni and also knowing the virtuous character of your mother and the great effulgence that are in you, I did not come here earlier.
O sons, therefore do not allow anger to enter your hearts. You are all Rishis, learned in the Vedas. Agni knows you full well.
Vaishampayana said:
Having thus assuring his sons, the Brahmana Mandapala took with him his wife and children; and leaving that region, he went away to some other country.
Having grown in strength, the illustrious deity of fearful rays also consumed the Khandava with the assistance of the two Krishna's for the good of the world.
Having drunk many rivers of fat and marrow, Agni became highly gratified and he then appeared before Arjuna.
Then Purandara (Indra), surrounded by the Marutas, came down from the sky and thus spoke to Partha and Keshava.
"You have achieved a feat that even a celestial can never do. Ask each of you a boon that is not obtainable by man. I am very much pleased with you".
Partha asked Indra to bestow upon him all his weapons. Thereupon the greatly effulgent Shakra (Indra) fixed the time to bestow them (on Arjuna). He then said,
"O son of Pandu, when the illustrious Mahadeva (Shiva) will be pleased with you, I shall then give you all my weapons.
O Kuru prince, O Dhananjaya I shall know when that time will come. I will bestow upon you for your severe asceticism all my fire and wind-weapons; you will accept them all from me."
Vasudeva (Krishna) asked that his friendship with Arjuna might last forever. The chief of the celestial (Indra) granted to the intelligent Krishna the boon he asked.
Having granted these boons to those (heroes) and having spoken to Agni, the lord of the Marutas, accompanied by the celestial, went away to heaven.
Agni also, having burnt that forest with all its creatures, animals and birds (continually) for fifteen days, became gratified; and he then extinguished himself.
Having eaten flesh in plentiful quantities and drank fat and blood (to his heart's content), he became highly gratified; he then thus spoke to Arjuna and Achyuta (Krishna), "I have been gratified by you two best of men. O heroes, you shall be able to go at my command wherever you like."
Having been thus addressed by the illustrious Agni, Arjuna and Vasudeva (Krishna) and the Danava Maya also then roamed there for sometime. They then all sat down on the charming banks of a river.
End of the ADI PARVA
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