(Kavitraya) MAHAA BHAARAT
(In Simple English)

Originally written in Sanskrit by Bhagavan Veda Vyaasa
(Krishna Dvaipaayana)
Translated into Telugu (a Regional Language of South India)
b y
Sri Nannaya Bhattaarakah
Sri Tikkana Somayaaji
Sri Yerra Pragada.
in Eleventh Century
( popularly known as Kavitrayam)
Commentary in simple English
by Sri. M.V.Subrahmanyam,
The story teller, Sooti, continued to tell Sounaka and other sages and saints assembled there to hear the story of Mahabharata.
In that way, Pandavas, along with their bows and arrows and mace and other weapons, proceeded towards northwards. Along with them, their close servants, accompanied in 14,000 chariots. Subhadra, Abhimanyu, Prativindhya and other sons of Pandavas also accompanied them.
On seeing this departure of Pandavas from Hastinapuram, the citizens of Hastinapura shed their tears.
"Why should Pandavas be invited for dice game? Why should they be defeated fraudulently? Is it just and proper to send them to forests? Why Bheeshma, Drona and other elders did not stop Suyodhana and Karna from doing this kind of illegal and improper acts? If the King himself is like this, where is dharma? How can we live in this kingdom? No. we cannot remain here. We will follow you even to forests " So saying, the residents of Hastina followed Pandavas to forest.
On seeing this, Dharmaja with folded hands requested all of them "My dear citizens of Hastinapra! Kindly listen to my words. We are going to forests. It is very difficult to live there even for one day. I dont like this. Kindly go back and lead a normal life in Hastinapura" said Dharmaja.
With tears in their eyes, they returned back. Later, all of them reached the banks of Holy Ganges.
But, inspite of the request of Dharmaja, number of Brahmins and their Sishyas followed Pandavas to forest.
Dharmaja observed them and said "O brahmins! You are all respectable priests. You are habituated to live peacefully. But if you accompany us to the forests, you have to eat leaves and roots along with us. Why should you invite troubles along with us? Kindly returnback to your respective places! asked Dharmaja.
All the Brahmins, with great respect towards the King Dharmaja said:
"You are our emperor. Whereever you are, we will be there. You need not worry about our food and shelter.We also will eat the leaves and roots along with you and live happily. We will fetch our food for ourselves. But we cannot return back to Hastinapura without you" said those Brahmins.
Dharmaja felt very sad about their plight. Daily the Brahmins eat sumptuous food. But how they survive in these forests with limited and uncooked food. Dharmaja was thinking aloud.
On hearing this, one saint Sounaka said to Dharmaja:
"Dharmaja, why you are worrying for these small things. Is it proper to worry for all these petty things. Wisemen will never feel for anything. All these attachments are temporary. You need not worry for all these things. You have to live like a drop of water on a lotus leaf. With these attachments, affection will arise. Out of affection, desires will come up. To fulfill the desire, greediness will follow. Anger follows it. Therefore, shed the greediness. A man who is greedy for money will dig his own grave. All the relatives will surround the rich man for his money. They always try to grab his money by hook or crook. Out of riches, pride will arise. Out of pride, selfishness will come out. Fear follows the selfishness. Thereore, dont strive for earning money." said Sounaka to Dharmaja.
"I do not require for myself. These are the brahmins who are following me and they are eating leaves and roots. I have to feed them because they accompanied us. They are my guests. Worshipping guests is the utmost duty of a king or head of the family. I have to provide sumptuous food for them. For that I require money. You know pretty well that providing bed for a sleepless person, water for a thirsty person, food for a hungry man, shelter for a tired person are the duties of a Gruhasthu. (family head). A man who cook and eat for himself is a sinner.If I do not provide food for them, they will die. I will become a sinner. Therefore, it is my duty to provide them food." said Dharmaja firmly.
"Dharmaja you are right. But sense organs always desire happiness. However wise he may be, it is difficult to control the sense organs. All the human beings are revolving in the outside world, influenced by the sense organs.
But realised souls follow the following principles.
1.Leaving love and jealousy.
2.practising mental balance.
3.Controlling sense organs.
4.Taking initiation from Guru.
5.Serving Guru.
6.Taking minimum food systamatically.
7.Learning Vedas and sacred texts.
8.Carryng out works without aspiring for results.
All those who follow these eight principles, they can easily act in the outside world without involving themselves in it. Therefore, Dharmaja, you also serve your Guru, listen what elders say, understand what you listen, keep it in mind what you understand, follow what is necessary and leave the rest. All the Vasus, Rudras, Adityas did Tapassu and acquired enormous wealth. You also do Tapassu and accomplish your desires." said Sounaka.
Then Dharmaja consulted his Purohit, Dhoumya and said: "We are living in these forests. Those Brahmins have accompanied us to these forests inspite of my repeated requests. How to acquire food for all these Brahmins. Tell me some solution" asked Dharmaja.
Dhoumya replied to Dharmaja "Dharmaja! on this earth, Sun is the only god who provide food for all the living beings. Therefore, you worship Sun God for food. He will fulfill your desire" said Dhoumya.
Dhoumya preached him the 108 sacred names of Sun God with their meanings. Dharmaja worshipped Sun God with great devotion. Satisfied with his worship, Sun God appeared before Dharmaja and gave him a copper vessel. "Dharmaja! as long as you are in forests, you put all the leaves, roots, fruits and other raw vegetables available in the forest, and ask your wife Droupadi to cook them. They will transform into four kinds of sumptuous food. You can feed any number of persons with that never ended food." so saying, Sun God disappeared. From then onwards, Droupadi was cooking sumptuous food in the copper vessel and serving it to all the brahmins who accompanied them. Pandavas and Droupadi, were eating the remaining food.
Later, Pandavas reached a forest area called Kamyaka Vanam.
Here, in Hastinapuram, King Dhrutarashtra asked Vidura: "Viduraa! Where are Pandavas? What they are doing? Tell me." asked Dhrutarashtra.
" O King Dhrutarashtra! Pandavas are divine souls. I cautioned you that due to the dice game, rivalry will arise between brothers. You paid no heed to my words. Even now, you can call them back and give them their due share in the kingdom. You leave Suyodhana who is influenced by the ill advises of Karna and Sakuni. Let Dussasana feel sorry and pray excuse for the misdeeds committed by him towards Droupadi and Bheema. Everything will be set right" said Vidura.
Dhrutarashtra grew angry. "What do you say Vidura? Suyodhana is my own son. How can I leave him. You always dislike my sons.You always curse them. I dont want your advise. You can go away as you like, either to Pandavas or elsewhere." said Dhrutarashtra.
Then Vidura left Hastinapura and proceeded to Kamyaka forest and met Pandavas. Dharmaja received Vidura with due honors. Dharmaja enquired about the welfare of his paternal uncle, Dhrutarashtra. Vidura told Dharmaja what had happened.
In the meanwhile, Dhrutarashtra came to know that Vidura joined hands with Pandavas. He could not live without Vidura. Immediately he sent Sanjaya to Pandavas to bring back Vidura to Hastinapuram. Sanjaya went to Kamyaka Forest, met Pandavas, extended the invitation of Dhrutarashtra to Vidura to come back to Hastina, and brought Vidura back to Hastina.
Dhrutarashtra embraced Vidura "Vidura! I am a fool. Hence I abandoned you. I am sorry. Kindly excuse me. I cannot live without you." said Dhrutarashtra.
"O King Dhrutarashtra, while you and your sons are violating Dharma, it is my duty to teach you Dharma. I am again and again telling you. Pandavas are more powerful. It is not good on your part to develop enmity with Pandavas." said Vidura. Dhrutarashtra kept quiet for the present.
Suyodhana felt happy when Vidura left Dhrutarashtra. But he could not relish the news that Vidura again was brought back by Sanjaya. He discussed the matter with Karna and Sakuni.
"Listen to me carefully. Vidura came back again and joined my father. He is now the Minister for my father. In case Vidura and my father join together and invite Pandavas back to Hastinapuram, what shall we do? What is your opinion?" said Suyodhana.
Sakuna did not accept this situation. "It will never happen. Pandavas shall always stick up to their words. They will never came back under any circumstances. You rest assured" said Sakuni.
But Karna did not agree with the view of Sakuni. "Now Pandavas are helpless. It is the appropriate time to wage war against Pandavas and kill them and destroy our enemies." said Karna.
Suyodhana accepted the proposal of Karna. He was making arrangements to wage war against Pandavas who were in forests, by gathering and moving the army.
Vyaasa came to know about this. He immediately approached Dhrutarashtra and said "Your son is making arrangements to wage war against Pandavas who are in forests. Of course, on comletion of 12 years forest life and one year underground life, war is imminent. Why they are eager for war? Stop them." said Vyaasa.
"What can I do? As a result of dice game, worst things happened. But in view of my love and affection towards my son I cannot leave him. What to do?" said Dhrutarashtra.
"Dhrutarashtra? One should love his sons. It is not wrong. But show some mercy on Pandavas who are in forests. All are equal to me. Hence I am advising you. Listen to me. If Dharmaja and Suyodhana became friends, your son may transform into a good individual." said Vyaasa.
"He never pays heed to my words. You yourself tell him about good and bad" said Dhrutarashtra.
"Saint Maitreya will come and teach him a lesson" so saying Vyasa went away.
After some days, Saint Maitreya first visited Pandavas in Kamyakavana. Then he proceeded to Hastinapura and met Dhrutarashtra.
"King Dhrutarashtra! I am coming from Kamyakavana forest. I met Pandavas also. They are living in forest by eating leaves and roots in the forest. But they are virtuous people. They got the blessings of great sages and saints. Therefore they are safe even in forests" said Maitreya.
At that time, Suyodhana was sitting by the side of his father. Maitreya looked at Suyodhana: "Suyodhana! listen to me.If you are wise, shed enmity with Pandavas. Save Kuru Dynasty and save yourself. Pandavas are more powerful. Bheema Sena is a mighty personality who killed, Baka, Hidimba and Jarasandha. There are none who can attack him in war. Besides that, Sri Krishna and Dhrushtasdyumna are relatives through their wives (Subhadra and Droupadi) and they always extend their help to Pandavas. Therefore, it is better to develop friendship with Pandavas. It is my sincere advice." said Maitreya.
Suyodhana smiled and laughed at him jokingly, by rubbing and patting his hands on his thighs. Maitreya grew angry for the misbehaviour of Suyodhana.
"Suyodhana! Listen. your thighs will be broken by Bheemasena with the heavy blows of his mace (gadha)" cursed Maitreya.
Dhrutarashtra shivered with fear. He prayed for mercy and requested the saint to take back his Saapa.
"O King, if your son repents for his untoward acts and behave properly, this Saapa will not work out. Otherwise, he will wreak the consequences."said Saint Maitreya.
Then Dhrutarashtra asked Saint Maitreya to tell him how Bheemasena killed the demon Kimmeeraa. "When your son paid a deaf ear to my words, why should I tell you about the death of Kimmeera. You ask Vidura. He will tell you in detail" said Maitreya and went away.
Then Vidura continued to say about the death of Kimmeera.
"One night, all the pandavas were taking rest in a forest. Then one demon attacked them. On seeing that demon, Droupadi closed her eyes with fear.
Dharmaja asked that demon "Who are you? Why you are staying in this forest?" asked Dharmaja.
"I am the brother of Bakaasura. My name is Kimmeera. We generally kill human beings and east human flesh. I reside in this forest. Eerybody is afraid of me. Nobody will enter this forest. Who are you? Why you have come here?" asked Kimmeera.
"My name is Dharmaja. They are my brothers, Beema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. We are living in forests. Hence we are here" replied Dharmaja.
"What? He is that Bheema who killed mybrother, Baka. I will kill him and eat him. I have been searching for him all the time" laughed Kimmera loudly.
Arjuna came forward with is bow and arrows to kill that demon. Bheema stopped and attacked Kimmera. Both fought with each other fiercely. They fought with huge trees, logs, boulders, rocks, etc. At last Bheemasena killed Kimmeera in the same way as he killed Bakasura at Ekacakrapura, by breaking his spine and bones. From then onwards, the sages and saints and common people in Kamyakavana were living happily without the fear of Kimmeera.
Somehow Dhrutarashtra was perturbed on hearing the news that Bheemasena killed Kimmeera.
In Kamyakavana, Pandavas lived for some time. At that time, Sri Krishna, along with the kings of Panchaala, Vrushti, Bhoja, Andhaka, Yaadava dynasties, came down to Kamyaka vana to see Pandavas. All of them cursed Kouravas for grabbing the Kingdom of Dharmaja and sending them to forests.
With folded hands Arjuna praised Krishna "Lord Krishna!You are ancient. You performed Tapassu (penance) on Gandhamaadhana Hill for ten thousand years; in Pushkara for 11 thousand years, in Prabhasa Teertha for one thousand years, and in Badaree vana thousands of years. You killed the sons of Diti and Danuvu and installed Indra as the Head of Indraloka. You are the son of Aditi. You are brother of Indra. You appeared as Vamana and then transformed into Trivikrama and occupied all the Lokas. You killed Sisupala and Kamsa who were autocrat and cruel towards their people. You are the embodiment of Lord Vishnu. You know not what lie, anger, jealousy and pride are. You are great" Arjuna bowed before Krishna with folded hands.
In return Sri krishna praised Arjuna "O Arjuna! you are not an ordinary humanbeing. You are no other than Saint Nara. I am Narayana. We have come down to this human world. We are friends for ever".
Droupadi told Sri Krishna "O Lord Krishna! you are the only god who can help all. You are all knowledgeable. I will tell you the insult meted out by me in the presence of all elders. I am the daughter-in-law of King Pandu. I am the wife of Five Pandavas. I am the sister of Dhrushtadhyumna, the great warrior. That Dussasana caught hold of the tuft of mine and dragged me into open place and insulted me. Even Bheema and Arjuna remained as silent spectators. Why for their vigour and valour? I was alone though I had many. That Karna laughed at me wickedly. Still that wicked laugh is haunting me and burning my mind.
You know pretty well, Sri Krishna, kouravas tried to kill Bheemasena by administering poison, biting with snakes and at last tried to burn them alive in lack house. Now, they grabbed our wealth and kingdom and our valuable freedom. Now, Pandavas are helpless and vigourless and valourless, but I could not forget it" said Droupadi with tearful eyes.
Krishna consoled Droupadi "Droupadi! All Kouravas will die at the hands of Arjuna. It is imminent and certain. No force on earth will stop it. Please console yourself and wait for final war" said Krishna.
Arjuna also consoled Droupadi "Droupadi! As told by Krishna we will kill Duryodhana and Dussasana in the final war. Console yourself" said Arjuna.
Krishna also consoled Dharmaja "Dharmaja! I came to know what had happened, through Yuyudhaana. I felt very sad. Immediately I came over here. At the time of dice game, I was not in Dwaraka. Otherwise, things would not have been worsened like this. I would have consulted Bheeshma and other elders and stopped the dice game. You all would not have met this kind of mental and physical agony. At that time, I was involved in a war with Saalva, the brother is Sisupaala." said Sri Krishna.
"Is it? I do not know. Krishna, Kindly tell me what had happened? " asked Dharmaja.
Sri Krishna continued to say: "You know that Sisupala was killed by me. This Salva is no other than the brother of Sisupaala. Salva wanted to wreak vengeance for the death of his brother and came upon Dwaraka. At that time I was with you at Indraprastha. He surrounded Dwaraka with his army. He destroyed all the gardens around Dwaraka.
At that time Samba and Pradyumna who were in Dwaraka fought with Saalva. There was a great war between them. Pradyumna launched Brahmaastra on Saalva. Saalva fainted. When Pradyumna attemted to kill Salva, Saint Narada stopped him. "Pradyumna! dont kill him. He is destined tobe killed by Narayana" said Narada.
Defeated by Pradyumna, Saalva returnedback to his capital. Later, I went to back to Dwaraka. I saw the destruction caused by Saalva. I felt very much annoyed. I grew angry. I kept Balarama at Dwaraka to safe guard the Capital and I went upon Saalva to fight with him. There was a great war between me and Saalva. Unable to fight with me, Saalva resorted to miracle war. But I foiled all his attempts. At this juncture, I received a news from Dwaraka that my father, Vasudeva, was caught by Saalva and taken away and I have to return back to Dwaraka to save my father. I was surprised. While Balarama was in Dwaraka safeguarding the capital, how Salva could catch vasudeva? At that time I saw that Vasudeva was getting down the chariot of Salva called Soumbhaka, as a hostage. I was astonished. My bow dropped from my hand. I fainted and lost consciousness. By the time I regained consciousness, My father, Vasudeva was not there. I could realise that that was also a miracle created by Salva. With renewed vigour, I fought with Saalva. I launched Chakraayudha on Saalva and killed him" said Sri Krishna.
Later, Srikrishna took away his sister Subhadra and nephew Abhimanyu to Dwaraka. Dhrushtadyumna also took away the sons of Droupadi to Drupadapura.
Then, Pandavas proceeded to Dvaitavana forest accompanied by their chief servants Indrasena and others, and the Brahmins who followed them.
One Day Saint Markendeya visited them. Dharmaja received the saint and offered Arghyam and Paadyam. "Dharmaja! In those days I saw Rama who went to forests as per the directions of his father, Dasaradha, accompaniedby his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Now you are also following the same path. You are following Dharma. Your ancesters viz., Sagara, Bharata, Nala, Yayaati, Vaina, Naabhaaga also followed dharma, truth and virtues and attained highest heavens. Victory is yours." said Markendeya and went away.
One day, while Dharmaja was sitting leisurely Droupadi told Dharmaja like this:
"By paying heed to the words of his son Suyodhana, your paternal uncle, Dhrutarashtra drove you away from Hastinapura. Is he satisfied? No. Because his heart is hard like a stone. He never chastised his son Suyodhana, while Suyodhana was speaking ill of you. Now you are in forests, suffering like animals. I could not tolerate this.
It appears that Lord Brahma also is against you? To keep your word,
all your brothers shed their valour, courage and anger. Your sacred feet, which were shined(shone) with light of the diamonds studded in the crowns of all the Kings who prostrated before your feet at the time of Rajasooya, are now walking on hard rocks. You have fed thousands of Brahmins with sumptuous food but you are now consuming leaves and roots.
Even at this critical stage, is it proper for you to shed anger on your enemies? You see, the mighty personality, Bheema, has become slim by eating this forest food. A mighty archer, Arjuna is now wandering amongst wild animals. Even looking at them, are you still keeping patience?
It is seen in the ancient texts that a king who is unable to show his power and forgiveness, in equal proportion, cannot attain the love and affection of his people.
Once Emperor Bali asked his grand father Prahlada to tell whether forgiveness is greater or vigour and power is greater.
Prahlada replied that "Always forgiveness is not good and proper. It is also not good to always wield his power and valour. Both should be used in equal proportions. If a king is strict and autocrat, he will be a bad ruler in the eyes of his people. Therefore, power and forgiveness should be used timely." said Prahlada. It is seen in our ancient stories.
You can forgive one wrong. But is it just and proper to forgive Kouravas who are committing wrongs continously? Now it is time for you to show your power and vigour." advised Droupadi.
Dharmaja smiled at Droupadi. "Droupadi! Anger is a sin. A person with anger will forget his duty. He will kill a person whom he should not kill. If he sheds anger, he will become pure, wise and powerful. Vicotory always loves a man with forgiveness. Duryodhana lacks forgiveness. His fall is imminent. But just wait for the opportunity.said Dharmaja with patience.
"O Ajaatha Satroo! ( a man born without enemies). It is true that followig the quality of forgiveness, you are prospering. The only difficulty is that you are showng the same quality of forgiveness even towards your bitter enemies. Is it proper?
We have to attack wicked people with the same wickedness. O Lord Brahma! You are supporting wicked and cruel people to prosper and refusing all pleasures to virtuous people. Are wicked and cruel are near and dear to you? " spoke Droupadi in a sorrowful voice.
"Droupadi! Unable to bear these sufferings, you have gone to the extent of accusing God, as a non-believer of God. It is wrong. Even the great sages and saints like Vyasa, Markendeya and Narada respected me. Simply because some wrong persons acted against me, why should I follow a wrong track. If the virtuous deeds are incorrect, why the great sages and saints and my ancestors followed them. Have you forgotten that you and your brother Dhrushtadyumna, were born out of fire, only due to your past virtuous deeds?" said Dharmaja in a forceful voice.
"I do not mean that. I am not such a foolish woman. Doing Karma is the duty of a human being. I do agree. What I mean is that for attaining fruits from our deeds, first we have to discharge our duty properly and consciously. Then God will also help us. First a man should have an intention to do some Karma. Then he should make preparations for it. Then he should execute it. God will certainly help him. We know that there is oil in the seeds. There is fire in hard sticks. But unless we crush the seeds, we will not get oil and unless we rub the sticks, we will not get fire. Therefore, a manual effort is necessary. Without doing any effort, is it proper to put the entire burden on God, Dharma and truthfulness. Therefore, I repeat, it is proper time to use your intelligence, the vigour and valour of your brothers, fix an aim then proceed further and attain the results. This is only my humble request". said Droupadi firmly.
Bheemasena who was standing there also supported Droupadi.
"My dear brother Dharmaja! You know Kuru kingdom is an ancestral property. It devolved on us by inheritance. But you alienated it as a bet in dice game. Still you are speaking sermans and dharmas. Is it just on your part? Can we ever conquer a bad character with virtues and preaching sermons? Is it possible?
Therefore, use your power and vigour and valour and declare war against Kouravas and conquer them. Don't speak about Dharma! A person who has no vigour and valour may feel for his weakness and helplessness for not conquering his enemies but not a powerful king like you. Had we killed kouravas even on that day with your permission. we would not have suffered like this in these forests.
You are not violating your agreement. But Suyodhana is treating us as cowards. The Dharma you are following is causing much hardship to me and other brothers and relatives and especially to Droupadi. You know pretty well that conquering enemies, ruling the people by establishing peace and tanquility in the kingdom, giving alms and gifts to the needy, worshipping Brahmins are Kshatriya Dharmas.
But by mere following Dharma, we cannot conquer our enemies. We have to attack wicked people with wickedness only. Therefore, listen to us. Set aside the oral agreement entered into by you with our enemies. Let us declare war. All the kings will help us. All the people in Kourava Kingdom are in our favour and they all accept you as their ruler. Please dont delay the matter. Let us wage war and conquer our enemies. Rule the people by following Dharma. Rule the kingdom for ever." said Bheemasena with a decisive voice.
Dharmaja patiently heard what Bheema aid. "Brother, Bheemasena! What all you told is according to Dharma. But in the assembly where all the elders were present, I agreed to live in forests for 12 years and live in disguise for one year. I have to follow it. For the sake of uncertain pleasures, I cannot violate my agreement. I cannot violate Dharma. Let us wait for better days" said Dharmaja firmly.
Bheema did not leave the matter there. He still tried to convince Dharmaja.
"Brother Dharmaja! Death is alwlays lurking behind us. These lives are uncertain. Is it proper on our part to wait, thinking that this life is certain and we will live for ever. We are destined to die. But before we die, we have to wreak vengeance on enemies. Otherwise, this life is a waste!
My heart is burning to wreak vengeance against our enemies. Without vanishing the grief of my brothers and Droupadi, can we while away time by chanting Dharma Sootras. My dear respectable brother! the Dharma which you are following is suitable for Brahmins but not for Kshatriyas. Let us conquer our enemies as per Kshatriya Dharma.
Besides that, we can spend 12 years easily in these forests. But with these huge personalities, we cannot spend even one day in cities. Because, everybody knows about us. Therefore, Kouravas will identify us easily and will again send us to forests for 12 years.This will be an unended process. When can we complete this 12 years period in this lifetime. Even according to the arithematical doctrines, there is a rule that one year is equal to one month. We have so far spent 13 months in these forests. We can adjust it for 13 years. I think there would be no violation of Dharma in this process. What do you say?" insisted Bheema.
Dharmaja heard him carefully and patiently and said. "Bheema! You are well educated. You are a valiant warrior. Hence, think it peacefully and carefully.
If it is a small affair, we can start it hastely. But war with Kouravas is a mighty task. We have to think and rethink about it carefully before we comence it. Then only, God will help us.
You know, the sons of Dhrutarashtra are valiant warriors. They are also bad and cruel. Karna, Bhoorishrava, Salya and other mighty personalities are on their side. Besides, all the kings who were defeated by us at the time of Rajasooya, now joined hands with Kouravas.
Karna is a Great Warrior who was born with natural Kavacha (sheath like) and Kundalas (ear rings).
Though Bheeshma, Drona Acharya and Krupa Acharya have no particular enemity with us, but they will take part in the battle on the side of Suyodhana. Unless we defeat them first, we cannot touch Suyodhana.
Viewing from any angle, this is not a fit, suitable and proper time to wage with Kouravas" Dharmaja explained the situation analytically to Bheema.
At that time, Veda Vyasa arrived there. Dharmaja received Vyaasa, offered him Arghyam and Paadyam and enquired about his welfare. Vyaasa took Dharmaja to a lonely place and said:
"Dharmaja! I could understand what you are thinking in your mind. Therefore, I have come here. Now I will give you a Mantra called "Pratismruti". In turn you tell Arjuna the same Mantra. With the power of this Mantra, Arjuna will do Tapassu about Devatas and satisfy them and acquire different kinds of missilies. You have been living in this forest since a long time. You better leave this place and settle some where." so saying, Vyasa went away.
Then Pandavas moved to Kamyaka forest. One day, Dharmaja spoke to Arjuna.
"Arjuna! Beeshma, Drona and other warriors, on the side of Suyodhana, are enriched with different kinds of missilies. To win them in the war we also should acquire missilies from Spiritual Bodies. Vyasa paved the way to aquire such missilies. You do Tapassu about Indra and acquire missilies. At the time of killing Vrutraasura, all the Devatas gave their weapons to Indra. They are now available with Indra. You satisfy Indira and acquire them. You also worship Lord Siva and acqure Paasupatha. Now I will give you the Mantra "Pratrismruthi" to you." said Dharmaja.
Dharmaja told the Mantra "Pratismruthi" given by Vyaasa to Arjuna. After taking permission from Dharmaja, Arjuna left for Himalayas for tapassu.
He reached Gandhamaadhana Hill. There he saw an old Brahmin. The old Brahmin asked Arjuna "Who are you? Why you have come here? This is a place where peaceful brahmins are living. Why you entered this place with weapons? Drop the weapons".The old Brahmin ordered him.
Arjuna did not care for his words. Satisifed with his courage, Indra who was in the guise of Brahmin, appeared before him. "Arjuna! I am Indra. Tell me what do you want?" asked Indra.
"I want the powerful and amzing Astras (missilies) available with you" asked Arjuna.
"No doubt I will givem them to you. Do you want to live in Indra Loka?" asked Indra.
"First of all I want Diyaastraas. Give them to me" asked Arjuna.
"If that is so, you first do Tapassu about Lord Siva" said Indra.
Arjuna went to Himalayas. There he did great Tapassu about Lord Siva. Lord Siva desired to test Arjuna. He transformed himself into a jungle hunter. He came down to the place where Arjuna was doing Tapassu.
One Mookaasura became a Pig and attacked Arjuna and tried to kill him. Arjuna was ready with his bow and arrow to kill that pig if it comes near. Mookaasura tried to fall on Arjuna. Arjuna hit him with arrow. At the same time, jungle man (siva) also hit that pig. Both arrows hit the pig at one and the same time. The pig disappeared. Jungle man came before Arjuna. Arjuna frowned upon him
"Dont you know the rules in hunting. Why you hit the target aimed by me" asked Arjuna.
" No. First I hit the target. It was killed. Dont you feel shy to say that you hit it. No use of waste words. Come on! fight with me if you are really capable of fighting" provoked Siva.
Arjuna showered arrows on Siva. But Siva did not shake.
Arjuna was astonished "Who is he? He should either be Indra or Siva. Otherwise, he would have been injured or killed by my arrows. On the other hand, his arrows injured me. It is strange." thought Arjuna in his mind.
He again took his bow Gaandevam to again shower arrows on Siva. This time, his bow, Gaandeevam disappeared. Now arjuna fought with hands. In that dual fight, unable to ward off the blows given by Siva, Arjuna fainted and lost consciousness.
Lord Siva appeared before Arjuna in his original form. Arjuna regained consciousness. He saw Siva. He praised Siva with utmost devotion. With folded hands he said: "Oh Lord Siva! Without knowing who are you, I committed a blunder by fighting with you. Kindly pardon me."prayed Arjuna.
"Arjuna! you are blessed. Get up. You are not an ordinary human being. In the past birth you were the divine Saint, Nara. Take your bow, Gaandeeva. Choose whatever you want? " said Lord Siva.
"O Tryambaka! I want Paasupata Astra. Kindly bless me with Paasupata Astra. In this universe, only Brahma Sira and Paasupata are the only Two Astras (missilies) which are famous for destroying enemies. Kindly give them to me" requested Arjuna.
(We can identify Brahma Sira and Paasupata as our atom bombs and hydrogen bombs. About Brahma Sira, Bhagawan Vyasa told in Souptika Parva. Once it was launched, for `12 years to come, not even grass will grow in that area. Same is the position with atom bombs and hydrogen bombs of the present day.)
Satisfied with the devotion of Arjuna, Lord Siva gave Paasupata Astra to Arjuna, with Mantra, Dhyaana, Japa, Homa. He told Arjuna how to make it ready for launching, launching, then how to bring it back to earth.
He also told "Arjuna! if you launch it on inncent persons, it will destroy the entire world. Please take care. You will conquer anybody and everybody on this earth with the help of this Astra" so saying Lord Siva disappeared.
Arjuna was very much satisfied for having the Darshan of Lord Siva. With the touch of Lord Siva, his body began to shine.
On hearing this, Indra, Kumera, Yama, Varuna and Asvins came down to Arjuna to congratulate him. "Arjuna! We are very much impressed with your courgage and valour. Choose whatever you want?" asked Indra.
Yama gave his Danda (Royal Stick) to Arjuna. Varuna gave Vaarunaastra to Arjuna. Kubera gave Kouberastra. Indra invited Arjuna to Indra Loka and sent a divine chariot. On that divine chariot, Arjuna went to Indra Loka. He reached Amaravati City. It was shining without sun and moon. At the entrance, the white elephant, Airavata welcomed Arjuna.
Arjuna proceeded to Indra Sabha and wished him. To entertain Arjuna, Indra deputed Urvasi, the divine lady. Urvasi gave a dance performance before Arjuna. Arjuna was very much impressed with her dance and praised him and treated her as his mother. Urvasi was little bit annoyed.
"What! Am I your mom? How is it? In fact, having heard about your vigour and valour, I have come here to enjoy with you. We are Divine Ladies. These human relations like mom son brother sis, will not apply to us." said Urvasi.
"Mom, it is not proper for you to speak like that. Our Dynasty began with Puroorava. You are his wife. Now you are serving my father, Indra. Viewing from any angle, you are eqaual to my mother."said Arjuna.
"No. I have come here to satisfy my lust. You refused me. You are impotent. Live like an impotent on earth, in the company of ladies" cursing Arjuna, Urvasi went away.
Having come to know about this, Indra came to Arjuna "Oh Arjuna. Dont feel disgusted.I have never seen such a courageous man like you. You conquered your senses. You are a man of virtues. This Saapa of Urvasi will help you while you have to live in disguise during the Ajnaathavasa period of one year.You can live as an impotent man between ladies without being identified by Kouravas. On completion of one year, you regain your original form." said Indra.
Indra also gave so many Astras to Arjuna. The time spent by Arjuna in Devaloka was equal to five years period on earth. One day Saint Romasa came to Indra and saw Arjuna on the half throne along with Indra. Indra told Romasa
"He is Arjuna. He was born to Kunti with my Amsa. Lord Sive blessed him with Paasupatha Astra. I also gave him many Astras available with me. Here he has to kill two Rakshasas, Nivatha and Kavacha. Dharmaja might have been annoyed witout knowing the whereabouts of Arjuna. You tell Dharmaja that Arjuna is with me. You also advise Dharmaja, on my behalf, to go round all the Sacred Places. With that, he will become pure in mind" said Indra. .
Dhrutarashtra came to know through Vyaasa that Arjuna got Paasupata Astra from Lord Siva and also got many astras from Indra. He was annoyed. He called Sanjaya and said:
"Sanjaya! You know pretty well that Arjuna burnt Khandava forest with the help of Krishna. All the four brothers conquered four corners of this earth and Dharmaja performed Rajasooya. Arjuna did Tapassu and got Paasupataashra from Lord Siva. Arjuna is a mighty warrior. When he is there on behalf of Pandavas, how to conquer them? Besides that, they are virtuous people. Always victory will be on their side. What to do?" said Dhrutarashtra in a sorrowful voice.
"Dhrutarashtra! it is too late to repent. You would have stopped Suyodhana when he attempted to insult Pandavas and Droupadi in the presence of all elders. Now they are in Kamyaka forest. Sri Krishna along with many kings went to Kamyaka vana and consoled them and cursed you all. Krishna also promised that he will conquer all of you and again install Dharmaja on the throne. But the other kings requested Krishna to drive the chariot of Arjuna in the forthcoming war and be on his side always. On completion of 13 years, Pandavas, with the help of Sri Krishna, will wage a war against your sons. Will your sons withstand the "Divya Astras" (missilies) of Arjuna and the blows of the mace of Bheema?" said Sanjaya.
"Sanjaya! what can I do? I am old. My son will never heed my words. He is bad. He will not care for the words, either of mine, or of Bheeshma and Drona. What to do? " said in a sorrowful voice.
Here in Kaamyaka Forest, Dharmaja was waiting for the arrival of Arjuna as five years have elapsed.
Bheema told Dharmaja "My dear brother! You youself sent him for Tapassu. Why you worry about him. Why cannot you send Krishna to bring back Arjuna. I am ready. Myself and Arjuna will conquer Suyodhana in war and install you on the throne of Hastinapura and you will be the king and emperor of the entire Kourava Kingdom. If myself and Arjuna stand in the war front, nobody will stand before us." said Bheema vigorously.
"Bheemaa! I know that. But this is not proper time to wage war against Kouravas. Let us first complete 13 years. Then yourself and Arjuna will conquer Suyodhana. Be victorious. I cannot violate the conditions agreed to by me in the presence of elders." said Dharmaja firmly.
One day, Bruhadasva, a saint, came down to Pandavas, who are living in the forest. Dharmaja welcomed him and offered arghyam and paadyam. Dharmaja expressed before Bruhadasva, about his grief and the woes they are suffering on account of Kouravas.
"O Saint! Are there any other kings who lost their kingdom and wealth and pleasures and suffered in the forest like us? If there are any, kindly tell me about them?" asked Dharmaja.
"Dharmaja! you are in a better position. Though you lost your kingdom, and living in forests, atleast you are having your own wife and brothers along with you. You are having your own chriots, servants etc. along with you, serving you all the time.
But in the ancient past, there was a king Nala, who lost all his kingdom in the dice game, and went to forest along with his wife. I will tell you the story of Nala. Please listen" Bruhadasva continued to say the story of kING Nala to Dharmaja.
"Nala, the son of Veerasena, was ruling the Nishadha Kingdom. He conquered so many countries. He was ruling his people to the satisfaction of one and all. But he likes dice game very much.
During that period, One Bheema, was ruling Vidarbha kingdom. He got one daughter, called Damayanti, and three sons called Dama, Dantha and Damana, with the blessings of a saint Dhamana.
Damayanti was a beautiful and virtuous lady. She heard about King Nala and his greatness and virtues. Nala also heard about Damayanti and her beauty. Both fell in love without seeing each other.
One day, while Nala was having a stroll in the garden, some swans flying in the sky, came down and moving there. Nala saw them. He caught one swan. The other swans flew away but were flying in the sky waiting for the swan caught by King Nala. The swan, in the hands of Nala, told him in human voice:
"King Nala, I know you fell in love with the Princess Damayanti. If you leave me, I will go to her and tell her about you and your virtues and make her to fell in love with you." said the swan.
On hearing this, Nala was very happy. He immediately left that swan. As per her word, the swan along with other swans, flew to Vidharbha and was moving in front of Damayanti. Damayanti saw this swan and caught it.
The swan told Damayanti in human voice "O Damayanti! I am coming from King Nala. He is a beautiful and handsome personality. He is fit to catch your hand in marriage."
Damayanti was very happy. "O Swan! Kindly go back to King Nala and also told him about me and my love towards him" requested Damayanti.
The swan accepted her request and flew back to King Nala and told him that Damayanti also fell in love with him.
Thus both Nala and Damayanti were suffering with love fever.
King Bheema came to know about this through the servant maids of Damayanti. Immediately, he proclaimed Svayamvara and sent invitation to King Nala and other kings.
Several kings from all countries were going to Damayanti Svayamvaram. King Nala also was proceeding to Vidarbha. Likewise, Indra, Varuna, Yama and other Divine bodies also were proceeding to Svayamvara. They met King Nala on the way. They wanted to play with him. Indra called Nala "O King Nala! you have to do some favour to us. You have to act as our mediator" asked Indra.
"OK. I will do it. But tell me who are you? What is the mediation?" asked King Nala.
"I am Indira. The others are Dikpaalakas. We are going to Damayanti Svayamvara. You have to go Damayanti in advance and convince her and make her to choose one of us as her betterhalf." said Indra.
"I am also going to the same Svayamvara. How can I do this favour to you? Is it according to Dharma?" said Nala.
"No No. You have given us a word in advance. You have to carry out this mission. Besides that , this is a divine duty. You have to obey it. You need not worry how to enter the palace of Damayanti. With our blessings and power, no body will object you. Please go and mediate" said Indra.
Unable to do anything, King Nala entered the palace of Damayanti. He saw Damayanti and her beauty. "I heard much less about her. She is more beautiful than what I heard" he thought in mind.
On seeing King Nala, Damayanti and her servants were astonished. "Mahatma! Who are you? How you have entered this palace? " asked Damayanti.
"Damayanti! I am king Nala, ruling Nishadha Kingdom. I have come here as an emissary of Indra. Their request is that you have to choose one of them as your better half." said King Nala.
Damayanti also admired the beauty of King Nala. "I am a human being. Indra and others are respectable divine bodies. I have to pray them but not to coose them. It is not proper. From the day when that swan told about you, I kept you in mind and admiring you. This svayamvara is purely meant only to invite you for our marriage and nothing else. Therefore, you are my husband. You have to receive me as your wife. Otherwise, I will leave this world. I never choose anyone else, however high he maybe, other than you."requested Damayanti with folded hands.
"O Damayanti! you know, Divine Bodies are Amaras (without death) with so much of wealth and eternal happiness. Why you choose a human being like me, who is destined to death?" said King Nala.
"King Nala! you have done your job. OK. I will pray Indra and other divine bodies, convince them and I will marry you in their presence. Then you will not be blamed for not carrying out their mission" said Damayanti.
King Nala returned back to Indra and told him what had happened.
"How Damayanti will not choose any one of us we will see?"challenged Indra.
All the four divine bodies entered the Svayamvara Hall in the human forms resembling King Nala.
Damayanti entered the Svayamvara Hall with a garland in her hand. She saw five human forms resembling King Nala. She could not identify who is the real King Nala.
She closed her eyes and prayed Indra and other Divine Bodies with utmost devotion "O Divine Bodies! Kindly transform into your own original forms. Please helpe me in identifying King Nala and choose him"
Indra was very much pleased for her devotion and commitment. They appeared in their original divine forms. Damayanti identified King Nala and garlanded him and chose him as her husband in the presence of all the kings and diving bodies.
The marriage of Nala and Damayanti was performed in a gorgeous manner. Indra and other divine bodies blessed the newly wedded couple.
While they were returning back to Indra Loka, they met Kali Purusha. Indra asked Kali "Where are you going?".
"In Bhooloka, Damayanti Svayamvaram is being peforemd. I am going to attend that" replied Kali.
Indra laughed at him "You are too late. The svayamvaram was over. Damayanti chose King Nala. Their marriage was performed. We attended the marriage." said Indra.
Kali grew angry. "No. No, it cannot be. I will see that Nala lose his kingdom. I will separate Nala and Damayanti. I will do it" determined Kali.
But Kali could not get a chance to trap Nala for a long time, because Nala never left his virtues and divine duties, even for a single minute.
But, one day, after passing urine, Nala did not properly wash his feet but performed Sandhyavandan. Through this act , Kali entered the body of Nala.
(Even today, doctors advise us to observe cleanliness strictly. Washing both hands and legs clean after passing urine and using toilet, otherwise we will be attacked with many diseases, which are the various forms of Kali. Here Nala landed in so many troubles because of not maintaining cleanliness.)
Then, Kali approached One Pushkara, a neighbouring King and told him "King Nala loves dice game. It is his weakness. You play dice game with him and grab his kingdom. I will help you." said Kali. He accompanied Pushkara in the attire of a Brahmin and went to King Nala. Pushkara invited King Nala for dice game.
Nala thought that if anybody invites for dice game, it is not proper to refuse. He accepted to play dice game to Pushkara.
The game was going on. Nala was losing one by one in the dice game. He lost his kingdom, wealth, army, chariots etc. with the influence of Kali.
Damayanti observed this. "It is quite natural for human being to crave for a win, even if they lose one by one. We cannot help it" thought Damayanti.
She thought that the defeat of Nala was imminent. She called the chariot driver of King Nala, called Vaarshneya, and sent his son and Daughter to his father's place at Vidharbha.
Nala lost each and every thing except wearing apparel. He left Nishadha along with his wife Damayanti. He lived outside the capital for three days. Nobody came to him to console him. Then he proceeded to the nearby forest.
Both Nala and Damayanti were hungry. Nala saw a group of birds wandering on the ground. He threw his upper cloth to catch them and eat them. But those wise birds flew away carrying the upper cloth. Nala left without upper cloth. He shared his wifer's pall as upper cloth.
While they were proceeding, they reached a cross road.
"Damayanti! here are four roads. This goes to your parents place, Vidarbha. This way goes to Southern States. This road goes to Kosala Kingdom. The last one goes to Ujjayini. Tell me which way we have to proceed. You cannot live with me in this forest and experience these agonies and difficulties. You better go to your parents house and live there happily" suggested Nala.
"Yes. Let both of us proceed to Vidarbha and live there happily" suggested Damayanti.
"No. In the past, I entered Vidarbha as an Emperor. How can I enter Vidarbha now, after losing my entire kingdom. Damayanti! The biggest diesease is sorrow. The best medicine for sorrow is the companionship of wife. If you are by my side, I will forget all sorrows and live happily." said Nala.
"Yes. You are right. I will always be by your side" said Damayanti. They proceeded further.
One day, Damayanti was sleeping keeping her head on the lap of her husband, Nala. While seeing her lovely face, Nala thought:
"Because of mine, she is suffering like this. If I leave her, she will go back to her parents house." So thinking, Nala tore off the portion of the sari he is wearing as upper cloth, and proceeded in the forest, leaving Damayanti alone in the forest.
Damayanti woke and did not find her husband. She wept for her husband. She was afraid of her loneliness. She was wandering in the forest.
One day, one python caught her and rounded her. She raised hue and cry. On hearing the cries of Damayanti, one hunter came there, killed that snake and saved Damayanti. That hunter thought that she was helpless. He tried to molest her. Damayanti grew angry and cursed him to reduce to ashes. That hunter caught in fire and died.
She proceeded further, thinking about her husband in mind. On the way she met some great saints like Vasishta, Vaama deva, vaalakhilya, Bhrugu and Narada.
They asked her "Who are you? Why you are wandering in this forest aone?"
"I am the wife of Emperor Nala. Due to our misfortune, I was separated from my husband. Have you seen him anywhere?" asked Damayanti. They said that she will meet her husband soon and went away.
One day, she saw some passers by. Damayanti asked them about the whereabouts of King Nala. One of them said "We are going to Chedi town. You can follow us". Along with them she went to Chedi Town.
While She was wandering in that town with soiled clothes, the mother of the King(Raja Mata) saw her from the top of the palace. She sent her servant maid to fetch her. Damayanti went into the palace and stood before the Raja Mata.
"Who are you? It appears you belong to a Princely Family. Please tell me about you?" asked Raja Mata.
"Mother! my husband lost his kingdom in dice game and also left me. I am in search of him. This is all about myself" said Damayanti.
"Then you live here along with us. You can be a Sairandhri (personal attendant) for my daughter. I will make arrangements to search for your husband" said Raja Maata.
"Ok. I will be here as Sairandhri but on one condition. I will never eat the residual food of anybody. I will never speak with males except those Brahmins who will go in search of my husband. I will never massage anybody's legs. If you agree for these conditions, I will be with you." said Damayanti.
Rajamatha agreed for these conditions. She sent Damayanti to her daugthter Sunanda and Damayanti was with Sunanda.
King Nala, after leaving Damayanti, was wandering in the forest. One day, there was a wild fire in the forest. From amidst the fires, he heard one hue and cry. Nala rushed to the spot. He found one serpant surrounded by flames. Nala saved the serpant from the flames. But that serpant immediately bit King Nala. By the influence of the poison of the snake, the handsome Nala became an ugly figure.
Then the snake appeared before Nala in human form.
"King Nala, I am karkotaka. Dont feel bad as I bit you. It is only for your good and safety. Now you will not be identified by any body. Even if any snake bites you in the forest, the poison will not cause any harm to you.
In a short period, the victory will be yours. You will get back your wife and kingdom. Whenever you want your original form, a divine cloth will come to you. If you cover your body with that divine cloth, you will get back your original form.
King Nala, please listen. In a short distance, you will find Ayodhya, the kingdom of Rutuparna who belongs to Ishkvaaku Dyanasty. You introduce yourself as Bahuka and join there as a chariot driver. You teach him Aksha Hrudaya (Expertise in horse rearing and chariot driving) and learn from him Aksha Hrudaya (An expertise in Mathematical Calculations)" so saying, Karkotaka went away.
King Nala proceeded to Ayodhya, the Kingdom of Rutuparna and joined there as Chariot Driver. He also joined in the kitchen and was preparing sumptuous dishes with the help of a cook by name Jeevala. During nights, Nala was spending sleepless nights, thinking about his wife, Damayanti.
In Vidarbha, Bheema, the father of Damayanti, came to know about the fate of King Nala and about his dethronement. He sent Brahmins to all the countries in searth of King Nala and Damayanti.
One such Brahmin, came down to the Kingdom of Chedi. There he saw Damayanti, serving in the palace as Sairandhri. With the help of a big mole on the forehead of Damayanti, he identified her as Damayanti, the daughter of Bheema.
"Maa, I am coming from your father, Bheema from Vidarbha. Your parents are safe. They are always remembering you and your welfare. I am also a friend of your brother. My name is Sudeva. I am a Brahmin." the Brahmin introduced himself to Damayanti.
On hearing this, Damayanti wept aloud. On hearing this Raja Mata came there and asked Sudeva "Do you know her? Who is she? Who are her parents? Why she is suffering like this?" asked Raja Mata.
"Raja Mata! She is daughter of Bheema, the King of Vidarbha. Her name is Damayanti. Her husband, Emperor Nala, lost his kingdom and wealth and went to forests. King Bheema, her father, sent us in search of Damayanti and King Nala. On that mission, I came down here. I identified Damayanti with the help of the big mole on her forehead." said Sudeva.
On hearing this, Raja Mata embraced Damayanti "O Damayanti! You are no other than my daughter. Your mom and me are the daughters of Dasaarna Raja. Your mother married King of Vidarbha and I married King Veera Baahu." so saying, Raja Mata took her inside. Later, Damayanti accompanied Brahmin Sudeva to Vidarbha, her parents' house.
After some days, one Day, Damayanti requested her father, to send Brahmins in search of King Nala.
Accordingly, her father, Bheema, sent Brahmins to enquire about Nala in all the countries. Before proceeding for search, Damayanti met all the Brahmins and told them
"My husband Nala, was once an Emperor. But he will be in disguise for the present. You cannot identify him. Therefore, You please go to all the Kingdoms and make an announcement like this "You are a virtuous man. But you cheated your wife and left your wife amidst the forest and even took away her half saree. Is it just and proper on your part? Please be merciful to your wife". If anybody responds to this message and gives a reply, Kindly bring him to me.
All the Brahmins were dispatched to the four corners and they soon returned with empty hands and negative news.
But one Brahim told Damayanti "I have gone to the Kingdom of Rutuparna. There I saw one ugly man working as a cook and chariot driver. On hearing these words, he met me secretely at a lonely place and told me "Even if the husband is in troubles, wife will share his troubles and console him. She is a true wife." I do not know whether he is Nala or not" said the Brahmin.
Damayanti thought for a while. If he is not Nala, there is no need for him to respond for her message. It is better to enquire further and get further details. So thinking, Damayanti, with the permission of her mother, called one Brahmin Pandit, Sudeva.
"Sudeva! you proceed to the Kingdom of Rutuparna as a Brahmin Pandit. You meet Rutuparna and tell him
"After searching for his son-in-law, King Nala, in vain, King Bheema announced Second Svayamvara to his daughter, Damayanti. You are invited for the Svayamvara. As Svayamvara is scheduled tomorrow, you have to start immediately and reach Vidarbha within 24 hours". That is all. You see what will happen." told Damayanti.
Accordingly, Sudeva went to the Kingdom of Rutuparna and told him the exact words told by Damayanti and hurried him to start immediately.
Rutuparna called Baahuka. "Baahuka! King of Vidarbha announced second Svayamvara to his daughter Damayanti, that too, tomorrow. There is no time. Show all your skills in chariot driving and try to reach Vidarbha tomorrow." said Rutuparna. Bahuka accepted the challenge. But he was annoyed.
"Because I left Damayanti alone in forest mercilessly, she is resorting to second marriage. She is too angry on me. Foolish males will always be under an illusion that their wives will always love them, even if they do any wrongs. But it is not correct. Still I cannot believe this. Damayanti is having two children. How can she remarry another king? Whatever it be, I should go to Vidarbha and find out the truth."
King Rutuparna, another chariot driver Vaarshneya (He was the previous chariot driver of King Nala, later joined Rutuparna, after leaving the children of Nala at Vidarbha.) started in a Chariot to Vidarbha. Baahuka was driving the chariot with great speed as if they are riding in air. It is resembling the chariot of Sun God, driven by Anoora.
Varshneya got a suspicion. "Only King Nala was capable of driving chariot with this high speed. If Bahuka is Nala, how he is so ugly and why this disfigurement?" he is discussing for himself in mind.
In the meanwhile, the upper cloth of Rutuparna fell down. "Bakuka! stop the chariot. My upper cloth fell down. Varshneya will go and bring it" said Rutuparna.
Bahuka smiled and said "Rutuparna! we have passed long distance. He cannot go by walk and bring it" said Bahuka.
Rutuparna was surprised. He wanted to show his skills in Mathematics to Bahuka. At that time, the chariot was crossing a big tree. "Bahuka! I can tell the number of branches, leaves and fruits of that big tree." said Rutuparna proudly.
"O King Rutuparna! Kindly tell." said Bahuka.
Rutuparna said one huge figure. Bahuka wanted to test the veracity of the calculation. He stopped the chariot, fell down the tree and counted the branches, leaves and fruits and found it correct. He was astonished.
"King Rutuparna! Kindly tell me this miracle to me also" asked Bahuka.
"Bahuka! This is calculus, a mathematical science. I will teach you." So saying Rutuparna taught Aksha Vidya to Bahuka. In return Bahuka offered to teach Asva Hrudaya but Rutuparna said that he will learn it later.
With the influence of Aksha Vidya, the influence of Kali was vanished. Kali came out of his body and prayed Nala for pardon. Nala tried to curse him wildly. Kali requested "I have been suffering with the poison of Karkotaka all the time. That is a great curse for me. Kindly pardon me" asked Kali.
Then Nala, along with Rutuparna and Varshneya, proceeded to Vidarbha and reached Vidarbha in time.
On hearing the sound of the chariot driven by Nala, Damayanti identified that that was the chariot driven by King Nala. But she found only Rutuparna and Varshneya and another ugly man. She was disappointed.
Bheema received Rutuparna with due honours and showed him a palace for taking rest.
Bahuka left the chariot and the horses and was taking rest.
Damayanti sent her servant maid to enquire the whereabouts of that ugly man, Bahuka, who accompanied Rutuparna, as Chariot Driver.
She approached Bahuka.
"My Princess, Damayanti, sent me to enquire your whereabouts. Kindly tell me about yourself" asked servant maid.
"Your Princess announced Second Svayamvara and we have to reach Vidarbha next day. Hence I drove the chariot" said Bahuka.
Then the servant maid said "You are the chariot driver and the another is Rutuparna. Who is the third person?" asked servant maid.
"He is Varshneya, a former chariot driver of Emperor Nala" said Bahuka.
"Then Varshneya might have known about the whereabouts of King Nala. Do you know it?" cleverly asked servant maid.
"No, How can he know about Nala? Prior to dethronement of King Naloa, Varshneya brought his children to Vidarbha. While going back, he came to know that Nala went to forests. Hence he joined with Rutuparna. Therefore, there is no possibility for Varshneya to know the whereabouts of Nala. Either King Nala or his wife Damayanti should know about their own whereabouts" replied Bahuka.
The servant maid didnot leave the matter there.
"King Nala left his beloved wife mercilessly in the forest and went away. Damayanti is still wearing the half sari left by Nala and always thinking about her husband. But How, King Nala, conveniently forgot his wife, Damayanti? said the servant maid.
The eyes of Bahuka filled with tears. He turned his face to other side. Servant maid observed this and ran back to Damayanti and told her about their conversation.
Damayanti thought for herself "He is King Nala. There is no doubt about it. But how he got that ugly form? He is also a cook. We have to taste the food prepared by him" .
She told the servant maid "He is also working as cook. You go to the kitchen. Observe how he prepares food." said Damayanti.
The servant maid went and keenly observed how he prepared food and reported the same to Damayanti. "Madam! It is so astonished that when he waves some hay with his hand, flames came out of hay. He was preparing food casually without taking any trouble. They are so tasty also" said the servant maid. Damayanti also sent for some food items from kitchen prepared by Nala and tasted them. "No doubt, they were prepared by King Nala", she thought.
To clear off the final doubt, she sent her children through a servant to Nala. On seeing the children, Bahuka looked at them affectionaltely. He embraced them and kissed them. Immediately, he realised.
He told the servant maid "These children resemble my children. Hence I did like that. Anyhow, you should not come here often. Others may mistake me. I have come here from other place only to attend the Svayamvara of your Princess. It is none of your job to meet me often." Bahuka went away.
Now Damayanti cleared off all his doubts. She went to her mother. "Maa. The ugly man who accompanied King Rutuparna, is no other than King Nala. There is no doubt. Please make arrangements to bring him here, or else, I will go to him. Please decide" said Damayanti.
Her mother, with the permission of King Bheema, invited Bahuka to the Palace of Damayanti. Damayanti spoke to Bahuka.
"My husband, King Nala, left me in the forest, mercilessly, and went away. Will anybody do like that? I am a mother of two children. Is it proper to leave me like that? Tell me what sin I have committed? My husband promised repeatedly that he will never leave my hand. Still he did like this. Why?" told Damayanti with choked voice.
Bahuka came out openly. "Damayanti! At that time I was under the influence of Kali. Hence I did like that. It is all due to the influence of Kali, I lost my kingdom and wealth in dice game. Now Kali left me. In fact I have come here only to know about you. You know pretty well I have got love and affection towards you. But why you are resorting for second svayamvara. Is it proper for a house wife and a mother of two children? Because all the kings are invited, Rutuparna also came here. Is it proper?" asked Nala.
"My father sent Brahmins to all the four corners in search of you. One Brahmin identified you in Ayodhya. As there is no other alternartive to bring you here, this fake svayamvara was announced. Except, Ruruparna, none else were invited. It is only a cause to bring you here and nothing else. That too, no ordinary chariot driver will drive his chariot for 100 yojanas within one day, except you. There is no sinful thought in my mind. Believe me. " said Damayanti.
At that time, a divine voice came from heaven "King Nala, Damayanti is a virtuous lady. I am Vayu. Me, Sun and Moon are the witnesses for her virtuous life. Take back her and live happily".
Immediately, Bahuka remembered Karkotaka. A divine cloth came before him. He covered his body with that cloth. He was standing before Damayanthi with his original beautiful form of Nala. Emperor Nala, Damayanti, with their children lived happily for some time in Vidarbha.
Later, Nala went back to his capital, Nishadha and met Pushkara.
"Pushkara! you love dice game. is it not? Come on. let us play dice game. This time I put my wife Damayanti as bet. Can you bet all your kingdom? Otherwise, let us have a war. Who ever wins in the war, he will succeed to the throne. Choose whatever you like!" challenged Nala.
Pushkara was an expert in Dice Game. Once he defeated Nala in dice game. He thought that he can also defeat Nala once again and get back the beautiful lady, Damayanti. Pushkara opted for dice game.
"King Nala! Let us play dice game. If you defeat, Damayanti will be mine. If I defeat my entire kingdom with be yours. That is the bet. OK" said Pushkara. Nala agreed. Both played dice game.
In the dice game, Pushkara was defeated. Nala told Pushkara "Pushkara! Previously when I played with you, you won the game only with the help of Kali but not by your own tact. Now Kali is not here. Hence you are defeated. You are my cousin. I will never do any harm to you. You better leave the country and go anywhere" told Nala.
Then Emperor Nala, with his wife Damayanti and his children, ruled Nishadha Kingdom to the satisfaction of one and all and lived for a long time.
Therefore, King Dharmaja, dont feel that you have lost your kingdom and wealth in dice game. With the help of God and by your own efforts, you will regain your kingdom" concluded Bruhadarsva. Then he went away.
Later, one day, Saint Narada came down to Dharmaja. Dharmaja asked Narada about his doubts. "What is the Punya that anybody will derive, by visiting Holy places and having a holy dip in Holy Theerthaas.
(Theerthaa means, a small pond, a tank, a stream, rivulet, a river or sea or ocean where people will have holy dip on auspicious days).

Whoever controls his sense organs, his deeds, his mind, his intellect, and one who does not aspire for anything from others, one who shuns pride and anger, one who takes limited food, one who always speaks truth and nothing but truth, and all peaceloving people, if they visit holy places and shrines and have a dip in holy Theerthas, they will attain the Punya of performing many Yajnas and Yaagas. But people with tainted mind, sinful thoughts, even if they visit any number of holy places and shrines, there is no use. Those who are selfish and who do not give away their wealth to poor, they will become poor. Because they are poor, they cannot perform Yagas and Yajnas. If they visit holy shrines, they will attain Punya.
Generally, Lord Brahma will often visiting Holy places and Holy shrines and Holy Teerthaas. Out of them, Pushkara Teertha (now in Rajasthan) is famous. If anybody have a holy dip in Pushkara Teertha and offer Tarpanas to his forefathers, they will attain the Punya of performing 10 Asvamedha Yagas. If they live in Pushkara Teertha for ten years, they will live in Brahma Loka.
(The following are the names of Teerthas and Holy places and shrines and the Punya they will derive from out of it.)
Names of Shrines and Teerthas. The Punya they derive by visiting and having holy dip in the Teerthas.
Agastya vata teertham at Performing Asvamedha
Tandurilaka Ashramam yaga
in Jamboo Maargam.
Kanvaasramam,Dharmaranyam, All sins will vanish.
Yayaati Patanam
Worshipping Siva at Maha Kaala, Acquire more Punya.
Koti Teertha, Bhadra vata, bathing in
Narmada river, Dakshina Sindhu,
JarmaNvati Teertham.
Living for one day in Vasishta Ashramam,
visiting Pingam, bathing in Prabhaasa teertha, Acquire more Punya.
Varadaana teertha, and Sarasvati
river confluence.
Worshipping Siva in Pindaraka Teertha, Attain the result of
bathing in Saagara Sindhu confluence, making Daana(gift) of
Worshipping Siva in Sanku KarNesvaram, cows in thousands.
bathing in Vasudhaara, Sindhoothama,
Brahmatunga teertha, visiting Sakra kumari,
Sreekundam and having Darshan of Brahma,
Worshipping Agni in Badaba Teertha.
Visiting Devika Kshetra, Kama Kshetra, Will get whatever he
Rudra teertha, Brahma Vaaluka, Deergha desires
Satra.
Bathing in River Sarasvati, Naagodbedha, Attaining Naga Loka.
Sivodbhedha,Camasobhedha.
Bathing in Sasiyaana Teertha Attain Punya of giving
Dana of 1000 cows.
Worshipping Siva in RudraKoti. Attaining Kailasa.
Visiting Kurukshetra. All sins will vanish.
Worshipping Vishnu in Vishnu Sthaana, Acquie more Punya.
Bathing in Paariplava teertha, Prudhivi teertha,
Saalookini teertha, Sarpa teertha, Varaaha teertha,
Asvini teertha, Soma teertha, Krutasoucha teertha.
Worshipping Siva in Agnivata, Munjavata, bathing All desires will
in Yakshini teertha. accomplish.
Dharmaja, when Parasurama, son of Jamadagni, massacred all the kings on the earth with his axe, their blood flowed in five streams. They are called Samantaka Pancaka. In those streams, Parasurama offered Tarpanas to his father and fore fathers. When his forefathers asked him to choose whatever he wants, he requested them to shun all his sins caused due to the killing of all the kings and he should attain Punya Lokas. Samantaka Panchaka should become a famous teertha. Since then, Samantaka Panchaka is considered to be one of the famous Teerthas. A dip in Samantaka Panchaka will result in attaining Punya of performing Asvamedha Yaga.
Bathing in Yashodhanam, lokodhaaram, Attaining
sree teertham,kapila teertham, soorya teertham, countless Punyas.
gobhavanam, sankhini teertham, yakshendra teertham,
sarasvati teertham,maatru teertham, brahmaavartham,
saravanam, svaavillomaavaham,maanusha teertham,
avagaanadhee teerdham, brahmodumbaram,
saptarshi kundam, kedaaram, kapila kedaaram,
sarakam, ilaaspadam,kindaanam, kinjanyam,
Who dies in Ambaa janmam. Attain PunyaLoka
Bathing in Vaitarini at Pundareekam,Phalakee- All the sins will
vanam, Misrakam, Vyaasavanam, Manojavam, vanish.
Madhuvati, kousaki, drushadvati river confluence,
Offering Tilaadaanam at Kindatta teertham. Pitru Runam will be discharged.
Bathing in Sudhinam, Attaining Sooryaloka
Bathing in Mrugadhoomam and Attain the result of per-
worshipping Siva. forming Asvamedha
Bathing in Vishnu Teertha. Attain Vishnu loka.
Bathing in pavana teertha. His Vamsa will be purified.
Visiting Sreekunjam. Attaining result of performing Asvamedha
Bathing in Brahma teertha. Attaining Brahmaloka
Bathing in Ousanasam, kapaalamochanam, All sins will vanish
visvaamitram, kaartikeyam.
Death in Prudhoodaka teertham. All sins will vanish
Bathing in Ganga, Sarasvati confluence. Brahma Hatya sin will
vanish.
Performing penance at Satam, Sahasram. Uncountable Punya.
Bathing in Rudrapatni. All sorrows will vanish
Visiting Svastipura Teertha. Attain Punya of charity
of 1000 cows.
Living in Ekaratram. Attain satya loka.
Worshipping Soorya in Adityaashram. Attain Soorya Loka
Living for three nights at Dadeechi Teertha. Attain svarga loka.
Bathing in Sannihitha Teertha. Attain Punya of performing 100 Asvamedha yagas.
Bathing in Dharma teertham. Become virtuous.
Bathing in Jnaana paavana, Sougandhika All sins will vanish.
teerthas.
Bathing in the stream of Sarasvati Hradam. Attain the Phala of performing Asvamedha yaga.
Performing Saakaahara Tapassu at
Saakambari teertha. Attain Punya.
Bathing in Suvarna teertham. Attain Kailasa.
Bathing in Dhoomavati and Radhaavartham Relief from all
teerthas. sorrows.
Bathing in Sapta Gandha confluence, Tree Attain Punya Loka
Ganga confluence, Sakraavartham, Kanasvala,
Ganga, Sarasvati confluence.
Performing Rudra Pooja in Bhadrakarneswaram, Attaining Sarva Siddhi.
Arundhati vatam, Bathing at the origins of
Sindhu and Yamuna rivers.
Bathing in Vedika, Rushikulya,Kruttika, All sins vanish.
Vidya,Vetasika.
Bathing in Brahma teertham. Attaining Satya Loka
Visiting Naimisha. All sins vanish.
Bathing in Gangodbedam, Indeevara teertham, Performing Vaajapeya
Hari teertham, Disaavati teertham. Yaaga.
Bathing in Baahuda teertha. Performing Satra Yaga.
Bathing in River Sarayu, Gopradaanam, Performing
Gomati. Asvamedha Yaga.

Bathing in Koti Teertham, performing Performing Rajasooya
Siva Pooja in Kaasi. Yaga.
Bathing in Kapila Hradam.Ganga, and Performing Vajapeya
Gopati. Yaga.
Living in Gaya. Forefathers attaining
Punya Lokas.
Visiting Yakshini Teertha. Vanish Brahma Hatya sin
Bathing in Ahalya Hrada, Uda Paanam. Performing Asvamedham.
Bathing in Janaka koopa. Attaining Vaikuntha.
Bathing in Kampana, Mahanadi. Performing Poundareeka Yagam
Bathing in Deva PushkariNi, Maheswara Performing Asvamedha
Dhaara, Yaaga.
Bathing in Salagrama teertham. Attaining Vaikuntha.
Worshipping Siva in Bharataashramam. Attaining Mitravaruna
Bathing in KanyaasavEdya teertham. Akshaya Punya.
Bathing in Devakoota Teertham. Attaining Satyaloka
Bathing in Kousika Hradam,living in Performing Asvamedham
Kumaara Veera Ashram.
Bathing in Gouri Sikhara Kundam, Performing Asvamedham
Nandini koopam.
Bathing in Kaaika, Gokarnam teertham. Vanish all sins.
Bathing in Nanda, Oulakam, Karatoyam, Performing 100
confluence of Ganga. Asvamedha Yaga.
Bathing in River Sona, Narmada and
at Badari tirtham. Long life.
Bathing in Mahendra, Rama teertham, Performing Asvamedha.
tunga kedaara, Vamsa, Gulma teertha.
Bathing at Srisailam, Devahradam teertham. Performing Siva Pooja and Asvamedha.
Bathing in River Kaveri, Tungabhadra, Performing Asvamedha
Sea at Kanyakumari. Yaaga.
Bathing at Payoshni, Dandakaaranyam, Attaining Punya Lokas
Sarabhangaashramam, Draakshaaraamam,
Sapta Godavari, teerthams.
Visiting Sundara and Tunga forest. Vanish all sins.
Bathing in Devahradam in Kalamjari hills. All desires fulfilled.
Bathing in Mandaakini in Chitrakootam and Vanish all sins.
in Srungiperapuram.
Living in Prayaga. Performing Rajasooya, Asvamedha Yaga.
All cannot take have holy dip in all teerthas. Bad characters cannot perform pilgrimages to holy places. Therefore, you perform pilgrimage. One Saint called Romasa will come to you. As per his directions and according to the advise of your Purohit, Dhoumyta, perform the pilgrimage." so saying, Narada went away.
Ddharmaja told Dhoumya "Arjuna went to acquire Divya Astras. Still he has not come. Without Arjuna, life is waste. We are all waiting for the arrival of Arjuna" said Dharmaja.
"Dharmaja! Arjuna will return with victory. We will perform pilgrimates" said Dhoumya.
Meanwhile, Saint Romasa arrived there.
"Dharmaja! I visited Indra Loka. There I saw your brother, Arjuna. He acquired Divya Astras from Lord Siva, Indra and other heavenly bodies. Indra asked me to inform you about Arjuna. Devendra also suggested you to perform pilgrimage to holy shrines. I have come here for that purpose only" said Saint Romasa.
" O Saint Ramasa! I am very happy to hear good news about Arjuna.That too, Divine Personality like Devendra himself ordered me to perform pilgrimage. I am very happy. As per the advise of Narada and directions of Devendra, now itself I will start for Pilgrimage to Holy places." said Dharmaja.
Along with Dharmaja all the Brahmins accompanied him. All of them arrived at Gaya. They reached the Ashramam of Saint Agasthya. Saint Romasa told Dharmaja about that Ashramam.
"In the ancient past, there were two demons called Vaataapi and Ilvala. Ilvala was the elder and Vaataapi was younger.
One day they worshipped one Brahmin and requested that Brahmin to bless them with a Mantra which will accomplish all desires. But that Brahmin did not agree to give such Mantra to demons like Ilvala and Vatapi.
Then Vaataapi became a goat. Ilvala cut the goat and prepared sumptuous food and served it to that Brahmin. That Brahmin ate the food along with the goat meat.
Then Ilvala called "Vaataapi! come out". Vaataapi who was in the stomach of Brahmin in the shape of goat meat, broke the stomach of the Brahmin and came out. The Brahmin died.
Both Ilvala and Vaataapi continued to kill Brahmins who came to their house as guests, in the same manner.
Agasthya was a saint. He was unmarried. One day he saw his fathers and forefathers hanging to a tender leaf of a tree.
"Who are you? Why are you hanging to this leaf?" asked Agasthya.
"We are your forefathers. You have not married and begot children so far. Therefore, we could not attain Punya Lokas. You have to marry and beget children. Then only we will be relieved of this agony" said those celestial bodies.
Agasthya agreed for it. At that time, King of Vidarbha was craving for children. Agasthya blessed him with a daughter. King of Vidarbha begot a daughter. Her name was Lopamudra. She grew day by day and attained youthful age. Her father was searching for a suitable alliance.
Agasthya went to the King of Vidarbha and asked him to give his daughter, Lopamudra, in marriage to him. Her father did not agree to give his daughter in marriage to a poor brahmin like Agasthya.
But Lopamudra requested her father "Please give me in marriage to Agasthya. I will marry him" said Lopamudra. Unable to do anything, King of Vidarbha performed the marriage of Lopamudra with Agasthya. She accompanied Agasthya to forests.
One day Agasthya, wanted to have sexual intercourse with his wife, Lopamudra for the sake of children.
"My Dear Husband! For the sake of children, husband can have sexual intercourse with his wife. It is natural. But my request is, you should join me after adorning me with gold and diamond jewellary." said Lopamudra.
"It is correct. But I am not having either money or jewellery or diamonds. For that purpose, I cannot waste my Power of Tapassu. I will beg some king for jewellary" said Agasthya.
He went to one King called Sratarva. Sratarva told him that he was not having any Balance money with him after meeting all expenses for the State. They both went to Brudasva who also gave the same reply. All the three went to another King Trasa Dasya. He also gave the same reply but showed some way to get money.
"O Saint Agasthya, there is one person Ilvala. He is having much money, diamonds and jewellery. Let us ask him". All the four went to Ilvala. Saint Agasthya requested Ilvala for money.
As usual, Ilvala requested Saint Agasthya to accept his hospitality. His brother Vaataapai became a goat. Ilvala cut the goat and with the meat, he got prepared sumptuous food and served it to Saint Agasthya.
The other kings knew about Ilvala. They asked Agasthya not to eat that food. Saint Agasthya smiled and ate that food.
Then Ilvala called "Vaataapi! come on. Come out!."
Even before that, Saint Agasthya just patted his stomach "Vataapi! you are digested. You are digested" With the words of Saint Agasthya, Vaataapi was digested in the stomach of Agasthya.
On seeing this, Ilvala frightened. He prostrated before Saint Agasthya and gave him so much of money, diamonds and jewellery.
With that money and jewellery, Saint Agasthya decorated Lopamudra and had sexual intercourse with her.
Then Agasthya asked his wife Lopamudra "You desire to have hundred sons equal to ten, or ten sons equal to hundred or you desire to have one thousand sons or one son equal to one thousand. Whom do you want?" asked Agasthya.
Lopamudra requested Agasthya to bless her with a son equal to one thousand mighty personalities, most learned, full of virtues with great wisdom.
Accordingly, Lopamudra became pregnant and gave birth to one son called Dhudhasya. In this manner, the fore fathers of Saint Agastya attained Punya Lokas.
Arjuna was one of the brothers of Pandavas. Arjuna's son was Abhimanyu. Pareekshit was the son of Abhimanyu. Janamejaya was the son of Pareekshit.

Janamejaya performed Sarpa Yaagaa. At that time, Vaisampaayana, the Sishya of Veda Vyaasaa told Maha Bharata Story to Janamejaya. One Ugrasravasu son of Romaharsha was also present at that time and heard the entire story of Mahabharata.
While Saint Sounaka performed Satra yaga in Naimisaaranya, the said Ugrasravasu (Sooti, the Story Teller) narrated the entire Mahabharata story to all the sages and saints gathered there.
Dharmaja asked Saint Romasa to tell him the story of Saint Agastya. Romasa continued to say:
"In Krutayuga, there was a demon called Vrutraasura. The said Vrutraasura, along with his associates by name Kalakeyas, was teasing the Devatas and made them to suffer a lot.
Hence, all the Devatas went to Lord Brahma and requested him to tell them the ways and means to kill that demon Vrutraasura.
"You all go to Saint Dadheechi who is doing Tapassu on the banks of River Sarasvati. He will donate his bones to you. You make several weapons with his bones and kill Vrutrasura." said Lord Brahma.
Accordingly, all the Devatas went to Saint Dadheechi and requested him to donate his bones to them. Dadheechi accepted their request, left the body voluntarily and donated his bones to Devatas.
After his death, all the Devatas collected his bones. One Prajapati by name TvashTa, made Vajrayudha with the spinal bone of Dadheechi and gave it to Indra.
With the help of Vajrayudha, Indra killed Vrutraasura. Kalakeyas, the associates of Vrutrasura, fled away and hid themselves in the sea. They remain in the sea during day time and come out during nights and as usual they were teasing the saints and sages and Devatas and other citizens.
This time all the Devatas along with Indra approached Lord Vishnu and requested him to help them. Lord Vishnu said:
"Kalakeyas are more powerful and stronger than all of you. Besides that, they are in the sea. It is very difficult to kill them. If all the water in the sea is drained out, we can kill them. Therefore, you be approach Saint Agastya and seek his help" said Lord Vishnu.
Then all the Devatas approahced Agastya
"O Saint Agastya! You are a great sait. Even on a previous occasion, when Vidhya Mountain was increasing to heights of sky, day of day, it was you who saved us from that diaster. In the same manner, now also kindly help us and save us from this catastrophe." requested Devatas.
Now Dharmaja asked Romasa "Why Mountain Vidhya was increasing to sky? Kindly tell me about it" asked Dharmaja. Romasa continued to say:
"Daily, the sun god was making rounds around Mount Meru. It was the practice. Mountain Vidhya grew angry.
"O Sun God, I am the king of Mountains. Instead of going around my mountains, why you are making rounds to Mountain Meru?" asked Vidhya with more pride and anger.
"As per the orders of Lord Brahma, I am doing like this." replied Sun God.
Vindhya Mountain grew angry. He was raising to sky day by day thus obstructing the Sun and Moon from making regular rounds. The entire earth became dark. There was a chaos in all the Lokas. All the Devatas approached Agastya and sought his help. Then Saint Agastya along with his wife Lopa Mudra went to Mountain Vidhya. Mountain Vindhya worshipped Saint Agastya and his wife.
"O Mountain Vindhya! Myself and my wife are going towards south. Kindly give us the way" asked saint Agastya.
Accordingly, Mountain Vidhya came down to the level of earth. Then Saint Agastya along with his wife, crossed Vidhya mountain and asked Mountain Vidhya to remain like that till he returns back. Agastya along with his wife Lopamudra, proceeded towards South. Saint Agastya never returned back. Mountain Vidhya was waiting for the return of Saint Agastya. He stopped increasing himself towards sky. Still Vidhya is waiting for the arrival of Agastya. Thus, Agastya averted Vindhya from increasing. Normalcy was restored and Sun and Moon were discharing their duties normally." said Romasa.
Then Romasa continued the main story.
Saint Agastya asked Devatas "What is the trouble you are facing? What I have to do for you?"
"O Saint Agastya! you have to drink the entire water in the sea" requested Devatas.
Agastya drank the entire water in the sea. The sea became dry. All the Kalakeyas who are hiding in the sea came out. Devatas fought with them and killed them. Those who escaped fled away to underground.
All the Devatas requested Saint Agastya "O Saint Agastya! with your help, we got rid of the atrocities of Kalakeyas and other demons. Please again fill the sea with the water".
"It is not possible now. Because, the entire water was already absorbed in my stomache." said Agastya.
All the devatas again went to Lord Brahma and sought his help.
"It is not possible to fill the sea with water in a near future. After a long time, One great saint Bhageeratha will fill the sea with water. You have to wait till then" said Brahma.
"Dharmajaa! In the ancient past, in Ikshvaaku Dynasty, there was a king called Sagara. He got two wives. They are Vidarbhi and Saibya. He was issueless. He did Tapassu and got the blessings of Lod Siva. Siva blessed him with children.
Both the wives of Sagara became pregnant. Vaidarbhi delivered a big fruit. Saibya delivered a male child called Asamanjasa.
According to the words of Aakaasavaani, Vaidarbhi removed all the seeds from the fruit and preserved them in a ghee pot. Some time later, 60,000 sons were born from out of the seeds. All of them grown up and became incorrigible. They were teasing saints and sages and devatas.
As usual, the sages, saints and Devatas went to Brahma and sought his help.
Lord Brahma said "They are short lived. They will die soon"
King Sagara intended to perform Asvamedha yaaga. The Yaagaasvsa was left. The sons of Sagara followed the Yaagaasva.
One day the Yaagaasva jumped into the waterless sea and disappeared. The sons of Sagara digged the sea and found one Ashramam of Saint Kapila.
They thought that Saint Kapila stole their horse. They insulted Saint Kapila. But, all of them were reduced to ashes with the power of Saint Kapila.
By that time, Asamanjasa son of Saibya got a son. His name was Amsumanta.
"My grand son, I am not feeling for the death of my sons. But Asvamedha Yaga remained incomplete. Kindly complete it" requested King Sagara.
Accordingly, Amsumanta went to the sea coast. Amsumanta visited the Ashramam of Saint Kapila and requested him to return the horse. Saint Kapila handedover the horse to Amsumanta and said "Amsumanta! your grand father, Sagara, will complete Asvamedha with this horse. But your grand son, Bhageeratha, will bring Ganga to earth and fill the sea".
King Sagara completed Asvamedha Yaga. He adopted the sea as his son. From then onwards, the sea was also called as "Saagara".
The son of Amsumanta was King Dileepa. King Bhageeratha was the son of King Dileepa.
Bhageeratha came to know about the story of King Sagara. He wanted to fill Saagara with waters. He went to Himalayas and worshipped Ganga.
Ganga appeared before him. "Maata Gangaa! You have to leave the divine path and come down to earth and fill the sea with your holy waters. The sons of Sagara should attain Moksha" requested Bhageeratha.
"Surely I will come. But Lord Siva is the only deity who can bear my force while coming down to earth. You fgo and get the blessings of Lord Siva" said Ganga.
Then Bhageeratha went to Kailaasa and prayed Lord Siva that he should bear the force of Ganga while coming down to earth.. Lord Siva accepted the request of Bhageeratha.
"You bring Ganga to earth. I will bear it on my head" said Lord Siva.
Again Bhagiratha prayed Ganga to follow him to earth. Ganga followed Bhagiratha to earth. Lord Siva caught the magnificent fall of ganga from heaven to earth, on his head in his long hair.
Then from the head of Lord Siva, Ganga flowed down to plains and reached the sea. Thus the sea was filled with full of water. From then onwards, River Ganges was also called as Bhaageerathi, in the name of Saint Bhagirath. " Thus Romasa told Dharmaja in detail about the flow of Ganges from heaven to earth.
Then Dharmana had a holy dip in River Ganga, Nanda, Apara nanda. Then they reached Mount Hemakoota. There, from the stones, fire was coming out and the clouds were being attracted by that fire.
Then they reached the Ashram of Visvamitra. Near that Ashram, there was a lake called Rushya Srunga lake.
Romasa continued to say the story of Rushya Srunga to Dharmaja.
"Dharmaja! Vibhandaka was the son of Kashyapa. One day he was taking bath in a tank. At that time he saw a beautiful divine lady by name Urvasi. He was sexually excited. His sperm was released and mixed in the water. One deer drank that water mixed with the sperm of Vibhandaka. Deer became pregnant and delivered a male child. His name was Rushya Srunga. Vibhandaka brought that child to his Ashram. Rushya Srunga does not know any other world except his father, forest and Ashram.
At that time, one Roma pada was ruling the kingdom of Anga. He insulted his Purohits. Hence all the purohits left his kingdom. As a result, there were no rains in that country. There was an acute drought.
The King realised his mistake. He requested the Brahmins to come back to his kingdom. He also requested them to show the way for getting rains.
"O King! Rushya Srunga is a great saint. Wherever he sets his foot, the drought will vanish and rains will come. You have to bring him to our land by any means" said Purohits.
Then, the king called some call girls and directed them to go to Rushyasrunga Ashramam. lure him and bring him to his country by any means.
One day, Vibhandaka went to forest for fetching some fruits and firewood. Rushya Srunga remained in the Ashram. At that time, one young beautiful call girl, sent by the King, approached Rushya Srunga.
So far Rushya Srunga did not see any female. He thought that she is also a male like him. He offered that lady some fruits and other eatables. That call girl invited Rushya Srunga to his house. She also requested Rushya Srunga to make frienship with her.Then only she will receive the fruits.
The innocent Rushya Srunga accepted her request. She danced before him and entertained him with her beauty and lovely skills. Then she left. Rushya Srunga could not forget her. He forgot to take food and water. He always remained in her dreams.
Vibhandaka asked Rushya Srunga the reason for his behaviour. Rushya Srunga told his father about the call girl.
"My dear son! Some demons are trying to spoil our Tapassu. They will be roaming under the guise of beautiful ladies. Be careful" said Vibhandaka.
Next day also, when Vibhandaka went out of Ashram, the same call girl again came to Ashram. Rushya Srunga fell in her trap and followed her to Anga Rajya. Soon after Rushya Srunga sets his foot on that land, the severe drought vanished and there was a heavy rain fall.
King Roma pada was very happy. He gave his daughter, Santa, in marriage to Rushya Srunga.
Vibhandaka was searching for his son Rushya Srunga. While searching, he entered Anga Rajya. There he saw his son and daughter in law. He brought them to his Ashram. Rushya Srunga, along with his wife, Santa, lived here for pretty long time" said Romasa to Dharmaja.
Then Dharmaja proceeded to Kalinga and he had a holy dip in river Vaitarini. From there, they went to Mahendragiri hill.
Dharmaja enquired the saints living on Mahendragiri "O Saints! I heard that Parasurama is living here. Have you ever seen Prasurama?"
"Dharmaja! My name is Akrutavarna.I am the Sishya of Parasurama. We can see him on next Chaturdasi." said Akrutavarna.
Dharmaja was very happy. Dharmaja requested saint Akrutavarna to tell him the story of Parasurama. Akrutavarna said the story of Parasurama to Dharmaja.
"King Gadhi was ruling Kanyakubja City. His daughter was Satyavati. Ruceeka, son of Saint Bhrugu wanted to marry her and came down to King Gadhi and requested him to give his daughter in marriage to him.
"O Saint Ruceeka! If you are able to bring one thousand white horses, with black ears, i will give my daughter in marriage to you" said King Gadhi.
Saint Ruceeka prayed Varuna. With the blessings of Varuna, thousand white horses with black ears came out of River Ganga. From then onwards, River Ganga also was called Asva Teertha.
Ruceeka gave those thousand horses to King Gadhi and married his daughter, Satyavati.
One day, Saint Bhrugu came to their Ashram. He was very happy on seeing his son and daughter in law. He asked Satyavati to choose anything she likes.
"Bless me and my mother, each one son" asked Satyavati.
"You both take a holy bath. You embrace one "Medi Tree" and let your mother embrace "Asvatha Tree". Your desires will be fulfilled.
Satyavati and her mother were happy. They both took holy bath. But in hurry they changed the trees. Satyavati embraced Asvatha tree whereas her mother embraced Medi Tree. Saint Bhrugu realised this mistake.
"Satyavati! you will give birth to a Brahmin boy who adopts severe Kshatra Dharma. Your mother will give birth to a Kshatriya boy but he adopts Saintly Life and will become "Brahma Jnani."
Satyavi again requested Saint Bhrugu: "Let there be a little change. Instead of my son, my grand son may adopt severe Kshatra Dharma." asked Satyavati. Saint Bhrugu accepted the same.
Satyavati became pregnant and gave birth to a male child called Jamadagni. Jamadagni married one Renuka daughter of King Prasenajit and begot five sons through Renuka. They are (1).Rumanvanta, (2).Sushena, (3)Vasu (4)Visvaavasu and (5) Rama.
One day, Renuka went to a nearby pond to fetch water. At that time King Chitraradha was taking bath in that pond along with his wives. Renuka saw the handsome King, Citra Radha. She became sexually excited and committed mental adultery.
Saint Jamadagni came to know about this. He directed his four sons, one by one, to kill his wife, Renuka. All the four sons did not agree to kill their mother as it is a great sin. Jamadagni grew angry and cursed them to roam in the forerests like animals.
Then Jamadagni directed his fifth son, Rama to kill his mother, Renuka. Without hesitation, Rama killed his mother with his axe.
Saint Jamadagni felt very happy and asked Rama to choose whatever he likes because he obeyed his word without hesitation.
"Let my mother be alive. Let my brothers be relieved of your curse. Bestow me with great vigour, strength and valour. Nobody should stand against me in any war. Bless me with long life" asked Rama. Jamadagni was very happy. He granted all his wishes.
At that time, there was a king called Kaartaveeryaarjuna, with one thousand hands. One day, Karta Veerya, while hunting, became tired and visited the Ashram of Jamadagni. Jamadagni welcomed the king and offered him all hospitalities. But Karta veerya did not care for his hospitality and insulted Jamadagni and other saints. He forcibly took away the cow and calf of Jamadagni, along with him.
At that time, Rama was not in the Ashram. On his return, he came to know through his father, Jamadagni, about the atrocities of Karta veerya. Rama grew angry. He chased Karta veerya, fought with him and killed him and his entire army. The sons of Karta Veerya bore grudge on Rama and Jamadagni.
One day, when Rama was out of Ashram, they killed Jamadagni and destroyed the Ashram. When Rama returned to Ashram, he found his mother, Renuka, weeping before the dead body of his father, Jamadagni. He enquired the other saints and got the information.
"My father, a great saint, a passionless personality, a kind-hearted man, is spending peaceful life in this Ashram. He has not done any wrong either to Karta Veerya or to his sons. But he was killed voluntarily and mercilessly.All the Kshatriyas are Bad Characters. I will kill all the Kshatriyas on this earth." Rama took a vow.
Accordingly, Rama with his Parasuvu, (axe), fought with all the Kshatriyas on the earth, defeated them and killed them and donated the entire earth to Saint Kasyapa. Then he was spending his life in Tapassu on this Mahendra Hill." Akrutavrana told Dharmaja the story of Parasu Rama.
Later, on Chaturdasi Day, Dharmaja had Darsan of Parasurama and then proceeded towards south. Then he visited Thryambakam where River Godavari was born. Then they proceeded to Prabhasa Teertha.
On hearing the arrival of Pandavas at Prabhasa Teertha, Sri Krishna, Balaraama and others came down to Prabhasa Teertha to see Pandavas.
Dharamaja told Krishna about their woes and about Arjuna visiting Indra loka.
"That blind king is a follish fellow. Unnecessarly he drove you to forests. We all should stand by the side of Dharmaja and should see that he should get back his kingdom soon" said Balarama to all the Kings followed him.
"Yes it is right. While mighty personalities like yourself, Sri Krishna, Samba, Saarana are on the side of Pandavas, why should they remain in forests any longer. Will the army of Suyodhana stand before our mighty Yadava Army for a moment. With the permission of Sri Krishna, we ourselves, Kekaya kings, Srunjaya kings, Paanchaala kings, Vrushni, Bhoja, Andhaka kings should join together and wage a war against Suyodhana, defeat him, kill him and install Dharmaja as Emperior on the throne of Hastinapura. Till then we will keep Abhimanyu as Care Taker. What do you say?" spoke Satyaki vehemently.
Dharmaja cooled down Satyaki. "Please listen to me. We are living in forests as per word given to the elders. Please be calm and quiet. Let the time come. We will wage war against Kouravas." pacified Dharmaja.
Then Balarama and Sri Krishna along with other kings, left for Dwaraka.
Then Dharmaja proceeded to Payoshni River and had a holy dip. Then they proceeded to River Narmada and saw Vaidoorya Mountain.
Romasa continued to say about that place.
"Dharmaja! Chyavana, son of Bhrugu, did Tapassu at this place for a long time. In course of time, around him, trees were grown, mud heaps were formed and he was inside those bushes and heaps. His eyes were sparkling like lightning insects.
One day, King Saryati along with his wives and daughter came there for a jolly trip. His daughter, Sukanya, was playing there. She came to the place where Chyavana was doing Tapassu. She saw the sparkling eyes of Chyavana. She thought that they are sparkling insects. She ordered the servants to uproot the trees and bushes. Chyavana came out of the bushes. He grew angry. He cursed all of them that their urine and toilet will be stopped for ever.
King Saryati came to know about this. He came there running and beg the pardon of Saint Chyavana and requested him to excuse his daughter for her childish act.
Saint Chyavana accepted his request on condition that Sukanya should marry him. King Saryati performed the marriage of his daughter Sukanya with Saint Chyavana. Sukanya remained in the Ashram of Chyavana and was serving him.
One day, Asvins came to the Ashram of Chyavana.
"Who are you?" Asvins asked Sukanya.
"I am the daughter of King Saryati and wife of Saint Chyavana" replied Sukanya.
"You are a loverly beautiful lady. But your husband is an ugly old man. It cannot be. Even now, you can choose any handsome personality who is fit to marry you. We will bring him" said Asvins.
"I love my husband. It is not proper on your part to speak like that" said Sukanya.
Then Sukanya told her husband what had happened. ]
"You would have accepted their offer" said Chyavana.
"If you permit, I will accept" said Sukanya.
Then she requested Asvins to bless him with a handsome personality as her husband.Then Asvins dipped in a nearby tank. Along with them, Chyavana also drowned in the tank.
Three young, energetic, handsome personalities came out.
"You choose one amongst usas your husband" said those personalities.
Sukanya chose her own husband as her new husband. Chyavana thanked Asvins.
"With your blessings, I have become young. I cannot forget your help. King Saryati will perform a Yaaga. In that yaaga, I will offer you Soma at par with Indra". said Chyavana.
Asvins were very happy and went away. King Saryati came to know that his son in law became young. Immediately, he visited the Ashram of Chyavana to see his daughter and son-in-law.
"King Saryati! You must perform one Yajna and I will be the Chief Priest." said Chyavana. King Saryati gladly accepted it.
In that Yajna, as per the word given to Asvins, Chyavana offered Soma Rasa to Asvins along with Indra. Indra objected it.
"Asvins are only Doctors for Divine Bodies. They are not Divine personalities. They are not entitled for Soma Rasa along with Devatas" said Indra.
Chyavana did not heed to the words of Indra. He offered Soma Rasa to Asvins. Indra grew angry. He aimed his Vajrayudha on Chyavana. Chyavana averted that blow with his power of Tapassu. He created one demon from out of the Sacred fire and directed him to kill Indra. That demon was coming upon Indra to kill him. Indra was afraid of that demon. He prayed mercy.
"Chyavana! Not knowing your power, I objected your acts. I have no objection to give Soma Rasa to Asvins. From today onwards, Asvins are also entitled for Soma Rasa in all sacrifices. " said Indra.
Chyavana felt happy. Indra went back to Devaloka. The demon created by Chyavana invisibly settled in horny ladies, wine, dices and cruel animals. Asvins drank Soma Rasa and went back to Deva loka." said Romasa.
Then Dharmaja entered Saindhavaaranya.
"Dharmaja! this is RiverYamuna. It is equivalent to River Ganga. On the banks of Yamuna, King Mandhatha performed many yaagaas. I will tell his story. Please listen.
In Ikshvaaku Dynasty, there was a virtuous King by name Yavanaasva. He was a strong, famous, and virtuous king. But he had no children. He went to Saint Bhrugu and requested him for children. Saint Bhrugu performed Putrakaameshti Yaga.
There was a vessel with full of divine water. Bhrugu asked Ritviks to preserve it carefully. One midnight, while everybody was sleeping, Yavanaasva was thirsty. Unknowingly, he drank the water preserved by Ritviks. Saint Bhrugu came to know about it.
"O King Yavanaasva! That holy water is intended for your wife. But you consumed it. You will become pregnant. You will deliver a son" said Bhrugu.
Accordingly, King Yavanaasva became pregnant and delivered a male child from his left side. His name was Maandhaatha. Indra came down to see that boy. Indra put his pointing finger in the mouth of the child.
"This is Amrutha. swallow it" said Indra. Thus that child was called as Mandhatha. King Mandhata ruled the country for many years. He conquered many countries and performed many Yagnas and Yagas.This is the place where Mandhatha performed Yaagas." said Romasa.
Romasa also said "Dharmaja! This is a place where King Somaka performed Yaagaas. This is the place where King Ambareesha performed Yaaga. This is the place where King Nahusha performed Yaagaas. This is river Sarasvati. This river disappeared in Nishadha country. At Chamasodbhedham it again appeared. Dharmaja! this is Vishnuprada Teertham. This is Kashmir Mandal. This is also called Maanasa Dvaara. Parasurama constructed this.
This is Bhrugutunga Hill. Here Emperor Sibi performed Yaaga.I will tell you the story of Emperor Sibi" said Romasa.
"One day, Indra in the form of Eagle and Agni in the form of pigeon came down to Emperor Sibi. First pigeon approached Sibi and requested him to save her as one Eagle was chasing it to kill.
Sibi said "Dont worry. I will save you". The Eagle also came there.
"O king. This is my prey. I have to eat it. Without food, I cannot survive" said Eagle.
"I have given word to save this pigeon. I cannot leave it. You search for other animal" said Sibi.
"God has fixed pigeon as my prey. If you want it, you can give me flesh equivalent to this pigeon and save the pigeon."said Eagle.
Sibi took out a knife and cut some flesh from out of his body and put it in the scales. Pegeon was weighing more. He was cutting his organs one by one. Still pigeon was weighing more weight. At last he himself sat in the scales and asked Eagle to eat him.
Indra and Agni were astonished for his charitable mind. "O Emperor Sibi! Your charity is great. Your name and fame will remain till the sun and moon exist." Indra and Agni went away.
This is the story of Emperor Sibi" said Romasa to Dharmaja.
Then Romasa continued to say the story of Ashtavakra to Dharmaja.
"Once there was a saint called Ekapaada. His wife was Sujaata. She was pregnant. Ekapaada was a strict teacher. He was making his students always read and learn without giving any rest. The child in the womb of Sujaata was hearing the chanting of Vedas by the students without giving any rest to students.
One day the child in the womb spoke to Eka paada "You are making your students chanting Vedas and learning other sciences restlessly even without sleeping. It is not good. If they learn like this without sleep and rest they will become dullards and ultimately become mad. Please change your attitude" suggested the child in the womb.
Ekapada grew angry. "After all, you are not born even. How can you find fault with my teachings. You will born as Astavakra." cursed Ekapada.
(Ekapaada is the representative of the present corporate college managements. They are, nowadays, making children to read and learn right from 3 am upto 10 pm without giving rest and participating in any other activity. They are not allowing students to enjoy weekly holidays or summer vacation. As a result, Some students are committing suicide and some have become mad. Therefore, there is no change in the attitude of teachers in imparting education to students, even after 5,000 years, I suppose.)
Ekapaada was a poor man. To earn money for the delivery expenses, he went to King Janaka. There he was defeated by a scholar by name Vandi and he was imprisoned.
Here Sujaata delivered a male child, Ashtaavakra. Ashtavakra became a great scholar. He went in search of his father.
At that time King Janaka was performing a Yajna. The attendants at the main door did not permit him to go inside.
"You are boys. This is a place where very learned people, elders, Ritviks should enter and discuss Vedas. You have no entry" said those attendants.
"How do you judge wisdom. Is it by age or by learning? A young man, if he wise and learned, should be respected. I have come to defeat the scholars in your court" said Ashtavakra.
King Janaka came to know of this. Immediately, he ordered the attendants to bring him inside. Ashta Vakra defeated all the scholars in the court of King Janaka and got released his father and other brahmins who were defeated earlier at the hands of Vandi. King Janaka honoured Ashta Vakra. Ashta Vakra along with his father returned to his village. This is the story of Ashta Vakra" said Romasa to Dharmaja.
Then they proceeded to river Samanga. Romasa showed Dharmaja RaibhtyaaSram and Bharadwaja Ashram. Romasa told Dharmaja the story of Yavakreeta.
"Dharmaja! There were two Saints. They are Raibhya and Bharadwaja. They were good friends. Raibhya got two sons. They are Ardhaavasu and Paraavasu. They both are well educated and learned. Bharadwaja got a son by name Yavakreeta. Yavakreeta was jealous on Ardhavasa and Paraavasa as they are learned.
Yavakreeta wanted to learn all the Vedas and Sastras without serving a Guru, but only by doing Tapassu. He did Tapassu about Indra. Indra came to him and asked him
"Why you are doing this Tapassu? What do you want?" asked Indra.
"I should learn the entire Vedas and Sastras without learning from Guru" said Yavakreeta.
"It is impossible. You should learn Vedas and Sastras only through Guru face to face. You cannot attain education only by Tapassu. It is not good" said Indra. Yavakreeta did not agree and continued his Tapassu. Indra went away.
(The present generation students may be the heirs of Yavakreeta. They are paying fees to schools and colleges but never attend classes but spending Time in cinema houses and love affairs. At the time of exams, they study through guides. Is it proper? Do you call it as learning? Distant Education, Postal tuition, also are of the same type. The best learning is only through Teachings from Teachers, face to face, by hearing lectures of the lecturers, and clearing doubts with lecturers face to face).
Again Indra came down to Yavakreeta as an old brahmin. There was a river with heavy flow of water. The old brahmin (Indra) was taking sand with his hands and putting in the stream.
Yavakreeta saw this. "O Old man. what is this?" he asked.
"I am constructing a dam to stop the flow of water"said old brahmin (Indra).
Yavakreeta laughed at him. "Oh. Is it possible? How many years you have put the sand with your hands? Are you mad?" said Yavakreeta.
"I am doing the same thing as you are doing. If I am mad you are also mad. You are praying Indra for an impossible task. Me too doing the same thing. If my task is useless your task also is useless. Give up your task" said Indra in his original form.
"No. You have to bless me with all education without learning" said Yavakreeta firmly.
Unable todo anything, Indra blessed him as a learned man without learning. Yavakreeta became pride. He returned to his father. With his learning and wisdom, he defeated many sages and saints.
One day he went to the Ashram of Raibhya. There he saw one beautiful lady, Krishna. She is the wife of Paravasu, the elder son of Raibhya. Yavakreeta forced her to fulfil his lust. She was afraid of him. For the present, she said something and returned to Ashram. She narrated what had happened to Raibhya, his father-in-law and wept.
Raibhya grew angry. He plucked a bunch of hair from his head and put it in the sacred fire. A beautiful lady, resembling his daughter-in-law, Krishna, came out of the fire.
He again plucked some hair and put it in the sacred fire. This time one fierceful demon came out.
"You both go and kill Yavakreeta" ordered Raibhya.
First the beautiful lady went to Yavakreeta and lured him and stole away his Kamandalam. Yavakreeta became powerless. Then the demon chased him to kill. Yavakreeta was running and running and entered his Ashram. But the sishya of Bharadwaja did not allow him inside. In the meanwhile the demon fell upon him and killed Yavakreeta in front of Ashram.
Then both the demon and beautiful woman came back to Raibhya and reported the death of Yavakreeta. Raibhya felt satisfied. He gave that woman to that demon in marriage. They went away.
Later, Bharadwaja returned to Ashram and found his son, Yavakreeta, dead in front of his Ashram. Unable to bear that grief, Bharadwaja jumped into fire and died.
After some time, one King Bruhadyumna was performing Satra yaaga. For that Yaaga, Paraavasu and Ardhaavasu, the sons of Raibhya, were the Chief Priests. The Yaaga was going on.
One day, Paravasu was coming back to his house from Yaga Saala. It was dark night. His father was coming opposite to him. Paravasu thought that it was a cruel animal and killed his father. He came near and found that it was his father but not an animal. He performed funeral rites and rituals to his father and went back to Yaga Saala. He told everything to Ardhaa vasu.
"Brother Ardhaavasu! You alone cannot perform the Yaaga. But I can do it. On my behalf, kindly do praayascitta rituals for my Brahma Hatya Sin." said Paraavasu.
Ardhaavasu agreed for it and went away. Ardhaavasu performed all the Prayasitta rituals on behalf of his brother Paravasu and got rid of him from Brahma Hatya sin and returned back to Yaaga Saala.
At that time, Paraavasu told the King "O King! While we are performing a sacred holy yaaga, my brother Ardhaavasu performed unholy rituals like praayasittam for Brahma Hatya sin. He cannot enter the Yaaga saala" said Paraavasu.
"No. It is not correct. Paravasu killed my father and committed Brahma Hatya. On his behalf, I performed praayasittam for the said Brahma Hatya sin. I am innocent" said Ardhaavasu.
Devatas from Devaloka praised Ardhaavasu for his truthfulness and asked him to choose whatever he wants. Ardhaavasu requested Devatas to give rebirth for his father Raibhya, his father's friend Bharadwaja, and Yavakreeta. Devatas accepted his request. All are alive.
Now Yavakreeta asked the Devatas "O divine personalities! I got all the education and learning from Indra as a result of my tapassu. But how Raibhya can kill me? Kindly tell" asked Yavakreeta.
"Yavakreetaa! the Mantras and Sastras learnt through Guru only will give fruitful results. You have not learnt anything through Guru. Hence all your learning has become waste. As Raibhya learnt all Sastras through Guru, he is more powerful than you" so saying Devatas went away. This is the story of Yavakreeta" said Romasa to Dharmaja.
Then Dharmaja along with his brothers and wife Droupadi reached Gandhamaadhana hill. But as the way to reach that hill is full of thorns and bushes, he thought in his mind Ghatotkacha son of Bheema. Ghatotkaca appeared before him. At the request of Dharmaja, Ghatotkacha carried Dhamaja, and his three brothers and Droupadi on his back and dropped them at Badarikaa vanam. Romasa with his Mantra Siddhi reached Badarika vanam through sky route.
They saw the place where Nara and Naarayana performed Tapassu. One day, Bheema and Droupadi went out for a stroll on the hill side. At that time, one lotus flower with thousand petals fell by the side of Droupadi. Droupadi surprised on seeing that flower. She requested Bheema to fetch similar flowers. Bheema went to bring such Sougandhika flowers.
While going, Bheema blown his Sankham (conch) and was making roaring sounds. Near that place, Hanuman was living in a cave. He heard the sounds made by Bheema. He recognised him as his brother Bheema. (both were the sons of Vayu).
Hanuman came out of the cave. He fell some trees across the way. He also lie down across the path way. He was waving his tail. Bheema came there. He roared again. Hanuman opened his eyes.
"Who are you? I am old and tired. While I am sleeping why you are making such huge noise. If you want, you can pluck some fruits and eat. Dont make sounds" said Hanuman.
"I am the son of King Pandu and brother of Dharmaja. My name is Bheema. I am going on some mission. Leave me the way" said Bheema.
"Oh. I am old. I cannotmove. Kindly keep my tail aside and go" said Hanuman.
Bheema tried to lift the tail with his little finger. There is no use. He again tried with one hand then with both hands. He used his entire strength. But he could not move the tail even for an inch.
"I do not know who are you. But you are not an ordinary monkey. Please pardon me. Kindly tell me who are you" asked Bheema.
"Bheema! I am Hanuman. We both are brothers. I also was born with the blessings of Vayu. In Tretayuga I served Rama. When Ravana took away Sita, the wife of Rama, I found her in Asoka Vana. Then with the help of Sugreeva, Rama fought with Ravana, killed and brought back Sita. Having satisfied with my services, Rama blessed me "You will live on this earth for long time." Hence I am living on this Gandhamaadhana hill." said Hanuman.
"O Anjaneya! I am very happy to see you here. I want to see your magnificent body while you crossed the ocean to reach Lanka. Kindly show it to me" requested Bheema.
"Bheema! it is not possible now.All the times are not alike. That time is different. The four Yugas viz, Kruta Yuga, Tretaa Yuga, Dwaapara Yuga and Kali Yuga are different. All the living beings will be acting in different ways according to those times." said Hanuman.
"Hanumaan! Kindly tell me the customs and practices in those four Yugas" asked Bheema.
Hanuman continued to say like this:
"Bheema! In Kruta Yuga, all the things are done and there was nothing to be done. Everything was taken for granted. Hence Dharma was prevailing with its four feet. Lord Vishnu protected the human beings in White form. At that time Sanathana Dharma was flourishing. All the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vysyas and Sudras were performing their duties as per Vedas. They got everything without asking for anything. Hence they attained Punya Lokas. They did not know about jealousy, anger, pride, lust, greediness, arrogance, delusion, fear, sorrow, diseases, killing of human beings, deterioration of body and loss of energy.
Then followed Tretayuga. At that time Dharma was prevailing with three feet only. In those days, people were always telling truth and nothing but truth. They performed Yajnas, Yagas, Tapassu and charities. Lord Vishnu protected people with Blood colour (Red).
Then followed Dwaapara Yuga. In those days, Dharma was prevailing with Two feet only. Vedas were followed in four ways. Dharma and Kaama were followed as told in Vedas. In Dwaapara people were not sticking up to one word. They have no regard to tell the truth. People performed Yagas and Yajnas aspiring some results. In those days, Lord Vishnu protected people with Krishna Varna (Black Colour).
Then followed Kali yuga. In Kali yuga Dharma will prevail with one foot. Lord Vishnu will protect people in Yellow colour. All the people will be influenced mostly by Tamo Guna. They will always be acting with Lust, passion and anger. They always do wrongs. People in Kaliyuga will perform Tapassu, charities very rarely. But if they do it they will attain more results." said Hanuman about the four yugas.
Again Bheema requested Hanuman to show him his magnificent figure at the time of crossing the ocean to reach Lanka. Anjaneya showed him his huge magnificent fierceful form at the time of crossing the ocean. Bheema was very much afraid and requested Anjaneya to appear in his normal form. Anjaneya appeared before him in his normal form.
"Bheema! You are going in search of Sougandhika flowers. That place is being guarded by Yakshas and demons. Your vigour and valour will not workout there. Those flowers are for the use of Devatas. Devatas will bless you if you worship them, but not with your power. Therefore, act according to Dharma. I will tell you about Dharma.
Dharma will come out of Sada Achara (good customs). Dharma will be instilled by Vedas. Yajnas will be performed according to Vedas. By performing Yajnas, Devatas will be satisfied. All the tasks wll be fulfilled with good intentions and proper thinking. Always consult elders and learned before taking important decisions. Dont consult with youngsters, proud and jealous and mean people.
Bheemaa! I am happy to see you here. Ask me what do you want. Shall I kill Dhrutarashtra and Kouravas who caused harm and hardship to you and destroy Hastinapura? Shall I do it?" asked Anjaneya.
"O my brother Hanuman! It is a small thing for a mighty personality like you. Anyhow, we will do that job." said Bheema politely.
"If so, Bheemaa, during the course of war, I will be on the flag of Arjuna and obseve your vigour and valour in that mighty war" said Hanuman. Then Hanuman showed the way to Sougandhika Sarovara and went away.
Bheemaa followed that path and reached Sougandhika Sarovaram (pond). It was being guarded by demons. They obstructed Bheema.
"This garden belongs to Kubera. None are allowed inside as he is now in this garden. It is dangerous to be here" said Guards.
"I am the son of King Pandu. My name is Bheema. My wife Droupadi requested me to fetch Sougandhika flowers. I have come here to take them. I will take them" said Bheemaa.
"Bheemaa! You are the brother of Dharmaja. Act according to dharma. First you obtain the permission of Kubera and take the flowers" requested the guards.
"What? Why should I take the permission of Kubera? Has he created this pond? Nature belongs to all. It is nobody's property. I am a Kshatriya. I never beg anybody for anything. I will take everything using force. Why should I pray Kubera. It is impossible" said Bheemaa.
He entered the pond and plucked the flowers. The guards fought with Bheema. But Bheema defeated them in no time. They all ran to Kubera and reported him what had happened. Having known about Bheema, Kubera did not interfere.
In the meanwhile, Dharmaja learnt through Droupadi that Bheema went to fetch Sougandhika flowers. Dharmaja, along with his brothers and Droupadi arrived at the pond in search of Bheema. Bheema gave Sougandhika flowers to Droupadi.
Some Yakshas came there. "You appear to be human beings. This is a place where Yakshas and Demons are wandering. You go to some other place" requested those Yakshas.
Dharmaja accepted their request and fixed their abode at some other place. At that time, one demon by name Jatasura, under the guise of a Brahmin, came to them.
"I am the Sishya of Parasurama. I learnt Vedas and Sastras. I will stay along with you" said Jatasura.
Dharmaja agreed. Jatasura was staying and dining with them. One day when Bheema went out on some work, Jatasura, in his original form as a demon, carried Dharmaja, Drouadi, Nakula and Sahadeva and was flying inthe sky.
Nakula told Jatasura "What is this? Till now you stayed with us and dined with us. Is it proper for you to do harm to us?" said Nakula. Jatasura did not give any reply.
"If so, fight with me" said Nakula. Nakula and Jatasura were about to fight.
In the mean while, Bheema returned to his ashram. The Brahmins there told him what had happened. Bheema grew angry. He reached the place where Nakula and Jatasura was fighting.
Bheema cautioned Jatasura "Leave our people. Otherwise, you will be killed by me as Bakasura and Hidimbaasura".
"Bheema! you have rightly come into my hands. I will kill you and offer blood tarpan to Bakasura and Hidimbaasura" said Jatasura.
Both Bheema and Jatasura fought with each. Jatasura was very much tired. Bheema used that opportunity. Bheema lifted him with his hands and hit him on the ground forcefully and killed him.
Then Dharmaja, Nakula and Sahadeva and Romasa and Dhoumya praised Bheemaa for his vigour and valour.
MAHA BHARATA – ARANYA PARVA
THIRD CHAPTER – COMPLETED.
Om Tatsat.

Ugrasra Vasu (the sooti) continued to say the story of Maha Bharat to Sounaka and other sages and saints.
Dharmaja and other pandavas along with Droupadi spent some days at the place where Nara and Narayana performed Tapassu.
One day, Dharmaja told to Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva:
"Arjuna left us about five years back. He acquired innumerable Divine Astras. At any moment, he may return. We have to receive him".
Then they proceeded towards north and reched Mount Malyavanta.
One day, Droupadi and Bheema went out and enjoying the beauty of the mountains around Malyavanta. At that time, a flower with five colours was flying and fell near Droupadi. She was admired. She requested Bheema to fetch such flowers. Bheema went in search of those flowers.
While going in search of flowers, he reached the palace where Kubera was living. It was surrounded and guarded by Yakshas and Raakshasas.
When Bheema tried to gain entrance into the palace, the Yakshas and Rakshasas obstructed him. There was a big fight between Bheemaa and the guards. In that fight, one Manimanta, the Chief of the Army and also a best friend of Kubera died in the hands of Bheemaa. Bheemaa also killed number of Rakhasas and Yakshas. The remaining guards fled away and reported the matter to Kubera.
In the meanwhile, Droupadi informed Dharmaja about Bheema going in search of flowers. Dharmaja along with his brothers and Saint Romasa went in search of Bheema.
They reached the palace of Kubera. In that vicinity, they found the dead bodies of Manimanta and other Yakshas and Rakshas and they also saw Bheema standing there in a fierce mood.
On hearing what had happened, Kubera came down to Dharmaja and received them with due honors.
"Dharmaja! You need not worry about the death of Manimantha, my friend at the hands of Bheemaa. Manimanta died only due to a Saapaa and nothing else. You need not worry. You can stay here for a period of fifteen days. My people will make all arrangements for your comfortable stay. You can stay in the Ashram of Aarshti ShENaashram.
There is a good news for all of you. Arjuna is at present in Indra Loka. I saw Arjuna along with Devendra. He is ready to return back to you." said Kubera.
On hearing this news, Dharmaja was very happy. As per the request of Kubera, Dharmaja along with his brothers and Droupadi stayed there for some time.
One Day Dhoumya explained Dharmaja about Mount Meru and Mount Mandhara.
"Dharmaja! That is the holy mountain Meru. On eight sides of that Mountain, Dikpaalakas are living. Around Mountain Meru, daily Sun, Moon and other stars are revolving. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara are staying on this Mountain" explained Dhoumya.
One day, Arjuna on the chariot driven by Matali, the divine chariot driver, arrived at the place where Dharmaja was staying. Arjuna bowed before ROmasa, Dhoumya, elder brothers Dharmaja and Bheemaa. Following Arjuna, Devendra also arrived there.
"Dharmaja! Here is your affectionate brother, Arjuna. Arjuna is a great man. He acquired many diving astras. He killed the Rakshas, Nivaata and Kavaca and helped Devatas. We cannot forget his help" said Devendra. Then he returned back to Devaloka.
Then Dharmaja curiously asked Arjuna "Arjuna! Devendra told me that You have pleased Lord Siva, Indra, Varuna and Agni and other Devatas and acquired many divine Astras. Why cannot you tell us in detail about it as a feast to our ears".
"My dear brother, as ordered by you, I proceeded towards Himalayas. Devendra appeared before as a brahmin and advised me to do Tapassu about Lord Siva.
I accordingly did Tapassu. Lord Siva, having satisfied with my Tapassu, appeared before as a hunter. He picked up quarrel with me on the pretext of killing a pig. Not knowing about his original form, I fought with Siva.
Siva was pleased with my vigour and valour. He gave me the divine Astra viz., Paasupata Astra. Later, Indra and other Devatas came down to congratulate me and they also gave me several Diving Astras.
Then I went to Devaloka, with this human body, on the invitation of Devendra. Devendra also gave me several Divine Astras. In return, he requested me to fight with two Demons, Nivatha and Kavacha who were constantly causing harm to Devatas. Devendra also gave me Devadatta(a conche) as a gift.
Then I went upon Nivata and Kavas on the chariot driven by Divine Chariot Driver, Matali. The Rakshasas, Nivatha and Kavacha, were living in a palace underneath the sea. I blowed my conche Devadattam.
On hearing the sound of my conche, they came upon me. There was big fight between us. In that fight, Matali fainted and lost consciousness. I myself drove the chariot and continued the fight.
The Rakshasas launched an Astra which caused complete darkness. I could not see anything. I launched the Astra of Light, given by Devendra, which caused Divine Light. Then I fought with the Rakshasas. Most of the Rakshasas died along with Nivata and Kavacha.
With great victory, I returned to Devaloka. On the way, I saw a town called Hiranyapura.
"Arjuna! This is Hiranyapura ruled by two Rakshasas, Pouloma and Kaalakeya. They will not be killed of Devatas. You may try" said the Divine Chariot Driver, Matali.
I proceed towards Hiranyapura. The Rakshasas mistook me as Devendra. They surrounded me and fought with me. They were doing a miracle war. They along with their town, Hiranyapura, flew to sky and were fighting from space. Then I launched Paasupata Astra given by Lord Siva and killed all the Rakshasas along with Pouloma and Kaalakeya.
Then I returned back to Devaloka and told Mahendra what had happend. Devenra was very happy.
"Arjuna! I am very thankful to you for killing the Rakshasas and helped Devatas. Your brothers and wife are eagerly waiting for your arrival and hear your victorious deeds". said Devendra. Then Matali brought me here in the divine chariot" completed Arjuna.
Dharmaja and his brothers were very happy. They praised Arjuna for his vigour and valour.
."Arjuna! Kindly show us all the Astras given by Devatas and also launch them as experiment" asked Dharmaja.
Arjuna was making arrangements to launch the Astras. Having come to know about it, Divine Saint, Narada hurriedly arrived there.
"Arjuna! What are you doig? Stop the launching operations. They are Divine Astras. You should not launch them without fixing the target. Otherwise, they will destroy the entire world" said Narada.
Arjuna immediately stopped all the operations. Dharmaja stayed there for a period of ten months. Then ROmasa, the divine saint, went back to Devaloka.
Dharmaja along with his brothers and other followers returend back to Badarika vana and Subaahu Pura and sent back Ghatotkacha and his followers who were waiting there, to their original place. They spent one year in the vicinity of Himalayan Mountains. One day, Bheema went out for hunting.

While he was searching for animals, a great python living on that mountain caught Bheema. Bheema's enormous strength and vigour was of no use before that python. Bheemaa was astonished.
"Who are you? How you got this enormous strength even to bind a mighty personality like me in your clutches? Have you got any divine power?" asked Bheemaa.
In reply, that python, in human voice said: "Bheemaa! I was an Emperor. My name was Nahusha. I belong to your dynasty. One great saint gave me Saapaa to become a serpant." Nahusha was repenting for his misdeeds.
In the meanwhile, Dharmaja was worried about Bheemaa. He went into the forest in search of Bheemaa. Dharmaja saw Bheemaa in the clutches of a python.
"Oh what a wonder! A mighty personality like Bheemaa is caught by an inferior serpant and is unable to move. Fate is great" thought Dharmaja.
"Oh Python! Who are you? Are you a Rakshasa or Divine personality? Please tell me. I am the son of King Pandu. My name is Dharmaja. If you caught my brother Bheemaa only for the sake of flesh, I will provide you any amount of flesh as food. Please relieve him" asked Dharmaja.
Python in human voice replied "O Dharmaja! My name was Nahusha. I was born in your Dynasty. I was equal to Indra. With the wealth and power I got, I became pride and arrogant. I insulted Brahmins by making the Brahmins to drive my chariot. For that Agasthya grew angry. He cursed me to become a great and fiercest serpant. In view of that Saapaa, I am lying here. Though I learnt Vedas, though I performed one hundred Asvamedha Yagas, though I was enthroned as Indra, but I lost my discretion, virtues and I became pride, arrogant, and insulted brahmins, as a result, fell down to this stage.
I prayed Saint Agasthya to relieve me of this curse and also to retain my original senses as Nahusha. Agasthya was pleased to bless me and said that whoever will give apt replies to my questions, I will be relieved of this curse due to that great man. I am waiting for that great man. If you are capable of giving replies to my questions, you can do so and get your brother relieved of my clutches." said Nahusha in the form of python.
"O Nahusha! Only Brahmins who are learned can give suitable answers to your questions. Anyhow, I will try to give replies. What are those questions?" asked Dharmaja.
Nahusha, in the form of python, asked the following questions and Dharmaja answered them.
1, What are the qualities of a Brahmin? What he should learn from elders?
Ans: Truth, forbearance, kindness, clenliness, penance, charity, virtues are the prime qualities of a Brahmin. He should first learn how to behave equally both in happiness and sorrow.
2. If the above qualities appear in a Sudra, can he be called as Brahmin? If it is so, why there should be division of people by caste? Are we misunderstanding people by dividing them as upper caste and lower caste?
Ans: If for any reason, there occurs intermixture of castes, to identify who belongs to which caste, Svaayambhuva Manuvu laid down a test to be followed in future. Even if a Sudra attains the virtues like Truthfulness etc., he can utmost become a best Sudra but how can he become a brahmin? Likewise, if a Brahmin lost his virtues viz., Truthfulness etc., he cannot be called as a Brahmin. Therefore, to determine the caste of a person, his virtues and character are most important and play a dominant role. If one person attains good character and virtues, he can become more virtuous person. If a person has no virtues or goodcharacter, he will never become a virtuous person. Therefore, it is the prime duty of a human being to preserve his virtues and good character than to preserve his moneys and wealth.
3. If a person is a dangerous and harmful character and even if he is a liar, but if he practises non-violance strictly, he will attain Punya Lokas. How non-violance was placed at such an highest pedestal than all virtues?
Ans:Charity, helping others, always telling truth, practising non-violance are the four good qualities. Amongst them, non-violance attained more importance. After death, a human being will attain his next birth as divine body, or human body or animal body. If a human being is a charitable person and also follows non-violant path, he will take his next birth as divine body. If one ignores non-violance and always indulge in violant activities, will born as an animal. Therefore, non-violance was considered to be a most adaptable Dharma.
On hearing these answers, Nahusha was very much satisfied and left Bheemaa. He was also relieved of his serpant form and got a divine form. Dharmaja along with Bheemaa returned to his place of stay.

While Dharmaja along with pandavas and Droupadi and others were spending time in forests, the hot summer passed away and rainy season started. In Saradrutuvu, there was a pleasant weather. The moon was shining in the sky and was spreading pleasant moon light throughout the sky like the fragrance of flowers.. It is like this:
Saardoolam:
Saaradaraatru lujvala lasattara taaraka haara panktulam
jaaru tarambu layye vikasannava kairava gandha bandhurO
daara sameera sourabhamutaalchi sudhaamSuvikeeryamaaNa ka
rpoora paraaga paanDu ruci pooramu lambara pooritambulai.
As all of you know pretty well, originally Mahabharat was written in Sanskrit by Veda Vyaasa. It was translated into Telugu by Nannaya Bhattaraka in verse form. The above is the last verse written by Nannaya.
King Raja Raja Narendra was ruling the Andhra Area during 1022 A.D. from Rajahmundry as his capital. Nannaya Bhattaraka was a minister in the name of "Kula Brahmana". Nannayya belongs to Aapasthambha Sootra and relates to Moudgala Muni Gotra.
At the request of King Raja Raja Narendra, Nannayya translated Sanskrit Maha Bharat into Telugu during 1054-61 AD. The writing went on for four years. Nannaya wrote Aranya Parve upto the above verse. Then he died.
Upto two hundred, nodbody touched Maha Bharat. During 13th century, Tikkana Somayaji who was living in Nellore started the work of translation of Sanskrit Maha Bharat into Telugu. But he did not complete Aranya Parva. He commenced from Fourth Chapter(Viraata Parva) and completed the remaining 15 chapters.
For 200 more years, Aranya Parva remained incomplete. In the earlier part of 14th Century, Yerra Praggada who was residing at Gudlur completed Aranya Parva. Therefore, it is evident that the translation of entire Mahabharat went on for about 300 years.
Yerra Praggada lived during 1280-1364 A.D. He also wrote Ramayan, Nrusimha Purana, Hari Vamsa besides the remaining portion in Aranya Parva. He belongs to Aapastambha Sotra, Sreevatsa Gotra and he was the son of Potamaamba and Sooranna.
Even though, Yerra Praggadda completed the remaining portion of Aranya Parva, he did it in the name of Nannaya Bhattu but not in his name. This shows his respect and devotion towards earlier poets like Nannayya. Yerra Praggada was such a humble man.
(The above particulars are taken from the preface written to the mighty publication of Sreemadaandhra Mahaa Bhaaratam by Tirumala Tirupati Devastaanams. My heartful thanks to Tirumala Tirupati Devastaanams).
Now let us read the first verse written by Yerra Praggada.
Campaka Maala:
sphuradaruNaamSu raaga ruci bompirivOyi nirasta neeradaa
varaNamulai daLatkamala vaibhavajRumbhaNa mullasilla nu
ddhuratarahamsaarasa madhuvrata nisvanamul selamgagaa
garamu velinge vaasara mukhammulu Saarada vELa cooDagan.
(Now Let us continue to read the remaining portion of Mahabharat –Aranya Parva written by Yerra PraggaDa)
Om Tat Sat

(Continued...)
(My humble salutations to Brahmasri M V Subrahmanyam     for the collection)