(Kavitraya) MAHAA BHAARAT
(In Simple English)

Originally written in Sanskritby Bhagavan Veda Vyaasa
(Krishna Dvaipaayana)
Translated into Telugu (a Regional Language of South India)
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Sri Nannaya Bhattaarakah  
Sri Tikkana Somayaaji
Sri Yerra Pragada.
In Naimisaaranya, on the occasion of Satra Yaga, the Sootamahamuni, story teller, told Sounaka and other sages and saints, the story of Mahabharata, as told by Vaisampayana to Janamejaya.
In that manner, Dharmaja and his brothers performed Udaka Kriya (offering holy waters) to all his relatives and friends, who died in war. They erected tents on the banks of Ganges and remained there till they were relieved of Asoucha. Dhritarashtra, Vidura along with their wives also remained there for a period of one month.
At that time, Saint Vyasa, Saint Narada, Devala, Kanva and other sages and saints arrived there. Dharmaja along with his brothers and wife welcomed them and offered them Arghyam and Padyam and comfortable seats.
Beholding Dharmaja, Narada said thus: “O Dharmaja! You are fortunate to have Krishna always by your side. With the help of Arjuna, you rule the entire Kuru Kingdom. Even during the Kurukshetra war, you did not forget your virtues and dharma. Your virtues and your dharma acquired this great victory to you. I hope you are happy with this victory” said Narada.
Dharamaja told Narada thus: “O Saint Narada! With the kind looks of Sri Krishna, with the blessings of Brahmins, with the mighty prowess, vigour and valour of Bhima and Arjuna, I acquired this victory. But I am deprived of my brothers, relatives, friends, teachers, fathers, in particular Abhimanyu and the sons of Draupadi. Having lost all kith and kin, can we consider this as a victory? Besides that, having known that Karna, who was a close friend of Suyodhana from the beginning, was my elder brother, my heart is burning.
My mother, Kunti told me that she had gone to Karna and after revealing him about his birth secret, requested him to join us. At that time, Karna told my mother, Kunti: “Amma, Kunti! Till now I am with Suyodhana. Suyodhana regarded me as his close friend only to attack Arjuna. If I discard him, what will the world think about me? Hence I cannot join Pandavas. But during war, I will spare the lives of all Pandavas, except Arjuna. Even if they are caught by me, I will never do any harm to them. This much I assure you ” said Karna.
Because my mother, Kunti hid all these facts from us, we could not recognize Karna as our elder brother. Otherwise, all this would not have happened. Not only that, in the Kuru assembly, while Karna was talking harshly against us, I did not get angry upon him. At times, it struck my mind that Karna resembles my mother, Kunti. But I did not attach much importance. My entire wrath against Suyodhana cools down beholding the face of Karna.
O Saint Narada! Once I scolded Arjuna not to show his face to me without killing Karna. I killed Karna with my own hands. O Saint Narada! Kindly tell me the reason why the chariot wheels of Karna sunk in the battle field” asked Dharmaja.
Narada told Dharmaja thus: “O Dharmana! While your mother, Kunti, was unmarried, with the power of a mantra, Sun God appeared before your mother and blessed her with a son. She gave birth to Karna, without losing her virginity. She left that boy in the river. A chariot driver found that boy, took him to his house and brought him up. Hence Karna was called as son of Soota. From the beginning, Karna bore grudge against you. He could not tolerate while everybody was praising the prowess of Bhima and Arjuna and the wisdom and intelligence of Nakula and Sahadeva. Later he developed friendship with Suyodhana.
One day, Karna requested Drona to teach him Brahma Astra and make him equal to Arjuna. Drona said that Brahma Astra could not be taught to non-Brahmins and non-kshatriyas. Karna went back to his abode. Next day, he approached Parasurama who was staying upon Mahendra Hill. Karna introduced himself as Brahmin and joined as his student. Karna was learning the art of archery from Parasurama.
One day, while Karna was practicing archery skills, one of his arrows struck a cow belonging to a Brahmin and the cow died. That brahmin cursed him that his chariot wheel will sink into the ground during war. Later, Karna learned all Astras including Brahma Astra. One day, Parasurama was sleeping with his head on the lap of Karna. At that time, a frightful insect bit the lap of Karna and made a hole. Through that hole, blood started oozing Though the pain was unbearable, with the fear that Parasurama will be disturbed from sleep, Karna bore that pain with great patience. The blood which had come out of the wound touched the body of Parasurama. Parasurama woke up and enquired him what had happened. Karna told Parasurama what had happened. Parasurama looked at that insect with great anger. That insect was turned into a demon. “O Saint Parasurama! I am relieved of my curse. I am a demon. Once I ravished the spouse of Saint Bhrigu who cursed me to remain as an insect. With your blessings, I am relieved of my curse.” so saying the demon disappeared.
Beholding Karna, Parasurama said: “O Karna! The patience and restraint shown by you is the characteristic of a Kshatriya but not of a brahmin. Tell me who are you?”
Karna shivered. “O Saint Parasurama! I am not a brahmin. I am the son of a Soota” said Karna.
“Karna, you deceived me by telling that you are a Brahmin and learnt all Astras from me including Brahma Astra. Hence, those Astras including Brahma Astra will not dwell in your remembrance during war.” cursed Parasurama. Karna returned back to Suyodhana and told him what had happened.
Dharmaja! Your brother, Karna was an expert in telling lies indiscriminately. Listen what had happened later. Chitrangada, King of Kalinga, proclaimed Svayamvara to his daughter, Subhangi. Sisupala, Jarasandha, Rukmi and other kings attended that function. Suyodhana along with Karna also went there. During Svayamvara, Subhangi, accompanied by her maid, was passing before all the kings. Subhangi did not garland any of the kings. She passed through Suyodhana and Karna. Suyodhana was enraged with great wrath. He ordered that Subhangi should be caught and kept in his chariot. Suyodhana abducted her with force. All the kings who attended the function rebelled against Suyodhana. Suyodhana and Karna fought with those kings. Karna with his archery skills vanquished all those kings. Suyodhana brought Subhangi to Hastinapura.
Bearing grudge against Karna, Jarasandha invited Karna for a dual fight. There was a fierce fight between Karna and Jarasandha. Karna defeated Jarasandha in that dual fight. Jarasandha, having been pleased with the prowess of Karna, gave the City of Malini to Karna.
Unable to digest the vigour and valour of Karna, Indra, approached Karna under the guise of a Brahmin, and begged him for his shield and ear rings. Karna gave away his shield and ear rings to Indra. Thus Karna was deprived of his shield and ear rings.
Therefore, Dharmaja! Karna was killed for all those reasons. Firstly he was afflicted with the curse of brahmin and also with the curse of Parasurama. Indra grabbed his shield and ear rings by deception. Announcement made by Bhishma, grading Karna as Ardha Radha. Salya’s non cooperation during war. All these culminated together and resulted in the killing of Karna by Arjuna.
While these are the weak points of Karna, Parama Siva, Indra, Yama, Varuna, Drona, Kripacharya endowed Arjuna great celestial Astras. Hence Arjuna could kill Karna, otherwise, it was impossible for Arjuna to vanquish Karna.” said Narada.
Having heard the words spoken by Narada, Dharmaja suffered with great distress. Mother Kunti tried to console Dharmaja. “O my son Dharmaja! When I revealed the birth secret of Karna and invited him to our side, Sun God appeared and confirmed what I said was correct. Still Karna did not leave Suyodhana. I do not know why you are worrying for him.” said Kunti.
Dharmaja looked at his mother, Kunti, contempteously and cursed: “O mother Kunti! Because of your maintaining secrecy about the birth of Karna, all this has happened. From today, the womenfolk will be deprived of their power of maintaining secrecy.” cursed Dharmaja.
Then Dharmaja told Arjuna: “Arjuna! What for is this kingdom without any kith and kin. Let us go elsewhere and live by alms. Then only my mind will remain peaceful. Arjuna! We killed all our brothers. Does it not amount to killing ourselves? Is this Kshatriya Dharma,only to ruin ourselves? Is it not just and proper for us to retire to forests and live peacefully by eating leaves and roots, shedding our hatred towards others? Hence, let us again go to forests. For the sake this kingdom we fought with each other like dogs and killed our kith and kin and ruined our clan. Now we are leading a wicked life.
Arjuna! I do not want to rule this Kuru Kingdom. I do not care even to rule the entire universe. My paternal uncle could not control his son, Suyodhana and did not even try to put him in a right path. As a result, that wretch caused this mass destruction. Of course, our anger subsided by killing Suyodhana. But my mind is filled with great sorrow What can I do? I resorted to this war for the sake of this kingdom. I committed great sin. Unless I discard this kingdom acquired by waging this war, my mind will not remain in peace. Hence I decided to retire to forests and spend rest of my life amidst great sages and saints.” said Dharmaja.
With these words of Dharmaja, Arjuna was enraged with great wrath. But he subsided his anger and brought a smile on his face.
“O brother Dharmaja! Have we heard such words before? We fought this war and acquired great victory. Having forgotten that, you are now intending to retire to the forests. We never grabbed this kingdom from others by illegal means like Suyodhana. We got this Kingdom in a virtuous manner. Is it proper on your part to leave this kingdom which was acquired by us victoriously? If you really intend to retire to forests and live a peaceful life, why did you wage war against our enemies and killed akshouhinis of army. Having killed so many people and acquired this victory, if you retire to forests, leaving this kingdom, you will be called a coward. Nobody will praise you for your deeds.
If you feel that we are inflicted with great sin by fighting this war, you can perform suitable Yajnas and Yagas to get rid of that sin. The root for all the Dharmas is wealth. Without wealth, a man cannot survive. You have to think about it also. If you are wealthy, so many relatives will come to you of their own accord. So many friends will come near to you. By acquiring wealth, you will get vigour and valour. Wealth will show right path and make you wiser. Therefore, of all the four dharmas, Ardha is great. Such wealth in the form of kingdom was acquired by us in a righteous manner. It is our duty to enjoy that wealth.
You are saying that you have killed your cousin brothers. Devatas and Rakshasas are cousins. Devatas killed their cousins, Rakshasas. Without killing cousins and enemies, how can we acquire kingdom?
Vedas also preach like this: “Exhibiting prowess, killing enemies, acquiring wealth and kingdom, performing Yajnas and Yagas and satisfying divine bodies and attaining higher regions after death are the characteristics of a Kshatriya.”
Our ancestor-emperors viz, Dilipa, Nruga, Ambareesha, Sagara, Nahusha, Mandhata etc., followed the same path and attained higher regions after their death. Now you are the emperor in their order. Is it just to relinquish the emperorship? You follow the order of your ancestors, perform Yajnas and Yagas and attain higher regions; otherwise, how can you acquire that purity? By performing Asvamedha Yaga only, those emperors acquired that purity.” said Arjuna.
Even after hearing the words spoken by Arjuna, Dharmaja could not convince himself. “Arjuna!, my mind is not convinced to rule this Kingdom. In this universe, there is no other wealth equal to contentment. What will give us more pleasure in this world than leaving these materialists and retiring to forest? I would choose hearing the preaching of sages and saints; keeping good relations with others without picking up quarrels; accepting praises and curses equally. Is it not great in treating equally those who stab us and those who applied chandan? Maintaining silence as dumb; visiting the ashrams of sages and accepting alms given by them as a feast and be contended with them, will definitely give me more happiness.
On the other hand, if we follow the path of Karma, what would you derive except collecting sins? By the grace of God, I attained this knowledge and wisdom which is eternal. That is the only path for attaining salvation. I cannot leave that path.” said Dharmaja.
Having heard these words, Bhimasena came forward and said: “Brother Dharmaja! You are bound to perform Karma, acceptable by Vedas. Without performing those karmas, is it proper on your part to follow the path of Jnana? Having seen the mass massacre of all our kith and kin in the battle, you might have got angry and hatred on this Kingdom. Had you exhibited this anger, jealousy and detachment before the war you would have saved several lives of our relatives, friends, kings etc., We also would have lost hope on this kingdom and retired to the forests along with you. The Maha Bharata War would not have happened and this mass massacre would have been averted. Having made several promises to kill our enemies, if you decide to retire to forests, what will others think about you? Will not everybody heckle you?
In the past, a person of your nature, having dug a well left that place without consuming the water; having climbed the tree for a honey, he left that tree without tasting the honey; having got served many eatables in the plate, he left the plate without eating them. Such person also discarded a beautiful lady who fell in love with him. You are also behaving in the same manner, by discarding this kingdom acquired by us with our vigour and valour and retiring to forests. Of course, you know everything. Brother Dharmaja! Beholding us retiring to forests along with you, everybody will laugh at us saying that “these fools are walking behind Dharmaja without stopping him.” Will you deprive us of all the royal pleasures by retiring to forests? If salvation will be attained by discarding Karmas, the trees standing in the forests which are not performing any Karma, should attain salvation. But it is not so. The same will apply to you also.
Brother Dharmaja! Relinquishing Karmas is not the solution. We have to perform karmas but we have to relinquish the fruits of such Karmas. We have to perform Nishkama Karma by devoting the fruits of such Karmas to God. Then only you will get salvation. The detachment from Karmas will be attained by you automatically. Therefore, you will never attain salvation by simply retiring to forests.” said Bhimasena.

Then Arjuna told Dharmaja thus: “Dharmaja! Kindly listen to this story:
In the ancient past, some unmarried brahmins abandoning their customs and practices prescribed for their caste, left for the forest. Indra, in the form of a bird, approached them and told them that the path they have chosen was wrong. Those brahmins requested that bird to show them the right path. Then Indra said thus:
“ According to Vedas, in the animals the Cow, in sounds the Mantras, in metals gold; in humans Brahmin; were considered to be the best.. The duty of Brahmin was to learn Mantras and discharge the duties prescribed to him. Even if by negligence, anger or sorrow, they did not discharge their duties, it would amount to greatest sin. Most of the illiterate were spoiling themselves without knowing anything about Sanyasa. One who follows Grihastha Dharma, worships guests, divine bodies and Pitaras, and he will attain higher regions after death. One who discharges his duties in the outside world and devotes the fruits of those duties to God, he will enjoy eternal pleasure.” said Indra. Having heard the words of Indra, the Brahmins realized their mistake. They went back to their homes, got married and discharged their duties assigned to them.
Therefore, Dharmaja! You should also rule the kingdom to the satisfaction of one and all, perform Yajnas and Yagas and attain higher regions” said Arjuna.
Then Nakula also said thus: “Brother Dharmaja! Brahmins are getting rid of their sins by learning Vedas. There is no use of retiring to forests, neglecting your duty of performing Yajnas and Yagas. If we acquire wealth without aspiring for any fruits and utilise that wealth for performing Yajnas and Yagas and charities to Brahmins, it will become ‘Karma without attachment’. Without getting rid of desires, anger, likes and dislikes, even if we retire to forests and perform Tapas, it will be of no use. If we weigh Grihastashram on one side and Brahmacharya, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa on otherside, Grihastashram will weigh more than other Ashrams. Vedas are echoing that if Kshatriyas do not acquire wealth and perform Yajnas and Yagas, they will attain sin.
Eswara enlightens the entire world. He established Ashrama Dharmas. Karma yoga is his creation. Because of the anguish caused by this war, how can you forget Varna Ashrama Dharmas established by Eswara. You are telling that due to the violence caused by war, we are inflicted with sin. Do you mean to say that our fore fathers and Emperors have ruled this kingdom without resorting to wars and violence? Did they not attain higher regions after death? You also will never be tainted with any sin on account of this war and you will attain higher regions.
The general public will always seek protection under the rule of a kshatriya. It is the duty of every Kshatriya to protect the general public in his kingdom. Failure to discharge that duty is sinful. Making charities is the Kshatriya Dharma. You have to make charities to those who are fit to receive that charity. Leaving all these Dharmas, how can you retire to forests?” said Nakula.
Then Sahadeva also spoke few words: “O brother Dharmaja! Will any body attain Moksha simply by leaving his desires for the sake of others? You have to relinquish your sensual pleasures and discharge the Kshatriya Dharma. By relinquishment of desires and bondage you will attain Moksha. Even if you retire to forests, leaving this Kingdom, you have to secure your daily needs from others and you have to develop love and affection towards them. That is the root cause for worldly pleasures.
Brother Dharmaja! you are my brother, my sister, my mother, my father and my God father. Kindly listen to my words. I am speaking these words with utmost devotion towards you. I do not know whether they are true or not. Kindly trust me.” said Sahadeva.
Dharmaja patiently heard what had been said by Nakula and Sahadeva. Now it was the turn of Draupadi.
“If I am permitted, I will also say a few words” said Draupadi. Dharmaja nodded his head. Draupadi spoke thus:
“Kindly remember the days when we spent in forests . While your brothers were against you, you consoled them by saying that on completion of Ajnatavasa, you will kill Suyodhana and acquire kingdom and enjoy the royal pleasures. You have fulfilled your words. You killed your enemies and acquired the kingdom. Now, you are going back on your word given to your brothers and retiring to forests. Is it just on your part?
King will never be with a weak heart. He has to protect righteous people by punishing the wrong doers and culprits. Lord Brahma created Kshatriya to protect the universe. King is nothing but God in human form. If such a king is inefficient and useless, wrong doers and culprits will raise their heads. Hence God endowed the King with penal law to punish the criminals and culprits. It is the duty of a king to punish even a Brahmin, if he is a wrong doer.
You have discharged your duty as a King by killing Suyodhana, Dussaasana and others. While with a single garment on my body, Dussaasana dragged me to open assembly. Suyodhana showed his lap . Karna made pungent remarks against me.You have punished all of them with death. How can it be a sin? You need not worry about it.
It is the duty of a Kshatriya to punish the following: those who administer poison to others; set fire to the houses of others; disclose political secrets to enemies; murderers; a person who lusts another’s wife; and those who kill his own kith and kin. Kauravas committed the above wrongs. Hence you punished them. If you do not punish them knowing fully well that they are wrong doers, it will be a sin. By punishing wrong doers, King will protect righteous people. If a king, who is expected to rule the kingdom, follows the path of non-violence, it will amount to violation of Kshatriya Dharma. Therefore shed all your doubts from your mind and rule this Kingdom and protect the people.
O King Dharmaja! Will there be any lady like me on earth who has suffered great woes. Did I ever discard my Grihastha Dharma. Kauravas dug their own grave. Why should you feel sorry for that! I need not tell you about the rules of war. In the past, Brihaspati and Sukra manifested War Rules to the entire universe. You have followed those war rules. You need not worry about it.” said Draupadi.
Arjuna again continued to say: “If the King had a soft corner towards culprits and wrong doers, even Sanyasis also will follow the wrong path and resort to all kinds of mischiefs. There will be chaos. People will loot money and property of others. Wives will be abducted by others. The king will certainly have to bear that sin. Therefore, punishing the criminals cannot be considered to be violence. Rudra, Govinda, Indra and Guha who punished the criminals were not afflicted with any sin. Therefore, by punishing criminals and wrong doers, Adharma will vanish and Dharma will flourish.
Brother Dharmaja! even the common people will resort to violence in their day to day life. In the fruits we are consuming daily, there are several invisible insects which are being killed by us. While we are digging the roots for our consumption, several insects will die. How can we consider it as sin? For our survival, we have to consume food. While preparing our food, we have to resort to violence. Have you forgotten the fact that even the God arranged one life as a prey for another life. Therefore, any violence committed without causing any harm or injury to others is equal to non-violence.
Punishing the enemies does not amount to violence. We regained the Kingdom acquired by our father, King Pandu. How can it be unjust? Whether we fought the war, justly or unjustly, God only knows. Therefore leave that matter and rule the Kingdom.” said Arjuna.
There is no change in Dharmaja. Having lost patience, Bhimasena spoke to Dharmaja thus:
“Brother Dharmaja! You are aware of all Dharmas. We are not so great to preach sermons to you. But I lost my patience. Hence I am repeating once again. Discarding the Kingdom acquired by just means amounts to cowardice. The people will look at you as a coward and belittle you. As a result of wicked dice game, we suffered a lot in forests and Virata kingdom and were subjected to several insults. You believed truth. We followed you. We killed all those who were responsible for our woes. You attained great victory, name and fame. We regained our kingdom. Now you want to discard it.
Brother Dharmaja! Tell me, why did we fight this dreadful war? To wreak vengeance against those who were responsible for our woes and insults during Aranya Vasa and Ajnata Vasa. We have taken a decision to fight according to the advice of Sri Krishna. We fought the war. Didnt you know at that time that either we or Kauravas will be killed in the war? Why you are feeling sorry for the demise of our enemies.
Therefore, brother Dharmaja! Rule this Kingdom. That is the only option left to you.” said Bhimasena in a firm voice.
After hearing the words of Bhimasena patiently, Dharmaja said thus:
“You are all affected with vanity, desires, fear. Hence you are forcing me to rule this Kingdom. But elders say that ruling of a kingdom is filled with sorrow and distress. Every king, at the end, will certainly go to hell. Therefore, hell is certain to a king. Where is happiness and peace in ruling the kingdom? You will never find happiness in enjoying sensual pleasures. If you renunciate worldly pleasures, that happiness is eternal. Do you mean to say that the sages and saints who are living in forests, consuming leaves and roots, are fools?
The wrong doers will always entangle in these sensual pleasures. The wise will never look at them and live peacefully. In this context, it is pertinent to remember the words of King Janaka. He said that the person who has no desires does not require any wealth. He feels as if he possesses all wealth. Janaka said that “even if the city of Mithila is burnt, I feel as if nothing has happened.” We all respect King Janaka. Let us respect his words also. One who renunciates the worldly pleasures will look at those who are grieving for worldly pleasures, as if one at the hill top looks at the people at the bottom of the hill.” said Dharmaja.
For that Arjuna gave a fitting reply: “Brother Dharmaja! You quoted the saying of King Janaka. But I will tell about the conversation between the same Janaka and his wife. When Janaka intended to renunciate this world and retire to forests, his wife told him thus:
“My dear husband! If you retire to forests, leaving this kingdom, who will look after the guests, divine offerings, offerings to your Pitaras? To become a Sanyasi, you have to shave your head, wear saffron robes and go round each and every house for alms. The householders who offer you food and alms will get Punya. Therefore, the householder who gives food and alms to a begger will get more Punya than the begger who receives it. Dont you know this much!
The wise and learned who know about Vedas will always depend on Kings for their sustenance. If a king like you renunciates this kingdom, who will look after them? Is it just on your part to ruin their lives? What you are going to derive by abandoning your wife and children and retiring to forests? You, being a king, shall look after the needs of the people. Can such a king retire to forests, abandoning the people? Therefore, what you are doing is nothing but contravention of your own Dharma. I dont think you will get Moksha by retiring to forests.” said the wife of Janaka.
After the hearing the words of Arjuna, Dharmaja told him thus: “Arjuna! Vedas prescribed the righteous karmas to be followed by humans. Same Vedas preached that by renunciation of Karma, one will attain higher regions. Wise men will choose a better path among the two. If we do virtuous deeds, we will attain divine pleasures. What you say is to be followed in the outside world. It is also just and proper. But, wise and learned and conversant with Vedas cannot say that my path is wrong. You were born with the blessings of Indra and Bhimasena with the blessings of Vayu. With the proximity of Sri Krishna, his influence is upon you.
Of course, you both possess great vigour and valour. But you are not conversant with Dharma, Vedas and holy scriptures. Those who are conversant with scriptures will say that this Samsara is useless and tasteless. One who renunciates the desires and abandons karma and lives with clean mind will attain eternal happiness. One who always craves for wealth and worldly pleasures cannot feel that happiness. Even after being conversant with Vedas and scriptures, those who are deprived of wisdom will always preach that the path of Karma is good. They themselves will be entangled in Karmas and cannot attain eternal happiness.
But those who are wise and learned will say that Sama, Dama, and Tyaga are the roots for attaining eternal happiness. People like me will be accept it.” said Dharmaja.
Then Saint Devasthana, who was present there, said to Dharmaja thus: “Dharmaja! Arjuna is right in saying that wealth and valuables are required for a happy life. There are several steps of yoga to attain Moksha. Acquring wealth and prosperity for enjoying worldly pleasures is wrong. But acquiring wealth for performing Yajnas, Yagas and charities is not wrong. Besides, you attain moksha. Therefore, rule the country, acquire wealth and prosperity, perform Yajnas, Yagas and make charities to the poor and needy.
Lord Siva performed a yajna called Sarvamedha. Brahma and other divine bodies also performed several Yajnas. Maruts attained name and fame by performing several Yajnas. Once Brihaspati told Indra thus:
“O Indra! Dont allow desires and anger to enter in your mind. Observe abstinence from desires and anger. Shed your sorrow. Be cheerful and make others happy. Observing both Karma and renunciation of Karma cannot be said to be good. While doing Karma, you have to devote the fruits of that Karma to God. That is the greatest Dharma of all.”
Therefore, Dharmaja! observe good and bad equally; dont intend to cause harm to anybody; observe Kshatriya Dharma and rule the country. All your ancestors followed the above principles and ruled the country. Later, they retired to forests. You also follow the same path.” said saint Devasthana.
Again Arjuna spoke thus: “Brother Dharmaja! According to Kshatriya Dharma, we fought the war. Those kings who died in war attained higher regions. Even the children know that Kshatriya Dharma is harsh. King does not commit any sin. A King has to rule the country but not to depend on others for his sustenance. Now you are the king in Kuru clan. The minds of Kings should be rock hard. Therefore, shed your sorrow and agree to rule the country. Fighting the war, killing of enemies, and their attainment of higher regions are all of God’s will. You should not feel sorry for that. You are conversant of all Dharmas. Be brave. Rule this Kuru Kingdom to the satisfaction of one and all.” said Arjuna.
But there appears to be no change in Dharmaja. He kept quiet. Then Saint Vyasa told Dharmaja thus:
“O Dharmaja! Every letter spoken to by Arjuna is true. Of all Dharmas, Grihastha Dharma is the best, not only for human beings, but also for all the living beings. Especially, for Kshatriyas, except Grihastha Dharma, all other Dharmas viz., tapas, controlling senses, brahmacharya are not acceptable. Abstaining from earning, neglecting to protect his people, fleeing away from battle field are greatest sins for Kshatriya. You are conversant with Vedas. Follow the path shown by Vedas. Rule this country.
Dharmaja! you have learnt Vedas, scriptures, Sastras and Puranas from your preceptors. Dont you know about Varnaashrama Dharma. There is no other Dharma for a ruler except to punish wrong doers and protect righteous people. King Sudyumna followed the above Dharma and attained Moksha. I will tell his story.
In the ancient past, on the banks of River Bahuda, two brahmin brothers called Sankha and Likhita were living. Each followed his own Dharma. In their Ashram, there were many fruit bearing trees. One day, while Sankha went out, Likhita plucked some fruits from the tree in the Ashram of Sankha and was about to eat them. Meanwhile Sankha arrived and asked Likitha from where he got those fruits. Likhita replied that he plucked them from a tree in the Ashram of Sankha. Then Sankha told Likhita. “Your act amounts to theft. Please go to the King and seek suitable punishment for your crime.” said Sankha.
Accordingly Likhita went to King Sudyumna and sent word to the king about his arrival. King Sudyumna along with his ministers arrived there. Likitha requested the King to punish him for stealing fruits from his brother’s ashram. The King was surprised for his honesty. In fact, the King did not want to punish him as he fairly admitted his crime. As Likhita himself admitted the offence and requested for punishment, King Sudyumna ordered that his two hands be cut. Likhita blessed King Sudyumna and went away. The sentence was executed. Likhita went to Sankha and showed him his severed hands. Sankha was very happy.
“Likhita! nobody should contravene Dharma. Your life is purified. You go to River Bahuda and offer Deva Tarpanam and Pitru Tapanam. Likhita! consumption of arrack, feeling lust for teacher’s wife, stealing the wealth of Brahmins are said to be great sins. Whoever commits any one of the above crimes, even if he is a Brahmin, he should be punished. Anyone who is punished by King, will attain higher regions. You also received punishment from King. You are purified. You have to feel happy.” said Sankha.
Likhita went to River Bahuda and had a holy dip and offered Deva Tarpanam and Pitru Tarpanam in the river. Immediately both of his hands were restored. Likhita ran back to Sankha and showed his hands.
“You need not feel astonished. Your hands are restored due to the power of my Tapas and also Divine blessings. You are plainhearted. Hence you got the blessings of God. Even the King who punished you also will get higher regions.” said Sankha.
Hence, Dharmaja! You also rule this Kingdom and attain higher regions. The words spoken to by your brothers are sacred like Vedas. Ruling the Kingdom and punishing culprits is the duty of King. Leave your sorrow. Rule this Kingdom, acquire wealth, perform Yajnas and Yagas.That is your Dharma.
O Dharmaja! Your wife and your brothers, as per your wish, spent 12 years in forests and one year in exile and they suffered many woes. Now, it is your duty to fulfil their wish and rule the kingdom. Dont cause much hardship, to your kith and kin, and also to divine bodies and Pitaras, by retiring to forests.
You are conversant with Law. Those who rule the kingdom as per the wish of the people will attain higher regions. Collect 1/6th share from the people as tax. Rule the people as your own children. This will show the right path for Moksha. If a king with great pride and aggrandizement, under the influence of kama and krodha, rules the people as an autocrat, that king will attain 1/4th share of all the sins committed by the people.
Vanquishing enemies is the duty of Kshatriya. Entering into a pact of compromise with sinful rulers is wrong.A King should never part with part of his kingdom under any peace pact. Fighting with the enemy and defending the kingdom is the duty of a king. Therefore you need not worry for fighting with Suyodhana for the sake of your kingdom.
It is your foolishness to think that this great war had happened for not entering into peace pact with Suyodhana. In the ancient past, King Hayagriva fought with his enemies and conquered them, punished the wrong doers and protected the righteous people and ruled the country peacefully. He performed many Yajnas and Yagas and attained higher regions, after death. Therefore, wars will never do harm to Kings. It is the duty of Kshatriya either to kill the enemy or to be killed by the enemy. Similarly punishing wrong doers and protecting righteous people is his Dharma. You need not entertain any doubt that punishing culprits will amount to violence. Employ efficient staff and rule the country.” said Vyasa.
Inspite of all the preachings made by Veda Vyasa, there is no change in the mind of Dharmaja. Arjuna got enraged. But he suppressed his anger and stood behind Dharmaja. Dharmaja spoke to Vyasa thus:
“O Saint Vyasa! in these 18 days of war, several lost their husbands, sons and brothers. Their lamentations, sorrows and weepings are breaking my heart. I could not find peace. How can I rule this country?” asked Dharmaja.
Veda Vyasa told Dharmaja thus: “Dharmaja! You are speaking as if you have control over pleasures and sorrows in this world. If you drive away sorrows from your mind, will they vanish? If you invite pleasures, will they enter? In this universe, every body shall have to undergo pleasures and sorrows, according to their good and bad deeds done by them in their previous birth. Even then, these pleasures or sorrows are not eternal. They will be coming and going. Sorrow follows pleasure and pleasure follows sorrow. Even for a wretch, if his time is good, he will be blessed with great wealth and prosperity. Even for a righteous person, if his time is bad, he will have to undergo unbearable poverty and misery. If one’s time is bad, even Mantras and Tantras will never work.
Rain, heat, darkness and moonlight are all creations of God. Blossom of lotus flowers and other flowers to plants and trees, bearing fruits etc., will happen in their respective seasons only. Births and deaths, ups and downs, raise and fall are all bound by time. One should not feel sorry for them.
In the past, King Senajit lost his son. But he never lamented like you. He consoled himself and got rid of that sorrow. I will tell you what he said:
“In this universe, some make others to suffer. Some are made to suffer by others. All this happens according to their time. One should not feel that his suffering was caused by others or he made others suffer. He should not either feel pleasure or sorrow on account of those sufferings. Lamenting for the loss of wealth, wife, children, relatives is ignorance. There may be several reasons for our sorrow and fright. Wise and learned will never feel for sorrow and fright. Pleasures or sorrows are not eternal. We should not feel happy for pleasures and feel sorry for sorrows. One who does not know anything or one who knows everything will never feel for pleasures or sorrows. One, who does not know, does not know, that he does not know, only feels pleasure and sorrow, time and again.” said King Senajit.
Those words will apply to you also in this situation. Dharmaja! Follow Kshatriya Dharma and rule this country. One, who is remembered even after his death, is a virtuous person. Therefore, be a virtuous person.” said Veda Vyasa.
But Dharmaja was not convinvinced with those words.
“O Saint Vyasa! Inspite of your preachings, I could not forget Abhimanyu, sons of Draupadi, Karna, Virata, Drupada and Dhrishtaketu. I lost my mental peace. While I was young, I sat on the lap of my grand father, Bhishma, and he fed me with his own hands. He was killed in this war. After his fall on a bed of arrows, he looked at me painfully, while the arrows shot byArjuna were piercing into his body. I cannot forget those looks of Bhishma. It is so painful that a great warrior, who vanquished Parasuma, is now lying on bed of arrows.
For the sake of this wretched kingdom, I spoke a blatent lie that Asvathama was dead, when my preceptor Drona enquired me about his son’s death, swith a fond hope that I will always tell truth. I destroyed his faith reposed on me. Am I not sinful? I deceived even my preceptor.
O Saint Vyasa! tell me about the punishment I have to receive for killing my preceptor for this wretched kingdom. Will this kingdom, acquired after the death of my elder brother, Karna, give me pleasure or happiness?
I sent Abhiamnyu into a blazing fire, Padmavyooha. Subhadra and Arjuna were able to tolerate my cruelty. Otherwise, Arjuna would have cut me into pieces.
I am unable to tolerate the grief of Draupadi who sacrificed her five children to this, otherwise avoidable, war. Am I not responsible for this mass massacre? Please allow me to retire to forests and live peacefully, inviting my death.” said Dharmaja in a great distressed mood.
Veda Vyasa continued to say: “O Dharmaja! You are a kshatriya. But you are thinking like a Brahmin. You are unable to put an end to your grief. Kindly listen to my words carefully. The entire unvierse is filled with duals. Any rise is bound to fall. Births are bound to have death . Sorrow follows pleasure. It cannot be taken for granted that all friends are true to their friendship; all enemies will do harm; only righteous people will enjoy pleasures; and all pleasures will be derived from wealth. It is all our illusion. You have to discharge your duty in this universe for what you were created by Brahma. You cannot act as you like.
Videha kingdom was ruled by King Janaka. He was not so wise at that time. Once he lost his kith and kin. He was afflicted with great grief. He decided to leave his kingdom. At that time, one Brahmin, called Ashmaka, arrived. King Janaka received him with due honours and offered him arghyam, padyam and a suitable seat. King Janaka asked him thus:
“O Brahmin Ashmaka! What is the reason for a person possessed of wealth and relations, getting accessed to pride and aggrandizement whereas the same person gets afflicted with great grief when he is deprived of them. Kindly tell me.” asked King Janaka.
Asmaka told thus: “King Janaka! When a man is entangled in Samsara, it is quite natural to be influenced by pleasure and sorrow. They will scatter his mind. The only remedy is the awareness that there are no more pleasures or more sorrows in this universe. Even the King and Emperor who rules this earth has no power to avoid old age and death. Therefore, whatever happens in our life, the mind should not be deluded.
In everybody’s life, happiness and misery, good house, good food will be available in course of time. One should not feel happy when everything is available and feel misery if he is deprived of them .Doctors who are conversant with medical science, will give medicines to cure our diseases. But some diseases are not cured. The doctor himself may be inflicted with the same disease. Therefore, nothing is in our hands. Everything is predestined. We have to make our own trials.
High birth, health, beauty, prosperity and objects of enjoyment are all subject to our virtuous deeds done in our past life. The indigent, although they may not desire it, have many children. The affluent are seen to be childless. The poor will have great appetite and they can digest any kind of food whereas the affluent cannot digest all types of food.
Lusting other ladies, playing dice game and consuming liquor and hunting animals were banned by elders. But several are addicted to those vices. The reason is God’s will. You cannot specify any reason for our likes and dislikes. Wife and children are nothing but logs of wood, floating in a river. They will be joining and separating according to the flow of water.
Human being will have several births. In those numerous births, he may have several mothers, wives and children and relatives. For whom should he lament? The only remedy is to have awareness that this birth and the body are not eternal.
The time cycle is like a great ocean. In this ocean, births and deaths are moving like crocodiles. For a human being birth and death are unavoidable. Being aware of this truth, one should shed his grief. O King Janaka! Even our body itself was borrowed, which should be returned back, at the time of our death. In those circumstances, how can you say that your wife and children, friends and relatives are eternal? Even if you lament for years together, nobody will return back. Therefore, King Janaka! Shed your grief for the dead. Rule your kingdom. Then only you will get name and fame” said Ashmaka.
With the words of Ashmaka, King Janaka gave up the idea of abandoning his Kingdom. Therefore King Dharmaja! The same words will apply to you also. Give up the idea of retiring to forests and rule of the Kingdom.”said Veda Vyasa.
Dharmaja kept quiet without giving any reply. Then Arjuna told Krishna thus: “O Krishna! Having lost all his sons, brothers, relatives and friends, Dharmaja’s mind is perturbed. Please console him with your soft words.” said Arjuna. Sri Krishna went near Dharmaja, holding his hands, said thus:
“Dharmaja! Why you are perturbed like this? All your friends and relatives fought the war and adorned heaven. The royal pleasures are nothing but a dream. Can you say that anybody on this earth can remain eternal? Kings and Emperors like Marut, Suhotra, Anga, Sibi, Sri Rama, Bhagiratha, Dilipa, Mandhata, Pridhu, Yayati, Ambareesha, Sasi Bindu, Gaya, Ranti Deva and Bharata have all ruled this earth. They performed many Yajnas and Yagas. But all of them left this world. They never made this earth as their permanent abode. Similarly, Parasurama, son of Jamadagni, fought with Kshatriyas 21 times and conquered the entire earth and gave the same as charity to Kashyapa. Even that Parasurama is not now alive. You have heard all these stories long back. Still you are ignorant.” said Sri Krishna.
Dharmaja spoke Krishna thus: “Krishna! I desire to hear the story of Srunjaya. Kindly tell me.” asked Dharmaja. Krishna told Dharmaja thus:
“Dharmanandana! You have heard about Narada only through Vyasa. You have not heard anything about Parvata. I will tell you in detail.
Parvata was the sister’s son of Narada. Once upon a time Narada and Parvata came down to earth., they both came to an agreement. One should tell to the other, about all the thoughts passing in his mind, without hiding any of them, failing which, they will be subjected to the curse of the other.
One day they came to the house of Srunjaya and decided to stay there for some days. Srunjaya deputed his daughter, Sukumari, to serve Narada and Parvata. Accordingly she was serving them. Narada fell in love with Sukumari but did not reveal it to Parvata. With his divine vision, Parvata came to know about it.
“Narada! you deceived me by hiding your love towards Sukumari. I am cursing you. Soon after you marry her, you will have monkey face.” cursed Parvata.
Narada grew angry. “I am also cursing you. You will lose the right of entering the heaven” cursed Narada.
Parvata went away. Narada married Sukumari and his face was transformed into monkey face. Inspite of his monkey face, Sukumari was living with Narada happily. One day Parvata came to Narada and requested him to take back his curse.
“You have cursed me first. So you have to take back your curse” said Narada.
Parvata and Narada have taken back their curses and. Dharmaja! Rest of the story, Narada will tell” said Krishna.
Narada continued his study. “Dharamaja! We remained with Srunajaya for some time. Some years have elapsed. We were about to return back to heaven. I desired to help Sunjaya. I blessed him with a son who is more powerful than Indra.
Parvata thought that the son of Srunjaya may cause harm to Indra . Parvata said that the son of Srunjaya will survive half of his life.
I grew angry. “Srunjaya! dont worry. Whenever you apprehend any danger from Indra, make all trials to save your son. If it is beyond your control, I will save your son. I am blessing your son with one more boon. Every thing that comes out of the body of your son, viz., sweat, urine, saliva etc. will become gold. Hence he will be called as Suvarnashteevi.” . Then I went away.
Later Srunjaya begot a son. What all that was coming out of his body was becoming gold. The entire house of Srunjaya was filled with gold. One day, some miscreants kidnapped the son of Srunjaya, took him into a deep forest and killed him. They cut the body of the boy but did not find any gold. They left the body in the forest and fled away.
Srunjaya searched for his son and found the dead body in the forest. Srunjaya invoked me. I went there and brought the child back from Yama Loka.
Indra was waiting for an opportunity to kill Suvarnashteevi. He launched his vajrayudha to kill Suvarnashteevi. Vajrayudha, in the form of a tiger,killed Suvarnashtivi. Srunjaya came to know about this. He again thought about me. I again restored life to Suvarnashteevi. Suvarnashteevi, after the death of Srunjaya, ruled this earth for thousands of years.
Therefore, Dharmaja! You also rule this earth by leaving your adamant attitude.” said Narada. Dharmaja kept quiet.
Again Veda Vyasa told Dharmaja thus: “Dharmaja! Is there any Dharma for Kshatriya other than welfare of society? If you rule the country, sacred duties of brahmins will be performed accurately, without which, a lot of hardships will be caused to society. If the King performs the sacred duties he will get higher regions or else he will be afflicted with great sin. Therefore, protection of people is your utmost duty.” said Vyasa.
It appears there is a slight change in the adamant attitude of Dharmaja. “O Saint Veda Vyasa! What you said is correct. But with utmost greediness, I resorted to war. I committed mass massacre. I killed those who should not be killed. My heart is burning. But not heeding to your words also does not seem to be just. I am unable to decide what to do” said Dharmaja.
Veda Vyasa told Dharmaja thus: “Dharmaja! Who are you to decide what is to be done or not to be done. Nothing is in our hands. Everything is preordained. If a tree is cut with an axe, no sin will be attached to axe. If you are aware that you are discharging your duty as ordained by God, you will never be inflicted with any sin. Do your duty. Leave the result to God. All the wise will discharge their duties as ordained by Vedas in the name of God. Hence they will not be tainted with any sin.
If you think that because of killing your own kith and kin, you are afflicted with sin, you can perform Yajnas and Yagas and get rid of that sin. But, do not abandon the kingdom and welfare of the people, being afraid of the sin.” said Vyasa.
Dharmaja told Vyasa thus: “O Saint Vyasa! in this war, our sons, grand sons, brothers, fathers, grand fathers, uncles, preceptors, in-laws, friends, sons-in-law, brothers-in-law, several kings, emperors were killed. Their womenfolk are grieving for their husbands, sons, brothers etc. Some have put an end to their lives. I am responsible for their deaths. Having committed all these sins, how can I rule this kingdom, as an innocent person? How can my grieving heart agree for ruling the country? I have no other alternative but to retire to forests and leave this world.”said Dharmaja.
Again Vyasa tried to convince Dharmaja. “O Dharmaja! Keep your grief aside for a while and listen to my words carefully. Those who died in the battle did not sacrifice their lives selflessly. They fought the battle, in a selfish manner, for the sake of kingdom and for their name and fame. How you are responsible for their deaths? How will you be tainted with any sin on account of their killings? How can you know why their deaths occurred? Yama alone knows whom to kill and when to kill. Accordingly he will be taking away the lives of human beings. Lamenting for their deaths, as if you have killed them, is foolishness. We are acting like puppets in this world. God is making us to act.
If you are really interested in their future, enthrone the sons of the kings who were killed in the battle and make
them successors to their respective kingdoms. With this, the widows of the kings killed in the battle, will feel happy. If some kings do not have sons, their daughters may be installed as their successors to their respective kingdoms. (We observe that this method is being followed now a days also. Whenever any M.L.A or M.P is dead, his son, daughter or wife will be elected as his successor, unopposed).
O Dharmaja! You need not worry about the mass massacre. In the Dev-Danava war, Devendra killed danavas brutally and mercilessly and their blood flowed into rivers. Those Danavas are none other than the cousins of Devatas. But, all the sages and saints praised and acclaimed in one voice, the prowess of Indra. They offered a major share to Indra in the Yajnas and Yagas performed by them. That Indra is now ruling the heaven. In the same manner, you killed your cousins in the war and discharged your Dharma. As Indra, you are also fit to rule this kingdom. You can also perform Yajnas and Yagas, like Indira. In particular, you perform Ashvamedha yaga. To perform Ashvamedha Yaga, ruling the kingdom is a prerequisite. Therefore, rule the kingdom.” said Veda Vyasa.
At last, Dharmaja relinquished his grief. “O Saint Vyasa! Kindly tell me, the sin will be inflicted for each deed in detail.” asked Dharmaja. Veda Vyasa told Dharmaja, the niceties of Dharma.
Sleeping at the time of sunrise and sunset;
Not honoring guests;
Lusting other ladies;
Disregarding the teacher;
Setting fire to village (arson);
Teaching Vedas for money;
Selling the land given by God;
Refrain from protecting servants;
Deceiving others;
Setting fire to forests;
Abandoning his own dharma and following other dharmas,
Dereliction of duty assigned to him;
Cruelty towards animals;
Stealing the wealth of brahmins;
Killing brahmins;

All these are considered to be greatest sins.
O Dharmaja! Some acts and deeds may appear to be great sins but they are only accusations. They are as follows:
Killing a person, even if he is a brahmin, who pounces upon him with a sword and killing a person to protect the property of a brahmin is not a sin.
Administering wine or liquor to save one’s life is not a sin.
It is not a sin to tell a lie in the following circumstances:
In case of danger to life,
While the wealth and property of brahmins are stolen;
While acting as mediators for marriages;
While protecting preceptors;
While talking with ladies; to protect his own life and While proctecting his own life;
If anybody’s brother is a wretch and wrongdoer or renunciates this world, he can marry his brother’s wife and look after her.
For the sake of protecting cows, burning of forest is not a wrong thing.
Similarly, sacrificing animals during Yajnas;
Making charities to a person who is not fit to receive;
Pardoning a servant who committed a crime is not an offence.
Dharmaja! now I will tell the remedies for the above wrongs. Listen carefully.
To get rid of the sin committed by killing a Brahmin, or for stealing the property of Brahmins, one should proclaim to one and all about his crime, live by alms, eating once a day, observing brahmacharya, sleeping on ground, for a period of 12 years. Otherwise, he may perform Krichama Vrata for six months. Otherwise, one should perform Chandrayana Vrata for three years. Otherwise, one should eat once a month, for a period of 12 months. Otherwise, one should perform Ashvamedha Yaga and give one lakh cows or one hundred horses to Brahmins.
To get rid of the sin committed by consuming alcohol, he should consume the boiled alcohol or he should jump into fire, closing his eyes or renunciate this world or perform Brihaspati Yaga or give away all his landed property to others.
To get rid of the sin committed by lusting the wife of his teacher, one should embrace highly heated and burning iron idol of a lady, or cut his male organ and kill himself, or should die for the sake of his teacher or give away all his property and wealth to brahmins.
To get rid of the sin committed by stealing gold from brahmins, one should give away the same quantity of gold to that brahmin.
To get rid of the sin committed by speaking lies, one should make him happy against whom he told the lies.
To get rid of the sin committed by speaking against his teacher, he should offer Guru Dakshina to the teacher.
To get rid of the sin committed by lusting others’ wives, one should perform Krichama Vrata for one year.
(Krichama Vrata means, he should eat once in a day during day time for three days, once in a day during night time for three days, only eating what was given by others, unasked for, for three days and spending three days without eating anything.
(See Commentary on Maha Bharata Sahnti Parva published by TTD).
To get rid of the sin committed for lusting ladies who are not of marriageable order, one should wear wet clothes and sleep in ashes for six months.
A lady who had sexual intercourse with a male, will get rid of that sin soon after she gets the immediate next period.
To get rid of the sin committed by cutting a tree or animal, one should keep fasting for three days.
To get rid of any unknown sins, taking limited food, chanting Gayatri morning and evening is sufficient.
To get rid of the sins committed in the previous births, one should make charities.
But he who has no belief in God and Vedas, who has no devotion, humility and humbleness will not get rid of their sins by doing anything.
Dharmaja! You believe God and Vedas. You got devotion, humility and humbleness in abundance. You will get rid of all your sins by performing Yajnas and Yagas. Besides that, you killed the warriors in battle only in self defence not otherwise. Therefore, it is not a sin. The compassion and repentance generated in your mind erases all your sins. Your mind has become pure. You need not perform any Tapas. You rule this kingdom according to Kshatriya Dharma.” said Veda Vyasa.
“O Saint Veda Vyasa! What are the food items to be consumed and what are not to be consumed. Please tell” asked Dharmaja.
Veda Vyasa said thus: “Dharmaja! One should not consume the milk of horse, camel and donkey. One should not consume breast milk, as they are intended for infants. One should not consume the milk of cow within ten days of the cow giving birth to calves. One should not consume food in the house, where death occurred; where child was born; food given by Talari; food given by a prostitute; food given by a man who is depending on the earnings of a lady; food given by those who are eking their livelihood by singing and dancing; food given by a gambler, food given by a flower vendor; food given by a person who was married earlier to his elder brother and also the food given by a person who is depending on others by praising and flattering. One should not consume preserved and spoiled food.
One should consume Pulagam, Payasam and food prepared with gingili oil only after offering to God.
Those who are in Grihastha Ashram shall not consume food without devoting to God, without offering food to divine bodies and Pitaras and guests.
Those who are in Grihastha Ashtram shall remain unattached to wife and children. They should not immerse in their love and affection.
Dharmaja! I will tell about some who are not fit to receive charities. They are singers, dancers, comedians, wrong doers, impotent, cheaters, one who does not read Veda, low class people, one who are always indulging in harming others.
Poor and needy are fit to receive charities. Though you are interested in making charities, no useful purpose will be served by making charities to those who are not fit to receive. Giving charities to unworthy people amounts to giving a beautiful girl in marriage to an impotent; pouring ghee in ashes, keeping water in a broken pot etc. If you make charities to a fit person, you will enjoy pleasures both in this world and heaven.
Therefore, Dharmaja! Consider my words and do the needful.” said Veda Vyasa.
“O Veda Vyasa! I am very much satisfied with your preachings. My heart is filled with great joy. As per your directions, I will give up the idea of retiring to forests and rule the kingdom according to Kshatriya Dharma. You have showered your blessings upon me. But, to my mind it appears that, observing Kshatriya Dharma and practicing natural Dharma are one against the other. Kindly tell me about Kshatriya Dharma, Varna Ashrama Dharma etc.”
Veda Vyasa told saint Narada : “Dharmaja should approach Bhishma to get his doubts clarified. Bhishma will tell him about all Dharmas.” said Vyasa. Narada accepted the proposal of Veda Vyasa.
Then Vyasa told Dharmaja: “O Dharmaja! Bhishma is eldest and oldest in Kuru clan. Bhishma is adorable even by Indra. He is free from wickedness. He learnt secrets of archery from Parasurama. He is virtuous. He was born to sacred Ganga. There are no Dharmas unknown to Bhishma. He learnt intricacies of Dharma from Saints Chyavana, Markandeya and Vasishta. He got a boon from his father to leave this world as per his wish. He is now retaining his life in his body till the entry of Uttarayana. Dharmaja! Bhishma likes you very much. You approach him. He will preach you about Jnana and Dharma. This is our wish. Dont waste time. Uttarayana is fast approaching. Bhishma may end his life at any moment.” said Vyasa.
“O saint Vyasa! I have killed my friends and relations in this battle. How can I stand before him. I am the root cause for his fall. How can I ask him to preach Dharma.” said Dharmaja.
Sri Krishna told Dharmaja thus: “Dharmaja! Why should you think like that? You are approaching Bhishma as per the wish of Veda Vyasa. But it is not an immediate necessity. First you proceed to Hastinapura. The entire Hastinapura City, your brothers, citizens are waiting for your arrival. Make an entry into Hastinapura and make them happy.”
` After carefully listening to the preachings of Saints Vyasa, Narada, Devala, and Sri Krishna, Dharmaja gave up his grief and was inclined to hold the reigns of Kuru Kingdom. Dharmaja prostrated before all the Saints and sought their blessings. All the saints retired to their respective places.
Then Dharmaja worshipped Brahmins and divine bodies. Dharmaja gave an audience to all the kings assembled there and received the gifts offered by them.
Next day morning, after taking oil bath, Dharmaja adorned with white robes, valuable jewellery, he mounted a chariot with sixteen white horses. Bhima was the charioteer. Arjuna was holding white umbrella. Nakula and Sahadeva were standing with Vinjamaras (fans). Sri Krishna and Satyaki were by his side.Vidura and Kunti were following Dharmaja in their resepective vehicles. Dharmaja left for Hastinapuram.
The people of Hastinapura decorated the city with green mango leaves. They tied plantain trees to the poles. They decorated their houses with green leaves and flowers and decorated pots. All the people, young and old, were wearing new clothes. A festive mood prevailed in Hastinapuram.
Dharmaja entered the main street of Hastinapuram. The citizens of Hastinapura were gazing at Pandavas curiously. Everybody was praising Pandavas. Dharmaja arriveds at the main gate. Brahmins, virtuous ladies welcomed him at the main gate. Dharmaja got down the chariot. Along with Dhritarashtra and Dhoumya, Dharmaja entered the inner apartments. He worshipped the divine bodies. He invited brahmins and gave many cows and gold as charity.
At that time, Charvaka, a friend of Suyodhana, in the attire of brahmin, arrived there and mingled with other Brahmins. Charvaka addressed Dharmaja thus:
“O Dharmaja! the entire brahmin community authorised me as their representative to say a few words. You have committed greater sins. You are unfit to rule this kingdom. You have killed ruthlessly your fathers, brothers and sons. You killed your own preceptor. What fors are you living? Every body is hating you and cursing you. You are enjoying the royal pleasures, after killing all your relatives. You are inflicted with great sin” Charvaka rebuked Dharmaja.
On hearing the words of Charvaka, Dharmaja with folded hands prayed the Brahmins: “O sacred Brahmins! Kindly dont accuse me. Only on the advice of Vyasa and Narada, I have agreed to rule this kingdom.” said Dharmaja.
Brahmins with folded hands prayed Dharmaja: “O King Dharmaja! We do not know who he is. We have no connection with him. You rule this kingdom according to Kshatriya Dharma. May God Bless you.” said Brahmins.
With their divine vision, they realised that that Brahmins was Charvaka, a demon, a friend of Suyodhana. “O King Dharmaja! He is not a brahmin. He is Charvaka, a friend of Suyodhana. His barkings will not affect you or your name and fame. With the help of your brothers, you rule this kingdom.” said the Brahmins.
Then they looked at Charvaka with harsh looks. With the power of their looks, Charvaka was reduced to ashes. Dharmaja asked Krishna about Charvaka. Sri Krishna told Dharmaja thus:
“O Dharmaja! in Kritayuga, a rakshasa, called Charvaka, performed great Tapas. Brahma appeared before him. Charvaka asked for a boon that he will not be frightened with anybody in this universe. Brahma agreed but with a rider. “You should not cause displeasure to brahmins. If you do like so, that will be your last day.” said Brahma and disappeared. Today, he deceived brahmins and caused displeasure to them. Hence he was reduced to ashes.” said Sri Krishna.
Then all arrangements were made for the coronation festival.
On an auspicious day, Dharmaja sat in a golden chair, facing east. Satyaki and Sri Krishna sat in front of him. On either side of Dharmaja, Bhimasena and Arjuna sat in golden chairs. Behind Dharmaja, Nakula and Sahadeva occupied their respective seats. By their side, Kunti sat. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari were made to sit on golden chairs. To his east, sat Vidura and Dhoumya. Kripacharya sat by the side of Dhoumya.
Dharmaja worshipped goddess earth with white flowers and rice, gold and silver. Kings of several countries, highest officials, business men, Vysya dignitaries, social workers, agriculturists, villagers, singers, comedians, etc. assembled there. Dharmaja gave them gold and silver and honoured them.
With the permission of Sri Krishna, Dhoumya occupied a seat on the northeastern corner. There a big golden throne was installed, covered with Tiger skin.A crown was kept and worshipped. Golden vessels were filled with Holy waters brought from holy rivers. The conch was purified with cow milk, cow curd, cow urine etc., Brahmins were chanting the hymns from four Vedas. Dhoumya escorted Dharmaja to the Golden throne. Sacred fire was placed in front of Dharmaja and a divine yajna was performed.
The auspicious moments arrived.
Sri Krishna lifted the worshipped Crown and kept it on the head of Dharmaja saying “Dharmaja! You are now the king and emperor of this Kuru Kingdom”.
Dharmaja was enthroned as King and Emperor of Kuru Kingdom.
Dhritarashtra sprinkled holy waters with mango leaves on Dharmaja. Then all assembled there, according to their respective protocol, sprinkled holy waters on Dharmaja with mango leaves.
Conchs were blown, trumpets were beaten and their sounds rose to the sky. In this manner, Dharmaja was enthroned as King and Emperor of Kuru Kingdom. On that occasion, Dharmaja gave cows, gold and silver to Brahmins, poor and needy.
Dharmaja addressed the gathering: “I appeal to all of you to regard and respect Dhritarashtra as before. He is my father, my preceptor, my God. You have to follow his directions scrupulously.”
Then Dharmaja dismissed the assembly. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari were sent into the inner apartments. Citizens and villagers were permitted to leave the assembly. Kripacharya was also permitted to leave.
Then Dharmaja made arrangments for the smooth administration.
Bhimasena was installed as Yuva Raja. Vidura was appointed as Chief Minister. Sanjaya was appointed to look after legal affairs. Nakula was deputed to look after army and their maintenance, salaries etc., (Chief of Army Staff). Arjuna was appointed as chief of foreign affairs. Dhoumya was appointed to look after religious affairs. Sahadeva was appointed as personal secretary and chief body guard to Dharmaja. Other portfolios were entrusted to the eligible persons.
Dharmaja ordered Yuyutsa, Vidura and Sanjaya to go round the city of Hastinapura and look after the welfare of the citizens. They were directed to supervise all the social welfare programmes.
With the permission of Brahmins, Dharmaja performed with great devotion, all ceremonies and funeral rituals to all the dead. Several charities were made in their name. Through Dhritarashtra, he performed all funeral rituals to Suyodhana and his brothers.
Dharmaja ordered for construction of many choultries, temples, water supply tanks and dug many lakes in the names of those who were dead. Numerous cows were given to Brahmins as charity.
Dharmaja praised Krishna thus: “O Krishna! With your kindness I am made the King and Emperor of Kuru kingdom. You have always been protecting us at all times. Otherwise we would not have acquired the Kuru kingdom, name and fame. You are the beginning, middle and end of this creation. Even Vedas could not describe you. After all we are nothing before you. By chanting your name, we will get rid of all our sins. We will be purified.” Dharmaja praised Krishna with his thousand names. Krishna was very much satisfied with his praises.
Dharmaja turned towards his brothers and said: “Bhimasena, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva! On account of me, you all suffered in the forests for 12 years and one year in exile. You fought for my sake. You lost your kith and kin. You made me the King and Emperor of the Kuru Kingdom. Now you enjoy the royal pleasures along with me. I request you to safeguard the interests of the king, his ministry, his treasury, his capital Hastinapura, his army, his people and kings who favour us.” said Dharmaja.
Then Dharmaja allotted official residences to his brothers.
“Bhimasena! you occupy the palace of Suyodhana. Arjuna! You can occupy the palace of Dussasana. Nakula and Sahadeva will occupy the palaces of Durmarshna and Durmukha. Yuyutsa, Vidura, Sanjaya and Dhoumya will occupy palaces of their choice. My paternal uncle, Dhritarashtra will remain in his own palace as before. Sri Krishna and Satyaki will be our State Guests with all State honours. They will stay in the palace of Arjuna.” said Dharmaja.
Then Dharmaja retired to his inner apartment.” said Vaisampayana to Janamejaya in the story of Mahabharata.
Then Janamejaya asked Saint Vaisamyapana: “O Saint Vaisampayana! After the coronation ceremony, what had happened? What was the behaviour of Dharmaja? How long Krishna stayed in Hastinapura? Tell me in detail” asked Janamejaya.Vaisampayana continued to tell Janamejaya the remaining Maha Bharat story.
MAHA BHARATA
Shanti PARVA FIRSTCHAPTER
CONCLUDED
OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OM TATSAT.
Vaisampayana told Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata thus:
Dharma Raja was crowned as King and Emperor of the entire Kuru Kingdom. Though Dharmaja was the King, he was following the mandates of Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Vidura. He was looking after the welfare of the ladies who lost their husbands in the Great War. Kripacharya, Yuyutsa and Sanjaya were appointed as Honorary Ministers. Dharmaja was serving his mother Kunti affectionaltely and regarding his wife Draupadi as per their previous agreement.
Under the guidance of Dhoumya, Dharmaja performed many Yajnas and yagas, worshipped deities and Pitaras. He was providing adequate funds to look after orphans and poor. Dharmaja was worshipping Sri Krishna similar to God.
One day, he went to the palace where Sri Krishna was staying. At that time, Krishna was rapt in deep meditation. Dharmaja entertained a doubt.
“When Krishna himself is equivalent to God, about whom and for whose sake is Krishna meditating?”
Krishna opened his eyes. Dharmaja with folded hands asked Krishna thus:
“O Krishna! You are in deep meditation. You are the creator and destroyer. You are the beginning ,middle and end of this universe. You are the sole delighted chaitanya in this universe. You are the foremost of all men. For whom you are meditating? What is the reason? Kindly tell me.” asked Dharmaja.
Krishna with smiling face replied thus: “O Dharmaja! A staunch devotee of mine, Bhishma, is meditating about me. My mind is fixed in him. I am enjoying his meditation.” said Krishna.
“O Krishna! My mind is very eager to meet my grandsire, Bhishma. If he beholds me along with you, he will feel very happy.” said Dharmaja.
Even by that time, the great sages and saints viz., Vyasa, Narada, Devala, Devasthana, Vatsya, Devarata etc. arrived at Bhishma. At that time, Bhishma was deeply meditating about Krishna thus:
“O Krishna! You are equivalent to Agni, Sun and Brahma. I am worshipping you about whom great sages and saints, divine bodies could not know who you are. You are the great medicine for the entire woes and sorrows on this earth. You are the beginning, middle and end of this universe. You are Pundarikaksha who is the root cause of the entire universe. You are Hari with thousand heads, thousand eyes, and thousand feet. You are the embodiment of Vedas; you are the subtlest of the subtlest and grossest of the grossest. You are the embodiment of four Vedas and Upanishads.
I pray Lord Krishna who was born from the sacred womb of Devaki. I pray Vamana who was born from Aditi in 12 forms.
I worship Hari in the form of moon, who was protecting divine bodies in the first fortnight (Sukla Paksha) and Pitaras in the next fortnight (Krishna Paksha).
I pray Vishnu for whom Garuda was the vehicle. I pray Vishnu who is visible in the shape of this body and invisible in the form of Atma. I pray you in the form of Atma who is manifest only for great sages and saints. I pray you in the form of great happiness which is enjoyable by great sages and saints who renounced the worldly pleasures.
You are Vishnu for whom the entire earth is feet; navel is sky; head is heaven; two eyes are sun and moon; face is fire; and ears are sides. I pray you in the form of an infant, lying on a banian leaf at the time of Pralayam. I worship the son of Devaki, whose hair is clouds, body joints are rivers and oceans are stomach.
I pray the Almighty from whose face Brahmins were born, from whose arms Kshatriyas were born, from whose thighs Vysyas were born and from whose feet Sudras were born. I pray Lord Vishnu who is the embodiment of time and the root cause for the creation and destruction. I pray you in the form of Adi Sesha who is bearing the entire universe, where great sages and saints and divine bodies are living, as Ananta.
I pray Vishnu with Adityas, Maruts, Asuras, Rudras and Devatas as his limbs. I pray the Almighty who is omnipresent.
I pray Vishnu in the form of Matsyavatara who killed Somakasura and protected Vedas. I pray Vishnu in the form of Varahavatara who bore the entire universe on his sole horn. I pray Vishnu in the form of Narasimhavatara who killed Hiranyakashyapa who was the avowed enemy of the entire universe. I pray Vishnu in the form of Vamana who begged for land measuring three feet. I pray Vishnu in the form of Parasurama who vanquished the entire Kshatriya community, 21 times. I pray Lord Vishnu in the form of Rama who was the son of Dasaradha and killed all demons. I pray Lord Vishnu in the form of Krishna, who was born to Devaki and Vasudeva and who killed Kamsa. I pray Lord Krishna who drove the chariot of Arjuna and vanquished all evils from this earth. I pray Lord Vishnu in the form of Kali who strived hard to install Dharma in Kali Yuga.
O Parameswara, Subrahmanya, Bhaktavatsala, Mahadeva, Visvaprakasa, Hrishikesa, Varada, Narayana, Rajeevanayana, Hiranyanabha, Achyuta, Amrutaroopa, I prostrate on your lotus feet with utmost devotion. Bless me. Nobody on the earth will be frightened if he thinks always about you. You are Para Brahma. You are eternal. You are truth. You are the penance. You are sacred fire. You are havis. You are Vishnu. You are without origin. Bless me with eternal salvation.” prayed Bhishma with utmost devotion.
All the sages and saints assembled there praised Bhishma for his prayers. Sri Krishna was very much pleased with the prayers rendered by Bhishma.
“Dharmaja! Let us go to Bhishma” said Krishna.
Sri Krishna and Satyaki boarded one chariot. Dharmaja and Arjuna boarded another chariot. Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva boarded one chariot. Kripacharya, Yuyutsa and Sanjaya boarded another chariot. All of them then proceeded towards the place where Bhishma was lying on arrow bed.

On the way, Sri Krishna showed Dharmaja five lakes. “Dharmaja! Look at those lakes. They are five lakes. Parasurama, after massacring all the kshatriyas on earth, offered tarpana in those five lakes.” said Krishna.
Krishna! Being a Brahmin, how was Parasurama so cruel? Is there any reason behind it? You said that Parasurama vanquished the Kshatriya community from this earth. Now there are many Kshatriyas. How they are alive? How they are ruling this earth? Kindly tell me in detail.” asked Dharmaja.
Krishna told Dharmaja the story of Parasurama.
“In the ancient past, there was a king called Jahnu. His son was Ujahnu. Vallabha was the son of Ujahnu. Kusika was the son of Vallabha. Kusika did Tapas about Indra. Indra appeared before him. Kusika prayed Indra to bless him with a son who is supreme in the entire Universe. Indra blessed him with a son. Kousika was born to Kusika. Kousika was also called Gadhi.
Gadhi begot a daughter, called Satyavati. She was married to one Rucheeka. Rucheeka was a great saint. Rucheeka performed one Yaga with an intention to beget children for him and also for his father in law. At the end of Yaga, Rucheeka kept the Havis in two small vessels(charuvulu).
Rucheeka told his wife, Satyavati: “You give this small vessel (charuvu) to your mother. She will beget a son who will be so cruel and kill the entire Kshatriya community. You consume the Havis in the next vessel (charuvu). You will give birth to a son who will become a great brahmin and saint.” said Rucheeka.
After giving the two vessels to his wife, Satyavati, he went for bath. Meanwhile, his mother- in- law along with her husband, arrived there. Satyavati told her mother about the two vessels and gave the first vessel to her mother. But, the mother of Satyavati changed the vessels and consumed the Havis in the second vessel, which was intended for Satyavati. Not knowing about the change of vessels, Satyavati consumed the Havis in the first vessel.
Ruchika returned from bath. He learnt, from his divine vision, about the change of vessels.
“Satyavati! A cruel brahmin is growing in your womb” said Ruchika.
Satyavati realised the mistake and trembled. She requested Ruchika for proper redressal.
“Satyavati! I cannot help it. A great saint will be born to your mother. You will beget a cruel brahmin.” said Ruchika.
“I do not mind even if I am childless. I never give birth to a cruel brahmin” said Satyavati firmly.
“You cannot stop the birth of your son. But, for this time, your son will become a great saint. But his son will be a cruel brahmin.” said Ruchika.
Accordingly, Satyavati gave birth to a son, called Jamadagni. The mother of Satyavati gave birth to a son called Visvamitra. Parasurama was born to Jamadagni. Parasurama, son of Jamadagni, learnt mostly Dhanurveda and acquired expertise in that craft.
At that time, in Haihaya dynasty, there was a king called Kartaviryarjuna who was ruling the earth consisting of seven islands. Kartaviryarjuna was born with thousand hands and he possessed great prowess. He was virtuous too.
Once Agni Deva approached Kartaviryarjuna and requested him to provide him sufficient food. Kartaviryarjuna allowed him to consume some villages under his control. Agni Deva began to consume the villages and also Ashrams of some sages and saints.
In that process, Agni Deva burnt the Ashram of Vasishta. Saint Vasishta was enraged at this act of Agnideva. With his divine vision, he found that Kartaviryarjuna was the root cause for this. “May the thousand hands of Kartaviryarjuna be cut by Parasurama” cursed Vasishta.
Coming to know about this curse, Kartaviryarjuna was very much distressed. In course of time, Kartaviryarjuna begot several sons who were rude, cruel and unruly. Once they all went for hunting. As they were tired, they took rest near the Ashram of Jamadagni. They found the cow and calf belonging to Jamadagni grazing near the Ashram. As they were mischievous, they grabbed the cow and calf and brought them to their city. Kartaviryarjuna did not know about this.
Having come to know about this, Parasurama thought that Kartaviryarjuna was behind this cruel act. He went against Kartaviryarjuna, cut his thousand hands and killed him. Parasurama brought back the cow and calf.
In retaliation, while Parasurama was out of Ashram, sons of Kartaviryarjuna killed Jamadagni, father of Parasurama. Having coming to know about this through his mother, Parasurama was enraged.
Parasurama, with his battle axe, killed not only the sons of Kartaviryarjuna but all the Kshatriyas in Haihaya dynasty. Not satisfied with that, he killed the entire Kshatriya community and he offered Pitru Tarpan to his father, with their blood. Then he went to forests for Tapas.
The grandson of Visvamitra was a man of great pride. He insulted Parasurama by saying that being a coward; he had hidden in forests, unable to attack Kshatriyas. Parasurama was infuriated at this. Parasurama massacred all Kshatriyas indiscriminately. In that manner, Parasurama conquered Kshatriya community 21 times and rooted them out. Then he performed Asvamedha yaga. On that occasion, he gave the entire earth, acquired by him by killing all the Kshatriyas, to Kasyapa, as charity.
Kashyapa was afraid of Parasurama. If he was allowed to stay there, he may kill all the kings of other communities also. Hence, Kashyapa told Parasurama thus: “O Parasurama! You have given away the entire earth acquired by you, as a gift to me. Now nothing remains with you. Hence you cannot stay here. You may go to southern regions.” said Kashyapa.
Parasurama obeyed the words of Kashyapa and proceeded towards south upto the southern ocean. The King of Seas, gave some land to Parasurama, for his stay.
After the departure of Parasurama to southern regions, Kashyapa gave away the entire earth to Brahmins as gift. Henceforth, the earth was called Kashyapi. Then Kashyapa went to forests for performing Tapas.
Some years elapsed. Greediness engulfed the minds of Vysyas and Sudras. They grabbed the entire earth given to brahmins, by force. They even abducted the wives of Brahmins by force.
The Brahmins also were out of control. They forgot their own Dharma. They were addicted to drinking, thefts and abduction of others’ wives. They forgot how to perform Yajnas and Yagas. Adharma was prevailing everywhere.
Unable to bear this Adharma, mother earth began to shrink down. Mother earth thought that only Kshatriya community alone would save the earth by applying Danda Neeti. Beholding Kashyapa, Mother Earth told thus:
“O Kashyapa!after the great massacre of Kshatriyas by Parasurama, I found that scant number of Kshatriyas remain on earth. You bring them together and handover the earth to them. I found that some Haihaya Kings escaped death from Parasurama. One king, by name Vidhooradha, born in Kuru clan, was saved by some bears. One more king in Sudasu clan was saved by Saint Parasara. Gopati, grandson of Emperor Sibi was saved by some cows in forest. Vatsa son of Pratyardhana saved himself by hiding in a cattle shed. Anga, son of Dadhivahana, was saved by Saint Goutama. Bhoori, born in Brihadhradha clan, was saved by some monkeys and brought up on a mountain called Gridhakoota. Sons of Maruts, aged four years, were saved by sea god. All of them belong to Kshatriya community. They can rule this earth effectively.” said mother earth.
Accordingly, saint Kashyapa gathered all those kings and distributed the entire earth amongst them. Several kshatriya clans sprouted from those Kings. Now, all those Kshatriya clans were smashed in Maha Bharata War. But, as before, some kings, here and there, escaped death” said Sri Krishna.
By that time, they reached the banks of river Oghavati where Bhishma was lying on arrow bed. All of them got down from their chariots. Sri Krishna went near Bhishma and said thus:
“O Bhishma! Are you peaceful? Are you suffering with the pain caused by the arrows pierced into your body? There is nothing on this earth unknown to you. Though you were born as Kshatriya, you remained unmarried throughout your life and relinquished your kingdom. You are a rare personality. You are capable of vanquishing divine bodies, demons, Yakshas, Nagas and Gandharvas all at a time. You adopted controlling of your sense organs, speaking truth always, doing penance, performing charities and practicing Dharnurveda. You are the only hero who can control your death, inspite of lying on death bed.
O son of Ganga! Here is Dharmaja who is overcome with sorrow on account of the slaughter of his kinsmen. Dispel his sorrow with your soft words. You know about four castes, four ashramas and their Dharmas. You know much about the virtues enunciated in four Vedas. You have studied Puranas, Itihasa, and Dharma Sastras. You are capable of clearing any doubt from his mind. Kindly clear his doubts.” asked Sri Krishna.
On hearing the words of Sri Krishna, Bhishma said thus:
“Sri Krishna! Parandhama! You create, sustain and destroy the entire universe. You are supreme of all sages. You are capable of dispelling all sorrows. Tell me what to do.” prayed Bhishma.
“O Bhishma! I appreciate your devotion towards me. I always stay where devotion and righteousness prevail. I never stay where devotion and righteousness is absent. After 56 days from today, Sun will move northwards. You can leave this body in that auspicious period and will remain in eternal peace without rebirth. Other Vasuvs are waiting for your arrival. If you leave this world, the entire knowledge and wisdom acquired by you will fade out. Not only Dharmaja, all other kings, sages and saints are waiting to hear your valuable words. Preach Dharma to all of them and extend your knowledge and wisdom to all of them.” said Sri Krishna.
“O Krishna! On hearing your words, I am blessed. I cannot say no to you. Even Brahma cannot say no to you. I am nothing before you. But the arrows pierced into my body are causing unbearable pain. I am unable to speak few words. My throat and tongue are not cooperating. I am unable to speak and give reply to them. Besides that, it is not proper on my part to preach sermons to Dharmaja and others in your presence. It will be as if student is preaching sermons in the presence of his preceptor.” Said Bhishma.
Krishna smiled at Bhishma. “I well understand your difficulty. I will give you three boons. You will be relieved of all pains caused by the arrows pierced into your body. You feel as if nothing had happened to you. From now onwards, you do not feel hunger and thirst. You will not be entangled in these worldly affairs and your mind will always remain in higher regions. Now you can concentrate on divine knowledge and impart your knowledge and wisdom to Dharmaja.” said Sri Krishna.
By that time the sun had set. Sri Krishna, Dharmaja and others, sages and saints took leave from Bhishma and retired to their abodes, saying that they will return back next day morning.
Next day morning, Dharmaja asked Arjuna not to allow any body guards, army personnel and servants to accompany them. Dharmaja and Arjuna on one chariot, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva on one chariot, Kripacharya, Yuyutsa and Sanjaya on one chariot and Sri Krishna on separate chariot proceeded towards Bhishma.
Even before their arrival, Narada and other sages and saints assembled there. Sri Krishna, Dharmaja and others alighted their chariots, stood before Bhishma and saluted him. Dharmaja requested Sri Krishna to commence the conversation with Bhishma. Sri Krishna went near Bhishma and enquired about his welfare.
Bhishma said: “O Krishna! With your kind blessings, I am not feeling thirst and hunger. My mind is peaceful. Though I am old in age, I am feeling as if I am young. As per your wish, I will teach Dharmaja what all I know. But why have you entrusted this job to me when you are capable of teaching anything and everything. What is the inner meaning?” asked Bhishma.
“Bhishma! I am the root for the entire wealth, name and fame in this universe. By teaching to Dharmaja I will not get anything more. You are now at the end of your life. I wish you should acquire great name and fame by teaching niceties of Dharma to Dharmaja. I will impart in your mind, celestial understanding, to clear all the doubts of Dharmaja. With this, your fame will be enhanced in this world as long as the sun and moon exist. The answers you are going to give will be regarded on earth to be as authoritative as the declarations of the Vedas. Hence you have to give answers for all the questions to be raised by Dharmaja.” said Sri Krishna.
Bhishma was very happy. “O Krishna! When Dharmaja was born, all the sages and saints were overwhelmed with great joy. Dharmaja is a great Dharmika.Dharmaja always speaks truth, be peaceful and virtuous. Even under the influence of passion, desire or wealth, he will never transgress Dharma. Let that great personality ask me what he desires to know and I will answer to the extent possible.” said Bhishma.
“O Bhishma! Dharmaja, having caused a great slaughter, ventures not to approach you from fear of your curse.” said Krishna.
“O Krishna! As the duty of the Brahmans consists of the practice of charity, study, and penances, so the duty of Kshatriyas is to cast away their bodies, in battle. A Kshatriya should kill his sires and grandsires and brothers and preceptors and relatives and kinsmen that may engage with him in unjust battle. This is their declared duty. As Dharmaja discharged his duty as Kshatriya, he adopted Dharma” said Bhishma.
On hearing these words, Dharmaja came near Bhishma with folded hands. Bhishma with great affection kissed the forehead of Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! Without hesitation, ask me all your doubts” said Bhishma.
Dharmaja, after taking permission from all sages and saints, Sri Krishna, and others assembled there, asked Bhishma thus:
“O my grandfather! Amongst all Dharmas, Raja Dharma is greatest. For the sustenance of human beings, Raja Dharma is quite essential. If we refuse to adopt Raja Dharma, Dharma will be vanished and adharma will prevail. Therefore, it is the duty of the king to punish the wrongs committed by his subjects. The virtuous people will regard King as the embodiment of Dharma. Therefore, knowledge of Raja Dharma is a must for a king. Hence kindly let me know the niceties of Raja Dharma. I am inclined to hear them.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma began to say about Raja Dharma:
“O Dharmaja! By worshipping deities and brahmins, king will enjoy the respect of his subjects. You should always exert with promptitude, for without promptitude of exertion, mere destiny never accomplishes the objects cherished by kings. These two, viz., exertion and destiny, are equal in their operation. Of them, I regard exertion to be superior, for destiny is ascertained from the results of what is begun with exertion.
Do not indulge in grief if what are commenced ends disastrously, for you should then exert yourself in the same act with redoubled attention. The king should possess peace, character, self control etc. Such a king will acquire fame and pleasures. King should rule the kingdom with great wisdom. For that virtues and truthfulness are quite essential. King should execute Danda Neeti carefully and diligently. Then only a king will become famous.
Iron springs out of stone. Fire springs out of water. King will be created by Brahmin. But iron will be broken by stone and fire will be extinguished by water. If Brahmin is disregarded, King will be ruined. You should keep these words in mind always. As Brahmins are embodiment of Vedas, regard and respect Brahmins always.
But in case Brahmin commits any wrong, he is punishable. It is enunciated in Sukraniti thus: Killing of Brahmin is not a sin if that Brahmin, armed with bow and arrows, astras and sastras, with great wrath, rushes against the king with an intention to kill. It is the Dharma of a King.
One who lusts the wife of his preceptor, one who kills infants and children, one who is guilty of treason, one who kills a brahmin, shall be driven out of the country, even if he is a brahmin. A brahmin shall not be killed for the above offences.
Protection of his citadel is the foremost task for a king. Citadels shall always be protected by four kinds of forces. King shall treat his subjects equally. He should not discriminate them by caste or creed. He should be compassionate towards all. On the pretext of showing compassion, king shall not be mild.
In this context, we have to remember the words of Brihaspati. By being oversympathetic and mild, king will become cheap in the eyes of public. Then public will never care for the king. If the King is too harsh and wrathful, autocracy will prevail. Therefore the king should neither be too mild nor too wrathful. He should mix compassion and punishment in equal ratio. The King shall not exhibit his anger or hastiness on his subjects.
The King shall always strive hard for the welfare of the people. The king shall always exhibit seriousness in his looks. He should not indulge in loose and liberal talk and mingle freely with his subordinates. In such a case, the subordinates will never care for the King. Besides, they may try to predominate the king and cause harm to the King by working against him.
King shall not spare anybody who violates his rulings. King shall get rid of them soon. If anybody acts with pride and forgets his original status, even if he is a preceptor or a brahmin, he shall be discarded forthwith.
Therefore, Dharmaja! Even if the wrong doer is a preceptor, friend, son, he shall not be pardoned. He should be punished rigorously.
In the ancient past, King Sagara abandoned his son on account of his cruelty towards his subjects. Similarly, Saint Uddalaka discarded his son who ill treated Brahmins .You have to follow them as a role model.
If the king rules the people by observing truthfulness, virtues and forgiveness, people will feel happy. King shall regard the people belonging to four castes equally. King shall keep flatterers away from his association.
King shall put an end to corruption. King shall confiscate the properties of corrupt people and distribute the same among the sufferers. King shall not keep overconfidence upon anybody. Equally, the king shall not keep himself away without trusting anybody. King shall, with his discretion, decide good and bad.
If a king indulges in extracting money from his subjects by unruly methods, his subjects will be his bitter enemies. There is no need of external aggression. The King shall employ economic experts, righteous people with stable mind, clever, honest and intelligent people, people from upper classes in his ministry, for collection of taxes. Under the rule of such a king, people will live happily.
The King shall be of great prowess, vigour and valour. Otherwise, he cannot protect the life and property of his subjects, effectively. A king without prowess is equal to an uneducated priest. Protecting his subjects is the most onerous duty of a king. The King shall always be enthusiastic. The king shall always be eager to vanquish his enemies, either by legal or illegal means. If a king neglects and ignores his enemy as feeble, the enemy will become a spear by his side. Therefore, the King shall put an end to his enemy, however feeble he is.
The King shall not part with any part of his kingdom at any cost.” said Bhishma.
By that time, it was sunset. Dharmaja, along with Sri Krishna, the sages and saints gathered there took leave from Bhishma and retired to their respective places of stay.
Next day morning, all of them assembled before Bhishma with folded hands.
Dharmaja asked Bhishma thus: “O grandsire, what is the difference between a common man and a king. I think there is no difference between the two. Both are having two hands, two legs and one head. In that case, how will a King keep control over his subjects, protect them and punish them. How will a King be equivalent to God. Kindly tell me.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma continued to say:
“O Dharmaja! In Kritayuga, there was no king. Only Dharma prevailed. All were acting according to Dharma. One was protecting the other. Gradually, greediness and selfishness entered the minds of human beings. Dharma began to diminish from time to time. Men were addicted to evils. Desires sprouted in the minds of human beings. Unable to control the desires, they developed hatred and enmity upon others. They gave up studying Vedas. Adharma prevailed rampantly.
At that juncture, Indra and other divine bodies went to Brahma. “O God Brahma! On earth, studying Vedas diminished. Yajnas and Yagas are not being performed. Dharma declined.” said Indra.
Brahma smiled. “I will take remedial steps. Dont worry.” said Brahma.
Brahma created Neeti Sastra (Moral Science). In that he created King, Minister, citadel, treasury, friends, collecting news, Danda neeti (penal code); he created three kinds of persons viz, enemies, friends and neutrals; sending emissaries and making peace pacts etc., and included four paths to be followed by human beings viz, Dharma, Ardha, Kama and Moksha. This text consisted of one lakh chapters. It was to be followed by the entire universe to keep it pure and spotless.
At that time, a divine body called Visalaksha was born from the forehead of Brahma. That Divine body had no beginning and end; he was the creator of this universe; he was ancient. Siva was born in the name of Visalaksha. Visalaksha studied the one lakh chapters of Neeti Sastra. Visalaksha thought that the life and wisdom of human beings was not sufficient even to study the said Neeti Sastra. Hence he abridged the said Neeti Sastra into ten thousand chapters.
Later that abridged edition was studied by Mahendra who abridged the same into five thousand chapters. Later Brihaspati abridged the same into three thousand chapters. Then Sukracharya abridged the same into one thousand chapters. That was called Sukra Neeti. Later several sages and saints composed the said Sukraneeti into small volumes. In this manner, Neeti Sastra was abridged from time to time.
All the divine bodies went to Lord Vishnu and told him about the evolution of Neeti Sastra and prayed him to depute one efficient person to execute the same in the entire universe. Lord Vishnu created a divine personality with his Amsa. He was called Viraja. Lord Vishnu made him the King of this Universe. But he refused to rule the universe. Kardama was the son of Viraja. Kardama also refused to rule the universe.
Ananga was the son of Kardama. Ananga was made the first King of this Universe. Ananga ruled this Universe as per the precepts in Neeti Sastra. Ananga applied Danda Neeti to his subjects. Later his son, Neeti succeeded him. He married Suneedha, daughter of Mrutyu. Venu was born to him.
Venu was succumbed to desires and lust. He was teasing his subjects. Great sages and saints churned his right thigh with Darbhas (long grass). From his right thigh, a black, fierce form was born. He was called Asuchi. The sages and saints said: “Nisheeda Nisheeda” (means sit, sit). Hence, the descendants of Asuchi were called as Nishadhas. Nishadhas lived in the Vindhya mountain regions. They were cruel and wicked.
Later, the sages and saints churned the right arm of Venu. A divine personality with natural armour, bow and arrows, chanting vedas, was born. Immediately, Danda Neeti enunciated in the Neeti Sastra influenced him. That divine personality asked the sages and saints the purpose for which he was created.
“Your name is Vainya. You have to shed anger, greediness, wickedness, desires, and egoism and treat the people in the Universe equally. You have to follow the Neeti Sastra and protect Dharma. You should rule the Universe without giving importance to your personal feelings and desires and without fear or favour. You have to execute Danda Neeti and protect Dharma. You have to protect Vedas and Vedangas. You have to avert inter-change of castes and protect Brahmins and righteous persons.” said sages and saints.
“O sages and saints! With the help of Brahmins, I will execute the works entrusted by you.” said Vaina. Brahmins also agreed to assist Vainya in ruling the Universe.
Then all the sages and saints crowned Vainya the King and Emperor of the entire Universe. Sukra was appointed as Chief Priest. Sarasvata community in Valakhilyas was appointed as Ministers. Garga was appointed as Chief Astrologer. Indra and Kubera provided sufficient funds. Thus, Vainya ruled the entire Universe following Neeti Sastra and Danda Neeti. In the ruling of Vainya, all the people on earth lived peacefully, enjoying worldy pleasures.
O Dharmaja! As the king saved brahmins and people from great disaster, he was called Kshatriya. Therefore, all the descendants of Vainya were called Kshatriyas. All the descendants of Vainya ruled this Universe, following Neeti Sastra and Danda Neeti. As Vainya descended from Lord Vishnu, henceforth, all the kings were regarded as descendants of Vishnu. Therefore, ruling of people was entrusted to Kshatriyas.
Wealth was born from the forehead of Vishnu. Wealth was married to Dharma. Ardha was their son. Therefore, Dharma, wealth and Ardha are always under the influence the King. Therefore, King is above all, though he is having one head, two hands and two legs. He is different and separate from other humans. He is pious, righteous and virtuous. He is entitled to attain Svarga. King descended from Vishnu only is capable of executing Neeti sastra and Danda Neeti. Therefore, Varna-Ashrama Dharmas, Customs and Practices, Vedas, Puranas, Itihasas etc. will be under the control of King. With the blessings of Lord Vishnu, King was endowed with beauty, prowess, tact, temper etc. Therefore, King was treated equivalent to God.
Dharmaja! This is my reply to your question. Have you got any more doubts?” asked Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! Kindly enlighten me about four castes viz., Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vysyas and Sudras; four ashrams viz., Brahmacharya, Grahasthya, Vanaprasta and Sanyasa; how to practice them; and also about Raja Dharma followed in the present world.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“O Dharmaja! King has to follow the good qualities viz., speaking truth, shedding anger, loving one’s own wife, not to divulge official secrets to others; keeping good relations with others etc. Controlling sense organs is the utmost quality of a Brahmin. Brahmins shall study Veda daily. He should perform Yajnas and Yagas with utmost devotion. Brahmin shall not indulge in bad habits. He should always remain peaceful. If a Brahmin acquires wealth, he shall distribute the same amongst his sons, poor and needy.
The Kshatriya Dharma is....performing Yajnas and yagas, making charities, studying Vedas, punishing criminals, ruling the people affectionately; fighting with enemy fearlessly etc. Amongst them, fighting in war is the utmost Dharma of Kshatriya. I will narrate now the Vaisya Dharma.
A Vaisya shall study Vedas; shall perform Yajnas and yagas; earn and accumulate wealth legally; engage in cattle rearing and trading etc.
Sudra has to serve Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas. With the permission of King, Sudra can acquire money, paddy and grains. For performing charities, Sudra can acquire money and paddy even without the permission of king. The utmost dharma of Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vysyas is performing Yajnas and yagas.
I will now tell about Ashrama Dharmas.
One has to observe Brahmacharya with the following characteristics: Serving his guru; studying Aagama Sastras; living by alms; living without love or hatred towards others; performing virtuous deeds always; not interested in outside world activities etc.
While following Grihastha Ashram one has to show love and affection upon his own wife; observe compassion; truthfulness, patience; live in the company of righteous people; worship deities and perform ceremonies for ancestors; perform sacred homa daily; and serve guests etc.
During Vanaprastha Ashtram, the following are the main requisites: he, either alone or with his wife, should retire to the forests. He should shed egoism, control his sense organs, study vedas, keep company with righteous persons etc.
The following are the virtues to be followed by Sanyasi: A sanyasi can live anywhere and everywhere. He should eat only to live but not live to eat.
He can stay where ever he is at the time of sunset. During Sanyasa Ashram, one need not perform sacred homa. He should not have any desire for anything. He should receive whatever is given to him. He should control his sense organs. He should always be polite and obedient to others.
The above four Ahsrams can be followed by Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vyasyas. But Sudra is entitled only for the first three Ashrams viz., Brahmacharya, Grihastha and Vanaprastha. Sudra is not entitled to observe Sanyasa Ashram.

A virtuous brahmin can receive “Daana” (gift) at the time of Yagas. Kings will attain name and fame by performing Dana (gift) to such virtuous brahmins. It is the duty of the King to see that all the people shall observe and follow Varna and Ashrama Dharmas scrupulously. But all the above Dharmas are subject to Raja Dharma.
If the King fails to apply Danda Neeti, it will cause hindrance for performing Yajnas and yagas and harm to the general public. King has to rule the kingdom by applying “Danda neeti”. Then only people will live peacefully. Therefore, amongst all Dharmas, Raja Dharma is the foremost Dharma. The King who follows Raja Dharma is equal to God.
In the ancient past, King Mandhata did Tapas (penance) about Vishnu. Indra appeared before Mandhata.
“O Mandhata! You did Tapas about Vishnu. But it is not so easy to have the blessings of Vishnu. Hence I have come. Tell me what do you want’ asked Indra.
“O Indra! I am vexed with this Samsara and worldly pleasures. Kindly divert my mind towards renunciation and begging.” asked Mandhata.
“O King Mandhata! Amongst all Dharmas, Raja Dharma is greatest. A King shall renounce Kama, Krodha and follow ‘Danda Neeti’ and rule the people. That king alone will get higher regions. You are a king. Living by alms is not your Dharma. Protecting people and dying in war is Kshatriya Dharma. Living by alms is not Raja Dharma.All Four Vedas and all scriptures echoe that amongst all human beings, King is greatest. Nothing is equivalent to virtuous “Danda Neeti”.
O King Mandhata! You shed your desires and anger, follow “Danda Neeti” and rule the people. Living by alms is not suitable to you.” said Indra.
Therefore Dharmaja! Be passionate towards guests, poor and needy. Be with pure mind without allowing the feelings of happiness, egoism and sorry into your mind. Shed selfishness and strive hard for the welfare of the people.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! You have enlightened me with regard to Varna Ashrama Dharmas. Please tell me by which Dharma, people will live happily.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma told Dharmaja thus:
People have to instal one amongst them as King and shall live happily under his rule. In the absence of a King, people will become unruly and indulge in illegal and immoral acts. Professions like cultivation, trade and commerce, rearing cattle will be destroyed. Therefore, people cannot live without a king.
At one point of time, there was chaos in the absence of a king. Robberies, debauchery, cruelty became rampant. There was no king to control them. All the human beings approached Brahma and prayed to him to bless them with a king to protect them.
Lord Brahma appointed Manu as King. Manu declined to be the King for those who always speak falsehood. All the human beings told Manu thus:
“We will pay half of the value of cattle and gold to king. Out of the harvested paddy, one-tenth will be paid towards tax. With that money, you acquire sufficient army, punish the criminals and wrong doers, and protect righteous people. All the people will abide by your rulings. All criminals and wrong doers will be punished by you. One sixth of Dharma acquired by virtuous people will belong to you.” prayed the human beings. Manu accepted their prayers. Then Manu ruled this universe with his prowess in a righteous manner.
Therefore, King Dharmaja! Abiding by the rulings of King is the duty of his subjects. People shall worship King as equivalent to God. If, by mistake, king violates Dharma, people should ignore it. If the people regard the King in the above manner, the enemies also will be afraid of the King. If the subjects dont care for the King, how can we expect enemies to care for the king.
Providing the King with suitable chariots, horses and elephants, crown, throne, good residential palace, sumptuous food, costly garments, faithful body guards etc. is the duty of the people. King is the root for all Dharmas and Raja Dharma. Kingdom without a king is equivalent to a pond without water. Without the protection of King, people cannot live happily. There will be no protection for their life and property. People will be afflicted with fear and anxiety. People can perform Yajnas and Yagas only under the guidance of the King. King will conquer his enemies and distribute their wealth to poor and needy. The King shines like sun while collecting information from spies; the king will behave like Yama while punishing criminals. Therefore, King is regarded as equivalent to God.
One who controls his senses and worships King, will be honoured by the King. People will be the body of the King and the King is the soul of people. Therefore, people shall worship king and King shall protect people.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! Kindly let me know how the King shall rule the kingdom effectively and how the king should vanquish his enemies.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma continued to say thus:
“O Dharmanandana! A king shall first conquer himself. One who could not conquer himself cannot conquer his enemies. Conquering himself means conquering his desires, anger, passion, greediness, aggrandizement and jealousy. He should become conqueror of sense organs. Then only he can conquer his enemies effortlessly.
The King shall appoint efficient army personnel to protect the borders of his kingdom, the townships villages in his kingdom, all citadels in his kingdom, main entrances to citadels, his inner apartments etc.
King shall see not only through his physical eyes but also through his spies. The king shall plant spies not only in the kingdoms of his enemies, but also in his own kingdom, and in his inner apartments also. He shall collect information from all sources effectively.
If for any reason, if a King becomes weak, even before his enemy knows about his weakness, the King shall make friendship with another strong King. In case a king is defeated, he should make friendship with his enemy even by paying heavy taxes. Then the King should wait for an opportunity and wage war against the enemy while he is relaxing. The King should kill his enemy either by administering poison or setting fire to his citadel etc and shatter his kingdom.
But the King shall not pick up unnecessary quarrel or battle with his neighbouring kingdoms. He should use the four types of plans, Sama, daana, bedha and danda. First he should send emissaries and warn his enemy in soft words. Next the king shall create differences between his enemy kings. Thirdly, he should make friendship with his enemies even by offering huge gifts. Lastly, the king should resort to war with his enemy.
The king shall rule his people with love and affection. King should collect 1/6th of the income as tax. The king shall draw and execute developmental plans with regard to forests, cattle, mines etc. by employing efficient officers and staff. The King shall supervise the developement plans personally. Then only the kingdom will be developed.
The King shall make arrangements to protect his fort always. The King shall store food grains, grass for cattle, food for horses, medicines, all kinds of machinery in abundance to meet any eventuality. The King should see that wells are dug for supply of drinking water and water for agricultural purposes. King should employ efficient army personnel. The King shall always be vigilant about external aggression and shall make arrangements that the aggressors shall not get food and water on their way.
The King shall always protect his ministers, treasury, army, forts etc. effectively. The King shall always follow Dharma, Ardha and Kama effectively. The King shall equally observe characteristics of Satva, Rajas and Tamas in his day to day life. Even if the King transgresses ardha and kama, he shall not transgress Dharma at any cost. The King shall not succumb to his sensual pleasures.
The King shall abandon the vices arising out of Kama viz., dice game, hunting, lusting, drinking, lavish spending etc., the feelings arise out of anger viz, speaking and behaving rudely, punishing others unnecessarily etc.,
The King shall adopt study of Vedas, performing Yajnas and Yagas, making gifts and charities. The King shall not be influenced by the words of crooks and wretched. The King shall always keep company with virtuous and righteous people and rule the people effectively. The King shall worship Brahmins and deities daily. The King shall offer Pitru Tarpanams. Such a King will be acclaimed not only in this world but in the heaven also.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O Grandsire! Kindly let me know how the King shall use Danda Neeti.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“Even from the beginning, King was applying Danda Neeti in a virtuous manner. By applying Danda Neeti in a virtuous manner, Dharma will prevail. Then only his deeds will yield good results. The life span of people will increase. Earth will give good yield without ploughing. This was the position in Krita Yuga.
After the advent of Treta Yuga, Dharma will slightly diminish. It will move with three feet only. People will be satisfied with that only. Later in Dwapara Yuga, Dharma will move with two feet only. In the coming Kali Yuga, Dharma will move only with one foot. Kings will lose interest in following Dharma. Adharma will increase. Varna Ashrama Dharmas will be transgressed. All this will happen in course of time. Therefore, King has to follow Raja Neeti not according to time but according to the norms in Krita Yuga. Then only Dharma will move with four feet. Otherwise, Dharma will diminish in course of time.
Therefore, the King has to adopt the following principles:

King has to keenly observe the activities of his subjects and also the wrongs committed by them. If anybody is boasting himself, that means he is afflicted with egoism, pride, greediness and cruelty. In the absence of those bad qualities, none will boast himself. A righteous king will lead a virtuous life. He possesses great prowess but he never looks at other’s wife. He will never afflict with wrath. Such a king shall never harass the people for more taxes. He should take whatever his people pay.
A King shall have a Purohit who studied Vedas and Vedangas. That Purohit shall always stay in the capital along with the King and lead the king in a righteous path. The King shall appoint efficient ministers for collection of taxes and revenues from his subjects. Those ministers must be kind-hearted and tactful. The King has to collect taxes from the people as the gardener plucks fruits from trees.
It is the duty of the King to provide all amenities to the people before collecting taxes. (This doctrine is called in legal parlance as Quid Pro Quo.(latin word). It means “something for something”. The Government shall provide amenities to the people equal to the value of taxes collected. This doctrine was enunciated by Bhishma even in Dwapara Yuga).
It is the responsibility of the King to protect his people and also provide all necessities to them. Whatever Yajnas and Yagas he performed, they cannot be equated with the welfare of the people.
Dharmaja! In the past, King Pururava ruled this earth. Once Pururava asked Vayudeva thus:
“O Vayu! Amongst Brahmins and Kshatriyas, who is essential for this earth?”
Vayu said thus: “O Pururava! Brahmins were born from the face of Brahma; Kshatriyas were born from his arms, Vaisyas were born from thighs and Sudras were born from his feet. As Brahmins were born from face, they are entitled to enjoy and give to others as charity, all the wealth on this earth. To execute Danda Neeti, Kshatriya was born. Peace-loving Brahmin was deputed as Purohit to a Kshatriya. King has to provide all kinds of wealth to his Purohit and rule this earth. The duty of a King is to destroy any kind of fear from the minds of people.” said Vayu to Puroorava.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
Then Dharmaja asked another question: “O Grandsire Bhishma! What are the duties of a Brahmin to enjoy the respect of one and all.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“O son of Pandu, in the past, Sukrcharya told about the qualities of a Purohit. Under the supervision of Purohit, King has to perform Yajnas and Yagas and satisfy divine bodies, Garudas Gandharvas, Vidyadharas etc. Without the protection of Purohit, the demons will harass the king. Purohit will perform necessary rituals and avoid all evils. Purohit also will destroy the enemies with his Mantras and Tantras. Therefore, you have to employ an efficient purohit and rule the earth. If the Purohit is wicked and greedy, he will cause harm and much hardship even to the King. Therefore a Purohit must be virtuous, clean, wise and healthy.
In every respect, King and Purohit shall stand on one word. There was an anectode. Kashyapa Prajapati told Ila about the relationship between King and Purohit.
Kshatriya was born out of Brahmin. Brahmin was appointed by Kshatriya. Therefore, both Kshatriya and Brahmin are interdependent. They have to respect each other. Otherwise, people will never respect the king and Purohit. Adharma will prevail. If there is no coordination between Brahmin and Kshatriya, Rudra will be angry. Hence, Brahmin and Kshatriya shall respect each other.
Kubera told Muchikunda about the qualities of Purohit thus:
In the ancient past, King Muchikunda fought with Kubera. Kubera conquered Muchikunda. Muchikunda found fault with his Purohit for his defeat. The Purohit performed Homas, Poojas and penance and with his Mantras and Tantras, he fortified the army of Muchikunda. Then Muchikunda again waged war against Kubera.
Kubera heckled Muchikunda:“You have come again backed by the power of your Purohit but not of your own strength.”
Then Muchikunda told Kubera: “Kubera! The King and Purohit are depending one upon another. Therefore, my purohit is my strength. Let us fight” said Muchikunda.
“O Muchikunda! I wont fight with you. If you want my kingdom, I will gladly give it to you.” said Kubera.
“I dont want your kingdom as charity. I will conquer you and acquire your kingdom.” said Muchikunda.
Kubera felt very much happy for the prowess of Muchikunda.“Muchikunda,I am defeated with your righteousness.” declared Kubera.
Then Muchikunda ruled the entire earth for many years.
Therefore, King Dharmaja! You also rule this earth by protecting your people. That is Raja Dharma.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! Suppose if the Brahmins and other caste people abandon their caste professions, what is the duty of the King?” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma told thus:
“O son of Dharma! In case of great disaster, if anybody transgresses his caste or dharma, they will not be inflicted with any sin. But if a Brahmin holds sword and fights, he looses his Brahmanism and will become Kshatriya. In the same manner, if a Brahmin, leaving his own Dharma does cultivation, trading etc. he will become Vysya. Similarly, if a Brahmin adopts Sudra dharma and serves others for money, he will be called Sudra. In the same manner, people in the other castes also, if they adopt or follow Dharma of other castes, he will be transformed into the other castes and will be deprived of their own castes. They will not be entitled to follow the dharma of their own caste, again.
Therefore, King shall have knowledge about this and see that his subjects shall not transgress their own dharma. The King will get one fourth of Punya or Papa acquired by his subjects. Therefore, if his people transgress Varna, Ashrama Dharmas, the King will get one fourth of the sin acquired by his people.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! At no point of time, I was inclined to rule this country and enjoy the royal pleasures. I am doubtful whether I can discharge my duties as a King effectively. Ruling the kingdom is a sinful act. Even against my conscience, I have to apply Danda Neeti against the people and incur their displeasure. Therefore I intend to relinquish this kingdom and retire to forests again” Dharmaja again reiterated his earlier stand.
Bhishma laughed at him:
“You are a Kshatriya. But you are seeking detachment from these worldly pleasures. How is it called Raja Dharma? You are soft minded which not the quality of a Kshatriya is. Neither your father, King Pandu nor your grand father, Vichitra Veerya is here to lead you in right path. Hence listen to my words.
All the Kings who ruled this earth earlier, followed Raja Dharma and Danda Neeti. In the same manner, you also rule this earth. Performing Yajnas and Yagas is Kshatriya Dharma. Refusing to follow Kshatriya Dharma is a sin. You have to follow Varna Ashrama Dharma and you have to make your people to follow Varna Ashrama Dharma. That is Raj Dharma.
In this connection, I will tell you a story. In the past, King of Kekaya went to forests to study vedas. He was caught by a Rakshasa. Kekaya King could not resist that demon. Kekaya King told the demon thus:
“In my kingdom, there are neither thefts nor debauchery. Brahmins are studying Vedas and performing Yajnas and Yagas. Kings are worshipping Brahmins and performing Yajnas. Vysyas are engaged in cattle rearing and trading. Sudras are serving the above three classes. I and my people do not commit any sin. Why have you detained me like this.” asked Kekaya King.
That demon was very happy. That demon appreciated the virtuous ruling of Kekaya King and let him off.” told Bhishma.
Then Dharmaja asked Bhishma: “O Grandsire! How will a brahmin live in his hard days?” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“If a Brahmin is unable to live peacefully by following his own Dharma, he can adopt Vysya Dharma. But, out of greediness, he shall not trade in salt, gingelly, meat, cows, cattle, food, liquor, ghee and oils etc.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! How are Yajnas to be performed?” asked Dhrmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“O son of Dharma! Yajnas have to be performed with utmost devotion, care and attention. One should not perform Yajnas in a casual manner. One should not disrespect Vedas. At the end of Yajnas, one has to offer gifts to Brahmins and satisfy them.
Tapas is much better than Yajnas and Yagas. Tapas means, be pleasant, nonviolent, truthful, self control and passionate.” Said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! Who has the King to trust? In the absence of trustworthy friends, can a king discharge his duties effectively?” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“King shall not believe anybody blindly. King shall not remain aloof without believing anybody. King shall remain neutral. King shall appear to have believed everybody but be vigilant to accomplish his tasks. A true friend will always wish the welfare of King. With his friendship, King will flourish. If a king entrusts all tasks to a friend who is ever vigilant, those tasks will surely be discharged effectively. King shall always respect a friend who treats pleasures and sorrows equally. If such a friend becomes his Minister, he will surely discharge his duties effectively without giving way for anger, lust or passion.
It is better that King shall have brothers. Even if they are bad, king has to respect them. Because, brothers, relations and friends will be additional strength to King. The enemy kings will never dare to stare at a king who has brothers, friends and relatives in abundance. Even if the King has differences of opinion with his brothers and relatives, he should appear to have good relations with them. Some will be appreciating and boasting the King in his presence but will always be finding faults with the king behind his back. Such people will never hesitate to cause harm to King. Therefore, the King must be vigilant with regard to such people. Identifying and liquidating them forthwith is Raja Neeti.” said Bhishma.
Then Dharmaja asked Bhishma about acquisition of wealth. Bhishma said thus:
For a king acquisition of wealth is a must. It is the responsibility of the King to safeguard the treasury. I will tell you one story.
In the ancient past, there was a sage called Kalakavruksheeya. He was having a crow. He kept it in a cage. He spread rumours that crow was a divine crow which will reveal, past, present and future. Along with the crow, that sage went to the King of Kosala, by name Kshema Darsi.
“O King! This is a divine crow. You are careless with regard to your Treasury. Due to your carelessness, you will land in trouble. This divine crow will tell about your future troubles. This divine crow will reveal details of those who are in your office and digging pits behind you and who will cause harm to you in future.” said the sage.
The King was astonished. The King welcomed the sage and asked him to stay in the palace for that night. On that night, some employees in the royal court killed that crow.
Next day, the sage informed the King about the killing of the crow.
“O King! Now I will tell the truth. My name is Kalakavruksheeya. I was the best friend of your father. After the death of your father, I was not inclined to remain in the kingdom. Hence I retired to forests. After the death of your father, you became the King. I have come here to know about your welfare and about your administration. I have gone round your kingdom. Though you are striving hard to establish a welfare state, I understand that due to the conspiracy of some miscreants, your kingdom is in danger. I wish to reveal that fact to you.
In fact that crow has no divine powers. It is an ordinary crow. I spread such a rumour that it is a divine crow. Everybody including those miscreants in your administration believed it. Apprehending that the crow will reveal their conspiracy, those miscreants killed that crow. Therefore, the real miscreants are very much present in your inner apartments only. Now do as I tell you. You drive me out of your palace scolding me that I am a cheat. Then, by using your intelligence, you find out those culprits, create differences between them, and punish them. That is your present task” said Kalakavruksheeya.
The King was thankful to that sage. Accordingly, the King punished those culprits. Therefore, Dharmaja, a friend shall be of that nature.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! What are the qualities and characteristics of a Minister?” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“Dharmaja! A minister shall possess the following characteristics.
1. He shall be wise.
2. He shall have friendly relations with citizens.
3. He must be a good administrator.
4. He must possess vigour and valour.
5. He shall be of clean mind without any cruelty.
6. He shall have love and affection towards King.
7. He should regard pleasures and sorrows equally.
8. He shall not spare any effort in discharging his duties.
9. Even if the King accuses him, scolds him with anger, he shall remain peaceful and keep good relations with King till the King realizes his mistake. He must be capable of explaining the truth, tactfully and patiently to the King.
10. He shall not disclose his faults to the enemies and shall always find faults of enemies.
A person with the above qualities alone is entitled to be a Minister. The King also shall show respect towards such Ministers.
The King shall speak with the people with smiling face and make them happy. The people will never feel happy by receiving gifts and hearing sweet words from King. The King shall be kind towards his subjects.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! While administering justice and discharging judicial functions, how will a King remain unattached.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“Honesty, impartiality and purity are essential qualities of a King while delivering judgments. Those judgments must be legal and lawful. While delivering judgments, King may take the assistance of Brahmins who regard truth. King should give patient hearing to both parties and deliver his judgment according to law following legal principles.
The King shall not be bribed by the rich while administering justice. The sentences shall be commensurate to the offence committed. If the King adopts partiality in delivering judgments, people will never approach the King for justice. The King shall act diligently and legally while imposing punishments viz., hanging (capital punishment), confiscating the properties of the accused and awarding imprisonment. The King shall not be enraged with wrath while the emissaries are expounding the words of their respective Rulers. Killing an emissary or ambassador is great sin. King will go to hell.
I will narrate the qualities of an emissary or ambassador.
An emissary shall be from a higher community. He must be of good character and virtuous. He must be capable of communicating the message with tact and in diplomatic way. An emissary shall possess good presence of mind and executive skills.
I will now tell the qualities of an army general. An Army General shall be an expert in arraying his forces in different unconquerable vyoohas. He must be an expert in manufacturing and launching of several arms and ammunition. He must be well-versed in different kinds of skills in warfare. The King must not be overconfident even with regard to his own sons. The King shall act as if he trusts each and everyone but analyse merits and demerits of each and every person and act accordingly. That is Raja Dharma.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! Please enlighten me about the main requisites of a capital and its fort.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma told thus:
“Dharmaja! Around the fort there must be a deep trench, with full water and crocodiles. The fort shall be built with sufficient gates protected by security personnel. Inside the city, the streets must be wide, with houses, shops, built on either side of the streets. There must be ware houses storing sufficient food grains, pulses, oils, ghee and other consumables. To protect the fort, there must be several arms and ammunition, good armoury and well armed warriors. The city shall be equipped with well educated scholars, servant maids, servants etc.
It is the duty of the king to give protection to all his subjects, their wealth and properties, their friends and relatives. In the important towns and cities in his kingdom, the King shall employ faithful officers, highest officials, Judges with good salaries and rule the kingdom without hindrance to Varna Ashrama Dharmas.

The King should take all kinds of measures to keep his kingdom free from thieves, hooligans, prostitutes etc. The King shall strive hard to increase the production of cattle and food grains and business in food grains. The King should levy taxes on his people legally and lawfully. If the citizens are overburdened with taxes, it will cause revolt against the King. Therefore, the King shall adopt legal and lawful means to fill his treasury. He shall not follow crooked methods to earn money. There will be no use for the king even if he earns money in abundance. He should spend the same for the welfare of his people and keep them happy. If you rule the kingdom in the above manner, you and your people will be happy. Your treasury will always be filled with money.
During war, kill your enemies. During peace perform Yagas and Yajnas. Identify poor and needy brahmins and extend your helping hand to them. In this connection, I will tell you the words spoken to by Uthadhyu to Mandhata.
“The King was born only to protect Dharma. Therefore, king should shed his anger, desires and aggrandizement and become virtuous. The people will prosper only by adopting Dharma. Dharma was derived from Brahmins. King shall worship Brahmins with great devotion. Along with wealth, King will get egoism. Even the divine bodies or sages and saints will vanish if they are influenced by egoism. Therefore, kings shall not be egoistic.
The King shall not lust for others wives. In such a kingdom, rains will never fall. People will be in pitiable condition. Epidemics will spread. King will be deprived of his prowess. His friends and relatives will leave him. Enemies will invade his kingdom. Therefore the King shall not indulge in such unlawful acts. A virtuous king will feel happy along with his sons, friends and relatives” said Utadhya to Mandhata” told Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O Grandsire! How will the King prosper in a virtuous path?” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“O Dharmanandanaa! In the past, Vasumana, King of Kosala questioned Saint Vamadeva in the same manner. Saint Vama Deva gave the following reply:
The King shall show greater interest in ruling the kingdom in a righteous manner rather than earning money. If the king misbehaves to earn more money, that money will not remain with him. Besides he will be defamed and will go to hell. Therefore, earning money in a righteous manner is quite essential for a King.
The King shall always see that his army personnel are living with contentment. This will help the King while fighting with enemy. The King shall not be desirous of waging wars against the neighbouring kings, unnecessarily. The King shall shed anger and egoism and keep friendly relations with neighbouring kingdoms. Such Kings shall not have any enemies.
Even if the neighbouring kings bear enmity with the King, the King shall resolve the problems amicably. While there are internal differences and dissatisfaction in his own army, the King shall not wage war against neighbouring kings. In such a situation, the King should make peace pact with his enemy, at any cost. If the King fails in adopting Sama, Dana, Bedha, and Danda neeti, the King shall adopt Sukra Neeti. That is called “upeksha” means, ignoring the situation for the present without taking any action against enemy.” said Saint Vamadeva to Vasumana” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O Grandsire! While fighting with enemy and conquering him, what kind of principles of war have we to adopt?” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“The fight shall always be between equals. While the enemy is fighting with four kinds of forces viz., chariots, elephants, horses and foot soldiers, you also use the same forces in battle. While the enemy is fighting alone, you also should attack the enemy alone. If the enemy is adopting wicked ideas and resorting to miracle war, you also should adopt the same strategy.
You should not kill a soldier, who is fleeing away from the battle field; who is in danger; whose sword or bow is broken; who falls from the horse; who is fighting with another person etc. Instead of killing such persons, it is better to die while fighting righteously with enemy.
A king shall not die lying on a bed in his house .A king shall not flee away from the battle field. Dying in battle field is excellent for a king. None should shoot poisonous arrows. Surrounding the enemy”s city, harassing and ill-treating the citizens is a great sin. A King shall not be so cruel. A king should avoid plundering the houses of Brahmins and temples.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! Hence I already told you that there is no greater sin except Raja Dharma. Viewing from any angle, a King shall go to hell.” said Dharmaja.
“What you say is true” said Bhishma. “But there is a remedy. Hospitalisation of those who are injured in the battle, extending financial help to the families of the deceased soldiers, respecting Brahmins, performing Yajnas and Yagas etc. are some of the remedies. Ruling the kingdom as per Raja Dharma will lead to higher regions.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! What regions will be available for those who died in war.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“O Dharmaja! Previously, there was a conversation between Indra and Ambarisha. King Ambarisha performed many Yajnas and Yagas. After his death, he went to Svarga. In Svarga Loka he found Sudeva, who worked as a soldier in his army, roaming in a splendid aircraft. Immediately, Ambarisha asked Indra:
“O Indra! In my kingdom, he was a soldier who served me. He did not perform any Yajnas and yagas. For what reason he is enjoying more pleasures than me.” asked Ambarisha.
Indra said thus: “Ambarisha! In the past, there was a Rakshasa called SataSrunga. He had three sons called Sadama, Vidama and Dama. Those three Rakshasas fought with you. You deputed Sudeva to fight with those Rakshasas. You specifically told Sudeva to return only with victory or prefer to die in the battle field. Sudeva attacked those three Rakshasas. Sudeva thought that he was not capable of fighting a miracle war with those Rakshas and his defeat was certain. Hence, Sudeva sent back his army and began to worship Maha Siva. He was about to sacrifice his head at the feet of Maha Siva. Maha Siva appeared before Sudeva and said:
“O Sudeva! You are a great hero. You shall not die like this. You should fight and die in the battle field” so saying, Maha Siva gave Sudeva one divine chariot, divine bow and arrow pouch.
“Go and fight with the enemy. But never set your foot on earth” ordered Maha Siva.
Sudeva rushed against the Rakshasas and killed Sadama and Dama. Beholding the death of his brothers, Vidama was enraged with great wrath and attacked Sudeva. In that confusion, Sudeva forgot the caution of Maha Siva and got down the chariot and set his foot on the ground. Immediately, Vidama cut the head of Sudama with his sword. Sudeva also in turn cut the head of Vidama. Both fell down and died. You got the Victory. As Sudeva died in the battle field while fighting with enemy, he attained higher regions in Svarga. Therefore, King Ambarisha! Performing several Yajnas and Yagas are not equal to a heroic death in battle field.” said Indra to Ambarisha.
Dharmaja! On another occasion, there was a great fight between King Janaka and his enemy. King Janaka summoned all the generals in his army and addressed them: “O Heroes of war! The heroic heaven is ready and waiting for those who die in the battle field. A hell, full of sorrows, is ready for those cowards who flee from battle field. You choose whatever you like” said King Janaka.
Realising the intention of King Janaka, the soldiers fought in the battle field without caring for their lives. King Janaka was victorious. Therefore, Dharmaja! The gates of heaven will always be open for those who die in battle field.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
Thus, Vaisampayana told Janamejaya, the story of Mahabharata.
MAHA BHARATA
SHANTI PARVA
SECOND CHAPTER COMPLETED
OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OMTATSAT.
Vaisampayana told Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata.
While Bhishma was clearing off the doubts raised by Dharmaja, Dharmaja again asked Bhishma thus:
“O Grandsire Bhishma! What is the right time to wage war against enemies and what are the preparations to be made for war. Kindly tell me” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! One should not proceed with the war during rainy season and winter season. You should start making war preparations even before summer and after harvest. After harvest, food grains will be available in abundance. You can continue the war for long.
While proceeding against the enemy, you should choose a path where water and grass is available in plenty. You should carry sufficient number of flags, armoury, swords, shields, chariots etc. Conches, trumpets etc shall be blown with great sound which should create terror in the minds of enemies. You have to always camp on plains. While the enemy troops are proceeding through difficult passes or while they are tired and while they are taking rest, you have to suddenly attack them and kill them.
You have to choose convenient paths for your troops, cavalry, elephant forces and chariots. I will tell you how to array the troops in the war front. Foot soldiers with swords and spears shall stand in the forefront. Behind them should stand the bowmen with bows and arrows. The cavalry should stand behind them. Behind the cavalry should stand the elephant forces. Behind the elephant forces, the chariots should be stationed.
While arraying the forces, the Army General shall keep in mind the ability and talent of the different kinds of forces. The warriors from Gandhara, Sindh and Souveera regions are experts in sword fight and using spears. The soldiers from Ouseenara area are experts in using all kinds of weapons. The warriors from eastern regions are experts in moving elephant forces. Yavana, Kambhoja warriors are experts in horse fight. Ghoorjara warriors are experts in archery skills. Warriors from Malava region are experts in car fighting.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! What are the qualities to be possessed by our army to acquire easy victory?” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! You have to always fill courage in the minds of all kinds of forces. You have to keep the forces always cheerful. Good omens should appear before proceeding for war. It is highly sinful to wage war unreasonably, without any provocation. Killing the enemy while fleeing away is a great sin. Even if your forces are smaller in number, if you proceed against the enemy with greatest vigour and valour, the enemy will flee. King shall have patience but within certain limits. Over patience is always dangerous. If the enemy is provoking you for war, better to conquer him without observing patience.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! What would be the behaviour of a king with regard to his enemy.” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! Wait and kill the enemy without hurry. First, the king has to lure the enemy with soft words and then kill him while he is relaxing. The King shall never be light hearted with regard to his enemies. At the same time, the king should not provoke the enemy unnecessarily. While peace talks are in progress, King shall never provoke the enemy for war. When his time is bad, the King should take a step backward and enter into a peace pact. Then he should wait for an opportunity and kill the enemy. King shall eliminate enemies one by one slowly but not in hasty manner. King shall never bear grudge against his enemies at a time because all his enemies may unite together and do away with the king.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! What would be the behaviour of a king with regard to a defeated enemy.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! In the past, Kshemadarsi, King of Kosala lost his kingdom and exiled to forests. There he met his ex-minister, by name Kalakavruksheeya. Kalakavruksheeya told Kshemadarsi thus:
“If we are aware of the truth that all these wealth and pleasures are not eternal, we live happily whether we are wealthy or poor. When we are not capable of protecting our own father and mother from death, how can we protect our wealth and happiness? Even if we lament for our kith and kin, we cannot get back them alive. Similarly, we cannot get back our wealth and happiness, even if we feel sorrow for ever. If we are aware of this truth, we feel eternal happiness, whether we are rich or poor. We have to satisfy that everything is the blessing of God. If we are blessed, the wealth and prosperity will be showered on us, unasked for. If we are not blessed, complete destruction will happen. Therefore, wealth and prosperity are not eternal. Whether we are rich or poor, we have to lead a peaceful and contended life. If our time is bad, it is better to be friendly even with our enemy. When time is in your favour, you have to acquire sufficient army and defeat your enemy.” said Kalakavruksheeya.
Then Kalakavruksheeya went as an emissary on behalf of King of Kosala, to the King of Videha and entered into a peace pact. Kosala King and Videha King entered into matrimonial alliances.
Therefore, Dharmaja! For a Kshatriya, victory or defeat is quite natural. He should not care for either.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire, Bhishma! Kindly tell me how to control the employees in the inner apartments and also in the working places.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! Employees working in treasuries, in secretariat, military personnel working in armouries are called staff. The other workers are called sub-staff. King has to regard all of them equally and kind heartedly. As people from different castes and communities are drawn as staff members, they naturally divide themselves according to their castes and communities and quarrel with each other. Jealousy and hatred may develop amongst them. The administration will be spoiled. Therefore, King has to take care that such things shall not happen. King shall treat all of them equally and impartially and see that they should not feel inequality. Unless the staff is united, the Kingdom cannot flourish with peace and prosperity.” said Bhishma.
“O Grand Sire Bhishma! Dharma is four kinds. Of these, which is best? Kindly tell me” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! Mother, father, preceptor are to be worshipped and to be followed. That is the foremost dharma. Mother, father and preceptor are equal to three vedas, three sacred fires and Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Of these, mother is most respectable. Speaking truth is the best of all. Telling a lie is a great sin.
But there are some exceptions. While one’s life and property are in danger, he can speak a lie. While saving himself and others, he can speak a lie. A truth which is harmful to general public is not acceptable but a lie which is for betterment of the society is acceptable.” told Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! Who can get rid of their sins?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! Those who scrupulously follow Varna Ashrama Dharmas, who are not entangled in worldly vices, who remain with patience even if they are unnecessarily blamed; who worship guests; who study vedas; who worship sacred fire daily, who fight with enemy without turning back; who always speak truth; who worship all deities equally with the same devotion; can vanquish their sins effortlessly. Such people will always be protected by Lord Vishnu. As Lord Vishnu, in the form of Sri Krishna, is by your side, no sin will dare to approach you.” said Bhishma.
“O son of Ganga! Some appear to be soft but cruel in mind and some appear to be harsh but soft in mind. How can we assess them and know their inner mind?” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharma! In answer to your question, I will tell the story of a fox and tiger. King Pourika ruled the city Purika. He was so cruel and autocrat. After his death, he took birth as a fox in a forest. He wanted to lead the life as fox in a virtuous and non-violent manner. He was living by eating leaves, roots and fruits. The other foxes told him: “By birth, we are non vegetarian. How can you live as vegetarian? ” The fox remained silent.
On hearing this, a tiger who was ruling that forest came down to the fox. “I heard that you are kindhearted and virtuous. I want to make friendship with you. All are of the opinion that I am a cruel animal. If I am by your side, that blame can be removed.” said the tiger.
“O King of Tigers! What you said is true. But I am not interested in these worldly pleasures. Hence I cannot accept your offer. But I will be by your side and give proper advice from time to time. I will make friendship with you. But your kith and kin and friends may not like it. They may develop grudge and enemity against you. If you do not accede to their evil thoughts, I will be your friend .” said the fox.
Tiger readily agreed to his words. Both tiger and fox were moving together as friends. But the other tigers did not like this. They wanted to create differences between the tiger and fox. One day, they kept the meat intended for the tiger, in the cave of the fox. They went to the tiger and complained that the fox grabbed the meat. Believing their words, Tiger ordered the fox to be killed. On hearing this, the mother of the tiger chastised the tiger.
“O my son! You are committing a mistake. Without knowing the truth, you ordered the fox to be killed. It is wrong. Has the fox told anything at any time against your own tigers? Your servants are cheaters from the beginning. Dont heed their words. It is quite natural that idiots will envy learned, ugly will envy handsome; have-nots will always envy haves. But you are a king. You have to use your mind and take a proper decision without haste. O my son! By outward appearance, some times dharma may appear as Adharma. In the same manner, some times, Adharma may appear to be Dharma. Wise and learned should try to know the difference and act accordingly. You know so much about fox. After all, for the sake of a piece of meat, will the fox behave like this? Think for yourself. Is it proper on your part to order the fox to be killed, basing on the scandals spread by your wretched companions. It is quite unbecoming of a King. A king should always consider everything scrupulously and take a proper decision. Hasty decisions are always dangerous. ” said the mother of Tiger.
Meanwhile, fox arrived there and came to know about this. “O King of Tigers! In the beginning, you praised me as virtuous and righteous. With the same voice, you are now blaming me. You promised me that you will never heed to the words of your companions. Now you have violated your promise. I cannot remain here anymore.” so saying the fox went away.
Therefore, Dharmaja! Hasty decisions taken basing on some scandals spread by some wretch and evil, are always dangerous.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! What would be the behaviour of a king to remain happy and peaceful?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! The King shall never be lazy and shall not postpone any work for tomorrow. Delay is always dangerous. King shall never feel inability and helplessness to do anything. Without the above two qualities, the King will always be happy and peaceful. I will tell you a story about lazyness. Once, a camel did penance about Brahma. Brahma appeared. Camel prayed Brahma that its neck should stretch for 100 yojanas. Brahma blessed the camel as such. Camel stopped roaming for its food. It stationed at one convenient place and stretched its head to a long distance and picked its food. Once there was a heavy rain. The camel stretched its neck and kept its head in a nearby cave. A fox rushed into the cave in search of food. The fox found the head of camel without body. The fox cut the neck of camel into pieces and ate it. The lazy camel met its tragic death. Therefore, laziness and idleness are always dangerous.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! If the forces of enemy are greater than our forces, tell me how to fight with the enemy?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! Once, the ocean asked the rivers thus: “O rivers! While you are flowing with great current into the sea, trees with huge trunks standing on the banks will fall and float in the rivers. But small grass stems will never fall. What is the secret?” asked the ocean.
“It is so simple. The large trees standing on our banks will stand erect with great pride. They cannot withstand our current and fall down. But the grass stems will bow their heads to the current and raise their heads after the current has subsided.” said the river.
Therefore, Dharmaja! A weak king should first assess the strength and power of his enemy and act accordingly. He should not foolishly enter into war.” said Bhishma.
“O Bhishma! If I am unable to get suitable candidates for being appointed in higher positions, what should I do?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! In this connection, I will tell you one story. In the past, in a forest, a saint was doing tapas. In his Ashram, there were many domestic and cruel animals and they were living amicably, without enmity with each other. One faithful dog was always accompanying the saint where ever he went .A tiger could not tolerate this. One day the tiger jumped upon the dog. The dog was shivering with fear. The saint transformed the dog into another tiger. On seeing the tiger, the first tiger fled away. At another time, an elephant attacked the dog. The saint transformed the dog into an elephant. The first elephant fled away. Likewise, whenever any cruel animal attacked the dog, the saint transformed the dog into such an animal. Beholding this the dog entertained a doubt. “Out of pity, the saint was transforming me into several cruel animals. Out of the same pity, the saint may transform another dog into a cruel animal and that cruel animal may attack me. Then what about my fate? Therefore, I will kill this saint.” So thinking the dog while she was in the form of a tiger, tried to kill the saint. With his divine vision, the saint could grasp the idea of the dog. The saint transformed it into its original form, as a dog, permanently.
Therefore, Dharmaja! If you appoint wicked and bad people in higher positions, they will never forget their original qualities. Therefore, you have to assess their character and conduct and then appoint them in higher positions. If a person is possessed of vigour, valour, truthfulness, righteousness, and devotion, even if he is lowborn, he can be appointed in higher positions. You need not consider his caste. Lion will always develop friendship with another lion not with a dog. But while appointing workers, you have to give preference to both caste and skill. A worker with skill and devotion can discharge any kind of duty entrusted to him. But King shall always keep watch over his workers by installing spies amongst them.
I will now tell about Danda Neeti to be observed by the King. This Danda Neeti is intended to protect righteous persons and punish wrong doers and wicked people. Lord Vishnu will be in the form of Danda Neeti. If Danda Neeti is observed scrupulously, the King will acquire pleasures, happiness, morality, profits, strength and protection. If the King fails to apply Danda Neeti, Adharma, corruption and cowardice will prevail in his kingdom. Therefore, keeping in view the welfare of the society, King shall follow Dandaneeti. I will now tell you how this Danda Neeti came into existence.
Once Brahma intended to perform one Yaga. He was searching for a suitable Ritvik (Chief Priest). Once he sneezed. Out of his sneeze, a Ritvik was born. His name was Kshuta. Keeping Kshuta as Ritvik, Brahma performed the Yajna. Then Brahma, along with Vishnu went to Lord Siva. At the request of Brahma and Vishnu, Lord Siva created Danda neeti and studied it. Lord Siva also created Four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Sama Veda and Adharvana Veda), six Vedangas (Kalpa, Siksha, Vyakarana, Chandas, Niruktam and Jyotisham); in total 10 subjects; all puranas into one subject, all Dharma Sastras into one subject, legal jurisprudence one subject, Meemaasa one subject......total 14 subjects. Medical science, Dhanurveda, Gandharva, Ardha Sastra, total four subjects. In all 18 subjects. Lord siva created these 18 subjects. Lord Siva handed over these 18 subjects and Danda Neeti to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu handed over these 18 subjects to Kshuta for being spread all over the universe and kept Danda Neeti for himself. Vishnu gave Danda Neeti to be studied to Angeerasa; Angeerasa gave to Indra, Indra to Mareechi, Mareechi to Bhirigu and Bhrigu to several sages and saints. In this manner, Danda Neeti was spread all over the universe.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! Tell me how a King shall observe Dharma, Ardha and Kama in his daily life.” asked Dharmaja.
“One should not be enamoured of Kama and desires and the pleasures derived from it. That man cannot achieve Dharma and Ardha. He will always land in trouble. To follow Dharma, Ardha is essential. But King should not forget dharma, while acquring wealth. King shall discard desires and its pleasures. Therefore, Dharma and Ardha are greater than Kama.” told Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! Character is most important for a human being. Do tell me essentials of good character” asked Dharmaja.
“O son of Dharma! While you and your brothers were happy in Indraprastha, Suyodhana was burning with jealousy at Hastinapura. He could not control himself. He approached his father, Dhritarashtra and told him that he could not tolerate the prosperity of Pandavas. Dhritarashtra told Suyodhana thus:
“O my son! When compared to your riches and wealth, the wealth of Dharmaja is meagre but Dharmaja possesses good character. Hence he appears to be wealthier than you.You also develop good character. Then you also will feel wealthiest of all. Your ancestors Mandhata, Nabhagha etc. possessed good character and were worshipped by one and all. Once Prahlada conquered Indra by virtue of his good character and he acquired the control of all the three Lokas. The defeated Indra approached Brihaspati for help. Brihaspati directed him to Sukracharya. Sukracharya in turn directed to approach Prahlada. Indra, under the guise of a brahmin youth, approached Prahlada and was serving him. One day Prahlada asked the brahmin youth about his desire. “O Prahlada! how could you conquer Indra and his three regions.” asked Indra. “I never felt that I am a king and emperor. I have no pride or aggrandizement. I always respect Brahmins. My character made me highest of all and brought me this victory.” said Prahlada. “Then I pray you to give away your character to me” asked Indra. Prahlada gave away his character to Indra. Endowed with character in abundance, Indra went away.
A glorious form came out of Prahlada. Prahlada asked him “Who are you?”. “I am your character. You have given me to Indra I am going to Indra”. Along with character, Dharma, truth, righteousness, strength also left Prahlada. At last, a splendid lady came out of Prahlada. Prahlada asked her “Who are you?”. “I am your wealth and prosperity. Wherever there is character, I will be there. You have relinquished your character. I am also leaving you.” “Kindly tell who was that brahmin youth?” asked Prahlada. “He is Indra. He approached you under the guise of Brahmin youth to get back his control over Svarga and the three regions. He got your character as charity. You lost your character. Prahlada! Character is most important to a human being. Dharma will flourish only with good character. Truth will flourish with dharma. With dharma, vigour, valour, strength will flourish. Where there is strength, wealth and prosperity will be there. Therefore, character is most important.” so saying wealth and prosperity left Prahlada.
‘Suyodhana! You have no character. Hence you are feeling jealous of others. Character means not to cause harm to others even by his thoughts, words and deeds; treating all the human beings equally; refraining from degrading himself and acting according to the pleasure of one and all. It is called character. If you keep this in mind, victory is yours always.” said Dhritarashtra.
Therefore, Dharmaja! You were born with good character. Victory is always yours.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! There is no end for desires and aspirations. If one is unable to accomplish his desire, sorrow will follow. I tried my level best to be friendly with Suyodhana but in vain. I am very much annoyed. Therefore, it is very difficult to suppress the desires and aspirations.” said Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! In this connection I will tell you one story. Once, Sumitra,king of Haihaya went into forest for hunting. He shot one animal. But the animal escaped and fled away. The King chased the animal and was tired. He entered the Ashram of a saint. The saint gave him water and some fruits. The name of Saint was Rishabha. “What made you to come over here?” asked Rishabha. “O Saint! I hunted one animal. It escaped. I chased it and entered your Ashram. I am very much distressed as I lost the animal hunted by me.” said Sumitra.
“King Sumitra! I will tell you one thing. Once I went to Badarika Ashram. There I found a saint. A king came to that saint and told him that he lost his son in a forest and was searching for his son. “O King! You lost your son. You are aspiring for your son to be returned to you. There is no wrong. Even if you do not find your son, you should not feel disgusted. You make your trials and search vigorously for your son. You may get back your son or may not. Dont feel distressed. Anyhow, I will find out your son and get him back.” said the Saint. With his divine power, he brought back his son and handed him over to the King. Therefore, King Sumitra, indulging in hunting is wrong. Searching for an animal which is lost and feeling disgusting for not finding that animal is another wrong. Dont go for hunting unnecessarily” said the Saint.
Therefore, Dharmaja! there is no wrong in aspiring for something. But one should not resort to misdeeds to accomplish his aspirations. Then only a man can live happily. Either a humanbeing or king shall earn money because money is quite essential for day to day living or to run administration. But one should not resort to unlawful acts for the sake of money. One should not acquire money or wealth beyond his capacity. One should not strive to become wealthiest of all. It will lead to dire consequences. But earning money is quite essential. Nobody will respect a person without money.
Dharmaja! King shall be more diligent in appointing staff in his army. Thiefs, decoits shall not be appointed in the army. Unscrupulous people will always cause harm to the King. In the past, there was a hunter living in a forest. Though hunting was his profession, he was leading righteous life. He worshipped his parents and saints in the neighbouring Ashrams. The other hunters who were cruel in nature, desired to have him as their leader. They approached him and said: “You have good qualities as well as great strength. You be our leader. We will follow your foot steps.” said the hunters.
“I got some principles. You should not either kill or cause harm to infants, saints, ladies. You should not abduct ladies and outrage their modesty. You should not even hunt female animals. You should not cause harm to cows and brahmins. You should not destroy standing crops in the fields. You should not harass others for the sake of money. If you follow these principles, I will be your leader.” said the hunter. The other hunters agreed. From then onwards, they were transformed into righteous people. With his good qualities and righteous behaviour, that hunter could transform other hunters also into righteous people.
Dharmaja! I will tell you another story. In a pond there were three fishes. They are named as Dheerghadarsi, Praptakaljna and Dheerghasotra. Summer set in. The water in the pond was drying day by day. Dheerghadarsi told the other two fish: “Friends! In this pond, the water is getting dried up. Before the pond is completely dried up, let us move to another pond where there is sufficient water.” said Dheerdarsi. “No I do not agree with you. Let us wait till it is completely dried up. Then we will think about our move. Why should we worry now itself?” said Prapta Kalajna. “Yes what he said is correct. Still there is sufficient water in this pond. For the present there is no worry” said Dheergha sootra. Then Dheerghadarsi alone moved to another pond where there was plenty of water. The summer became severe. The water in the pond completely dried up. Fishermen came there with their fishing nets. Praptaklajna caught the thread of a net and hanging as if it was dead. When the fisherman took out the net from the pond, Praptakalajna jumped into nearby drainage pit and saved its life. But Deerghasootra was caught by the fisherman and killed. Dheergha darsi foresaw the dangerous situation and saved its life. Praptakalajna instantaneously workedout a plan and saved its life. Without any plan, Dheerghasootra died. Therefore for a king foresight is compulsory” said Bheeshma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! If a king is defeated and caught by the enemy, how can he get out of that calamity?” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! in this connection I will tell you one story. In a forest,there was a big banyan tree. At the foot of the tree, a rat was living in a hole and a cat was living on a branch. One day, the cat was caught in the net spread by a hunter. As the cat was in the net, the rat was moving around for food without fear. Meanwhile, an owl was coming that side to catch the rat. Rat was afraid of the owl. Rat came running to the cat. “O cat!An owl is coming to eat me. I will save you by biting the net. Will you save from the owl” asked the rat. “Sure, I will certainly save you. But you have to save me” said the cat. “Certainly, I will save you” said the rat and sat by the side of the cat. Beholding cat and rat sitting side by side, the owl ran away. Then the cat asked the rat to bite the net and release her. “Wait. Dont be hurry, I will certainly release you from the net” said Rat. “O rat, I saved you. why you are hesitating to save me.” asked cat.
“O cat! now the hunter will come. Seeing him at a distance, I will bite the net. With the fear of hunter, you will climb the tree, I will enter my hole. If I bite the net now itself, you will certainly eat me. You are more stronger than me. Even if I do friendship for the present, I cannot believe you for ever. I think it is better to be more careful.” said rat.
“Oh what is this? I saved your life. Why cannot you save me.” asked cat. “Trust me cat. I will certainly save you. I know when and how to save you.” said the rat. Meanwhile, the hunter was coming with a big knife. Beholding the hunter, the rat hurriedly bit the threads of the net. The cat ran and climbed the tree. The rat ran into the hole. The cat was very happy.
“O friend, rat, I am very glad to have such a truthful friend like you. Let us be friends from now on wards. I saved you without hesitation. But you did not trust me. Why?” asked the rat. “ O Cat! you are correct. Every body is not capable of recognising who is a friend and who is a foe. Friends are becoming foes and foes are turning into friends. Even if we do friendship with a more powerful person to achieve an object, we have to leave him soon after the task is accomplished. You helped me. In turn, I helped you. That is all. We live as before. If necessity comes, we will help each other. You are my born enemy. God created me as a prey to you. Even I do friendship with you, you will eat me if your mind is changed. Even if your mind is not changed, your kith and kin will not keep quiet. I know you are starving for food throughout the night. If I come out, you will certainly eat me. How can I come before you.” said the rat. “ No no, don’t think like that. How can I forget your help? Because of you only, I am alive. How can I eat you?” said Cat.
“I am also telling the same think. You helped me. I helped you. That is enough. I cannot make friendship with you. Sukraneeti says like this: Out of necessity, if we make friendship with more powerful enemy, soon after the task is accomplished, we have to discard him. If we trust an enemy because he helped us, we will land in trouble. We should not trust an untrustworthy person. We have to trust a trustworthy person to some extent only. Blind belief is always dangerous. Even if he is a reliable friend, we have to pretend as if we trust him. But we should not trust him. Therefore, I live as before without trusting you. You also never trust hunters and their nets.” said the rat.
Therefore, Dharmaja! Even if you take the help of your enemy to conquer another enemy, you have to discard him soon after the task is over.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! Kindly tell me whom we have to believe and whom we should not believe. Or can we trust one and all or treat all others as untrustworthy.” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! Once upon a time, King Brahma Datta developed friendship with a parrot. The parrot got a son. Both the son of the King and the son of parrot were playing. One day, the son of the King killed the son of parrot. Enraged with wrath, the parrot pierced the eyes of king’s son with his claws. He became blind. Then the parrot went to the king and told him: “O king! Your son killed my little parrot and committed a sin. He reaped the consequences. I have not committed any sin. I cannot remain with you anymore. I am going away.” said the parrot. “O parrot! What you said is correct. You are not afflicted with any sin by making my boy blind. But your leaving me is not proper. Let us continue our friendship.” said the king.
“O King! I pierced your son’s eyes. You are bearing grudge upon me. Our reunion is impossible.” said the parrot. “No No. dont say like that. My son killed your little parrot. You made my son blind. Tit for Tat. I am not such a fool to leave your friendship.” said the King. “O king! Once our friendship is broken, it will never be restored even by your sweet words. Grudges will arise out of four elements. (1) by grabbing other’s landed property; (2) land disputes between brothers ; (3)by wordy quarrel between ladies; (4)by hurting others’ feelings. Ill feelings, once started, never end. Once ill feelings start, one should not trust his own parents, brothers, children, bosom friends etc. As I caused harm to your son, you bear grudge against me and it will never end. I cannot continue our friendship believing your sweet words” said the parrot.
“O parrot! All these things will happen by passage of time. We cannot control them. How can I lose your friendship.” said the King. “O King! Though you are soft spoken, the grudge and jealousy are apparent from your words. I cannot remain here anymore.” so saying the parrot flew away.
Therefore, a king shall not trust either his own kith and kin or the people in his kingdom blindly. The king shall appear to be soft spoken but harsh in mind. He appears to be trusting one and all but he shall not trust anybody. With the help of his brothers and cousins, king shall conquer his enemies, and reward them suitably but keep them at a distance. King has to bear his enemies on his shoulders in need and throw them down. Drinking, gambling, hunting and sensual pleasures are natural for Kings. But king shall not exceed his limits and be ever vigilant. King shall keep secrecy till the intended task is accomplished. A king may make promises to the public that he will reward them with certain benefits, but prolong the matter for a long time and at last turn down their request for one reason or other. An incompletely discharged debt, incompletely extinguished fire, incompletely subsided grudge, are always harmful.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! When Dharma deteriorates, famines will occur. What would be the fate of twice born (Dwijas) Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vysyas during such famines.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! In this connection, I will tell you about the conversation between Visvamitra and a low-caste man. During the interregnum between Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga, there was a severe famine. All the rivers and tanks dried up. Cattle were dying. Kings grabbed all the grains remained with the people by way of taxes. Strong were robbing poor. Brahmins transgressed their own dharma and gave up performance of Yajnas and yagas. Unable to bear the hunger, people were dying. During that period, Saint Visvamitra, unable to bear hunger, was going in search of food. By evening, he entered a hamlet where lowcaste people were living. He fell down before a hut. A dead body of a skin-peeled dog, was kept before the hut, for drying. Unable to bear hunger, Visvamitra tried to steal the meat of that dog. That was noticed by a low-caste man.
“Who are you? Why you are stealing the meat of a dog?” asked that man.” I am Saint Visvamitra. I have no food since two days. I am burning with hunger. To save my life, there is no wrong in consuming dog’s meat. Hence I am taking this meat. The Holy Fire consumes each and everything. Same thing with me.” said Visvamitra
“O Saint! Of all the meat, dog’s meat is repulsive. Search for another animal.” asked that man. “As long as Brahman is by my side, I will not be afflicted with any sin. Let me save my life. If I am alive, I will vanquish this sin by performing Yajnas and yagas. I will not leave this life-saving meat.” said Visvamitra.
“O Saint! You are a great saint. Consuming dog’s meat is sinful and unholy.” said that man. “Dont you know that Saint Agasthya consumed meat of Rakshasas. But his name and fame was not diminished. Same thing with me also.” said Visvamitra. “O Saint! Saint Agastya consumed Rakshasas to save the three Lokas. But you are consuming dog meat only to subside your hunger. How can you equate yourself with Saint Agasthya.” said that man. “My body is filled with Awareness of Brahman. Whatever I do is right. Let me eat this meat” said Visvamitra. “Unable to leave this meat, you are saying all these stories. Is it not?” said that man. “I want to retain my life in this body. Please give me this meat. As I am taking this meat with your permission, I will not be afflicted with any sin of committing theft.” said Visvamitra. “O Saint Visvamitra! You are a great saint. I am a low-caste man. How can you take this meat through my hands as charity. I cannot speak more harshly. Take this meat and do whatever you like.” said that man.
Saint Visvamitra consumed that meat and retained his life. Later there were rains and crops were grown. Visvamitra performed many Yajnas and yagas and wiped out that sin committed by him by eating dog meat. Therefore, during hard and difficult days, nothing is wrong.” said Bhishma.
“O Bhishma! What would be the higher regions available for a person who rescued refugees and those who were in danger.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! One day, a hunter went into the forest for hunting and caught some parrots and pigeons. While he was returning home, there was heavy rain with wind. He took shelter under a big tree. He was shivering with cold. He prayed the tree and the deities to save him from the rain and wind and he promised that he will never hunt and kill any animal.
On the branches of that tree a pigeon couple was residing in a nest. The female pigeon went out to fetch food. The male pigeon remained in the nest. “It is dead of night. My wife has not yet returned to nest. She might be suffering a lot in this heavy wind and rain. Without my wife, my life is waste.” the male pigeon was weeping. The male pigeon did not know that the female pigeon was caught by the hunter and kept in his basket.She heard the pathetic words of her husband. “I am so fortunate that I got such a lovely, caring husband.” her heart filled with joy. She cried aloud saying that she was there in the basket. The male pigeon understood its signal.
The female pigeon told her husband: “Today, the hunter is our guest. Kindly make some arrangements for his comfortable stay here” said the female pigeon. The male pigeon came down to the hunter: “You are my guest. Kindly tell me how can I serve you” asked male pigeon. “For the present, I am shivering with cold” said the hunter. The male pigeon collected some dry sticks here and there and lit them. In that fire, the hunter made himself warm. He expressed about his hunger. “We are birds. We never store food. Whenever we feel hunger, we go in search of food. We are your food. Eat me.” so saying the male pigeon fell in the fire. The hunter was shocked. “I am a wretch . I do not have the knowledge and wisdom which this pigeon have. My life is waste.” He repented for his past life and let off all the birds and pigeons caught by him.
The female pigeon was repenting for the demise of her husband. Thinking that her life without her husband was waste, she also fell in the fire and burnt. Even by that time, the male pigeon reached heaven and was waiting for his wife. The female pigeon also joined her husband in heaven. Beholding all this, the hunter left all his hunting material there itself and went into forest. Dharmaja! The two pigeons served their guest and attained divinity.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandisre! Tell me how a human being will get rid of his sin committed by him without his knowledge?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! By repentence and performing Asvamedhayaga, all sins, committed either knowingly or unknowingly, will be vanished.” said Bhishma.
Before Dharmaja asking another question, Bhishma told Dharmaja the following story: “Dharmaja! In Vidisha town, in a brahmin family, a boy died. His father and relatives took that body to a burial ground for cremation. Before cremating the body, all the relatives were lamenting for the death of the boy. One eagle and one jackal saw this. The eagle wanted to eat that dead body before sunset as it could not see during nights. The Jackal wanted to eat that body, if the eagle leaves that place. Unless the sun sets in, the eagle will never leave that place. Hence eagle was hurrying them and jackal was delaying them.
The eagle told the relatives: “How long you lament for the dead body. He will never return. The sun is going to set in. During night, demons will come and kill all of you. Hence cremate the body and go away before sunset.” said the eagle. “No. Dont be afraid of the words of eagle. You weep as you like. How can you leave such a beautiful handsome boy? It is not even sunset. Dont be afraid. Having heard your lamentations, any deity may give life to your boy.” said jackal. The relatives again sat around the dead body and began to weep. “How you are paying heed to the words of this foolish Jackal, I do not understand. Look. The body of the body is decomposed. How can he get back his life. The cruel Yama had already taken away the life of this boy. There is no use of lamenting. Cremate the body and leave this place as early as possible” said the eagle.
When they were about to go, the Jackal stopped them. “That eagle is so cruel. My heart is burning while looking at that handsome boy. How can you leave this body. Weep loudly. Some deity will come and give rebirth to your child” said jackal. “I was born 1500 years back. So far, I have not seen anybody coming alive after death. After death, there will be rebirth in another body not in the same body.” said eagle. “Kindly hear one word. In the past, Sri Rama gave life to the dead body of a brahmin boy. Similarly, Saint Narada gave life to the son of Srunjaya. Likewise, some Sidha or Rakshasa will give life to your boy.” said eagle.
Meanwhile, darkness plunged in. Lord Siva arrived there. All the relatives prostrated before Siva and prayed for the life of the boy. Lord Siva gave life to the boy. Therefore, Dharmaja, like Siva, you should also go to the rescue of your subjects. Beware of the people who behave like jackal and eagle, to meet their own ends.
I will tell you another story. In the Himalaya Regions there was a big tree with huge trunk and long branches spread out for a long distance. One day Saint Narada was passing through and saw that tree. “O king of trees! You have spread your branches for a long distance and giving shelter to thousands of birds. You are not shaken even for great cyclones and heavy winds. How can you remain unshaken without being uprooted by heavy winds? What is the reason?” asked Narada. The heart of that tree was filled with pride. “O Saint Narada! After all, Vayu Deva is nothing before my strength. He has not even 1/18th of power which I possess. He cannot do anything.” said the tree. “I heard that even great mountains will be washed away by the power of Vayudeva. All the creatures in this universe are depending on Vayu.” said Narada. “But I am having a large trunk and long branches spread for long distnce. How will Vayu shake me?” said the tree.
Narada went away and informed Vayu about their conversation. Vayu came down to the tree. “Is it true that you told Narada that you are more powerful than me” asked Vayu. “Yes, I said so. You are nothing before me” said the tree. “Simply because Brahma took shelter in your shade for a while and praised you, you are boasting yourself with pride. I will see tomorrow about your strength” Vayu went away. The tree realised his mistake. “unncessarily I disputed with Narada. Now I am in danger. I am nothing before Vayu.” thought the tree. During night, the tree cut its branches for itself and remained without branches. Next day, Vayu arrived there and saw the huge tree without branches. “You have done what I wanted to do. I need not do anything” Vayu went away.
Thereore, Dharmaja! The weak should not pick up quarrel with strong.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire, Bhishma! What is the basis for committing a sin? Where is it? How to recognise sin?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! For all kinds of sins, the root is greediness, being covetous. The root cause of greediness is unsatisfied desires; sexual desires; anger; jealousy, breach of trust; lusting others’ wives; lack of patience; over covetous; these are all the root causes for greediness. However high he may be, he will be drowned by greediness.” said Bhishma.
“I heard that for all calamities and distresses, ignorance is the root. Tell me about ignorance?” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! Ignorance will always follow greediness. If we discard greediness, ignorance will end automatically.” said Bhishma.
“Grandsire! of all the Dharmas, what is the best Dharma?” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! Of all the Dharmas! Control of sense organs is the best Dharma. Control of sense organs coupled with wisdom will cause higher regions. One who controls his sense organs can conquer the six evils (arishadvargas) and attain Brahma Loka. Of all the Dharmas, Tapas is foremost. Tapas means, taking limited food and restricting our movements righteously. Tapas will destroy all kinds of sins and develop truthfulness and cleanliness.”said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! All the divine personalities, Pitaras, brahmins will always appreciate Satya Vrata. What are the characteristics of Satya Vrata?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Son of Pandu! Treating all the living beings equally; control of sense organs; patience; courage; honesty; performing yajnas and yagas; making charities to poor and needy; lack of jealousy and hatred non violence etc. are all the forms of Satya Vrata. Satya Vrata is the root for all Dharmas. By practising Satya Vrata, one will attain salvation.Even performance of one hundred Asvamedha yagas are not equal to Satya Vrata.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! Kama, Krodha, Moha, Lobha, Mada, Matsarya are called Arishadvarga. What is the basis for those evils? How to eradicate them?” asked Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! Kama sprouts out of the thoughts moving in the mind. If we know the root of Kama, we can eradicate kama. If we do not like the others’ acts, we will get anger. Patience will extinguish anger. Out of the thought that I should possess all and everything is eternal, greediness will sprout. The thought that none is mine and everything is bound to destroy will eradicate greediness. Virtuous behaviour will destroy lust and passion. Taking birth in upper class, higher education and wealthiness will cause egoism. All are equal and none are on highest pedestal will eradicate egoism.
If Rajas and Tamas are on higher levels, jealousy and hatred will arise. By developing Satva, they will vanish. Arishadvarga will cause all kinds of harms and disasters in human life. If you are not influenced by them, you will be the happiest person. If mental stability is lacking, all these six wolves will fall upon us and destroy us. If you attack them with mental courage, they will fly away. Dharmaja! Sons of Dhritarashtra were the abode for these six evils. Hence they were destroyed. As you are not influenced by those six evils, you attained victory.
A person who constantly makes others to suffer is worst of all the above. He will be in the habit of grabbing other’s wealth and properties. One who shares his wealth and pleasures with others will be worshipped in this loka and upper Lokas. One who accumulates wealth sufficient for three coming years is equivalent to one who performed Yajna. Inspite of accumulating wealth, if Vysyas refrained from performing Yajnas, the King can confiscate their wealth and spend it for performance of Yajnas. Inspite of accumulating wealth, if Sudras did not spend either for his sake or for the sake of poor, King can confiscate half of his property and spend it for social welfare schemes. If the brahmins could not get sufficient food and shelter, it is the fault of the King. King should protect Brahmins as they are instruments to install Dharma.
If a righteous person sails with a wicked person either in drinking, dining or walking, for some time, he will be transformed into a wicked personality. Telling a lie is a great sin. But there are some exceptions. Telling a lie is not a sin with regard to ladies, marriage affairs, informing a death message, while the life and property is in danger. If anybody blames others unnecessarily, the person who blames will be inflicted with the same sin. Neglecting parents is a greatest sin” said Bhishma.
Nakula who was well versed in sword fight, asked some questions: “O Grandsire! Out of all weapons, bow and arrows are best. But when the bow is broken in war, to save himself, one can fight with sword. Kindly tell me about sword fight and its origin.” asked Nakula.
“Nakula! Brahma created living beings in this world and they were living happily. At that time, Daityas were harrassing Devatas and saints. Brahma did Tapas for thousand years in Himalayas. Then he performed one Yaga. Out of that Yaga fire, a fierce demon came out. That demon was transformed into a big sword. Brahma thought about Siva in mind. Siva appeared before Brahma. Brahma gave that sword to Siva. With that sword, Siva killed all Daityas.
Then Siva gave that sword to Vishnu. That Sword and skills of sword fight were passed on from Vishnu to Mareechi, Mareechi to Parasurama, Parasurama to several Saints, from Saints to Indra, from Indra to Dikpalakas and from Dikpalakas to Manuvu. As inheritance, the skills of sword fight were inherited by Dushyanta from Manu. Dushyanta taught the skills of sword fight to his son, Bharata. In the later years, it was inherited by Drona. From Drona you all acquired those skills. Amongst the five, you alone learnt those skills with greatest devotion and became an expert in sword fight.” said Bhishma.
By that time, the Sun was about to set. Sri Krishna, Dharmaja and other Pandavas and others retired to their own places of stay. After taking some rest, Dharmaja was talking with his uncle Vidura. Dharmaja asked Vidura about the degrees in Dharma Ardha and Kama and Moksha. Vidura answered thus:
“Dharmaja! One should acquire wealth following Dharma. With that wealth, he can accomplish his desires. Therefore, of all, Dharma is best. Middle is Ardha (wealth). Least is Kama (desires).” said Vidura.
“Uncle! You told me that wealth is necessary either for Dharma or Kama. But even for Sanyasis, money is required for their day to day living. Therefore, wealth is best, in my opinion.” said Dharmaja.
“Yes. Dharma and Ardha are interdependent. There is no use of having either Dharma or Ardha. Without wealth, how can the desires be fulfilled.” asked Nakula and Sahadeva.
“You are right. One should acquire wealth according to Dharma. Therefore, Dharma is supreme. Desires are hidden in Dharma and Ardha, as butter in curd. For a happy living, desires are necessary. Human being enjoys pleasures as bee extracts honey from flower. Therefore, in the life of a humanbeing, all the three are essential. One who lives alone with desires is worst. One who acquires wealth and enjoys pleasures is middle. One who acquires wealth adopting Dharma and enjoys pleasures is the best.” said Vidura.
Then Dharmaja told his brothers: “Everybody who takes birth shall undergo old age and death. Dharma, Ardha and Kama, though, for the present, give pleasures, will end in sorrow. Therefore, everybody shall strive for attaining Moksha. But attaining Moksha is not so easy. Keeping himself constantly in touch with Dharma, Ardha and Kama is not desirable. By enjoying sensual pleasures, one will become arrogant, selfish, ego centered. Therefore, human being shall not be succumbed to the sensual pleasures and strive for Moksha.” said Dharmaja.
Next day, as usual all of them went to Bhishma. Dharmaja asked Bhishma about some doubts.
“Grandsire! Who are intimate to King and who are not required by the King. Tell me.” asked Dharmaja.
“O son of Pandu! Those who are possessed of patience; virtues, truthfulness; who are not greedy, covetous, arrogant, angry; fickle minded, will acquire wealth and prosperity to the King. Those who are wicked, greedy, over-ambitious, timid, corrupt, drunkard and who forgets the help done to him, will be harmful to the King. In this connection, I will tell you one story.
A brahmin, abandoning his kula-dharma, married a low caste lady and was moving with her relatives. He was addicted to hunting, drinking, eating meat and enjoying sensual pleasures. With a view to earn more money, he joined some merchants and was travelling with them. While they were going in a forest, an elephant chased them. The brahmin youth ran away and took shelter under a big tree.
On that tree, a crane called Naadeejangha was living. Beholding the Brahmin, Nadijangha asked him: “O Brahmin! Who are you! From where you are coming? Where are you going?” asked Nadijangha.
“I am the son of Goutama. I abandoned my regular rituals fit for Brahmin, and study of Vedas, and married a low caste lady to enjoy sensual pleasures. To earn more money, I joined some merchants. When an elephant chased us, I ran away and reached this place” said the Brahmin.
“Dont worry. I will eradicate your poverty. Enjoy my hospitality.” said Nadijangha. The crane brought some fresh fish from the nearby river and fried them and served them to the Brahmin. The Brahmin consumed those fish.
“O Brahmin! A good friend, silver, gold and wisdom will eradicate poverty. Of these four, a good friend is great. I am the son of Kashyapa. Make friendship with me. You will acquire all kinds of riches. At a distnce of three yojanas, my friend, Viroopaksha, is ruling Madhuvrajapura. He is the king of Rakshasas. You approach him and tell him that you are my friend. He will certainly help you.” said Nadijangha.
The brahmin went to Viroopaaksha and introduced himself as the friend of Nadi jangha. “I want wealth” asked Brahmin. Virupaksha asked him: “Who are you? What is your caste?” asked Virupaksha. “I am brahmin. I married a low caste lady. I am addicted to drinking and hunting. With a view to earn more money,I joined some merchants. As an elephant chased us, I ran and made friendship with Nadijangh. Now I am before you.” said the brahmin. “Whoever you are I am not concerned. You are the friend of my friend, Nadijangha. I will certinly help you.” said Virupaksha. Virupaksha gave him gold and silver coins, diamonds etc. in abundance. Carrying those bags on his back, brahmin went back to Nadijangha. Nadijangha was very happy that Virupaksha helped the Brahmin. For that night the brahmin slept there. At dead of night, Brahmin was thinking about next day’s food. Then he killed the crane, Nadijangha and cut him into pieces and bundled it. He started to move further.
Next day morning, Virupaksha was waiting for Nadijangha. He suspected the bad character of the brahmin. He sent his men to find out the welfare of Nadijangha. They went and found Brahmin with a bundle of meat. They produced him before Virupaksha. Virupaksha was of the opinion that the Brahmin killed Nadijangha. He ordered his men to kill him and eat his meat. His men refused to eat the meat of brahmin as he deceived his own friend, Nadijangha. They beat the brahmin unto death and threw him away. Even dogs did not come near him. The brahmin was waiting for his death. Virupaksh joined the pieces of meat of Nadijangha and cremated him.
Meanwhile, Devendra arrived there. Virupaksha prayed Devendra to give life to Nadijangha. “Virupaksha! dont worry. Nadijangha is also a friend of Brahmadeva. Brahma is also waiting for his arrival. Look at that side. A cow was giving milk to its calf. Some drops of milk are sprinkling on the ashes of Nadijangha. With the blessings of Brahma, Nadijangha is getting life.” said Mahendra. Nadijangha rose from the ashes and came near Virupaksha. “Virupaksha, my friend, this Brahmin is my friend. Please give him back all his gold, silver and diamonds. Let him live happily”. Virupaksha gave him back all his wealth. Carrying those bags on his back, the Brahmin went away.
Therefore, Dharmaja! Even a person who kills brahmin may get rid of his sin but a person who deceives his friend will never be pardoned. A good friend will give happiness not only in this world but in the other worlds also. Amongst friend and wealth, a good friend is greater. Making friendship with a high born and a virtuous person is always essential.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! You told me many things.Whether people are following those principles in the outside world? If so, how?” asked Dharmaja.. Bhishma told Dharmaja thus:
In this manner, Vaisampayana told Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata.

MAHA BHARATA
SHANTI PARVA
THIRD CHAPTER COMPLETED
OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OMTATSAT.
(My humble salutations to Brahmasri M V Subrahmanyam     for the collection