In the previous episode, we had witnessed Chitra-Rasa confronting the Paandavas as they were trying to cross over the river Ganges to reach Paanchaala Desha. The Paandavas were trying to cross over during the wee hours of the night, so that they would be unidentified by anybody who is known to them in some way or the other. It is to be remembered by readers that the Paandavas are currently living a disguised life wherein they’re hiding their identity from the rest of the world. As Duryodhana and Co. think that the Paandavas are dead, this entire game has to be hatched, courtesy Vidura. Thus, as Chitra-Rasa was involved in the “Jala-Kreeda” during the wee hours of the night, he asked the Paandavas the reason for roaming around at this time of the night.
As Chitra-Rasa states thus, Arjuna replies back, “Oh Chitra-Rasa! This is River Ganges. This is one of the most purest rivers in the entire Bhaarata Desha. Hence, there is no restriction of timings to come and take a holy dip in this river. Of course, you’re right – It is a normal “Dharma” that human beings aren’t supposed to roam around in the wee hours of the night, which belongs to the Raakshasas and the Gandharvas. However, when it comes to taking a holy dip in the river Ganges, there is an exception. One can visit this river bank 24*7 without any problem. Please understand this!” As Arjuna replies back thus, it was like hurting Chitra-Rasa’s ego. There was a huge argument that broke out between the two of them. Chitra-Rasa wasn’t ready to accept Arjuna’s words. He felt insulted because he was seen by these five people while he was amidst the “Jala-Kreeda”.
As the argument went beyond control, Chitra-Rasa attacked Arjuna with all his might. Chitra-Rasa did not know that he was entering into a fight with one of the world’s greatest warriors of all times. Out of anger and frustration, as emotions were running high, Chitra-Rasa attacked Arjuna, which irked Arjuna! He immediately took out his bow and arrow and aimed an “Aagneya-Astra” on Chitra-Rasa. The “Astra” was extremely powerful and it hit Chitra-Rasa on his chest. He wasn’t able to react and fight further and with this, Chitra-Rasa gave it up! Finally Chitra-Rasa falls on Arjuna’s feet, seeking forgiveness. He now understood who Arjuna really was! As Chitra-Rasa seeks forgiveness, Arjuna too accepts him and apologizes from his side for employing such a powerful “Astra” just for a mere sake of an argument. Both of them came to terms and Chitra-Rasa reveals the exact reason for picking up this argument and fight against Arjuna and the Paandavas.
As Chitra-Rasa continues to talk thus, he explains: “Oh Arjuna! It is not that I came to know about you just now after the fight. I knew your real identity even while trying to cross the river. I knew that you had escaped from the “Laaksha Griha” and are currently living a disguised life. However, I wanted to stop you for a reason – As you’re trying to cross over the river and proceed towards the Paanchaala Desha, I wanted to give you the advice of taking a Brahmin person along with you. If you do not do this, you might end up in some sort of danger as you reach there. I wanted to warn you and give you this important piece of advice!” As Chitra-Rasa advises thus, Arjuna asks back, “Oh Chitra-Rasa! Thank you for letting us know this important point. Yes. We also realize the potential danger that might await us, but where do we go now in search of a Brahmana Rishi? We are Kshatrya princes and we do not know any Brahmana Rishi in this area!”
As the Paandavas express their concern thus, Chitra-Rasa gave a solution for that as well. He explains thus, “Oh Yudishtra and Arjuna! I shall show you an important sage who lives amidst this locality. He is none other than Sage Dhoumya! You would be able to meet him at a short distance from here. You might approach Sage Dhoumya, seek his willingness and then proceed along with him to the Paanchaala Desha. I’m sure Sage Dhoumya would accept your request to accompany you wherever you want to go! Meanwhile, before you go from here, I shall give you the “Chaakshusi Mantra” which is extremely powerful. This is a gift to Arjuna who won over me!”
Thus, Arjuna received the “Chaakshusi Mantra” from Chitra-Rasa and the Paandavas bid farewell to him. They now go in search of Sage Dhoumya and find him. Sage Dhoumya was very happy to receive the Paandavas and he too accepted their proposal to accompany them to Paanchaala Desha. Thus, the Paandavas, Kunthi Devi, along with Sage Dhoumya proceed towards the Paanchaala Desha, and with this, the “Chitra-Rasa-Parva” comes to an end. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode we shall commence the next important “Upa-Parva” and continue the discussion from there on! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 