In the previous episode, we were at an important juncture wherein Sishupaala was killed by Bhagawan Krishna on the spot, as he crossed his hundredth abuse towards Bhagawan Krishna. It should be remembered by readers that Sishupaala and Dantavaktra were none other than Jaya and Vijaya of Vaikunta, who were cursed by Sage Sanaka for not allowing him inside to meet Bhagawan Vishnu. Thus, according to this curse, both of them were born thrice in this world as Raakshasas at different Yugas – During the Krita Yuga, they were born as Hiranyaksha and Kiranya-Kashibu. Hiranyaksha was killed by Bhagawan Vishnu directly, and Hiranya-Kashibu was killed by Bhagawan during His incarnation as Bhagawan Narasimha. Subsequently during the Tretha Yuga, they again took birth as Ravana and Kumbhakarna and they were killed and liberated again to Vaikunta by Bhagawan Vishnu, who had incarnated as Bhagawan Rama. Now, we’re witnessing the events that happened during the Dwaapara Yuga, and during this time, the duo again took birth as Sishupaala and Dantavaktra, only to be killed and liberated by Bhagawan Krishna. Thus, Sishupaala was killed and with this, the insulting and abusing at Indraprastha came to a grinding halt.
Moving on thus, as Sishupaala was killed, the entire Sabha including all the Maharishi’s praised and worshipped Bhagawan Krishna. They hailed Bhagawan Krishna and considered themselves to be extremely fortunate to be amidst His divine presence. As Sishupaala was given “Moksha” in front of everyone, people who had gathered there also wished for the same as well! As ardent Bhagawan Krishna devotees, we can also wish for the same isn’t it? 🙂 Of course, at the moment we do not have the privilege to see and be amidst Bhagawan Krishna’s divine presence, but we can always pray to Him with our pure Bhakti and with this, Bhagawan Krishna would definitely answer our prayers. We should have this confidence within us as we move forward in our various walks of life. Problems might keep coming and going in all our day-to-day lives. But if we have the faith and confidence that Bhagawan Krishna is always behind us and guiding us through these dark times, we shall be able to easily see the light at the end of the dark tunnel. Thus, the important message here for all of us is that, if we’re sincere in our prayers and approach towards “Dharma” and Bhagawan, He is never going to desert us. We’ve seen this as an example in innumerable instances of our Sanaatana Dharma literature, and moving forward, we’re going to witness many more such instances henceforth as well.
Thus, with this, the “Agra-Puja” continues and the Raaja-Suya Yaaga gets completed with all its grandeur and as per the procedures framed by our great Maharishis. As the Yaaga comes to a close, Bhagawan Krishna decides that it is time for Him to go back to Dwaraka again. Thus, with the permission from Yudishtra, Bhagawan Krishna leaves for Dwaaraka and with this, the grand Yaaga comes to a close! As Bhagawan Krishna leaves Indraprastha, all the others who had assembled for the Yaaga, also start leaving for their respective native places, with enormous gifts from Yudishtra. Bhishmachaarya also leaves back to Hastinapura, along with Guru Dhronaachaarya. However, Duryodhana, Ducchaasana, Karna, etc. who had assembled there, had other plans – They wanted to stay back at Indraprastha for a few more days to enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of the city and its grand palace. Yudishtra too was more than happy to let Duryodhana and Co. spend a few more days with all of them.
Thus, as things settle down, Duryodhana starts going around the Indraprastha palace to explore the various places around it. As he was going along, he was utterly amazed to see the great grandeur of the palace in all four directions! He was surprised to see the intricate art work and skill in the construction. At one point, as Duryodhana was walking through a passage, it seemed to him as if the passage came to an end, but the passage was still going on! At another point, Duryodhana thought that the passage was still on, but there was an “invisible wall” wherein he ended up banging his head! At another place, it appeared as if there was a pool full of water and it looked so beautiful. However, when he went closeby to check it out, there was not even a single drop of water! It was just a mirage, but it looked so real! However, at another end, it seemed like it was a dry place without anything, but when Duryodhana kept his feet there, he was dragged into a pool of water! Experiencing all these, Duryodhana walked along and as he did so, his anger, jealousy and fury started growing multifold! He was fuming with anger that these Paandavas have managed to escape out of his traps everytime and they’ve ended up living in such a plush bungalow-like palace, which was a thousand times more beautiful and richer as compared to Duryodhana’s Hastinapura palace! Readers might remember that Duryodhana and Co. wickedly took a decision to hand over a barren piece of land called “Kaandava-Prastha”, and this is exactly the same place which has been transformed into a magnificent and a sprawling place!
Upon seeing all this thus, Duryodhana was fuming with jealousy and anger and for today, let us understand up to this point! We shall continue this discussion in the next episode to witness what happened further and how did Duryodhana react to all these! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 