In the previous episode, we had witnessed an offshoot discussion on Yudishtra’s strategy in this context. We’ve witnessed how long-term orientation is extremely important for a leader’s success in any organization in any domain ro industry. Of course, short-term orientation is also essential, but that should not be the primary focus point. The short-term success can arise out of our pursuit towards our long-term goal, but we shouldn’t get entirely carried away with just the short-term success. Also, we’ve seen that the long-term orientation that we should have, should be aligned with the path of “Dharma”. We should always remember in life that there’s no short-cut for success, and Yudishtra is a perfect example for walking this path. However, on the other hand, Duryodhana wanted to take short-cuts to somehow outsmart Yudishtra by orchestrating the gambling game episode. We’re going to witness in our further episodes as to what is the fate that Duryodhana is going to meet for all his “short-cuts” that he wanted to take to succeed. Thus, readers should remember this point very clearly as we move on further.
Moving on thus, Yudishtra concludes his detailed accord to Bheemasena and Draupati by saying that no matter whatever happens, he shall never forgo his path of “Dharma” for anyone. There should be no lapse in this, and Yudishtra is extremely clear about it. As Yudishtra is concluding his accord thus, Sage Vyaasa makes a surprise visit to the hamlet where the Paandavas are residing. As Sage Vyaasa arrives, Yudishtra falls on his feet and pays all his respects. As Sage Vyaasa settles down, he talks to Yudishtra and Co. thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I’ve been patiently hearing all your recent conversations within each other. All of you have a valid point – To get back the “Raajya” by following the path of “Dharma”. Yes, it is possible, and all of you should start preparing for an all-out assault on Duryodhana and Co. very soon. I cannot tell you when exactly the war would take place, but all I can say at this point in time to you is that, you should start preparing and equipping yourself to face that situation. Only if you will be able to win the war, will you get back the Indraprastha kingdom. For this, I shall teach you a small “Mantra”. Keep chanting this Mantra and success will be yours. This Mantra is called “Prati-Smriti-Vidya”. Oh Yudishtra! I shall teach you this Mantra now. You in turn teach this to Arjuna. With this, Arjuna would be able to transcend to the “Deva-Lokha”, meet all the Devas there including Indra, Varuna, etc. and he would be able to receive some important “Astras” and “Shastras” from them. This would be extremely important for you during the war period!”
Saying thus, Sage Vyaasa teaches the “Prati-Smriti-Vidya” Mantra to Yudishtra. As Sage Vyaasa teaches this Mantra to Yudishtra, he leaves from the place. Now, as Sage Vyaasa leaves, Yudishtra follows the instruction of teaching this Mantra to Arjuna. Hence, he calls Arjuna in private and he secretly teaches this Mantra to Arjuna. With this, Arjuna leaves the hamlet to a place surrounded by mountains nearby and sits on an immense penance towards Indra. As Arjuna performs his penance very intensely, Indra appears in front of Arjuna and says thus, “Oh Arjuna! You do not need to perform this penance towards me. Instead, perform this towards Bhagawan Shiva. It is He who is going to gift you with the all-important “Paashupatha-Asthra”!”
Saying thus, Indra leaves the place and this “Adhyaaya” comes to a close. As Indra leaves, Arjuna commences his intense “Tapas” towards Bhagawan Shiva. As days progress by, the intensity of Arjuna’s “Tapas” started to increase. He had food only once in three days initially. Subsequently, that interval between two meals increased to six days, and subsequently to fifteen days. As days and months roll by, Arjuna did not wake up at all from his “Tapas” and he achieved maximum intensity! With this, Bhagawan Shiva becomes immensely happy, and at the same time, several Maharishis started having a fear within themself. Their fear is very simple – What if Arjuna would attain the “Svarga Lokha” with his “Tapas”? If Arjuna attains the “Svarga Lokha” by any chance, what will happen to our positions there? Thinking thus, all the Maharishis rushed towards Bhagawan Shiva.
As the Maharishis come up with their concern thus, Bhagawan Shiva replies back, “Oh Maharishis! Just because someone is performing an intense “Tapas” towards me, it doesn’t imply that all of them are aiming for a position here. I know that Arjuna is not in “Tapas” for any position here at Kailasa. I shall go down in person and meet him, provide my divine “Anugraha” and ask him what he wants! You do not need to worry!” Saying thus, Bhagawan Shiva decides to go down and meet Arjuna.
So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode we shall witness how Bhagawan Shiva made His way to meet Arjuna. Did He go directly like this in His original form, or, did He fake Himself and go? An interesting accord awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 