We’re at a very important juncture wherein Brihannala is forced to take up the charge as a warrior to defend the Viraata Desha, as Utthara Kumara is trying to run away in a cowardly manner. As Brihannala takes charge, he knows who the enemy is, and has no option other than taking up the “Gaandeepa” bow that is kept hidden inside a huge banyan tree. As Brihannala instructs Utthara Kumara to climb up the tree and take the Gaandeepa bow, Utthara Kumara is extremely surprised to see it! Upon questioning Brihannala repeatedly, it is now on Brihannala whether to reveal his true identity or continue playing himself down! If he has to lift up the “Gaandeepa” bow, Utthara Kumara will obviously find out that Brihannala is none other than Arjuna himself! Now let us see what happens next and how Brihannala is going to handle this situation.
Moving on thus, as Brihannala is apprising the significance of the “Gaandeepa” bow, Utthara Kumara is happy to have a divine “Darshan” of it, and repeatedly asks how does Brihannala knows so much about the “Gaandeepa” bow! Moreover, how come this “Gaandeepa” bow has been hidden in this particular place? How does Brihannala exactly know the whereabouts of the “Gaandeepa” bow? Where are the Paandava brothers? Where is Arjuna? Is he here somewhere? As these questions mount on Brihannala, he too thinks what is to be done! Has he spoken to Utthara Kumara too much? Anyway, now that there is no other option, Brihannala decides to reveal himself to Utthara Kumara! Hence, he quickly removes his hair wig, takes off his saree-like dress (Because Brihannala, as we’ve seen earlier, is acting like a transgender, teaching music and dance to Utthara Kumara’s sister). Thus, as Brihannala is slowly revealing himself, Utthara Kumara could not believe what he is seeing in front of him! As Utthara Kumara looks with shock, Brihannala explains thus, “Oh Utthara Kumara! You were asking where Arjuna is, didn’t you? I’m none other than that same Arjuna himself! Similarly, the one who cooks at your place is by name Vallabha, isn’t it? That Vallabha is none other than Bheemasena himself! Moreover, there is a person by name “Kanka” who is always with your king, isn’t it? He is none other than Yudishtra himself! There are two people who are taking care of your cowshed and your horse stable, aren’t they? They are none other than Nakula and Sahadeva! There is a woman by name Sairandhri with your mother, isn’t it? She is none other than Draupati herself! We came to your country in a disguised form to spend one year secretly without being noticed by anyone!”
As Arjuna says thus, Utthara Kumara initially did not believe his words! As Utthara Kumara looks at him stunned, Arjuna continues further thus, “Oh Utthara Kumara! Now I’ll tell you a list of around ten people’s names. If you hear those names, you will get a lot of strength and confidence to fight! Let us see if this works with you! The ten names are as follows: Arjuna, Phalguna, Jishnu, Kireeti, Shreshta-Vaahana, Vijayaha, Paartha, Krishnaha, Savyasaachi, Dhananjaya! These are all my names!” As Utthara Kumara listens to this, he is very happy to understand that Arjuna is the one who is standing in front of him! It is the same Arjuna that Utthara Kumara was fantasizing till today, when it comes to being a great warrior! His childhood hero was Arjuna, and Utthara Kumara is thrilled to see him in front! Now Arjuna also explains why he obtained those names – “Phalguna” because he was born on the “Utthara-Phalguni” Nakshatra (Star). “Paartha” because he was born to Kunthi Devi whose other name is “Prutha”. “Savya-Saachi” because Arjuna is ambidextrous – That is, he can hold the bow in both left and right hands with equal power and fight! “Kaunteya” because, he was Kunthi Devi’s son! “Krishnana” because he is one of the best and soulful friends of Bhagawan Krishna! Thus, Arjuna explains that these names duly belonged to him and this makes Utthara Kumara overwhelmed with a lot of joy and happiness!
So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness what unfolded next! Enough of talking stories now! The time is coming to take the “Gaandeepa” in hand for Arjuna and fight! Stay tuned for the next episode to witness what happened next! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 