In the previous episode, we had witnessed Duryodhana claiming that he had found out the whereabouts of the Paandava brothers before the “Agnyaata-Vaasam” period is over. However, he is strongly refuted by Bhishmachaarya by saying that in terms of both the “Chandra-Panchanga” and the “Surya-Panchanga”, the “Agnyaata-Vaasam” time period is already over and the Paandavas have spent five more months in the forest than required (as per the “Chandra-Panchanga” calculation) and five more days in the forest than required (as per the “Surya-Panchanga” calculation). This irks Duryodhana to the core and now there is no other option but to go for an all-out assault against Arjuna, who is standing in front of them along with Utthara Kumara. As per the instruction, all of them in the Kaurava camp launch a joint attack on Arjuna, only to be defeated and made to fall unconscious with the help of Arjuna’s “Mohana-Asthra”! Now that all of them have fallen unconscious, what happens next? Let us witness today!
Moving on thus, as the entire Kaurava army is gasping for breath, Arjuna quickly takes a decision and talks to Utthara Kumara thus, “Oh Utthara Kumara! Now is the right time to go and bring back all our cows from their possession. None of them are conscious at the moment. Before they regain their consciousness, all our cows should come back! Moreover, you had promised to the women of Viraata Desha that you will all the top “Vasthras” (garments) of your enemies, didn’t you? Hence, here’s the opportunity – Go and pick up all their top “Vasthras” and come!” As Utthara Kumara goes near all of them, his hands are trembling with fear! He hasn’t seen such great warriors in his life, and moreover, all of them at the same place, lying unconscious on the ground with a huge defeat by one person called Arjuna! As Utthara Kumara goes near Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Duryodhana, etc. he picks up all their garments and carefully returns back along with the cows as well.
Now, both Arjuna and Utthara Kumara are going to make a grand return back to the kingdom. At the time when Utthara Kumara is about to get on to the charioteer’s seat, Arjuna says thus, “Oh Utthara Kumara! Now that the war is over, you should be the king and I should be your charioteer. I shall once again dawn the form of Brihannala and return back to the kingdom with you. If anyone asks about the result of the war, please tell them that you had waged a war single-handedly with some “Gandharvas” and “Yakshas” and won over them! Let us not reveal the truth for the next two or three days, unless and until Yudishtra himself reveals it to everyone in public. Let us wait till that time and please do not blurt out the truth about me to anyone in the kingdom!”
As Arjuna says thus, Utthara Kumara obeys and once again, Arjuna becomes Brihannala and rides the chariot for Utthara Kumara. All along the way, Utthara Kumara boasts about his great victory against some very powerful enemies as per Brihannala’s instruction. Brihannala too acknowledges Utthara Kumara’s proclamation and the entire kingdom is in awe of him! Three days pass by and it is time that Yudishtra now talks in front of the entire courtroom to reveal all of their identities. Now, rather than Yudishtra himself doing the talking, he wants Arjuna to start the proceedings. The courtroom has gathered, not for this, but to take stock of the situation wherein the Viraata Desha was under attack from two major directions, and finally the kingdom tasted victory. However, the king wants to understand what was going on and how they won against all the enemies. Thus, as per Yudishtra’s instruction, Arjuna does the talking. As all of them gather there thus, the five Paandava brothers are standing there with a fresh pair of white clothes, along with Sairandhri (Draupati).
As all things are set, the Viraata King comes to his throne, only to be surprised in seeing all the five “Servants” assembled together along with Sairandhri. Kanka is standing there, along with Vallabha, Brihannala and the others. As the king sees all these people together, initially he did not even know that they are brothers and because of this, he is surprised! So now, Arjuna is going to do the talking, and for today, let us understand up to this point! In the crucial next episode, we shall see the grand revelation from Arjuna and how the Viraata king is going to react to this revelation! Stay tuned for an important accord! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 