In the previous episode, we had witnessed the conclusion of the discussion between Sage Vyaasa and Yudishtra, wherein Sage Vyaasa tries to cheer Yudishtra with a few important anecdotes regarding “Maranam”. For this, he invokes the conversation between Sage Naarada and King Akampana, wherein Sage Naarada talks about how Mrithyu Devata took birth from Bhagawan Brahma to perform the task of destruction by inducing something called “death” in living beings. As we’ve witnessed, Mrithyu Devata induces death faster into those living beings who are jealous about others, who do not follow the path of “Dharma”, who unleashes anger upon others unwantedly, who cheats someone, who breaks the trust of others, etc. However, having said that, death is inevitable in this world and Sage Vyaasa advises Yudishtra to move on from the sadness of Abhimanyu’s demise. Of course, Abhimanyu was young in age and he had a good life in front of him, however, his life was cut short by the Kauravas’ unethical warfare and even though Abhimanyu tried his best to defend, he was brutally murdered by Duryodhana and Co. Sage Vyaasa explains to Yudishtra that even though Abhimanyu was killed, he had played his heroic role in the battlefield and his name and fame will remain forever!
Moving on thus, as this happens on one end, Yudishtra becomes somewhat mentally strong after Abhimanyu’s demise. Now on the other side, Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna make their way into Kurukshetra once again. This is after they’ve destroyed the Trigatthas completely. Arjuna enters the battlefield of Kurukshetra victoriously once again and as this happens, we move into the next “Upa-Parva” called “Pratignya Parva”. All these instances are being witnessed under the main “Dhrona Parva” as we’ve mentioned earlier, wherein Guru Dhronachaarya has taken over as the prime Senapati of the Kaurava army. All those instances that take place under the leadership of Guru Dhronachaarya come under this main “Dhrona Parva”. Now, as we move into the “Pratignya Parva”, we are going to witness the next important event here. Arjuna is going to take a huge “Pratignya” and all these events unfold during the thirteenth night of the Kurukshetra battle. We’ve seen that the war on the thirteenth day culminated with the demise of Abhimanyu.
As Arjuna enters Kurukshetra once again, he experiences some negative vibrations. Arjuna thinks within himself thus, “Oh! Normally whenever we come victorious after a battle, there will be a rousing welcome for me everytime! However, today I’m not able to see anything of that sorts! Moreover, I’m seeing a lot of bad omens all through my way. Is there something wrong with my brothers? Is Yudishtra safe? Are all my relatives safe? Has Guru Dhronachaarya captured Yudishtra as planned?” Having all these queries, Arjuna looks at Bhagawan Krishna, who consoles him with a quick answer – “Oh Arjuna! I’m sure Yudishtra would be safe. However, something else might have happened. Let us go inside and check out!”
Thus, as Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna enter the scene, all the Paandava brothers are sitting there with a glum face. Nobody is talking even a single word. King Drupada, Saatyaki, Drishtadhyumna, etc. are also seated nearby and all of them have sadness written all over their faces. Upon having a glimpse around, Arjuna finds Abhimanyu missing! With this, Arjuna somehow derives a conclusion within his mind as to what had happened! Sensing it correctly, Arjuna asks all of them a series of questions thus, “I heard that Guru Dhronachaarya had formed the “Chakra-Vyuga” today morning. To break open that “Chakra-Vyuga”, only four people are capable enough and out of those four, three aren’t with you! Only one person was there, isn’t it? Also, if that person enters into the “Chakra-Vyuga”, he will not be able to come out on his own, as I had not taught it to him as yet! If such is the case, did any of you go behind and protect him? If this had been done, that person would be there amidst all of you now. Where is he?”
The way in which Arjuna judges what has happened is something that all of us should admire about! Nobody had told him even a single word about Abhimanyu’s demise – But connecting all the dots together, Arjuna himself senses that his son Abhimanyu is no more! As Yudishtra confirms Arjuna’s thought process, Arjuna bursts into tears! He weeps inconsolably in front of everyone! His emotions are bursting out through his crying and immediately Arjuna gets up with immense anger and frustration. Arjuna says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Oh Bheemasena! I’ve had enough now! If my son has been brutally killed this way, I’m not going to spare Duryodhana or anyone in the Kaurava camp! I’m going to give it back to them with twice the amount of brutality! Duryodhana has had a free run till now, but I shall make him repent for whatever he has done to us for all these years!”
Lamenting thus, Arjuna jumps up from the ground and immediately takes his weapons in his hands and is about to rush towards Duryodhana’s camp! All this happens during the night of Day thirteen and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall wait till the next episode to find out what Arjuna’s reaction is further going to be! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 