In the previous episode, we had witnessed Ashwatthama’s plan to kill the Paandava brothers with the “Narayana-Asthram” being completely shattered – Thanks to Bhagawan Krishna’s timely intervention yet again! As the “Narayana-Asthram” approaches with its full fury towards the Paandavas, Bhagawan Krishna quickly instructs all of them to get down from their chariots, put all their weapons down and stand with folded hands of respect. The “Narayana Asthram” never harms people who bows down with respect towards it, and hence, Bhagawan Krishna uses this secret to protect the Paandava brothers. Annoyed by the flopped plan, Ashwatthama is fuming with anger, and Duryodhana too is clearly irked! Duryodhana asks Ashwatthama if this “Asthram” can be employed once again at some point in time, but Ashwatthama explains that the “Narayana-Asthram” is one amongst the most powerful “Asthras” and it cannot be employed once more at any point in time! Hence, Ashwatthama says to Duryodhana that they’ve to somehow move on from here and think of another alternative plan to square up the Paandava brothers.
As this happens, a dejected Ashwatthama leaves his chariot and puts all his weapons down and starts walking away from the battlefield. All his plans got foiled and his father is also no more with him now. Hence, Ashwatthama is completely shattered and heart-broken and he slowly strides away from the Kurukshetra battlefield, only to be intercepted by Sage Veda-Vyaasa. Now this is going to be a very important event, which is happening towards the end of Day Fifteen at Kurukshetra. Upon seeing Ashwatthama completely dejected, Sage Vyaasa asks him thus, “Oh Ashwatthama! Why are you leaving the battlefield? What happened in today’s war?” As Sage Vyaasa asks thus, Ashwatthama replies back – “Oh great Sage! My father, Guru Dhronachaarya was cheated and killed by the Paandava brothers today! They hatched a conspiracy behind my father about me and made him believe that I’m dead! This led to the demise of my father in a very unethical way. I wanted to avenge the Paandava brothers for their heinous crime with my “Narayana Asthram” and the “Aagneya Asthram”. Both these powerful “Asthrams” were rendered powerless by Bhagawan Krishna! This is a clear partial game that is being played by Bhagawan Krishna and I’m totally fed up! Hence, I’ve decided to leave this place once and forever!”
As Ashwatthama says thus, Sage Vyaasa gives an important reply here. He says thus, “Oh Ashwatthama! Please understand one thing clearly – Bhagawan Krishna is the savior of this entire world! He is the ultimate supreme “Paramatma”! He has incarnated in this world to destroy the “Adharma” and to establish the “Dharma” here. For this, He would do anything possible. Oh Ashwatthama! The Paandavas have “Dharma” by their side, and this is why Bhagawan Krishna is always standing by them. In this war, even if you employ the most powerful “Asthrams” like the “Naryana-Asthram” and the “Aagneya-Asthram”, it is not going to work against the Paandavas. Please understand – How can the “Narayana-Asthram” work against the divine will of Bhagawan Narayana Himself who is standing on the opposite side? Hence, it is you, along with Duryodhana and Co. who have to understand that the Paandava brothers can never be won over, unless and until Bhagawan Krishna is by their side! Oh Ashwatthama! Please understand that the one who is the ultimate destination of surrender for all Maharishis like us, Yogis, Saadhus, people who seek “Dharma”, etc. is Bhagawan Krishna alone! He is the one who gives refuge to the whole world single-handedly! You, along with Duryodhana and Co. are falling into an unwanted trap of getting into the bad looks of Bhagawan Krishna for your petty politics. Please stop this atleast now. I’ve also told Duryodhana several times. I’ve also advised King Dhritarashtra several times on this. However, till now all my words of wisdom have gone into deaf ears!”
Saying thus, Sage Veda-Vyaasa walks away in sadness, leaving Ashwatthama even more dejected. He learns and understands from Sage Vyaasa’s golden words of wisdom that Yudishtra and Co. can never be killed. So what is going to change now? With this burning question, we come to the end of the main “Dhrona Parva” and in the next episode, we shall witness the commencement of the next important “Parva”. Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 