In the previous episode, we had continued witnessing Draupati’s misery and fury as she cried over her sons’ untimely demise – Thanks to Ashwatthama’s atrocity overnight! Now, unable to bear this grief, Bheemasena has started his pursuit towards Ashwatthama, in a bid to kill him and avenge him for this heinous crime. As Bheemasena sets off in a hurry, Bhagawan Krishna isn’t too happy about this. He has a worried look on His face because Ashwatthama isn’t an easy nut to crack. He possesses the dangerous “Brahma-Shiras” weapon, which he had obtained from his father, Guru Dhronachaarya while being a youngster. Only Arjuna knows the “Mantra” of this weapon other than Ashwatthama. We’ve seen yesterday as to how Ashwatthama learnt it from Guru Dhronachaarya by force and compulsion. Guru Dhronachaarya had to give Ashwatthama this weapon and while he was doing so, he had great fear within himself as to how his son would use it in future. Now, given the fact that Ashwatthama is a highly unethical person, and he can use any weapon at any time of the day / night, Bhagawan Krishna has His own worries! If Ashwatthama employs the “Brahma-Shiras” on Bheemasena, this would definitely result in Bheemasena’s demise, as he doesn’t have the capability to retaliate.
Saying all this, Bhagawan Krishna continues further – “Oh Arjuna! Once upon a time, Ashwatthama came to me. He wanted to strike a deal with me in the most obnoxious way possible – Ashwatthama tried to threaten me that since he possesses this “Brahma-Shiras” weapon with him, he can go on a destruction spree at any point in time. With this, he tried to blackmail me to obtain my divine “Chakra-Aayudham” from me! I replied to him that he is free to take it if he wants! Not only the “Chakra-Aayudham” – I placed all my sixteen weapons on the ground and asked him to take any one or all the weapons that he wanted! Upon having a look at all the sixteen, Ashwatthama replied to me that he only wanted this “Chakra-Aayudham” and nothing else! Upon my permission, Ashwatthama tried to lift the “Chakra-Aayudham”, several times, but he wasn’t able to do it! Finally, Ashwatthama lost interest in the “Chakra-Aayudham” and instead, he started an argument with me. I replied to him saying that even my own son, Pradhyumna or my own disciple, Arjuna hasn’t desired to hold the “Chakra-Aayudham” till date, and I questioned Ashwatthama as to where he got this extra bit of greed to go for any and every weapon that is available in this world! Without much of an argument with him, I moved away from that place! Hence, Oh Arjuna! Oh Draupati! You do not know how greedy Ashwatthama is! You do not know how unethical he can become, if he sees an opportunity in something! Hence, it is better to be careful with such people, rather than feeling sorry later on!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna continues further with extreme urgency – “Oh Arjuna! Our first task is now cut out – We’ve to somehow stop the advancement of Bheemasena immediately and ensure that Bheemasena doesn’t come in contact with Ashwatthama. Bheemasena has just started and hence, I’m sure he wouldn’t have travelled very far. Hence, if we go now, we can catch hold of Bheemasena and stop him from advancing further. I have a feeling that Ashwatthama is not far off from this place. He is somewhere here only, hiding amidst the dense forest area! Oh Arjuna! Come! Let us get into the chariot and leave immediately!” Saying thus, both Bhagawan Krishna and Arjuna get into the chariot and start their journey towards the banks of River Bhaageerathi (Ganga). Even on the way, Bhagawan Krishna worriedly tells Arjuna – “Oh Arjuna! If by any chance, Ashwatthama employs the “Brahma-Shiras” weapon, there would be enormous destruction, which you cannot even imagine! I’m really scared of this only!”
As Bhagawan Krishna and Arjuna travel in their chariot, the others also follow behind them. Draupati and the others are also coming behind Arjuna’s chariot. Finally, the entire caravan reaches the Bhaageerathi banks and on the way, they meet Bheemasena too. Thus, all of them together reach the banks of River Ganga and launch a search operation together! Upon hearing the loud noises of several chariots coming towards him, Ashwatthama, who is hiding in between the bushes, starts to run for his life! Bheemasena is the first one to spot him and immediately starts going after him! He gives a long chase, and at a point, Ashwatthama realizes that there’s no use of running any further! So what does Ashwatthama do now? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 