In the previous episode, we’ve witnessed Ashwatthama releasing the powerful “Brahma-Shiras” weapon through the form of a small “Dharba” grass petal. As expected, Ashwatthama has no further possession of any weapon at the moment, and the only weapon to which he could turn to is the “Brahma-Shiras”, which he hasn’t used so far. Ashwatthama, as he was running for his life while Bheemasena is on the chase, remembers suddenly that he has this “Brahma-Shiras” under his possession and employs it with great fury. His intention is to destroy the entire Pandava clan, just like the entire Kaurava clan was destroyed earlier. Upon seeing the “Brahma-Shiras” coming towards, Arjuna is stunned! He doesn’t have a counter “Asthram” to neutralize it. Upon looking at Bhagawan Krishna helplessly, Bhagawan Krishna suggests that Arjuna releases the “Brahma-Asthram” as a counter to the “Brahma-Shiras”. Perhaps, the “Brahma-Asthram” is the only way to somehow deal with it, and nobody knows whether this would be an effective strategy or not.
Obeying Bhagawan Krishna’s words, Arjuna employs the “Brahma-Asthram” from his bow, through an arrow. He chants the “Mantra” of the “Brahma-Asthram” very quickly and releases it as a counter to the “Brahma-Shiras”. Now, both these weapons are flying in the air towards each other, and if both of them meet, it is going to result in a great disaster for this entire world! As Sage Vyaasa is seeing this from a distance, he is not able to control himself! He is getting tense beyond a point! Unable to control himself any further, Sage Vyaasa lands up all of a sudden in between the two weapons and with a great fury (With the help of his extreme “Tapo-Balam”), stops both of them from hitting each other! With a lot of anger and frustration, Sage Vyaasa looks at both Arjuna and Ashwatthama. The fierce look from Sage Vyaasa seems to be enough to bring both of them to terms! Sage Vyaasa angrily talks to Ashwatthama thus, “Oh Ashwatthama! I’ve never seen a stupid more than you in my life! Just because you have a personal rivalry with Arjuna, would you go to the extent of holding the entire world ransom? Do you even realize what “Anarttham” (Blunder) you’ve committed? The “Brahma-Shiras” weapon is extremely powerful in nature and if released, it has the capability to destroy the whole world! All the living beings will have to meet an end, because of your stupidity. I will not allow this to happen! I’m hereby using my entire “Tapo-Balam” to stop this “Brahma-Shiras”!”
Training his guns towards Arjuna now, Sage Vyaasa angrily says thus, “Oh Arjuna! You have Bhagawan Krishna with you, don’t you? Even then, you have lost your integrity and thinking power! It is extremely unpardonable! Why did you release the “Brahma-Asthram”, just because you have a rivalry with Ashwatthama? Don’t you think that this “Brahma-Asthram” is a lethal weapon? I’m hereby using my “Tapo-Balam” to neutralize your “Brahma-Asthram” as well! Now, I’m telling you both – As a king, your duty is to protect your people, and not to destroy them at any point! Please understand and take back both of your “Asthrams” immediately. I’ve now stopped them from confronting each other, but the “Asthrams” will completely be neutralized only if you take them back! Oh Ashwatthama! Please take back your “Brahma-Shiras”! Oh Arjuna! Please take back your “Brahma-Asthram” immediately without any further delay!”
As Sage Vyaasa says decisively thus, Arjuna thinks within himself, realizes his mistake and replies politely – “Oh Great Sage Vyaasa! I know the meaning of your golden words and I respect them! Without any counter question, I’m taking back my “Brahma-Asthram”. I’ve released the “Brahma-Asthram” with my entire “Brahmacharyam” and also with absolute control of my mind and my senses! Hence, the “Brahma-Asthram” is retrievable and I hereby take it back! Oh Sage Vyaasa! Please accept my profound apologies for this quick rush of blood and emotions! It is because Ashwatthama had already employed the “Brahma-Shiras”, I had no other option but to employ this “Brahma-Asthram” as a counter, to save myself and also my brothers! Now that you’ve advised me to take it back, I obey your words immediately!”
Saying thus, Arjuna bows down in front of the “Brahma-Asthram” with folded hands, and the “Asthram” comes back into Arjuna’s fold! Upon seeing this, Sage Vyaasa is extremely happy! Arjuna also falls on the feet of Sage Vyaasa, seeking his divine “Anugraha”, even as Bhagawan Krishna is standing besides everybody on the sidelines. This makes Sage Vyaasa pleased and happy and he thus provides his divine “Anugraha” to Arjuna! With this, the “Brahma-Asthram” is neutralized! However, the “Brahma-Shiras” Asthram is still alive and is standing in front of everyone! What is Ashwatthama going to do now? It is his turn to take it back! Is he going to do it? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 