In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna employing the “Brahma-Asthram” in counter to Ashwatthama’s lethal “Brahma-Shiras”. As both the “Asthrams” are extremely powerful and lethal weapons, the entire world will be impacted if they collide with each other. Thus, unable to withstand the urgency, Sage Vyaasa immediately jumps in between both the “Asthrams” and stops them from colliding with each other. As Sage Vyaasa is in extreme anger, he slams both Arjuna and Ashwatthama for employing such powerful weapons against each other, to satisfy their personal rivalry at the cost of the entire world! Sage Vyaasa slams Arjuna that inspite being with Bhagawan Krishna, he had resorted to such a decision of employing the “Brahma-Asthram”. In return, Sage Vyaasa also slams Ashwatthama for his foolishness in employing the powerful “Brahma-Shiras” for a petty reason like this! Admitting his folly, Arjuna immediately respects Sage Vyaasa’s words and repeals the “Brahma-Asthram”. He also bows down to Sage Vyaasa in respect, which makes Sage Vyaasa extremely happy. Of course, a mistake was done, but it was immediately corrected and rectified by Arjuna. This makes Sage Vyaasa provide all his “Anugraha” upon Arjuna.
Now, the onus is on Ashwatthama. While the “Brahma-Asthram” is neutralized and taken back by Arjuna, the “Brahma-Shiras” is still floating in the air! Now Sage Vyaasa trains his guns on Ashwatthama thus, “Oh Ashwatthama! What are you waiting for now? Arjuna has gotten back his “Brahma-Asthram”. Now it’s your turn to take back the “Brahma-Shiras”! Do it immediately without any further delay!” As Sage Vyaasa says thus, this is when Ashwatthama starts shaking with fear – Perhaps for the first time in his life! Ashwatthama replies back to Sage Vyaasa with folded hands thus, “Oh Sage Vyaasa! When I learnt this “Asthram” from my father, I only learnt how to employ it! However, I did not learn how to take it back! My father did not teach me that technique of repealing the “Asthram” back! Hence, I cannot do anything! Once the “Asthram” is employed, it is employed forever, and there’s no way through which this can be done!”
As Ashwatthama says thus, this comes as a thunder to Sage Vyaasa’s ears! Upon hearing Ashwatthama’s words, Sage Vyaasa gets immensely angry! His anger and fury knows no bounds! At a time of life vs. death, Ashwatthama gives such an irresponsible answer! Sage Vyaasa fumes at Ashwatthama and says thus, “Oh rogue Ashwatthama! Till now I was thinking that you’re the son of Guru Dhronachaarya, and he would have trained you to become a great “Kshatrya” warrior! However, today I’ve realized that you’re nowhere close to being a great warrior! You’re a big coward and an egoistic person! How dare you say that you do not know how to repeal the “Asthram” back? If you did not know to repeal it, why on earth did you employ it? Isn’t it a gross “Adharma” that you’ve done to the entire world? Now how on earth is this “Asthram” going to be repealed? Don’t you have even an iota of shame left in you? Aren’t you feeling disgusted in telling such an excuse and trying to get away? Oh Ashwatthama! Because you’ve employed an “Asthram” and you’re not able to take it back, from this minute onwards, you’ve lost all qualifications to be a “Kshatrya” warrior! A good warrior should know both the techniques – Employing and repealing the “Asthram”. Only then he becomes eligible to use it. Now you’ve failed this eligibility test and let me declare here – Arjuna and Co. have won this Kurukshetra battle! You’ve miserably failed! Now, as a token of accepting your failure, take out that bell which is hanging from your forehead and give it to Arjuna! If you accept your failure now, I shall ensure that this “Asthram” doesn’t harm anyone!”
Saying thus, Sage Vyaasa angrily looks at Ashwatthama, and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall continue in the next episode to witness what Ashwatthama is going to do next! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 