Episode # 1224 – Bhagawan Krishna doses down Sage Vyaasa’s anger!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of a very important phase in the Mahabharata text wherein Sage Vyaasa is stepping up his aggression against both Arjuna and Ashwatthama, who have employed the “Brahma-Asthram” and the “Brahma-Shiras” respectively against each other! Both are extremely lethal “Asthrams” which have the capability to destroy the entire world in a flash! With Sage Vyaasa’s timely intervention, Arjuna takes back the “Brahma-Asthram”, however, Ashwatthama is unable to do so – Primarily because he doesn’t know how to take it back! He had learnt from Guru Dhronachaarya as to how to employ it, but he hasn’t learnt how to take it back! This infuriates Sage Vyaasa even more and declares that the winner of the Kurukshetra war is officially Arjuna and Co. and not Ashwatthama or anybody else! Moreover, Sage Vyaasa wants Ashwatthama to accept defeat by removing the bell that is hanging from his forehead. 

Moving on further, while Sage Vyaasa is angrily looking at Ashwatthama, the entire world is stunned! Till this point, none of them have seen this “Roopam” (Form) of Sage Vyaasa. Ashwatthama is also trembling with fear! He has been clearly cornered here! Unable to understand what to do now, Ashwatthama says to Sage Vyaasa thus, “Oh great Sage! I understand your words completely and I accept my mistake! However, once this “Asthram” is released from the bow, it has to destroy someone for sure. You’re saying that the Pandava brothers should be untouched. I had employed this to kill Arjuna. However, given your words, the next target of this “Asthram” would be someone who is of the next generation of the Pandavas. Now Abhimanyu is not there, the next target would be Utthara’s womb, wherein the child of their next generation is growing! Subsequently, this “Asthram” is not going to stop there. It is also going to destroy all the subsequent generations of the Pandava brothers!” 

These words from Ashwatthama stun everybody around! Yudishtra doesn’t know how to react, and so does Arjuna as well! Sage Vyaasa gets even more angry upon listening to Ashwatthama’s words! A fierce argument commences between the two of them. Sage Vyaasa replies thus, “Oh Ashwatthama! You’re the worst traitor the world has ever witnessed! Just because your agenda is not fulfilled, your rivalry doesn’t stop with Arjuna and Co. Rather, the intention that you will destroy all the subsequent generations of the Pandavas shows how mean a person you are! It shows how narrow-minded you are as an individual! Yes, at any cost, the Pandava brothers have to be saved and there’s no second thought on that! However, if this “Asthram” has to destroy subsequent generations, who will rule the Hastinapura kingdom after Yudishtra? The kingdom cannot go rulerless just because of your mean attitude! I will never allow this to happen! Oh Ashwatthama! Let me tell you one thing – You’re going to go down in history as the worst and the most cowardly warriors ever! Now even after me telling you to remove the bell from your forehead, you’re still having it! This shows your extreme arrogance! Even after conceding the loss, if you have the audacity to have the bell in your forehead, I have no other option but to inflict something heavy upon you! Till this point I’m resisting myself from this, but my patience is running out!” 

As Sage Vyaasa gets extremely angry and takes out his “Kamandalam”, Bhagawan Krishna intervenes very quickly! Till this point, Bhagawan Krishna has been standing on the sidelines and has been a mute spectator of what is going on! However, Bhagawan Krishna has understood that the time has come for His divine intervention yet again for two reasons – Firstly to curtail the anger of a great Sage, and secondly, Yudishtra’s next generation should be protected! There is no compromise on both. However at this moment, more than the second reason, the first reason takes centrestage! If Sage Vyaasa gets angry beyond a point, it is going to be extremely detrimental for the entire world and this has to be curtailed at any cost! Bhagawan Krishna says to Sage Vyaasa thus, “Oh great Sage Vyaasa! Till now you’ve done your duty to protect the world from the dangerous “Asthrams”. Now leave it to me for the divine intervention to take place! I’ve been watching all this from the sidelines, and the time has come wherein I’ll take over the proceedings! From now, whatever happens will be according to the divine “Sankalpa” of the divine power in the world!” 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode we shall witness what is Bhagawan Krishna going to unleash! Stay tuned for an important and interesting set of events that are going to unfold! 

Episode # 1223 – “Arjuna & Co. have won this Kurukshetra battle today!” – Sage Vyasa slams Ashwatthama & declares!!!

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! 

Episode # 1222 – Sage Vyasa intervenes & stops both the “Asthrams” from colliding!!!

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! 

Episode # 1221 – Ashwatthama releases the powerful & lethal “Brahma-Shiras” towards Arjuna!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a critical juncture wherein Bheemasena is already on the pursuit towards Ashwatthama, and Bhagawan Krishna along with others immediately set out to stop him from going towards Ashwatthama. Bhagawan Krishna has already explained why Bheemasena shouldn’t go after Ashwatthama at this moment, as Bheemasena will not be able to defend himself from the powerful “Brahma-Shiras” weapon. Ashwatthama will surely employ this weapon on Bheemasena, because he has no other weapon left with him. As Bheemasena advances further and further, he spots Ashwatthama who is hiding behind a few trees amidst the dense forest. As Ashwatthama spots Bheemasena advancing quickly towards him, he has no other option but to run for his life. He knows that Bheemasena can quickly get on to him in a flash and everything will be over within minutes! 

Thus, as Ashwatthama runs for his life, Bheemasena shouts from behind – “Oh Ashwatthama! Do not run like a coward! If you have the guts, face me in a one-on-one battle and prove your mettle! Instead of facing me, you’ve performed a cowardly act of killing all my people. You’re going to be history today under my hands for sure!” Shouting on top of his voice thus, Bheemasena gives a fitting chase towards Ashwatthama, who is still on the run. Meanwhile, Bhagawan Krishna and the others reach Bheemasena’s vicinity somehow and try to stop him from advancing towards Ashwatthama. Bhagawan Krishna screams to Bheemasena to stop, however, Bheemasena is not going to listen to any of this at the moment! 

As Ashwatthama is on the run, he immediately remembers that he has the “Brahma-Shiras” weapon with him to employ. He quickly stops near a grass field, takes a “Dharba” (Grass leaf) in his hand and starts chanting the “Mantra” behind the powerful and lethal “Brahma-Shiras” weapon. As he releases the “Brahma-Shiras”, it starts emulating plumes of smoke and starts its journey towards Arjuna and the Pandava brothers! As Ashwatthama does so, everybody is stunned to bits! Nobody knows what to do and how to counter this! If the “Brahma-Shiras” weapon hits Arjuna or anyone in the camp, it is assured that all of them will die! In fact, the “Brahma-Shiras” is such a powerful weapon that it can destroy the entire world. Just like how in today’s context, we say that nuclear weapons have the potential to destroy the entire world, Ashwatthama’s “Brahma-Shiras” is like the nuclear weapon here. He had reserved it till the last, and when he is the only one surviving and when his life is in danger, Ashwatthama finally presses the button of the “Brahma-Shiras”. 

Unable to understand what to do, Arjuna looks at Bhagawan Krishna’s face cluelessly. Meanwhile, Sage Narada and Sage Vyasa who are having a look at what is unfolding, become worried as well. Sage Vyasa tells Sage Narada thus, “Oh Sage! Look at the foolish thing that Ashwatthama has done! Just because he has a rivalry with Arjuna and the Pandava brothers, he has gone to the extent of destroying the entire world for it! Isn’t this the peak of “Adharma” and selfishness?” As this conversation goes on, the onus is now on Bhagawan Krishna to somehow stop this mass destruction. Time is running out very quickly! Now, Bhagawan Krishna immediately turns towards Arjuna and says thus, “Oh Arjuna! Immediately chant the “Mantra” of the “Brahma-Asthram” and release another “Dharba” towards the “Brahma-Shiras”. I don’t think there’s any other “Pratya-Asthram” (Counter weapon) to neutralize this “Brahma-Shiras”! The only way to stop this “Brahma-Shiras” is the “Brahma-Asthram”! So Arjuna! Please do the needful immediately to prevent a huge disaster! If you’re not doing this now, all of you will die on the spot!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna instructs thus, Arjuna immediately gets ready and starts chanting the “Brahma-Asthram” “Mantra”. So for today, let us understand up to this point. Can the “Brahma-Asthram” stop the incoming lethal “Brahma-Shiras”? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1220 – Arjuna & Bhagawan Krishna try to stop Bheemasena!!!

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! 

Episode # 1219 – “Ashwatthama is not an easy enemy to handle!” – Bhagawan Krishna warns!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bheemasena getting fired up after Draupati’s fresh salvo against Yudishtra and Bhagawan Krishna. Upon seeing her sons dead in front of her, Draupati couldn’t hold herself back. She vents all her frustration towards Yudishtra and Bhagawan Krishna by saying that, in the name of “Dharma”, all of them are inactive. In return, instead of getting fired up, Yudishtra once again resorts to calming her down by saying that if people are dying, it is due to their “Karma”, and their purpose in this world is fulfilled. As Yudishtra talks about all these “Vedantic” philosophies, Draupati is in no position to listen to such narratives. She demands immediate action wherein Ashwatthama should be killed, and his small bell hanging on top of his “Kireetam” should be brought in front of her as an evidence of Ashwatthama being killed! Unable to bear the pain of losing her children, Draupati cries out loud in front of everyone, which flares up Bheemasena! He immediately calls his charioteer and sets off on his horse with all possible weapons that he could muster! Upon seeing Bheemasena getting charged up, Bhagawan Krishna gets worried. He explains to Arjuna and the others that Ashwatthama is not an easy enemy to handle and Bheemasena doesn’t have it in him to win over Ashwatthama! 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna narrates His own experience with Ashwatthama in the past and how He Himself had to suffer in Ashwatthama’s dreaded hands! There is a powerful and lethal weapon called “Brahma-Shiras”. Out of extreme love and affection towards Arjuna, Guru Dhronachaarya teaches the “Mantras” relevant to this “Brahma-Shiras” weapon secretly to Arjuna. As Guru Dhronachaarya does so, Ashwatthama finds this out secretly by hiding himself somewhere behind the walls to understand that such a thing is happening! After that day’s classes were over, Ashwatthama rushed towards his father, Guru Dhronachaarya. He asks thus, “Oh father! What stupid thing are you doing? You’re treating your disciple more closely than your own son! Why are you creating such a difference? In what way am I not deserving the “Mantras” of the “Brahma-Shiras”? Why aren’t you teaching it to me, and what makes you bypass me and teach it to Arjuna secretly?” For this, Guru Dhronachaarya replied back thus, “Oh my son Ashwatthama! I understand your point. However, there are certain rules and regulations, along with some qualifications that are required to learn this “Brahma-Shiras”. It is not as easy as you think. I gave it to Arjuna because he is the most deserving person to have it. To obtain it, one should be a pure “Brahmachaari”, and he should have complete control over all his sense organs. Oh Ashwatthama! You are not up to the mark as yet, and hence, I cannot give this to you. Maybe in future if you’re living up to the required qualifications and expectations, I shall teach it to you!” 

As Guru Dhronachaarya replies thus, Ashwatthama was not satisfied! He replies back to his father with a lot of anger thus, “Oh father! Is this the duty that you are performing towards your son? You are partial towards your own son! How does this even account to being a good father or a good teacher?” As Ashwatthama is adamant and is trying to corner Guru Dhronachaarya, options are running out! With a lot of reluctance and with a lot of fear of what kind of disaster is going to unfold in the future, Guru Dhronachaarya teaches Ashwatthama the “Mantras” pertaining to the powerful “Brahma-Shiras”. Hence, narrating this incident, Bhagawan Krishna warns that if Ashwatthama uses that “Brahma-Shiras” weapon, none of the Pandava brothers are going to be alive. We never know when Ashwatthama would use it. He can go to any extent to do anything! He doesn’t understand what “Yuddha-Neeti” is. Just because he has a weapon in hand, he will employ it as per his convenience and not as per the ‘Yuddha-Neeti”. 

Narrating this, Bhagawan Krishna continues further – “Oh Arjuna! Ashwatthama once came to me also. He wanted to somehow snatch my divine “Chakra-Aayudham” from me! He started threatening me that if I do not give him my “Chakra-Aayudham”, he would fire the “Brahma-Shiras” weapon and obtain it forcefully from me! Hence, Oh Draupati! O Arjuna! Ashwatthama is not an easy enemy to tackle as you think! We need to strategize before taking the attack into his own backyard! Now that Bheemasena has already gone in pursuit of Ashwatthama, I’m seriously worried whether he will come back alive or not!” Thus, Bhagawan Krishna expresses His concern and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall continue with this discussion further in the next episode! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1218 – Bheemasena goes after Ashwatthama swiftly!!!

In the previous episode, we’ve witnessed Yudishtra replying to a visibly shaken and frustrated Draupati. She has lost all her sons to Ashwatthama’s wrath, and is in deep desperation to seek revenge against this ghastly act. In a bid to calm her down, Yudishtra tries to explain how one needs to be patient and calm in these testing times. He says that going behind Ashwatthama merely to seek revenge is not “Dharma” by any means. Moreover, if people die, it is the resultant of their own “Karma” and fulfilment of the purpose of their lives. In the case of Drishtadhyumna, it is very clear that he took birth in this world with the sole purpose of killing Guru Dhronachaarya. Once this purpose is achieved, there’s no point in Drishtadhyumna living in this world. Same is the case with Shikhandi as well, with regards to Bhishmachaarya. Thus, the causes of death in this world are “Karma” that a person accumulates over time, and also the fulfilment of one’s purpose of life in this world. Also, Yudishtra says that after Ashwatthama has performed this heinous crime, he along with the two others have disappeared swiftly into the nearby woods. It is difficult to go in search of them at the moment. 

With all these narratives, Yudishtra tries to calm Draupati down. But will this work this time around? Draupati replies back thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I’ve been listening to all your stories for almost two decades now. All these are not the characteristics of a brave “Kshatrya” warrior. If someone attacks us, we should counterattack. As far as I know, this is the “Kshatrya-Dharma”. It is not appropriate for a “Kshatrya” warrior to keep talking of “Dharma” and “Adharma” every time, followed by gross inaction!” Saying thus, Draupati once again recalls all what Yudishtra had done in the earlier times. Draupati continues thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Oh Bhagawan Krishna! This is the same narrative that you had given me thirteen years ago when I was molested and insulted in the centre of the courtroom by Duryodhana and Co. Had Duryodhana been killed on that day itself, all these wouldn’t have happened today! It is only because of Yudishtra’s and your gross inaction, we’re facing this wrath today! Hence, I want you to go after Ashwatthama, no matter what! I want you to kill him!”

Saying thus, Draupati doesn’t have the trust on Yudishtra that he would kill Ashwatthama even after she has said several things now. She continues to tell Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I have my own doubts on you – As per your “Dharma”, you will come back and tell me that one should not kill the son of his “Guru” and this is “Gross Adharma”. You may even lie to me that you’ve killed Ashwatthama, but in reality, you might not have! You can go to any extent, in the name of “Dharma”. Hence, I want you to do this for me – You’ve to kill Ashwatthama and bring the small bell that is always tied to his forehead. Only if you bring this bell to me, I will believe that you’ve killed Ashwatthama! Now do not stand in front of me even for a single minute and waste time! Go for the kill and come back with the bell!” 

It is to be noted here that Ashwatthama had a small bell (A bead-like object) tied to his “Kireetam” (Cap) and this bell will hang in front of his forehead at all times. Ashwatthama wears this since the day he was born. This is the ornament that Draupati is referring to here. So, Draupati wants evidence of this particular bell as a token of killing Ashwatthama. As Draupati fumes in anger thus, Bheemasena could not resist his urge to go after Ashwatthama. He immediately calls for his charioteer and his horse, quickly gets on to it, and without talking a word to anybody, sets off in pursuit of Ashwatthama! Upon seeing this, Draupati on one hand is quite happy and satisfied – Atleast one of her husbands is ready to obey her words and go after Ashwatthama, even as the others are reluctant! However, on the other hand, Bhagawan Krishna has a worried look on His face. He looks at Arjuna and says thus, “Oh Arjuna! I think Bheemasena is hurrying here! Just because Draupati has said these enticing words, Bheemasena has fallen into a trap! Bheemasena doesn’t know who Ashwatthama really is. Ashwatthama is such a ferocious person that he can go to any extent to accomplish anything! He is not a good person by heart, and he doesn’t follow any rules anywhere! If Bheemasena goes in front of him, I’m sure Ashwatthama will take over him. Chances are very high that Bheemasena might even be killed by him in a very unethical way!”

Saying this to Arjuna, Bhagawan Krishna thinks of a way to stop Bheemasena’s pursuit. Meanwhile, He also narrates His personal incident in the past with Ashwatthama to prove His point. So what did Bhagawan Krishna experience with Ashwatthama? This is a small story, which we shall witness in the next episode! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1217 – “We’ve to stand by ‘Dharma’ even in crunch situations!” – Yudishtra consoles Draupati!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra and Co. mourning over the demise of their near and dear ones. Draupati comes into the scene and bursts out crying. As a mother, she is unable to see her sons dead in front of her! Training her guns towards Yudishtra and Bhagawan Krishna, Draupati vents her frustration. She asks Yudishtra whether he is once again going to keep quiet without any action on Ashwatthama for his heinous crime, or, is he going to live up to his “Kshatrya” expectation and fight. She questions Yudishtra’s silence at crucial times like this, and recalls how he was silent for almost thirteen years against Duryodhana, when the entire Hastinapura courtroom insulted her. 

As Draupati vents out thus, Yudishtra replies back to her with a lot of calmness. He seems unperturbed, neither by the demise of his sons, nor by his wife’s fuming! This is something that leaders should learn from Yudishtra – No matter whatever happens, the first and foremost quality of a leader is that he / she should keep himself / herself calm and composed. If the leader gets tensed, he / she would end up taking wrong decisions and as a result, more and more disasters would unfold. Yudishtra replies to Draupati thus, “Oh my dear Draupati! Please calm down! I understand your frustration very clearly. I’m feeling the same grief as you. However, we’ve to act according to what “Dharma” says. Oh Draupati! You know “Dharma” more than me, don’t you? If our sons, Drishtadhyumna and Shikhandi have lost their lives, please understand that their time of death has come. Of course, not everybody in this world meets death the same way as we desired. There might be times wherein death can come knocking at our doorstep through several means. For these people, death has knocked doors through the form of Ashwatthama. Oh Panchali! It is their respective “Karma” that plays a role here too. For instance, your brother Drishtadhyumna was born from the “Homa-Kundam” (Sacrificial fire) along with you – Both of you have a definitive purpose to fulfill in this world. Drishtadhyumna’s main purpose in this world is to kill Guru Dhronachaarya, and that purpose has been fulfilled. Hence, Drishtadhyumna doesn’t have any further work left in this world. Similarly, Shikhandi also had the sole agenda to kill Bhishmachaarya, and that also has been fulfilled. Thus, if you see for each and every individual, once their purpose of living in this world is fulfilled, death will definitely come knocking at the doorstep and we will not be able to avoid it!” 

Saying thus, Yudishtra continues further – “Oh Draupati! Please think for a moment – Ashwatthama, Sage Kripachaarya and Krita-Varma have somehow escaped from here and made their way into the deep woods. Now, how will we go and search them? They’ve disappeared completely! Only if they come back into the scene at some point, we will be able to fight against them. Just because Ashwatthama did such a cowardly act, do you want me also to do the same, just to seek vengeance? This is not how “Dharma” works!” 

From whatever Yudishtra replies to Draupati here, we can see how Yudishtra stands firmly on the path of “Dharma”, even while he faces the most acute challenge of his life! This is the clarity of thought that all of us as leaders in our own spheres should have. No matter whatever happens around us, we should never lose our focus towards “Dharma”, and who other than Yudishtra can be a prime example for this? So for today, let us understand and ponder over Yudishtra’s golden words of reply, and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further to see whether Draupati was convinced with Yudishtra’s reply or not! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1216 – Draupati slams Yudishtra & Bhagawan Krishna for their gross “inaction”!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra in utter shock and dismay, as several frontline warriors were brutally murdered by Ashwatthama overnight. Yudishtra initially faints and falls on the ground upon hearing the news from Drishtadhyumna’s charioteer, as Bheemasena and Arjuna wake him up by splashing water on his face. Getting back into his senses again, Yudishtra laments his lapse of concentration and focus after the war has ended on the eighteenth day. At a time when Yudishtra and Co. thought that everything was over with Duryodhana’s demise, things went awry and this disaster wasn’t expected to happen, and that too within a fraction of minutes! Now those who remain on the Pandava side are the five Pandava brothers, Satyaki and Bhagawan Krishna Himself! Everyone has been killed, and the damage is irreparable! As Yudishtra understands this, he turns to Bhagawan Krishna and asks Him whether this was the end result that He was expecting out of this war! 

As this happens, Bhagawan Krishna signals to Arjuna to bring Draupati to the scene, to inform her of what has happened. Till now, only these people are talking and Draupati is somewhere away from this spot. She still doesn’t know that such a disaster has unfolded. Upon Bhagawan Krishna’s signal through His eyes, Arjuna slowly limps forward with swollen eyes and obeys Bhagawan’s words. He goes and brings Draupati to the tent where all the bodies of people are kept. Upon entering the tent, Draupati initially did not understand anything! Bheemasena quickly explains whatever has happened and how Ashwatthama had unleashed horror the previous night! As Bheemasena says this, Draupati sees her sons (Upa-Pandavas) dead on the ground! Unable to bear the pain of losing her sons, Draupati shouts aloud and cries profusely! She is shell-shocked! She falls on the ground, hugs her sons’ bodies and cries aloud! 

Composing herself after a while, she turns towards Bheemasena and Bhagawan Krishna and says thus, “Oh Bheemasena! I understand that Ashwatthama has unleashed this cowardly act of killing all my sons at a stretch when they were fast asleep, for no fault of theirs! Now what is your elder brother Yudishtra going to do? Oh Bhagawan Krishna! What are you going to do now? Are you people going to take any action on Ashwatthama and kill him for what he has done, or, are you still going to talk about “Dharma”, “Peace”, “Patience”, “Perseverance”, “Yuddha-Neeti”, etc. and sit quietly in the corner of this room? Oh Bhagawan Krishna! I vented my frustration earlier when Yudishtra lost the gambling game and deserted me in front of Duryodhana and Co. on that fateful day. When I told Yudishtra that he has to kill Duryodhana and Co. on that spot itself, he never acted! Now see what has happened! If Yudishtra would have killed Duryodhana then and there, all these disasters wouldn’t have unfolded! Oh Yudishtra! You are a “Kshatrya warrior”! Your job is to go and fight! Your “Dharma” is killing enemies and not sitting in a corner and giving sermons! Atleast now, are you going to change your stance, or are you going to continue talking all your “Dharma” logics to me?” 

As Paanchaali asks thus, Yudishtra replies calmly – “Oh Draupati! I understand your frustration and pain! Please be patient! Ashwatthama has committed a heinous crime and I’m aware of it. However, if you ask me to go and kill him immediately, where will I go and search him? All three of them – Ashwatthama, Sage Kripachaarya and Krita-Varma have swiftly disappeared into the forest, immediately after their pursuit was over! Now where will we go and find them? Even if we find them, what is the use of going after them now? The disaster has happened and nobody can change that now!” Saying thus, Yudishtra tries to console Draupati, who is still crying over the loss of her dear sons. So after listening to Yudishtra’s answer, what is Draupati’s reply going to be? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1215 – “A leader’s biggest blunder is lapse in concentration & focus!” – Yudishtra laments!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the official end to the Kurukshetra war, wherein Sanjaya has lost his divine vision, gifted by Sage Vyaasa. This marks the conclusion of the war and on the other hand, Ashwatthama and Co. leave Duryodhana alone and proceed towards the banks of River Bhaageerati. Meanwhile, as Ashwatthama leaves, Duryodhana breathes his last. Now, the charioteer of Drishtadhyumna goes running to see Yudishtra and convey what has happened the previous night. As the next day commences, Yudishtra gets the breaking news that several warriors like Drishtadhyumna, Shikhandi, etc. were murdered brutally by Ashwatthama the previous night in a cold-blooded and cowardly fashion when all of them were fast asleep. Upon hearing this, Yudishtra could not bear the shock! He faints on his chair itself, unable to speak a single word! Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna are also present along with Yudishtra as the charioteer comes and breaks this news. All of them are stunned beyond words! 

Composing himself after a few minutes, Yudishtra says thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! This is why I was repeatedly asking you right from the beginning – Should we fight this war at all in the first place? You said “Yes”, and I obeyed your words. Now see where this has led us to! I never expected such a disaster to happen! Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Oh Arjuna! A man’s biggest weakness is lapse in concentration and focus. It is only because of this we’ve lost all these people to Ashwatthama’s cowardly act!” Now let us break this conversation between Yudishtra and Bhagawan Krishna for a minute and analyze this important point that Yudishtra is making here – A person’s most important point at which he / she encounters failure is lapse in concentration. How is this applicable here? Yudishtra feels that he should have predicted Ashwatthama’s moves in advance. Ashwatthama is roaming around here and there in deep anger and frustration. An able king / warrior should be able to predict that the enemy who is frustrated, will seek revenge in some form or the other. Hence, by saying that he failed because of lapse in concentration, Yudishtra opines here that he should have kept a vigil over Ashwatthama’s movements, knowing for a fact that he is still alive, simmering with anger, and given his past track record that he would go to any extent to kill his enemy. Thus, this is an utter lapse in concentration and focus and Yudishtra had to pay a heavy price for it! 

Now, how is this applicable to our daily lives and also in the professional space? One of the most important qualities of a leader is to stay focused at all times. When we say “focus”, it should be towards the ultimate end-goal. In cultural studies, we refer to this as “short-term” vs. “long-term” orientation. In today’s scenario, many of us, including corporate organizations, are mostly driven by short-term goals, rather than long-term ones. Of course, I’m not saying that short-term goals aren’t important. Yes they are – But to what extent? Can we compromise our long-term goal in the pursuit of the short-term ones? This is where we lose focus and concentration. If we get carried away by the short-term goals only and for short-term profits, we are directly compromising on the long-term sustainability of the organization. This is exactly where Yudishtra also lost the plot here. He thought that the eighteen-day war was over and was rejoicing happily with his brothers! Just because Duryodhana has been killed, Yudishtra came to a short-term conclusion that the war has concluded. However, little did Yudishtra anticipate that still three of them were alive, and amongst the three, only if Ashwatthama was chased away (Ashwatthama is a “Chiranjeevi” & death could not near him) from here permanently, the war will come to a close! This is the long-term orientation which Yudishtra lacked, and hence, we’ve seen how the leader had to pay a heavy price of losing his people to the wrath of the enemy! 

This could happen in organizations as well – If we lose our focus even for a moment, the competitor can stamp on us and overtake us with ease! Hence, if the business has to sustain, long-term orientation along with constant focus and vigil are extremely important. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall take this discussion forward to see how Yudishtra continued to react to Ashwatthama’s cowardly act! Stay tuned!