Lakshman Rao U
Duryodhana, determined to inflame the mind of his blind father, began to pour his words like poison into an open wound. The spoke of the Rajasuya sacrifice, whose concluding rite—the sacred Avabhrutha ablution—had drawn the foremost of seers: the venerable Dhaumya, the mighty Vyasa, the divine Narada, Brahmarshis and Rajarshis, all chanting hymns that filled…
In those days, Duryodhana withdrew from all company, shunning both counsel and converse. This silence troubled the wily Śakuni, who seated himself close beside the prince and addressed him in tones of studied affection: “O King of Hastināpura, why these many days of wordless gloom? Why does your brow burn like the parched earth before…
Sisupala, deaf to the earnest counsel of Bhishma and unmoved by the warning glance of Bhima, strode forward to confront Sri Krishna. In swelling pride, he cried, “O Kesava! Thou art unworthy of reverence. By the false spirit of friendship, this aged grandsire of the Kurus hath invoked thy worship. The Pandavas, blinded by folly,…
A hush fell upon the sacred court, heavy with a tension that seemed to quiver in the very air. Suneedha, chief of the Chedi armies, trembled with rage; his teeth gnashed, and his sword flashed as he made a savage sign, urging the vassal lords of Śiśupāla to one side. With the slightest nod from…
The sage Nārada, beholding the splendour of the Rājasūya and the flawless virtues of Dharmarāja, rejoiced in silent wonder. He watched the gathered kings and vassal lords, and among them beheld Kṛṣṇa moving with the ease of a simple man. Yet Nārada’s heart dwelt upon the ancient prayer of Brahmā and the gods, and he…
In the radiant court of Indraprastha, the venerable sage Dhoumya, his heart brimming with delight at the peerless achievements and transcendent virtues of the Pandava princes, turned to Dharmaraja with words of benediction. “O scion of the Kuru race,” he said, “your rule, founded upon spotless conduct and abundant virtues, has bestowed true wealth and…
Sahadeva set forth upon his southern march with the calm confidence of a prince destined to triumph. First, he subdued Sumithra, Surasena, Danthavaktra, and the Yavana chiefs, then the lords of Gosrungagiri and Kunthibhoja, who bowed before him in homage to the Pandava name. Thereafter, he challenged Jambhaka, son of Bhuribala and foe to Sri…
The mighty son of Vayu laid the lifeless form of Jarāsandha at the very gate of the palace, that the long-oppressed might behold with their own eyes the proof of their deliverance and cast off the last remnant of fear. Thus did Bhīma act, even as once before when the ogre Bakāsura fell beneath his…
Sri Krishna, in his quiet mastery, revealed that Jarasandha could never be overcome by weapons. Only in the trial of wrestling could his strength be broken, and for that task, none was equal to the son of the wind, mighty Bhīma Sena. “Let us waste no time,” said Krishna, “for with courage, moral force, and…
Śrī Kṛṣṇa, eager to rouse Dharmarāja to high endeavour, spoke with calm authority. “It is meet that you undertake the destruction of Jarāsandha and thereafter perform the Rājasūya, that most arduous rite beyond mortal reach. In ages past, Bhagiratha, by the strong shield of his people’s will; Yavanasva, through alert and disciplined methods; Bharata, by…
