The Chariot Of Dharma Last round page 6 IF- NC- Winner - Page 4

The Gita continued from the lord himself to his alter ego.his soulmate Arjun...and it even had the never happened before occurance..the universal form of the almighty ..and enlightened Arjun about the different manifestations of him..

Krishna touched various aspects of the reality of creation,the real knowledge..and many more.

He stressed that soul will stay intact..it won't have any kind of destruction...Arjun listened and  understood..but still 

The knowledge that Krishna imparted on that day ..which is the ultimate ...suppressed under the layers of Arjun's mind...did it work positively towards enabling him to follow his dharma as a warrior completely?

The question can be answered only by following and tracking Arjuna..and his actions,apprehensions and inhibitions..

Whatever Krishna told ..definitely surfaced .and guided him further...no doubt about it..

A journey with Arjun towards awakening..

Panchali..in her camp shibir..could not help but reminisce the past incident connected with Arjun's amazing bond with Bhishm who arrived at Indraprastha far before the commencement of Rajasuya.

Arjun's other wives Ulupi,Chitra also came there to participate in the celebrations and sacrifice. Subhadra was already there with her child Abhimanyu..All Of them wondered what happened to Arjun as he is missing since two days. They even visited Draupadi's chamber to know his whereabouts but the queen was equally ignorant about Arjun...

Late at night after dinner Draupadi walked towards Bhishma's rest house ,a little away from royal palace.

Panchali extended her hand to Arjun who was shocked to see her there. He took the aushadhi from her hand and asked.' Krishnaa you should have sent them through Malini. Why did you come here? Pitamah is suffering from severe cold. Sahadev's aushadhi will do good for sure."

Panchali stared at both the grandson and grandfather. Arjun is sitting by his side and Bhishma looked quite comfortable having him there.

Bheeshm opened his eyes and scolded Arjun. ' Now go with her and take rest.Anyway I will sleep now."

Arjun refused outright.' No Pitamah. I have to massage your head. I will escort her and comeback."

Bheeshm desparately complained.' Arjun is too stubborn.You must have realised by now."

Panchali smiled and replied.' Yes Pitamah. I realised."

Arjun sideglanced her with smiling eyes. As they walked out together Bheeshm could not help but bless them in his heart.'

" Arjun observed her silence and asked. ' What happened? Why did you come all the way? Missed me already?"Panchali seriously turned to him and said.' Yes. All your wives missed you.You should have sent message that you are with Pitamah.They thought that you are with me and visited my chamber."

Arjun could not believe his ears.Then suddenly he threw his head back and laughed heartfully.' Finally they must have realised how besotted I am with you."

Panchali walked fast indicating her annoyance.Arjun caught up with her and held her waist.' Forgive me. I should have informed them that I am with Pitamah.Tomortow I will send messages to them.I promise. They won't trouble you again. Pitamah is not well. I couldn't think of anything else...

Panchali pulled herself from the past..

She shivered remembering Arjun's unshaken devotion and love towards his Pitamah.

Arjun who forgot his wives,Arjun who forgot his children,such Arjun will lift his Gandiv against him? Will he show his prowess before his dearest Pitamah?.. 

Chapter 7

Krishna continued his speech that elaborated the nature of the soul and body.

.Jatasya Hi Dhruvo Mrityuh Dhruvam Janma Mritasya Cha ...

The one who takes birth has to meet his death. And the one who dies takes birth again.itis inevitable.Hence know it Parth. To fight as a Kshatriya is the best way for you.Nodoubt about that.If you don't fight you will incur sin and ill fame.And you know I'll fame is equal to death.Hato Va Prapyasi Swargam...If you die in war you will go to heaven. If you win you will get back your kingdom.Now get up and be ready to fight.Dont think about Victory and defeat. Just fight with a cool mind.

Till now I instructed Sandhya yoga that tells about the soul.

Arjun listened carefully..with utmost dedication..but was he able to overcome his feelings for his Pitamah?

The third day battle proved otherwise..

The Third Day

On Arjun's instruction Dhrisht Dyumn formed crescent moon formation,the Artha Chandra Vyuha.Bheema stood at the right edge.

Then Virat and Drupad . In the middle stood Yudhishtir with Sikhandi and Dhrisht.

Then Satyaki,Abhimanyu and Draupadi's sons filled up.

At the left edge stationed Arjun with his Gandiv.Arjun started destroying the Kaurava army exhibiting his unparalleled prowess.

Satyaki, Abhi ,and upapandavas attacked Sakuni.A fierce battle happened between Duryothan and Bheem.Within a short while Duryotthan swooned in his chariot.Abhi defeated Sakuni and made him run away.

Arjun appeared as if he is playing a game, Whoever came across they were thrown off their feet by Savyasachi who troubled the Kauravas by shooting with both his hands.

Duryothan got angry and blamed Dron and Bhishm with harsh words Pitamah! Are you fighting on my side? He questioned directly.

.Bheeshm got angry and proceeded to wipe off Pandava army.

He appeared as if he only is fighting every where.His skill in archery made every one wonder of his. Accuracy and power.He looked like Siva at the time of Pralaya.

Krishna bit his lips and addressed Arjun.' Parth why are you overlooking your Pitamah? Now fight with full heart."

As Krishna raced his chariot towards Bheeshm, Arjun pierced the bow string of Bhishm..who took another one but that was also broken by Arjun in a split second.

Bheeshm smiled at Arjun with applause in his eyes.Bheeshm again continued his fight and wounded both Arjun and Krishn.Observing Arjun's passive attitude Krishna got angry and jumped down from the chariot.

He took a chariot wheel in his hand and shouted.' I am wielding my weapon despite my oath that I won't fight. Today I will kill Santanav and others and bestow the kingdom on Pandavas."

Every one stood spell bound seeing his ferocious form .

Bheeshm folded his hands and prayed.' O lotus eyed Lord! O Krishna with shining yellow garment,Iwelcome you Lord please liberate me from this bondage. Grace me Prabhu."

Arjun jumped down from the chariot and ran . He sprinted forward yelling "Madhav Please stop.

Krishna still raced ahead with firmness and Arjun managed to hold his shoulder tightly, but Krishna dragged Arjun along with him .

Finally Arjun stopped him with his full might and clasped his feet.Krishna fired at him.' Parth you won't harm your Pitamah. Let me do this for your sake."

Arjun pleaded with him.' How can I incur sin by forcing you break your vow? Give me another chance, I will tackle Pitamah.Arjun promised.

Krishna chided him.' You will tackle. But you won't kill him. Is that so? What is the use?"

Arjun's face turned pale. He confessed. ' As you wish I will do. But leave the weapon."

As both of them ascended the chariot every one sighed with relief.

Krishna drove the chariot with force and Arjun attacked the Kaurava army and Bheeshm keeping aside his apprehensions.

Bheeshm hurled a Sakti arrow at Arjun but Arjun pulled the string of Gandiv to his ear and shot his Astr that made the earth tremble.Gandiv thrummed with menace.

An arch of fire blazed across the sky and fell on the Kaurava army . Bheeshm's chariot halted.

His charioteer swooned. The horses ran wilfly.Asthe Astra caused devastating effect thousands of Kaurava soldiers with their elephants and horses lost their lives.

The river of blood started flowing in Kaurava side. Drona,Salya and others stood stupefied. The day came to an end with Pandavas prevailing over the Kauravas.

Devdutt and Panchajanya together blew victorious notes that made Pandava army dance but Kaurava army shiver.

And the Astra released by Arjun on that day became the topic of discussion. It was Aindrastr.

The Astra of Indra given to him by his father.

.In the night Panchali stepped into his tent and gazed deeply into the most charming face that bowled her over ever since she saw him walk towards the bow at her Swayamvar.What would she love more? His valour or his beauty? Or his sensitivity? She can't tell.

Arjuna stood dumbfounded,overwhelmed with grief..that was the eighth day of war and he lost his Eldest son Iravan,the son of Ulupi..He was shaken up..shattered...but still he continued his fight with his opponents. He tried to get control over his emotions..remembering Krishna's instruction...of Karma..action..Karmayoga.

Krishna's voice his Devine aura...Parth reminded the moment again.

Karma Yoga.Traigunya Vishaya Veda.

.Vedas describe the three gunas.You should be beyond those three and the dualities of life.

You have the right to do your duty but you can not dictate the result..

And you are not the reason for the end result.

!the same time you should not desist from your duty thinking of the result

.Karmanyevadhikaraste MA Phaleshu Kadachana ..

He Dhananjay !leave your apprehensions and take resort to Bhakti Bhava

.Sages and Yogis practice this and liberate themselves from the sufferings of the materialistic world

.Then they will get out of the cycle of birth and death.You should try and attain that state."

Arjun slowly and steadily applied his mind on Krishna's words.

He started having anxiety and curiosity to know more and more.

He asked.' Sthita Prajnasya Kaa Bhasha ? Samadhisthasya Kesava...Madhav, Such a person who achieves the state of liberation,how will he be? How will he speak? How will he behave?"

Parth the man who takes delight in soul,he is called The Stable minded and Knowledgable.

Veeta Raaga Bhaya Krodha.

..That person will not be overjoyed in happiness and too disturbed in troubles

.He will be devoid of fear,affection and anger.

He is called a sage.He will not be effected by the physicalities of the world.

Those who have senses under control and concentrate their heart in myself He is the Stable and knowledgable.

...But naturally man will get attracted to the objects of senses due to which he will be enveloped by passion due to which he is subjected to anger..

The Sunset dropped curtains down on the battle field..the chariot is racing towards the camp of Pandavas. Arjun could not help but remember Ulupi..and the night that broke his brahmacharya...and brought Iravan into this world...

Nagakanya Ulupi stared at the mesmerising form of heroic Phalgun. She wondered how could she behave so impulsively leaving her dignity and manners.

She heard from her friends that the third Pandav has camped at Gangadwar and he is breathtakingly handsome. By then the stories of his valour are widely populour in Naglok.

All her friends drooled over him and told her that spending the minutest moment in his company is worth their lives.

Ulupi got curious and finally had her eyes on him that evening. She could not believe her eyes.

The dark complexioned,curly haired hero with moon like face and great physique made her swoon and lose her control. She hugged him and with the help of her power of illusion, brought him to nagaok.

But how can she reveal her desire? Ulupi looked at him who is doing his unfinished evening Homa in the fire that existed there.

Arjun finished his Homa and found Ulupi in deliberation.

After daring to abduct a stranger who is an ascetic, why do you lack courage to explain the reason. I believe I deserve an answer .

Arjun's straight forward question hurt Ulupi a bit.

She gathered her courage and introduced herself. Arjun nodded his head and smiled at her.

Still I did'nt get my answer. He said looking at her sharply.

Ulupi thought he really has loads of attitude.

Who would'nt have when such great achievements , in such young age have been credited with his name?

Arjun glanced at her expression and understood. She is desperately besotted with him.

Ulupi opened up finally. Yes,Rajkumar Arjun, I abducted you with a desire to own you . I can not live with out you. Grace me with a son.

Arjun wondered. How can he fulfill her desire when practicing ascetism?

Ulupi understood his doubt. "I know you are leading ascetic life as you had broken a vow that is connected to Draupadi. But your vow is restricted to Draupadi only but not to any one else. I remind you again I can't live further if you refuse to accept me.

Arjun thought if his vow costs the life of Ulupi It will be his failure only even if he completes his pilgrimage.

Ulupi could not suppress her joy..And the night became the most memorable night of her lifetime.

. She informed her father Kauravya, the serpent king who took pride in having the greatest warrior of Aryavarth as his son in law.

He assured Arjun that Indraprasth would never have danger from snakes of any kind. Ulupi got a son by name Iravan,in sadyogarbh, as a boon for spending a beautiful night with Arjun.

Arjun got tears in his eyes...The war now started consuming his own people..first Uttar Kumar..now Iravan..

Krishna stood in the chariot ...they reached the destination..He took him close and whispered..Time to practice what I preached..

Nineth day

At Kurukshetra ended in triumph for Kauravas as Bhishma killed Pandava army like fire burns cotton. Arjun did not bother to check him and was mild in his counter attack.

He walked towards Hiranvati river in the darkness of night and lied down placing his hand on his eyes. He doesn't want to think about war happenings. He just wanted to reminisce Krishna's teaching that could help him pool up strength to face his Pitamah again..His sixth sense is indicating the forthcoming incident that may corner him,nail him but ultimately make him responsible for the drastic turn of War ...

Krishna continued.' Parth,Previously I instructed this Yoga Sastra to Surya Dev.Then it was given to Manu by SunGod.Manu instructed this to Ikshwaku.You are my friend and devotee. That is why I am instructing this ancient Sastra to you."

Arjun could not suppress his confusion. He immediately asked his friend.' Surya Dev existed since the beginning of the creation. Then how could you instruct him this science? I am confused."

Krishna smiled and informed.' Dear Parth,So many births happened to me and to you.I remember them all. But you can not."

Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya.glanirbhavati Bharata

..Parth,Whenever Dharma falls in danger,I will take birth

.Paritranaya Sadhunam...

I will incarnate in every age to save noble people,to destroy wicked people and to reestablish Dharma

.People who got rid of desire,anger and sorrow and who applied their consciousness in me certainly were purified by my awareness and were blessed with my Devine love.

.One who feels satisfied with whatever he gets by chance,One who is beyond the dualities of life One devoid of jealousy,One who stays stable in happiness and sadness such a person is never bound by his actions.

Arjun wondered..how could that state be attained? That stability which is possible only for sages...how could an ordinary man like him achieve that? He is still prone to all emotions..effected by love and hatred.

Yudhishtir went to Krishna and said .' See the loss of lives in our side. I can not bear this any more. I thought your dear friend and my brother will kill Pitamah. But observing him today I,understood.Arjun will never kill Pitamah.we won't win the war. Hence I would like to go to the forest again with my brothers.Why to make innocent people die in the hands of Pitamah?"

Ktishna consoled him.' You will definitely win the war. Your brother will do it for you. If he hesitate I will fulfill your work."

Yudhi then took Krishna and his brothers to Bheeshma late at night. Bhishm felt happy to see them all suddenly.

When Yudhi asked him how could they win the war Bhishm replied with a smile .' Yudhishtir ask your brother to throw me down keeping Sikhandi before.None can beat me in war. Narayan or Nar are the exception."

Arjun got tears in his eyes. The moment has arrived.He is the unfortunate one to incur sin."

Bheeshm called him nearer.' Don't have any hesitation to shoot me down. I chose you to open the doors of Moksha for me.Promise me you will do it."

Bheeshm took Arjun closer and softened his curls.Arjun hid his face on his shoulder. Tears did not stop even after he came out of the tent,.

As he walked beside Krishna he couldn't control his disgust towards himself .

He said in a broken voice.' My Pitamah never harmed any one. He lived his life like a sage. He treated me like his own son. He never bothered even if I ran to his lap with my dirty feet.He made me recover from the sorrow of my father's death. Madhav! I can't shoot him down. Let Sikhandi do the thing."

Krishna smiled with concern. His Parth will never change. Not even The Gita could make him attack his Pitamah.He looked endearingly into his face and said.' Parth He is Santanav Bheeshm. Sikhandi's arrows can do no harm to him.You are destined to do that . Your arrows only would strike him down.

Along with Arjun who did not sleep that night,someone else also could not close her eyes even for a Kshan. She was agitated thinking about the difficult task ahead for her husband ..surely the sunrise next day will make her Parth..shattered and devastated.

Panchali always found Arjun quite different inside ..he,Who looks cheerful.humble and energetic has the detached spirit inherent and dominant within his soul..

She first sensed that tinge when Arjun silently submitted himself to the word of his mother and brother to share her among the Five. She came across his detached persona..again and again ..

Panchali reminisced One such incident that acquainted her with his innermost thoughts..at Indraprasth.

Indraprasth just then bid adieu to Krishna who left for Dwaraka after Rajasuya sacrifice.Arjun went along with Krishna almost half the distance and then returned being scolded by Krishna.

It was almost midnight when he reached Panchali's chamber.He looked earnestly at his son Sritakirti who is in deep sleep. Panchali teased him with sleepy eyes.' Why did you return? You should have gone to Dwaraka with Govind. I thought you would go."

Arjun walked to the window and replied.' Am I that lucky? No. I have to return back to my duties ,responsibilities and predicaments. Sometimes I feel wierd even in the middle of all luxeries and grandeure.Where will all this end? Is there a limit to worldly pleasures? How great it will be if I am allowed to go to a forest and do penance ? "

Panchali pretended anger.' Please for gods sake don't do so. I heard your Pitasri Indr will send apsaras to disturb the penances of sages.Then I will get another co wife who is Devine."

Arjun laughed throwing his head back.He pinched her cheek and teased.' Always possessive.Krishnaa Yajnaseni ! never leave this trait not even in her dreams."

Panchali hugged him close and admitted.' Yes Ofcourse.I should be possessive as my husband is a flirt.and at the same time an ascetic at heart,,.

Panchali pulled herself forcibly into present that is scary and haunting.

Arjun, please compose yourself. Govind !help him out." She desparately prayed again.

Arjun got up and walked out..It was still the fourth quarter of the night..The camp is swept by silence still..As he walked past the recovery sibir,he found many wounded soldiers lying on beds unable to get sound sleep.

Specially the day before ended not in a favourable note with Bhishma striking soldiers and wounding them in high numbers..He Arjun did not quite reciprocate his attack...and as a result ,the tenth day sunrise will forcibly throw him into a do or die battle with his Pitamah.

Hiranvati river appeared agitated and disturbed...Far away on the other side of the river..the hermitages Of sages woke up to follow their routine.

Arjun stood in knee deep water and closed his eyes..As usual he tried to remind himself what his Madhav said on that day...that only could drive him towards the goal..

Krishna continued.' Parth those who think of me at the time of death will certainly reach me immediately.

..Hence you always think of me and do your duty.

Fight with your rivals.

That way you will attain me for sure

.He who is smaller than the smallest,the nourisher of the universe ,the formless one,the Parama purusha should be meditated as the most ancient and the all knowledgable.

He is beyond the physicalities of the world

..The experts of Vedic knowledge,the seers who chant OM,and those who practice sanyasa will merge in Brahma.Liberation from the actions of senses is called the state of yoga

.Omityekaksharam Brahma...Taking resort yoga,if the person leaves his body chanting Om and thinking of me,he will definitely attain spiritual worlds.

Those who attain such state will never come back to this world that is Asaswat.

According to caliculation one thousand yugas is said to be one day time for Brshma.His night also will be the same.The supreme God can be attained by single minded devotion.Those who leave their body in daytime,during Uttarayan will reach the ultimate state.Those who die in Dakshinayan and night time will come back to take birth again.Parth fix your mind in devotion.

The man who practice Bhakti yoga will get the same result as those who study Vedas and perform sacrifices.

Parth,you are always devoid of jealousy. Hence I am offering you this secret knowledge.With this you will be free from your sufferings.

Arjun opened his eyes..the darkness is giving way to dawn..the orange blue sky is indicating that The Sungod will manifest in full splendour in a short while..

Arjun walked towards his Madhav who stood smiling at him with assurance..Acvomplish the task taking my name. I will look after everything.. he said in his Devine voice.

Arjun wiped his tears that are continuously reminding him of the love he had for his grandfather. 

He looked at his Madhav whose face indicated him of the inevitable that is going to happen which is pre ordained

. He clasped his Gandiv tightly and showered arrows in such a way that the army surrounding Bheeshm either got fatally wounded or fled away.

He protected Sikhandi from Kauravas and encouraged him to strike Bheeshm.He broke every bow that Bheeshm took within split second.

Then he covered Bheeshm's charioteer,his chariot and horses with sharpest arrows.

Duryothan's Maharathis tried in vain to reach up Pitamah as Arjun appeared as if he is present before each of them and stopped their advances.

Bheeshm has a slight smile at the corner of his lips. Now his grandson is in full power and no one can stop him. He then took a sakti weapon and hurled it on Arjun but it was destroyed and nullified.

Arjun then killed Bheeshma's charioteer and destroyed the roof of the chariot

.Bheeshm then thought that it is futile exercise to continue fighting. No one can vanquish him if he still wields the bow.

Celestials appeared in the sky and supported his decision.

They showered flowers on his head.Still Bheeshma continued his battle as he doesn't want Duryothan to feel cheated.

Sikhandi shot many arrows on Bheeshm but they could not show any effect.

Then Arjun shot his arrows faster and broke Bheeshma's bow.He then shot a strong shaft that pierced inside Bheeshma's body.

Bheeshma was stupified and looked at Arjun who is invincible to all the warriors of his side including himself.

He addressed Dussasana thus.' The arrow that pierced my body belong to Arjun but not of Sikhandi.These arrows are torchering my body in crucial parts. Sikhandi never had such arrows. The arrows that struck me now are from Gandiv,They struck with high speed,They never miss their aim they are the sharpest and they belong to my Arjun.Sikhandi can never shoot such arrows.

Then again Bheeshm hurled another sakti on Arjun but it was met in the middle itself and destroyed completely.Bheeshm then took a sword and shield but Arjun broke them and continuously showered arrows on his body with such precision and symmetry that the celestials were surprised and praised his skills.

Sun started his journey towards west..The pride of Kurus,the Patriach Of Kauravas and Pandavas slowly fell keeping his head towards eastern direction .

. He was on the arrow bed his head hanging down because of not having support.

Arjun kept his Gandiv away and turned back sobbing uncontrollably. Krishna got up and took him in his hands. ' Parth,don't grieve for him. You paved his way for salvation.Control yourself." He enlightened his cousin and wiped his tears off. At that moment sages came there in the form of swans and told Bheeshm not to leave his body in Dakshinayan. Bheeshm assured them that he will be alive till Uttarayan enters as he has the boon of Ichamrityu Death at his wish.