THE TRIO DEPART TO MAGADHA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > SABHA PARVA > JARAASANDHA VADHA PARVA > CHAPTER 20 - THE TRIO DEPART TO MAGADHA

“(Sri) Krishna said, ‘Both Hamsa and Dimbhakaa have fallen; Kamsa also with all his followers has been slain. The time has, therefore, come for the destruction of Jaraasandha. He is incapable of being vanquished in battle even by all Devas and Asuras. We think, however, that he should be vanquished in a personal struggle with bare arms. In me is policy (Neeti in Sanskrit), in Bhima is strength (Balam in Sanskrit) and in Arjuna is triumph (Rakshitaa in Sanskrit); and therefore, as prelude to performing the Raajasooya (yagna), we will certainly achieve the destruction of the ruler of Magadha (Jaraasandha). When we three (Sri Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna) approach that monarch (Jaraasandha) in secret, and he will, without doubt, be engaged in an encounter with one of us. From fear of disgrace, from greed, and from pride of strength he will certainly summon Bhima to the encounter. However, like death himself that slays a person swollen with pride, the long-armed and mighty Bhimasena will effect the destruction of the king (Jaraasandha). If you know my heart, if you have any faith in me, then make over to me, as a pledge, Bhima and Arjuna without loss of time!’

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by the noble one (Sri Krishna), Yudhishthira, seeing both Bhima and Arjuna standing with cheerful faces, replied, saying ‘O Achyuta (Sri Krishna), O Achyuta, O slayer of all enemies, say not so. You are the lord of the Paandavaas! We are dependent on You. What You say, O Govinda, is consistent with wise counsels. You never lead those upon whom Prosperity (Lakshmi in Sanskrit) has turned Her back. I who stay under Your command regard that Jaraasandha is already slain, that the monarchs confined by him have already been set free, that the Raajasooya (yagna) has already been accomplished by me. O lord of the universe (Sri Krishna), O You best of persons, You watchfully act so that this task may be accomplished. Without You then I dare not live, like a sorrowful man pained with disease, and deprived of the three attributes of Dharma, Kaamaa and Arthaa. Paarthaa cannot live without Shauri (Sri Krishna), nor can Shauri live without Paarthaa. Nor is there anything in the world that is unconquerable by these two – (Sri) Krishna and Arjuna. This handsome (Srimaan in Sanskrit) Vrikodara (Bhima) also is the foremost of all persons filled with might (Bala in Sanskrit). Of great renown, what can he not achieve when with you two? Troops, when properly led, always do excellent service. A force without a leader has been called inert by the wise. Forces, therefore, should always be led by experienced commanders. Into places that are low (in terms of geography the lower plains), the wise always conduct the water. Even fishermen cause the water (of tank) to run out through holes. (Experienced leaders always lead their forces noting the loopholes and attackable points of the enemy). We shall, therefore, strive to accomplish our purpose following the leadership of Govinda (Sri Krishna) knowledgeable with the science of politics (Naya Vidhaanam in Sanskrit), that important person whose fame has spread all over the world. For the successful accomplishment of one’s purposes one should ever place (Sri) Krishna in the forefront, that foremost of eminent persons whose strength consists in wisdom and policy and who possesses a knowledge of both method and means. For the accomplishment of one’s purpose let, therefore, Arjuna – Paarthaa, follow (Sri) Krishna the foremost of the Yaadavaas and let Bhima follow Arjuna. Policy (Naya in Sanskrit), good fortune (Jaya in Sanskrit) and might (Bala in Sanskrit) will bring about success in a matter requiring valour.’

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, the trio (Sri) Krishna, Arjuna and Bhima, all possessed of great energy, set out for Magadha dressed in the garb of Snaataka Brahmanas of brilliant bodies, and blessed by the agreeable speeches of friends and relatives. Possessed of superior energy and of bodies already like the Sun (Ravi in Sanskrit), the Moon (Soma in Sanskrit), and Agni, inflamed with anger at the sad lot of their relative kings, those bodies of theirs became much more blazing. The people, seeing (Sri) Krishna and Arjuna, both of whom had never before been vanquished in battle, with Bhima in the forefront, all ready to achieve the same task (of slaying Jaraasandha), regarded Jaraasandha as already slain. For the illustrious pair (Sri Krishna and Arjuna) were masters (Mahatma in Sanskrit) that directed every operation (in the universe), as also all acts relating to the Dharma, Arthaa, and Kaamaa of every being. Having set out from the country of the Kurus, they passed through Kurujaangala and arrived at the charming lake of lotuses (Padmasaraa in Sanskrit). Passing over the hills of Kaalakoota, they then went on crossing the Gandakee (river) (present-day Gandaki river), the Sadaaneeraa (present-day Karatoya river), and the Sarkaravarta and the other rivers taking their rise in the same mountains. They then crossed the delightful Sarayu (river) and saw the country of Eastern Kosala. Passing over that country they went to Mithila and then crossing the Maalaa and Charamanwatee, the three heroes crossed Ganga (river), Shona (river) and went on towards the east. At last those heroes of unfaded glory arrived at Magadha in the heart of (the country of) Kushamba. Reaching then the hills of Goratha (present-day Bathani-ka-Pahad, Nalanda district, Bihar, India), they saw the city of Magadha that was always filled with cows, wealth, water and made beautiful with the innumerable trees standing there.’”