43. DANCE OF APSARAS

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > AARANYA PARVA > INDRALOKA GAMANA PARVA > CHAPTER 43 - DANCE OF APSARAS

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘The city of Indra which Arjuna saw was delightful and was the resort of Siddhaas and Chaaranas. It was adorned with the flowers of every season, and with sacred trees of all kinds. He saw also divine gardens called Nandana – the favourite resort of Apsaras. Fanned by the fragrant breezes charged with a variety of sweet-scented flowers, the trees with their lord of divine blossoms seemed to welcome him among them. The region was such that none could see it who had not gone through Tapas, or who had not poured offerings on Agni. It was a region for the people who had done Punya alone, and not for those who had turned their back on the battlefield. None were competent to see it who had not performed yagnas or observed rigid vows (Vrata in Sanskrit), or who were without a knowledge of the Vedas, or who had not bathed in sacred waters, or who were not distinguished for yagnas and gifts (Daana in Sanskrit). None were competent to see it who were disturbers of yagnas, or who were low, or who drank intoxicating liquors, or who were violators of their Guru’s bed, or who were eaters of meat, or who were wicked (Duraatma in Sanskrit).

“Having seen those divine gardens resounding with divine music, the strong-armed Paandavaa entered the favourite city of Shakra (Lord Indra). He saw there divine chariots (Vimaana in Sanskrit) by thousands, capable of going everywhere at will, stationed in proper places. He saw tens of thousands of such Vimaanas moving in every direction. Fanned by pleasant breezes charged with the perfumes of flowers, the Paandavaa (Arjuna) was praised by Apsaras and Gandharvas. Devas then, accompanied by the Gandharvas, Siddhaas and Maharishis, cheerfully worshipped Paarthaa (Arjuna) of pure deeds. Blessing were poured upon him, accompanied by the sounds of divine music. The strong-armed Paarthaa then heard around him the music of conchs and drums.

“Praised all around, Paarthaa (Arjuna) then went, at the command of (Lord) Indra, to that large and extensive starry way called by the name of Suraveethi. There he met with the Saadhyas, the Vishwaas, the Marutaas, the twin Ashwins, the Aadityaas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the Brahmarishis of the great splendour, and numerous Rajarishis with (King) Dileepa at their head, and Tumburu and Naaradaa, and that couple of Gandharvas known by the names of Haha and Huhu. The Kuru prince – that punisher of enemies – having met and duly saluted them, last of all saw the chief of Devas – the Deva of a hundred yagnas. Then the strong-armed Paarthaa (Arjuna), getting down from the chariot (Rathaa in Sanskrit) approached the Lord (Indra) Himself of Devas – his father – that punisher of Paaka. A beautiful white umbrella furnished with a golden staff was held over the chief of Devas. He was fanned with a Chaamara perfumed with divine scents. He was praised by many Gandharvas headed by Vishwavasu and others, by poets and singers, and by foremost Dwijas chanting Rig, Yajur and Saama hymns.

“The mighty Kaunteya (Arjuna), approaching (Lord) Indra, saluted Him by bending his head to the ground. (Lord) Indra immediately embraced him with His round and plump arms. Taking His hand, Shakra (Lord Indra) made him sit by Him on a portion of His own seat, that sacred seat which was worshipped by Devas and Rishis. The lord of Devas – that slayer of hostile heroes – smelt the head of Arjuna bending in humility and took him upon His lap. Seated on Shakra’s seat at the command of that Deva of a thousand eyes (Lord Indra), Paarthaa of immeasurable energy began to blaze in splendour like a second Indra. Moved by affection, the slayer of Vritra (Lord Indra), consoling Arjuna, touched his beautiful face with his own perfumed hands. The wielder of Vajra, patting and rubbing gently again and again with His own hands which bore the marks of Vajra the handsome and huge arms of Arjuna which resembled a couple of golden columns and which were hard in consequence of drawing the bowstring and they enhanced the beauty of the Sabha, like the Sun and moon, Deva of a thousand eyes (Lord Indra) – eyeing His son of curly (hair) locks (Arjuna) smilingly and with eyes expanded with delight, seemed scarcely to be satisfied. The more He gazed, the more He liked to gaze on. Seated on one seat, the father and son enhanced the beauty of the Sabha, like the Sun and moon beautifying the sky together on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight. A band of Gandharvas headed by Tumburu skilled in music sacred and profane, sang many verses in melodious notes. Ghritaachi, Menaka, Rambha, Purvachitti, Swayamprabha, Urvashi, Mishrakeshi, Dandagauri, Varoothini, Gopaali, Sahajanya, Kumbhayoni, Prajaagaraa, Chitrasenaa, Chitralekha, Sahaa and Madhuraswara, these and others by thousands, possessed of eyes like lotus leaves, who were employed in enticing the hearts of persons practising rigid Tapas, danced there. Possessing slim waists and fair large hips, they began to perform various evolutions, shaking their deep bosoms, casting their glances around, and exhibiting other attractive attitude capable of stealing the hearts and resolutions and minds of the spectators.’”