Ashvamedha Parva



The Sacrificial Horse and the Death of Arjuna



After the passing away of grandfather Bhishma, Lord Krishna caused Maharaja
Yudhisthira to conduct three well-performed Ashvamedha (horse) sacrifices.
These sacrifices required the subordination of all earthly Kings. Maharaja
Yudhisthira released the sacrificial horse and ordered Arjuna to follow it
wherever it went and to fight with any belligerent rulers, who did not want to
accept the King's sovereignty. (The sacrificial horse was freed from the city
of Hastinapura and allowed to wander wherever it wished. If the horse entered a
kingdom and was taken captive, the warrior following the horse fought with the
challengers.) He also ordered Arjuna not to kill any descendants of those who
fought at Kurukshetra.

Thus Arjuna followed the sacrificial horse as it roamed from one country to
another. When the descendants of the Trigartas learned that the sacrificial
horse had entered their kingdom, they came out to challenge the mighty armed
Arjuna. They carried a hatred for the Pandavas like their forefathers had. The
Trigartas endeavored to capture the horse, but Arjuna forbid them to do so.
Disregarding Arjuna's orders, the Trigartas assaulted Arjuna with their full
prowess. The King of the Trigartas, Suryavarman, attacked Arjuna with a barrage
of arrows, but Partha countered his arrows and defeated Susharman's son with
his selected weapons. Suryavarman was furious and attacked Arjuna with greater
determination. Arjuna laughed with scorn at the young King and pierced his
armor with many arrows.

Assisting Suryavarman was his younger brother, Ketuvarman, who made the
mistake of assailing Arjuna with his weapons of fury. Not knowing that he was
like a moth entering fire, Ketuvarman was killed by Arjuna's sharp arrows. Upon
Ketuvarman's fall, the mighty car-warrior, Dhritavarman, assaulted Arjuna,
showering him with a downpour of arrows. Beholding the lightness of hand
displayed by the youthful prince, Gudakesha (Arjuna) was pleased with him. The
son of Indra could not see when the young warrior took out his arrows and when
he placed them on his bow-string. He only saw lightning fast arrows coming
towards him. For a brief space of time, Arjuna gladdened his enemy and mentally
admired his heroism and skill. The Kuru hero, smiling the whole time, fought
with that youth who resembled an angry cobra. While Arjuna was fighting mildly
with him, Dhritavarman released an arrow that pierced Arjuna's hand. The
Gandiva bow fell to the ground and Dhritavarman laughed loudly, thinking he had
become victorious. Arjuna was incensed, and once more picking up his bow, he
vanquished the Trigarta army with his superior weapons. Beholding Arjuna in a
fit of rage and releasing arrows like Yamaraja, the Trigarta army broke and
fled in all directions. They surrendered to Arjuna pleading, We yield to you
rulership! We have now become your slaves. Please command us according to your
will. Arjuna ordered that they accept subordination to Maharaja Yudhisthira.
The Trigartas agreed and once more the sacrificial horse was freed.

The sacrificial horse then proceeded to the kingdom of Pragjyotishapura.
Hearing of this, the son of Bhagadatta, Vajradatta, came out to fight with
Arjuna. He seized the sacrificial horse and then entered his own city. He
mounted his foremost elephant and came out to fight with Arjuna. Impelled by
childishness, he challenged Arjuna to fight. The enraged prince then urged the
elephant towards Arjuna's chariot. The elephant resembled a veritable mountain,
and from his temples and mouth issued temporal juice, indicating that the
elephant was mad and uncontrolled. Urged on by the prince with his hook, that
elephant cut through the air like a flying hill. Arjuna descended from his
chariot and stood prepared to meet the onslaught of Bhagadatta's son.
Vajradatta released countless arrows from his mighty bow, but these were all
countered by Partha. Not wanting to waste time, Arjuna released a number of
arrows equipped with golden wings. Vajradatta was hit by those arrows and fell
from the back of his elephant. Coming back to consciousness, the prince once
again mounted his elephant and fought with Arjuna, using his best weapons.
Arjuna pierced the elephant on which the prince was riding and blood flowed
from its many wounds.

The Battle between the mighty armed Arjuna and the son of Bhagadatta waged on
for three days. On the fourth day, Vajradatta laughed loudly and exclaimed,
Wait! Wait, O Arjuna! You shall not escape with your life. By killing you, I
shall repay the debt I owe my deceased father. You killed my father, who was a
friend to Pandu, only because of his advanced years. Now you must fight with me
who am but a mere boy. Vajradatta then urged his elephant, whose every step
cause the earth to tremble. Beholding the gigantic beast coming towards him,
Arjuna released with full force a shaft that resembled a veritable flame of
fire. When struck by that arrow, the elephant fell to the ground like a
mountain hit by a thunderbolt. Dhananjaya then addressed the fallen King, Do
not fear for your life. I have been ordered by my older brother not to slay
those that challenge me. Rise up, O King, return to your city safe and sound.
When the full moon day comes, you should arrive at the city of Hastinapura to
witness the Ashvamedha sacrifice of King Yudhisthira. When Vajradatta heard
Arjuna's order, he agreed with the proposal and again entered his city.

The challenge horse then entered the province of Manipur. The ruler of Manipur
was Arjuna's son named Babhruvahana. Hearing that his father had come to his
country, Babhruvahana came out of his city with all humility followed by a
number of brahmanas. Seeing this, Arjuna was not pleased. The highly
intelligent Arjuna then chastised his son, Your conduct is not befitting a
king. You have fallen from the duties of a kshatriya. I have come here as the
protector of Yudhisthira's sacrificial horse. Why, O son, will you not fight
with me? Shame on you for not exhibiting your prowess! Shame on you for acting
like a woman! Shame on you for receiving me peacefully!

Upon hearing Arjuna's chiding words, Ulupi, one of Arjuna's wives, pierced the
earth and encouraged Babhruvahana, Know that I am your step mother, Ulupi. If
you follow my instructions you will attain lasting fame. You should fight with
this foremost descendent of the Bharata dynasty. If you do so, he will be
pacified.

Incited by his stepmother, Babhruvahana mounted his chariot which was equipped
with many different kinds of weapons. His horses traveled at the speed of the
mind. He hoisted his standard which bore the mark of a golden lion. Readied for
battle, King Babhruvahana proceeded against his father. He caused the
sacrificial horse to be taken captive, indicating that he was ready to fight.
Partha descended from his chariot and began to fight his son on foot. They
covered each other with their formidable shafts and the fight was, indeed,
wonderful. Babhruvahana pierced his father's shoulder and the arrow then
entered the earth. Feeling acute pain, Arjuna supported himself on his bow and
appeared like one who had left his body. Coming to his senses he praised his
son, Excellent, excellent, O mighty armed son of Chitrangada! On beholding
this feat, I am pleased with you. I shall now release my arrows. Stand for a
while and do not run away.

Arjuna then released many arrows, but they were cut up by his son. Arjuna then
cut off the royal standard of the Manipur King and killed his horses.
Babhruvahana was red hot with anger, and descending from his chariot, he fought
his father on foot. He then released an arrow that pierced Arjuna's chest,
entering deep within his body. The mighty son of Pandu then fell to the earth
devoid of life. King Babhruvahana had also been pierced with many arrows, and
upon seeing the fall of his father, he also fell to the ground unconsciousness.
At that time Babhruvahana's mother, Chitrangada, appeared on the scene and
lamented the death of Arjuna. When Ulupi again appeared, Chitrangada chastised
her, Behold, O Ulupi, our husband slain in battle by my son. This fault lies
on you. It is through your action that our husband now lies dead. If you have
the power, bring him back to life so that we will not have to indulge in
grief. Chitrangada then took her husband's feet in her lap and shed tears of
grief.

At that time King Babhruvahana awoke from his unconscious state. Seeing his
dead father and his weeping mother, he was pained at heart. He addressed his
mother, Alas, this foremost wielder of weapons has been slain by me. Alas, his
golden mail, which was cut from his body by my arrows, lies by his side. O
great brahmanas, what atonement is there for one who kills his father in
battle. I am a wretched and sinful person. O daughter of the Snake King, I
accomplished what you desired. However, I am now unable to live any longer. If
you are not willing to bring him back to life, then I will give up this body by
fasting. Having made up his mind to fast until death, King Babhruvahana
touched water and made the following statement, O Ulupi, I make the following
vow. If my father does not rise up with his life, then I will give up this body
by fasting. There is no atonement for killing one's father. Therefore, surely,
I will have to dwell in hell.

When the King of Manipur had made his firm vow, he sat down on the ground in
meditation. At that time Ulupi informed the King, Do not lament or take any
unnecessary vows. I will revive your father. In my possession, I have a jewel
that is capable of bringing anyone back to life. This great hero cannot be
slain by the gods and demons combined. I have exhibited this illusion for your
father's benefit. Do not think that you have committed any sin. It was for
testing your prowess that this battle took place. I shall now revive Arjuna
with this precious jewel.

Ulupi then approached Arjuna and touched the jewel to his chest. When she did,
Arjuna rose up like one awaking from sleep. Witnessing his father return to
life, Babhruvahana approached him and worshiped him with many prayers. The king
of heaven, Indra, then showered flowers upon the earth and caused the celestial
denizens to sound their instruments. In the heavens were heard the sounds,
Well done! Well done! Arjuna then embraced his son and smelled his head. When
he saw Chitrangada and Ulupi lamenting in the distance, Arjuna questioned his
son, Why, O Babhruvahana, is there simultaneously joy, sorrow, and wonder in
all directions? Please explain this to me. I desire to know what has brought
these ladies to this field.

Babhruvahana replied, I think that you should question Ulupi in this
regard.

Arjuna then turned to his wife and inquired from her, Why have you come here,
O daughter of the snakes? Have you come here with some evil intention? I hope
that neither I nor my son Babhruvahana have offended you in any way.

You have not offended me in any way, nor has your son. Ulupi replied. Do
not be angry with me and listen patiently to the reason I have acted in the way
I did. In the great battle of the Bharata princes, you had slain Shantanu's
royal son, Bhishma, unfairly. He was not engaged in battle with you when he was
slain. He had laid aside his weapons because of the presence of Shikhandin.
Relying on Shikhandi's help, you were able to overthrow the mighty Bhishma. By
acting in the way I did, I have vanquished the sinful reaction to the unfair
killing of the grandsire. If this sinful reaction had not been eradicated, then
you would have surely seen hell. After Bhishma's death, the Vasus came to the
bank of the Ganges and called for the goddess by reciting various prayers. With
her permission, they cursed you to die. When I informed my father of this, he
went to the Vasus and asked that the curse be removed. The Vasus replied to
him, çArjuna has a powerful son who is the ruler of Manipur. In battle his son
will slay him. At that time Arjuna will be freed from this curse.' I have acted
in the way I did to free you from this curse. Please do not be angry with me.

Hearing about the true situation from Ulupi, Vijaya (Arjuna) became joyful and
said, I find all this most pleasing. Arjuna then ordered his son, The horse
sacrifice of King Yudhisthira will take place on the full moon day in the month
of Chaitra. Come there, O King, with your mother and your counselors.
Babhruvahana agreed with his father's wishes. After Arjuna had been
sufficiently worshiped by his son, he left that place and continued following
the sacrificial horse.

The sacrificial horse proceeded all over the earth. The horse entered the
kingdom of Maghadha that was formerly ruled by Jarasandha. The son of
Jarasandha was Sahadeva. He had fought for the Pandavas at Kurukshetra and was
killed. Sahadeva's son was Meghasandhi. Following the duties of a kshatriya,
Meghasandhi came out and challenged Arjuna. When the son of Sahadeva was
defeated, he agreed to become subservient to King Yudhisthira's desires.

Arjuna then entered the kingdom of the Chedis. The son of Shishupala was
Sarabha. He also fought with Arjuna and was defeated. After defeating the King
of the Chedis, the sacrificial horse proceeded to the kingdoms of the Kashis,
the Angas, the Koshalas, the Kiratas and the Tanganas. Receiving respect and
worship from these kingdoms, Arjuna changed his course. He entered the kingdom
of Gandhara and fought with Shakuni's son who remembered his father's hatred
for the Pandavas. After Arjuna had fought with him and defeated him, he headed
for the kingdoms of the Yadus. King Ugrasena greeted Arjuna and offered him
every kind of hospitality. The sacrificial horse then headed in the direction
of Hastinapura.

Arjuna soon entered the beautiful city of Hastinapura and was greeted royally
by the citizens. Yudhisthira was overjoyed at his brother's return, and heard
from him how he had singlehandedly subjugated the whole world. The kings from
all provinces on the planet Earth then came to Hastinapura and were
respectfully received by Maharaja Yudhisthira. Lord Krishna, accompanied by His
elder brother Balarama, came to the horse sacrifice of Maharaja Yudhisthira. By
the grace of Lord Krishna, the sacrifice was completed and all were satisfied.
The brahmanas were given many valuable articles in charity and even the lower
classes were given ample food and clothing. Thus Maharaja Yudhisthira
successfully performed three Ashvamedha horse sacrifices, and the Earth's kings
were gratified by his humility.



Thus ends the Ashvamedha Parva.