Canto 18 - Decision for Duel

1. Thereafter, king Jarasandha whose personae was adorned beautifully, to make it resemble to moon and whose valiance of physique had a brilliance of the sun, approached the Brahmin who had been there by the ceremonial Yajna Mandap.

2. On completion of proper salutation these three Brahmins stood up in unison and since the king did not bother to stand up as a measure of courtesy Lord Krishna smiled and said to him,

3. "O king we welcome your highness with auspicious feeling. May the worship of God increase in your domain. It is our utmost desire that may Lord Shankar (Shiv) bless you with fame comparable to the rays of the Moon.

4. "You, O king, are known to be adapt in prompting the mind to engage in good and noble deeds and, are able to keep away from evil deeds which are despicable by the holy and noble sages. You never ever think about any evil deed.

5. "Strangely it is you, O king who desire to perform Narmedh Yajna. This ritual Yajna would entail destruction of the entire universe.

6. "O king thou art apparently bent upon the Vedic rituals on Yajna and may Lord Shiv protect thee.

7. "Since Lord Shiv who has the sanctity to destroy the world which fact can't be altered by any other deity.

8. "Then how and by which power can you destroy the world by performing the Narmath Yajna?

9. "Any one who engages in unsanctioned exercise of performing the destructive, annihilative Yajna, shall be destroyed by Lord Shankar.

10. "Further, why Lord Shankar would not oblige some one who is ill intentioned to perform such a Yajna by giving refuge in his world (Dham).

11. "O king, upon being pleased with the due performance of the Yajna-Lord Shankar will ensure a place for you in the land of the dead. Something which is not attained even by any mental pursuant.

12. "Thus by the means of performing this yajna, O king, you are expecting to attain the Shiv Lok, who in this world will not be shocked to know this?

13. "O king, we Brahmins are thinking seriously to find out and suggest to you some means whereby you may be able to fulfill your desire by performing such Yajna to attain the status and abilities of Lord Shiv.

14. "O king you have already been granted our blessings for performing and fulfillment of the Narmedha Yajna (Ritualistic Yajan on the altar of which a human being is sacrificed aimed to please Lord Shankar) and these blessings from us -Brahmins -shall soon be fructified. You have attained glory in this (physical) world by performing Yajna to please Lord Shankar.

15. "O king you are the blessed one to have obtained a blessing which in essence is like holy Nectar and assure to you perpetuity.

16. "Thou art never touched by sin. Can a Brahmin residing in your kingdom ever be dissatisfied?"

17. The king some how could understand properly the words of Lord Krishna which were pregnated with deep and serious imports and spoke thus, "O Brahmin, if this prediction which is coupled with your blessing come true. It will be extremely fortunate for me.

18. "No doubt some 'Punya' (benevolent return) has come to rise as a boon for some good deeds of earlier life and as a consequence of which holy sages like your holiness, happened to be in my place for the betterment of my subjects and you are feeling comfortable in my palace.

19. "Just as Lord Vishnu is adorned by the Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Shankar is adorned by his matted hair on his head, Pusha Dev through his brilliance and because of the quality of silvery whiteness and nectar, the Moon is adorned by mere arrival in this world (that is birth). The universe is doubtlessly adorned.

20. "By the grace of your holiness' appearance before me, people with little or no intellect soon acquire a keen prosperity for understanding and appraise the full import of your serious, spiritually meaningful words-no doubt about it.

21. "Oh! The one who possesses the best attributes (i.e. grace, virtue and beauty) bestowed by God only upon the very best of Brahmins (the indication is towards Lord Krishna). Only you appear to me to be eloquent in theological discourse and imitating the gestures the other two Brahmins seem to be superior to the grand ocean by the show of serenity and tranquility.

22. "The other Brahmin whose divine physique appears to be a sea of milky substance and thus very attractive and beautiful for a moment seems to be defeating a pulled bow by his eyebrows.

23. "This third Brahmin who has a huge body and large intellect seems to be in possession of qualities of sages and a down right straight mind appears to be like Bhima in appearance replete with divine and unbounded luminescence.

24. "A glimpse of the raised shoulders which are the marks of a brave warrior and his wide beauteous bosom has welled up feeling of joy in my mind.

25. "That along with these two Brahmins with fiery brilliance you who possess an unmatched eructation have fortunately visited me is a matter of great joy and happiness.

26. "O Brahmin, your appearance which illuminates by its very existence naturally the whole universe is omnipresent and naturally visible to all the people, has a quality of capability viz. though the holy visage has a light dark hue the divine face is total in shape of full moon and its hue puts the divine 'Nilkamal' to shame.

27. "O Brahmin, your divine body and its movements and postures have a mystic aura around it. So equally divine is your enthralling charismatic smile. Both these heavenly qualities have captivated my mind so strongly that those dark clouds floating around in the sky are not able to release the mind from that bondage.

28. "O Brahmin! I am able to see some extraordinary attributes in your glimpse in having a 'Darshan' of your divine countenance. This little finger on your right seems to have something like Chakra intended to those bent upon intimidating the noble and pious people.

29. "O Brahmin, those fortunate humans who would be able to have a Darshan of this beautiful countenance (having a darshan of Lord Krishna who holds Sudarshan Chakra) would renounce all the enjoyments of this cycle a material world and ultimately attain 'Moksha' the ultimate communion with the God head.

30. "It is only but quite appropriate though your attire proclaims you to be Brahmins and learned ones, possessing the marks of Kshatriyas. But it is not objectionable because Sadhus or benevolent human being are even free to act in an independent and unattached manner.

31. "I do not hold you to be Kshatriyas or warriors just because the marks on your arms caused by rustle or friction of the strings of your bows, however, as you have presented yourself in the guise of Brahmins I submit to you in all due respects.

32. "This is imperative for me because saints and sages are able to exhibit the characteristics or specific virtues of the good deeds of their previous lives or/and regenerate the natural holiness into this life from earlier life. O, what is unattainable for holy saints?

33. "Is it not a fact that a Brahmin by birth and yet you are adept in the science of warfare, are engaged in the practice of the sage Parashurama (attempting genocide of Kshatriyas however strenuous that path may be) Just out of compulsions of the state craft. I understand following the tradition of Parashurama you desire to annihilate all the Kshatriyas.

34. "All that abominable feeling of jealousy has been washed away out of my heart because of the torments of happiness and pleasure caused by the 'Darshan' of your holiness. Because the very vision or 'Darshan' of a Brahmin is sufficient to transform scheming and crafty mind into simple ethically behaving minds and souls.

35. "How can the Kshatriyas, confident in the physical prowess and might and ardent believers in self esteem, be compared to the holy Brahmins? Infect there is no doubt that I have got an auspicious opportunity to serve the Brahmins.

36. "Sincere blessings from the noble hearts of holy sages such as your holiness who are fortunate to have seen all the three worlds how can such blessings be devoid of fruition?^[1]

37. " Though your Blessings are not granted by Brahmins and yet in a sense granted by Brahmins-by persons who have donned the garbs of Brahmins may prove to be fortunate for me and the offering lain at your holy feet may remain for long like wasps surround flowers.

38. "May you therefore be kind to accept the offerings given by me! Further I pledge that any object from all the three universe that may be desired summarily by Brahmins shall be made available to them even at the risk of my life.

39. "Therefore I present myself to be of service to you as it is only a consequence of my some good deeds that you who represent the entire divinity have chosen to become my guests."

40. Thereafter the King who was prompted in extending hospitality, adept in deciding long time course of action after speaking doubtful yet satirical words instantly lapsed in to silence.

41. The serious words of Jarasandha had impact as reflected on faces of the Brahmins, comparable to a lotus which is withered by particles of ice on its petals. Perhaps the mystery of their secret plans was disclosed and it can be said to be something like shattered earthen ware.

42. Bhim and Arjun were appalled on hearing these words and fell devoid of any further direction in the matter. Seeing Lord Krishna who is devoid of any physical desire said thus, "Holy and noble people by their nature are mindful of the turns of eternity"^[2]

43. "In fact, prompted by the feeling, emotions of your heart your have conjured a state of mistrust in our blessings. Rest assured that this mistrust will cause without doubt the downfall destruction of one more enemy.

44. "O king! The Brahmins who are but charitable by nature when pleased shower 'Amrit' like blessings upon noble saints but when they feel angry and humiliated become cause of a curse which have sea like abundance of ill -bounding and floods of misery.

45. "O you are a devotee (of Brahmins) and yet you do not seem familiar with our unbounded limitless power. Is that so? For the Brahmins are adept in showering blessings as well as curses. Those who deserve to be blessed or accursed by Brahmins do get blessings and curses.

46. "Our behaviour is gentility -nobility with those who are meek and noble, enmity and punitive rage for those who are by nature evil in the same friendliness with friends and simplicity and straight forwardness with those who are noble, simple and kind hearted. Our appraisal of people is always categorised by these three principles.

47. "We are not such Brahmins who are poor and downtrodden-are well versed in only offering blessings to those who are blinded by pride and who strive to please these kings and seek our wishes.

48. "We are the swans from Mansarovar who feast upon pearls only. Can a young offspring of swan who is nurtured only on invaluable pearls ever think or imagine to pluck and eat a stem of lotus?

49. "Even as a sporty frivolity if we accept the 'Suryakant and Chandrakant' (sunshine and moonlight) jewels to adore the necklace, the pearl which is owned by some other persons it is feared we shall instantly become uncontrollable and haughty.

50. "Therefore, let beautiful jewel and gold respectfully offered by you may go to the royal treasure where they shall remain like fragrance of a lotus beckoning the wasps.^[3]

51. "O humble king Jarasandha you are also bestowed with virtue of giving alms to one and all. Though no object of desire is unattainable to us. Yet there is one secret desire which you intent to furnish and fulfill even at the cost of life. Therefore you will be capable of providing such a thing.^[4]

52. "We have heard about the vow taken by your holiness that you are ever ready to lay down your life for fulfillment of it and hence we have come to you with full confidence and assurance that our desires shall positively be fulfilled."

53. On saying these words by Lord Krishna Jarasandha the son of Jara smiles and says I have no doubt whatsoever about your being Brahmins and as such I shall be ready for capitation for you.

54. "O Brahmins, now kindly cut off all the strings and bonds of doubts and hesitation immediately and tell me about your objects of desire." On hearing this what is spoken by the King Jarasandha with no hesitation nor doubt, Lord Krishna smiled and said.

55. "Now lets there be full and proper revelation of our true identity so that your mind may neither be perturbed nor vitiated by slurry of doubts.

56. "O king, you now stand committed by your promise may now be fully acquainted with us who have disguised as Brahmins and have entered the Kingdom of Maghada as Brahmins that innumerable guesses in your mind about our being the Kshatriyas are entirely cleared.

57. "O, the King of Maghada, now behold one who is master in the art of duel this Bhima who can surpass the divine snake King of 'Svarga' in the swiftness of movement of his powerful arms.

58. "O, the king of Maghad, behold one who is standing in front of you who happens to be the very incarnation of Indra on the earth and capable of vanquishing the entire race of enemy, adept in archery.

59. "Thereafter may you see in me who is destined to kill your beloved sonin-law, I am not only the preserver of all the 'Lokas' (worlds) also now know me to be the mighty and powerful Krishna (who is master preserver of Brahmins)

60. "Now with eyes open and awaken in intellect fully fine tuned and heart pressed with both your hands (lest). It may miss a heart beat. O you king of Maghada, be appraised that our desire is for nothing but a duel.

61. "O the master of all the rulers, our vow is to have a duel. Therefore please accept this inevitable duel as it is only with sheer good fortune that invitation of a duel is extended

62. "Or as you have said earlier O king, you aspire for Moksha so you may choose to fight with Chakradhari Krishna.

63. "O king, please express properly and adequately whether you intend to participate in a duel with these two younger brothers of Yudhishthir-who are as ferocious as Yamaraj or the Lord of death." Lord Krishna who holds a Sudarshan Chakra became silent with these words.

64. The young King on hearing the inciting words from the warriors in deceitful attire of the Brahmins, was a bit irritated and spoke thus,

65. "This challenge to have a fight with the brave, such an offer is indeed a matter of grate luck. However, my heart is pained and shattered by your falsehood and lies and mistrustful towards Brahmins and thus I am greatly pained.

66. "O fie upon you who pronounce yourself to be wasps surrounding the Lotus -you who have deceived me. Today the pious garb of Brahmins is disgraced for no reasons at all.

67. "O crafty Brahmins, you have stooped so low as to perform an abject of disguise. O I pray to Lord Shankar that despite being deceived by you all, may my heart have no place for contempt for Brahmins!

68. "Though I am capable of engaging in war (duel) with you three crocodiles like deceitful Brahmins but rules of warfare do not permit waging war against a Brahmin or a learned person.

69. "Now a duel however ought to be conducted as laid down by marshal rules. O Chakra wilding Lord Krishna, I don't wish to be engaged in duel with Arjun who is but a naive artless in such a duel. Because the brave do not fight against the feeble.

70. "O, If it happens that you may choose to run away from the place of duel fearing defeat and shame. It does not matter because the brave do not attack the cowards. A lion does not prey upon deer as long as there is an elephant. Though only a child I am as brave and courageous as a lion who would not kill a deer if both an elephant and a deer are present. He kills the elephant alone.

71. "My aim is to kill Bhima who has a body comparable to an elephant. I have no wish to kill feeble deer like Krishna who is disguised in attire of a Brahmin.

72. "Oh! It will be a great opportunity to fight with Bhima who has strong and long shoulders. The sound made by the slapping of arms will give me great satisfaction."

73. Lord Krishna on hearing these indignant words from haughty Jarasandha had a faint smile and replied,

74. As we all know great sages and souls have abundant forbearance. "May good fortunate come to your way"!

75. "All good deeds should be accomplished soon. Hence this duel may be carried out tomorrow. Bhima our companion is very eager to fight duel. For the brave and powerful have a natural liking for a fight."

76. King Jarasandha on hearing these words from Lord Krishna had a wily smile and replied, "It is not feasible to arrange duel tomorrow for it is necessary that information of this duel should be announced to every house in the city."

77. The King of Maghada who was not much pleased at the proposal of duel announced the acceptance of challenge of a duel. On a day after the next day and on this being accepted by the Brahmins took their leave and proceeded to his palace.

78. The young king felt swelling of extreme anxiety and despair after returning to his palace intimated the whole matter to his friend Shalva through a messenger.

79. The king had his view by strains on his forehead. His anxiety was evident as the strain was clearly visible on his forehead. The king over powered by the gloom was thrown in the mud slurry of doubts. Therefore, physically tired and loose body left his messenger and entered his palace.

80. He rested on a stead like an alligator in a pond washing frequently, had lost his sleep totally and spent whole night in sheer anxiety.

81. Shalva for whom a special room had been constructed, went into his room where the royal messenger from Jarasandha narrated to him the whole episode of craftiness and villainy of Lord Krishna and his companions.

82. Shalva by nature was not able to hear about the fame of other persons, mentally agonized, was seized by anxiety, which burns like a wood stick in fire and always takes a long time to burn out and has tragic consequences.

83. Some thoughts then passed his mind and he smiled to himself and thought that total peace can be attained only by certain device and measures. It is meaningless to worry for this.

84. Shalva who was quite capable in resorting to unfair and deceitful means to achieve desired ends decided to indulge into action where by fire of Kama-the desire-gratification of conjugal desire and then he became quite sound mind free from any worry or anxiety.

85. As a part of this plan or scheming Shalva the ruler of that magical city (Saubha Naresh) dispatched a femme fatal to Bhima to disable the warrior and drain him of all the power before the duel.

86. The damsel whose beauty was like a full moon secretively proceeded to Girivraj the capital of the state of Maghada. All the while how she should perform the task of seducing Bhima i.e. by which means under what pretext and what manner be adopted for this task.

87. The damsel chanced upon to see the wonderful city of Girivraj when she heard the drum beat of the royal announcement of duel next day and all the people desirous of witnessing this duel between the two warriors, worried about her own safety.

88. This woman feeling with exquisite beauty wished to stay at a place entirely lone some and devoid of mankind for an unholy mind is necessarily feeble and unstable one.

89. The Damsel adorned with deer like eyes, one whose eyes put a deer's eyes to shame, whose body fragrant with smells of sandalwood from the celestial mount of Malyagiri, who herself was as thin and twiggy as a deer.

90. This beautiful woman found before her eyes a new garden embellished with dense greenery and beautiful plants of vegetation. She found out a place usually not visible to man's eyes. Keenly observed this place adorned by the plant shelter and sonorous with the humming of wasps started waiting for Bhim.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Here is extensive and excellent use of 'Anyapadesa Alankar' in the above three shlokas. It is through the description of butterflies and their intoxicant condition that we are made to imagine the condition of the women of Dvarika on one hand and the devotees of Lord Krishna who were intoxicant of their divine love for Him.

[2]:

The simile of the gentle 'bull' is worth noting, Virodhaabhas alankar is effectively used here.

[3]:

The purport is that like wasps humming with melody surround the fragrance containing part of Lotus these jewels would continue jingle in your royal treasure. We have no desire or use of this deceitful object.

[4]:

That is if your boons are sincerely granted to me they would be surely fruitful.