The news and the prophecy
Arjuna was walking briskly and he was quickly approaching the Royal
apartment. Everyone rose as if they had suddenly come to life; they hurried
forward to meet Arjuna, thirsty for the news from Dwaraka. Arjuna came in,
depressed and despondent devoid of any joy. Without looking at anyone, he fell
at the feet of Dharmaraja and tears started streaming from Arjuna's eyes.
Nobody had the courage to ask Arjuna about the happenings in Dwaraka.
Dharmaraja mustered some courage and asked Arjuna in pathetic tone,
"Have you any news about Lord Krishna and the Yadavas?" Arjuna with
sobbing eyes said, "Brother, Sri Krishna has departed from this world. The
Yadavas left the world even before news came of His departure."
At this Dhramaraja exclaimed, "Hari, Hari, O God! What is it that you
said now? What a catastrophe? I do not understand anything." Dharmaraja
hugged Arjuna and sobbed. All the Pandava brothers were thrown into deep
sorrow. He continued, "The Lord causes beings to create beings and He
causes beings to end beings. Bodies get born, bodies die. Nothing more happens
at birth or death. This has been taught to us by Vaasudeva (Krishna)."
Hearing what had happened to Krishna, mother Kunti fainted and breathed
last. Dharmaraja and Arjuna felt that there is no point in living in this world
when the Lord has left the earth. Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva also had the same
feeling. They all decided to go the Himalayas and work towards their
salvation. But, somebody has to hold the reigns of the kingdom. The young boy
Parikshith is the only crown prince who has to shoulder the responsibilities of
managing the kingdom.
Dharmaraja called renowned astrologers and asked them, "O wise men, who
know the past, present and future! Examine the horoscope of Parikshith and tell
me how the future will be shaped." The Pundits examined the horoscope at
length and the head Pundit stood up and addressed King Yudhistra,
"Maharaja, I have examined thousands of horoscopes, but I never yet to
come across a more auspicious grouping than is indicated in this horoscope. All
virtues will gather in this child. The great Manu has again come in your
dynasty. He will revere and serve Gods and the Brahmins. He will outdistance
all those who gone before him."
Dharmaraja was still not satisfied. He asked, "I am happy with all the
answers you have given. But, I would like to know how he will meet his
end." The Pundits set about the calculations again and took a long
time over it. Finally, they announced, "This prince will give up his
kingdom as a result of a sage's curse. He will be bitten by a serpent."
After hearing this, Dharmaraja was very unhappy. He lamented, "O,
the horror of it. Why should this child end up like that?" The Brahmins
hastened to console him. "Maharaja", they said, "There is no
reason to grieve. As soon as he learns of the curse, he will give up his
kingdom, as well as his wife and children and retire to the bank of the holy
Bhagirathi river and surrender himself to the Lord. The great sage Suka, son of
Vyasa, will arrive there and initiate him into Atma Jnana (Self-knowledge)
through the recital of the glories of Lord Krishna and singing of His praise.
Thus, he will spend his last days on the sacred bank of Ganga and breathe his
last with the adoration of the Lord. He will not born again, for, through
Bhakti Yoga (Path of devotion), he will attain oneness with the Lord.
Hearing this, Dharmaraja was consoled and said, "If so, this is no curse;
it is a unique boon!"
Now, please wait for the next installment!
Jai Sai Ram
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