Battle Beyond Kurukshetra | P.K. Balakrishnan

February 22, 2023Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Writer Jayamohan has extensively discussed and written about the novel ‘Ini Njaan Urangatte’, including during a discussion about his Venmurasu novel series at Ang Mo Kio library in 2016.

I didn’t think twice before borrowing this novel from the reference section of the library, which is allowed to be borrowed.

Jayamohan states that this novel is a deep lament; an emptiness. The emptiness that came after a loathed war. After the fierce conflict between the brothers had taken away everyone from this beautiful planet, this tranquil emptiness was an expression of overwhelming feelings. Agony and distress everywhere.

Karna is the protagonist of this novel, which tells the story of the aftermath of his tragic death in the Mahabharata. Karna was known for his unparalleled physical and mental strength and his ability to win over everyone with his charm. Despite his immense power, he ultimately lost and died. This story evokes the fascination of readers due to the unique circumstances of Karna’s life: despite being born into a high-status family, he was raised as the son of a charioteer, was ridiculed and shamed as a ‘suda-putra‘, and yet managed to remain righteous in the face of adversity, even when faced with difficult decisions. Karna’s story is sure to captivate any reader.

The novel begins with the death of Duryodhana, and within the first two paragraphs, it immerses the reader in its world. It is as if a tornado has swept us up, as the intensity of the scene draws us in. The novel enthralls its audience with the tale of Yudhishthira’s fraternal love. He is eager to uncover the truth behind Karna’s death, and he is filled with an overwhelming sense of guilt, despite other Pandava-s’ rage.

They questioned Yudhishthira, “Abhimanyu and the wise teachers who taught him battle strategies have perished, and Bhishma has fallen on a bed of arrows. Yet, you have never expressed sorrow for them, so why do you now grieve for your opponent Karna?”.

This novel contains exquisite places that evoke strong emotions in the reader.

The way author narrates the Narada’s rebuttal with Yudhishthira about Karna’s battle and the justice and injustice behind the same.
Meeting between Karnan and Kunthi
Meeting between Karna and Krishna
The humiliation of Draupadi
The agony of Duryodhana
The assasscination of Karna

The banks of the Ganges, ravaged by war, are a macabre sight during funerary ceremonies.

Kunti’s anxious expression appears intermittently throughout the novel. Upon learning that Karna is Yudhishthira’s elder brother, Kunti reveals the truth of his birth and requests him to perform the funeral rites for Karna first. Draupadi, like us, has many questions.

Why didn’t you let us know he was your son, Mom? Would it have been possible to prevent this devastating destruction if we had known about his family ties to you?
-Draupadi

During the Pandavas and Kauravas’ training in arms, the Pandava clan and their teachers humiliated Karna due to his birth reasons. Kunti fainted from her intense distress, but did not make any attempt to rescue him. Draupadi wanted to ask Kunti if she would react in the same way to Arjuna.

Yudhisthira was so overwhelmed with his love for his brother that he lost his calm. He wanted to throw away his bow and arrow and go into the forest. On the other hand, Kunti was grief-stricken by the death of her eldest son. The other Pandavas were taken aback when Karna humiliated them during the battle, yet gave them a chance to live.

As the Pandavas grieved for Karna, Draupadi – who harbored an intense resentment towards him – felt isolated. With her sibling and father gone due to the war, she had no one. The compassion the Pandavas felt for Karna, despite his having laughed at her humiliation, seemed paradoxical to her. She wondered if the anguish, deceit and sleepless nights she had endured had any purpose.

Krishna and Kunti reveal the secret of Karna’s birth to him not out of sorrow or affection, but rather to prevent an impending war of annihilation by convincing him to switch sides from the Kaurava camp to the Pandava camp. The scenes of Krishna trying to change Karna’s opinion are captivating.

I wish I had the ability to paint, my friends! If I did, I would have created a beautiful painting of Draupadi with the six Pandavas!

Draupadi questions herself; as a woman, she has grievances about the wrongdoing of her unrighteous husbands. She wonders what kind of dharma they are protecting by making her a pawn in the Hastinapur palace or during their exile. Draupadi’s flustered questions embody the essence of feminism.

She sees Karna’s death as a punishment for his betrayal. Despite her victory in the battle, she felt desolate. She deludedly questioned whether this was what she had wanted. Furthermore, Draupadi lamented her inability to care for her children as a mother. These are the emotional threads of this novel.

Krishna arrived in Hastinapur as a messenger, but was unable to prevent war and returned without success. Before departing, he met with Karna to disclose the truth of his birth. He tried to persuade him to transfer to the Pandava camp and become king, with Draupadi as his queen. However, Karna firmly refused and maintained his loyalty to Duryodhana, who had defended his honor in the Hastinapur arms skill event. When Karna thought about his foster mother Radha, I was brought to tears. I had to put the book down and close my eyes before I could continue. Despite Krishna’s attempts, he was unable to make him change his mind and had to go back.

Kunti encountered Karna while he was worshipping the Sun at midday and offering Dharma to those who are in need. She reiterated what Krishna had said.

It is a futile attempt to express longing for the dead by adorning the cremation bed with sandalwood. It is a senseless and cruel act of futility! Please let us finish this scene soon… What is your motivation for coming here? What should I do next? I am confident that I will agree with whatever you say, so please do not hesitate to provide me with your instructions and let us complete this quickly.
-Karna

The novel depicts Karnan conversing with her and holding back his anger with regret. Even though these are well-known stories, the way they are being narrated surprises the readers.

Karna is a Dharmavan, the elder Pandava and a responsible companion. But, he makes some mistakes. Due to unexpected situations, Draupadi has a grudge against him. She also refuses to marry him citing his birth. So, the deception on one side destroys the other!

As everyone was mourning the loss of Karna, Draupadi was in deep emotional distress, imagining an unexpected scene where she saw Karna seated on the throne and herself sitting by his side as his queen, surrounded by the other Pandavas, safe and secure. This vision occurred on the battlefield where so many had died, and the widows of the fallen were preparing their husbands’ funeral pyres. At one point, Draupadi felt as if she too was one of these widows. I was taken aback for a moment.

Let her rest with the worn-out deception and unfulfilled emotions. I will end my lament here!

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End of radiance – Karna’s end | Mahabharata Paintings

February 28, 2022Pandian Ramaiah 2 Comments

Karna took over as commander in chief of Kaurava army on the sixteenth day, after the fall of Drona. Kaurava army had much hope of recovery after the fall of their great chieftains, Bhishma, and Drona.

Kunti knew about the news. She understood that she could not prevent the clash between her sons. But she wanted to minimize the damage by meeting him. Maybe, I think she might have felt that discussing that with Yudhishthira would not earn her because he did not know the background. Some versions of Mahabharata say that it was Krishna who sent her to seek protection for Pandava-s.

It was early in the morning. Karna was in his morning prayers. Kunti came to meet him. Everybody knew that Karna would donate whatever had been asked. Karna understood her motive and asked her to express her wish in a grudge.

“சந்தனக்கட்டைகள் அடுக்கிய சிதையைக் காட்டி பிணங்களை ஆசை காட்டிடும் வீண்வேலை… அர்த்தமற்றதும் கொடூரமானதுமான வீண் உடற்பயிற்சி! விரைவில் நாமிந்த காட்சியை முடித்துக் கொள்வோம்… எந்த லட்சியம் கருதி நீ இங்கு வந்தாய் – என்பதைச் சொல். இனி நான் மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டிய செயல் என்னவென்பதையும் கூறிவிடு. அச்செயல் என்ன ஆயினும் நானதற்குப் பணிவேன் என்பதை நிச்சயமாக நம்பிக்கொண்டு, சொல்லவேண்டியதை விரைவில் சொல்லி முடித்துவிடு”

The futility of making a carcass happy by showing the pyre stacked with sandalwood. Meaningless and horrible futile exercise! We will finish this scene soon. Tell me what ambition you came here for. Please tell me, what you want me to do hereafter. Complete what you have to say as soon as possible, be confident that I will obey you no matter what.
Ini nan urangattum, BK Balakrishnan

Kunti requested him to come to Pandava‘s camp. Citing his bond with Duryodhana, Karna refused to oblige. She asked for the safety for Pandava-s. Karna assured her she will be known as mother of five sons even after the war, either with Arjuna or with him. Karna left to battlefield after that.

It was difficult for Pandava-s to fight with Karna. Kaurava‘s army had time to take breath after successive loses on the sixteenth day. There was a dispute between Yudhishthira and Arjuna about Arjuna’s failure in tackling Karna. All Pandava-s except Arjuna had fought with Karna and lost before this dispute. Though they lost, Karna did not kill then, as he promised to his mother. Unaware of the reality, poor Pandava-s felt humiliated by Karna.

Shalya – the Madra king and maternal uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva – was appointed as Charioteer for Karna by Duryodhana. Krishna raged a psychological war against Karna with the help of Shalya. As directed by Krishna, Shalya was praising Arjuna often. He pointed to his low birth as well to irritate Karna while fighting.

Karna had a powerful astra (weapon) to kill Arjuna. It had the capacity to Kill Arjuna as well. But it can be used only once. Shayla advised Karna to focus on Arjuna’s chest. Karna was confident about this target, so he focused on Arjuna’s neck and shot it. Krishna pushed Arjuna’s chariot a few inches down. As Shalya expected, the astra missed its target and hit Arjuna’s crown.

“கர்ணா, சிரசினை குறிவைத்து அந்த அஸ்திரம் நீ தொடுக்காதே. குறி தவறிவிடும்…” அதற்குக் கர்ணன் சொல்வான்: “மத்ரேசா உனது கூற்றின் பொருள் எனக்குப் புரிகிறது. ஆனால் லட்சியம் குறிவைத்து தொடுத்திட்ட சரம் தனை மாற்றி தொடுப்பது தர்ம நீதிக்கு உகந்ததல்ல. தொடுத்த அம்பினை கர்ணன் திருப்பி வைப்பதில்லை என்பதை நீ அறியவும்…”

“Karna, do not aim at the neck and shoot that arrow. ” To which Karna will say: “Madresa, I understand the meaning of your statement. But it is not in the interest of moral justice to change the string of my target. Know that Karna will not revoke the his arrow.
Ini nan urangattum, BK Balakrishnan

Unfortunately, the wheel of his chariot got stuck inside the pit. He sought help from Shalya to release it. He refused to help and started abusing Karna’s caste.

Karna highlighted the rules of war and asked Arjuna to hold for some time until he releases his wheel from the pit. While Karna was busy releasing his wheel by showing his back to Arjuna, Krishna asked Arjuna to shoot his arrow to kill Karna. Arjuna refused as Karna was armless. Krishna countered him by saying that poor Draupadi had not shown such dharma when she was disrobed in court. Outraged Arjuna shot his arrow at Karna, which pierced his heart (or beheaded him).

The beautiful and mighty warrior was born in right place at wrong time, faced humiliation allover, did not take anything from this world but donated a lot, ended his life in the battlefield miserably.

Arjuna Slays Karna, page from a copy of the Razmnama, Mughal period

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A excruciating war starts | Mahabharata Paintings

February 22, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Pandava finished their exile life

Pandava-s sought refuge at Virata's palace — Pandava-s sought refuge at Virata’s palace and completed their incognito life

Gaurava-s sniffed about Pandava-s hiding in Virata. They attacked Virata without giving any opportunity for Pandava-s. There was a small war in which Arjuna fount as Brihannala. Virata-s won the war to save their kingdom with Brihannala/Arjuna’s help. With that, the 13 years of exile life came to an end!

They exposed themselves to Virata. Virata apologized for treating them as servants. In turn, Virata offered his daughter Uttara to get married to Arjuna. As Uttara was the taught by Brihannala, Arjuna said he could not marry her. But he would accept her as his daughter-in-law. Uttara married Abhimanyu later.

The messengers

Pandava-s took temporary shelter. They sent messengers to Hastinapur to ask Duryodhana to return Hastinapur. Duryodhana refused. Messengers came back empty handed. Krishna felt it was the final chance to avoid war. He himself went to Hastinapur as a messenger carrying Yudhishthira’s message.

Krishna meets Duryodhana

Duryodhana understood about Krishna’s arrival. He arranged for food and shelter on his way. But Krishna refused to enjoy his hospitality. Even after Hastinapur, he refused to stay at the palace. He stayed at Vidura’s house.

The negotiation started. Duryodhana was adamant in his claims. He was a good ruler. He rules both Hastinapur and Indraprastha without any concerns. He asked Krishna, why should he return his kingdom, while he offered good governance.

Krishna made it clear that he did discuss the good or bad governance there. The discussion is about his promise to give back Indraprastha after Pandava’s exile. It was a failed negotiation. Krishna asked for five villages, then five houses. Duryodhana refused to give even five inches of land. Krishna warned him not to pave the way for the destruction of families on both sides. It looked trivial argument to Duryodhana. Krishna then warned him that Pandava-s would meet them in Kurukshetra. Let that red soil decide who holds the dharma. Being angry at his statement, Duryodhana ordered his squad to arrest Krishna.

Krishna as messenger. Duryodhana issue orders to arrest Krishna. Satyaki protests. Image (c) Raja Ravi Varma

Krishna asked him, what did he think about him. Krishna transformed himself into Vishvarupa. The kings assembled over there were spellbound.

Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya what the kings saw there? As there was no reply, He asked Krishna himself if he could get vision to see him. He had been gifted with vision to see the Vishvarupa. He thought he did not want to see anything else with his eyes there after. He continued to be blind as usual. Kings saw Brahma, the creator god, Lord Shiva, the destroyer in Krishna’s Vishvarupa. The eyes, mouth and ears were fuming. They saw all the creatures inside. That was the end of negotiations. The kings dispersed from the negotiation hall one by one.

Krishna meets Karna

Krishna met Karna before he left Hastinapur. As a great warrior, Karna added an enormous amount of power to Kaurava-s. Krishna wanted to divide and rule Kaurava-s. He asked Karna, why did he support Duryodhana, even if he knows his way is against the Dharma. Karna asserted his commitment to Duryodhana, his friend.

Krishna told him the secret of his birth, the information he wanted to know, the information that will bring him out of his low-birth complaint. Krishna told him that he is the ender son of Kunti. By law, he came the son of Pandu, Hence he is the elder Pandava. He can be the emperor supported by all Pandava-s and Kaurava-s. Draupadi will accept to accept to him as well.

Karna was spellbound. But he recalled Duryodhana’s recognition since the day he appeared against Arjuna during a skill display ceremony. It was due to Duryodhana, he had been crowned as King, that helped him to come out of the low-caste derision. Even with that offer, Karna refused to change his camp.

Duryodhana was confident of his success in war because of Karna, Bhishma, Drona, and himself. Krishna’s effort to stop the war (or divide and rule) did not work out.

Krishna meets Kunti

Krishna met Kunti to ask her, if she had anything to inform his sons. She asked them to fight abiding by the law of war.

Kings taking sides

Both parties have started to finalize their alliance with friendly countries. Yadava army joined Kaurava-s. Krishna joined Pandava-s with a condition that he would not fight. Balarama did not join the war. Rukmi was rejected by both parties. The final collection of troops traveled to Kurukshetra.

Aravan kalapali

Both parties looked for an auspicious time to start the war. It was decided as well. Kaurava-s army has more akshauhini-s than those of Pandava-s. So there was a widespread demotivation among the Pandava army. To motivate the force, troop leaders a self-sacrifice to Kali, the goddess of war.

Self-sacrifice is a cruel form of killing a human being and offering him to God. All humans cannot do this. A man with a predefined set of anatomy would be chosen for this. Among the troops there were three persons with such body features – Krishna, Arjuna, and Iravan/Aravan. Krishna and Arjuna cannot be lost. So Aravan became the natural choice.

Aravan was the son of Arjuna through Ulupi, a Nagini during his visit to north eastern part of Bharatha khanda. Arjuna asked if he is ready to do a self sacrifice. He asked for three boons. To make him as a war warrior; to make arrangement so that he can view the war completely; To find a wife to cry after his death.

First option was agreed.

After he did self-sacrifice, his head would be kept in a place, from where the whole war field could be observed from a bird’s- eye perspective. So the second request was also agreed.

The third option was difficult. To find a bride for Aravan, that too in a war field, is not possible. As per the stories, Vishnu took Mohini form and married him. As per Jeyamohan’s Venmurasu, she was assumed as a third gender, and came with troops. The marriage was conducted. Aravan was given as a sacrifice to Kali by beheading him. The transgender woman cried out loud about her husband. This is celebrated as Aravan Kalappali festival in Tamilnadu, Sri Lanka and Singapore.

The war starts

Pandavas headed by Yudhistira and accompanied by Krishna ask Bhishma permission to start the war

The great war of Mahabharata began at Kurukshetra after blowing the conch Panchajanya by Krishna.

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy
Senna Vengai / Venmurasu by Jeyamohan

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Draupadi as Pandava’s wife | Mahabharata Paintings

February 16, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Arjuna won Draupadi in Swayamvara. Pandava-s were on the way back to the house, where they took refuge. Meanwhile Kunti was afraid as her sons did not turn back till the evening. When they reached their home, Kunti did not pay attention to them. Arjuna – with much excitement – asked Kunti to look at what he had won. Kunti did not turn back. Unware of anything, she asked him to share it with her brothers. They were shocked. Kunti realized her mistake later. But she is firm in what she told earlier.

Draupadi and Pandava-s — Draupadi and *Pandava*-s

Then those maharathas, bringers of fame to the Kuru lineage, sons of a king among men, took the hand of that supreme among women, in succession, one day after another.

பிறகு, குரு பரம்பரைக்கு புகழைக் கொண்டு வந்த மஹாரதர்கள், ஆண்களில் ஒரு மன்னனின் மகன்கள், பெண்கள் மத்தியில் அந்த உன்னதமானவரின் கையை, அடுத்தடுத்து, ஒரு நாள் பின் ஒருவராகப் பிடித்தனர்.
Vaisampayana to Janamejaya – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Draupadi’s situation being is being bolstered in many ways. Somebody say, Kunti did not want take back her words as per Dharma. Someone day, it is Draupadi accepted because of her wish to be an empress even if a single Pandava was alive. Someone else justify like Kunti wanted to be this way, to avoid jealous among her sons, which may lead to the family dispute. Whatever it is, it is a a polyandry. This intriguing marriage attracts the writers for several years.

When those immensely radiant ones looked at Draupadi, their love for her arose and put their senses into turmoil. Panchali’s charming form was created by the creator himself. It beguiled all living beings and was supreme to all others. Kunti’s son Yudhishthira knew from their appearance what was going through their minds. O bull among men! He remembered Dvaipayana’s words. Fearing that conflict might arise between the brothers, the king said, “This fortunate Draupadi will be a wife to all of us.

அந்த மிஞ்சிய ஒளி கொண்டவர்கள் திரௌபதியைப் பார்த்தபோது, அவளின் மீது காதல் எழுந்து, அவர்களின் புலன்களைக் கொந்தளிக்க வைத்தது. பாஞ்சாலியின் எழிலான வடிவம் படைப்பாளியால் உருவாக்கப்பட்டது. அது எல்லா உயிர்களையும் வஞ்சித்து மற்ற எல்லாவற்றுக்கும் மேலாக உயர்ந்தது. குந்தியின் மகன் யுதிஷ்டிரன் அவர்களின் தோற்றத்தில் இருந்து அவர்கள் மனதில் என்ன நடக்கிறது என்பதை அறிந்தான். மனிதர்களில் காளையே! துவைபாயனரின் வார்த்தைகள் அவனுக்கு நினைவுக்கு வந்தது. சகோதரர்களுக்கிடையே மோதல் ஏற்படக்கூடும் என்று அஞ்சிய அந்த அரசன், “இந்த அதிர்ஷ்டசாலி திரௌபதி நம் அனைவருக்கும் மனைவியாக இருப்பாள்.” என்றான்.

Vaisampayana to Janamejaya – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Pandava-s with Draupadi, Raja Ravi Varma

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy

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Varanavata palace | Mahabharata paintings

February 13, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

The feud between Pandava-s and Kaurava-s reached a stage where both will not gel any longer. Duryodhana did his best to justify his right over the throne. Vidura justified the right of Yudhishthira on the same. To stop any further escalation, Dhritarashtra suggested building a dedicated palace for Kunti and her sons.

He discussed this with Vidura. He agreed as well. The palace is built at Varanavata, which is far away from Hastinapur. It was near to forest and river Ganga. But the palace was made of lacquer, which is an inflammable material. Vidura understood the conspiracy behind the kind gestures of Kaurava-s.

O scorcher of enemies! From the smell of fat and ghee mixed with lac, it is clear that this house is made of inflammable materials. The evil Purochana has used trusted and well-skilled artisans to build a house with straw, bark and cane, sprinkled all over with ghee. After winning my confidence, he wishes to burn me to death. O Partha! This is the danger that the immensely intelligent Vidura foresaw and warned me about earlier.

எதிரிகளை எரிப்பவர்களே! கொழுப்பும், நெய்யும் கலந்த அரக்கு வாசனையிலிருந்து, இந்த வீடு தீப்பற்றக்கூடிய பொருட்களால் ஆனது என்பது தெளிவாகிறது. பொல்லாத புரோச்சனன், நம்பகமான மற்றும் திறமையான கைவினைஞர்களைப் பயன்படுத்தி வைக்கோல், பட்டை மற்றும் கரும்பு ஆகியவற்றைக் கொண்டு, நெய்யைத் தெளித்து ஒரு வீட்டைக் கட்டியிருக்கிறான். என் நம்பிக்கையைப் பெற்ற பிறகு, அவன் என்னை எரித்து கொல்ல விரும்புகிறான். ஓ பார்த்தனே! வெகு அறிவாளியான விதுரர் முன்னரே முன்னறிவித்து எச்சரித்த ஆபத்து இது.
–Yudhishthira to Bhima, The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Vidura warned Kunti about this. He asked them to escape through a tunnel, which connects the house of Lac to the nearby forest. It was built by Vidura to save Pandava-s. Kunti accepted the gift from Dhritarashtra as planned. As expected, the palace was burst into fire as soon as Kunti moved in with Pandava-s.

The tunnel – built by Vidura – saved Pandava-s. As per Vidura’s plan, five men and one woman were thrown inside the fire (Does dharma accept it?!).

Escape of Pandavas from Fire accident — Escape of *Pandava*-s from Fire accident

(c) The Illustrated Mahabharata – https://blog.abhinavagarwal.net

Hastinapur mourned the death of Kunti and Pandava-s. Kaurava-s relieved from their worries, unaware of the survival of their cousins.

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy

This blog post is a part of Blogchatter’s WRITE A PAGE A DAY campaign.

The birth of Dhritarashtra’s sons | Mahabharata Paintings

February 10, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Kunti became a mother first. As a sister-in-law, Gandhari felt insecured about the throne now. The agony and trauma experienced by Pandu earlier, apprehended Gandhari’s mind now. The thoughts about the chief chair of Hastinapur bloated everyone’s mind.

Gandhari conceived well before Kunti. But she did not give birth. Hapless Gandhari did not find a way. She had been pregnant for 2 years already. With conscious volition, she decided to give birth forcefully. She ordered her maids to strike her belly with an iron bar. No one had the temerity to question her. Though the hesitated, they tended to hit her. There comes the fate.

She did not give birth to a boy or a girl. It was a sphere of flesh with pulse for life. As per Sage Vyasa’s suggestion, the piece was broken into 100 pieces and stored inside different pots with Ghee inside. Poor Gandhari wanted a girl baby as well. So it was broken into 101 pieces and incubated.

When I heard that Kunti had given birth to her first son, as radiant as the sun, I struck my belly in grief. Earlier, you granted me the boon that I would have a hundred sons. But instead of those 100 sons, this mass of flesh has been born to me.

சூரியனைப் போல பிரகாசமான தன் முதல் மகனை குந்தி பெற்றெடுத்தாள் என்று நான் கேள்விப்பட்டபோது துக்கத்தில் என் வயிற்றில் அடித்தேன். இதற்கு முன், எனக்கு நூறு மகன்கள் பிறக்கும் வரம் தந்தீர்கள். ஆனால் அந்த 100 மகன்களுக்குப் பதிலாக இந்த சதை நிறை எனக்கு பிறந்துள்ளது.
Gandhari to Vyasa, Adi Parva, , The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Sage Vyasa assured her the flesh pieces would be changed to children in an year. After an year, first pot was broken. There comes a boy. Gandhari named him as Duryodhana. Over the period rest of the incubators are broken too. The story is like eggs and chicken, isn’t it? Finally there is a girl baby. She named her as Dusshala.

O Subala’s daughter! It will be as I have said and not otherwise. I have never uttered a falsehood in jest. Why should I do it when I am in earnest? Quickly bring a hundred pots and fill them up with ghee. Let cool water be sprinkled on this mass of flesh.

ஓ சுபலரின் மகளே! நான் சொன்னபடியே இருக்கும், மற்றபடி இருக்காது. நான் ஒருபோதும் (பிறரின்) மகிழ்ச்சிக்காகப் பொய் சொன்னதில்லை. நான் ஆர்வமாக இருக்கும்போது அதை ஏன் செய்ய வேண்டும்? சீக்கிரம் நூறு பானைகளைக் கொண்டு வந்து நெய் நிரப்பு. இந்த சதையின் மீது குளிர்ந்த நீர் தெளிக்கப்படட்டும்.
Vyasa to Gandhari, Adi Parva, , The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

In addition, Dhritarashtra had a son – Yuyutsu – with a Vaishya maid Sughada. He was grown along with Gandhari’s children as well.

Here is the birth of Kaurava-s.

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy

This blog post is a part of Blogchatter’s WRITE A PAGE A DAY campaign.

The Birth of Pandu’s Children | Mahabharata Paintings

February 9, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Pandu in exile

Once Sage Kindama and his wife wanted to get intimate in open. They turned themselves into an antelope and doe. Pandu crossed that place in the forest when he went for hunt. He hit them wit his arrow. Kindama was attacked. He cursed Pandu that Pandu will never touch a women. If he touch them, he will die on the spot.

You follow dharma and you know the pleasure that comes from satisfaction of desire. But you have killed me before my desire was satiated. Therefore, you will also be united with the five elements! in a similar state, before your desire is satiated.
நீ தர்மத்தைப் பின்பற்றுகிறாய், ஆசையின் திருப்தியால் வரும் இன்பத்தை நீ அறிவாய். ஆனால் என் ஆசை தீரும் முன்பே என்னை கொன்று விட்டாய். ஆதலால் நீயும் இதே நிலையில், உன் ஆசை நிறைவேறும் முன், ஐம்பூதங்களுடன் ஐக்கியமாகி விடுவாய்!
Sage Kindama to Pandu

Whether it is right for Kindama to curse like this itself a debate. But we assumed the curse had an effect.

Pandu was unable to give birth to any child with both Kunti and Madri. This frustrated him too much. To overcome this, he spent his time on hunting. To end a progeny is a pain for anyone. It is their progeny that would help him to find his way to heaven and the route for his next birth. So Pandu was worried if he would die without children. Finally he left Hastinapur in his brother Dhritarashtra’s care and left to forest. Kunti and Madri followed him.

Kindama's curse — Kindama’s curse. Picture credit: wikipedia

Kunti’s children

Meanwhile, Pandu came to know that Gandhari was pregnant. Hapless Pandu realized that he was losing his control on Hastinapur as the ender descendant decides who will rule the country from there on.

The exile life. Picture credit: wikipedia

This is the result of my own folly. But I have heard that in the hereafter there are no worlds for those who are childless.

Tamil Translation:
இது என் சொந்த முட்டாள்தனத்தின் விளைவு. ஆனால் குழந்தை இல்லாதவர்களுக்கு மறுமையில் உலகங்கள் இல்லை என்று கேள்விப்பட்டிருக்கிறேன்.
Pandu to Kunti

Kunti understood Pandu’s grief. She revealed about Sage Durvasa’s boon to her that can help her to summon any God and give birth to its child. Prior to that Kunti explained him the ways of getting children if her husband is unable to procreate in monogamy.

Pandu - Kunti's dialog — Pandu – Kunti’s dialog. Picture credit: wikipedia

Pandu was pleased by this. He requested Kunti to call Yama, the god of dharma. As he wished, Kunti gave birth to Yudhishthira. Then Pandu preferred Vayu, the god of Air. The powerful Bhima was born. The last child of Kunti, Arjuna, was born to Indra.

Kunti invokes Indra: Picture credit: wikipedia

Till today, I think about the real persons behind the names Yama, Vayu and Indra.

Madri’s Twins

Pandu wanted Kunti to give more children. Kunti refused because of the dharma, that says a woman can not sleep with more than four men.

Pandu and Madri in exile. Picture credit: Pinterest

Your co-wife does not have children either. Let the right offspring also be fathered on her.

Tamil Translation:
உன் துணை-மனைவிக்கும் குழந்தைகள் இல்லை. அவளுடைய சரியான சந்ததிக்கும் நான் தந்தையாகிறேன்.
Pandu to Kunti

Pandu asked Kunti to help Madri to give birth to sons as well, so that he can get more more children. Kunti and Madri agreed. Madri preferred to call Ashwini deva-s, the gods of morning and evening stars.

The deva-s came and helped Madri to get Nakula and Sahadeva.

Pandu still asked Kunti to get more kids by Madri. She refused to oblige.

The Pandava-s

Yudhishthira, who followed dharma, being impartial, educated as the chief, Bhima, a strongest to save his elder brother, Arjuna, a brave warrior to get victories after victories, Nakula-Sahadeva with skills in arts, science, finance, administration etc. – these descendants of Pandu are called the Pandava-s.

The Descent of Pandu

Pandu lived happily with his kids in the forest. There comes an end!

One day in his exile life, Pandu saw Madri beautifully dressed in her ornaments and his desire was stirred. Pandu can not and Madri did not resist. But he died as soon as he touched her. Sage Kindama might be out of his grudge then.

Pandu - Madri. Picture credits: Unknown — Pandu – Madri. Picture credits: Unknown

Kunti and Pandava-s arranged for his funeral in the forest itself. Then Madri ascended the funeral pyre with him. Before that she requested Kunti to affectionately rear the twins. Madri might have envied her for her first wife status. Still she might have realized the kind hearted nature of Kunti. She chose to leave her twins under her care while she followed Pandu to eternity.

Kunti took good care of them.

The Pandavas, https://www.deviantart.com/molee/art/Kunti-and-Pandavas-412944958

Thus Pandu’s life ended without going back to Hastinapur. After Pandu left this world, rishi-s took Kunti and Pandava princes back to Hastinapur.

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy

This blog post is a part of Blogchatter’s WRITE A PAGE A DAY campaign.

The royal marriages: Pandu with Kunti & Madri – Dhritarashtra with Gandhari | Mahabharata Paintings

February 8, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Kunti and Karna

Surasena was the chief of Yadu-s. He is the father of Vasudeva. His daughter was named as Pritha, a matchless beautiful girl. Surasena gifted her female child to Kuntibhoja, his father’s sister’s son, as he was childless. In her step-father’s house, she was appointed to greet and honor the gods and guests. She was renamed as Kunti

This virtuous lady served rishi Durvasa during his visit. The delighted rishi taught a mantra to Kunti.

Whichever gods you summon through the use of this mantra, will grant you sons through their grace.

Tamil Translation:
இந்த மந்திரத்தின் மூலம் நீ எந்த கடவுளை அழைத்தாலும், அவர்களின் அருளால் உனக்கு மகன்கள் பிறப்பார்கள்.
– Durvasa to Kunti, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Though she is still a virgin, she summoned Arka, the sun God, out of curiosity. She became a mother of a warrior. To escape from the blames of her parents and relatives, she left the child in a Wooden deck and left it in water.

He was later saved by Adhiratha and Radha. They named the baby boy as Vasushena and raised as their child.

Kunti marries Pandu

When Kunti was at marriageable age, his father arranged for Swayamvara. Kings across the world were invited to participate. Kunti found Pandu, the king of Hastinapur and the son of Vichitravirya. Kuntibhoja was happy too as this marriage will bring his kingdom close to Kuru dynasty. Kunti was the first grand-daughter-in-law for Satyavati.

Kunti's marriage with Pandu, Painting from Jammu and Kashmir — Kunti’s marriage with Pandu, Painting from Jammu and Kashmir

Pandu marries Madri

Pandu and Kunti did not make any children. Children were seen as important in kingdom as they succeed the throne after his father. It was considered as King’s rights to find additional wives if his queen is unable to make child. Kunti’s reputation was stained due to her premarital liaison as well.

Pandu went on expedition to expand his kingdom. He went to Madra kingdom also. (present day Sialkot in Pakistan). Though it is his inability to give birth to a child with Kunti, he purchased Madri, who was known for her exceptional beauty. She is the princess of Madra and sister of ruler Shalya.

Thereafter, with Devavrata Bhishma, he went to the capital city of the Madra kingdom. Madri, the daughter of the king of Madra, lived there. She was famous in the three worlds and among all the kings for her beauty, which was unmatched on earth. For Pandu’s sake, he bought her with a great deal of riches. Bhishma got the great-souled Pandu married off.
Vaisampayana to Janamejaya, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Pandu won many kingdoms. He got enormous wealth from the treasuries of such small kingdoms. He gifted it to Bhishma, Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika as Dhritarashtra preferred. But his inability to beget a child made his life stressful. To win over it, he spent time on hunting in forests.

Gandhara princess agree to marry Dhritarashtra

Bhishma looked for a princess to marry the blind prince Dhritarashtra almost at the same time Pandu got married. He was searching for a beautiful bride from a powerful kingdom. He felt Gandhari, daughter of Gandhara king Suvala, may be a good match. He heard that the princess of Gandhara is not only beautiful but also had a good fortune as she has been granted a boon by Shiva – using which she will be a mother of hundred sons.

Bhishma sent a word to Suvala. Suvala was confused because of the blindness of the elder prince of Hastinapur. But the power of Kuru’s kingdom was an attractive offer to him. He agreed and started the nuptial process.

On hearing about misfortune of her to-be-husband, princess Gandhari decided not to get any external pleasures which was not naturally available to her husband and blind-folded herself using a piece of cloth. Thus a blind folded queen was a strong metaphor in Indian mythology.

O descendant of the Bharata lineage! O king! When Gandhari heard that Dhritarashtra was blind and that both her father and mother had agreed to give her to him, the beautiful one who possessed many qualities picked up a piece of cloth. As devotion to her husband, she tied up her eyes with this, deciding resolutely that she would never experience more than what her husband could….. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! Gandhari of the beautiful hips satisfied all the Kurus with her acts, behaviour, attentiveness and conduct. She was devoted to her husband. She did not even mention other men in her speech.

Tamil Translation:
பரத பரம்பரையில் வந்தவனே! அரசே! திருதராஷ்டிரன் பார்வையற்றவனாகவும், அவளை அவனுக்குக் கொடுக்கத் தன் தந்தையும், தாயும் சம்மதித்ததைக் கேள்வியுற்ற பல குணங்கள் கொண்ட அந்த அழகிய காந்தாரி, ஒரு துண்டை எடுத்தாள். கணவனின் மேல் உள்ள பக்தியாக, தன் கணவனால் முடிந்ததை விட அதிகமாக அனுபவிக்க மாட்டேன் என்று தீர்மானமாக அவள் கண்களைக் கட்டினாள்…. பரத பரம்பரையில் வந்தவனே! மெல்லிடையாள் காந்தாரி தன் செயல்கள், நடத்தை, கவனிப்பு மற்றும் நடத்தை ஆகியவற்றால் அனைத்து குரு வம்சத்தினரையும் திருப்திப்படுத்தினாள். கணவனிடம் பக்தி கொண்ட அவள், தன் பேச்சில் மற்ற ஆண்களைக் குறிப்பிடவே இல்லை.
Vaishampayana to Janamejaya, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Gandhari entered into Hastinapur with all her riches and traditional offerings. As per their tradition, her brother Shakuni, known to be a destroyer, went along with her.

Dhritarashtra – though he is elder – was forbidden from the throne due his disability. Whatever he lost, he wanted to give it to his son. So he said Gandhari that they should give birth to a son before Pandu, so that his son can lead the seniority.

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy

This blog post is a part of Blogchatter’s WRITE A PAGE A DAY campaign.

dwaraka

Kunti

Battle Beyond Kurukshetra | P.K. Balakrishnan

End of radiance – Karna’s end | Mahabharata Paintings

A excruciating war starts | Mahabharata Paintings

Pandava finished their exile life

The messengers

Krishna meets Duryodhana

Krishna meets Karna

Krishna meets Kunti

Kings taking sides

Aravan kalapali

The war starts

Draupadi as Pandava’s wife | Mahabharata Paintings

Varanavata palace | Mahabharata paintings

The birth of Dhritarashtra’s sons | Mahabharata Paintings

The Birth of Pandu’s Children | Mahabharata Paintings

Pandu in exile

Kunti’s children

Madri’s Twins

The Pandava-s

The Descent of Pandu

The royal marriages: Pandu with Kunti & Madri – Dhritarashtra with Gandhari | Mahabharata Paintings

Kunti and Karna

Kunti marries Pandu

Pandu marries Madri

Gandhara princess agree to marry Dhritarashtra

The blind couple