Devaki and Vasudeva Decide to Participate in the Divine Design : Episode 20 (07-07-13)

Scene 1

In a continuation of a scene from the previous episode, Devaki and Vasudeva grieve over the killing of their first child. In an effort to stop such gruesome killings, Vasudeva and Devaki decide to spend their lives in worship of the Lord and not procreate any children.

At Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu explains why he has chosen to be born to Devaki and Vasudeva, because they were righteous and virtuous, and never blamed anyone for their misfortune. Lord Vishnu's consorts point to Him the decision made by the young couple, and wondered how He could take His avatara as Devaki's son. Narada joins them too.

Narada

: If we think in a certain way, the gods think in a diametrically opposite way – this is the maxim we have always heard. But the situation here is just the opposite.

Vishnu

: Why don't you speak more clearly?

Narada

: You, the Lord, plan a certain way, but the humans Devaki and Vasudeva act in a way that is likely to overturn that. Just as You are planning Your avatara, Devaki and Vasudeva have decided not to have any more children! On the one one hand, Kamsa's atrocities are on the increase. He is holding his own father as captive and torturing the common citizen too. Before long, he may even want to capture Indraloka.

Bhoodevi

: How long are you going to wait, my Lord? I have another doubt too. Having decided to take birth on Earth, why wait to be born as the eighth child? Why can't you be born earlier?

Narada

: Is it that easy for the Lord to be born? There has to be the most opportune moment for everything. Even if you plant a mango seed, it takes years for it to bear fruit. If that be so, how much more preparation would be needed for Paranthama's birth? Each of Devaki's children would be loudly heralding Lord's forthcoming arrival and act as a reminder for Kamsa.

Sridevi

: All that is ok. But how are you going to reverse Devaki and Vasudeva's decision?

Vishnu

: I leave that job for you two. You must remind Devaki and Vasudeva about their duties.

Scene 2

Vasudeva and Devaki absorbed in meditation. Devi calls out to them.

Devi

: I empathize with you, Devaki, being a mother myself. I understand the pain in your heart. But it has been ordained that Kamsa will be killed by the eighth child born to you. Do not worry. All the children born to you are in fact gods, for whom there is no real death. Lord Vishnu himself will be born as your eighth child and annihilate Kamsa. Because of your past good karmas, you have been chosen as the parents of Narayana Himself. You should resume your normal marital life and be prepared for the coming events without any anguish. Blessings to you both.

Scene 3

Pandu and his wives take leave of Queen Ambalika. Ambalika wants to accompany them but Pandu dissuades her. Vidura comes to Pandu's chambers to know about the time of departure to the forests so that he and his wife could accompany them. Pandu resolutely says 'no' to his idea. Vidura is disappointed and says Pandu probably thinks him unworthy of accompanying an Emperor. Pandu takes him out to talk to him privately. Vidura insists that he wants to accompany him as Lakshmana accompanied Rama, and if Pandu did not want Vidura to come along, he should stay back and rule the country.

At this time Satyavati arrives and overhears the conversation between the two. Pandu reminds Vidura about how emotionally disturbed Dhritarashtra was when Pandu's coronation was fixed. He says Dhritarashtra would be unable to reconcile if Pandu became the king and he would kill himself. Gandhari, devastated by her husband's death, would die too. Queen Satyavati had already undergone many privations to ensure the future of Hastinapura; so he did not want her to face any more problems. Besides, Dhritarashtra was over ambitious and greedy. And being blind, he would need some one like Vidura to guide him, else the efforts of Queen Satyavati and the sacrifices of Bhishma for the welfare of Hastinapura would come to a naught.

Satyavati is moved by the maturity, selflessness and understanding that Pandu displayed.

Pandu takes leave of Dhritarashtra. Then he meets Bhishma and takes leave of him as well. Bhishma is moved by the real intention behind Pandu's innocuous holiday plan.

Scene 4

Pandu arrives at the forest with his wives. They admire the scenic beauty of the forests, rich with the nature's bounty. Then Pandu decides to go hunting. As he leaves, his step falters and he topples down. Kunti thinks it is a bad omen and tells him he could hunt another day, but Pandu carries on, regardless of her protests. He goes deep into the jungle. Suddenly his eyes look rivetingly into the distance and he picks up his arrow.