The Burning of Mathura by Jarasandha : Episode 42 (15-12-13)

Scene 1

Bhishma is in deep distress after the final rites were performed by Krishna. Finding him so distraught with misery, Vidura calls Kanaka to narrate the chain of incidents after Pandavas left for Varanavata. Bhishma is delighted to know that Pandavas and Kunti are safe.

Jarasandha worships Goddess Kali and Shivalinga and is distributing wealth to the needy. He hears about that his daughters Asti and Prapti (Kamsa's wives) are indisposed. The vaidya informs him that his daughters had not partaken food for a few days. Finding them inconsolable, Jarasandha renews his vow to kill Krishna soon.

Bheema is looking for his mace and finds a young boy practising how to wield it. Every one is amazed at the extraordinary strength of the boy when Hidimbi appears and says the boy is Bheema's son. Sage Vyasa explains that demonic women deliver soon after conception and the offspring grow much more faster than those of normal humans. Kunti is delighted with the arrival of her first grandson but Vyasa reminds her that her joy is only short-lived, since the time had come for moving away from that place leaving behind Hidimbi and her son Ghatotkacha. Hidimbi and Ghatotkacha pay obeisance to all. Hidimbi tells Kunti she would appear along with her son anytime she wanted to see them or anytime she sensed that they were in danger. Then she along with her son disappears.

Sage Vyasa directs the Pandavas to leave immediately and go to Ekachakrapura and live in the house of a Brahmana called Upaaya.

Scene 2

Drupada returns to Panchala with Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna, and his wife and brother are relieved to see them. Drupada explains that he had been to see Yaja and ask him about his failed objective in view of Pandava's death. Draupadi tells her mother about Yaja's reassurance...and his curse, but assures it shouldn't be regarded as a curse at all.

Scene 3

Subhadra is sitting alone, and Krishna approaches her. Subhadra is worried over the reported tidings of Pandavas death. She is also worried that Balarama wants her to marry Duryodhana whereas her heart is with Arjuna. But deep in her mind she believes that Arjuna is alive somewhere. Krishna feigns surprise and asks her why, and she points out that Krishna has kept away this news from their parents. Balarama comes and tells Krishna that he wants to discuss certain matters with him and the two go away.

Balarama says he has just received the news of Jarasandha's invasion. Since Jarasandha cannot be killed owing to the boon he has received, the two decide to bid for some more time by attending to the call of war and then deserting the battle field.

As has happened earlier, Krishna and Balarama disappear from the battle ground after a few minutes of war. This time Jarasandha orders his troops to lay seige and burn Mathura so that Krishna would be forced to appear.

Krishna has other plans. They ask the divine architect Vishwakarma to build a city at Kushasthali, a place that was gifted to Balarama by his father-in-law. Vishwakarma is directed to build a city with forts and sprawling spires and call it Dwaraka.

Scene 4

As the Pandavas trudge through the forest, Bheema gets angry why they should have to face so much misery in this world. Sage Vyasa's assistant appears and assures them there is a purpose in every word uttered by Sage Vyasa. He also tells them about the generosity of the people of Ekachakrapura towards their guests and about their host Upaya in particular. Once Vyasa had visited them. Just before food was to be served to them, Sage Vyasa sat in meditation, which continued for three days. The entire family of Upaya, including his little boy waited till Vyasa opened his eyes and had lunch. Such was their devotion to atithis. Pandavas would soon realize the significance of Sage Vyasa's words.