Scene 1
 |
| Krishna-Rukmini Wedding |
The Pandavas decide to keep moving despite fatigue. Since the forest was dangerous at night, Yudhishtra suggests they use a flambeau (this word has originated from French and is nearest equivalent to fire torch or தீப்பந்தம்). Accordingly they prepare the torches so that they could frighten away wild animals.
At this time a Gandharva chief called Chitratha is passing by in his aerial car with his two wives. One of the wives wants to bathe in the River Bhageerathi flowing on the earth and they come down. While they are enjoying the cool water, the Pandava brother appear there carrying their torches.
The Gandharva gets furious with the Pandavas. He says the time between the falling of twilight and the dawn is reserved for Yakshas, Gandharvas and Rakshasas and they kill any man who come near pools. His name was Angaraparna(Blazing chariot).
Arjuna gets angry with the gandharva for preventing him from crossing the river and says human have every right to do so. Kunti, however, reminds that his great grand uncle Chitrangada (Vichitraveerya's son) was killed in a battle with Gandharvas. But Yudhishtra requests his mother to allow Arjuna to proceed.
They fight hard. Finally, Arjuna said that he aware that Gandharvas had more power than men. So he would use Agneyastra which Sage Agnivesha gave Drona who gave it to him in turn.
Gandharva's wives run to Arjuna and beg for mercy. Kunti too asks Arjuna to forgive Chitratha. Chitratha then admits defeat and says he would never use the name Angaraparna to describe himself or brag about his strength to other humans. He then offers his friendship which Arjuna accepts graciously.
Gandharva then teaches 'Sakshasi' vidya (or chaksusi vidya which involves use of weapons to create illusions), which he had obtained after severe penance standing on one leg. This knowledge was gifted by Soma to Vishvavasu, who then gifted to him. This knowledge made Gandharvas more powerful than men. This mantra when invoked would enable Arjuna to see anybody in all the three worlds.
The Gandharva says that any human, if inflicted with lust, could never defeat him. This showed that Arjuna was virtuous and the strength of his celibacy. Not only Arjuna, the other Pandavas are equally virtuous, he said, and prophesied that they would soon marry a maiden from a good family.
Arjuna teaches the Gandharva the Agneyastra in return.
The Pandavas start their journey once again. After a long tiring journey they see Sage Vaishampayana who informs that Sage Vyasa has been camping at Panchala since some days.
Scene 2
After Jarasandha and Shishupala withdraw, Rukmi is left alone to fight with Rukmi. Rukmi abuses Krishna and calls him an impotent and cowardly to have taken Rukimini when she was alone instead of fighting with her brother, like a brave warrior would. He angers Krishna by calling him a shepherd and not a kshatriya by birth who did not deserve a kshatriya girl like Rukmini. Krishna gets ready to fight with Rukmi and they fight despite Rukmini's appeal to both him and her brother. Finally, Krishna invokes Sudarshana chakra and Rukmini falls at Krishna's feet and begs him to spare her brother who was only doing what a good brother should. Krishna declares that Rukmi's head be shaved as a punishment and a reminder not to cross his limits with him. Balarama asks Krishna to shed his anger and forgive Rukmi his trespasses.
Scene 3
Training session between Drona and Drishtadyumna. Both fight with their swords, and Drona encourages when Drishtadyumna falls down. Drishtadyumna continues to fight and places the sword at Drona's neck. Another sword appears and pushes Drishtadyumna's sword. It is Ashwaththama, and he accuses Drishtadyumna of attempting to take Drona's life. Drona explains that a true kshatriya concentrates only on the fight and forgets who he is fighting with and does not care about the results. Drishtadyumna asks for Drona's forgiveness for exceeding the limit on what is an appropriate behavior. Drona says he is happy with Drishtadyumna for behaving like a true kshatriya and with Ashwaththama for behving like a true son.
Scene 4
Balarama instructs his wife Revathi to get ready to Balarama. Soon Krishna arrives with Rukmini and is warmly welcomed by the couple. Revathi calls Rukmini and her sister and Balarama says he would fix up a traditional wedding for them after consulting the priests.
The marriage takes place between Krishna and Rukmini. Krishna seeks the blessings of Balarama and Revathi; his parents Devaki and Vasudeva and Nanda Gopa and Yashoda.
Scene 5
Drona is offering worship to Lord Shiva. It is the last day of training for Drishtadyumna. Kripi and Ashwaththama suggest that Drona ask Drishtadyumna for his right hand as Guru Dakshina. Drona is shocked at their cruel request. Aswaththama says he shouldn't be shocked or surprised; after all, he had once asked the hunter Ekalavya for his right thumb even though he hadn't given any tuition to him. On the other hand, he had taken all the trouble to teach Drishtadyumna.
Drona tells them he could well defend his own life, so they have only to wait and watch what guru dakshina (fees due to a guru) he would demand.
Comments
Post a Comment