Arjuna Fights With The Gandharva Chitratha : Episode 51

Recap of Previous episode :

The spy who exposed the Pandavas in Ekachakrapura is found dead, while the Pandavas continue their cautious forest journey under Sahadeva’s guidance. Rukmini sends Krishna a letter, prompting him to rush to Vidarbha. In Varanavata, Dushshasana becomes convinced that the Pandavas truly died in the fire. Draupadi dreams of her future wedding, and a learned Guru reassures Drupada that destiny will lead her to the right groom. Krishna finally arrives in dramatic splendor and carries Rukmini away, leading to a brief pursuit before Jarasandha and Shishupala withdraw.

Arjuna’s Encounter with the Gandharva Chitratha

The Pandavas, though exhausted, decide to keep moving through the forest. Since night travel is dangerous, Yudhishtra suggests using torches to keep wild animals away. Carrying these flambeaux, they reach the banks of the Bhageerathi — unaware that a Gandharva chief, Chitratha, is nearby with his two wives. The women wish to bathe in the river, and the Gandharva brings his aerial chariot down.

TAs the Pandavas approach with their torches, Chitratha becomes furious. Twilight to dawn, he declares, belongs to Yakshas, Gandharvas, and Rakshasas. Humans who enter water bodies at this time are attacked. He identifies himself as Angaraparna — blazing chariot.

TArjuna refuses to yield the path, insisting that humans have every right to cross a river. Kunti, worried, reminds him that their ancestor Chitrangada died fighting Gandharvas. But Yudhishtra allows Arjuna to face the challenge.

TA fierce battle follows. When Arjuna prepares to use the Agneyastra — gifted by Agnivesha to Drona and then to him — Chitratha’s wives run to Arjuna pleading for mercy. Kunti also asks him to spare the Gandharva’s life. Chitratha admits defeat and vows never again to boast of his strength before humans. He offers friendship, and Arjuna accepts.

TChitratha teaches Arjuna the Chakshushi Vidya — the power to create illusions and see beings in all three worlds — a secret granted by Soma to Vishvavasu and passed down to him. He praises Arjuna’s celibacy and virtue, saying no Gandharva can defeat a man free of lust. He also predicts that the Pandavas will soon marry a maiden from a noble family. In return, Arjuna teaches him the Agneyastra.

TThe Pandavas resume their journey and eventually meet Sage Vaishampayana, who informs them that Sage Vyasa has been staying in Panchala.

Krishna Confronts Rukmi

TAfter Jarasandha and Shishupala depart, Rukmi remains furious. He lashes out at Krishna, calling him cowardly for abducting Rukmini instead of fighting openly. He mocks Krishna’s birth, deriding him as a shepherd unworthy of a kshatriya bride.

Provoked by the insults, Krishna prepares to battle him. Despite Rukmini’s desperate pleas, the two fight fiercely. Finally, Krishna invokes the Sudarshana Chakra. Rukmini falls at his feet, begging him to spare her brother. Krishna relents and instead orders Rukmi’s head to be shaved — a humiliation to remind him never to cross his limits again. Balarama urges Krishna to let go of his anger.

A Lesson in True Kshatriya Spirit

TDuring a training session, Drona and Drishtadyumna spar with swords. When Drishtadyumna slips and falls, Drona encourages him to rise again. Soon Drishtadyumna’s blade reaches his neck — only to be stopped by a sudden parry from Ashwatthama, who accuses Drishtadyumna of trying to kill his father.

Drona calmly explains that a true kshatriya focuses only on the battle itself, not on the identity of the opponent or the result. Drishtadyumna apologizes for exceeding proper limits. Drona says he is pleased — Drishtadyumna has behaved like a true warrior, and Ashwatthama like a loyal son.

Krishna and Rukmini’s Wedding

At Dwaraka, Balarama asks his wife Revathi to prepare for the arrival of Krishna and Rukmini. The couple soon arrives and are warmly received. Revathi takes Rukmini and her sister inside, while Balarama consults priests and arranges a traditional wedding. Krishna and Rukmini marry with the blessings of Balarama, Revathi, Devaki, Vasudeva, Nanda, and Yashoda.

The Question of Guru Dakshina

On the last day of Drishtadyumna’s training, Drona worships Lord Shiva. Kripi and Ashwatthama urge him to demand Drishtadyumna’s right hand as guru dakshina. Drona is shocked by the cruelty of the suggestion. Ashwatthama reminds him that he once asked Ekalavya for his thumb even without training him. Now, after personally teaching Drishtadyumna, why hesitate?

Drona assures them he can defend himself from any threat. They only need to wait and see what dakshina he will actually ask.