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- Herausgeber: WS
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Serie: Mahabharata
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
From 5000 BC to 5000 AD – the same story unfolds in every home.
Experience the timeless drama and profound wisdom of the Mahabharata like never before. Crafted meticulously by Vikram Aditya, this 300+ page epic reinvigorates the ancient story with a compelling modern touch, making the complex themes of ethics and values not only accessible but intensely engaging.
As the Pandavas face their thirteen years of exile, their journey through adversities richly illustrates the conflicts and moral questions that resonate deeply with our contemporary struggles. Every page of this narrative is a mirror to the soul, reflecting themes of loyalty, justice, and the pursuit of righteousness amidst the harshest trials.
More than just a thrilling adventure, "Mahabharata: The Exile" offers valuable insights into ethics, values, and the complexities of human relationships. It's a timeless tale that continues to resonate with readers today.
Step into a world where each chapter offers not just a story, but a profound life lesson waiting to be discovered.
"The Exile: Part-1" masterfully covers the first 50 percent of the Mahabharata's expansive narrative. Each chapter meticulously sets the pieces for the grander saga, "The Kurukshetra: Part-2."
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MAHABHARAT
THE EXILE- PART 1
VikramAditya
Copyright © 2024 by VikramAditya
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, contact [email protected].
VikramAditya asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover by VikramAditya
Illustrations by VikramAditya
1 edition 2024
DEDICATION
Dedicated to my parents
Mr. POTHULA KALYAN &
Mrs. P JASMINE USHA RANI
who have always been my strength, my reason, and the purpose of my life.
Iam deeply indebted to my beloved wife, Mrs. V. SATYAVATHI, who has been a pillar of strength and unwavering support throughout this endeavor.
Special Thanks to A.Vijay Anand Kumar
Why you should have this book in your home
In a world teeming with countless books, the Mahabharat stands out not only as a story, but as a catalyst for profound change. This is not just a book; it is a journey of personal transformation. If you seek positive change within yourself, if you wish to see a change in the mindset of your family members, 'Mahabharat' is the key.
As you delve into its pages, you are not just reading a story; you are embarking on a time-travelling adventure. The narrative is so vivid, so immersive, that it transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling. It's an experience that puts the most advanced virtual reality equipment to shame, drawing you into a world where every scene, every dialogue and every character is alive with possibility and purpose.
This book is a mirror that reflects the complexities of life, the struggles between duty and desire, and the eternal search for truth and justice. It's a guide that illustrates how to face life's challenges with grace, strength and wisdom. "The Mahabharat is more than the story of an ancient epic; it's a blueprint for a life of purpose, courage and integrity.
Bringing the Mahabharat into your home isn't just adding a book to your shelf; it's inviting transformation into your life and the lives of those around you. It's an opportunity to connect with a story that has shaped civilisations, influenced cultures and offered timeless lessons to generations.
Yours,
VikramAditya
About the Author
Vikram Aditya, a name synonymous with inspiration and knowledge, emerges as a unique voice in the world of mythology and storytelling. A celebrated YouTuber with over 2 million followers, Vikram has captivated a global audience with his profound insights into history, mythology, science, and the myriad facets of life. His inspirational content has been widely acclaimed and resonates with a diverse and vast audience.
With an academic background as illustrious as his online presence, Vikram holds an MS in Medicinal Chemistry from the prestigious National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER). His academic prowess was highlighted in 2014 when he contributed to cancer research through his work on Rugulactone, published in the prestigious international journal Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters.
Despite his achievements in the scientific arena, Vikram's journey took an unconventional turn. After successfully entering the banking sector through the State Bank entrance exam, his innate passion for storytelling and connecting with people led him to create his YouTube channel, 'Vikram Aditya', in 2015. This venture marked him as one of the pioneering individual content creators in the infotainment category, particularly celebrated in the Telugu community for his captivating series on the Mahabharata.
The overwhelming response to his channel fuelled Vikram's desire to explore new horizons. Driven by a thirst for creative expression, he took the bold decision to quit his role as Assistant Manager at SBI to pursue his passion. His fascination with the Mahabharata, combined with his unique perspective, culminated in the creation of this 530-page book, a labor of love and dedication.
Vikram's rendition of the Mahabharata is not just a retelling; it's an immersive experience. His narrative style, accessible and engaging, makes the epic resonate with contemporary readers. The story, intense and gripping, promises to leave the reader spellbound and yearning for more. Through this book, Vikram Aditya aims to offer a piece of literature that will be cherished as one of the greatest stories ever told.
Vikram's journey from scientist to banker to acclaimed author and content creator is a testament to his belief in following one's passion and the power of storytelling. With this book, he invites readers on an epic journey through the pages of history, reimagined and retold through his visionary lens.
A NOTE
In attempting to write the story of the Mahabharata in my own words, I have intended that, unlike the various previous versions of the story, I wish to convey the essence of the story to today's society in relatively simpler terms and create a sincere interest in the reader to go further into the story and grasp the meaning of the myriad lessons of life through the story.
Some parts of the story may seem highly exaggerated. However, it has been established by certain scholars that several such incidents could have taken place at that time. For example, it has been reported that scientists have discovered faint traces of nuclear radiation in the region where the Kurukshetra war was fought, where the story tells of the use of high-powered Astras. So my appeal to you is that you read the story as part of our history, rather than questioning whether such things are possible. Perhaps it is impossible for such things to happen or be accepted in this age, but I want you to read the story with an open mind and believe that such things could have happened at that time. Read the story, learn the lessons of life through this epic and you will find that your life will surely feel enriched.
Please also note that the story presented in this book is primarily based on the Mahabharata as written by Veda Vyasa. In addition, I have incorporated elements from some folklore throughout India. While I have endeavored to make the narrative more engaging for the reader, it has been my utmost priority to preserve the soul and essence of the original epic. All improvisations have been made concerning the original story, ensuring that its core remains unaltered. I hope that this blend of tradition and creativity will enhance your reading experience.
Introduction
Rising from the depths of ancient India, the Mahabharata is an epic poem that has captured hearts and minds for millennia. Its intricate narrative, woven with threads of mythology, philosophy, and human drama, has captivated readers and listeners across generations, cultures, and continents. This comprehensive retelling of the Mahabharata seeks to reveal its timeless essence, offering a profound understanding of its characters, themes, and enduring significance.
At the heart of the Mahabharata is the intricate saga of two families, the Kauravas, and the Pandavas, locked in a bitter struggle for power over the throne of Hastinapura. Their rivalry, fuelled by greed, jealousy, and a thirst for power, culminates in the Kurukshetra War, a cataclysmic battle that engulfs the entire nation. Amidst the chaos and carnage, the epic unfolds, revealing the complexity of human nature, the interplay of Dharma and Adharma (righteousness and unrighteousness), and the profound wisdom that emerges from the depths of human suffering.
The Mahabharata is not just a story of war and succession; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, plumbing the depths of love, loss, betrayal, and redemption. It is a story that mirrors our struggles, triumphs, and failures, offering a timeless allegory for the challenges we face in life.
Throughout the epic, we meet a cast of unforgettable characters, each embodying a facet of human nature. The noble warrior Arjuna struggles with his conscience on the eve of battle and seeks guidance from his divine charioteer, Lord Krishna. The righteous Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, embodies integrity and adherence to Dharma, even in the face of adversity. The cunning and manipulative Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava, represents the lure of power and the destructive potential of ambition.
The narrative of the Mahabharata is interwoven with philosophical discourses, most notably the Bhagavad Gita, a profound dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. This sacred text explores the nature of the soul, the concept of karma, and the path to spiritual liberation. It offers timeless guidance on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life, even amidst the turmoil and uncertainty of the world.
Beyond its philosophical depth, the Mahabharata is a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, rituals, and beliefs. It reflects the ancient Indian worldview, with its reverence for nature, its worship of gods and goddesses, and its adherence to the principles of dharma.
As we embark on this journey through the Mahabharata, let us open our hearts and minds to its timeless wisdom. Let us delve into the depths of its characters, contemplate its philosophical teachings, and appreciate its profound insights into the human condition. May this epic tale inspire us to embrace the virtues of righteousness, compassion, and selflessness, and to face life's challenges with courage and unwavering faith in the power of truth and justice.
Welcome to the extraordinary world of the Mahabharata, a saga that has captivated and transformed lives for centuries. May its wisdom light your path and enrich your understanding of the human experience.
REVIEW
Dear Valued Reader,
If the journey through the pages of my rendition of the Mahabharat has enriched your thoughts and added value to your life, I humbly request that you consider sharing your experience by leaving a review on Amazon. Your feedback is vital in helping others discover this story and in allowing the essence of the Mahabharat to resonate with more souls. Thank you for your support.
SUPPORT
Dear esteemed reader,
If the story I have told in Mahabharat has resonated with you and you believe in the value of such stories, I invite you to support my journey as a writer. Your financial contribution will enable me to continue to create stories that inspire, educate and entertain. If you would like to support my work and encourage the creation of more such books, you can make a donation by visiting my website at WWW.VIKRAMADITYA.LIFE or by contacting me directly at [email protected] for more information on how to contribute. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant difference and is greatly appreciated.
With heartfelt thanks,
VikramAditya
Contents
A Prophecy and a Promise
"Vedavyasa 'restructured' the Vedas, which originally appeared as a single, extensive compilation of Mantras. He divided them into three distinct segments: Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda, and also created an assorted collection known as the Atharvaveda." He accomplished this task. He endeavored to put them in proper order and divided them into four parts, thus earning the name Veda Vyasa. Once, while meditating in a trance-like state, he had a vision in which he witnessed and foresaw great events to come, which left him perplexed and frightened. The images that unfolded in his vision were of a vast battlefield engulfed in a brutal massacre. Wherever his eyes landed, a panorama of violence unfolded: blades unsheathed, throats slit, cavalry and chariots charging, battle cries piercing the ears, elephant trumpets echoing, explosions reverberating, fires raging, and the heart-wrenching noise of wounded men and beasts mingling in screams and cries. Bodies were dragged away, rivers of blood gushed, and waves of death and destruction reigned.
Baffled by these sights and greatly agitated, he entered into deep meditation to gain further insight into the future. Once again, he witnessed the terrible events firsthand. What he saw in the vision was utter chaos, devastation, and a human cataclysm of unimaginable proportions. These horrific scenes were terrifying enough to frighten even the most battle-hardened spirits or warriors. The agonizing screams of death echoed in vivid detail, sending a chill down his spine. In the annals of human history, a war of such magnitude and horror had never occurred. Adding to the despair was the profound revelation that the warring factions were composed entirely of his successors, heirs, and those who had inherited his legacy.
Baffled by these perplexing events, he asked, "Since I am celibate, how can I have heirs? And why are they turning on each other so mercilessly?" Surely there must be a profound purpose in these visions. As a result, he came to the firm conviction that the vision contained a prophetic message, revealing both the events to come and his intended course of action. This realization set him on a course to write the story of the Mahabharata so that future generations would know of these events. In other words, the story was written in Vyasa's mind before it ever happened, and so it came to be.
The story begins with King Pratipa, who had three children.
The eldest was Devapi. However, he had no interest in worldly things like wealth or relationships, so he became an ascetic and found his way to the Himalayas. There he discovered a city of splendor called Shambala, where Kalki Bhagwan, the Avatar of the Kaliyuga, was prophesied to arise. Devapi himself was gifted with eternal life, so he would remain there until the end of Kaliyuga.
Bahlika, the second son, remained in the constant company of his maternal uncle, which prevented him from acquiring the knowledge necessary to govern the kingdom. As a result, he was unable to fulfill the role of supportive successor to his father.
Santanu, the third and youngest son, emerged as the destined heir to the throne, embodying the envisioned future king.
Once, while King Pratipa was meditating on the banks of the River Ganga, a girl named Ganga saw him and was instantly captivated. His broad, masculine shoulders, his graceful, handsome, and kingly appearance, and his almost divine aura mesmerized her. Boldly, she approached him and sat down on his right thigh. Startled, the king opened his eyes, and when he looked at her in surprise, she said, "Oh, noble warrior, your aura has stolen my heart. I beg you to make me yours!"
In response, the king said, "My dear, you were sitting on my right lap. Traditionally, a man's left side is reserved for his wife, and his right side for his daughter. By sitting on my right lap, you have taken the place of my daughter-in-law.
In a faltering voice, Ganga expressed her disappointment, "You seem to be a king, yet you reject a woman who has come for you!"
King Pratipa then explained, "Dear girl, my son Santanu, who bears an uncanny resemblance to me, is in the prime of his youth and even more handsome than I am. I will gladly send him to you. With these words, he managed to persuade Ganga to withdraw. True to his father's words, Santanu arrived at the river a few days later. When his eyes met Ganga's, he was struck by her breathtaking beauty, and in that instant, he found himself irrevocably captivated by an overwhelming love that knew no bounds.
"Will you marry me?" he asked.
Ganga seemed to reciprocate his feelings and agreed, but with certain conditions. The smitten prince could only promise that he would abide by her terms, whatever they might be.
"Oh, warrior, I am willing to marry you, but on one condition. After our marriage, you must never question or prevent me from doing anything I want to do. If you fail to keep this promise, I will leave you immediately, never to return. In the depths of love's spell, Santanu had no choice but to comply and promised to honor her condition without fully realizing the weight of his words.
The time that followed was filled with joy, love, and happiness. The year passed quickly and Ganga gave birth to a healthy male child. Santanu's joy at the arrival of his heir reached unprecedented heights.
Ganga, apparently sharing his joy, happily picked up the child and went to the river. In front of her husband, she threw the child into the river and he drowned. Santanu was shocked beyond belief, filled with surprise and anger. He wanted to shout, "Have you lost your mind? How could you just leave our child in the river and let him drown to death?"
But his vow echoed in his mind and he restrained himself from intervening. Overwhelmed by heartbreak and rendered powerless, he was forced to maintain an outward composure. Time passed and life gradually returned to its usual rhythm. Another year passed, and once again Ganga gave birth to a child. Strangely and sadly, Ganga repeated the painful act of throwing this child into the depths of the river, while King Santanu, caught in the crosscurrents of love and despair, remained silent. This harrowing sequence unfolded year after year, with Ganga condemning each of her seven children to the river's merciless embrace, sealing their tragic demise.
Throughout these seven years, Santanu could do nothing but mourn the deaths of his seven children. His unbreakable promise to Ganga before their marriage, combined with the fear of her departure, left him in a state of suffocating silence, unable to deal with the pain she had inflicted.
In the eighth year, Ganga conceived again and gave birth to another male child. As she was about to drown him in the river, Santanu could no longer restrain himself and abruptly stopped her.
"Ganga, this is not right. Whatever the reason, I won't allow this child to be murdered. I am the king and I need an heir. I can't let you do this any longer," he shouted angrily.
Ganga replied, "These eight children were not ordinary souls in their previous lives. They were eight great saints. But unfortunately, they committed a great sin, and Vashista Maharshi, with his divine wisdom, placed a curse on them. He proclaimed that if they were born and died as mere mortals, they would attain moksha. It is this profound reason that compelled me to do what I did. Saying this, she disappeared into the river and there was nothing Santanu could do to stop her.
Time passed, and one day King Santanu found himself traveling along a familiar river in his majestic chariot. Suddenly, his attention was caught by a series of resonant tones echoing through the air. Intrigued by the strange sound, he steered his chariot toward its source and was greeted by a surprising sight: a young boy, no more than sixteen years old, who exuded an undeniable aura of greatness. With remarkable skill, the boy shot his arrows toward the river, each release accompanied by a resounding twang. Santanu stood in awe as he witnessed the boy's amazing feat - using his arrows to create a dam across the river, effectively stopping its flow.
"Who are you, my dear boy?" he asked. Immediately a woman appeared from the side and said, "He is my son! Santanu was astonished. It was Ganga herself, which meant that the boy was his son. Ganga said to the king, "As I promised, I have brought up our son well, and now I give him to you. With that, she left her son in the care of the king and went away.
The boy's name was Devavratha, the eighth and only surviving son of King Santanu and Ganga. He had received training in archery and martial arts from the renowned Parusurama, and his education was imparted by Vasishta Maharshi, both of whom were esteemed warriors. Under their guidance, Devavratha developed extraordinary skills.
Santanu was overjoyed and thought, "I have finally found the rightful heir to my kingdom," as he took the boy back to his kingdom.
The Unbreakable Vow
Time passed and everything began to fall into place. During one of his visits to the kingdom to assess its well-being, Santanu noticed a beautiful fisherman's daughter casting her net into the river. Captivated by her grace and beauty, the king was drawn to her. He approached her directly and asked, "Would you consider marrying me and becoming queen of my kingdom?"
She replied, "It would be proper to discuss this matter with my father, the head of our family," and left. Her name was Satyavati. Santanu went straight to her house to meet her father and ask for her hand in marriage.
But when Satyavati's father learned of the king's background and present position, he rejected his proposal.
A stunned Santanu asked the fisherman the reason for his refusal.
He replied, "From what I perceive, I understand that any child born to my daughter would never have the chance to become king. Her destiny would be to serve your son, Devavratha. I don't want my grandchildren to live a life of servitude in any household. That is the reason for my refusal.
Discouraged, Santanu returned to his palace, deeply saddened. However, he couldn't forget Satyavati and began to long for her intensely. As a result, he lost interest in the kingdom and his responsibilities. Witnessing his father's deep sadness, Devavratha tried to find out the cause from one of his father's close advisors. When he learned the true reason for his father's condition, he felt compelled to ensure his father's happiness. Determined to marry Satyavati to his father, Devavratha went directly to the fisherman's house.
"I fully understand your concern in refusing to give your daughter to my father for fear that I might become king and deny your grandchildren the chance to rule. But this fear is unfounded. Let me make a solemn declaration: I hereby swear and affirm that I will never claim the throne or become a king in my lifetime. Only your daughter's children will ascend the throne. This is my solemn promise and an oath that I will never break."
But the stubborn fisherman objected, saying, "You may refuse the throne, but won't your children seek it in the future? Who in this world willingly gives up power? Under such circumstances, conflicts and rivalries are bound to arise, leading to chaos and death. I do not wish to see such a scenario unfold. Therefore, I cannot consent to this marriage.
Devavratha then decided on the spot and swore an oath that would change the course of his life and history. It was this oath that became the cornerstone of the story of the Mahabharata. It was this oath that ultimately led to the Kurukshetra War.
"I, Devavratha, do hereby solemnly swear, with the earth, the heavens, and the underworld as my witnesses, that to prevent any successors, I will remain unmarried and pledge myself to celibacy for life. This is my Bhishma Prathigna, a vow to which I shall be bound forever.
This great vow of Devavratha gave him the name of Bhishma, by which he would be known for generations to come.
The great war of Kurukshetra was not the result of a few isolated incidents but was the result of numerous events that took place over time since Dwapar Yuga. It is natural to be baffled and amazed by the intricate plots, complex stratagems, cunning tactics, schemes, maneuvers, and well-laid conspiracies that led to the catastrophic war.
Eventually, Satyavati and Santanu were married. Santanu then called his son and said, "My beloved son, in the ordinary course of life, parents usually strive to ensure the happiness of their children. Love, like a flowing river, usually follows a downstream path."
But you have proved otherwise. You have selflessly given up your happiness and comfort to ensure my well-being and the well-being of Satyavati's father, who has also become my father through our holy marriage. Your incredible sacrifice has no parallel in this world.
Every living being is destined to meet its end, as it is the natural cycle of existence, though the exact moment of death remains unknown. Today, in recognition of your sacrifice, I bestow upon you a divine gift using the powers vested in me. Unlike the preordained fate that awaits all, you will remain untouched by death unless you consciously seek it. You will leave this life only on the day you choose. This, my son, is my divine boon and heartfelt blessing for you.
Thus Bhishma received a boon that allowed him to choose the time of his death.
Satyavati soon became pregnant and gave birth to Chitrangada and Vichitravirya, who became Bhishma's younger brothers. Bhishma personally cared for their welfare and education as they grew up. Santanu began to feel the effects of old age catching up with him. One day Chitrangada met a Gandharva, also named Chitrangada, from a clan of celestial beings. They fought a battle that resulted in Chitrangada's unfortunate death.
Upon hearing the news, Santanu was overwhelmed with grief and soon fell ill. He called for Bhishma and entrusted him with the responsibilities of his wife Satyavati and his brother Vichitravirya. In a few days, Santanu passed away and ascended to his heavenly abode.
Satyavati was deeply saddened by his passing. Over the years, however, she had grown fond of Bhishma and had come to treat him as her son. As promised, Bhishma crowned Vichitravirya as the king. Unfortunately, Vichitravirya's health was not good, and this worried Bhishma. He feared that if Vichitravirya lost his life due to poor health, there would be no heir to the throne, which would lead to a disastrous situation. So he immediately began searching for a suitable bride for Vichitravirya.
The Curse of Amba
At the same time, the king of Kashi was organizing a Swayamvara for his three daughters, of which Bhishma learned. Realizing that his brother's health might prevent him from competing, Bhishma personally challenged all the suitors gathered for the event. The kings and princes present, however, knew that they stood no chance against Bhishma's bravery and skill, even if they attacked him together. Gradually, one by one, they withdrew from the contest, choosing to preserve their dignity by retreating rather than face certain defeat.
But one contender remained: Prince Saalva, who fought Bhishma fiercely to the end. Saalva even tried to pursue Bhishma, who had already collected all three brides and was heading for the kingdom's borders. Finally, unable to confront Bhishma, Saalva reluctantly retreated and went his own way, swallowing his pride.
His three daughters were Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. With these three women as his spoils of war, Bhishma directed his chariot toward Hastinapura, his father's kingdom.
On the way, Amba approached him and expressed her feelings.
"Oh, mighty warrior, I must confess something to you. Though you have justly won me in the Swayamvar, I cannot go on with you. I have fallen in love with Saalva and he loves me too. Please understand and let me go so that I can be reunited with him," she said.
On hearing this, Bhishma became very disturbed and replied.
"This is unfortunate! Why didn't you tell me earlier? Even if you couldn't tell me during the Swayamvara, at least you should have told me before we crossed the borders of your kingdom. I am not heartless enough to keep you when I know you are in love with someone else. Rest assured, you are free to marry Saalva as you wish."
He then arranged for her to be accompanied by his charioteer and sent her off on one of his best horses to be reunited with her beloved.
This incident serves as an antidote to those who argue that a woman's choices have no significance in the Mahabharata.
Bhishma then returned to his kingdom with Ambika and Ambalika, who was to be married to Vichitravirya.
When Saalva saw that Amba had returned to him, he said to her, "Amba, please forgive me. I cannot accept you as my wife. The moment I lost the battle to Bhishma, I lost all claim to you. Our bond was broken at that moment. Furthermore, I cannot accept Bhishma's act of sending you to me out of compassion, because I was not the one who won you. Even if I were to accept you now, every time I see you I feel defeated and inferior to Bhishma. How can I see you as my wife in such a state? Therefore, please return to him as he is your rightful claimant. I no longer have any right or interest in you. With that, he withdrew from her presence.
Shocked and heartbroken by this unexpected and heartbreaking rejection, Amba once again retraced her steps back to Hastinapura. While the wedding ceremonies of Vichitravirya and the two sisters, Ambika and Ambalika, were in progress, Amba's return surprised Bhishma.
Approaching Bhishma, Amba said, "Because you have won me in the event, Saalva has now rejected me. I cannot return to my father's house, nor can I return to my lover. Since I have no other choice, I have decided to come to you, since you were the main cause of my suffering. Therefore, it is only fair that you marry me.
Bhishma, having no other recourse, said, "It is unfortunate that things have turned out this way. I take full responsibility for the whole situation and beg your forgiveness. However, I cannot marry you. I have taken an oath never to seek the throne or marry in my lifetime. I participated in the Swayamvar only to find brides for my brother Vichitravirya. Therefore, I cannot accept you. Please go wherever you wish and live freely and peacefully.
But even as she heard this from Bhishma, Amba burst into a bitter rage. "What are you insinuating, Bhishma? I have been deprived of my place in my father's house and separated from my beloved only because of you. It is your actions that have led to the miserable condition I am in today. And now, when I seek justice by begging you to marry me, you speak of your unnecessary vows! Is this your justice? Your pride and reputation seem to be more important to you than my life. Your words are empty and only serve to deepen my bitterness. Listen to me carefully. Since you are bound by your unbreakable oath, I too will make an oath today. From this day forward, I will live only to seek revenge and wait for the moment to end your life. Believe me! One day, I will be the cause of your death in the most miserable, cruel, and horrible way! You just said that I can go anywhere, right? Yes, I will certainly do that. I will go to a forest where I will do intense penance to gain the power to kill you. That will be a place of my choosing. Remember, Bhishma, I will be your ultimate downfall!"
Enraged and full of curses, Amba left the scene and began her journey into the forest to fulfill her vow.
Bhishma, on the other hand, smiled and accepted these events as God's will.
If Bhishma had wanted to, he could have stopped Amba there and then, but he knew that would have been unjust and against Dharma. Amba was not to blame either. Therefore, he remained silent when she entered his kingdom and vowed to kill him. This was the principle by which Bhishma lived.
Days passed and Bhishma effortlessly tried to maintain stability in the kingdom. However, Vichitravirya's health continued to deteriorate, and one sad day he passed away, leaving the kingdom without an heir and his wives widows. Bhishma was deeply discouraged.
The entire kingdom descended into chaos. All the ministers of the court began to vie for the throne and compete with each other. If this situation continued, the kingdom would soon be destroyed, as internal strife was the greatest threat. Neighboring kings might seize the opportunity to attack.
While he was pondering his options, Bhishma received an unexpected message from Satyavati.
"Bhishma, I believe you are aware of the current situation. To ensure the stability and future of the kingdom, there is only one solution. You must take your brother's widows, Ambika and Ambalika, as your own and give father an heir," Satyavati said.
"Mother, I am bound by my vows. I cannot grant this request," replied Bhishma.
"Bhishma, you took this vow for my sake, didn't you? Therefore, I beg you to break it," pleaded Satyavati.
"It is true that I took the vow for your sake. But if I were to break it now, I would be betraying my conscience and dishonoring my oath. How can it still be considered a vow? It goes against Dharma, and it is not right for you to ask me to do this," he exclaimed.
In response, Satyavati revealed a secret she had kept from everyone. She said, "All right, since the situation demands it and it is a moment of great need, I will share with you a secret that I have never revealed. Before I married your father, I was in love with a man named Parasar. As a result of our love, we were blessed with a son together. But fearing the shame it would bring to my family, he took the child away, promising to raise him himself. The boy is now grown up. His name is Vyasa. There is only one way out of this dilemma. Please go and bring him here.
It was this Vyasa who went on to write the Mahabharata, and it can never be an exaggeration to say that it is a monumental epic of unprecedented proportions, transcending all languages and cultures.
Bhishma went in search of Vyasa, and upon their first meeting, an instant bond was formed between the two esteemed souls. When great beings come together, it is inevitable that a profound sense of joy arises, setting the stage for even greater events in the future.
Addressing Vyasa, Satyavati said, "My dear son, as your mother, I have never asked anything of you before, and I trust that you will not refuse my heartfelt request today. Sadly, Vichitravirya, my son and the rightful heir of Hastinapura, has departed, leaving his wives, Ambika and Ambalika, without offspring. Bhishma, out of his unwavering devotion, has taken a solemn vow to renounce the throne and lead a celibate life. Therefore, I implore you to grant my daughters-in-law the right and blessing to conceive and carry forward the esteemed lineage of our kingdom.
The Unexpected Heirs
Vyasa replied, "Mother, I will obey your command. Please gather the medicinal herbs I'm about to tell you about. If your daughters follow the mantras and faithfully observe the practices I suggest, both of them will conceive and give birth to healthy sons within nine months.
Satyavati replied, "My son, we don't have that much time. The enemies of the kingdom are multiplying rapidly and are eagerly waiting to attack us. A kingdom without an heir is vulnerable to anyone's ambitions. Even within our inner circle, conflicts abound. Everyone has an eye on the throne. Waiting nine months for an heir at this critical juncture is extremely risky. Therefore, please reveal if there is a way for an heir to be born quickly. Grant us this one solution."
Vyasa replied, "Dear mother, I understand the complexity of the situation and your deep concern. I will do as you say. Please call your daughters-in-law and instruct them to bathe in these holy waters. Then have them sit before me in these consecrated circles. I will use the powers gained through penance to ensure their conception. I will also hasten their birth within a few days, which is the natural length of a nine-month pregnancy.
Bhishma felt that fulfilling his vow was more important than listening to his stepmother. Vyasa believed that following his mother's instructions was more important than his inclinations. Both were committed to their Dharma. What is Dharma? It means the various considerations and decisions made in the best interest of those involved in a given situation, with the expectation of positive results. Dharma is not an inflexible precept to be blindly followed at all times.
Vyasa said to Satyavati, "Mother, I will now use my powers (Taposhakti) acquired through penance to bring about a divine birth.
Saying this, he drew two circles. He sat in one and instructed Ambika to sit in the other. When Vyasa, while creating the child, observed his untamed appearance, completely covered with hair (due to his ascetic lifestyle in the jungle), Ambika became frightened and closed her eyes tightly. After the incident, Vyasa said, "Since Ambika closed her eyes during the process, it was her fault. As a result, the child to be born will be blind.
Satyavati exclaimed, "What? How can a blind man rule a kingdom? If this is the case, please produce another heir!" Then she asked Ambalika to repeat the process.
