Reading Notes: Ramayana Part C (Tuesday and Wednesday)

Author's Note

Life In The Forest

• Pandavas go into exile, Draupadi with them
• Yudhisthira tells the Brahmins how he lost everything
• He was advised to pray to the sun God so he did
• They got a copper pot with food and they always shared it with others
• They met many sages
• They also went through alot of troubles in the forest and when faint Bhima would carry them on his back and under his arms

Krishna's Visit

• Krishna visits the Pandavas
• Draupadi companies:
•  "The evil-hearted Duryodhana dared to claim me for his slave, and the Pandavas looked on in silence when I was put to shame. Is it not the duty of a husband to protect his wife? These husbands of mine, who have the prowess of lions, saw me afflicted, nor lifted a hand to save."
• Krishna tells Draupadi the future
• "Thou wilt yet live to see the wives of those men who persecuted thee lamenting over their fallen husbands as they welter in their life blood. I will help the Pandavas, and thou wilt be once again a queen over kings."
  
• He explained if he was not to fighting demons in a battle and the dam had not broken he would not have let this unfair battle happen
• After Krishna left she still told Yudishthira off. He tried to calm her but she complained how God was unfair
• Even Bhima told him off, and they had to wait in exile

Arjuna and Shiva

• Holy man comes to visit, says no one can defeat Arjuna
• He asked to send Arjuna in the mountains to fast and pray
• One day while Arjuna worshipped he shot the boar without thinking
• He killed the boar and an angry huntsman stood before him
• Arjuna asked to fight as the huntsman claimed the boar to be his
• The huntsman ate the darts, so Arjuna asked to fight by hand. The huntsman touched his heart and Arjuna turned to worship. It was God
• He apologized and got the boon of divine weapons
• "Such as could be hurled by the mind, by the eyes, by words, and by the bow. Never should such weapons be used till all others had been exhausted. Never should they be used against feeble foes. For so they might in truth destroy the universe"

Arjuna and Indra

• Indra is Arjuna's father, the king of Gods
• Indra goes to Swarga-his hometown
• Indra meets Urvashi- a fair apsara of faultless form, bright eyes and sickles form. She wanted him to like him but he didn't respond so she got bitter
• "Kama, god of love, hath wounded me with his arrows, yet thou dost scorn me. For this, O Arjuna, thou wilt for a season live unregarded among women as a dancer and musician."
  
• Indra says:
•  "This curse will work out for thy good."
• Arjuna lived there for five years and learned dance and music
• Arjuna waged war against demons against Indra, chanted, and he triumphed
• He then went to Hiranyapura-city of giants and demons
• Women tried to seduce him but failed
• He overcame the giants and demonds and got a gift from Indra
• "a chain of gold, a bright diadem, and the war shell which gave forth a mighty blast like to thunder"

The Himalayas

• Pandavas lived in Kamyaka
• Yudhisthira gained skill in dice
• Sages told them tales and gave them wisdom
• The Himalayas were beautiful, birds singing
• Arjuna comes back
• Sage tells more stories

Bhima and Hanuman

• Bhima went to get lotuses for Draupadi but couldn't lift a monkey from the ground- Bhima was the one that kills lions for fun
• It was Hanuman of Rama's story
• Hanuman showed his real huge self
• He did duties of different castes
• He shared his religious views with Bhima and how people became divided over time with religion
• He explained the duties of the 4 castes:
• "brahmin secures heaven by asceticism, the vaishya by gifts and hospitality, and the kshatriya by protecting men. As to the shudra, he was silent"
• Bhima and Hanuman sons of God Vayu

Karna and Indra

• Karnas birth
• " his body was clad in golden armor and he had earrings that were a token of invincibility"
• Indra is anxious to protect Arjuna from Karna
• One of the two would slay the other
• Surya warns Karna that Indra will try to take his armor and earrings
• Indra takes these and Karna gets something in return
• Indra demands for it as a Barhmin, Karna recognizes him and asks for an invincible dart in exchange
• "Done! I give thee, O Karna, this dart called Vasava. It is incapable of being baffled, and thrown by me returns to my hand to slay hundreds of enemies. Hurled by thee, however, it will slay but one powerful foe. And if, maddened by anger, while there still remain other weapons or while thy life is not in deadly peril, shoot this arrow, it will rebound and fall upon thyself!"
  
• Indra smiled but he also gave him a dart for a deadly foe

Riddles At The Lake

• 20th year of exile comes near an end, Pandavas ready to leave forest
• creature took sacred twigs
• Water speaks before they get to water to drink
•  "Answer thou what I shall ask of thee before thou dost drink or draw water."
• Nakula drank without listening and died
• Sahadeva also greedily drank and died
• Arjuna goes to water, drinks and dies
• Bhima did the same and died as well
• Yudhishthira came to the water and asked who it was. 
•  "I am a yaksha. I warned thy brethren not to drink of this water until they had answered what I should ask of them, but they disregarded my warning and I laid them in death. If thou wilt answer my questions thou canst, however, drink here nor be afraid."
• "Who maketh the sun to rise? Who keepeth him company? Who maketh the sun to go down? In whom is the sun established?"
• Yudhishthira, "Brahma maketh the sun to rise; the gods accompany him; Dharma maketh the sun to set; in truth is the sun established."
•  Voice said, "What sleepeth with open eyes? What moveth not after birth? What is that which hath no heart? What is that which swelleth of itself?"
• Yudhishthira, "A fish doth sleep with open eyes; an egg moveth not after birth; a stone hath no heart; a river swelleth of itself."
• Voice said, "What maketh The Way? What is called Water? What is called Food? What is called Poison?"
• Yudhishthira, "They that are pious make The Way; space is called water; the cow is food; a request is poison."
• Voice said, "Who is spoken of as the unconquered enemy of man? What is spoken of as the enemy's disease? Who is regarded as holy? Who is regarded as unholy?"
• Yudhishthira, "Man's unconquered enemy is anger, and his disease is covetousness; he who seeketh after the good of all is holy; he who is selfishly cold is unholy."
• Voice said, "Who are worthy of eternal torment?"
• Yudhishthira, "He who sayeth unto the brahmin whom he hath asked to his house, I have naught to give; he who declareth the Vedas to be false; he who is rich and yet giveth naught to the poor."
• Dharma-voice
• God of wisdom and justice God of wisdom and justice.
• He was given to boons
• His brothers to be alive again
• For them to be unrecognized for one year in 3 worlds

The Court of King Virata

• The final year of the Pandavas' exile must be spent in hiding.
•  The five brothers and Draupadi go to the court of King Virata, into his service.
•  Arjuna's disguise  fulfills the curse put upon him by Urvashi: he becomes the eunuch Brihannala, a dancing teacher.
• Yudhisthira asks God Durga for help
• O slayer of the Buffalo asura, thou art worshipped by the gods, for thou art the protector of the three worlds. Chief of all deities, protect thou and bless thou us. Confer victory upon us, and help us in our distress."
• Tasks
• "Yudhishthira became his instructor in the art of playing with dice, because he was wont to lose heavily. Bhima was made chief cook. Arjuna, attired as a eunuch, undertook to teach dancing and music to the ladies of the harem. Nakula was given care of horses, and Sahadeva of kine. The queen was drawn towards Draupadi, who offered to become a bondwoman on condition that she should not have to wash the feet of anyone, or eat food left over after meals, and on these terms she was engaged"
• Bhima won a match against a wrestler and got many gifts
• " The rajah took great pride in him, and was wont to take him to the apartments of the women, where he wrestled with caged tigers and lions and bears, slaying each one at desire with a single blow."
• All of the brothers were well loved because of their services

The Cattle Raid

• Duryodhana and his allies attack King Virata and steal his cattle
• last day of the thirteenth year of the Pandavas' exile 
• the first raid took place from the north, many cattle were stolen
• The Pandavas come to his defense

• "The Pandavas went forth to rescue the monarch, and they routed the raiders and rescued their prisoner; they also seized upon the Rajah of Trigartis, and forced him to submit with humility to his rival before he was allowed to return to his own city."
• Virata has a son name Uttara, and his daughter is named Uttarā
• Arjuna was Utarras charioteer who went against the kauravas
• They said
• "If this be Arjuna, he and his brethren must go into exile for another twelve years."
• Bhishma
• "The thirteenth year of concealment is now ended."
  
• Arjuna blew his celestial war shell, and all the Kauravas were scaredand they played dead
•  Arjuna advanced to kill them, and he commanded Uttara to take possession of their royal attire. Then "the great archer of the Pandavas" returned to the city with the rajah's son.
• Arjuna was offered the Rajahs daughter as bride but he asked for her son to have her
• Pandavas revealed themselves, everyone celebrated

Preparations For War

• Rajah of Virata 
• aid Yudhishthira in obtaining back his kingdom from the Kauravas
• Shakuni-gambler and vengeful Karna supported Duryodhana and didn't make peace with the Pandavas despite the warnings they got from sages
• Krishna speaks up infant of monarchs
• "O rajahs and princes, may your fame endure for ever! Thou knowest well that Yudhishthira was deprived of his kingdom by the evil trickster Shakuni. He hath endured twelve years of exile, and hath served, like his brethren, as a humble menial for a further year in the palace of the Rajah of Virata. After long suffering Yudhishthira desires peace; his heart is without anger, although he hath endured great shame. The heart of Duryodhana, however, still burns with hate and jealous wrath; still, as in his youth, he desires to work evil by deceit against the Pandava brethren. Now, consider well, O ye monarchs, what Yudhishthira should do. Should he call many chieftains to his aid and wage war to punish his ancient foes? Or should he send friendly messengers to Duryodhana, asking him to restore the kingdom which he still continues to possess?"
• Balarama says
• Ye pious rajahs! Ye have heard the words of my brother, who loveth Yudhishthira. It is true, indeed, that the Kauravas have wronged the Pandavas. Yet I would counsel peace, so that this matter may be arranged between kinsmen. Yudhishthira hath brought his sufferings upon his own head. He was unwise to play with cunning Shakuni, and also to continue playing, despite the warnings of the elders and his friends. He hath suffered for his folly. Now let a messenger be sent to Duryodhana, entreating him to restore the throne unto Yudhishthira. I do not advise war. What hath been gambled away cannot be restored in battle."
• Satyaki, the kinsman of Krishna
• "Yudhishthira hath fulfilled his obligation; his exile is past, and he is entitled to his kingdom. Why, therefore, should he beg for that which is his own? A kshatriya begs of no man; what is refused him he seizeth in battle at all times."
• Drupada, Rajah of Panchala
• "Ye monarchs, I fear that Satyaki hath spoken truly. Duryodhana will never yield up what he now possesseth, nor doth he desire peace. If we should send to him an ambassador who will speak mild words, he will think that we are weak, and become more boastful and arrogant than heretofore. My advice is that we should gather together a great army without delay. If Duryodhana is willing to give up the kingdom of Yudhishthira, there will be peace; if he scorns our friendship, he will find us ready for war."
• Krishna
• "Drupada hath spoken wisely. You all know that the Pandavas and Kauravas are my kinsmen; know also that they are equally dear unto me. I will now go hence. When ye send out messengers of war, let them enter my kingdom last of all."

Krishna and His Army

• Duryodhana and Arjuna alike desired to secure the alliance of the mighty Keshava 
• Duryodhana  haughtily seated himself on a handsome seat at the head of the bed, while Arjuna bowed and stood with joined hands at his feet
• Krishna's eyes fell to Arjuna first, asked what the reason for visit was
• They both wanted help in war
• "He had an army of ten crores of mighty soldiers that he would give to one suppliant; he himself, unarmed and not fighting, he would give to the other. Arjuna, as the younger, had the right of choice."
• Arjuna selected Krishna
•  Arjuna 
• "could himself slay his enemies, but he yearned for fame, and that followed Keshava; long had he wished that he should drive his car in battle"
• "I will act as thy charioteer," replied the Lord. "Let thy wish be fulfilled.

Krishna's Mission To The Kaurava's

• Many days went past, and the Pandavas waited in vain for an answer to their message
• the message
• "Tell thou Duryodhana that we will accept that portion of the raj which we ourselves have conquered and settled: he can retain the rest. My desire is for peace."
  
• Krishna went to address the situation
• "I will now journey unto Hastinapura and address the maharajah and his counsellors on thy behalf."
•  "I have come hither not to seek war, but to utter words of peace and love."
• Duryodhana became angry
• they wanted to lay hands on Krishna to weaken the Pandavas but he found out
• Krishna
•  "Ah! Thou of little understanding, is it thy desire to take me captive? Know now that I am not alone here, for all the gods and holy beings are with me."
• "His body was transformed into a tongue of flame; gods and divine beings appeared about him; fire issued from his mouth and eyes and ears; sparks broke from his skin, which became as radiant as the sun."
• "O Dhritarashtra, thee I forgive freely, but alas! A father is often cursed by the people because of the wicked doings of his own son."

Krishna and Karna

•  Karna's situation is both fascinating and tragic: as the war with the Pandavas draws near, he still does not know that they are his brothers. 
• Karna responds
• "Although Duryodhana is a rajah, he rules according to my counsel. I know, without doubt, that a great battle is pending which will cover the earth with blood. Terrible are the omens. Calamity awaits the Kauravas. Yet I cannot desert those who have given me their friendship. Besides, if I went with thee now, men would regard me as Arjuna's inferior. Arjuna and I must meet in battle, and fate will decide who is the greater. I know I shall fall in this war, but I must fight for my friends. O mighty one, may we meet on earth again. If not, may we meet in heaven."
  
• Vidura to Kunti:
• O mother of living sons, my desire is ever for peace, but although I cry myself hoarse, Duryodhana will not listen to my words. Dhritarashtra is old, yet he doth not work for peace; he is intoxicated with pride for his sons. When Krishna returneth to the Pandavas, war will certainly break out; the sin of the Kauravas will cause much bloodshed. I cannot sleep, thinking of approaching disaster."
• Kunti's response:
• "Fie to wealth!" she said; "that it should cause kinsmen to slaughter one another. War should be waged between foemen, not friends. If the Pandavas do not fight, they will suffer poverty; if they go to war and win, the destruction of kinsmen will not bring triumph. My heart is full of sorrow. And alas, it is Karna who supports Duryodhana in his folly; he hath again become powerful."
•  Krishna reveals to Karna the secret of his birth and tells him to go to the Pandavas in peace, assuring him that they will not only accept him but regard him as their elder brother. 
• Kunti says
• "Thou art mine own son, and thy sire is Surya. I hid thee at birth, and Radha, who found thee, is not thy mother. It is not seemly that thou shouldst in ignorance plot with Duryodhana against thine own brethren. Let the Kauravas this day behold the friendship of thee and Arjuna. If you two were side by side you would conquer the world. My eldest son, it is meet that thou shouldst be with thy brethren now. Be no longer known as one of lowly birth."
• Sun says:
• "What Kunti hath said is truth. O tiger among men, great good will be accomplished if thou wilt obey her command."
• Karna reponds:
• "O lady, it is now too late to command my obedience. Why didst thou abandon me at birth? If I am a kshatriya, I have been deprived of my rank. No foeman could have done me a greater injury than thou hast done. Thou hast never been a mother to me, nor do thy sons know I am their brother. How can I now desert the Kauravas, who trust in me in waging this war. I am their boat on which to cross a stormy sea. I will speak without deceit unto thee. For the sake of Duryodhana I will combat against thy sons. I cannot forget his kindness; I cannot forget mine own honor. Thy command cannot now be obeyed by me. Yet thy solicitation to me will not be fruitless. I have power to slay Yudhishthira, and Bhima, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, but I promise they shall not fall by my hand. I will fight with Arjuna alone. If I slay Arjuna, I will achieve great fame; if I am slain by him, I will be covered with glory."
• Kunti:
•  "Thou hast pledged the lives of four of thy brethren. Be that remembered to thee in the perils of battle. Blessed be thou, and let health be given thee."

The Battle Begins

War Omens

• "Loudly bellowed the war shells, and the drums of battle were sounded. As both armies waited for sunrise, a tempest arose and the dawn was darkened by dust clouds, so that men could scarce behold one another. Evil were the omens. Blood dropped like rain out of heaven, while jackals howled impatiently, and kites and vultures screamed hungrily for human flesh. The earth shook, peals of thunder were heard, although there were no clouds, and angry lightning rent the horrid gloom; flaming thunderbolts struck the rising sun and broke in fragments with loud noise."
• Bhishma 
• the general of the Kaurava forces 
•  he does not feel the same loyalty to Duryodhana that Karna does
• " "Thy struggle is in vain, foolish Duryodhana. None can wipe out the stain of thy sins; of no avail is cunning against a righteous cause. Verily, thou shalt perish because of thy folly. I have no fear of battle, and I will lead the Kauravas until I triumph or fall."
  He warns Duryodhana of the doom that awaits them.
• Arjuna son fell after the seventh day causing him grief
• Duryodhana knows he's losing so tells Bhishma
• "The Pandavas are brave in battle, but they are unable to resist thee. If, however, thou dost love them too well to overcome them utterly, let Karna take thy place, so that he may lead the hosts against our enemies."
  
• Bhishma
•  "Alas! Duryodhana, thy struggle is of no avail. Thou art confronted by utter ruin, O proud and foolish prince. I will fight as I have fought until the end, which is not now far off."

 Biblography:

        Laura Gibbs, Mahabaratha Reading 
        http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/search/label/PDE%20Mahabharata

Image Source:

        http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/pde-mahabharata-krishnas-mission-to.html