Indian Great Personalities - Abhimanyu

Veer Abhimanyu

"It is as though a herd of elephants humbled a lion’s cub; as if several snakes together killed the young one of a Garuda’ (Golden eagle) - so wailed the gods in Heaven."

This is a description by the famous Kannada poet Kumaravyasa in his long poetical narration of the Mahabharata. (His real name was Naranappa of Gadugu).

You have heared the story of Mahabharata-haven’t you? Maharshi Vedavysa first narrated this story of the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

What brave men fought in the Mahabharata war! Bheema, Arjuna, Duryodhana, Dusshassana, Bheeshma, Drona, Karna, Kripa, Ashwatthama, Shalya . . . . . It is a long, long list. It seems the gods themselves crowded in the sky to witness the valour of these heroes. These gods had already witnessed the amazing valour of the mighty heroes. But when they saw a great warrior attacked by several foes and saw him killed, they praised him and wept for his death, says Kumaravyasa.

Who - among mighty men like Bheeshma, Drona, Bheema, Arjuna, Karna, Ashwatthama, Duryodhana and Dusshasana - was this great hero who won such praise?

He was yet a boy. Such was his prowess that the entire army of the Kauravas trembled.

Mighty heroes among the Kauravas, who were deemed unequalled, had to flee, To defeat and kill that young boy, all of them had to join together and encircle him.

That human thunderbolt was the heroic Abhimanyu.

Subhadra's Child

Abhimanyu was Shri Krishna's nephew, his younger sister's son. Krishna's sister was Subhadra. She had married one of the Pandavas- the world-famous hero Arjuna. Abhimanyu was the son of Arjuna and Subhadra.

Arjuna lived in the city of Indraprastha. This city was famous in the olden days. It was the capital of the Pandavas who were good and just. They were the sons of King Pandu. Pandu had five sons. The first son was Yudhishthira, the next Bheema; the third one was Arjuna, the fourth son was Nakula and the youngest was Sahadeva.

Yudhishthira was the eldest, and the four younger brothers always obeyed him. He was the king. The younger brothers helped him in his work as the king and in the defence of the country. People were happy in the reign of Yudhishthira.

Abhimanyu was the only son of Subhadra. A few months before he was born, Krishna cam to Indraprastha to take his sister to his city of Dwarka. Subhadra bowed to all the elders seeking their blessings, and started with her brother.

They travelled from Indraprastha to Dwarka in a chariot drawn by horses. Shri Krishna himself drove the chariot. He was careful not to tire his sister, who was with child.

It was a long journey. Subhadra first asked him about Dwarka, the people there and her sister-in-law. Krishna told her all the news. He did not want his sister to be bored with the journey. So he asked her,"Shall I tell you a story?"

"I do not want a story. But if you could tell me about the fighting skill of my husband…."

"Are you also going to fight in a battle?" - Krishna laughed.

"Brother, would it be wrong if I fought to help my husband?" asked Subhadra.

"Certainly not," said Krishna. "But there will not be any need."

"He is indeed brave, Krishna. He does not know what fear is. I am told his whole life was spent in training for fighting and war."

Listening to his sister, Krishna felt that he should fulfil any wish of her, as she was pregnant. "She is now interested in war. Her son will have to fight for the Right later. That is her wish," so reflected Krishna. He described in detail the art of warfare, which Arjuna had learnt, from his Guru Dronacharya. He described the several skills and secrets of war. Various formations like the Makaravyooha and the Chakravyooha, the use of different types of missiles and weapons, and the ways of crushing the enemy and advancing all these he described. He narrated the stories of Arjuna's prowess.

"I am very happy to hear all this, brother," said Subhadra. I am fortunate to be the wife of such a hero. Brother, help my son also to become brave like him.

Krishna felt very happy on hearing his sister's words. He himself was an unequalled hero. When he was just a boy, Krishna had slain king Kamsa who used to torment his subjects. Kings likeJarasandha and Shishupala were great heroes but were very wicked. They were a constant source of trouble to the Yadavas. Krishna protected the Yadavas with the help of his brother Balarama. He felt happy that his sister Subhadra, the wife of the brave Arjuna, wanted her son also to be a hero. He blessed her saying, "May your son be brave and famous."

Krishna and Subhadra reached Dwarka. Their parents and relatives welcomed them warmly. They performed 'Arati' to Subhadra before she stepped into the palace.

A few days later Subhadra gave birth to a baby boy. The child was named Abhimanyu, meaning ‘one who remains in the midst of wisdom', a very intelligent person. It also means a person who always defends his honour.

The queens of the palace, Shri Krishna, Balarama and all others were overjoyed at the birth of a bonny baby to Subhadra. In Indraprastha the Pandavas also greatly rejoiced on hearing about the birth of the child. They distributed sweets among the people. They fed poor people and gave them new clothes.


To Indraprastha and Back

After a few months, Krishna took Subhadra and Abhimanyu back to Indraprastha with great pomp. The boy grew up as everybody's darling in the palace.

Abhimanyu’s education began as soon as he grew up into a little lad. The art of warfare, so necessary for a prince, was also taught. His father Arjuna was the world-famous archer; his uncle Bheemasena was such a fighter with the mace that the enemies trembled with great fear. So Abhimanyu’s military education was perfect and complete.

But suffering came when he still a young boy, Dhritarashtra was the uncle of the Pandavas. He was blind. He had a hundred sons. Duryodhana was the eldest. Dusshasana was one of his younger brothers. The brothers were called the Kauravas. They hated the Pandavas. They were trying somehow to seize the kingdom of the Pandavas and get rid of them. Duryodhana invited Yudhishthira to a game of dice and won by deceit. According to the conditions of the contest, Yudhishthira had to give up his 'Kingdom for thirteen years. He and his brothers had to live for twelve years in the forest and live incognito (that is, unknown to anybody and unrecognized) during the thirteenth year. If anybody recognized them during that last year, they had again to spend twelve years in the forest and live incognito for one year.

The Pandavas, who had lived in splendor as kings, now started for the forest. Draupadi was their wife. She and her children went with them. So did Subhadra and young Abhimanyu.

Shri Krishna went to see them when they were in the forest. They had lost their kingdom and suffered dishonor and were in great sorrow. Krishna consoled them and took Subhadra and Abhimanyu with him to Dwarka.

Abhimanyu's training as a warrior continued in Dwarka. If one of his uncles was Shri Krishna himself, the other uncle was Balarama, the teacher of the mighty Bheema; Balarama made Bheema the master of the mace. What more was needed? Krishna taught Abhimanyu the use of many different types of weapons. In battles, soldiers were arranged in various formations to halt the advance of the enemies. Such an arrangement was called a 'Vyooha'. Among them were different types like the Makaravyooha and the Chakravyooha. It was very difficult to break these and get inside, or to come out of them. Krishna taught Abhimanyu the art of entering them. Balarama taught him Gadayuddha.

Several years passed. The Pandavas still lived in the forest. Subhadra was spending her days in sorrow, waiting for the end of Arjuna’s exile. She had only one consolation: Abhimanyu was growing up as a brave boy, a feast to the eyes of all who saw him.


Fight With Ghatotkacha

Shashirekha was the daughter of Balarama, Subhadra's elder brother. She was a very sweet and lovely girl. Even when she was still a young girl, Subhadra wished her to become Abhimanyu's wife and her daughter-in-law. Subhadra had once gone to Dwarka before the Pandavas left for the f o rest. She had even then expressed her wish before her brother. Balarama had agreed, thinking that the Pandavas, being the kings of Indraprastha, would live in great grandeur, and that Abhimanyu was the son of the world famous hero Arjuna.

But after the Pandavas went to the forest Balarama's mind began to change little by little. The Pandavas had no place to live in. They lived in the forest, here today and somewhere else tomorrow. They had to spend twelve years in the forest and another year incognito. If recognized, they had to repeat the cycle. Should his daughter enter such a home?

On the other hand, Duryodhana was Balarama's disciple; Balarama liked him very much. Duryodhana's son was Lakshanakumara. Duryodhana who was already a king, had also taken away the kingdom of the Pandavas.

Duryodhana asked Balarama to give Shashirekha in marriage to Lakshanakumara. Balarama agreed.

Subhadra was miserable. Just because her husband was in trouble, her own brother looked down on him; so she wept in sorrow. She confided her sorrow to Krishna. Krishna advised Balarama that a sister should not be painted liked this; he told him that the Pandavas, though in difficulty, then, would again be emperors. Balarama did not pay heed to these words. Subhadra was in great distress.

Abhimanyu came to know of his mother’s grief. He was very angry at the insult to his mother, father and to himself. Mother and son decided not to stay in a place where they were not honored; they thought that it was only proper for them to go to the place where the Pandavas lived.

In the course of their journey, they reached a place called Hidimbavana. Ghatotkacha, the king of Hidimbavana was very strong. His mother was Hidimbe. She was Bheema's wife and Ghatotkacha was Bheema's son. Subhadra and Abhimanyu did not know this. They set foot in Hidimbavana. Ghatotkacha was angry because they had come there without his permission. He stopped them.

But Abhimanyu was Arjuna's son. There could be only one outcome. H e became furious and shot a hundred arrows at Ghatotkacha, At first Ghatotkacha did not take Abhimanyu seriously; he thought that he was after all a young boy. He himself was huge as a mountain, and he had tremendous strength. It was not easy to fight with him. Subhadra shivered with fear on seeing him.

Abhimanyu, of course, did not care and was not afraid. Ghatotkacha fell on him like a mountain. But Abhimanyu calmly shot his arrows. Ghatotkacha stopped the arrows, threw them away, and again pounced on Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu again rained arrows on his opponent, all of which entered Ghatotkacha body. Unable to bear the pain, Ghatotkacha cried aloud and fell down.

Hearing his cry of pain Hidimbe came there. She was much grieved at the sad condition of her brave son. She took his head on her lap. "Oh that this should happen to Bheemasena's son!" she wept.'


"Bheema- sena's Son!"

Subhadra and Abhimanyu were shocked. Was he Bheemasena's son? Alas! What had happened? They were puzzled and distressed. Subhadra said to Hidimbe, "Sister, I do not know who you are. How is it you say he is Bheemasena's son?"

With tears in her eyes, Hidimbe narrated her story. Several years before when Bheemasena was in Hidimbavana, she had fallen in love with him; her brother was angry and had fought with Bheemasena, and had been killed; she had married Bheemasena.

So Abhimanyu had fought with Bheema's son and wounded him. Subhadra and Abhimanyu were full of grief. Abhimanyu brought water and tried to revive Ghatotkacha. Subhadra said to Hidimbe, "You are then my elder sister. I am Arjunadeva's wife and Krishna's sister. This boy is my son Abhimanyu."

By this time Ghatotkacha regained consciousness. His mother told him everything. At first Ghatotkacha was furious that he had been defeated; but now he was delighted - after all, the great hero has his own younger brother! He took home Subhadra and Abhimanyu and looked after them with great affection. He learnt the reason for they’re leaving Dwarka.

Ghatotkacha was wild with anger when he learnt that Balarama had not kept his word. He said, "Duryodhana sent the Pandavas to the forest and Balarama wants his daughter to marry Duryodhana's son!" He decided that come what might, Abhimanyu should wed her. He took Subhadra and Abhimanyu to Dwarka. He brought Shashirekha and left her with them. Shashirekha also wished to marry Abhimanyu. Both of them were very happy. Duryodhana and Lakshana had to go away because of Ghatotkacha's tricks. Balarama also finally agreed to Shashirekha’s marriage with Abhimanyu. It was a grand wedding.

Thus, even as a young boy, Abhimanyu fought with Ghatotkacha, and showed his prowess.


Marriage With Uttara

Twelve years passed and the forest-life of the Pandavas ended. They had to spend one more year somewhere without being recognized by anybody. They went to the court of a king called Virata. They disguised themselves in different ways and found employment. The brave Pandavas had lived in splendor; their wife Draupadi was the daughter of King Drupada and herself the Queen of Indraprastha; they all had now to spend a year as other people's servants! What sorrow and insult had they to bear! Arjuna disguised himself as a dance teacher and taught Uttara, King Virata's daughter. At the end of the year, the Pandavas revealed their identity. One morning they appeared in the king's court in their true forms. Virata was surprised, happy, and also sad that such great persons had worked as servants in his palace. He implored Arjuna to marry Uttara.

Arjuna said that he was quite aged, and, moreover, Uttara was his disciple. He suggested that she should marry his son Abhimanyu. King Virata agreed.

Virata's representatives went to Dwarka taking with them jewellery and other auspicious things. Yudhishthira and Arjuna also sent their representatives to Krishna and Balarama, requesting them to give consent to the wedding and to come and bless the couple. The palace at Dwarka was filled with joy and enthusiasm. Subhadra was overwhelmed with happiness--her husband's exile was over and her son was getting married! Uttara became the wife of brave Abhimanyu on an auspicious day.


Brave Abhimanyu

Duryodhana had defeated Yudhishthira in a game of dice and sent the Pandavas to the forest. He had to give back their kingdom after they had completed twelve years of life in the forest and one year incognito.

But he refused.

Yudhishthira did not want to fight with his cousins. He was worried that millions of people would die, and thousands of families would be ruined, if a war were fought. So he said he would be content if Duryodhana gave them just five towns; Krishna himself carried the message to Duryodhana.

Duryodhana did not agree. "I will not give them even land enough to fix a needle. Let them fight and take it, if they want to," he said.

The two armies met in a vast field called Kurukshetra. Both the Pandavas and the Kauravas had the support of many kings. The Pandavas had an army of seven Akshouhinies, the Kauravas had eleven Akshouhinies. (An Akshouhini was an army consisting of 21,870 elephants, 21,870 chariots, 65,610 horses and 1,09,350 foot soldiers.) On both - sides were warriors who were the very embodiment of bravery. The chief of the Kaurava army was Bheeshmacharya, the grandfather of the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and the son of the divine Ganga. He was like Yama, the God of Death, to the enemies in the battle, Dronacharya who had taught the skill of archery to the Kauravas and the Pandavas, was another elder in the Kaurava army. His son Ashwatthama was another great hero. Duryodhana's friend Karna was an archer who commanded many fearful missiles. Duryodhana and Dusshasana were themselves warriors who could make enemies tremble. Shalya, an uncle of the Pandavas and the Kauravas, was another great warrior.

Among the Pandavas, Bheema's mace made the enemies tremble; the enemies were terrified even in their dreams at the mention of the Gandiva, Arjuna’s bow, and his arrows. Krishna himself was the charioteer for Arjuna. Dhrishtadyumna was the chief of the Pandava army. Bheema's son Ghatotkacha was an expert in magic, Mayavidya. Such mighty heroes gathered at Kurukshetra.

The war began. There were streams of blood. Dead horses and elephants piled up. Kurukshetra was filled with the dead bodies of warriors. The injured elephants trumpeting in pain, the dying soldiers screaming and weeping and the clash of chariots and the weapons clanging--all these filled the air with deafening sounds. Countless crowns of kings rolled in the mud slushy with blood.

It was a fierce war; it was war in which very great heroes like Bheeshma, Drona, Karna, Ashwatthama, Shalya, Bheema, Arjuna, Dhrishtadyumna, Ghatotkacha fought; hundreds of other kings who had already taken part in many battles also fought here; and it was in such a war that the very young Abhimanyu fought. He fought so well that even among all those great heroes, it is impossible to forget him. And he justified his name 'Abhimanyu' – one who always defended his honor.

It was the ninth day of the war. Abhimanyu's arrows threatened the enemies like the darts of death. Wherever he set foot, Kaurava soldiers sank to the earth. Kings, who at first thought he was just a boy and lightly tried to stop him, had all to kiss the ground. Brave men like Kripa, Ashwatthama and Saindhava faced him, but even they could not stop his darts. Dronacharya himself, who had taught archery to Abhimanyu's father then stopped him. Even he was amazed at Abhimanyu's skill. The enemies could never make out when his fingers moved, when he took out arrows from his quiver, when he set them to the bow, or when he shot those darts at the target. They could only realize that arrow after arrow pierced their bodies. Sometimes we see a halo around the orb of the sun; the quick revolving bow made a similar halo around Abhimanyu's head. The Kaurava soldiers were amazed; they wondered whether there was one Arjuna or two of them in Kurukshetra. They perspired in fear. Men like Drona, Ashwatthama and Kripa also shuddered.

Duryodhana saw this and sent a mighty giant called Alambusa to kill Abhimanyu. Alambusa showered thousands of arrows on the enemy. Fear spread in the Pandavas army and soldiers began to run away. Draupadi's sons, the Upapandavas, rushed to fight with the giant. He killed their charioteers and their horses. Abhimanyu went to their rescue. A terrible battle followed between Alambusa and Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu's pointed darts made the giant reel. But Alambusa created darkness with his magical power. Abhimanyu swept off the darkness with his dazzling Suryastra, the sun-missile. Alambusa ran away, Abhimanyu moved freely in Kurukshetra and wiped out the enemies like an excited elephant roaming about in a lotus lake trampling upon all the flowers. Then Bheeshmacharya himself faced Abhimanyu, to protect the Kaurava army. He showered arrows all around Abhimanyu. But Abhimanyu cut all his arrows. Arjuna rushed there to help his son. As the battle raged on, it grew dark and both the armies retired to their camps. The Kaurava army was shuddering at the very mention of Abhimanyu.

On the eleventh day of the Mahabharata war, Abhimanyu again shook the Kaurava army. There was a very brave king Paurava by name. He faced Abhimanyu. When Abhimanyu shot an arrow to kill him, Paurava cut his bow and arrows with his darts. Abhimanyu threw away his bow and fell on him with his sword. He caught hold of his hair and threw him on the ground. At that moment, another famous hero Jayadratha rushed to the spot. He was also called Saindhava since he was the king of the country called Sindhu. He hated Abhimanyu very much. Abhimanyu and Jayadratha fought with their swords. Their skill and their flashing swords dazzled the onlookers. The bodies of both were dripping with blood. Jayadratha's sword struck Abhimanyu's shield and pierced it. When he pulled it back, it broke down. Jayadratha retreated six paces, climbed into his chariot, and went away. Shalya used an arrow, which emitted fire over Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu caught that arrow like a Garuda, which catches a snake falling from above, and threw it back. It hit Shalya's chariot and the Charioteer fell dead. Shalya jumped down from his chariot and fell on Abhimanyu with his heavy Mace. Abhimanyu also took his mace. By then, Bheema himself came to help him. Abhimanyu insisted on fighting with Shalya alone. But at the end he yielded to his uncle and moved away. Bheema then fought Shalya.

It was the Twelvth Day of the Mahabharata war. By then Bheeshma had given up his bow and lay on a bed of arrows, renouncing war. Dronacharya was in command of the Kaurava forces. Grieved that his army was being defeated, Duryodhana went to Drona, told him of his sorrow, and also reproached him. Drona was much pained, and said: "Arjuna defeats us. If he is drawn elsewhere on the battlefield, I shall defeat the Pandavas." There were in Duryodhana's army five picked soldiers, the Samshaptakas, who had sworn either to win or die in the battle. They now invited Arjuna to fight- with them.

The next day, which was the thirteenth day, Arjuna went in his chariot to fight with those sworn soldiers. Krishna himself was the charioteer.

Dronacharya arranged the Kaurava army in a particular pattern known as the Padmavyooha or the Chakravyooha. To pierce this and go inside and fight was very difficult. Only Shri Krishna, his son Pradyumna and Arjuna knew how to enter and come out of the Padmavyooha. Abhimanyu knew only how to get in. Yudhishthira, Bheema, Nakula, Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna, his father Drupada - all of them tried to break the formation of the Kaurava army, but in vein.

The Pandavas army was in distress. What could they do if they could not go near the enemy's army? The brave Samshaptakas had engaged Arjuna and detained him. Yudhishthira did not know what to do. It was a shame to the Pandavas. Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva -- all of them bent their heads in shame and sorrow. The Pandavas army was full of confusion and anxiety.

The brave Abhimanyu saw his uncle's plight. He went to him and said, "I will find my way into the Chakravyooha. Do not worry."

Yudhishthira wondered very much at the courage of young Abhimanyu. But his heart would not consent to send the boy on such a dangerous task. He said, "My boy, you are very brave and possess strength and courage beyond your age. But there are experienced warriors in the Kaurava army. Can you face them? This adventure is not for you."

"Uncle, I am not afraid of anybody in the battle. I will defeat them all," replied Abhimanyu.

Yudhishthira tried to pacify him and said, "Only Krishna, Pradyumna and Arjuna can enter the Chakravyooha and come out of it safely. You can only go inside."

"Please permit me, I will overcome Drona's Vyooha," said Abhimanyu.

Yudhishthira thought Abhimanyu was right. He felt that after defeating the Samshaptakas, Arjuna might come and reproach them if they all remained helpless. So he decided to permit Abhimanyu and said, "It will be enough if you just enter the Vyooha. Bheema, Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumna, the Panchalas, and I myself will be right behind you. As soon as you break it and make a way, we will all rush in."

Abhimanyu felt happy. He said, "I will bring honour to my parents," and bowed to Yudhishthira. He put on his armour, tied up his quiver, and took his sword. He put his bow inside the chariot and bowed to his mother Subhadra. His wife Uttara performed 'Arati', wishing him success. The brave young hero entered his chariot.

Abhimanyu's charioteer was full of sympathy for his daring. He said: "Think it over. You are taking on yourself a great responsibility. You are still a boy, grown up in comfort and not much experienced in warfare. Drona is a great master of missiles and has won many battles."

Abhimanyu laughed and said, "Does the wind sweat? Does a spreading fire fear the snow? Am I to be afraid of the Kaurava army? I do not fear anybody in a fight. Whether it is the Lord of the Universe or my own heroic father confronting me, I will not be afraid."

With a heavy heart, the charioteer drove forward. like a lion ounching on herds of elephants. Abhimanyu fell ont he armies of many brave men. Mighty warriors of the Kaurava army tried to stop him. But it was useless. It was like trees trying t stop advancing flames. Abhimanyu pierced the Chakravyooha and entered inside, right in front of the unequalled archer Dronacharya. Duryodhana and others were shocked and astonished at the prowess of this young hero. As the Kaurava soldiers watched him, their tongues went dry, their eyes grew unsteady and their hair stood up with fear. As Abhimanyu's arrows began to fell the soldiers, the Kaurava army stated to flee. Duryodhana saw this and himself came to fight with Abhimanyu.

The very word 'Duryodhana' means 'a fierce warrrior'. Even expert archers found it difficult to face him on the battleground. Seeing Duryodhana poised before Abhimanyu, eminent warriors like Drona, Kripa and Kama rushed in their chariots to help him. Jayadratha stopped Yudhishthira, Bheema and others who tried to penetrate the Chakravyooha behind Abhimanyu. Lord Shiva had granted Jayadratha a boon that for one day he could check all the Pandavas except Arjuna. Thus Abhimanyu had to remain alone inside the Chakravyooha surrounded by the enemies.

Hit by Abhimanyu's darts, Duryodhana tottered. Drona, Kripa, Ashwatthama and others came to his rescue and feel on Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu stopped all of them single-handed. With one arrow he pierced Karna's shield. With three more he killed Sushena, Deerghalochana and others. Shalya, known as the bravest of the brave, crumpled up in his Chariot when Abhimanyu's arrows hit him.

The Kaurava army ran helter-skelter because of the boy's arrows, right before Dronacharya who had taught archery to Arjuna and Duryodhana. He was amazed, and praised him saying that he had not seen such a brave lad till then. Duryodhana was angry that Drona praised an enemy. He called Dusshasana and other warriors and said, "Dronacharya has great affection for Arjuna. He will not kill Arjuna's son. You must yourselves defeat him and put him to flight."

Dusshasana said, "I will kill Abhimanyu. If Abhimanyu dies, Arjuna will die of grief. Krishna will not live after that. Nor will the Pandavas live thereafter."

After the game of dice between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana, Dusshasana had dishonored Draupadi in the open court. The Pandavas hated him intensely. But he was a very strong warrior. Abhimanyu, however, did not fear him. "I got you at last - you cruel, wicked, boastful fellow! Now you will get the punishment for your wickedness. Suffer it before the eyes of both the armies. If you don't run away, you will die today at my hands."

And he aimed his arrow. The dart struck Dusshasana's heart. Blood gushed out. Abhimanyu shot another arrow and Dusshasana fainted. His charioteer sped away the chariot.

Seeing Dusshasana's plight, Karna rushed to confront Abhimanyu. Very few persons could equal Karna in an encounter with the bow and arrow. It was impossible for anyone's dart to make a dent in his coat of mail. He was the disciple of Parashurama who had made all kings tremble. He was a hero who could face Arjuna. He showered a hundred arrows on Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu easily cut his bow itself into two. His arrows brought the flag on Karna's chariot to the ground, and cut Karna's darts in midair. Karna's horses ran away. Seeing the chariot of the mighty Karna himself speeding away, the Kaurava army shivered with fear and the soldiers began to run away. They fell before Abhimanyu's arrows like straw burnt by fire.

With the Kaurava army thus shaken, Yudhishthira, Bheema, Satyaki and others again surged forward to help Abhimanyu. But they could not get into the Padmavyooha formed by Drona.

The Kaurava heroes saw the plight of their army and again surrounded Abhimanyu. Jayadratha, who had a boon from Lord Shiva, stopped all the brave warriors of the Pandavas army, so that Abhimanyu remained alone inside. Yet Abhimanyu killed the Kaurava soldiers like a whale killing the fish, Seeing his soldiers crumbling like withered leaves in the wind, Duryodhana was furious and again Opposed Abhimanyu. Drona Ashwatthama, Karna and others encircled Abhimanyu to help a master. Duryodhana's son Lakshana rained numberless arrows on Abhimanyu.

The fight again grew fierce. Abhimanyu faced the Kaurava hero like a lion's cub fighting with trumpeting elephants attacking him. He shot various missiles. Arrows struck one another in mid-air and fell down burning. Horses ran hither and thither, unable to bear the pain. At last unable to bear Abhimanyu's arrows, which struck him like fire, Duryodhana also took to his heels. Abhimanyu's arrows cut off Lakshana's head. Drona, Ashwatthama and Karna turned their chariots back. The Kaurava army was in utter panic.

Karna said to Drona, "Acharya, how are we to conquer this brave lad?" The Acharya said: "Karna, is it possible to face him and win? His fighting skill is flawless. This gifted son of Arjuna is a lion among men. Arjuna is really fortunate. See how nimble Abhimanyu's hands and fingers are and how he himself moves about like lightning. As his chariot moves, we can only see his bow in circular form and nothing else - we do not see him pull the string, we do not see him shoot the arrow. I am suffering pain all over my body because of his piercing arrows. This youngster humbles me. And yet the skill of his hands fills me with happiness."

"It is cowardice on the part of a warrior to run away from the battlefield and that is why I am still here," Karna confessed. "Wherever his arrows have struck me, it is like a ball of fire."

Drona: "Abhimanyu is still a boy, but he is a very great hero. It is impossible to rip his armour. We can win only if an expert can cut his bow. If you wish to do it, you must strike when he turns back, When he has his bow in his hands, no one can face him and, overcome him. Break his bow, and then, from behind, smash his chariot."

From behind Abhimanyu, Kama shot sharp arrows aimed at the lad's hand. Abhimanyu's bow was broken. Simultaneously Bhoja killed his horses. Abhimanyu's chariot could not move. Kripa slew the guards. Six mighty warriors - Drona, Karna, Kripa, Ashwatthama, Brihadbala and Kritavarma surrounded the young hero and attacked him. Abhimanyu had no chariot and no bow. And there was no one at all to help him.

But the brave Abhimanyu did not fear or despair. He jumped out of his chariot holding his sword and shield. Even as he jumped, Drona and Karna broke his shield. Abhimanyu jumped to the ground, pulled off his chariot wheel and with it attacked Dronacharya. The enemies all around him rained arrows on him. The wheel was broken into pieces and the fragments scattered around. Abhimanyu picked up his mace from the chariot and pounced upon the enemies. The brave boy was standing on the ground; and yet the warriors in the chariots had to retreat before his onslaught. Dusshasana's chariot and horses were crushed. Dusshasana's son took his mace and confronted Abhimanyu who was smashing the encircling enemies with his mace. Both were young, heroic and determined. The fight was terrible like the clash of two maddened elephants.

Both of them fell down, unable to bear each other's blows. Abhimanyu was already tired, having fought with many an enemy hero for along time all through the day. Dusshasana's son recovered earlier and got up quickly. Even as Abhimanyu was getting up, his enemy hit him with his mace. Unable to bear the blow,

Abhimanyu fell down. The soul that supreme hero left his lovely young body. Blood spilled all round and his strong body became covered with mud and dust. But his fame lives and Abhimanyu has become another word for boundless daring.

Indian Great Personalities - Lava Kusha

Lava Kusha

Who is there in Bharat who has not heard the names of Sri Rama and Sita? Rama, in order to honor his father's words, gave up his kingship and agreed to live in the forest. Sita, though tender like a flower, followed her husband, like his shadow, to the forest. The couple had to undergoend- less travails throughout their lives. Yet they did not give up the path of righteousness. That is why they remain as ideals to us. The story of Rama and Sita is the 'Ramayana'. It is also called 'Sita Charitra' (the story of Sita).

The poet who first composed the Ramayana is Valmiki. After the Valmiki Ramayana was written, many other versions like the 'Ananda Ramayana, 'Adbhuta Ramayana, Vasishta Ramayana' and 'Sesha Ramayana' also came to be written.

The Valmiki Ramayana ends with the coronation of Rama. The rest of the story, not narrated by Valmiki, is given in Sesha Ramayana. The story of Lava and Kusha, being taken up here, is from the Sesha Ramayana.

Valmiki taught his Ramayana first to his two disciples, Lava and Kusha. They used to sing it very melodiously to the accompaniment of the Veena, a stringed instrument. The surprising thing is that Rama himself heard Lava and Kusha recite it to him, though he did not at the time know that they were his sons, and the two boys also did not know that Rama was their father. How did this coincidence come about?

Sita Goes To The Forest

After killing Ravana, Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. His coronation took place in Ayodhya. Sita became his queen. They were happy for sometime, ruling over the kingdom. But their happiness was short-lived. Sita had after a long time become pregnant. She developed the desire to give some gifts to the wives of sages. She told Rama of her desire. Rama laughed and said, "Sita, was it not enough that you stayed with the wives of the rishis during our sojourn in the forest? Do you wish for the forest-life again?" Sita smilingly replied, "At that time I was also the wife of a forest dweller and was empty-handed. Now I am a queen and can afford to give them generous gifts." Rama agreed saying, "Very good. Let it be so."

That same night a frightful thing happened.

Rama was resting in his room after supper. A spy, whose duty it was to report to the king whatever was happening in the city, came to him. He said, "Of course all subjects praise you. But there is a washer man in this city whose name is Mara. His wife is Mari. She quarreled with her husband and went away to her parents' house. They, however, advised her properly and brought her back to the husband's place. The arrogant and angry washer man snarled, 'I am not Rama to take back a wife who had gone away.' But you should not think too much of it."

Hearing the spy's words, Rama was stunned. Sending him away, Rama was lost in deep worry. He said to himself, 'Alas, Sita! Why did you marry me? You seem fated to have only sorrow. Well, camphor cannot be offered to God without being burnt. Your life is also like that. As a king I have to conduct myself as a model to my citizens. Though a washer mans, Mara is also a subject of my kingdom. Therefore it becomes my duty now to renounce you.'

Rama sat for long in a stupefied state. He sent for all his brothers. By then it was midnight. All of them rushed to him anxiously. Rama narrated to them what the spy had told him and said he would renounce Sita. They did not agree to that. They said, "Brother, that our sister-in-law is virtuous is known to the whole world. She underwent even the fire ordeal in Lanka. She entered the flames and came out unscathed. At that time father Dasharatha came from Heaven and said, 'Sita is a very virtuous lady. Your dynasty will prosper by her.' Is the washer man's word more important than father is? Sita is in advanced pregnancy. However can you think of renouncing her in this condition?"

Rama asked Lakshmana to remain and sent the others back. Then he said, "Brother Lakshmana, you have never opposed whatever I said in the past. Now also don't do so. I know that Sita is pure. It is very painful for me to give her up. But it is my duty as a king to abandon her. Sita has desired to go to the hermitages of rishis. And I have agreed. So that will be the excuse.

Take her with you and leave her on the banks of the river Ganga."

Lakshmana would never go against his elder brother's words. But his mind was not for abandoning Sita, so advanced in pregnancy, in the jungle. "All right," he said to his brother, and departed like a possessed man. By then the night was over and it was dawn.

"Rama's Words Must Be Obeyed"

Lakshmana brought his chariot and stationed it at the door of Sita's palace. Sita had just then got up and was at her prayers. "Why Lakshmana, you have come so early!" she said. Lakshmana in reply asked, "Mother, why did you desire to go to the hermitages?"

Sita did not understand him fully. She felt very happy that her desire was being fulfilled. She thought, 'How much Rama loves me! How good he is! How quickly he fulfills my wishes!' Her joy and elation were boundless. To take with her she made a package of turmeric powder, vermilion, bangles, blouses, sarees and and other auspicious articles to be presented to the wives of sages. Thus Sita and Lakshmana started.

After a while the cl~ariot reached the bank of the Ganga. Beyond the river were the hermitages. Lakshmana stopped his chariot and unyoking the horses, tied them elsewhere. With the help of boatmen both of them crossed the river. Then they began to walk. The Sun's heat was becoming more and more severe. Lakshmana was tired carrying the heavy package Sita had brought. The delicate Sita had to walk on stones and thorns, and her feet bled painfully.

When they were in the middle of the jungle, Lakshmana said, "Mother, I am a sinner, a cheat. I have brought you here to leave you in the forest. It seems some washer man said something bad about you. So Rama has ordered me to abandon you in the jungle. You are the very peesonification of virtue; but I have to perform this wicked deed of leaving you in the wilderness. You must pardon me."

As Sita heard his words, her eyes became dark. As a banana stem laden with fruit falls down to the ground in a storm, Sita collapsed unconscious. Seeing that, Lakshmana's mind was in turmoil. With fearful eyes he lifted his hands to the sky in supplication saying, "God, what suffering have you ordained for Sita who is like my mother! You only must help her." When Sita regained consciousness she said, "My boy Lakshmana, all this is the result of my sins. None else is responsible for this. When the all-merciful Rama renounces me, who else can help? You have only done his bidding. I must also obey Rama's behest. You may now go back. Convey my salutations to everyone in Ayodhya." Still weeping, Lakshmana said, "Mother, I shall return" and went back to Ayodhya.

In Valmiki's Hermitage

Sita was utterly alone in a thick forest. She did not know what she should do now. She sat beneath a tree and wept loudly. All the events of her life came back to her mind. She was born the daughter of King Janaka;

she married an exalted person, Rama, and so entered the palace of Emperor Dasharatha; but what she got as her share was only scandal, sorrow and suffering in a forest. As she thought of all this, she felt a heaviness in the head. She lay down, and got into a deep slumber.

Not far from that part of the forest where Sita lay down was the hermitage of the sage Valmiki. The sage had come to the forest to gather flowers, leaves and twigs of the holy fig tree for his worship. He saw Sita lying there. He was surprised at a lone woman sleeping there and approached her. Just then Sita also woke up.

Seeing a rishi standing so near, she was afraid. Suddenly she sat up. Valmiki asked her, "Mother, who are you? You have the looks of a royal princess. Why are you alone in the forest? Anyway, do not be afraid. I am sage Valmiki. My hermitage is very near, I have come to collect twigs."

Sita had heard of Valmiki and his story. Seeing him now, she regained a little courage. She got up and prostrated before him. She narrated to him her whole story, punctuated by tears. Valmiki was deeply moved. He said, "Don't be afraid, my child. I shall look after you as my own daughter. Come, let us go to my hermitage." Sita followed him to his hermitage.

Valmiki made arrangements for Sita's comfort. A beautiful hut was got ready for her. The wives of sages became her companions. They would help her bathe, comb her hair and set flowers in it. Among the roots and tubers they had collected for food, they selected the best ones and gave them to Sita. Valmiki looked her up every morning and evening and Enquirer about her welfare. Within a few days Sita mingled with the residents of the ashram as one of them

Bright Sons

Sometime elapsed and on an auspicious day Sita gave birth to twin sons. Ten days after the birth of a child, the naming ceremony has to take pace. Valmiki himself sat as the priest and conducted the ritual. The children were named Kusha and Lava. The twins grew up handsomely day by day like the moon in the bright half of the month.

All the people in the hermitage loved these two charming boys Kusha and Lava. Some one or the other would always be taking up the babies and playing with them. They would laugh if the children laughed. If the children shouted, they too would shout. Especially the sage Valmiki loved them very much. He would play with them; put them on his lap and sing lullabies; lift them up and make them dance. He would even forget that it was getting late for his rites and worship. He wanted that Sita should not feel sad that her children had missed the happiness of the palace. He saw to it that the children grew up in happy environs. This gave great joy to Sita.

Kusha and Lava grew up and played with other boys. After all they were princes. They were very brave. They dragged hither and thither the lion-cup, which was in the hermitage. They would tie the monkey to the cub's tail and clap their hands in joy. They made a kitetn sit on the back of a tiger and made the latter run. If anybody seeing this tried to discipline them. They would run and hide behind sage Valmiki. They made fun of the sages also. Seeing their mischief, Sita would scold them.

Valmiki would make both the children sit on his lap; he would teach them songs of prayer. Hearing the children lisp those prayers in a lovely way, both Valmiki and Sita would feel immensely happy.

When Kusha and Lava were five years old, Valmiki arranged the tonsure ceremony of the kids.

Traditionally, as soon as the tonsure ceremony is over, the teaching of the alphabets starts. Sage Valmiki himself initiated the boys in studies. The two bright boys learnt the alphabets in no time. They also acquired the ability to read and write anything. Valmiki taught them the Shastras, mythology, music, archery and whatever else he knew. The boys became experts in all those branches of knowledge.

Valmiki taught the boys the Ramayana, which he had composed. The boys learnt it by heart and learnt to sing it to the accompaniment of the Veena (a stringed instrument). Ramayana seemed to get a new felicity when they sang it. When they sang the poem the whole hermitage appeared to forget it. Valmiki was very proud of it. Whenever any guests came to the hermitage, he would make the boys sing a part of Ramayana.

Lava and Kusha were now twelve years old. Valmiki performed the sacred-thread ceremony for them, thus giving them the right to learn the Vedas. They learnt the Vedic mantras by heart. Along with that, the training in archery was also continued. The boys became proficient in Vedas and also in archery. The sage, with the mystic power of his tapas, provided them with swords and shields. In the meantime on a certain day Valmiki was called by Varuna, the Sea-God. So the rishi asked Lava and Kusha to look after the hermitage carefully and left for the world of Varuna.

The Ashwamedha Horse

As the children were growing up in the hermitage, Rama in Ayodhya was in unbearable agony, with the memory of Sita haunting him. He always had one worry or the other. He decided to perform the Ashwamedha (Horse) sacrifice.

The Ashwamedha sacrifice was not easy to perform. Only the most powerful of kings could undertake it. Rama was of course very powerful. So he formally got anointed to perform that sacrifice. The pavilion to perform the sacrifice was erected on the bank of the river Ganga. Rama worshipped the sacrificial horse. A medallion made of gold was tied on its forehead. On it was engraved the message: "This is the sacrificial horse of Sri Rama, son of Kausalya. He is the most powerful king on Earth. All those who agree should pay tribute and become his vassals. Otherwise they will tie up this horse, and fight with Rama." The horse was left to go as it liked. Rama appointed his brother Shatrughna t o go with a large army for its protection.

Lava The Hero

The Ashwamedha horse went past many countries. The kings of all those States paid tribute and became Rama's dependants. The horse was now returning to Ayodhya.

On the way it espied Valmiki's hermitage. Seeing the lush green grass there, the horse entered the hermitage. It was trampling upon the flowerbeds there and spoiling the garden. Kusha was not there. Lava happened to be playing there with other boys of the hermitage. He saw the horse. He went near it and saw the golden plaque on its forehead. When he read the inscription, he became very angry. He thought, "is Rama, the son of Kausalya, the' only hero? If I don't humble his pride, what is the use of my being the son of Sita?" With the towel, which was his upper garment, he tied that horse to a tree. He would not listen to the other boys who in fear asked him not to do so.

Meanwhile the soldiers accompanying the horse came there. They became angry that the horse had been tied up. "Who did this?" they asked the boys who were 'there. Trembling with fear, the boys said, "We didn't do that. It was he," pointing at Lava. The soldiers turned to Lava and shouted, "Untie it first." But Lava said, "Why should I untie the horse? I won't. And take care! If any of you tries to untie it, I'll cut off his hands." One of them, thinking that a young boy's words need only to be ignored, went to the horse to untie it. Lava promptly fixed an arrow in his bow and shot it the soldier's hand was cut.

The other soldiers were all very angry at what had happened to one of them. All of them surrounded the boy. But a swarm of flies does not shake a mountain. Lava stood firms and brought on a rain of arrows upon them. Many soldiers were injured and fell to the ground. They were stunned by his courage and heroism.

By then the commander of the army, Shatrughna himself, confronted Lava. He said, "Look, boy, who are you? And why have you tied the king's horse? Well, don't die of my hands. Leave the horse and run."

The words did not frighten Lava. He chanted the Mahesha incantation taught by Valmiki and aimed an arrow. Shatrughna was enraged at the boy's impudence. He also took his bow into his hands. But Lava shot an arrow that broke his bow. Shatrughna was utterly surprised at the boy's bravery. He was also angry. He took another bow and shot a terrible arrow Lava. Lava cut that arrow too. But only one half of the arrow fell down on the ground and the other sharp half-pierced Lava's chest. The boy fell down with a loud cry.

Shatrughna went near the boy prostrate on the ground. He greatly admired the boldness of the boy. He looked at him from near. Seeing the boy's handsome features, he felt drawn to him. He lifted up Lava and lay him down in his chariot. The soldiers freed the horse tied to the tree. All of them started towards Ayodhya, led by the horse.

Chased By Kusha

The young sons of the rishis were all very much afraid at what had happened to Lava. Weeping loudly they ran to the ashram and narrated to Sita all that had transpired. She started weeping tearfully, not knowing what would be her son's fate. And this had happened when Valmiki was not in the hermitage! She was in confusion as to what should be done now.

When Lava tied the sacrificial horse to a tree, Kusha was not in the ashram. He had gone out to the forest to bring the holy twigs for worship. When he returned, he saw that Sita was weeping. He asked her, "Mother, why are you weeping? What happened?"

Amidst loud sobs Sita told him all that had happened. Kusha became red with anger. He burst out, "Mother, don't be afraid. Even if it is Yama the God of Death who has taken away my brother, I will break his bones. I do no care for these so-called kings. Give me my shields, bow and arrows." Sita at once put on him his nail-coat and fetched his bow and arrows. Kusha prostrated before his mother. "May you succeed," Sita blessed and bade him farewell.

Kusha chased the army like a whirlwind. Nearing it, he shouted, "Stop! Stop!" The soldiers did not pay heed to his words and were marching on. Kusha became enraged. He shot an arrow. It flew with a hissing sound and pierced the back of a soldier who fell down. At once the whole army stopped and turned to Kusha. The soldiers got ready to fight with this new boy. But in no time Kusha rained his arrows on them. Many soldiers fell victims to his arrows and were aground. Shatrughna turned to him and said, "You are like the young of a deer and do you want to fight with tigers?" Kusha laughed and replied, "You are no tiger but a fox. When I was not there you have stolen my brother and are going away." With these words he shot four arrows which killed the four horses of Shatrughna's chariot. Another arrow brought down the charioteer.

Shatrughna jumped down from his chariot and with great wrath shouted, "You wicked boy, I'll kill you now." But an arrow shot by Kusha pierced Shatrughna's chest. Loudly uttering "Rama! Rama!" he fell down on the ground with a thud.

Seeing Shatrughna collapsing on the ground, all the army-men trembled with tear. They dropped their weapons and stood quietly. A messenger on horseback was sent to Rama. Kusha went near Shatrughna's chariot. Just then Lava also regained consciousness. As soon as he saw Kusha, he shouted, "0, brother!" and jumped from the chariot. They embraced each other. Lava said, "Brother, my bow was broken in the fight. I will now pray to the Sun-God as taught by our preceptor Valmiki and obtain a new bow." Kusha said, "Yes, please do so." Lava closed his eyes and chanted the Surya-mantra, or the hymn to the Sun. Then the Sun favoured him with a new bow. Both Lava and Kusha were overjoyed at this. The two again dragged the sacrificial horse and tied it to a tree.

Lakshmana And Bharat Humbled

The messenger from the warfield went straight to Rama, who was sitting in the pavilion being consecrated to perform the Ashwamedha sacrifice. The soldier told him all that had happened. Rama at first would not believe that Shatrughna had been defeated by a mere boy. But the soldier swore by it. Then Rama became worried as to who that boy could be. He sent his brother Lakshmana with a new army to help Shatrughna. Seeing him, the soldiers on the warfield had renewed courage. The whole army togetherattacked the boys again. But it was unavailing. The arrows of the boys felled many of them.

Looking at the bad shape of his army, Lakshmana himself entered the fray. Kusha left his brother to fight the army and himself faced Lakshmana. A fierce fight ensued between the two. Kusha shot the arrow of fire. But Lakshmana used the arrow of water and extinguished it. Kusha then sent a snake-arrow. Lakshmana destroyed it with an eagle-arrow.

Kusha was now very angry. He shot a very mighty arrow, the use of which Valmiki had taught him. The arrow went straight to Lakshmana and hit him. It hit him so powerfully that Lakshmana tottered and fell down on the ground. By then all the soldiers had also fled from the battlefield, unable to bear Lava's arrows.

The news that Lakshmana too was defeated and was aground reached Rama. Rama was upset. The people around whispered, 'This Rama unjustly sent away his virtuous wife Sita to the forest. This is the result of that sin.' Bharata told Rama: "Brother, don't be sad. I will go and punish those boys and bring back the brothers who have swooned." Hanumanta and Jambavanta also went to the battlefield along with Bharata.

When Hanumanta saw Lava and Kusha standing in the battlefield, he said to Bharata, "Look at those boys. They are so much resemble to Ramachandra." Bharata looked at them and felt it was indeed so. The boys bore a very strong resemblance to Rama. Bharata felt very affectionate towards them. He spoke to Kusha, "My dear boy, who are you? Who is this other boy? You two have killed our whole army. You have also brought down my brothers. Now at least, leave that horse. Why this ill will between you and us? Go to your mother and be happy."

Kusha laughed and said: 'Well,' we belong to the hermitage of Valmiki. I am Kusha and this is my younger brother Lava. I won't leave this horse. You have by yourself come for a fight. We have given a proper reply. We will make you also fall to the ground like your brothers. Only then will we go to our mother." Even as he spoke he shot arrows at Bharata.

In the fight that ensued between the two, Bharata collapsed on the ground unable to face the boy's arrows. The entire army ran away, not being able to withstand Lava's attack. Even Hanumanta and Jambavanta stood far away, where the arrows of the boys would not reach them. Some messengers ran to Rama from the battlefield and gave him the news. He was in turmoil. With no other way left, he himself had to go now to the battlefield.

Rama Also Defeated

Rama came to the battlefield and saw that everywhere soldiers were lying on the ground. And nearby lay his own brothers, unconscious. A little further was the horse, tied to a tree. Near the horse stood two boys, holding bows and arrows. What havoc had been wrought by such a small boys! Rama could not believe his eyes. He gently spoke to the children - "My dear boys, where from are you? Who is your father? And who is your mother? Who taught you archery? But why this wicked obstinacy to tie this horse? And how did you get this might to conquer such a huge army?"

To all these questions, Kusha replied merely: "Great king, you have come to free this horse and take it. If you have that power, well, conquer us and take the horse. Or else go away from here. Why such useless talk?"

But Rama said, "Alas! Should I fight with children like you? I do feel angry when - I look at my brothers lying unconscious. But I just don't have the mind to fix the arrow in my bow. I love very much to know about you. Do please tell me."

Then Kusha told him, "Look, we are the twin sons of Sitadevi. Sage Valmiki has taught us the Vedas and archery. Our study of the Ramayana, taught by him, has given us this strength."

Rama then understood that they were his own sons. At the mention of Sita's name, his agony knew no bounds.

Unable to bear that grief, he swooned in the chariot. Sugreeva who was by his side fanned him and after a while Rama recovered.

When Rama and Sugreeva were talking, Neela was stealthily untying the horse. Seeing that, Kusha aimed an arrow at him. Hit by the arrow, Neela fell to the ground with a thud. Hanumanta, Jambavanta and other heroes surrounded the boys. But they were all laid on the ground by the boy's arrows. This enraged Rama. He showered his arrows on the boys. They were not ordinary arrows. Rama's arrows nad killed great heroes like Ravana and Kumbhakarna. But in front of these boys, even they were ineffective. The arrows shot by Rama were all cut in the middle of their fight by the two boys. But the arrows shot by the youngsters lodged themselves in Rama's body. Rama's horses fell down and his charioteer too. The whole body of Rama was made gory with wounds. In extreme pain Rama lay down in his chariot.

The boys ran to him. They saw the handsome and dignified form of Rama. The string of pearls he was wearing looked so fine. They took it off his neck and tied it in a piece of cloth. They also took away all the precious ornaments worn by Lakshmana, Bharata Shatrughna.

Sita Is Worried

Kusha and Lava were ready to return to their mother. Just then Lava said, "Brother, one or two in this army may be awake. Let us drag them to our mother." Kusha agreed. Hearing this, Hanumanta told Jambavanta, "Look, these boys are going to take us to Sitadevi. That should cause no worry. She will certainly protect us." It happened just like that. Lava heard the two of them talking. He went to them, and tying them up, dragged them with him. With them and with the jewels, Lava and Kusha returned to the hermitage.

Sita was in great anxiety, as the children had not returned for such a long time. The boys who now came back went to her and gave her the bundle of ornaments. The boys made the two, whom they had dragged thither, prostrate at their mother's feet. Sita was stunned to see Hanumanta and Jambavanta! And the ornaments were all of Rama, Lakshmana Bharata and Shatrughna! Her heart seemed to stop. She told her children, "Alas! What have you done! Why do we need these ornaments of kings? These monkey heroes are great beings. Why did you shame them thus? Release them at once."

The two boys could not understand why their mother was pained. They took back Hanumanta and Jambavanta. Sita tearfully lamented, "What now? 0, that all this should have happened just when Valmiki is not here! What should I do now?"

And lo! It was Valmiki who was returning to the ashram. He went straight to Sita. He consoled her saying, "Mother, pray, don't weep. I know all. All that has happened is for the good. I shall set everything right."

Happy Ending

The sage Valmiki proceeded to the battlefield with Kusha and Lava. Consecrating with sacred spells the water in the vessel he carried, he sprinkled that water on all the persons lying on the ground. All of them at once got up as if from sleep. All of them prostrated at Valmiki's feet. The sage made Lava and Kusha prostrate before Rama. Then he said, "0 great king, you are very kind-hearted. You always protect those who come to you in need. Please do not be angry. These boys are your own sons. They are born to Sitadevi. They have now committed a big mistake, when I was not in the hermitage. You must pardon them."

Rama asked Lakshmana, "Brother, did you not leave Sita in the forest?"

"Yes, I did. But I don't know what happened later," replied Lakshmana.

Then Valmiki clarified: "While in the jungle, by God's grace she was seen by me. I took her to my hermitage. There she gave birth to these twin children. I taught the Vedas and archery to them."

Valmiki sent Lava and Kusha to the hermitage and had the Veena brought. As asked by their preceptor, the boys sang the Ramayana to the accompaniment of the Veena. Their singing was so sweet, as if the goddess of music was herself there. They recited the Ramayana from the beginning to the end. Rama, his brothers and the retinue listened to it with rapt attention, forgetting themselves. Rama's joy was boundless. He said to Lakshmana, "Brother, in voice and speech, shape and beauty, these boys resemble to Sita." Lakshmana smiled and replied, it Brother, they are surely your sons. Otherwise how could they get such strength as to defeat you? Please accept them."

Rama called the two boys to him. They went to him gladly. Rama drew them near and embraced them. All the people around were happy. Rama told Valmiki, "Sir, I will take these boys with me. I have now accepted Sita back. Please send her to Ayodhya."

Rama started back to return to Ayodhya. Sage Valmiki bade him farewell and returned to his hermitage. The chariot sent by Rama arrived at the hermitage. Valmiki himself accompanied Sita to Ayodhya in that chariot. There Sita and Rama were rejoined in union. They ruled happily as king and queen, with Kusha and Lava.

The whole world sang of the glory of Rama and Sita.

Indian Great Personalities - Bahubali

Bahubali: Bahubali defeated his elder brother who was puffed up with pride, but at that very moment understood his life's aim. He gave back the kingdom to his defeated brother and went away to meditate the God. He enriched the lives of his fellowmen with the light he received.

Shravanabelagola in the Hassan district of Karnataka State is a sacred place of pilgrimage to Jains. There is a splendid and lofty statue of stone on the top of a hillock there. When one stands at its foot and looks up, one sees it against the vast sky; and one feels that the sky is the most appropriate background for that statue. The figure is lofty like the sky, and again, like the sky, has no equal. And the serenity of the face is unique.

This statue of Gommateshwara is carved out of a single stone. It is fifty-seven feet high. There is no statue of this height anywhere in the world, except in Egypt. In 981 A.D., Chavundaraya, the minister of the Ganga King Rachamalla had this statue carved. Bahubali is another name for Gommateshwara.

Bahubali is a great name in the Jain legends. His story is an example of the inner strength of the entire culture of India. He won everything from his brother and could have become an emperor; and yet, in utter selflessness he returned everything to the brother. Bahubali is the ideal man who conquers selfishness, jealousy, pride and anger. This is his story, the story of a great soul.

Vrishabhanatha
Jain religion speaks of twenty-four Theerthankaras. They were holy souls; they came to the earth in human form with a purpose. When evil and injustice grew strong in the world, they came to save men by their example and their preaching.

Vrishabhanatha was the first of twenty-four such Theerthankaras. He was Bahubali's father.

Before becoming a Theerthankara, Vrishabhanatha was a king. Ayodhya was his capital. Vrishabhanatha had two queens, Yashaswathi Devi and Sunanda Devi. There was peace, contentment and prosperity everywhere in his kingdom.

As time passed, the elder queen Yashaswathi gave birth to a hundred sons. The eldest was Bharatha. Later a daughter was born and she was called Sundari. The younger queen Sunanda Devi had only one son, Bahubali, and a daughter by name Brahmi.

The joy of the king and the queens, who had more than a hundred bonny children, knew no bounds.

Three or four years passed. It was time for the royal children to begin their education. Not one or two but a hundred of them were there, and so it was not easy to organize their education. The king himself taught them. He taught Bharatha dramatics and economics. Bahubali was taught medicine, weaponry, the lore of the horse and the elephant and some other branches.

The king taught all his sons like this, each according to his choice and aptitude.

Even as a boy Bharatha showed signs of becoming a great emperor. Bahubali was an expert in wrestling. His very name meant one with strong arms, that is, a man of great strength. He had a keen interest in warfare. In wrestling or in any other kind of duel with his companions, Bahubali was always the victor. He would forget himself in playing with elephant cubs. He was very brave. He was not afraid of anything.

Great was the delight of the parents as they watched the progress of their children.

Once it happened that Devendra, the Lord of Heaven, arranged in Vrishabha-natha's royal court, a dance by a nymph of his own court. The nymph's name was Neelanjane. Her performance was superb.

But as the dance was in progress, the nymph's life came to an end.

She was about to fall; Devendra, with his divine power, made her continue, so that the king's enjoyment might not end abruptly.

No one in that big gathering understood what had happened. But the king recognized the change.

That very moment he developed strong disgust towards life.

'So human life means only this!' the king thought, 'Nothing in this world is permanent. All things must die. Life is just like a bubble of water. Every thing is beautiful like a rainbow to outward view. And man's life is just like the rainbow; life too appears and then suddenly disappears. Nothing lasts forever.'

Vrishabhanatha decided that he had had enough of this kind of life. He resolved to give up his kingdom, his queens and his children, and go away to perform 'tapas', that is, to meditate on God.

A small, unexpected incident thus transformed the mind of King Vrishabhanatha.

The Regime Of The Sons
If the king gives up his kingdom and goes away, others must take up his responsibilities.

Vrishabhanatha made his eldest son Bharatha the King of Ayodhya. He decided that Bahubali was to rule in Paudanapura. Vrishabhanatha gave smaller kingdoms to each of his other sons. He gave them this advice : "Rule justly and righteously Look after the welfare of your subjects with affection. And earn a good name." He blessed them all, gave up everything and went away to begin his tapas or meditation for the attainment of salvation.

His sons took up the responsibilities of their several kingdoms. Hadn't they been trained by Vrishabhanatha? So they ruled well and wisely. They lived in wealth and grandeur. The subjects were happy, cheerful and contented.

Many years passed.

One day Bharatha was on his throne in the royal court. Glad tidings came to him - that his father Vrishabhanatha had received 'Kevala Jnana' (the supreme knowledge that can see all and understand all). Just then another messenger ran in and gave another bit of happy news - which a potent missile had appeared in the king's armory. Bharatha was delighted and also astonished.

The discus or 'Chakra' was an extraordinary weapon. The supernatural power of this 'Chakra-ratna' would conquer any enemy, however strong. Its appearance was a good sign indicating that Bharatha would become an emperor.

Along with it certain other unique objects of great power also appeared in the royal armory. These were the 'Chatra-ratna', a great umbrella which would give protection to the army against ferocious storms, heavy rains and the burning sun; the 'Charmaratna' or the magic boat which would enable the army to cross rivers or the ocean in its march for conquest; the 'Danda-ratna', a magic staff which could easily make a road for the army through forests and hills ; and also the 'Kakini-ratna', the gem of gems, which could give very bright light even when it was pitch dark. In addition the king received the fourteen 'bests', like the best horse and the best elephant, each of unequalled excellence in its class. He also received the nine treasures. His was indeed great fortune!

Even as the news of the appearance of these great objects in his armory was brought to him, the king received the happy news of the birth of a son. The King's joy was boundless.

Bharatha who had reached the pinnacle of happiness, first went to visit his father who had acquired the supreme knowledge. People had thronged in large numbers to worship Vrishabhanatha. All the sons and daughters of Vrishabhanatha went there, and worshipped him with devotion. He spoke to them of the path of virtue. They listened to him in reverence and returned happily.

Soon after his return, Bharatha celebrated the occasion of giving his son a name. Then he worshipped with devotion the extraordinary and potent missile, the 'Chakra-ratna'.

Bharatha's Quest Of Victor
The celebrations all ended, now. Bharatha resolved to march forth with his army to subdue other kings. He was himself a mighty warrior. And now he had so many unique acquisitions giving him tremendous power. Who could oppose him? Victory was just in the palm of his hand. All preparations were completed for the conquests. His entire army consisting of the infantry, the cavalry, the chariots and the elephants got ready. Before he set out, Bharatha worshipped the Lord and received blessings. The sound of the war-drums rent the air.

The King ascended his mighty chariot and set out to defeat all the kings. The army was huge like the ocean, and seemed to occupy all the earth. And all faces were bright with enthusiasm.

The 'Chakra-ratna' rolled on and the army followed it. The army first marched towards the east.

Bharatha's march was a garland of victories. Powerful kings like Magadha, Vijayardhakumara and Kritamala were defeated and they surrendered. Bharatha knew no defeat. All the monarchs who opposed him had to accept defeat, and to surrender, and offer Bharatha precious stones and other gifts and. tributes. The huge army marched on and on with resounding cries of victory.

Bharatha, who conquered all other monarchs of the world, became an emperor. Thus, with the help of the great 'Chakraratna', he marched from victory to victory and was now near the end of his journey. The victorious army with its joyful shouts proceeded towards Ayodhya.

And Bharatha thought 'Never before had there been a powerful king like me. There is none now to equal me, and there will never be one. Who can oppose me? I am verily the unquestioned emperor of all the earth!’

This thought gave rise to another: 'my name should live eternally in the minds of men. I must therefore have it carved on Mount Vrishabhachala. People of all ages should know that there was never another monarch like me.'

On the way he came to Mount Vrishabhachala. He wanted to have his name carved on it; but Bharatha found that there was no blank space at all on that huge and lofty mountain;

Before him had come and gone many thousands of emperors in this world. All of them had their histories recorded on this mount, each thinking that he was an unequalled king. The entire mountain was full of the stories of their conquests.

Bharatha had thought that there never had been, and there could never be another emperor as powerful, valiant and as great as he was. But he now saw that numberless were the emperors who had lived and paraded their glory like him! Vrishabhachala stood a witness to all their empty vanities. Bharatha now felt ashamed of his earlier pride and arrogance.

Still the desire to have his history carved persisted in him. So he had some of the earlier writings erased by means of his potent staff, the 'Danda-ratna', and using the great diamond 'Kakini-ratna' had the grand story of his conquests recorded in that space.

Then he went to his father Vrishabhanatha. He worshipped him and obtained his blessings. Finally he returned to the capital with all the gaiety of victory.

But Why So?
Great was the joy and excitement of Bharatha's subjects. The citizens made befitting preparations to welcome the victorious king and awaited his return. The sound of musical instruments filled the air. Bharatha and his army were about to enter the portals of the city. But lo! The 'Chakra-ratna' which had all along been moving in advance, suddenly stopped! Everyone was stunned. Princes and kings had trembled before this matchless weapon. It had so easily vanquished so many heroes unequalled till then. But now all of a sudden it had came to a dead stop! Everybody was bewildered. And Bharatha's mind was filled with anxiety and worry. It was clear that there was still a rival whom he had not conquered. 'I have conquered the whole world; who then is this unknown foe? He asked himself perplexed. The Emperor who had known no defeat was stunned. Bharatha had defeated all the enemies outside his kingdom. Still if the Chakra stopped outside the city, it naturally meant that there were enemies within. Bharatha at once sent for the priest of his royal court and asked him, "Why has this 'Chakra-ratna' stopped at the gates of the city, though I have conquered all my foes in the world? Who is this enemy in my own kingdom?" The priest pondered for a while and replied, "0 great King, with this all powerful wheel, any enemy can be subdued. No enemy has survived outside your kingdom. If there are any, they must be your own brothers. They think, 'We got our kingdom from our father just as Bharatha got his. We are in our kingdom. Why then should we bow to him?’ And of all of them, Bahubali has a strong sense of self-respect. He thinks that though you have become the emperor, he need not care, and is proud." Hearing this, Bharatha could not contain his wrath. He shouted, "They must all come and surrender to me. Or else I shall show my strength in war." At once he had royal commandments written and sent to all his brothers. 'Everyone should come and surrender to me. Any one who fails should be prepared to fight' - so read the royal order. All the one hundred brothers of Bharatha received his writ. Ninety-nine of them thought -'Of course, we can salute our eldest brother, who is like our father. But we cannot accept him as an emperor and be his vassals.' But the thought also came to them: 'Why fight with our own eldest brother for the sake of a kingdom?' They became disgusted with life. They gave up everything and went away to perform tapas with their father. The news reached Bharatha. He was surprised. But in his heart he was full of admiration for their self-respect and their greatness. But there was one thought, which brought anxiety also. If these other brothers acted so, what about Bahubali ? He was strong, and had a strong sense of selfrespect. Would he surrender? Most certainly he would choose to fight! Bharatha's expectation was not belied. The messenger who went to Paundanapura met Bahubali. Bahubali's raidance surpassed that of Bharatha. With wonder and pleasure, the messenger prostrated before him, and then gave him Bharatha's message. Until then Bahubali had been hearing of the valiant deeds of his brother Bharatha, and had been very happy. Bull the royal command brought by the messenger filled him with anger. He said to the messenger, "Even if Bharatha is the Emperor of the entire world, he is not my overlord. Being in my kingdom, given to me by my father, I am not obliged to him. I can never be his humble vassal. I am ready for a war, if a war is forced on me." The messenger carried the reply Bharatha. Bharatha ordered his army to get ready for war. His entire army with its four wings marched on Paudanapura. As the huge army advanced with the potent 'Chakra' in the forefront the very sky was totally covered with the dust it raised. The news of Bharatha's march reached Paudanapura. Bahuball also stood ready for war with his army. The two armies seemed poised to pounce on each other for mutual destruction. The fight was about to commence. But meanwhile the wise and farsighted ministers of both sides met and had consultations. Bharatha and Bahubali were both unequalled heroes. If there was a war, neither could win until both the armies were entirely destroyed. If only the two brothers fought a duel accepting the outcome as decisive a terrible tragedy could be averted. The Duel Between The Brothers
The two ministers went first to Bharatha. They described the horrors of war. They appealed to him, "The two of you must agree to fight a duel, and prevent this tragedy." Bharatha was not happy – because this course would not give any chance to display the might of his great army. But he concealed his thought and agreed to the suggestion of the ministers.

The ministers then went to Bahubali and made the same request. Bahubali said, "Bharatha is proud that nobody in this world can defeat his army. So first his army has to be defeated, and then there can be any kind of duel."

The ministers would not leave it at that. They described the deaths of thousands and the suffering and the agony that would result if the two powerful armies clashed. "In a duel, victory and defeat will be decided without sorrow and death. Bharatha has already agreed to this suggestion. You must also be pleased to agree," they appealed to him again. Unable to disregard the words of the elders, Bahubali also agreed.

Bharatha and Bahubali were mighty heroes, and each seemed to excel the other. What a fight would this be-this duel between them!

Bharatha was confident thinking, 'I have conquered the entire world. Will it be difficult for me to overcome Bahubali T And Bahubali proudly thought, 'Defeating me is not as easy as defeating others.'

The trumpets of war blared. And the duel began.

This kind of fight is called 'Dharma -Yuddha' or moral war, because it prevents death and suffering on large scale.

In such a duel, first there is a battle of eyes. The two have to stare hard at each other without moving their eyeballs or bating the eyelids. The one whose eye moves first is taken as vanquished.

When the duel began between Bharatha and Bahubali, it looked as if each would suck the other through the eyes. Each glared at the other as if he would burn him. Finally Bahubali won.

The second stage was the water fight. In this, each had to splash water against the other with his hands. Bharatha and Bahubali entered a lake like two angry elephants. Bahubali was much taller than Bharatha. In the anger of defeat Bharatha threw the water with all his strength but the water would reach only Bahubali's chest. But the water splashed by Bahubali beat upon the face and head of Bharatha and increased his anger. Unable to bear the force of the splashes, Bharatha had again to accept defeat. He became more incensed.

Only one stage remained - a wrestling match. The desire to defeat Bahubali at least in this match raged in Bharatha.

The wrestling began. Both were masters of the art of wrestling. And both were determined and unyielding. It looked as if neither could be defeated. At last Bahubali once lifted up Bharatha high in the air. The onlookers trembled - would Bharatha dash the Emperor to the ground?

But Bahubali gently set his elder brother on the ground. As he touched the earth, Bharatha's body was trembling with anger at his own fate.

He, Bharatha, had subdued the whole world and had become the emperor; but now, as two armies looked on, he had been defeated by his own younger brother ! The shame of this defeat was intolerable. At once he turned to his powerful 'Chakraratna' and commanded: "Go forth and kill Bahubali!"

The blazing wheel flew towards Bahubali.

The two armies and the citizens shuddered. ' What has Bharatha done?' they thought, 'is this "Dharma-Yuddha"? After he has been defeated is it fair to use the "Chakra" against his brother? It will certainly kill Bahubali now. What injustice!' Wide - eyed and breathless, they looked on in terror.

The 'Chakra' approached

Bahubali. It went round him once, and came to a halt on his right side.

The people shouted in joy. The angels showered flowers from above.

Bharatha stood with his head bent.

Bahubali looked at him. This was Bharatha, the son of Vrishabhanatha, and the lord of the great 'Chakra-ratna', one who became Emperor by conquering many kings; and now he stood with his head bowed in shame, before the two armies. Pity welled up in Bahubali at his condition. All his anger melted away.

Bahubali reflected further. Bharatha and he were brothers, were brought up together, and had lived in afffection. But now they had fought with each other. Bharatha had made up his mind even to kill his younger brother. What was the cause of all this? For the sake of a kingdom men even forget that they are brothers, and also not hesitate to kill each other. beside, he felt, is evil. He grew weary of life.

'Keep The Kingdom'
Bahubali thought, 'I do not want this position. I do not want this desire. The best step is to give up everything and go to perform tapas.'

He prostrated before his elder brother Bharatha and said, "Kindly pardon me, brother. I did wrong to fight with you. I also put you to shame. I do not want this kingdom. Let it be yours. I shall go away to perform tapas, and wash off my sins. Please permit me."

Bharatha's desire to be the emperor, his anger and his obduracy - all evaporated.

He saw the nobility of his brother and he was filled with pain that he was going away to perform tapas. Tears rolled down his eyes and he raised his prostrating brother, and said, "Brother, I have sinned. Because of my pride and rashness, all the other brothers went away to perform tapas. If you also now go away, who will be with me? You are the only brother left to me. How can I live if you also go away? What do I do with this kingdom? I beg of you, do not go away from me." He held Bahubali's hands and implored him.

But Bahubali's mind was unmoved, in spite of the entreaties of many. He renounced everything and went to perform tapas.

Bahubali went to Vrishabhanatha and got initiated for tapas. He gave up even his clothing and stood completely naked in rigorous meditation. Many days rolled by. But he did not move from where he stood. He had no food or sleep. Big anthills grew around him and covered his entire body. Snakes crawled all over him. Various creepers entwined his limbs. Birds made their nests in the creepers. Bahubali's hair became matted. But Bahubali did not flinch. He stood firm, his naked body exposed to storm and rain, to lightning and thunder. With a will of iron he continued his severe meditation.

Many years passed but Bahubali did not receive the supreme and ultimate knowledge.

Bahubali thought, 'I do not want this position. I do not want this desire. The best step is to give up everything and go to perform tapas.'

He prostrated before his elder brother Bharatha and said, "Kindly pardon me, brother. I did wrong to fight with you. I also put you to shame. I do not want this kingdom. Let it be yours. I shall go away to perform tapas, and wash off my sins. Please permit me."

Bharatha's desire to be the emperor, his anger and his obduracy - all evaporated.

He saw the nobility of his brother and he was filled with pain that he was going away to perform tapas. Tears rolled down his eyes and he raised his prostrating brother, and said, "Brother, I have sinned. Because of my pride and rashness, all the other brothers went away to perform tapas. If you also now go away, who will be with me? You are the only brother left to me. How can I live if you also go away? What do I do with this kingdom? I beg of you, do not go away from me." He held Bahubali's hands and implored him.

But Bahubali's mind was unmoved, in spite of the entreaties of many. He renounced everything and went to perform tapas.

Bahubali went to Vrishabhanatha and got initiated for tapas. He gave up even his clothing and stood completely naked in rigorous meditation. Many days rolled by. But he did not move from where he stood. He had no food or sleep. Big anthills grew around him and covered his entire body. Snakes crawled all over him. Various creepers entwined his limbs. Birds made their nests in the creepers. Bahubali's hair became matted. But Bahubali did not flinch. He stood firm, his naked body exposed to storm and rain, to lightning and thunder. With a will of iron he continued his severe meditation.

Many years passed but Bahubali did not receive the supreme and ultimate knowledge.

'Brother, Give Up Self-Love
Bharatha was now very perplexed that despite such severe tapas, Bahubali did not receive enlightenment. He went to his father Vrishabhanatha and asked him why it was so.

Vrishabhahatha said, "True it is that Bahubali ' has been performing the most exacting type of tapas. But he has not given up his self-love. He still has this thought - that he is standing on ground, which belongs to his brother, because he gave the entire kingdom to you, his elder brother. This sorrow haunts him. If he does not give up this pride, how can he get enlightenment?"

Bharatha then went to Bahubali. He prostrated before him and said, "Dear brother, give up this feeling that you are in my kingdom. Such a thought, too, is a kind of attachment. This kingdom is not mined. It is what you, the victor, gave back to me liberally. In a way this earth does not belong to anybody; it is nobody's property. Please renounce this thought of prestige, and continue the tapas."

Then, even the little thought of self in Bahubali's mind disappeared.

Once, earlier, the younger brother had destroyed the pride in the elder brother's mind. Now the elder cleansed the mind of the younger.

Bahubali continued his meditation without this thought of self. Then he got enlightenment. There was the glad sound of celestial drums. The people all praised Bahubali's greatness. They worshipped him with devotion. Listening to his teachings, they felt happy.

Bahubali went to many lands and taught people the way of righteousness. He showed them the way to lead meaningful lives. Finally, this ideal man attained salvation earlier than his father.

Bahubali, who was very valiant and full of self-love, could have himself become the emperor, having crushed his elder brother's pride. But he returned the kingdom to his brother. And he found out the true path for himself. He became a splendid soul, attaining salvation. He illumined the darkness in the minds of men with the light of his knowledge. He became a great saint praised by the whole world.

Emperor Bharatha wished that such a brother's fame should last for all time; he had a statue of Bahubali made of emerald in Paudanapura. It was worshipped with great grandeur.

It is said that the statue has sunk in the sea. There are statues of Bahubali now at Shravanabelagola,Venooru, Karkala, Shravanagudda, Bastihalli and Dharmasthala. The tallest and the most important is the magnificent statue at Shravanabelagola.The story of the installation of this image is interesting.

The Dream And The Image
Rachamalla of Ganga Dynasty was the King of Talavanapura.

Chavundaraya, his Prime Minister, was very intelligent, very brave and heroic, and devoted to God.

His mother was Kalaladevi and fat Mahabalaiah.

Once Kalaladevi heard from the priest a discourse on Sharatha and Bahubali. From the discourse it seemed that the emerald image of Bahubali which was got made by Emperor Bharatha was perhaps still in Paudanapura. She felt a keen desire to see that image. She vowed that she would not drink even a cup of milk until she saw the image.

Thousands of years had passed since Bharatha had that icon sculptured. Both the icon and Paudanapura had disappeared.

Even if they existed, there was no one who had seen them. People Said that they had become submerged in the sea or were perthaps in the midst of thick jungles full of fierce animals, where no human being could go. How could he get at that idol? Chavundaraya was worried. But Kalaladevi would not listen. Whatever the difficulties, she was determined to see that idol.

At last, Chavundaraya started with his mother and a few followers to find Paudanapura and satisfy his mother’s desire. There seemed no end to their journey. They could not find Paudanapura.

After a long journey, they came across a hill by name Chandragiri. They halted at the foot of the hill, and lay down to rest.

That night Chavundaraya had a dream.

A supernatural being by the name of Kushmandinidevi appeared to him in the dream. She said to him, "Human beings cannot see again the Bahubali idol got prepared by Bharatha, however hard they may try. Even Paudanapura will not be found. Instead of all this, if you stand just here on the hill and shoot a golden arrow at the peak of the Indragiri hill opposite, you can see Lord Bahubali."

At once Chavundraya did as he was asked to. He picked up his bow and arrow, aimed straight at the top boulder on Indragiri and shot the arrow. With a terrible sound, the huge stone split into two. Between the parts was a magnificent figure of Bahubali.

And what a beautiful statue!

But at that moment Chavundaraya woke up. When he opened his eyes there was nothing before him. He rubbed his eyes, and looked all round.

No, there was nothing. There was no Goddess, and no statue. It had all been a dream. Chavundaraya became very sad. ‘How nice it would have been if the dream were a reality!' he thought.

He narrated everything to his mother in the morning. All of them looked at Indragiri. There on the peak was a huge boulder, as in his dream. 'How wonderful it would be if I shot an arrow and the Lord appeard!' he thought. But how was it possible?

But soon the meaning of the dream was clear - that the figure of Lord Bahubali should ' be carved out of that same huge stone.

But, how could one go near that boulder? All around was the thickest forest. The place was full of pits and ravines, stones and thorny shrubs. How to cross all these? It looked impossible. But Chavundaraya did not lose heart. He determined that his mother's wish should be fulfilled at any cost. He resolved that whatever the difficulties, a statue of Bahubali should be sculptured there.

The people around came forward to help, and the work began. The pits and ravines were closed. Stones and shrubs were removed. Thus with great difficulty a path was cut to go upto the top of Indragiri.

And then, the statue had to be carved out of that boulder. Hundreds of sculptors from different parts of the country were invited by Chavundaraya. The boulder was piously worshipped by one and all. The work of sculpturing began at an auspicious time. Everyone worked day and night. It was extremely difficult to carry on the work in that jungle and amidst wild rocks. However, God's blessings strengthened human effort and a figure, such as Chavundaraya had seen in his dream, finally took shape.

A lofty and majestic statue of great beauty, fifty-seven feet high. A gentle smile on the face, and broad shoulders. Creepers with blossoms encircling the hands and feet. Tall ant-hills around the feet, and snakes peeping out of them. Such was the matchless statue, which took shape.

Chavunclaraya was proud that he had got such a beautiful figure carved. Kalaladevi was very happy that her wish was fulfilled. People gazed and gazed on the statue but could never feel satisfied. They danced with joy.

Chavundaraya's dream had come true. Lord Bahubali whom he had seen in his dream now stood before his eyes.

Millions of people gathered to see that magnificent figure. Every one praised that great wonder. Chavunclaraya now felt proud that he had accomplished what no one had been able to do before him.

A Cup Of Milk
The statue was not be consecrated according to religious rites.

Chavundaraya performed the prescribed rites and ceremonies for the installation of the image. He also arranged the first ritual of the great ablution.

There is an interesting story about that. Hundreds of vessels full of milk were brought for the ablution of the statue. Vessel after vessel of milk was poured on the head of the lord's idol. The head was bathed, the face became wet, and the neck and chest also. But - No matter how much milk they poured on the head, the figure was not completely bathed. They poured more milk, and still more milk, but all that milk was absorbed at the navel.

A thousand years have passed since this image was installed. And the majestic and benevolent figure still stands atop the hill, with the vast sky as its background -reminding generations of human beings of the heights which man can reach if he gives up selfishness, desire and pride.