Indraprastha!-17 (part-2)

( Khandavaprastha turned to Indraprastha! Adiparva- Vyasa Mahabharata)

King Janmejaya was too curious to know what had happened to Pandavas after the learned Vidura gave his opinion to king Dhritarashtra. He asked, ‘O noble Rishi, tell me in what was the final decision of King Dhritarashtra after hearing everybody's opinion.’

Rishi Vaishampayan narrated the opinion of Vidura and King Dhritarashtra———

When both Grandsire Bhishma and Dronacharya finished their talk, Vidura said, ‘O best of kings! I think whatever your friends have spoken to you (Bhishma and Drona) is good for you! These two are old in age, in wisdom, and in Shastras. 

O descendent of Bharata, O king, they are certainly not inferior to Lord Ram, son of king Dasharatha, in virtue or truthfulness. O scion of the Kuru race! They have never given you any evil advice. And you have never injured them. Why should, these two best of men, who are ever truthful, give you any evil advice? These two noble hearts certainly have no intention of grabbing your wealth or any share of your property. Why then, they would give you wrong advice? 

Both Pandavas and Kauravas are equal for them. O king, what they have said is highly beneficial to you. Karna and Duryodhana both are immature and are inciting your mind to follow the wrong path. Do not listen to them. O noble king! What these excellent men said regarding the invincibility of the Pandavas is absolutely true! 

O King, just think! Is there anyone who can vanquish the third Pandava, Arjun, in battle, even if it is Lord Indra himself?

Can the powerful Bhimsena of mighty arms, possessing might of ten thousand elephants, be vanquished in battle even by immortals? Or can the twins who are well- skilled in arms be vanquished by anyone?

How can the eldest Pandava, Yudhisthira, in whom the mercy, patience, forgiveness, truth and prowess are always present, ever be vanquished?

O best of kings, do remember that Balarama is their ally, Lord Krishna is their counsellor and Satyaki is their supporter. Not only that, mighty king Drupada is their father- in- law and Dhrishtadyumna is their brother-in- law. And O king, victory is there where Krishna is!

Your right decision can only protect all of us - the whole Kuru race! O king, therefore, think wisely before taking a final decision. Having heard the news that the Pandavas and Pritha are alive, the people of Hastinapur have become extremely happy. They are eagerly waiting to see the virtuous Pandavas. Now, do whatever is agreeable to them. And learned as you are, if you follow the words of Duryodhana, Karna or Shakuni, then undoubtedly, the subjects of this kingdom will perish.’

At last, having heard everyone's opinions, King Dhritarashtra said, ‘O wise, Vidura! The best of men- learned Bhishma, illustrious Rishi Guru Drona and you yourself- have said truth and what is good for me. There is no doubt that the great car- warriors, sons of Pandu, are my sons according to the ordinance! If my sons are entitled to this kingdom, then they too are entitled to this kingdom. 

So, O Vidura! Go to Panchala and in due love and affectionate way, bring the illustrious Pandavas with Kunti and celestial beauty Krishna- our beloved daughter- in- law! We are fortunate to obtain King Drupada as our friend! O Vidura, convey my message to King Drupada that we all are exceedingly happy and waiting for all of them.’

Thus, Vidura, at the command of king Dhritarashtra, went to Panchala and both King Drupada and Vidura duly exchanged their well wishes. After offering the gifts, valuable ornaments and kingly attire for everyone, Vidura very politely revealed the noble wish of King Dhritarashtra. 

He said, ‘O mighty- armed King Drupada, this is the message given by my elder brother King Dhritarashtra—-With your permission, let the Pandavas with mother Kunti and their wife Draupadi be in Hastinapura. King Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana and all the people of Hastinapura are exceedingly happy for what has happened here. They are all waiting to see their beloved Pandavas with Krishnaa and Kunti.’ 

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At last, with King Drupada’s command, Vidura brought them all back to Hastinapura.

Rishi Vaishampayana said, ‘O descendant of Bharata, surrounded by these illustrious men- the foremost of bowmen Drona, Vikarna, and the son of Gautama, Kripacharya- the Pandavas entered the city of Hastinapura. The city became radiant with the curious site-seers.  Out of joy, they shouted, ‘O Lord, if we have ever made a gift to help others, if we have ever performed the ritual pouring of clarified butter into the sacred fire, if ever we did any Dharma, then let the Pandavas survive for hundreds of years! Let our beloved Yudhishthira be the king of our city.’

Slowly entering the palace, virtuous Yudhishthira with all his brothers worshipped the feet of their elders. They bowed their heads with proper respect on the feet of Pitamaha Bhishma, Guru Dronacharya, Guru Kripa, and King Dhritarashtra. The noble men of Kuru race became very happy. At the command of King Dhritarashtra, they occupied their assigned places in the royal palace. 

After a little while, they were summoned by King Dhritarashtra and the son of Shantanu, Bhishma. King Dhritarastra in an affectionate voice said, ‘O virtuous, noble son of Pandu! Be blessed forever! Listen to me, my son! Go to Khandavaprastha taking half of the kingdom, and live there like celestials with your brothers, wife and mother Kunti! No one will injure you if you live there. And no difference will arise again!’

Vaishampayana said- Agreeing to the words of King Dhritarashtra, all of them worshipped the king and started their journey for that dreadful forest. Lord Krishna being at the head of the procession, the Pandavas entered Khandavaprastha. With the assistance of Vyasadev, they selected an auspicious and sacred place, performed the necessary ceremonies and built the city. The city grew fast with prosperity!

A few days later, even that deadly forest flourished into one of the most beautiful cities in this earth! It was possible because of the presence of the virtuous Pandavas accompanied by Krishna! The city was adorned with beautiful mansions having huge windows, apparently looked like wings of Garuda! The whole city was protected by huge gates like Mandara mountain! Different weapons were arranged there for the safety of the dwellers as well as the Pandava princes.

Besides that excellent mansions, well planned streets were widely spread out everywhere. The luxurious royal palace of Pandavas stood erect in an auspicious place! People from various places including Hastinapura rushed to Khandavaprastha with a desire to earning wealth. Learned Brahmins those who were conversant with the knowledge of Vedas, and Shastras, came to live with their beloved sons of Pandu. Many skilled artisans displayed their craftsmanship in different things.

Around the city, the entertainment sources like- pleasure houses, beautiful gardens with charming trees, artificial lakes, ponds adorned with swans, ducks and Chakravakas were made which combinenly enhanced the beauty of Khandavaprastha! All the dwellers with the Pandavas were extremely delighted!

And in due course of time, the city Khandavaprastha looked like Amaravati, the dwelling place of Lord Indra! It seemed like heavenly abode of celestials! At last, the fearful Khandavaprastha was called Indraprastha! Thereafter, the ever truthful Yudhishthira with his brothers ruled the kingdom happily!!!