Krishnavatara III: The Five Brothers by Munshi K M

Author:Munshi K M [K M, Munshi]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Published: 2020-10-12T04:00:00+00:00

27. UDDHAVA'S MISSION

The Rajasabha agreed to allow Duryodhana to go to the swayamvara because of the opportune arrival of Krishna's message brought by Uddhava.

Uddhava, handsome and self-possessed, came to the Rajasabha with a smile on his face, and, with easy courtesy, prostrated himself before Grandfather and the King. After saluting the others, he gave an additional touch to his courtesy by prostrating himself before Dronacharya also, in recognition of his great position as an outstanding Brahman warrior and a disciple of that source of might, Parashurama.

Welcome, Uddhava, son of Devabhaga. We are glad to see you again in Hastinapura. Take your seat,' said Grandfather.

'Are your people well?'

'I do not come from Dwaraka, Venerable Str. For the last few months, I have been living with my father-in-law, the Best of Nagas,' replied Uddhava.

Then it is true that you have married the Naga Princesses?' asked the King.

'Yes, I have, lord,' replied Uddhava.

'Are the noble lord of the Nagas, King Karkotaka, and his people well?' enquired Grandfather.

'Yes, Grandfather,' replied Uddhava.

Vidura tells me that you bring us a message from the Best of the Yadavas, Krishna Vaasudeva,' said Grandfather.

'Yes, Venerable Sir', replied Uddhava. 'And also a message from King Chekitana of Pushkara, and another from the lord of the Nagas. They all prostrate themselves before Grandfather and greet the noble King.'

'And what are the messages that you bring?' asked Grandfather.

The Best ofYadavas, Krishna Vaasudeva, sends you this message,' began Uddhava in his most persuasive voice. 'He and Balarama are coming north to attend the swayamvara of the Princess of Panchala. Several Yadava atirathis are also coming with them. On their way, they want to spend a few days at holy Pushkara.'

They are welcome,' said Dhritarashtra.

Vaasudeva was sure that you would make them so, lord,' replied Uddhava. 'But he begs of the noble lord and Grandfather to right a grievous wrong. Last year, King Chekitana was driven out of Pushkara by the Kuru forces. It was an unjust war, entirely unprovoked. King Chekitana and his people therefore had to find an asylum with King Karkotaka across the Yamuna. Krishna Vaasudeva seeks this favour: Restore him his lost territory so that he can play host to the Yadava warriors at Pushkara.'

'What?' interjected Duryodhana, his brow gathered in sudden anger. 'Pushkara was won by the force of our arms and we will retain it with all the might of the Kurus.' As he said these words, he almost jumped from his seat. Karna instinctively clutched at his sword, while Aswatthama threw a fierce look at Uddhava.

Uddhava turned to Duryodhana with an apologetic smile and continued unperturbed: 'Noble Prince, let me complete Vaasudeva's message that I am commissioned to deliver to Grandfather and the noble King. Ultimately it will be for them to decide what to do.'

'Great God, this Vaasudeva is working a miracle,' muttered Dronacharya to himself as a wave of warm friendliness for him surged up in his heart. Here was a strange drama being set in motion by this miracle worker, which was surely going to end as he wanted it.

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