Gopala-campu
Gopal Champu
Chapter Twenty-Six - Freeing the Kings Imprisoned by Jarāsandha
[1] In Nanda’s morning assembly, in the presence of Kṛṣṇa, Snigdhakaṇṭha began speaking.
[2] Another two messengers arrived and spoke:
O Nanda! Please listen. Following Uddhava’s advice and not that of others, Kṛṣṇa prepared to leave with his associates for Indraprastha.
[3] First he asked for the permission of the elders of Dvārakā. He established Ugrasena to protect the city with the help of Balarāma and Pradumnya, along with fierce troops.
[4] After worshiping Nārada who left through the skyway, he went to his house and then prepared to depart.
[5] When he took out elephants, horses, troops and attendants, the ocean’s powers became silent in face of the loud sounds and numbers of the troops. Moving forward with flags, they appeared to move quickly, not slowly. The groups of bards filled with singers, like an array of troops, gave joy to all.
Archers, lancers, men bearing clubs, joined by swordsmen and axe men marched in procession. ||1||
Musical instruments, flags, foot soldiers, elephants, chariots, the best of women, various vehicles, small carts and palanquins moved along with camels bearing huge loads. People in the distance thought it was a huge ocean. And those within the procession could not even determine its size. ||2||
The sons of his aunt, the best among the Kurus, were the cause of the affectionate request to go to Indraprastha. Nārada was the cause of information concerning the sacrifice.
When the Yadus gathered to depart, he called the imprisoned kings’ messenger who did not identify himself first but instead began to praise Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa spoke to him with affectionate words. ||3||
rāja-dūtam uvācedaṁ bhagavān prīṇayan girā |
mā bhaiṣṭa dūta bhadraṁ vo ghātayiṣyāmi māgadham ||
With pleasing words the Lord addressed the messenger sent by the kings: “My dear messenger, I wish all good fortune to you. I shall arrange for the killing of King Magadha. Do not fear.” SB 10.71.19
Spreading his moon-like effulgence on the population he quickly arrived at the kingdom of the Kurus for the sacrifice of Yudhiṣṭhira. ||4||
[6] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[7] The messengers said, “Taking Kṛṣṇa’s permission, we came to your lotus feet. But messengers following his path will come soon.”
[8] After saying this, the messengers spoke of other news concerning Kṛṣṇa:
As the moon, spreading its rays, expands the ocean, when Kṛṣṇa, spreading his rays arrived at Indraprastha, he made the city joyful. ||5||
What to speak of his rays arriving at the city, his rays lit up the king of Indraprastha, making the whole universe joyful. ||6||
The armies of the Pāṇḍavas and Yadus marched together. The two expanded like a huge wave in the ocean. ||7||
The Pāṇḍavas and Kṛṣṇa stood with unblinking eyes to relish each other’s forms on meeting. ||8||
Meeting of people whose hearts are the same infuses prema everywhere. The prema generated when they met made everyone stunned, with tears in their eyes. ||9||
The prema on meeting Kṛṣṇa produced obstacles for certain. Look! Surpassing the stunned state arising from joy, that prema on meeting produced zeal. ||10||
Affectionate people understood their prema by their profuse tears, and could understand it by their affectionate words. ||11||
Kṛṣṇa melted and Yudhiṣṭhira lowered himself with humility. Why should Kṛṣṇa not join with him since water flows to a low place? ||12||
Though Kṛṣṇa met with each of the Pāṇḍavas, let his meeting with Arjuna be supreme, since it made everyone’s hairs stand on end! ||13||
The meeting of Kṛṣṇa with the Pāṇḍavas is not astonishing to us. Such meetings were also seen between Kṛṣṇa and the associates of the Pāṇḍavas (Vidura). ||14||
Kṛṣṇa collected blessings from the brāhmaṇas because of humility and from bards because of proper conduct, and he gave blessings to all. ||15||
When Kṛṣṇa entered the city, Yudhiṣṭhira performed auspicious rites for his well-being. Since his entrance created auspiciousness, the whole universe became auspicious. ||16||
When Kṛṣṇa entered Indraprastha, what to speak of everyone else, the women confined to the inner chambers gave up their shyness. Who then could maintain self-control by any means? ||17||
When Draupadī, surrounded by queens, entered the inner chambers, from outside the chambers we could hear each of the statements long or short. ||18||
“Look! Look! My eyes are shedding tears.” “Shower the flowers. Shower the flowers.” “Make it auspicious with showers of flowers and popped rice.” ||19||
When the Pāṇḍavas became inundated with bliss, Kuntī pampered Kṛṣṇa affectionately as her son. Understanding her order, Draupadī began serving the queens like Rukmiṇī. ||20||
[9-10] Hearing all this from the palace managers and then taking permission of Kṛṣṇa, we came here quickly.
This was the statement of the two messengers. Two other messengers then began speaking:
Worshiped with faith, Kṛṣṇa of renowned fame stayed there some days as a new guest. Creating beauty in their hall filled with righteous people just by sitting there, surrounded by his brothers, Yudhiṣṭhira, who was endowed with the best character, made a request to Kṛṣṇa.
[11-12] Though he had desires for a great kingdom as described previously, he did not express this. He requested, “Destroyer of suffering! O cousin! With some hesitation I am asking for your permission.”
[13] Kṛṣṇa said, “Please make your request.”
[14] Yudhiṣṭhira said, “The devatās are your vibhūtis but we are only half the strength of the Kurus. I desire to perform a sacrifice. O master! Please help us accomplish this.” ||21||
[15] Kṛṣṇa said, “Your desire will be accomplished nicely. But it is necessary to determine how the sacrifice will be accomplished.”
[16] Yudhiṣṭhira said, “They say the three worlds are pleased by the rājasūya sacrifice because the Vedas say this is the king of sacrifices.” ||22||
[17-18] Kṛṣṇa said with a smile, “O king! I have affection for all beings except those who destroy the Vedas. If one satisfies me, the devatās are satisfied. Since you always satisfy me, it is nothing for you to satisfy the devatās. All the wealth you need will be obtained for the sacrifice. It will be easily obtained, though it is difficult for others. Some other happiness will occur, for the sacrifice will satisfy me since the moon of your untiring fame will give joy to the three worlds. The ingredients will be under the control of your desire. I will increase them abundantly. You will destroy all enemies and conquer all kings. All others will be under your control. Make all efforts and begin the sacrifice.” ||23||
[19] In this way he placed in the king his own power. The brothers assumed the forms of Indra, Vāyu and other devatās. He increased the strength of the brothers by his words, actions and his powers.
[20] Yudhiṣṭhira developed a happy face by Kṛṣṇa’s power, and was joyful with his brothers who had developed all powers. It was seen that he made Lakṣmī of this universe reside within his body.
[21] Two more messengers arrived and told the remainder of the story:
The brothers sent to conquer the world returned and reported to Yudhiṣṭhira. They gave him the wealth. After Kṛṣṇa had kept Jarāsandha far away to teach him a lesson, he created joy for Yudhiṣṭhira through the advice of Uddhava. ||24-25||
[22] Yudhiṣṭhira, like Uddhava, knew the glories of Kṛṣṇa.
[23] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[24] The two messengers said:
We are ashamed and afraid to say:
bhīmaseno ’rjunaḥ kṛṣṇo brahma-liṅga-dharās trayaḥ |
jagmur giri-vrajaṁ tāta bṛhadratha-suto yataḥ ||
Bhīmasena, Arjuna and Kṛṣṇa disguised themselves as brāhmaṇas and went to Girivraja, my dear King, where the son of Bṛhadratha was to be found. SB 10.72.16
[25] Nanda said in fear, “Then what happened?”
[26] The two messengers said, “Then we came here.”
[27] When some time had passed in fear concerning the news of Kṛṣṇa, another two messengers came and spoke “O Nanda! Do not be agitated. Jarāsandha has definitely been killed.”
[28] Everyone said, “Tell us what happened! Tell us!”
[29] The messengers said:
When Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna and Bhīma went dressed as brāhmaṇas everyone in that state accepted them as such. ||26||
Wearing attractive sacred threads, broad tilaka made of holy earth, clean, white cloth, kuśa rings and carrying scriptures, they went here and there chanting the Upaniṣads, with Kṛṣṇa as the teacher and the other two as students. These three were worshiped by the people. ||27||
[30] The people of Vraja asked while laughing, “We know that Bhīma is a voracious eater. How did they supply him enough food?”
[31-32] The messengers while laughing said, “His body made arrangements so that there were always people to keep feeding him. It is not necessary to explain the various foods he ate. Eventually they came to Māgadha and, having been worshiped by the people of Girivraja, appearing remarkable in dress from their garlands and sandalwood, they wandered about like learned scholars. At the time of being welcomed, wearing brāhmaṇa dress, they conquered all the citizens by their charisma. The remarkable team went into the palace, putting Kṛṣṇa in front, and approached the king.” ||28||
[33-34] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
The messengers said:
Understanding they were brāhmaṇas and proud that he was a server of brāhmaṇas, he offered respects with pride. Internally hating him, the three externally offered blessings, seeming to make him prosperous, while they actually became stronger. They said, “O Jarāsandha! Holding a club equipped with a brahmāstra having intolerable strength, you are happy among all your friends.” ||29||
[35] Everyone said while laughing, “Then what happened?”
[36] The messengers said:
Hearing this and then looking, Jarāsandha had doubts about their bodies since they had kṣatriya limbs and deep kṣatriya voices: “Not only do they seem to be imitation kṣatriyas, but I seem to recognize them.”
[37] Considering in another way, he thought to himself: “Whether they are brāhmaṇas or kṣatriyas or dressed in disguise, I should respect them since I desire dharma and courage.” ||30||
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[38] Desiring to disclose their disguise he spoke: “Who are you respectable gentlemen? Why do you wear garlands and sandalwood though you are dressed as brāhmaṇas?”
“Though he may recognize us we should ignore what he asks”. Thinking in this way Kṛṣṇa said, “We are guests. Moreover, it is not a fault to wear garlands as ornaments. It said that for persons without ornaments, garlands are ornaments.” ||31-32||
[39] Jarāsandha said, “Let that be. O servants! Please give them food.”
[40] Kṛṣṇa said, “We did not come for food alone. Why would we come so far to you just for food? Hariścandra and others gave everything away but remained calm. What to speak of you, you are so eager to give in charity. We have come to see you fight. Your fame for being fearless in fighting is well known in your lineage.” ||33-35||
[41] Hearing Kṛṣṇa make this request with a smile, Jarāsandha considered that he should give away even his life without lamentation. Taking them to be brāhmaṇas and understanding the request, Jarāsandha, the main despiser of Kṛṣṇa, spoke, honoring them as brāhmaṇas:
“O learned brāhmaṇas, choose whatever you wish. I will give it to you, even if it is my own head.” (SB 10.72.27)
[42] Desiring to kill Jarāsandha, Kṛṣṇa, noting his words as a good sign, spoke of what he should do, “If you desire, then fight with us one by one.”
[43] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[44] The messengers said:
When Jarāsandha looked at him with astonishment and a smile, Kṛṣṇa spoke again:
“Why are you so astonished? Do not think that we are only brāhmaṇas. You desired to give, thinking that we wanted only food. But we are kṣatriyas and desire to fight. That is what we shall receive from you! We come with skill in fighting, not for begging.
[45] When Jarāsandha heard this and looked at him with astonishment, Kṛṣṇa spoke again:
“Why do you look at us with doubt? Look and recognize us! This person, fearful as Rudra with pride, the strongest among all men, is Bhīma. This person, as courageous as Kārtavīrya Arjuna, is his brother Arjuna. I am Kṛṣṇa, born of Vasudeva, like a lion that kills a young elephant.”
[46] Laughing, Jarāsandha spoke to the three who had come without fear: “I do not want to fight with you since you went to live within the sea because of fear of me. I do not want to fight with Arjuna, of worthless qualities, who takes shelter of his bow because he is weak. I desire to fight with Bhīma, Arjuna’s brother, who has no fear and who I somewhat respect.”
[47] Kṛṣṇa said with joy, “You have accepted what we wanted you to accept, since you are blind– though you can see Bhīma’s great power in front of you.” ||36||
[48] Thinking himself courageous, Jarāsandha took up two clubs, a useless attempt to give himself some satisfaction. As desired by Bhīma, he gave one to Bhīma and then entered the arena.
[49] They began to attack each other with the clubs. Because they were both as strong as Indra, they appeared to be fighting with thunderbolts. The clashing clubs made a sound “chat chat” and the clubs did not fall from their hands. They were like elephants attacking each other with clubs.
[50] They traced circles as they fought with the clubs, as if dancing in the arena. Till midday the two fought, with neither able to win, each uselessly trying reverse tactics and throwing punches as well. By the glance of Kṛṣṇa, Bhīma reached the summit of his strength. But he could find no way to defeat Jarāsandha. Then, as a hint, Kṛṣṇa tore a tree branch in two and Bhīma understood what to do. He then threw his opponent down on the ground, just as an elephant throws śaivala plants, producing happiness in Kṛṣṇa and other allies.
He threw him on the ground forcefully in order to punish him and firmly grasped his two thighs. Graceful as a dancer, he split him apart from the waist to the top of the head just as a weaver tears cloth. ||37||
[51] In tearing him apart Bhīma said, “I am not Balarāma or Kṛṣṇa. I am the elder brother of Arjuna. O Jarāsandha! Why should I mercifully keep you on the earth?” ||38||
[52-53] The demons said, “Oh! This is misfortune for Jarāsandha!” The devatās said, “Oh! Good riddance to Jarāsandha.” In this way everyone shouted, “Oh!” Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna, thinking that they were victorious without fail, worshiped Bhīma.
[54] Acting as if worried that the enemies would attack, Kṛṣṇa took possession of a golden chariot encrusted with gems which was standing on the palace road, accompanied by horses and weapons, and, mounting it with Bhīma and Arjuna, stood there attentively with the flag of Garuḍa flying.
[55] Vasu had obtained this chariot from Indra and then Jarāsandha had obtained it. It was thus called “the great chariot.”
[56] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[57] The messengers said, “Seeing that the citizens were lamenting, Kṛṣṇa along with Arjuna and Bhīma pacified them by installing Jarāsandha’s son Sahadeva as the king.”
[58] Determined to find the kings imprisoned by Jarāsandha, Kṛṣṇa, the ocean of mercy, found them locked in a mountain cave. Freeing them and looking at them, Kṛṣṇa could not speak for some time.
As a father sheds tears for his sons, Kṛṣṇa shed tears for the kings who were hungry, afflicted with pain, without luster, wearing old clothes, and bearing withered faces. This was not the only auspicious act of feeling affection for his devotees, for in every yuga he feels such affection for his fixed devotees. ||39||
[59] By the mercy of Kṛṣṇa the millions of difficulties that the kings underwent in the prison were removed. The kings imprisoned by Jarāsandha gave up their exhaustion on seeing his form with their eyes, on feeling the touch of his radiance with their skin, on smelling his delightful fragrance with their noses, on hearing his attractive words with their ears, on tasting his sweetness with their tongues. Their faith reached such heights that they forgot that they had been imprisoned. ||40||
[60] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[61] The messengers said:
The ocean of mercy then engaged waves of servants in caring for the kings by arranging their baths and giving them fine clothing.
The kings bathed in joyful tears, dressed in the bright clothing of their luster, and decorated themselves with the ornaments of hairs standing on end. Having attained Kṛṣṇa and having no desire for anyone else, they began praising Kṛṣṇa. ||41||
[62] Joyful on attaining his order and understanding his special mercy on them, they became effulgent on bathing and eating. Accepting the kings as his own relatives, he gave them hospitality. He gave them elephants, horses, chariots and foot soldiers and sent them home.
[63] The members of their assembly and the residents were astonished to see the kings with their previous power after a long time and recognized them. All the relatives and friends, tasting the happiness from the faces of the kings who had received Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, understood that the kings were pleased by their good fortune.
[64] Nanda said, “Please describe how the three dressed as brāhmaṇas entered into the city of the Kurus.”
[65] The messengers said:
On the road they cast off their disguises and Sahadeva gave them other clothing with devotion. In those clothes they went to Indraprastha.
When they reached their dear home, they each blew their conches. The two taking shelter of the one spread the universe with his glory. ||42||
When Kṛṣṇa, Bhīma and Arjuna, who had defeated Jarāsandha, arrived, they approached Yudhiṣṭhira, by first coming to the city which became joyful on hearing of their arrival. ||43||
On hearing Kṛṣṇa’s assistance in attaining victory, Yudhiṣṭhira covered the glorification of that friendship by his gravity, but his profuse tears covered his gravity. His gravity was a normal quality and his tears were manifested from strong prema. How can the two be easily compared? ||44||
[66] Nanda said, “How did they get to Magadha?”
[67] The messengers said, “He went on a path between the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, far from you. You should remain here always. He will come here.”
[68] Everyone said, “Oh! Oh! We always hear that, but we never see it.”
[69] The messengers said, “We understand from Uddhava that it will not be long. After the events were all concluded, quickly we came here.”
[70] After telling what the messengers had said, Snigdhakaṇṭha said, “Do not make haste on hearing that Kṛṣṇa is coming soon. He has already come and is here now. The story of his coming will be told later.” ||45||
[71] In the assembly of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, the reciter spoke:
You understood the message that was given to you by Uddhava:
The vow Kṛṣṇa made at Kurukṣetra remained alive in his heart. When I was arranging the rājasūya sacrifice and the killing of Jarāsandha, I mentioned your name in my advice. I could understand from his eyes that he had deep love in his heart for you at that time. ||46||
[72] Just as men afraid of material existence attain relief on hearing about Brahman, by hearing about his prema for you, you remove all suffering arising from the impossibility of attaining him. Now the result has been achieved.
O Rādhā! Previously the hot sun of separation dried up your body. This is well known. Now that sun, by the glance of the cloud Kṛṣṇa, has softened your stone-like body and made it blossom. ||47||
[73] Having produced happiness in all, the two reciters returned to their quarters with the others while Kṛṣṇa relaxed with Rādhā.