Yudhishthira performs Ashwamedha Yagna-1

Yudhishthira performs Ashwamedha Yagna-1

After the Kurukshetra war got over and years passed by, Yudhishthira started ruling over Hastinapur and decided to perform Ashwamedha Yagya to showcase his might. All preparations were made for the Yagna and the horse was released to wander as it wishes. Arjuna as the main protector follows it and his soldiers accompany him…but what happens next is not something that everyone is aware of!! The mighty Arjuna was actually killed by his own son Babrubhan. Shocked? Read on to find out the whole story…

Mahabharata’s Ashva medha Parva

The horse proceeded towards north and entered Trigartha Kingdom. The Kings of Trigartha tried to catch the horse. Arjuna said, “O Princes! This is Yagya Ashva left by Dharmaraja. I am its protector. Any harm caused to this horse is equivalent to harming Dharmaraja. Why should we bear enmity amongst ourselves? My brother Dharmaraja told me thus: “Many kings died in war. Their heirs are ruling their respective kingdoms. Don’t try to kill them. Extend your friendly hand to them.”

The war at Trigartha

But the rulers of Trigartha refused to obey the preaching of Arjuna. Surya Varma, king of Trigartha, showered arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna started cutting all those arrows in middle. Arjuna never tried to hurt him. Meanwhile, Ketu Varma, brother of Soorya Varma, arrived there. He also poured arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna chased Ketu Varma from battle field. Meanwhile Dhruta Varma entered the battle field. He also attacked Arjuna with his arrows. Arjuna appreciated Dhruta Varma for his archery skills but did not assault Dhruta Varma.

Arjuna was only cutting the arrows shot by Dhruta Varma. But Dhruta Varma shot numerous arrows piercing into the body of Arjuna. Gandiva slipped from the hand of Arjuna and he fell down. Arjuna picked up his Gandiva and shot numerous arrows and destroyed the entire army of Trigartha. Remaining soldiers fled away. Arjuna never chased them or killed them. After conquering Trigartha, the horse entered Pragjyotishapura.

The battle at Pragjyotishpura

Vajradatta, son of Bhagadatta, was ruling that kingdom. Vajradatta captured the horse and proclaimed war against Arjuna. But Vajradatta was unable to stand before Arjuna and fled away. After some time, Vajradatta, mounting his huge elephant, re-entered the battle field. While Vajradatta was shooting arrows against Arjuna, Arjuna was simply cutting them in middle. Arjuna never caused harm to him. Vajradatta fought with Arjuna for three days. On the fourth day, Vajradatta challenged Arjuna! Arjuna, with one single arrow, killed the elephant. Vajradatta fell down.

Arjuna told Vajradatta “O Vajradatta! This is Yagya Ashva left by Dharmaraja. I am protecting it. Dharmaraja asked me not to kill anybody even if they obstruct the horse. Hence I never caused harm to you. I have no anger against you. I am extending the invitation of Dharmaraja to you, your friends and relatives, to attend the Ashva medha Yagya on the ensuing Chaitra Sudha Pournami.” said Arjuna politely. Having left with no other alternative,Vajradatta accepted the invitation and left the horse.

Om Namah Shivay