Yudhishthira performs Ashwamedha Yagna-2

Yudhishthira performs Ashwamedha Yagna-2

Arjuna at the Sindhu kingdom

Then the horse proceeded towards Sindhu kingdom. In the Mahabharata War, the rulers of Sindhu, Saindhava, and others were killed. Their sons were ruling Sindhu Kingdom. Knowing that Arjuna was proceeding towards Sindhu Kingdom, all of them collectively attacked Arjuna. Arjuna massacred the Sindhu army and they fled away. But the Sindhu warriors regrouped their army and again attacked Arjuna. Arjuna conveyed the message of Dharmaraja to all of them. But they paid no heed to his advices. Having found no other way, Arjuna killed them.

Arjuna’s dialogue with Dussala (The Kaurava sister)

At that time, Dussala wife of Saindhava (sister of Duryodhana and Arjuna) arrived there. Dussala said to Arjuna, “O brother Arjuna! This boy is my grandchild. Kindly bless him.” “O sister! Where is his father, son of Saindhava?” asked Arjuna. “O brother Arjuna! My son suffered great grief on hearing that his father, Saindhava, died at your hands. On hearing that you have come, he died with heart attack. This boy is the only heir for this kingdom.” said Dussala.

Arjuna’s dialogue with Dussala (The Kaurava sister)

Arjuna grieved for the death of the son of Saindhava. Dussala said thus, “O brother Arjuna! The Kauravas caused untold miseries to all of you. My husband Saindhava also supported them. My grand child is left without father. Kindly save his life.” Immersed in grief, Arjuna replied, “O sister Dussala! Your brothers and your husband may be sinners. What about us? We also fought the war and massacred our own kith and kin. Your grand child is safe.”

And then Arjuna met his death!

Once Dussala left that place, Arjuna again followed Yagya Ashva . But afterwards, no one dared to obstruct Yagya Ashva. The horse was going around all the kingdoms and entered Manipura kingdom. The king of Manipura was Babruvahan, the son of Arjuna through Chitrangada. On hearing about the arrival of Arjuna, Babruvahana made arrangements to receive his father at the outskirts of the city. He welcomed his father. But Arjuna refuted his gesture out rightly.

Arjuna asked Babruvahana to fight

Arjuna said: “O Babruvahana! You are my son. You are a great warrior. It is Kshatriya Dharma to catch the horse and resist its further movement. Welcoming the enemy like a coward is not Kshatriya Dharma. Such a Kshatriya cannot become a King. If you are capable, you can catch the horse and fight with me.” said Arjuna, provoking Babruvahana. As Babruvahana was not inclined to fight with his father, he returned back disheartened and was passing through the royal path.

Uloopi intervenes

Uloopi, another wife of Arjuna, came to know about this through her divine vision. She came down to Babruvahana. (Uloopi was the daughter of serpent king Kauravya, and she married Arjuna while he was going on pilgrimage). Uloopi told Babruvahana, “O Babruvahana! I am also your mother. My name is Uloopi. Your father, Arjuna is a great warrior. His son, that is you, shall not live with being branded as a coward. Catch hold of the horse and fight with Arjuna and conquer him.”

Om Namah Shivay