|
This is an epic telling the story of BHARATA
dynasty from the kingdom of HASTINAPURA. It
discloses the continuous war between 'evil' and
'goodness', at the end after a very long battle
the goodness shall win, with the blessing of God
Almighty, and after a lot of sacrifices had been
done. The MAHABHARATA contains moral and
philosophical teachings adopted by many
Javanese.
SATYAWATI, the daughter of fisherman
with amazing charm and beauty, undoubtedly had a
lot of admirers. Her father, although was only
an ordinary man, had a strong determination to
marry her daughter with a man of super quality.
He always prayed solemnly to Supreme God, the
creator of the universe that SATYAWATI'S son,
one day could be a wise and great king of the
country.
KING SANTANU,
a widower of BHARATA dynasty, the father of
Crown Prince DEWABRATA or BISMA, a brilliant
KSATRIA-warrior, fell in love with SATYAWATI. He
could take her as a wife with condition, that a
son born from her should be coroneted as a king
to substitute him. He became absent-minded,
heavily distressed. He knew for sure that BISMA
was the only right person who could replace him.
The wise BISMA,
a man with a sharp vision, knew his father's
problem and he should overcome his father's
sadness soonest.
As for BISMA,
on top of everything in the world was his love
and respect to his father. He should do
everything for his beloved one although he had
to sacrifice his own life if necessary. Not to
be a king was not a big deal! He should dedicate
his service to the country and people, as a
KSATRIA and RESI (Begawan) a saint, he should
never marry. He agreed the son of SATYAWATI
definitely should be king of BARATA dynasty.
On his own
initiative, he went decisively to see
SATYAWATI's father who was very surprised of
what DEWABRATA or BISMA had decided. He said
that he had never met a man of such nobleness,
doing something only for the sake of other
people's happiness.
SATYAWATI
became SANTANU's wife and gave birth to several
sons. She raised her sons in the best manner,
including her eldest secret son with RESI
PULOSORO, his name was KRISNA DWIPAYANA.
By secret
destiny of life, KRESNA DWIPAYANA with his noble
character, mastering a lot of knowledge and the
essence of holy teachings become a King of
HASTINAPURA ruled the country wisely. The life
in his kingdom was just and prosperous, and he
was honored not only by his own people but also
by the people of neighboring countries.
In a proper
time as he had planned it carefully, he decided
to step down as king and carried on a life as a
hermit doing a lot of SAMADHI (meditation) for
his own purity and for a peaceful life of his
descendants and other people. He changed his
name to BEGAWAN ABIYOSO.
He had married
with Princesses of KASI Kingdom, AMBIKA (mother
of DESTARATA) and AMBALIKA (mother of PANDU).
So, the king of HASTINAPURA had three sons,
DESTARATA, PANDU DEWANATA and WIDURA. DESTARATA,
the elder one, was blind since his birth, in
accordance with ethnic and regulation of DARMA,
the ancient teachings, he was not entitled to
become a king to success his father, the younger
brother PANDU DEWANATA was crowned. WIDURA was
crippled.
DESTARATA
married with GANDARI, they had one hundred
children called KAURAWA, the most popular were
the eldest son DURYUDANA and his younger
brothers DURSASANA, DURJAYA, DURMURSA, DURMATA,
etc, and one sister DURSILAWATI, the wife of
JAYAJATRA.
PANDU the
king, he had two wives, the first DEWI KUNTI,
gave birth to three sons; PUNTADEWA or YUDISTIRA,
BIMA and ARJUNA. The second MADRIM, gave birth
to a twin sons ; NAKULA and SADEWA. Those five
sons were called PANDAWA.
PANDU's wife, KUNTI, before her marriage with PANDU, when she
was a young girl, she had secretly made love
with God of Sun, SURYA, and had a son - KARNA.
KUNTI's
meeting with God SURYA had occurred after
practicing mantra (magic spells) calling God of
Sun. He was drawn by her spells, but could not
return to heaven before showing his love. She
was so afraid, as she was still a young girl.
The god with his magical strength could
guarantee her, that after delivering their child
she should remain virgin. Thus KARNA was born;
avoiding disgrace, the baby boy was thrown away
to a river where a coachman who adopted him as
his son picked him up. This secret was disclosed
by KUNTI to KARNA only after BHARATAYUDA had
been declared (BHARATAYUDA, the war between
KAURAWA and PANDAWA - the war of BHARATA
family).
THE DEATH OF
PANDU
Princess KUNTI
as her husband chose the crown prince PANDU
after winning a contest in the kingdom of
KUNTIBOJA.
Among the
competitors, many crown princes of different
countries. PANDU had shown himself as the most
gentle, handsome and charismatic KSATRIA
warrior. No doubts, KUNTI draped the garland of
flowers around his neck as a sign of her
election.
His second
wife, Princess MADRIM, the younger sister of
king SALYA was also a woman of gifted natural
beauty.
One a nice
day, he went out for picnic with MADRIM, in the
nearby forest blossoming with different flowers,
the nature was so tranquil with pleasant
circumstances, it was a beautiful time to caress
his wife. He forgot that he was under the curse
of a BRAHMANA (hermit) that he would die if he
enjoyed himself with a woman.
One day PANDU
was hunting deer in the wood, he saw a couple of
deer playing around then he shot dead a deer
with his arrow, it turned out that it was a
hermit with his woman.
The young
amorous king could not stop his natural need and
died in the lap of MADRIM.
DESTARATA -
The New Ruler of HASTINAPURA
After the
mourning period was over, DESTARATA was
coroneted as the king, although he was blind.
His main advisor was BISMA, his unmarried uncle.
He had no personal ambition and devoted his life
entirely for HASTINAPURA and BHARATA dynasty. He
supervised the life and education of his grand
children; KAURAWA and PANDAWA. He was also
called RESI BISMA (Resi - Priest).
WIDURA was
advisor to DESTARATA, appointed by BISMA. He was
a brilliant man, scholar, mastering a lot of
knowledge such as literature, ethics of DARMA
and PRIESTHOOD.
KRIPA, he was
a guru to PANDAWA and KAURAWA, master in martial
art and ethics of battle.
DURNA, the mahaguru to PANDAWA and KAURAWA. His father was
a BRAHMANA (Hindu priest). After finishing his
study of WEDA - Hindu holy teachings, he
completed also his study in martial art and war
strategy in which he became an expert. As a
youngster his name was BAMBANG KUMBAYANA. He was
prepared to do everything to defend his top
position. One day, DURNA was involved in a
battle face to face with PATIH (chief minister)
GANDAMANA from CEMPALA or PANCHALA kingdom, his
ex-rival when GANDAMANA was PATIH of HASTINAPURA.
DURNA was totally defeated, one of his hands was
fractured badly and it could not function
anymore for the rest of his life. His nose was
broken, so he had a twisted nose forever. He was
referred as PENDITA DURNA, as appreciation of
his expertise in holy teachings. He was married
to KRIPA's sister and had one son ASWATAMA. He
was accepted to work as a teacher in HASTINAPURA
and lived in the palace compound. As a PENDITA (Brahmana,
Pundit) he should carry on with an honest and
low profile life, but life with his beloved
family in the palace had lured him to luxurious
path, which he preferred.
PANDAWA and
KAURAWA were educated by DURNA. They were
prepared to be the skilled KSATRIA - warriors,
ready to dedicate their life for the fatherland.
As a result of good and serious teaching, they
were very skillful to use almost every kind of
weapons.
On top of
physical ability, they were given also moral and
religious lessons. Moreover, some of them,
depend on their own initiative and exercises had
gained tremendous super natural power, even had
received heirlooms (PUSAKA) from gods in the
form of KERIS (dagger), bow and arrow, and
MANTRA (magical spell).
In the process
of training and living together during their
childhood, as young KSATRIAS, the cousins
PANDAWA and KAURAWA, were quite often
competing each other and quarreling.
DURYUDANA and DURSASANA were jealous to the superiority of
PANDAWA in using weapons and in fight. PANDAWA
were more diligent in learning, while KAURAWA
were lazy because they were sons of the king.
One day, in an
open archery contest for the KSATRIAS, in the
square in front of the palace, watched by
thousands of people, ARJUNA was superior. He was
the best. The people applauded loudly every time
ARJUNA hit the target. KAURAWA, especially
DURYUDANA were jealous.
Unexpectedly,
a youngster entered in the square and challenged
ARJUNA that he could do the same as him or even
better. He did some marvelous demonstration and
then he challenged ARJUNA for a duel match in
archery.
KAURAWA were
happy, willing to see ARJUNA defeated. ARJUNA
was not afraid, he agreed too. But suddenly,
their guru - KRIPA stopped the plan for contest.
He said that ARJUNA was a great KSATRIA of the
great BHARATA dynasty, he would not do a contest
with Mr. NO-BODY. This is a KSATRIA ethics,
which must be respected.
DURYUDANA
protested, he was going to promote that young
handsome guy to be a noble man and should
appoint him as ADIPATI (viceroy) of AWANGGA.
Listening to DURYUDANA, a coachman came in
happily, praising DURYUDANA for what he had done
to his son. The unknown young man confessed that
he is KARNA, the son of coachman.
This
confession was ridiculed by PANDAWA. DURYUDANA
took the hands of KARNA out of the arena,
shouting that KARNA should be his best friend,
the viceroy of AWANGGA. Since that time, KARNA
was very faithful to KAURAWA until his death.
During that incident nor KARNA nor PANDAWA knew
that they were brothers.
A woman who
witnessed the scene, had a strong feeling - that
the youngster, judging from his face as hand
some as his first love, wearing accessories when
he was born; the shining earrings and holy
weapons, must be her own son, her fruit of love
with God of Sun, the elder brother of PANDAWA.
The woman,
KUNTI, was trembling, afraid if something might
happened to KARNA and ARJUNA, both were her
sons, but she said and did nothing, kept the
secret deeply in her heart.
 SANGKUNI
Another
faithful friend to KAURAWA was SANGKUNI or HARYA
SUMAN. He was a man full of intrigue, very
tricky. In order to satisfy DURYUDANA to oppress
PANDAWA, he would do gladly. Due to his
mastering to twist words he was appointed as
PATIH (chief minister) of HASTINAPURA under
PANDU and DESTARATA.
SANGKUNI, he
was handsome when he was young, his name was HARYA SUMAN. At his first year in HASTINAPURA,
he did not have any position, although he was a
trusted friend of DURYUDANA. But he was so smart
to find ways in the central power if necessary
by defamation. One of his victims was the PATIH
GANDAMANA.
Upset by
slanderous attacks of HARYA SUMAN, the honest
PATIH GANDAMANA under king PANDU, beat him up
black and blue, his handsome face became ugly.
After that trashing, GANDAMANA left the palace.
King PANDU
DEWANATA then appointed his brother in law, the
younger brother of GANDARI (wife of DESTARATA)
to be his chief minister. GANDARI and SANGKUNI
were the children of a king from a smaller
kingdom ATASANGIN or GENDARADESA.
Conspiracy to
Kill PANDAWA
The people of
HASTINAPURA adored more and more PANDAWA. They
saw them as the sons of the great and farsighted
King PANDU DEWANATA. PANDAWA now grown up,
believed to have ability to govern the country
as just and wise as their late father.
Moreover they
had good behavior, polite, and always gave good
examples to people, never hurt others. They were
true KSATRIAS.
YUDISTIRA, the
eldest of PANDAWA became the people's choice. He
was very patient, never got to be angry, kind
and wise, and had all conditions to be a great
king like his late father. DURYUDANA, supported
by KARNA and SANGKUNI, could not bear this
unfortunate circumstance.
Moreover
DURYUDANA was very jealous to his elegant
cousin, ARJUNA. His wife queen BANOWATI secretly
loved ARJUNA. He tried to influence his father,
telling that people everywhere ridiculed
DESTARATA and also BISMA. The people said that
YUDISTIRA was the legitimate king of HASTINAPURA.
PANDAWA was a menace to the power of KAURAWA,
something had to be done to prevent the danger.
As a matter of
fact, DESTARATA was a good and sincere man. He
knew what's right and wrong. He had tried
several times to advise his sons, especially the
eldest - DURYUDANA to behave properly to be in a
good terms with PANDAWA, their own cousins. But
after a hot argument, DESTARATA would agree with
whatever DURYUDANA's wish. He was a weak father
who bowed to his son's wish, this bring
unfortunate on PANDAWA.
A conspiracy
to kill PANDAWA was on the way, directed by
SANGKUNI, approved by DURYUDANA.
PANDAWA and
DEWI KUNTI were invited to attend a grand party
in BALAI SIGALA-GALA, a retreat palace of
BHARATA family. KAURAWA and their friends
launched an extravagant celebration, PANDAWA and
KUNTI were warmly welcome. Delicious and
abundant foods and drinks served, music and
dance by first class artist performed. Different
kinds of games were available. Everyone enjoyed
this grand fiesta.
Midnight was
the peak of the party, where anybody seems a bit
drunk, some were already collapsed on the floor.
The KAURAWA ushered PANDAWA and KUNTI to their
quarter to rest. After saying goodnight, the
KAURAWA left the place. The PANDAWA wanted to
sleep right away on the luxurious beds, as they
were very tired.
But they were
still protected by God. BHATARA (god) NARADA, the
assistant of BHATARA (god) GURU, appeared in
PANDAWA's quarter. He told PANDAWA that they
were trapped by KAURAWA by burning the palace to
kill PANDAWA. NARADA told them when the fire
begun to burn the palace, they had to follow a
white squirrel (GARANGAN) running to an
underground tunnel without further delay,
otherwise they were dead. NARADA vanished at
once. When the fire started burning, and a white
squirrel seen running, KUNTI and PANDAWA
followed it through a dark tunnel.
The palace
BALAI SIGALA-GALA was caught by a big fire,
nothing remained except debris and ashes.
KAURAWA were satisfied, they thought PANDAWA and
KUNTI were already dead. While PANDAWA after
crawling in the tunnel, came out and find
themselves in the jungle. They were extremely
exhausted, feeling sad and they did not
understand why KAURAWA wanted to eliminate them.
When the news
of the fire accident reached HASTINAPURA, the
king and his elder advisors were sad thinking
that KUNTI and PANDAWA died. They wore mourning
clothes.
Unexpectedly
in the jungle, KUNTI and PANDAWA were visited by
an old BAGAWAN (priest) ABIYOSO, the grand
father of PANDAWA. ABIYOSO was pity for the fate
of his young grand children. He told them that
there was no need to be distressed and remind
them, because as a KSATRIA they had to overcome
any obstacles.
At last he
advised them not to return to HASTINAPURA for a
while, instead they had to go to CEMPALA kingdom
and disguised themselves as BRAHMANA.
Pandawa (from Left to Right: Yudistira, Bima,
Arjuna, Nakula
|
|
|
PANDAWA in the
KINGDOM of CEMPALA
In disguised
as BRAHMANAS, KUNTI and PANDAWA lived in a
beautiful country of CEMPALA or PANCHALA
Kingdom. They wore BRAHMANA's clothes made of
deer's leather.
In one
beautiful sunny day, the court family of CEMPALA
held a contest in which the winner should got
the attractive princess - DRUPADI. It was held
in the square in front of the ancient decorated
palace. Among the crowd spectators were some
distinguished guest, KSATRIAS from different
kingdoms.
Crown prince
DRESTAJUMENA represented the organizers, polity
welcomed all the guests. Afterward he announced
firmly and clearly that the winner was the one
who could raised the available bows and arrows
and the shooting could hit the target.
One by one
archers had tried, including KING SALYA and
DURYUDANA, but failed even to raise the bow, it
was to heavy. Then came the turn of KARNA,
viceroy of AWANGGA, a master in archery. Many
people believed that he should be the winner,
after seeing him raise the bow. But he had
missed the target. So he also failed.
No more
KSATRIAS entered the arena. Calmly a BRAHMANA
came in, greeting politely to DRESTAJUMENA and
asked cautiously if a BRAHMANA could be given a
chance to participate. The crown Prince replied
that every good man with good family background
was entitled to take part and this was also the
wish of her sister - DRUPADI.
All spectators
were curious, who was that brave BRAHMANA. The
BRAHMANA in fact he was ARJUNA, the archer of
HASTINAPURA, after raising the bow, skillfully
hit the target five consecutive times. The crowd
was roaring, applauding to honor the winner.
Meanwhile the
princess DRUPADI, wearing silk satin with
shining jewelry, step down to arena. With
wonderful GAMELAN accompaniment, smiling to
handsome ARJUNA. DRUPADI draped a garland of
flowers around his neck.
DRUPADI was
brought to PANDAWA's rented house. KUNTI, the
PANDAWA's mother decided that DRUPADI became the
wife of five PANDAWA.
The Javanese
WAYANG version of DRUPADI was different. The
winner of the contest was the one who could
defeat, PATIH GANDAMANA, uncle of DRUPADI, in a
duel battle. GANDAMANA was famous as a KSATRIA
who owned a strong supernatural power and very
skillful in fights.
It was the
wish of king DRUPADA, her daughter should marry
with only a KSATRIA of super quality. Meanwhile
KUNTI and PANDAWA had decided to join the
contest, with the purpose to get a wife for the
eldest son, PUNTADEWA or YUDISTIRA. PANDAWA
should be represented by BIMA, as BIMA was
already married man, if he could be a winner,
DRUPADI was for PUNTADEWA.
After no
KSATRIA could defeat GANDAMANA, PANDAWA'S
proposal was accepted. GANDAMANA, a KSATRIA who
had the highest DARMA teachings, knew that his
lifetime was numbered. He should return to
eternity, to the holiest place where he came
from. He knew that BIMA should be his cause of
death, he was happy and not afraid. Only moments
before the battle between two big strong heroes,
GANDAMANA purified himself. Not known by anyone,
he gave his magical spell to BIMA. After a
heroic battle, GANDAMANA defeated and dead.
DRUPADI became
the wife of PUNTADEWA. Latter on, DRUPADI's
adroit younger sister, SRIKANDI fell in love
with her own GURU in archery - ARJUNA, and
became his wife.
The KINGDOM of
AMARTA
The news of
the success of PANDAWA in CEMPALA and that they
were still alive broke out and reached
HASTINAPURA. Their appearance in CEMPALA has
denied previous news that PANDAWA had died one
year ago in BALAI SIGALA-GALA. King DRUPADA
asked PANDAWA and their family to stay in
CEMPALA as long as they like. He could not trust
DESTARATA and KAURAWA.
Meanwhile in
the court meeting in HASTINAPURA, King DESTARATA
pressured by BISMA and WIDURA, was compelled to
call back PANDAWA to live in HASTINAPURA again.
In other court
session, DESTARATA and his advisors, had decided
that PANDAWA should be given a half territory of
the country. This just and wise decision was
taken, to prevent further conflicts between the
cousins - PANDAWA and KAURAWA.
DURYUDANA and
his gang - SANGKUNI and KARNA, were not happy
with this 'political move' but could do nothing
at the moment.
Thus,
PUNTADEWA was inaugurated as King YUDISTIRA of
AMARTA or INDRAPRASTA. PANDAWA and their family
lived in AMARTA and successfully built the
country. They carried their family life, having
wives, sons, and palaces. Some of them are well
known in the WAYANG KULIT (leather puppet) story
such as:
* ANTAREJA,
son of BIMA with an earth goddess.
* GATOTKACA,
another son with a giant woman.
* ANTASENA,
his son with a sea goddess - URANG AYU.
BIMA's palace
was JODYPATI and GATOTKACA's was PRINGGODANI.
ARJUNA he had
several wives;
* DEWIRETNA,
the mother of WISANGGENI.
* PALUPI, the
mother of BAMBANG IRAWAN.
* SUBADRA, the
mother of ONGKO WIJAYA or ABIMAYU. ABIMAYU's son
with UTARI was PARIKESIT, the king of AMARTA and
HASTINAPURA after the Great War of BHARATAYUDA.
ARJUNA also
married SRIKANDI, a woman warrior. He also had
goddess wife - DEWI SUPRABA, gift from god GURU.
MADUKARA was the name of his palace.
ARJUNA was a
very handsome ksatria adored by many beautiful
women. So, at present in Indonesia, a man who
has many affairs is called an ARJUNA or a girl
sometimes calls her sweetheart as my ARJUNA.
The Kingdom of
AMARTA had a good relation also with other
kingdom such as DWARAWATI, with his divine king
KRESNA. Some figures from DWARAWATI were;
SETYAKI, the army chief, KRESNA's sons; SUTEJA
and SAMBA. KRESNA's brother BALADEWA was the
king of MADURA. The Kingdoms of CEMPALA and
WIRATA were also faithful friends of AMARTA.
What happened
with KAURAWA? DURYUDANA had two children; a boy
LESMANA and a girl LESMANAWATI. The only girl of
KAURAWA, DURSILAWATI married to JAYAJATRA. One
of KAURAWA faithful friend was BURISRAWA.
RAJASUYA
CEREMONY
It was the
time for AMARTA to declare itself as a great
kingdom - empire with YUDISTIRA as a great king
as advised by KRESNA. The most important pre
requisite of RAJASUYA was 'it must be attended
at least by one hundred kings'.
There was
another kingdom, MAGADA with its king JARASANDA
also wishing to perform RAJASUYA. He had decided
to celebrate it by force. He had captured around
seventy kings from these neighboring countries,
and had jailed them in MAGADA's prison.
PANDAWA's army
attacked MAGADA, killed JARASANDA and liberated
the seventy kings who were grateful to YUDISTIRA
and KRESNA. At that victorious day, AMARTA
kingdom celebrated RAJASUYA. At that ceremony,
one of the guest kings, must be inaugurated as
the most honorable guest. All of the attendance
agreed that that this should be KRESNA.
Only a king,
named SISUPALA was against. SISUPALA started to
insult KRESNA. Although he owed his life to
KRESNA but he always hated him. KRESNA had
promised to SISUPALA's mother a long time ago
that he would not hurt SISUPALA with an
exception ' if KRESNA was insulted in front of
one hundred persons then he should punish
SISUPALA'. In that case in front of RAJASUYA,
KRESNA had executed his right and SISUPALA died
in the fight.
AMARTA had
become an empire under the great king YUDISTIRA
and recognized by more than one hundred
kingdoms. The life in the empire was perfect.
PANDAWA LOST
at GAMBLING
KAURAWA and
their advisors did not stop thinking how to ruin
PANDAWA. At last SANGKUNI found a way out to
defeat PANDAWA without a war. It was a gambling
at dice. SANGKUNI knew that YUDISTIRA was very
found at dice gambling, YUDISTIRA was a good
gambler, but did not master how to cheat with
the dice.
In accordance
with KSATRIA ethics, a KSATRIA would not reject
an invitation to play a dice, that was the case
with YUDISTIRA. He was invited, SANGKUNI the
master gambler skillfully manipulated it.
YUDISTIRA lost all bets, all his material
wealth, his palace, his country, PANDAWA, and
his wife DRUPADI. DRUPADI was humiliated by
DURSASANA.
Under the
pressure of DESTARATA's advisors, result of the
gambling revoked. The decision changed 'PANDAWA
had to live in the jungle for twelve years. In
the 13th year they were permitted to live in any
country in disguise. If they were found and
recognized by other people, PANDAWA had to go
back to the jungle for another twelve years.
So, PANDAWA
and DRUPADI went to exile. Facing a very hard
life in the jungle, BIMA protested to his elder
brother, YUDISTIRA. He saw by his own eyes and
sure that YUDISTIRA saw too that DURYUDANA by
the help of SANGKUNI had cheated. In that case
the result must not be accepted. BIMA did not
understand why YUDISTIRA who saw the dirty
dishonest trick during the gambling did not
protest them.
YUDISTIRA
replied firmly that as a KSATRIA holding highly
the value of DARMA, he would not disgrace
DURYUDANA in front of many people, especially
DURYUDANA who was a nobleman of HASTINAPURA.
Moreover, since that time, they had to carry out
the promise before the gambling that the looser
had to go in exile for twelve years.
LIFE in the
JUNGLE
PANDAWA could
adopt the life in the jungle, they live very
modestly. Suffering had made their spiritual
life calmer, and their minds became clear. Some
people joined or lived near by them to live as
ascetics.
BEGAWAN
ABIYOSO, their grand father and guru came to
visit. He told them that fate was unavoidable as
he predicted during RAJASUYA. Many kings,
warriors, families and enemies should die in the
coming big war, PANDAWA should suffer physically
for fourteen years. He told them to be brave and
must past this up grading course in life and
then happiness would come.
'PASOPATI'
ARJUNA's HEIRLOOM
ARJUNA went to
mountain INDRAKILA, live as a hermit. He
meditated requesting justice so that PANDAWA
could receive back their legal country. The
experience of ARJUNA in this meditation was a
very famous plot in leather puppet, it takes the
whole night to perform this plot, and the story
of this plot is named 'BEGAWAN CIPTONING
MINTOROGO'.
This request
was accepted by BHATARA GURU, he was given a
supernaturally powerful (SAKTI) heirloom (PUSAKA)
in the form of a bow and arrow called PASOPATI,
which could be effectively used by ARJUNA in the
war of BHARATAYUDA.
VISIT of
KRESNA
KRESNA
together with his brother BALADEWA and his chief
warrior SETYAKI visited PANDAWA in the jungle.
SETYAKI, seeing the miserable life at PANDAWA
had asked KRESNA, whether PANDAWA should have to
wait for another twelve years to return to
AMARTA. Why they did not attack KAURAWA right
now with to help of many friends.
KRESNA replied
was NO. PANDAWA had to keep the promise even it
was a bad one. PANDAWA must have patience and
learn to overcome obstacles in life by
conducting the good and right deeds permitted by
God Almighty.
When the time
had come and KAURAWA did not keep the promise,
then PANDAWA had the right to take whatever
action against KAURAWA, to declare war if
necessary. KRESNA and YUDISTIRA were in the same
opinion that truth is above power and
prosperity.
WIRATA was
chosen as a place to hide because this kingdom
had not a good relation with HASTINAPURA. They
got job as servants in the palace. YUDISTIRA was
a servant of the king, DRUPADI served the queen.
BIMA was a cook ARJUNA was a dance teacher,
NAKULA took care of horses, while SADEWA took
care of cows.
Months had
passed, the intelligent units of KAURAWA
spreading to a lot of countries could not find
the whereabouts of PANDAWA. In the eleventh
month, an accident occurred. The WIRATA's chief
warrior found dead after trying to rape DRUPADI.
Rumors spread that a giant, husband of the queen
servant killed him. KAURAWA suspected that the
killer must be BIMA, then KAURAWA decided to
attack WIRATA.
Led by
DURYUDANA, flanked by BISMA, DURNA, KARNA and
SANGKUNI the attack began. WIRATA's troop led by
crown prince UTORO. At first UTORO hesitated and
then ARJUNA who became his coachman encouraged
him not to be afraid. PANDAWA now became very
skillful at battlefield defeated KAURAWA in a
short time. DURYUDANA said that PANDAWA had to
return to a jungle for another twelve years,
because they have been discovered before 13th
year had passed. BISMA explained that the last
day was one day before KAURAWA attacked WIRATA,
then he advised DURYUDANA that in order to have
a good relation with PANDAWA again, AMARTA must
be given back to PANDAWA.
DURYUDANA
categorically refused BISMA's advice and firmly
said that not even a piece of land should be
returned to PANDAWA at whatever risk. KURAWA
prepared for war.
KRESNA the
AMBASSADOR
KRESNA, the
wise king, was sent to HASTINAPURA by PANDAWA to
negotiate a peaceful return of AMARTA to PANDAWA
(in Javanese KRESNA DUTA). DURYUDANA, advised
strongly by SANGKUNI, KARNA, JAYAJATRA and
BURISRAWA was against the proposal by other
advisors such as BISMA, WIDURA, KRIPA, DURNA and
even his own father DESTARATA, that DURYUDANA
should keep the promise gentlemanly after
PANDAWA had left the country for thirteen years.
DURYUDANA said proudly that as a king he had a
full right to rule the country as he wished. He
did not need to follow what the good books said.
BISMA said if
the war broke, KURAWA was much less powerful
than PANDAWA, KURAWA should be defeated. The
KSATRIAS from PANDAWA were so SAKTI (have
powerful supernatural power) and their PUSAKA
(heirlooms) were also SAKTI, so there was no
chance for KURAWA to win the war. Moreover many
of them or even all would die. DURYUDANA said
that he was not afraid to confront PANDAWA.
DESTARATA intercepted nicely, "My sons, please
don't be greedy, having a half of this country
is enough for you and the whole family, we shall
live peacefully !".
But DURYUDANA
totally dominated by evil spirit, did not want
to give back AMARTA to the right owner, he could
not see his own cousin PANDAWA to live as happy
as KURAWA. He just would not accept any advice
from guru, begawan and even god, that a total
war with PANDAWA, all KURAWA would be dead. He
and his friends started to insult KRESNA. And
KRESNA upon witnessing the worst mental attitude
of KURAWA, people with no honor, went out side
the courtroom, tried to oppress his anger.
Spontaneously his magic power spell - TRIWIKRAMA
appeared, KRESNA turned out to be a huge giant,
with thunderous voice shouted, " The truth
should prevail. KURAWA, all of you shall be
eliminated in BHARATAYUDA".
Upon hearing
this TRIWIKARMA's voice, KURAWA and all the
audience were trembling afraid, also DURYUDANA.
DESTARATA tried to apologize for what his evil
son DURYUDANA had done, begged him not to
execute the will of TRIWIKRAMA. KRESNA answered,
"That is God punishment, it shall happened".
KRESNA returned to the base camp of PANDAWA to
report. |
