Saturday, 26 November 2016

Virata strikes Kanka

In the meanwhile, having been freed from the king of Trigarta, Virata returned. The people were celebrating his return. He came and sat and all came and greeted him. He looked around and could not see his son. The queen said When you went to fight the Trigarta king, Uttar went to fight the Kauravas who had stolen the cows.He had taken Brihannala as his charioteer.
The king was shocked. How could Uttar fight the Kaurava army with an eunuch as a charioteer?
He asked his army to get ready and go to help Uttar.
Hearing this Yudhitira said to Virata Do not worry., With Brihannala around, even Indra cannot defeat your son.
When this was happening Uttar's messenger arrived. The messenger said Uttar was returning victorious.
Yudhistira said I told you earlier that with Brihannala on his side, your son will not lose.
The messenger was rewarded and Uttara was asked to welcome Brihannala and Uttar.
The king then said to Yudhistira Let us play a game of dice, Sairadhnri, please fetch the game pieces for us.
Yudhistira said This is not the time for the game. This is the time for enjoyment. This game will be the cause of downfall if played at a wrong time.
Virata said I have no enemies. My son has defeated Duryodhana. What do I have to fear?
Yudhistira said Well said. How can one have fear when Brihannala is near.
The king got angry - My son has won over the enemies and all you do is praise Brihannala. Please do not say something which is not pleasing to the ears.
Saying this the king lost his temper and hurled a glass near his hand, at Yudhistira. The dice hit Yudhistira and he started bleeding. Yudhistira held the wound to control the bleeding. Draupadi, who was there, took a glass and held that to prevent the blood from falling on the ground.

Uttar then asked for permission to come there with Brihannala. Virata said Call my son and make sure Brihannala does not come here. The guard went and asked the prince to come alone.

Uttar came and greeted his father. He then saw Yudhistira bleeding. He asked his father Why was Kanka on the floor, bleeding?

Virata said When I was praising you and your skill, Kanka kept praising Brihannala. I lost my temper and hurled a glass at him. This is why he is bleeding.

Uttar said You thought Kanka to be an ordinary Brahaman and did this. Please ask for forgiveness.

The king did what was asked and said He had lost his temper and asked to be forgiven.

Yudhistira said I have no anger in me. All I can say is, it is good that my blood did not spill in your land. If that had happened, misfortune would have hit you.

Uttar said Kanka is kind and for that all are safe. If Brihannala was here and saw the bleeding Kanka, I am not sure what would have happened. 

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