Greatness of Hari

Bhisma said - Listen Yudhistira while I tell you more.One who worships Govinda with many gifts gets blessings from the Lord. If one bathes Vishnu on the twelfth day of the lunar cycle (Dwadashi) that falls on a Monday, he is blessed and he and his generation is taken to the abode of Vishnu. One who fasts on the day of Krishna Janamashtami and bathes Krishna with milk and water is relieved from all sins by Narayana. Let me tell you about this.
There was a king called Yagyadhwaja. He used to beg for forgiveness at the temple of Hari. His priest, worried, asked him the reason for this. The king said - In my previous birth I was the son of a merchant and my name was Yagyamali. I was an evil person. Seeing my deeds my family expelled me. What ever I had I spent on cheap women. Seeing this, my brothers tied me up, beat me and then left me far away.
In the forest, I was hungry when I came across a temple of Vishnu. It was dirty. I cleaned the temple and went to sleep there. A snake happened to come there and it bit me. Two attendants of Yama came to fetch me but were stopped by the attendants of Vishnu. Yama's attendants said this is a great sinner and he needs to go with us.
Vishnu's attendants said this person has come here, fasted and cleaned the temple of Vishnu and is subject to forgiveness. Saying this Vishnu's attendants took me with them.
Unknowingly I had prayed in the temple of Vishnu and thus I am freed.
The priest hearing this, bowed down to the king.

Ekadashi

Bhishma said-
One who lives in earth and performs good deeds gets rewarded in this life.
One who fasts on the eight day of the lunar cycle and prays to Shiva and Durga is greatly rewarded.
One who takes the name of Narayana and performs his worship is freed from all fears.
The eleventh day's fasting (Ekadashi) has great significance and I will tell you about that.
There was a sage called Galav whose son was named Bhadrasheel. He was a great devotee of Vishnu and fasted on the eleventh of Ekadashi, twice in a month.
His father wanted to know the greatness of doing this fasting.
Bhadrasheel said -
I was a king in Soma dynasty. I had received knowledge from Dharmakeerti and Dattatreya. I ruled continuously for thousand years. During this period, I committed various religious as well as irreligious tasks. In the company of impostors, I too became an impostor. Working diplomatically, I destroyed sacrifices. My subjects also followed me and began to behave in a foul manner. I received sixth part of their evil deeds. One day, I went to the forest, hunting. There, I killed many animals.
After a while, perplexed by thirst and hunger, I reached the bank of Narmada. I had strayed into deeper forests all alone. The intense sun was scorching my body. I was about to drop down because of hunger when I saw that people on the bank of Narmada were observing Ekadashi fasting. I joined them and stayed awake all along the night without taking any food. But I could not bear the starvation and exertion and died as a result. Fierce looking servants of Yama took me to him. Yamar asked Chitragupta to open the account of my life. Chitragupta thought for a moment and said: "Its true O Yama that this person is a sinner. But now he is free from his sins due to observing fast on Ekadashi and passing his night in the company of pious devotees." Hearing these words, Yama greeted me and worshiped me with devotion. Then, he called his servers."
Yama said - "Listen to me, O agents! I am narrating something to your interest. Never bring to me in future anybody who is engaged in religious task. Stay away from those who always recite the name of Hari. Greet them from a distance. This is my order as well as teaching to all of you. Spare all those who serve their teachers, love their religion, are helpless, serve the pious one and are truly deserving. Bring all such people who abuse their mother, hate the world, steal the wealth of temples and Brahmins, who are killers, who do not observe fast on Ekadashi, who are short tempered, criticize me and nurture hostility with others."
Hearing such words from Yama, fire of penance began to burn within me. More intense this fire grew, more of my sins were destroyed. I even got a vision of Hari. Even, Yama greeted me with respect. His action even surprised this servants. Worshiping me, Yama sent me on a divine chariot to the abode of Vishnu.
O father! I was passing my time happily. I did not know how and when many years passed. Then I arrived in the land of Indra. There I stayed with the gods for many years. It was after such a great experience that I have arrived on the earth. Having the knowledge of my previous birth, I always engaged in the worship of Hari and inspire others to follow suit. Earlier, I didn't know the virtues of Ekadashi . But now, because of the knowledge of my previous births, I have come to know about it. I observed it without any desire and without knowing that I was actually observing a fast and received so much in return. Hence, I cannot tell how much will one receive if he observes Ekadashi  with some desire. Those who devotedly worship Hari and observe Ekadashi  attain even the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu."
The words of his son gladdened sage Galav. He says- "My birth has been successful because I got such a devotee son like you who told me the complete method of worshipping Lord Vishnu."

Vishnu kicked

One who gives gifts is worshiped by all. Once there was a person called Subodh who was a son of a brahaman. He was a poor brahman and was barely able to meet the needs of his family. His children were always hungry and crying for food. He was looked down upon by the residents of the town.
One day, sitting in his house he wished to be rich. He felt that the rich had no worries.
Leaving that town with his family, he went to the kingdom of Kosala and requested to meet the king.
He got many gifts from the king and settled down there.
The king, because of his deeds went to heaven after death. He then went stayed in the abode of Brahma. Then we went to the abode of Vishnu and lived there.
The body of Vishnu is the place of a brahmana. Vishnu is a devotee of a brahmana and thus he gracefully accepted the kick that he got from a brahmana.
Yudhistira said - I have never heard of this. Please tell me why a brahmana kicked Vishnu.
Bhishma said -
In olden days, the sage Bhrigu wanted to know who was the supreme God. He went to see Shiva asked him the reason why he had come. The sage kept quiet and Shiva getting angry said he would kill him with his trident. The sage ran to Brahma. There too, he did not say anything and kept quiet.
Getting no answer, he went where Vishnu was. Vishnu was sleeping. Seeing this, Bhrigu kicked Vishnu on his chest. Lakshmi got angry but Vishnu getting up, started the worshiping the foot that had kicked him. He wondered if the sage had hurt his foot.
Bhrigu was ashamed. He said I know you are the Supreme One and I have kicked you.
Vishnu said You should not worry. Your mark will stay on my chest as an ornament.

Sinners and their punishment

Yudhistira asked What does one have to go through for their sins/
Bhishma said -
The one who gives gifts to Brahmanas and regrets that is taken away and tied to a pole and dipped in hot oil.
One who looks at a brahmana with angry eyes has his eyes plucked out with needles.
One who laughs at the insults of others has his ears fried.
One who sells mantras for a living is tortured and is then born as a worm and has to go through many births before he becomes a human again.
One who gives food to the Gods and then eats it up himself quickly, is born as a rakshasa.
One who refuses to give gifts is taken away hurled into blazing fires.
One who taken away another's wife is punished by being forced to make love to a blazing hot iron statue. A woman who leaves her husband for another person has to go through the same punishment.
One who looks at brahmanas when making to offerings to the departed is hurled from the mountains onto the earth. Butter is then applied to the body and it is then roasted in the fires.
One who steals flowers for worship is left in a forest of thorns. 

Bhadrasheel and Dhanurdwaj

Bhishma said - There was once a sage called Bhadrasheel in the land of Ayodhya. he was learned in the Vedas. He hired a boy called Dhanurdwaj to look after the cows. Dhanurdwaj was a brahmin in the previous birth who had been cursed by his brother to be born as a low caste person.
Yudhistira said - Why was he cursed?
Bhishma said - In the Ikshvaku dynasty, there was a brahmin who had two sons Suvanti and Avanti. While Suvanti was a person who followed the right path, Avanti always followed the wrong. He was a jealous person, who took pleasure in theft. His brother tried to correct him and when he did, he was cursed to be born as a Chandala.
This angered Avanti who went to the forests and started meditating. He gave up his body and this was was the person who was looking after the cows of Bhadrasheel. He looked after the cows well and the cows were happy too in his care. One day he died of a snake bite.
Bhadrasheel was devastated. He cried like a parent cries for a dead child.
After dying, Dhanurdwaj became a servant of Yama and at his bidding used to go and fetch the people from earth.
One day he came to get a person when he was spotted by Bhadrasheel. Bhadrasheel said People do not come alive after dying. How did you come alive?
Dhanurdwaj said Due to curse in his previous birth he had been cursed to serve Yama.
Bhadrasheel said I am intrigued. Please tell me about the cycle of birth and death.
Dhanurdwaj said Its a vast thing but I will tell you in brief.
When a female makes love to a male, from the union is created a child. In the womb the child is size of a grain of sand, which slowly grows and become the size of a thumb. Its a lump of flesh. From the second month the head forms. On the third month the limbs form and on the fourth, hair. In the fifth month it grows slightly and in the sixth month it moves in the womb. In the seventh month it starts sensing. In the eighth month it knows about the cycles it has lived through till now and the sins and virtues it has gained. It cries wondering why it did not take the name of Krishna all the time. And the moment it is born, it forgets everything.
It cries and feeds on milk from the breasts of the mother,
They come with a fixed life span. If their actions are heinous, their life span decreases and many die in childhood. Some die in their middle age and some in the old age.
Death cannot be avoided. It is a reality and strikes all.
Bhadrasheel was pleased. He said I want to see the abode of Yama. Will you show me that?
Dhanurdwaj said If you have any tasks pending complete those. If you any loans, repay those. Finish that and then come with me. I will take you to the abode of Yama.
Bhadrasheel said I will repay all. How will I see you again?
Dhanurdwaj said - Go home. After finishing your pending tasks, take leave of your family. You will give them good advise before leaving. You will then lock yourself in your room for tree days. You will tell them that if they try to open the door, you will die. Be in your room, I will come for you.
Bhadrasheel went back home. He went to his parents and took leave of them after paying any debts that he had. He then went out and repaid all loans that he had ever taken. To his wife and children he said he was going to lock himself in the room for three days. They were not to open the door or peep inside, else he would die.
He then locked himself up in the room.
Here, Dhanurdwaj was disturbed after having promised Bhadrasheel. He took another person to Yama.
Here, Yudhistira asked What was Yama's reaction. Bhishma said -
Kirtimanta was a son of a merchant. His son was Sushil. Sushil was rich and good natured. He had donated a lot to the poor and needy. Anger is a grave enemy. When a brahmin came to Sushil for alms, Sushil looked at him with angry eyes. This displeased the brahmin who refused what was given to him. He cursed Sushil to die untimely. One day when he was bathing in a river, the servants of Yama came and took him away.
Yama looked at him and said You have given a lot and have performed good deeds but have not been able to control your anger. Sushil said he was willing to pay for his sin. Yama said Go back to the river live there like a crocodile. You will meet a sage called Deval, seeing whom you will be relieved.
He went back and a ferocious crocodile, devoured all that came to the water. One day the sage Deval came there. The moment the crocodile bit the sage, he was relieved from his curse.
Yudhistira asked What happened to Bhadrasheel?
Bhishma said Bhadrasheel was taken to the abode of Yama. He saw a lovely place full of people. Some place had eternal summer and some winter and rain. At one place the attendants were beating the sinners.
Travelling thus he came across a woman. She asked him to pay her. Bhadrasheel said he had nothing to pay with and could go back to earth and get her something.
At this moment Dhanurdwaj said You have some debt pending. You said you had repaid everything. Bhadrasheel said He had really repaid everything.
At this Dhanurdwaj asked the woman to leave him. The woman said she would if the brahman gave her the skin from his chest.
Scared Bhadrasheel closed his eyes and started calling out to Krishna.
Unable to stay in his place, Vishnu appeared before Bhadrasheel. Vishnu said I am pleased, ask for something.
Bhadrasheel said I do not need anything but if you want to give me something, then let me take your name for ages to come. He also said he wanted to be relieved from the woman.
Vishnu asked Bhadrasheel not to worry. He himself took the form of Bhadrasheel and went with Dhanurdwaj to the woman. He then cut off his flesh and gave it to the woman. Taking this own form, he left.
The woman was amazed. Why did Vishnu do this? The woman then realized that the Brahmin had prayed to Vishnu in the form of a Pipal tree.
A divine chariot then came and took Bhadrasheel away.
After three days Bhadrasheel woke up in his hut. He came out and saw Vishnu's skin on the Pipal tree.
He then went worshiped the tree with full devotion.

Greatness of the name of Hari

Yudhistira asked Bhishma - Please tell me about those who have sinned and who they get relief.
Bhishma said - Yama's abode is huge. It measures sixteen hundred miles. The one gives cows to a brahmin gets the protection of Vishnu. They go to Yama's abode and treated like Gods. Chitragupta, who is Yama's assistant, weighs the sins with the virtues. One who worships Narayana and prays to Him regularly is worshiped like Vishnu, when he dies. Vishnu comes there and takes the person with him. One who gives gifts of food and clothing does not go unrewarded. They are worshiped by the Gods.
Yama is the giver of justice. The person gets exactly what he deserves. To get relief one needs to take the name of Govinda. One day Narada went to Brahma. Brahma wanted to know why Narada had come there. Narada said I want to know about the greatness of the name of Hari.
Brahma said He is the soul of the Universe. I do not know the significance. Go to Shiva, He should be able to help.
Narada went to Shiva. Shiva said I am unable to explain this. Go to the one who is only One.
Narada then went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. He prayed to Vishnu.
Pleased Vishnu said I am difficult to grasp but I am captivated by my devotees and bow down to them. Do tell me why you are here.
Narada said he wanted to know the reason behind the greatness of the name. Vishnu smiled and said - Go to Sanjivanipura, the abode of Yama. There you will see a form of mine. Ask Him. He will answer you.
Narada saw the four handed divine form, dark in color, wearing yellow garments. The form asked Narada to go to a certain place where he would get the answer. Narada went there. It was a wet place infested with crocodiles. People were being tormented there. Scared Narada began taking the names of Krishna. The moment Narada had uttered the names, the sins of the sinners vanished. The place changed to a beautiful place.
Narada realized the greatness of the name of Hari.

Bhishma then said - I have not told you about the North gate of Yama. The ones who take the name of Hari go there and are worshiped by Yama himself. 

Bhishma talks to Yudhistira

Yudhistira said - I am a great sinner. To get a kingdom, I had to strike a great person like you, down. I have had to kill my relatives to get a kingdom. Drona was our Guru and we had to kill him too. I have acted against the scriptures. I have killed my brother Karna. I have sinned and I want to leave everything and go away somewhere.
Bhima said - Listen to me carefully off what I tell you. There is one God who is responsible for Death and Life. He sees all actions. A thief could feel safe that no one is seeing him, but he is being spotted in heaven. The body is perishable. You are clinging to it as if it something precious. Narayana is the only truth.
Yudhistira said with folded hands - What is death? Who devised this?
Bhishma said this is wonderful. When Brahma created the world, there was no death. The earth was tormented. She appealed to Brahma. Brahma hearing her pleas created a being called Swayambhu. Swayambhu had a son called  Ruchi. Ruchi had seven sons who ruled over seven lands. One son called Bharata asked for the land called Jambudweep. Bharata was given that and Jambudweep went to the eldest son. Bharata got Plakshadweep. Angry, Bharata decided to renounce all and retire into the forests.
Bharata performed austere penances. Brahma appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Bharata kept quiet. This angered Brahma and an asura was born from that. The asura started tormenting the people of Jambudweep. The earth went to Brahma and asked to relieved from the torture. Brahma then went to Ganga. On the way, he started sweating and from that was born a ferocious being. This was Death. Death said I will end all on this earth. To that, Brahma said - Go to Jambudweep. Decide first before taking someone with you. Live there as illness and thus kill people.

Hearing this, Yama built a wonderful castle. The sages who die go the northern gate of Yama's castle. The western and eastern parts of the castle are very beautiful with streams and fruit trees. The warriors who fall in battle go the western part. The women who die with their husbands go to the eastern part. The southern part is horrible. The sinners go there. There are ferocious animals which devour the dead. The workers of Yama torture the dead sinners. Killers of cows and women go there. Liars and cheats go there. They are fried in hot oil. 

Yudhistira goes to Bhishma

Yudhistira felt happy. He asked his brothers and ministers to come along with him to see Bhishma. Everyone started getting ready, eagerly waiting to meet and greet Bhishma. Dhritarashtra, Vidura, Gandhari, Draupadi and the Kunti and other royal women also went along.

Reaching the spot where Bhishma was lying, they all sat around him.

Bhishma said - You have Krishna with you. I am blessed that he has come along with you here. Krishna - You are the one true being, the maker of all.

There was once a priest called Krishanu. He was a great devotee of yours and used to pray to you and cook for you and feed you. You wanted to test him. You took the form of a dog and came to him. Seeing the priest, the dog scared started running. The priest started chasing the dog, saying please come and take part of my offering. God is in all. You are Krishna for me. Please take my offering.
Krishna pleased appeared before him in his form with four hands. He said I am pleased with you. Please cook for me everyday and I will eat from your hands. Krishna, you are my creator and I know no one else, other than you. The others are all in your protection.

In Gaya there was a priest who in the name of worship used to perform evil deeds. He used to trade in leather and lived in the company of the cobblers. He used to spit and blow on everything. He left his prayers and worship. When he went home, he cooked and first fed Krishna, took his name and then took his food.
When he died, the attendants of Yama came to take him but was stopped by the attendants of Vishnu, as he had been taking name of Krishna everyday evening.

Yudhistira , do not ever be jealous of other and do not insult anyone. especially brahmins. Discard anger and grief. 

Vyasa talks to Yudhistira

Janmajeya asked - What did Yudhistira do after he went inside the city? What did Bhishma say to him? Tell me about Bhishma's death when the sun started its northward journey.
The sage said -
Yudhistira became king but he was still sad. he was not able to concentrate on his duties. His brothers tried talking to him, but that did not help. Knowing this Vyasa came to Yudhistira. The new king greeted the sage and welcomed him.
Vyasa said Why are you so worried? You have four brothers who like Indra. The city has welcomes you as the king. Your people are happy. The fields have good harvest. What pains you?

Yudhistira said - I am not able to get over the fact that I have had to kill my dear ones to get the kingdom.

Vyasa said - You have not sinned. You have Krishna with you, the mere mention of whose name removes all sins. Death is inevitable. One who is born has to die. Pride killed your enemies.

Age is but a number and your deeds increase or decrease that. Near you is an example. Seated near you is the sage Markadeya. When he was born, he was destined to die at twelve. With his devotion, he was able to avoid death.

Yudhistira asked - How did he achieve this?

Vyasa said - Markandeya put his entire mind in meditation. He spent days in the state of bliss. Such austere was his penance that he never realized when termites ate up his flesh and made a termite hill. On the termite hill began growing trees. On the trees birds began living. Soon some sages came and set up their abode there. In the heaven, Brahma laughed.

The sages asked Brahma the reason. Brahma said One who was destined to die at twelve has been meditating for sixty thousand years now. Taking water from his pot, Brahma showered some water on the trees. The trees fell making a great noise. The sages saw a glow of light inside the termite hill.

Brahma asked Markandeya to get up and have a bath and come. When Markandeya went near the waters, it evaporated. When looked for some water but did not find any. Traveling around, he came across a village where the villagers earned their livelihood by tending to swine. There, a puddle had got created from the excreta and urine of the pigs. Markandeya saw this and bathed in that.

He returned and started looking for a brahmin, but could not find one. He returned back to the village. There he saw a poor woman with two children. The elder one asked for milk . She had to breast feed the younger one.After feeding the young child, she washed her breasts and then fed the elder one. Markandeya saw this. He asked why she was doing this? Were both not her children?
The woman said the first one was through a brahmin and a second from a potter, the community that she belonged to.

Markandeya said he had been looking for a brahmin and as the eldest child was a brahmin born, his search was now over. He washed the feet of the elder child. The potter woman was horrified.

Brahma appeared there then and blessed Markandeya with immortality.

Vyasa said I will tell you more.

Once Vishwakarma was working hard. Whatever he did, Indra was not pleased. He made something, Indra found fault with that. Angry and dejected, the celestial architect went to Vishnu. Vishnu said he would do something.

One day Vishnu went to the court of Indra. The Gods offered Vishnu a seat. Vishnu said he would be going to see the sage Lomash. Indra went along with Vishnu. They went and bowed down to the sage - who had hair all over his body, thus called Lomash. Indra observed that there was a patch on his chest that had no hair. Indra asked the sage the reason for this. The sage said he would not tell Indra. Indra insisted. The sage said - The hair on my body depicts the countless Indras. When a Indra dies, a hair falls off. This is the reason for this.
Indra was scared. He bowed to the sage and left along with Vishnu.

All who are born, have to die. Anyone who has a body will perish. Some die in their youth, some when they are middle aged and some when they are old. People have wants and desires. Those are never ending. The actions in this life will decide the kind of death you will have.

Discard your grief. I will tell you more. Listen to me.

There was a king called Uttanapada. He had two queens Subhaga and Durbhaga. He had seven sons, one them was called Uttama. One day the was sitting on the throne and Uttama was playing with him. Dhruva, another son, also wanted to climb up on the throne and be with his father. Seeing this, Subhaga said - Your mother is of a low caste You have no right to sit on the throne. If I see you again, I will beat you. If you do want to sit on the throne, please the Gods first and be born as my son. Then you will get the right to sit on the throne.

Dhruva went to his mother and said he had been turned away.

Durbhaga said Krishna was the way out. If the mind was set on Krishna and his meditation, all things will fall in place.

Dhurva was barely five years old. He was determined to worship Krishna. He left the palace to meditate on Krishna.  On the way, he saw Narada. Narada asked him where he was going. Dhruva said he was going to find Krishna. Narada said You are a very young boy. How will you get Krishna? You do not have a Guru to guide you. Getting to Krishna is tough and you need a guide.

Dhruva said he would not return back. He would either get Krishna or die.
Narada was pleased with the determination of the boy. He taught Dhruva the mantra to get Krishna to appear before him and also how to recite the mantra and how many times to recite it.

Dhruva went to the banks of river Yamuna. He had a bath in the river. Then standing on one foot, with the other foot folded, he started reciting the mantra given by Narada. He concentrated on his meditation and gave up his food.

In the heaven, the Gods were scared as they did not know what Dhruva wanted. They assumed fiery forms and tried to scare Dhruva away but failed.

Seeing his devotion, Hari appeared before him finally. Dhruva was blessed to be become the king after his father. After a long successful rule, along with his mother he would go to heaven where he would stay as the pole star (Dhruva).

Dhruva returned home and was greeted by all. Subhaga begged for forgiveness but Dhruva said he was blessed as it was because of her, he had been able to see Krishna.

After his father, Dhruva became the king and ruled for thirty six thousand years and then after his death he went to heaven where he became the pole star.

Saying all this, Vyasa said You need to control your mind. Listen while I tell you more.

Uttanpada gave the throne to Dhruva and went to the forest. There, he was able to achieve the vision of Hari. In the forest where the king lived, was a doe that used to come to drink water. One day, the king heard a lion's roar. The king was scared and so was the doe. In fright, the doe gave birth to a fawn and died. The fawn, not knowing where to go, followed the king everywhere. Taking pity on the fawn, the king lifted it. He forgot about his penance and meditation and gave all his thought on the fawn. His thought was on bringing up the fawn.

The fawn grew up and became a deer. The king was always concerned about the well being of the deer. One day the deer ventured into the forest and became the meal of a hungry lion. From a distance, the king saw this. He was devastated. He could get put off his thoughts from the deer. Always he thought of the deer and was soon born as one. He lived on the banks of a river and soon died. He was then born as the son of a brahmin. The boy was called Bharata. Bharata was aware of the happenings of his previous births. Bharata was engrossed in devotion and his thoughts were concentrated on Hari. He was rooted in his devotion and was thus also known as Jada Bharata. As he did nothing but the whole day, his brothers frustrated with him, began ill treating him. They gave him burnt food to eat and torn clothes to wear. Jada Bharata did not complain. His mind was concentrated on Hari. A flock of wild boar used to come and eat up the grain. Seeing this, the brothers appointed Bharata as the guardian of the grain. Bharata would sings songs in praise of Hari in the day and then guard the granary in the night.
A king called Subahu was the ruler of the land. One day he wanted to visit his guru, the sage Kapila. He was travelling in a palanquin when one of the bearers fell sick. An alternate was searched for. The people found Bharata near the granary. He was healthy and was selected for the task.
Bharata walked slowly and carefully putting his steps on ground, lest he trample a small ant.
As the speed was not being matched, the palanquin started shaking. The king wanted to know why this was happening. The bearers said this was because of the new one, who was very slow.
The king peeped out and saw the healthy bearer walking slowly. He asked Bharata the reason for this.
Bharata said O King, who bears whom? The earth bears us. The legs bear the body. The branches bear the leaves. The neck bears the head. Who am I to bear you?

Hearing this, the king was stunned. He said I was going to my Guru but what is the need when I have one like you. Saying this, he bowed down and became a disciple of Bharata.


There was once a king called Virbahu. He worshiped the goddess Ambika and sacrificed a fat sheep every year. Once when the king was about to kill the sheep, it somehow managed to escape and run away. The guards began looking for the sheep. They could find it but they found a healthy Bharata. They caught him and brought him to the king. The king was happy to see Bharata.
The day of the sacrifice was announced. The women of the household dressed in their finery, to see the sacrifice. All rushed to see the human sacrifice.
The priests performed the worship of the goddess. When it was time, the king asked for Bharata to be brought to the altar. He was dressed in new clothes. The king took the sword and got ready to kill Bharata.

The goddess saw and decided to intervene before it was too late. She came out of the idol. She snatched the sword from the king. She then began cutting and devouring the people who had gathered there.
The king fell on his knees and asked the goddess why she was doing this. The Goddess said Do you know whom you were about to kill? This is a great seer. One who sees him, is absolved off all sins. Hari resides in him. Fall before him and ask for forgiveness.

The king did that. Bharata said All roads lead to Hari. Who kills whom? Who saves whom? All is Hari.
The king became his disciple.


Yudhistira was quiet. Arjuna said to Krishna - Yudhistira is in shock. He is grieving for our sons. How do I console him?

Hearing this Krishna went where Yudhistira was. Holding his hands, Krishna said - Why do your trouble yourself? Discard your grief. The ones who fell in war are in heaven. Do not grieve for them. You heard Vyasa talk about Bharata. Hearing this gets rid of sins.

At this point Janmajeya said - O Sage, you spoke of Uttanpada. He was thinking of the deer till his death, so was born as one. How was the deer born as the brahman Bharata?
The sage said - The king was born as a deer. He was still aware of his past birth. He left the forest and went to the city. People seeing the deer, tried to catch him. Thinking his deer was near, the deer started taking the name of Narayana. Taking the name of the lord, the deer ran and fell in the waters of Yamuna and drowned.

Vyasa kept telling Yudhistira to discard his grief. He said - Rama went to the forest leaving Ayodhya. He suffered a lot there. His wife was abducted by Ravana. Rama killed Vali, made Sugriva the king of vanaras and crossed the ocean towards Lanka. There a fight started between him and Ravana.
Mandodari said to Ravana - Your son, Mahiravana, lives in the nether world. Think of him. He should be able to help you.

Ravana thought of Mahiravana. In the nether world, Mahiravanaa's throne started shaking. He started meditating and realized that Ravana was thinking of him and that Lanka was in danger. He decided to leave for Lanka.
He came up and saw Lanka surrounded by vanaras and bears. He decided that this was not the way to proceed. He observed the army, gauging who were there. He saw Rama, Lakshmana, Hanumana, Angada and Vibhishana. He was surprised to see Vibhishana there. He realized that Vibhishana was helping Rama win the battle. He decided to meet Ravana and then decide on the course of actions.
Ravana greeted him and hugged him. He asked Ravana what Vibhishana was doing with Rama. Ravana told him and Mahiravana asked Ravana to relax while he dealt with Rama and his army.
He went outside and saw the army. He decided that instead of fighting, he would kidnap Rama and Lakshmana and take them away. That would scare the army of animals who would go away to their forest homes.
He saw Hanumana guarding Rama and Lakshmana. He took the form of Dashratha and went to Hanumana. He said I have not seen my sons for long and anxiously want to see them. Please let me.
Mahiravana then saw Vibhishana coming that way. He then fled from there. He tried many forms and finally taking the form of Vibhishana, he managed to capture Rama and Lakshmana and flee with them to his kingdom.
In Lanka, the army was worried. Vibhishana realized that this was the work of Mahiravana. Hanumana then happened to spot the tunnel opening. Taking the name of Rama, Hanumana jumped into the tunnel. He landed in the city of Mahinravana. He saw a lake and a tree near that. He climbed the tree, taking the form of a monkey and waited.
Women were filling water from the lake and were amazed o see the monkey. An old woman was there among them. She said she knew of humans in the city and now a monkey meant the city was doomed.
Hanumana was happy to hear this. He took the form of a fly and sat on the pitcher of the old woman. The old woman went to the temple of the reigning goddess. Seeing the goddess, Hanumana asked her if she had wished for the blood of Rama and Lakshmana, as her sacrifice. The goddess denied that.

Hanumana traveled to the executioner's house and saw the swords being sharpened. He saw the garland maker making garlands. Hanumana  saw him crying. He approached the person in the guise of an old man and asked him the reason. The garland maker said he was crying because he did not want to see the two young men, who had been brought there by the evil Mahiravana, die. Hanumana asked him how would Mahiravana die and the garland maker said he had heard that Mahiravana would be killed by Hanumana.

Taking the form of a fly again, Hanumana went inside Mahiravana;s house. There he saw Rama and Lakshmana tied up. Hanumana said to Rama and Lakshmana - When Mahiravana tell you to bow before the goddess, tell him you do not know how to bow and ask him to show you how.
The next day, Mahiravana made arrangements for the worship. In the form of a fly, Hanumana sat on a pitcher and started shaking it. Mahiravana thought the goddess was asking for the sacrifice. He asked Rama and Lakshmama to bow but Rama and Lakshmana said they did not know how, and wanted to be shown. The moment Mahiravana bent down, Hanumana took his form and cut off his head. Mahiravana was dead. Seeing him dead, Mahiravana's wife took a bow and started shooting arrows at Hanumana. Hanumana swung his fist. The rakshasa queen was pregnant, and with this blow, she delivered a baby boy. The boy, started jumping and fighting, the moment he was born. Hanumana was able to catch him, as he was covered with blood and mucus. He appealed to his father, Pavana. Wind started blowing and dust settled on the new born baby. Hanumana then grabbed the boy and hurled him to the ground and killed him.

Taking Rama and Lakshmana, Hanumana started travelling towards Lanka. The goddess, Bhadrakali, said she wanted to go along. Hanumana kept the idol of the goddess on his head and taking the two brothers on his shoulders, he traveled to Lanka.

Thus, Duryodhana was jealous of you and met his end.

Vyasa said many things to Yudhistira to calm him. He then said if you want to know how conduct yourself properly, with devotion to God, then you need to go to Bhishma. 

Shanti Parva in the Bengali version

The Shanti Parva in this version of the Mahabharata differs from the version of Vyasa.

Vyasa talks about politics and philosophy.

This version talks about devotion.

One reason that I can think of, is the period in which this Bengali version of the epic was penned.

This was the time when there was an attack by the Moghuls. Bengal was under their  rule. The devout brahmins were trying to teach the common person to have faith in their religion. This text falls in the Middle Bengali Literature period when Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was alive and active in Bengal.

As seen here earlier, and later too - Krishna becomes synonymous with Vishnu. The name Narayana and Krishna are used for each other. Krishna is referred to as the Purna Brahma.

After the core Bengali version finishes, I will try to fill in the gap that is there between the versions.

Vyasa and Krishna talk to Yudhistira

Krishna tried speaking to Yudhistira but he would not listen. Krishna then said - Listen to me patiently. Go to Hastinapura and take the throne that you have earned. Rule over the subjects. You should not forget the pains that you have gone through. Your days in the forest, Draupadi's insult,
Yudhistira said I know what you are saying but I do not want to go. You take Bhima and Arjuna with you and go to Hastinapura.
Krishna said - Do not go against my words again and again. This does not suit you. If you become king, people will know about me. I will get benefited.
Yudhistira agreed. Bhima was happy that Yudhistira would become king. Sons Madri and Arjuna were also thrilled.
Dhritarashtra then started crying out for his sons, saying the Pandavas had taken all, leaving him alone. Hearing this Yudhistira fainted. Krishna and the other brothers wondered what had happened. They helped him up.
Coming to his senses, Yudhistira said I am able to bear the cries of Dhritarashtra. There is no point in getting the kingdom.I have been the cause of the death of Bhishma who held my hand when I was growing up.
Vyasa then came there said - Discard your grief. Where there is a union, there will be a discord. No one is immortal. Why do you grieve for that? The body is bound to get destroyed. By illness or by death. One dies because of their actions and not because of someone else. Some die as infants, some in their middle age and some in their old age. Some die of old age, some of illness and some due to weapons. Some are bitten by snakes and die, and some get attacked by wild beasts and meet their end. The rich king and the poor beggar, both meet their end when their time comes. You are a learned person and I should not be explaining this to you. One who stays in the right path has a peaceful end. Like the change of seasons, there will be changes in life. Grief will come and so will Joy.
No will be immortal. If so, where are the great kings like Pandu, Madhata ,Dilipa and Harishchandra. If two sticks are together, friction will be there. That does not mean that you will not keep the sticks. Your mother, your wives, your brothers - all will die. Get rid of the grief. You will go back where you came from. The body will get destroyed. This is a cycle of life and death and all are prisoner in it.

Yudhistira kept quiet.

Arjuna said to Krishna - Will all get destroyed because Yudhistira is sad? We stooped low and did things that we had never done, in the kingdom of Virata. You please talk to Yudhistira. Create an illusion for him, so that he understand. Only You can do that.

Krishna went and sat near Yudhistira. Holding his hands, he said - Discard your grief. You will not get anything out of this. One who grieves constantly looses prosperity. Vyasa has said so many things to you. Why do you not respond. Do not fear that you have sinned by killing your dear ones. Go to Bhishma. Talk to him. he will tell you what to do. Respect Vyasa and go what he says. Your subjects are looking forward to you.

Hearing all this, Yudhistira agreed to go to Hastinapura. A chariot was brought. Bhima became the charioteer. Krishna and Arjuna climbed up along with Yudhistira. The sons of Madri followed. Dhritarashtra followed. Yuyutsu and Sanjaya followed in a chariot.

Gandhari reluctantly followed.

Hearing that Yudhistira is coming, the people of Hastinapura rushed to greet him.

Seeing an auspicious moment, Yudhistira stepped into the city. Gandhari asked the sages to look for a date when Yudhistira could be crowned.

Finally Hastinapura was with Yudhistira.

Yudhistira does not want the throne

Janmajeya said - O sage You have said about the grief of all. Now please tell me about Yudhistira's coming to Hastinapura.
Vaishampayana said - Listen, while I tell you the story of Mahabharata.
Yudhistira was grief stricken. Krishna went to him and said The throne at Hastinapura lies vacant. Please go there and occupy the throne. The people are waiting for you, like the people of Ayodhya waited for Rama to come back from the forests.
Yudhistira said I do not want to go there. I want to stay here in this ground, till I die. I am not able to stand the cries of the women. I have killed my dear ones.

Last rites performed

At the words of Krishna, Dhritarashtra called Yudhistira and said - Many people have fallen in the battle. You need to arrange for their last rites. Yuyutsu, Dhaumya, Sanjaya and Vidura will be with you.
Arrangements were made and the pyres were lit. The Pandavas then went to towards the river to immerse the ashes. Kunti then came there. She said Karna, whom you have known as a charioteer's son is my son, born to me before I married Pandu. He was born off the sun and I put him in a basket and floated him away in the river.
Hearing all from Kunti, Yudhistira broke down. He said You have told me know that Karna was my brother, I have plotted to kill my brother. If you had told me earlier, I would not have killed Karna or Duryodhana. Karna would have become the king of Hastinapura and Duryodhana would have happy also. I have killed my elder brother. I am angry and said. I curse you O mother. From today, women will not be able to keep secrets.
Saying this, the last rites were concluded. Krishna consoled Yudhistira and the Pandavas.
All were crying for their departed dead.
For three days and nights no one ate anything. After three days, fruits were got for all.
Krishna went about consoling all.

Gandhari curses Krishna

Gandhari continued - Fire comes in my mouth when I think of how unfair you have been. Listen Krishna. I will curse you and then my grief will be lessened. The way my daughters in law, the same way your daughters in law will cry. You created a divide among the Pandavas and the Kauravas and similarly your clan will get divided.

Yudhistira started shaking hearing this. Krishna knew this was to happen. He went to Gandhari and said I accept your curse. If this pleases you and makes you calm, I accept this. 

Gandhari addresses Krishna

Janmajeya said - Please tell me what Gandhari said. How did she control her grief? What did she say to Krishna? Why did she curse Krishna?
The sage said -
Listening to Krishna, the queen sat up. Then Gandhari said to Krishna - See Krishna, my hundred sons lie dead, slain by Bhima. You can hear their wives crying. The women who had never stepped out of the house, are out in the open, in the field. All sons are the same to a mother, wether they are good or bad. I am not able to stand this. If I could show you the weight I have in my heart, I would have shown it to you. Off all the griefs one has, the loss of a child is the gravest. Only one who has carried a child in her womb and feel this. How will you console me Krishna? Duryodhana, who was worshipped by his subjects in now being eaten by jackals. When he asked me who will win, I said where there is justice, where ever there is Krishna, Victory will be there. I know Duryodhana did not listen to any advise and thus met his end. Shakuni, my brother, through his cunning mind brought about this. The Pandavas will rule here after and no one is left to rule after that.
Krishna and the Pandavas were quite.
Draupadi was crying for her sons. Uttara, holding Abhimanyu's body was crying.
Gandhari was crying away, calling out to Duryodhana. She then turned to Krishna and said - O son of Devaki. You are the cause of all this destruction. You could have stopped this war. If you had not stepped in and become the charioteer, things would have been opposite. You knew Abhimanyu would step into the formation as he knew how to get in and did not know how to get out. You used Ghatotkacha to save Arjuna from the powerful weapon of Karna.

Gandhari goes to the battlefield

It was a horrible sight at the battlefield. Vultures were flying everywhere. Jackals and Dogs were tearing at the flesh of the dead.
People looked around for the bodies of their departed ones. Some recognized the body parts, some saw the bodies and some could find the bodies at all.
There were dead animals and chariots and many jewels were scattered there.
After some time, Gandhari was able to spot Duryodhana. She swooned seeing her dead son. People thought she had died. Krishna, Satyaki and the Pandavas raised her and revived her.
Seeing Krishna, Gandhari said See, there is Duryodhana. Where is Karna? Why is not here with him? Where is Shakuni? Where are Bhishma and Drona? He who had never lain on a hard bed, why does he lie on the bare ground? Get up son. Bhima and Arjuna are calling for a fight.
Krishna said Do no grieve. Your sons have what they deserved. Go with the Pandavas now. 

Kunti sees her sons

Gandhari then asked the Pandavas to greet their mother, Kunti. Kunti was overjoyed to see her sons, Krishna and Satyaki. She hugged her sons, her eyes full of tears.
Krishna said Why are your eyes wet? Yudhistira will now become the king.

Draupadi came and bowed down to all.

Gandhari then decided to go into the field to see the dead bodies of her sons. All the ladies, Krishna and the Pandavas went behind her.

Dhritarashtra hugs Iron Bhima

Sanjaya held the blind king and made him sit. The five Pandavas, Krishna and Satyaki sat in front of the king. This was all that was left of the Pandava camp.
Dhritarashtra said I want to see Bhima and hug him. He has been responsible for the death of all my sons. Come to me.
Saying this, he stretched his hands out.
Krishna knew this would happen and had already created an iron statue of Bhima. He brought that in front of Dhritarashtra. The king pressed the statue hard. The king was very strong and the statue crushed with his embrace. The king was happy. He had killed Bhima. He then had tears in his eyes.
Krishna then said Bhima is alive. I knew you would get enraged and this is the reason I had arranged for an iron statue of Bhima to be made. You will not get back Duryodhana by killing Bhima. You yourself said earlier that sons of Pandu are your sons. You yourself knew that this would happen. Your sons tried to kill the Pandavas on many occasions. Why do you want to be a sinner by killing Bhima?
Dhritarashtra said You have saved Bhima.
Saying this he stretched his hands and hugged and blessed the Pandavas.

The Pandavas then with Krishna where Gandhari was. Krishna knew that Gandhari would curse them. He said You yourself had told Duryodhana that the victory will be where there is justice. Your words have come true and justice has prevailed. Throw away your anger and accept the sons of Pandu as your own.

Gandhari said As your say Krishna, I will accept the Pandavas as my own but where do I throw my hurt? My hundred sons are dead.

Dhritarashtra goes to Kurukshetra

Vyasa said - Do not grieve for the departed. Let me tell you something. Once I was in the land of Brahma. There the earth came and said she wanted some relief. Vishnu said the demons that he had killed had been born as Kshatriyas. Brahma said Duryodhana will be born and will torment many.
Hearing this, the earth said how will be relieved.Brahma said Gods will born as sons of Pandu. Duryodhana will be born as son of Dhritarashtra. Vishnu as Krishna will be there to help the sons of Pandu when turmoil will start with who will gain the kingdom. Do not worry O Earth. You will be relieved off Duryodhana. This Duryodhana is your son. He had Karna as his friend and Shakuni as his adviser. Thus I tell you, do not grieve.

Sanjaya said Kings from many lands have come to pay their condolences.

Dhritarashtra asked Vidura to fetch the women. Vidura said Dhritarashtra is going to the battlefield where all your sons lie dead.

Hearing this, wails broke out. Vidura said Please control yourselves. The king wants you to come to the battlefield.
The women climbed on the chariots and left for the ground. They were crying away, cursing their fate and crying to their departed ones.

At that point, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya and Kritavarma came and met Dhritarashtra. They told him that all his sons were dead and Bhima had killed all of them. To take revenge they had killed the brothers and sons of Draupadi.

Hearing that Dhritarashtra was coming, the Pandavas decided to greet him. Yudhistira asked Krishna how should he face the King and Gandhari?
Krishna said Do not fear. I am the One who controls Life and Death. Do not fear for your life. I know Gandhari will not curse you. Please go and greet her and the king.

The five brothers and Krishna then went to meet the King. 

Dhritarashtra grieves for his sons

It was early morning when Sanjaya told Dhritarashtra about the death of Dhritarashtra. It was as if sky fell on him. He could not believe his ears. He was wondering why he was alive with all his sons dead. Taking the names of his sons, the blind king fell down. He cried out taking the names of Bhishma, Karna and Drona. He called out to Shakuni blaming him for all this. He said he was feeling like a bird whose wings had been cut. He said I had been told by all to control my sons else this would happen. I did not listen to anyone and see what has happened now. Sanjaya, it must be because of sins that I have committed that this happened to me. How will I tell people that the Bhishma who could not be defeated by Parashurama, and felled by Arjuna. This Arjuna defeated Drona and killed Karna.
Take me to the battlefield. I will go and kill the Pandavas. I will cut off Arjuna's head and then ask Yudhistira to rule.

Hearing this, Sanjaya said - You should be saying this. You are a learned person and these words do not do justice to you. You knew what would happen. Also remember, one who is born has to die. Your son was also advised many times but he too did not listen to anyone. He just listened to Dushshasana and Shakuni and Karna. He made fun of the elders. Pandavas asked for some villages and Krishna came and tried to mediate but that did not help. You yourself tried to talk to him. Did he listen? Get from the ground. Throw the fire of anger out before it burns you.

Vidura also came and consoled the king. He said Get up O king. Do not grieve. Death is the ultimate reality. Be aware that all have gone to heaven, having fallen in Kurukshetra.

Vyasa also came there and tried to talk to Dhritarashta and console him. 

Janmajeya asks a question

Janmajeya asked - You have told me about the great war where in the end only three warriors were left off the Kauravas.
Dhritarashtra hearing his sons were dead, how did he react? A son like Duryodhana was dead. How did his parents behave? How were the last rites of the departed performed?

Do tell, O sage.

The sage said Listen to me while I tell you all that happened.

Draupadi given the gem

The Pandavas along with Krishna, Vyasa and Narada returned back to the camp. All realized that Bhima was alive because of Krishna.
Bhima gave the gem to Draupadi. She said I feel better. I want to say something. Please give the gem to Yudhistira. Let it shine on his crown.
Yudhistira accepted. He then asked Krishna How did Ashwatthama manage to enter our camp and kill the Pandavas in the night? Who blessed him?
Krishna said Shiva had protected the Pandavas for the eighteen days of the war. Ahswatthama came when Shiva was about to leave. he pleased Shiva and managed to do this. Shiva is innocent. As Rudra he destroyed the sacrifice of Daksha and then again as Vyomkesh, he blessed Daksha. All Gods have done what they could by worshiping Shiva.
Krishna said Leave all grief aside. Get ready to take over the kingdom. Rule well.

Yudhistira took the blessings of Krishna and said he would follow his advice. 

Bhima goes after Ashwatthama

Yudhistira kept grieving - What is the use of the kingdom when I have lost my dear ones.

Bhima said this is destiny and there is no point crying. If you are there, you can regain everything back. This is a cycle of life and death. You do not know where you will be next. So do not grieve. The ones who have passed on have just left the body, their soul is there. You are a learned person. You should not grieve thus.

Draupadi said I will be consoled if you get me the head of Ashwatthama. On his head is a gem. I want that gem. Then I will be relieved. Else I will kill my self and die with my sons and brothers. You are the one who killed Kichaka and Hidimb and Jatasura. You can do this. You drank the blood of Dushshasana and broke the thighs of Duryodhana. As a brahmana, Ashwatthama has behaved like a rakshasa.

Bhima asked Yudhistira for permission. Yudhistira said this was fair. Bhima decided to leave with Nakula as his charioteer. Seeing this, Krishna said - Yudhistira, do not send Bhima to get Ashwatthama. He is a great archer and Bhima will die if he comes face to face with the son of Drona. Only a great archer can defeat him. Let me tell you something.  When you were in the forest, once Ashwatthama came to me in Dwaraka. He said he had the knowledge of the Brahmashira weapon and wanted to exchange that with my discus. I gave him my discus and he could not lift it. He said that the brahmashira weapon that was capable of destroying the world, and left. Yudhistira, for someone who has the knowledge of such a powerful weapon, you need to think and then decide.

Yudhistira said What do you say then? What should I do? Bhima has already left.

Krishna said Then let us follow him.
Saying this, Krishna along with Arjuna left to catch Aswatthama. Yudhistira followed them.

Ashwatthama seeing Bhima, took a blade of grass, and reciting a mantra hurled that towards Bhima. The grass became a ferocious weapon. Blazing, it sped towards Bhima. Seeing this, Krishna asked Arjuna to use a weapon taught by Drona to counter this weapon. Arjuna released the weapon.  The earth started shaking and it seemed that all would get destroyed.

Suddenly Narada and Vyasa came there and stood in the middle of the weapons. They said the earth would end if they did not withdraw their weapons. Arjuna, with the help of mantras withdrew his weapon. Arjuna did so. Ashwatthama said he had released the grass in anger and did not know how to withdraw it. The weapon once released had to kill. It would kill the unborn child of Abhimanyu and return back.

Arjuna said he wanted to cut off the head of Ashwatthama. Vyasa asked Ashwatthama to give the gem, he had on his head, to Arjuna. Vyasa said When you take the gem out, a wound will form. That will never heal. For years, you will roam the earth in pain.

Ashwatthama gave the gem to Arjuna. Vyasa said I will try to relieve you a bit. On earth, if people take your name three times and drop some oil, that oil will soothe some of your pain. The ones who take your name three times before applying oil on their bodies, will be relieved of their sins. Aswatthama then left.

When the weapon entered the womb of Uttara, Krishna entered the womb and revived the unborn child. 

Yudhistira's and Draupadi's grief

Janmajeya asked - What happened when the Pandavas realized what had happened?
The sage said -
The charioteer of Dhristadyumna had managed to escape somehow. With the sun rising, he decided to inform the Pandavas about this.
He found Yudhistira and said The army of the Pandavas has been killed in the night. Dhristadyumna, the sons of Draupadi and many brave warriors have been killed by Ashwatthama who entered our camp in the middle of the night. All were sleeping and never realized what struck them. All are dead except me. I somehow was left for dead. Having managed to escape, I have come here to inform you.

Yudhistira was angry. He said - What Gods assisted him? How did he manage to do this? The brave warriors would have been sleeping tired from battle and they were killed thus. The sons of Draupadi were jewels of our eyes and they were mercilessly killed.

He then sat down on the ground and said - What I wanted and what have I finally got? All is lost. I was happy with the sages in the forest. I have not recovered from the shock of losing Abhimanyu and I am hearing this now.

Draupadi fainted when she heard this. Shrieking loudly, she started crying out for her sons and her brothers. She said I have been through hardships all my life. When Arjuna won me, I lived in the forests and worked like a maid. And what do I get in return? I was insulted in front of all and my clothes were snatched off me. I was insulted by Kichaka and was saved by Bhima. 

Duryodhana dies

With great effort, Duryodhana raised himself a bit, supporting himself on his elbows. He wanted to see the heads of the Pandavas. Aswatthama gave him the bundle. Duryodhana picked the head that resembled Bhima, crushed that with his fists. The head broke. He was surprised. He then hit the other heads which easily broke.
Duryodhana said these are not the Pandavas. The head that could withstand the blows of maces could not so easily crush with his fists.
He then said to Ashwatthama - You have killed the sons of Draupadi and thus not left anyone alive in our Kuru dynasty.

Grieving, Duryodhana died.

Ashwatthama said I had promised that I will kill the Pandavas. I still have the weapon of Brahma. I will use that on the Pandavas.

The sun was about to rise. Seeing that, the three went and hid somewhere.

Ashwatthama enters the Pandava camp

Shiva said that would not possible.
Ashwatthama said In case that he would kill himself there in front of Shiva.
Shiva relented. Ashwatthama then asked for the sword of Shiva. Shiva gave that and vanished.
Ashwatthama asked Kripa to guard the gate and kill anyone who tried to escape, while he went inside.

Ashwatthama saw Dhristadyumna sleeping. He caught him. Dhristadyumna, waking up asked Ashwatthama to fight with him and let him fight, and not just cut off his head.
Ashwatthama said you killed my father and I will kill you like an animal. Dhristadyumna pleaded with Ashwatthama, asking for a chance to fight.
Not listening to him, Ashwatthama started kicking and hitting Dhristadyumna. He kept hitting him till all his bones were broken.

A big noise broke out in the camp. The ones who tried to escape were killed by Kripa and Kritavarma.

Ashwatthama saw the five sons of Draupadi. In the dim light, thinking they were the Pandavas, Ashwatthama cut off their heads. Thinking the Pandavas had been killed, he collected their heads and tied that in a bundle.

He then attacked Shikhadi and killed him also.

he then came out and said he had done his job. The Pandavas were dead.

They went to Duryodhana and there Ashwatthama said I have killed your enemies. The Pandavas are dead.

Ashwatthama meets Shiva

Ashwatthama got angry hearing the words of Kripa. He said he would go ahead with his plan, and if none would come with him, then he would go alone. He would kill the son of Drupada and the Pandavas in their camp. Any one who came to their rescue would also get killed. I have promised the king that I will do so, and I will make sure I succeed. Also, the day Dhristadyumna killed my father, I promised myself that I would kill him.
Kripa was quiet.
Ashwatthama went near the camp, with Kripa and Kritavarma following him.
Near the camp they saw a person. He was covered in ashes and had matted hair. With a two headed drum in hand, he was wearing tiger skin. This was Shiva who was acting as the doorkeeper. He asked Ashwatthama not to go inside. Ashwatthama said he would go and asked the person to step aside.
Shiva said I am the doorkeeper here and you will need to fight me to get inside.
Angry Ashwatthama started shooting arrows which were all swallowed by Shiva.
Ashwatthama realized that this was not any ordinary person.
He said You do not seem to be in pain after swallowing my weapons. My quiver is empty but you are standing peacefully. Please tell me Who are you?
Shiva revealed his identity.
He then said He would stay there till he was instructed to leave.
Not knowing what to do, Ashwatthama built a Shiva Linga with sand and started worshiping that.

Shiva pleased asked Ashwatthama what he wanted. Ashwatthama said he wanted Shiva to leave.

Ashwatthama plans to kill the Pandavas

Ashwatthama along with Kripacharya and Kritavarma then left in the night for the Pandava camp. They groped their way and then sat below a tree. There they saw an owl devouring the sleeping birds. Seeing this Ashwatthama said - This is the way to kill the Pandavas.
Kripa said this was not the correct way to kill an enemy. A sleeping enemy was not to be attacked. Duryodhana brought about this condition by not listening to advice, and you are doing the same now. You want to defeat the Pandavas, ask for a war and fight. If you are not convinced, let us talk to Dhritarashtra and see what he says.

Ashwatthama made commander

Janmajeya asked - What happened after this?
The sage said -

Ashwatthama, son of Drona, came to Duryodhana. He said - You made a bad choice of making Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Shalya as commanders. If you had made me the commander, I would have won the war for you by now. Make me the commander now and I will kill the Pandavas for you.

Duryodhana said I realize now that the others were close to the Pandavas. I make you the commander. Go and kill the Pandavas for me.

Duryodhana asked Kripa to fetch some water. With the water, Duryodhana declared the son of Drona as the commander of the army of Kauravas. 

Duryodhana rebukes Krishna

Hearing Krishna's words, Duryodhana got up a little, supporting himself on his elbows. He said - Krishna, I now realize you the main culprit. You had planned all this. To you the sons of Pandu should have been the same like the sons of Dhritarashtra.

Krishna said You touched a pure Draupadi with your hands. The kings like Karna dies because of your sins. You sealed your fate when you killed Abhimanyu.

Duryodhana said I behaved like a Kshatriya. I will go to heaven with the heroes. Yudhistira can rule with the widows.

Balarama said I will kill Bhima, who did this to Duryodhana.

Krishna stopped him and said Where was your anger when Draupadi was insulted by asking her to sit on his thigh? That was was the day when Bhima promised he would break the thighs of Duryodhana. You will not know as you were not there. Hear this. There was a sage called Maitreya who used to loose his temper easily. The sage cursed Duryodhana that Bhima would break his thighs.

Balarama calmed down and but still kept abusing Bhima. He then left the place.

Slowly everyone returned to their camps. 

Bhima kicks Duryodhana

Bhima said to the fallen Duryodhana - You insulted Draupadi in front of all. This is a result of that.
Duryodhana was quiet. Bhima kicked him on his head, with his left foot.
Yudhistira stopped Bhima and said this was not proper. Kicking someone was not proper, and never on the head.
To Duryodhana - Yudhistira said You have lost all. Today you lie on the ground and your crown is in the dust. All I had asked was for five villages. You could have given that and none of this would have happened. How will Dhritarashtra live, knowing that all his sons are dead? How will I face Gandhari?
Krishna hearing this said - Do not pity him. He dragged Draupadi in the court when she was wearing a single garment. He tried to burn you alive in the house of Lac. He does not deserve kindness.

Bhima breaks Duryodhana's thighs

The Gods came to see the fight between Bhima and Duryodhana. The two were shouting and trying to hit each other like two bulls fighting. Bhima hit Duryodhana many times and Duryodhana fell, but got up again swiftly. He then struck Bhima who fell on the ground and was unable to get up.
Yudhistira asked Krishna about this. Krishna said Duryodhana is stronger than Bhima. Yudhistira said Does that mean we will not win?
Krishna said Calm down.
Bhima got up. Krishna, in a playful manner slapped his thigh. He reminded Bhima about his promise.
Bhima remember this. He also remembered that Balarama had said while teaching him, that he was never to strike anyone below the navel. He was afraid of Balarama. Then he decided to try that ignoring the fact that he could become subject to the anger of Balarama.
Bhima jumped in the air with his mace. Duryodhana thought Bhima would strike his head. Bhima swung the mace and hit Duryodhana on his thigh. He then struck on the other thigh. Duryodhana fell with both his thighs broken.