Pandavas on the mount Meghnad

Janmajeya said - Please tell me where my forefathers went. Which mountains did they cross? How did they reach the heaven? How did Yudhistira step into the heaven in his human form?
Vaishampayana said -
Having taken leave of Dhaumya, the Pandavas concentrated on the name of Krishna. They had a bath in the waters of Ganga rubbed their bodies with the mud from the river bed. They changed into fresh clothes and offered their prayers to the Sun God.
They crossed many mountains and forests and continued on their path, walking day and night. They met many sages on the way. They then reached the mountain called Meghnad. It was a wonderful sight. They saw many sages performing austere penances on the mountain.
On the mountain were rakshasas. They saw the Pandavas and went to their king. They said five men and one woman was coming their way. The woman was fit for the king.
The king came ready for battle.
The Pandavas suddenly found their path blocked by the rakshasas.
The rakshasa asked the Pandavas who they were.
Yudhistira said We are from the Lunar Dynasty, sons of Pandu. We have left our kingdom and going towards heaven. Allow us to go.
The rakshasa said Fight me first and then go. I have heard that Bhima and Arjuna are skilled in killing rakshasas. Let me see that skill. Once we have fought, I will let you go in peace.
The rakshasas, seeing their chance, forcibly dragged Draupadi away.
Yudhistira kept quiet.
Bhima said to Yudhistira - The rakshasas are dragging away Draupadi. Why are you quiet?
Yudhistira looked at the scared Draupadi.
Bhima was angry. With his mace not there, Bhima lifted a tree and began fighting with that. He asked the rakshasas to release Draupadi. With that he began swinging the tree, killing many rakshasas with that.
Seeing this, rakshasa king begged for forgiveness. He released Draupadi.
Yudhistira hugged Bhima and the Pandavas resumed their journey. 

Differences in the Parva between Vyasa and Kasidas

In this Parva, like many other, there is a difference between what Vyasa wrote and what Kasidas had.

1. Vyasa has two parvas, Mahaprasthanika Parva (The Book of the Great Journey) and Svargarohana Parva (The Book of the Ascent to Heaven) which is merged into one Swargarohan Parva.
2. The reasons for the deaths of the Pandava brothers differ between the two versions.
3. The dog, following Yudhistira, is mentioned much later.

Yudhistira's grief and decision to leave

Hearing these words of Arjuna, Yudhistira fell on the ground. Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, Draupadi and Parikshita also could not control their grief. All started crying out, grieving for Krishna.

The one who saved us in Kurukshetra is no more. With the help of whom, Khandava was burnt, is no longer with us. He who saved us by being the charioteer of Arjuna, not with us. When Draupadi was being insulted and disrobed and her five husbands could not do anything, Krishna helped her. That Krishna is not there. He, who saved the Pandavas from the rage of Durvasa is gone. When we wanted to leave all after the war, it was Krishna who made us stay back and rule.

Yudhistira called his brothers and said There is no point staying here. We will go where Krishna has gone and be united with him. Call the brahmins and we will distribute our wealth among them.

Hearing this, his brothers said We will go where you go. You will lead us.
Draupadi said You cannot leave me. I am wedded to all five of you. I will also go along with you.

Yudhistira agreed. A messenger was sent to Mathura. Vraja was informed of this. Vraja came to them. Yudhistira crowned Vraja the king of Indraprastha and Praikshita was crowned the king of Hastinapura.

Then seeing an auspicious moment, the Pandavas along with Draupadi came out of the palace. They took leave of the Guru Kripacharya and the priest Dhaumya.

He said to his subjects - Do not grieve for us. Parkishita is now your king. He will rule and lead you. Support him.

Saying this, they took the name of Krishna and started east wards. Arjuna saw a tall man standing there. The man said He was Agni. He said he had come to collect the Gandiva and the inexhaustible quivers.
Arjuna gave that to Agni. Agni left and the Pandavas bowed to him and resumed their journey.

Arjuna gives the news to Yudhistira

Janmajeya said - Hearing this epic from you makes me feel blessed. Please tell me more of the creation of the great Vyasa.
The sage continued -

In Hastinapura, Yudhistira was seated on his gem studded throne. Bhima was holding the umbrella over him. The sons of Madri were fanning him. Suddenly Yudhistira saw ill omens. Jackals were howling in the day time. Vultures were crying and flying in the sky. Thunder could be heard but no clouds could be seen. People were restless and were fighting with each other.
Yudhistira felt restless. He was not sure what had happened. Arjuna was away in Dwaraka and there was no news of him. He decided to send a messenger to get news of Arjuna. He was thinking what to do, when he got the news of Arjuna's arrival.
Arjuna was taking the name of Krishna and had tears in his eyes. He was moving very slowly. Yudhistira wondered what had happened.
Yudhistira asked Why do you look so frail and weak? Daruka came to fetch you and after that I have no news of you or Krishna. Do tell me all is fine. I am seeing ill omens and I am not sure what to make out of those. Is it something that I did, because of which Krishna is angry with me? Was there a quarrel with Balarama? Without Krishna, the Pandavas have no identity.

Arjuna fell on the ground taking the name of Krishna.

Yudhistira said What have you done? Has Krishna forsaken us? Tell me how is Krishna? Why did Daruka come?

Arjuna said I do not know how to say this, but now the world is without Krishna. The friend of Pandavas is no more. Because of the curse, the people of Dwaraka fought with each other and killed themselves. All are dead. Balarama gave up his body. Krishna was resting under a tree and was killed by a hunter. All is lost now with the passing of Krishna. 

Arjuna defeated and the women turn to stone

Daruka said to Arjuna - The wives of Krishna are now your responsibility. Only you can protect them now. Please take them away. The ocean will soon engulf the city and all will be destroyed. Escape from here. I will retire into the forest.

Arjuna took Krishna's wives and started for Hastinapura. The ocean came into the city. Only a part of Krishna's palace was visible. Krishna had stayed on the earth for one hundred and five years.

Some Daityas saw Arjuna leaving with the women. They decided to capture the women. They all got together and attacked. Seeing this Arjuna picked up his Gandiva, the bow that he had got when he had burned the Khandava forest. He was barely able to life the bow. When he did manage to lift it, he was unable to string it. He was surprised. Arjuna tried to throw arrows at the daityas. The weapons struck them like blades of grass. Arjuna tried to think of the celestial weapons but he was unable to remember them. He remembered the weapon of Brahma but forgot how to invoke the weapon.

The daityas snatched the women and took off with them.

Arjuna spotted Vyasa and went to him. He said he was unable to protect anyone. He was unable to wield the Gandiva and the quiver that would never exhaust itself was empty.

Vyasa said All is the wish of Krishna. Do not go against that. Do not worry for the women of Krishna. The moment they are touched by the daityas/ robbers, the women will turn into stone and will be united with Krishna.

Arjuna wanted to know about that. Vyasa said In the court of Indra, lived the singing minstrels, the Vidyadharis. They were born on the earth as the wives of Krishna. Once they had gone for a bath in the Yamuna, when they spotted the sage Ashtvakra. Seeing the sage, they laughed at the sage who was very ugly and whose body was bent in eight places. Angry the sage cursed them to be abducted by the daityas. The women fell at the feet of the sage and begged for forgiveness. The sage said the moment they were touched by the daityas, the women would turn to rock and be united with their Lord.

Arjuna sees the body of Krishna

In Hastinapura, Druka met Yudhistira. He said Krishna sent his best wishes and was missing his best friend Arjuna and wanted to meet him. Daruka had come to fetch Arjuna.
The Pandavas asked Daruka to relax and be comfortable. Having seen all the dead Yadavas, Daruka was anxious to hurry back fast.
Yudhistira wondered why the charioteer of the Supreme Being was so anxious to hurry back. He asked Daruka - Why do you look so restless? How are the Yadava elders and great heroes doing? How is Krishna?
With folded hands Daruka said - I will tell you all in time. Please send Arjuna with me now. Krishna wants to see him.
Yudhistira gave permission.

Arjuna was surprised to Dwaraka. This was not the city he knew. It was quiet. No men were seen. Only women were around. All faces looked sad. Flocks of vultures and crows were flying around.

Arjuna spotted Vasudeva along with Devaki and Rohini. He went to them and bowing to them, asked what was the reason for this?
No one said a work. All they did was take the name of Krishna. Tears were flowing from their eyes.

Daruka said - If you want to see the Lord, please hurry. All the Yadava men are in one place.

Arjuna and Daruka arrived at Prabhasa. There Arjuna saw the dead Yadavas. He then spotted the body of Balarama and seeing that he began crying.
Then moving around, he went to the tree and there he saw the body of Krishna.

Arjuna went and lifted the body of Krishna in his hands. He began crying out. O Krishna. Where have you gone. You are the soul of all. How will I live without you. Whenever I came here, I was relieved and felt calm when I saw you. Where have you gone. You have Krishna and Arjuna are the same. How could you then leave me and go? Please look at me once and address me as your friend. You are lying on the bare ground and the sun's harsh rays are coming on your face. How will I go back to Hastinapura? What will I tell my brothers and Draupadi? I am unfortunate that I am alive when you are gone.

Daruka said to Arjuna - Please control yourself. Please perform the last rites for all the departed ones.

Piles of sandal wood was organized. Vasudeva, Rohini, Devaki and Revati, wife of Balarama, entered the pyre.

Arjuna performed the last rites of all.

Krishna leaves his mortal body

Praise to Krishna, who respecting Gandhari's curse, destroyed his own clan.

No one was alive there, except him. Krishna decided to give up his body. He sat down under a tree, one foot resting on the ground, the other crossed over, and pointed in the air.

Jara, the hunter, happened to pass by. He saw Krishna's foot and thought this was an ear of a deer. He used the arrow that he had crafted from the piece of the iron club, that he had got. The arrow struck Krishna.

Jara came rushing to fetch his kill. He was shocked to see Krishna, wounded by his arrow. Jara fell on the ground and began pleading for forgiveness saying he had no clue he would end up committing such a blunder.

Krishna said Do not worry. You have done nothing wrong. As Rama, I had gone to the forest to uphold the word of my father, Dasharatha. My wive, Sita, was captured by Ravana. Searching for her, I came across some vanaras. They said they were hiding because of Vali. I killed that Vali. You were Angada, son of Vali. After the war with Ravana was over, I wanted to give you something for your help. You had said you wanted to kill the one who had killed your father. Today your wish is fulfilled. Go to heaven.

With drums and musical instruments playing in the heaven, Krishna left his mortal body. 

Balarama passes away

Thus Krishna and Satyaki kept insulting each other. Kritavarma heard this. He said to Satyaki - How dare you insult Krishna. You think you have done a great deed by killing Bhurishrava. You have insulted me too. Yes, I fought for the Kauravas.I did not kill the Pandava sons there. It was all done by the son of Drona. Why do you pull my name into that, as a killer? I will kill you now.

Satyaki said See who is feeling the pinch now. I will make an end of you now.
Saying this, Satyaki rushed and killed Kritavarma with his sword.

Seeing this, fight broke out. Groups formed and each started fighting the other. Arrows started flying in the sky. People were killing each other.

Krishna and Balarama stood still, looking at the massacre happening.

Spears went flying, hitting each other. Rocks were hurled at each other. Soon the people who survived exhausted all their weapons.

Krishna pointed out to the clump of grass that had grown where the club had been ground. He asked the people to use that as a weapon. The people, not thinking, did just that. They started hitting each other with the grass. The grass struck the others like iron clubs.

Soon all were dead. Krishna then called Daruka. He said - Go to Dwaraka. Take Braja with you and take him to Mathura. Take the women folk also with you. It is time for me to leave this earth. Seven days from now, will be a full moon of the month of Kartika. Under the Kirttika constellation, that will be the day when the ocean will engulf Dwaraka. Once you have done this, you will then go to Hastinapura. From there, fetch Arjuna for me. Braja is my great grand son. He is the son of Aniruddha and thus the grand son of Pradyumna.

Daruka left with Braja, son of Aniruddha and Usha. He left Braja in Mathura. Then he went back to Dwaraka and gave Krishna's message. Hearing this, all fell in a swoon.
He then went back where Krishna was.

All except Krishna and Balarama were dead. Krishna asked to Daruka to rush to Hastinapura and fetch Arjuna.

Sad at the sight of things, Daruka left for Hastinapura.

Krishna then said to Balarama - Please stay here. I will go to Dwaraka and visit our parents and inform them. Till then, do not move from here.

Krishna went and told his parents - We went to Prabhasa to counter the effects of the ill omens. There all lost their lives. Only myself and Balarama survived. Heave with grief, Balarama has decided not to return back. I myself have decided to quit this life. Forget all longings of this life. Get engrossed in devotion and love of God.

Krishna came back where Balarama was. The brothers hugged each other. Balarama then sat in a yogic pose and gave up his life. 

Krishna and Satyaki insult each other

Krishna smiled and said I am aware of your valor. I want to hear from you. I know you fought with Karna once and then had to flee. You fought Drona and there too you fled. Bhurisharava would have killed you, if Arjuna had not intervened. You killed Bhurishrava when he was nearly dead, with his hands cut off. You are not fit to be a hero. Go elsewhere and set your own clan.

All who heard this wondered. Satyaki was very dear to Krishna. How could Krishna say this to him?

Satyaki had been drinking. He started shivering in rage. He said - How dare you talk to me thus? You think no one knows off your great deeds? You knew of the attack on the sons of Pandavas thus you told them to sleep elsewhere. You used cunning methods to win the battle, and then you sit, praised by all. You are s shrewd person, a sinner. You grew up among the cow herds of Vrindavana and are thus known as Gopala. You have become proud. How could you insult me? When Yudhistira performed the Rajsuya sacrifice, Bhishma suggested that you be worshiped. Many kings protested. You did not say anything. I even doubt your parentage. Vasudeva Vasudeva had gone to attend the swayamvara of the daughter of the king, Devak. Your father, seeing her, captured and took her away forcibly. Your father was attacked by the other suitors. My father helped Vasudeva escape. Somdatta was a person was defeated. He had then prayed to avenge the insult and Bhurishrava was born.
Pandavas are dear to you. You brought about their downfall.It is because of you, that they lost their dear ones.

Krishna and Balarama start their journey for Prabhasa

Where the men had ground the club, there suddenly grew wild grass. The piece of metal that had been thrown in the water, was swallowed by a huge fish. The fish was caught and brought to the royal kitchen. When the fish was cut open, the iron piece was found. A hunter called Jara, asked for the iron piece so that he could form an arrow from that. He was given that piece.

Krishna, meanwhile, went to Balarama. He said We have stayed here for a long time. We have done what we had come to do. There is no point in delaying our departure any longer. It is time for us to leave Dwaraka and return back. Before we go, we need to initiate the destruction of the city. Let us go to Prabhasa for a bath in the waters.

Balarama agreed and both Krishna and Balarama started for Prabhasa with their family members. On the way they saw many ill omens. An earthquake happened. Comets were seen in the sky. Weird noises were heard. Many buildings began falling down. Dogs and Jackals were heard howling. People began running around, looking for their dear ones.

The Gods in the heaven began praying to Krishna. They said You have been on earth for long. This creation is yours. Please find a way to leave this and return.
Krishna said In due course I will be returning back.This Dwaraka was my creation. The destruction of this has been initiated. Once this is gone, I will be back.

Krishna called the young men of the royal family and said - Ill omens have been seen around. Please have a dip in the holy waters of Prabhasa. That will bring relief from the omens.

He then went to Ugrasena and his father and said it was time for him to leave the world.

While only the women stayed back, all the men of Dwaraka went along with Krishna towards Prabhasa.

On the way Krishna asked Satyaki - Tell me how you fought in the great battle along with the Pandavas.

Satyaki said - I fought with all my might. I contributed my part and killed many great warriors. You yourself were there and saw how I fought.

Samba gives birth to a club

Having heard all this, Janmajeya asked the sage - What did Krishna do after he left?
The sage said -
Krishna roamed  around in Dwaraka with his eight of his wives, Rukmini, Jambavati, Satyabhama, Nagnajiti, Bhadra, Mitravindi, Kalindi and Madri, who took care of him and served him well.
Seeing this in heaven, Brahma said Krishna went to earth to serve a purpose. He was there to kill the evil and give relief to the earth. He has done that. It now time for him to return back.

Krishna also realized this. He looked around. Every thing was fine. All were living peacefully. No one fought with each other. He wondered what to do. The people were living well. This also was destined to end. How would this happen? He then remembered Gandhari's curse. Not a single person would be left alive.

Krishna went to his father, Vasudeva. He asked him to perform a sacrifice and invite all great sages for that. Vasudeva agreed. Sages were invited. They began coming.

The sons of Krishna saw the sages coming and they decided to play a prank. They asked Samba, son of Jambavati to dress up as a pregnant woman. Samba dressed up in wonderful clothes, flowers and jewels. Fruits were added in the body to give the form of breasts. An iron ball was hidden in the dress, that gave the appearance of pregnancy. They took Samba where the sages were and said - This woman has been pregnant for long. How will she have a child? When will it be?

The sages closed their eyes and realized what was happening. One of them said - O Sons of Krishna, You are playing a trick on us. This is not part of your nature. The iron ball that you have used to depict pregnancy will be the cause of the destruction of your dynasty.

Hearing this, the sons of Krishna were scared. Samba then started screaming in pain and gave birth to an iron club (mushala). They were wondering what to do. What they had done was for jest. They had never realized that this would take such a serious turn. They were afraid of facing Krishna, fearing his rage.

Krishna knew this. He went to his sons. He asked them why they were quiet. They told him what had happened. Hearing this, Krishna said - Do not worry. Take the club to the banks of the river at Prabhasa. There, rub the club on the rocks and grind it.

They did that and began rubbing and grinding the club. Soon it was almost powdered except a small triangular piece. It was so small that they were unable to grind it. They flung that piece in the water and left for Dwaraka.

Coming back, they told Krishna what had happened. Krishna told them not to worry. 

Yudhistira returns back

Vyasa then asked Yudhistira to return back to Hastinapura.
Hearing this, the brothers greeted the elders and left for their kingdom reluctantly.

Yudhistira began ruling his kingdom, his mind always wondering what Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti and Sanjaya were doing in the forest.

One day Narada came to meet Yudhistira. Yudhistira greeted the sage. Narada said I have come to tell you something. In the forest, one day, Dhritarashtra was doing a fire sacrifice. After the worship, he forgot to extinguish the fire.
Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti and Sanjaya were all meditating.The fire from the sacrifice burnt the huts and in the fire, all four perished.  Perform their last rites.

Hearing this, Yudhistira fell on the ground. Then regaining himself, the last rites of the dead elders was performed.

The departed warriors descend

Vyasa called out to the Pandavas and others to come and meet the countless warriors who had come.
Bhishma came first, dressed in white and conch necklace around his neck and with weapons in his hand. Drona came dressed in white, with glowing skin and divine weapons in his hand.
With a cloth around his neck and clad in armor, Karna came there.
Jayadhrata and the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra came there. Shakuni, his sons and Susharma arrived. Ghatotkacha and Abhimanyu then came, followed by Drupada, Dhristadyumna and Shikhandi.
Vyasa gave divine vision to Dhritarashtra who was able to see his sons.
All met their dear ones. Dhritarashtra and Gandhadi greeted their sons. Kunti met and greeted Karna. Uttara met and spoke to Abhimanyu. Draupadi greeted her five sons, father and brothers.
Duryodhana and his brothers had no enmity left. They cordially greeted all.
It was time to leave. While leaving, the dead warriors asked their wives to accompany them. Uttara was ready to accompany Abhimanyu. Seeing this, Yudhistira said If Uttara goes, the young Parikshit will be mother less. Hearing this, Vyasa asked Uttara to stay back. All other women accompanied their husbands.

The night ended and soon it was dawn.

Vyasa consoles Dhritarashtra

The Pandavas were grieving for Vidura when Vyasa came there.  He said to Yudhistira - Why do you cry? Do you not know that Vidura and you are both sons of Dharma. It is the curse of the sage Mandavya that made Dharma be born as Vidura. The aura of Vidura left his body and entered you. Which is why you felt stronger. Discard your grief.
The Pandavas began preparations for the last rites of Vidura. They performed the ceremony with full honors and then came and informed Dhritarashtra.
Dhritarashtra fell on the ground and was helped up by Vyasa. Lamenting, the blind king said - Vidura left and the sinner that I am, I am still here. I am still grieving for Duryodhana and now this.
Vyasa began consoling Dhritarashtra. He said Let me tell you an old tale.
Once the earth was tormented by the daityas. Not able to bear this, the earth took the shape of a cow and went to the Gods for help. Brahma said he would do something.
Along with the other Gods Brahma went to the cosmic ocean where Vishnu was. Vishnu asked the Gods to be born of earth while He himself would be born as the son of Vasudeva.
Soon the snake Ananta was born as Balarama, son of Rohini and Vasudeva, and Vishnu was born as the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva. Dharma/ Yama was born as Yudhistira. Vayu was born as Bhima, Indra was born as Arjuna and the twin gods Ashwini Kumar were born as the sons of Madri. Agni was born as Dhristadyumna. Lakshmi was born in part as Draupadi and you, are Kubera born.
Your son Duryodhana was an incarnation of Kali (The pronunciation is different from Kali, the consort of Shiva. Here the A and I have a short sound. This Kali is a demon).
Karna was a part of the Sun and a Vasu was born as Bhishma. Dharma was also born as Vidura. Brihaspati was born as Drona. A part of Rudra was Kripa. Chandra was born as Abhimanyu.

While Vyasa was talking to Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas went to meet their mother. They met Gandhari and bowed down to her. They then met Kunti who hugged and kissed all.

Vyasa then came and said he would be going to Dwaraka and before that if something was needed from him, they needed to tell him now.

Gandhari said I have been grieving for my sons. I would like to see my sons once. Kunti said she wanted to see Karna once. Draupadi said she wanted to see her five sons and Abhimanyu.
Dushala said she wanted to see Jayadhrata.
Yudhistira said he wanted to see Bhishma, Drona, Shalya and the other dead warriors.

Vyasa closed his eyes and asked for the dead warriors to appear there. Hearing his prayer, the warriors started descending from heaven.  

Passing of Vidura

Yudhistira returned home with his brothers and Draupadi. He was feeling devastated. All were sad. No one had food that day. They were missing the elders. After talking, they decided to go to the forest and go to them.
They all started. The Pandavas, Draupadi, Subhadra, Uttara, Parikshit, wives of the Kauravas, Dushala all started their journey. A big army of people followed them.
They reached the banks of Ganga and had a bath in the waters. They then proceeded to the Dwaipayana forest. They saw Dhritarashtra sitting in front of his hut with folded hands.
They went and bowed down to him.
Dhritarashtra, not able to see, asked who this was.
Yudhistira identified himself. Dhritarashtra hugged the Pandavas. He asked if all was well.
Yudhistira said How will things be well when you are here? I do not see our mothers. Where are Gandhari and Kaunti? Where is Vidura?
Dhritarashtra said Your mothers are in an adjoining hut. Vidura, I do not know where he is. He has given up on food and spends his days on the banks of the river. I barely meet him.
Hearing this, Yudhistira went towards the river bank. There they saw Vidura sitting below a banyan tree, meditating.
The Pandavas went and called out to him. There was no response from him.
They wondered if Vidura was angry and that is why he is not responding.
Suddenly Yudhistira Vidura looking at him. Vidura then blinked his eyes and Yudhistira saw the soul of Vidura slip away from his body. Vidura fell lifeless.  The Gods started showering flowers.
He felt something had entered his body. He felt doubly strong and wise.

Dhritarashtra leaves the palace

When Yudhistira heard that Dhritarashtra was leaving, he along with his brothers and Draupadi came to stop them. They tried to convince them. They said they were willing to go off to the forest if that would please them.
Kunti said Please do not try to stop us.
Vidura said Please listen to me Yudhistira. You are thinking from your heart.
Dhritarashtra said I want to give some alms to the brahmins. As I have discarded everything, I ask Yudhitira to give me something that I can give away.
Yudhistira said All is yours. We are yours.
Saying this, he asked his brothers to get wealth to be given away. The four brothers went and got a lot. Happy Dhritarashtra and Gandhari gave that away to the brahmins.
Gandhari hugged and blessed the Pandavas.
Then holding Gandhari's hand, Dhritarashtra slowly walked away. Sanjaya went on their side. Vidura led the way. Kunti went along.

Leaving the land, they came to the river Ganga where they had a bath. They spent the night on the banks of the river. Early morning, they went northwards to the forest of Dwaipayana.

They went inside where they saw many sages living there. There they decided to stay. They built huts there. Vidura and Sanjaya helped to make sure Kunti, Gandhari and Dhritarashtra were comfortable.

The sages came and from them , Dhritarashtra and the others learnt how to meditate and lead their lives. They learnt mantras and how to recite them and how to do japa.

Thus, they stayed in the forest. 

Dhritarashtra prepares to leave

Dhritrarashtra stayed for five more years. He was constantly thinking of how to convince Yudhistira and leave the palace. He went to Gandhari and said - I am feeling imprisoned here. Every time I am here, I feel I could have done things differently and situations would have been different. What is the way in which I can be relieved?
Gandhari said A life away from family ties is what is needed. I want to retire to the forest and spend my life in meditation. This is a life that I want to lead and Yudhistira should not stop me.

The next day morning, Dhritarashtra sent for Vidura. He said he had decided to leave the palace and would not listen to Yudhistira anymore. Vidura said he would come along also.

Dhritarashtra and Vidura took off the royal robes and dressed in plain clothes. Gandhari did the same too. Sanjaya heard this and said he wanted to go with them too.

When Kunti heard this, she went to Dhritarashtra. She said she wanted to accompany them. Dhritarashtra accepted her. 

Yudhistira goes to Dhritarashtra

Vidura approached Yudhistira. He praised him for the way he was ruling the kingdom and then gave Dhritarashtra's message.
Yudhistira was shocked. Why did his uncle want to go to the forest? He decided to go and talk to Dhritarashtra himself.
He fell at his feet and said Why do you want to leave us? If you want your son to be crowned, I will make Yuyutsu the king.
Dhritarashtra hugged him and said You have not committed any wrong. You are ruling well and treating your subjects well. Yuyutsu was born off a maid and is not fit to be crowned. Take care of him as your own.
Yudhistira held on to Dhritarashtra's feet asking him to stay back. 

The Mongoose tale is missing

The tale of the golden mongoose is missing here in the version of Kasidas. I looked through many versions of the Bengali books, assuming that the printer may have omitted the part by mistake, but I did not find that.

The tale occurs towards the end of the version of Vyasa.

Below is the tale.

When the great sacrifice was over, gifts were given to all assembled. Flowers rained from the sky. Suddenly a mongoose came there. One side of its body had turned to gold. It started rolling on the ground. Then, in a loud voice it said to Yudhistira, Your sacrifice is not equal to the sacrifice of the poor brahmin who offered me powdered flour.
Yudhistira started worndering. He asked - Who are you? What do you know about sacrifices and their significance? Ones who were to be worshiped were given their due respect. No one was disregarded. Proper offerings were made in the fire . You seem to be wise. Your body is half gold. Please xplain what you mean.
The mongoose said -  I have not said anything which is false.  Let me tell you what happened to me and how my body became part gold. This happened in the house of a poor brahman who lives in Kurukshetra.  The brahmin lives in Kurukshetra with his wife, son and daughter-in-law. He used to have a meal at the end of the day. If there was nothing to eat, the family would fast. Once there was a famine. The brahman had nothing to eat at home. All crops had dried up. When the time for eating came, there was nothing to eat. It was the month of June and the sun was beating down on all. Somehow the brahman managed to get a few handfuls of flour. As soon as they were about to sit, a guest came. Seeing this person, the brahman gladly gave a portion of the flour to the guest. The guest was not satisfied. The brahman's wife gave her portion. Still not satisfied, the son then gave his portion to the guest. Similarly, the daughter in law also gave her portion.
The guest then took the form of Dharma and said he was pleased with the brahman's sacrifice and wanted to take him and his family to heaven with him.
I had been listening to the conversation. As soon as the family had left, I sniffed the flour lying on the flour, which was mixed with water and had flowers on it, which had rained from heaven. Half my body turned to gold.
Hearing of your sacrifice, I have come to convert the rest of my body to gold. That is why I said your sacrifice does not compare with the sacrifice of the brahman.
Saying this, the mongoose left.

Ending this tale, Vaishampayana said to Janmajeya - Do not ever pride in yourself. Do not harm anyone. Be content with what you have. Conduct yourself well. Be sincere.

Janmajeya asked - Please tell me who was this mongoose with a human voice?

The sage said - Once the sage Jamadagni started a sacrifice. His cow came to him, the sage milked the cow himself. He kept the milk in a vessel. The God Dharma, entered the vessel of milk. He spoiled the milk and wanted to see what would the reaction of the sage. Jamadagni knew he was being provoked. He did not budge. The Anger then took form of a woman and came before him. She said - O sage, I have been defeated by you.

The anger then took the form of a mongoose and approached Yudhistira. By having displeased Yudhistira, who was none other than Dharma, the mongoose lost its power and went back where it came from.

Dhritarashtra wants to leave the palace

Yudhistira thanked all who had participated in the sacrifice and gave them gifts.
Yudhistira began ruling the kingdom as a just and noble ruler. They took care of Dhritarashtra as their own father.
Dhritarashtra was constantly pained and hurt at the fact that he had lost all his sons in the hands of Bhima.
Gandhari tried to console the king. She said I know what you fell. Also remember, you were jealous of Bhima right from his childhood.
Dhritarashtra said Whenever I see Bhima, I think of my dead sons. I cannot fault Yudhistira.
When Dhritarashtra and Gandhari were talking, Vidura came there. He asked them the cause of their sorrow.
Dhritarashtra said I am regretting not listening to you, when you tried to advise me. I am pained when I see Bhima. His behavior towards me is different from the other brothers. He does not give the same respect as the others.
Vidura said Respect gets respect. If you treat Bhima with respect, you will get that from him. Yudhistira respects you a lot. He will do anything you say. If you tell him to leave the kingdom and retire, he will do that immediately.
Dhritarashtra said I like Yudhistira a lot. It is Bhima. I shudder when I think of him. He killed all my sons. I have seen a lot. I am planning to retire into the forest and lead the life of a mendicant, practicing yoga and meditation.
Vidura said How will you manage by yourself? You are old and blind. There are animals in the forest. Give gifts to the priests. Lead a cheerful life. You will feel happy. It is possible to meditate and practice an austere life while leading the life of a householder also.
Dhritarashtra said I trust you but I feel I will be at peace if I leave the palace. I am not afraid of the wild beasts. If that is my destiny, so be it.
Vidura said If you have made up your mind to leave, then allow me to come with you. I will be with you and serve you. We will need to take permission from Yudhistira.
Dhritarashtra asked Vidura to talk to Yudhistira.

The horse returns home

After having traveled around, the horse returned back to Hastinapura.
Yudhistira was given the news that Arjuna had returned back with the horse. Yudhistira asked the messenger to bring Arjuna near him.
Arjuna and Krishna went and bowed down to Yudhistira. Arjuna then bowed down to the sages who had arrived there. He then sat near Yudhistira and told him about his travels.
That day was spent in conversations.
The next day, Yudhistira took his seat in the sacrificial chamber. Dhritarashtra and Vidura sat next to him along with Arjuna. The kings who had come with Arjuna came and bowed down to Yudhistira.

The women along with Pramila all took there places near Gandhari.

Vyasa then asked Yudhistira to get the horse. He asked him to tell Bhima to take a bath and come there. Yudhistira did that, and Bhima came there, after having had his bath. Then horse was then bathed with the waters collected from many holy rivers.
Vyasa then asked Yudhistira to garland the horse. After that Vyasa asked Bhima to pick up a sword and cut off the head of the horse.
The moment Bhima did that, the head of the horse rose towards the sky. Instead of blood, milk began flowing from the body of the horse.
Mayurdhwaja, who had also come with his horse, completed his horse sacrifice there.

After the sacrifice, Krishna took permission from Yudhistira to leave for his kingdom. Along with Rukmini and Devaki, Krishna's mother, Krishna then left for Dwaraka. 

In the kingdom of Sindhu

The horse after this, traveled northwards. It went and entered the northern sea and went inside the water.
Seeing this, Arjuna asked Krishna, how will I get the horse back?
Krishna said I will enter the water and get the horse.
While all stayed on the bank, Krishna with Arjuna and Babruvahan entered the water. There was a small island on the water where a sage was sitting. Krishna and the others went to that island. The sage was sitting on the island with banyan leaves on his head. Krishna asked the sage why he was sitting there with the leaves on his head. Why had he not constructed a hut there?
The sage said He was not immortal so what was the use of constructing something which he would have to leave one day.
He then asked where the three were going? Arjuna said he was trying to find the sacrificial horse.
The sage said What was the use of the sacrifice when Krishna was with them.
Saying this, the sage started singing praises of Krishna. The horse also arrived there.
Taking the horse, they thanked the sage and left.

The horse then entered the kingdom of Sindhu that was ruled by Manibhadra, son of Jayadratha and Dushala.
Manibhadra greeted Arjuna and Arjuna

Arjuna asked Dushala and Manibhadra to go to Hastinapura and attend the horse sacrifice. 

Chandrahamsa

Vaishampayana continued -
The horse then the kingdom of Kaundnya which was ruled by the king Chandrahamsa. Hearing that the horse had entered his kingdom, the king had the horse captured. He felt that Krishna and Arjuna would come to free the horse and thereby he would get to see Krishna.
Arjuna heard about this and also heard that no one could enter the kingdom without the king's permission. Arjuna was worried when Narada appeared there. Arjuna bowed to the sage and asked him where the horse was.
Narada said - This kingdom is ruled by a devotee of Vishnu called Chandrahamsa. He has two valiant sons Makaraksha and Padmaksha. Chandrahamsa is a great king. Earlier the kingdom was ruled by a king called Dadhimukha. The king was childless and decided to hold a sacrifice to have a child. After many years, a son was born to him. The king, happy gave away a lot of wealth and gifts to all. The next day, the kingdom was attacked and the king was killed. At the funeral pyre of the king, the queen also jumped and burned herself to death. The child  was only three days old. He was brought up by a wet nurse. After some time, the nurse too died of dysentery. The child was then taken away by his maternal grandparents and brought up.
The child began growing up there and was named Chandrahamsa. He was a very handsome and good looking boy.
Dhristabuddhi was an evil minister in the kingdom. He gave poison to the king and killed him, and then over the kingdom. He was not aware of Chandrahamsa. He used to recite the Puranas.  Chandrahamsa with other people started going and listening to the Puranas and developed the love for God. People wondered who he was. A priest looked at him and said he looks and noble and will be the future king of Kaundnya. Dhristabuddhi said I have no idea who this is, how can you say such things about him. The priest said that is what he felt.
Dhristabuddhi, hearing this was afraid. He decided to kill the boy. He sent for an executioner and asked him to take the boy away and kill him.
The executioner took the boy away into a forest. The boy was scared. Seeing the boy, the executioner felt sorry for him. He cut off the small toe from the boy's left foot. He then killed a dog. He then covered the toe with blood and took it to the evil minister.
There was a minister there called Kalinga. One day he went hunting in the forest. He heard a child crying and wondered who that was. He went and saw Chandrahamsa. Kalinga was childless and took CHandrahamsa along with him.
In Kalinga's house, Chandrahamsa began growing up. He became an expert in all weapons.
One day, it was the day of Ekadashi. Chandrahamsa and Kalinga and people of the house were fasting. That was also the day when gifts and tax was to be given to Dhristabuddhi. Gifts were taken and when Dhristabuddhi asked the people who had brought gifts, to take their food, they said they were fasting for Ekadhashi. The king wanted to know the reason. They said Kalinga had a son at an auspicious hour and he had started this practice.
Dhristabuddhi decided to meet Kalinga.
Seeing their king, the minister served the king and introduced him to his young son, Chandrahamsa. Seeing the young man, Dhrishtabuddhi said he does not seem to be your son. I do not think your wife gave birth to this boy. Tell me the truth.
Kalinga said he had found the boy when he went hunting and had adopted him.
Dhristrabuddhi was convinced that this was the same boy he had tried to kill and felt that the executioner had deceived him. He decided to give poison to the boy and kill him.
He wrote a letter to a friend and said to Kalinga that he needed the letter to be delivered to his son quickly and wanted Chandrahmasa to take it. Chandrahamsa agreed.
The letter said that the bearer of the letter was to be poisoned and killed.
Chandrahamsa went with the letter. He reached the palace. He was tired and decided to rest under a tree. As destiny would have it, Dhristrabuddi's daughter happened to pass by.A devout devotee of Shiva, she had come to pluck flowers for her worship when she saw Chandrahamsa resting. Seeing him, she was in love with the sleeping Chandrahamsa. She saw the letter and picked it and read the content. She recognized her father's handwriting. She did not want this handsome person to die.
She tore the letter. Using her finger nail and the kohl lining her eyes she wrote that the bearer of the letter was to be given the princess.
Keeping the letter in its place she left.
Chandrahamsa got up and went to the palace and gave the note.
Reading the note, it was followed. Gifts were given away to all.
When Dhristabuddhi heard this, he was enraged, He went and cursed his son. The son said he had followed the instructions of the letter. Dhristabuddhi wanted to see the letter. He saw the letter and kept quiet.
He called some guards and asked for their help. They were to kill the man who would be in the temple of Kali in the night.  The guards agreed and waited.
When Chandrahamsa went to Dhristabuddhi and bowed down to him, he refused to accept him. Dhristabuddhi wanted Chandrahamsa to first bow down before Kali in the night and then come and greet others.
On the way to the temple, Chandrahamsa came across the son of Dhristabuddhi. The young man asked Chandrahamsa where he was going. Chandrahamsa said he was going to worship the consort of Shiva. Madan said a newly wed needed to rest. Saying this he asked Chandrahamsa to rest while he would go and seek blessings for the newly wed. Saying this he sent Chandrahamsa away and he himself went into the temple. The guards were waiting there and seeing the prince, they killed him.
Dhristrabuddhi saw Chandrahamsa and asked him he had not gone to the temple. Chandrahamsa said he had asked to stay back by the prince, who had gone in his place.
Hearing this Dhristabuddhi rushed to the temple. He saw his son lying dead there. In shock and grief, he picked up the sacrificial sword in the temple, and killed himself with it.
The news spread. Chnadrahamsa saw his and was pained. He prayed to Durga to help him. The goddess was quiet. Chandrahamsa then decided to cut off his own head. The Goddess then appeared before him. Chandrahamsa asked for the father and the son to be revived. The Goddess agreed.
When Dristrabuddhi sat up, he realized what had happened. He hugged Chandrahamsa and declared him the king of the land.
Soon Chandrahamsa had two twin sons Makaraksha and Padmaksha.


Arjuna entered this kingdom. Chandrahamsa greeted the Pandava and Krishna with honors. The horse was returned. After staying there for two days, Arjuna resumed his journey.

Fight with Yama

Janmajeya asked the sage - Where did the horse go now? The sage said -

The horse travelled towards the kingdom of Saraswatipur. This land was ruled by a king called Veerbrahma. This is the land where the horse went, followed by Krishna and Arjuna. The king had five sons. These sons spotted the horse and captured it.
Vrishaketu went to fight first. He was followed by Babruvahan. The two fought and defeated the five princes.
The princes went and reported this to their father. Their father sent for his son-in-law, Yama, son of Surya, and asked him to go and fight.
Yama came to fight with his club, riding on his buffalo.
Seeing him, the Pandava army was scared.
Yama defeated all who came to fight him.
Finally Arjuna came and he too could stand against Yama. Arjuna went back to Krishna and asked Why had the God of Death come to fight?
Krishna said - This is an old story. The king Veerbrahma had a daughter called Malini. The king decided to arrange for a swayamvara for her but she said she wanted to marry Yama.
The king not sure what to do, sent for Narada. When Narada came, the king welcomed him by washing his feet. He then told the celestial sage about his daughter's wish.
Narada went to Yama as a mediator. Yama welcomed the sage and asked for the reason for his visit.  Narada expressed the wish of Malini and Yama agreed.
At an appropriate time, Malini was given away to Yama.
The king then asked Yama to stay with him, in his kingdom.
Yama said he would stay till Nara and Narayana came to the kingdom. After seeing them, he would leave.
The king was also very happy, hearing that the great Lord would be visiting his kingdom.

Veerbrahma, hearing off the defeat of his sons, entered the battlefield. Both Yama and Veerbrahma began fighting. Seeing this, Arjuna invoked the Vaishnava astra, Veerbrahma, seeing the weapon fled. Yama managed to control the weapon.  Hanumana, who was seated on the chariot of Arjuna, got angry seeing this. He grabbed Yama in his tail and decided to drown him in the ocean. Yama appealed to Krishna for help but Krishna asked Yama to appeal to Hanumana himself.
Yama said I know there is no one stronger than you, O son of Pawan. You burnt the city of Lanka. Please do not do the same here.
Hanumana smiled and left Yama. Yama went and bowed down to Krishna. He then asked Krishna to meet Veerbrahma. Krishna agreed.
Veerbrahma, came forward and bowed down to Krishna.

Yama then left for his abode. Giving control of the kingdom to his sons, Veerbrahma, then joined Arjuna in his journey forward.

Krishna and Arjuna as guise of brahmans

Happy at the words of his son, the king hugged him. He said Krishna has come to my land. I am blessed. Keep the horse tied till I get to serve Krishna. I am amazed at your skill. You single handed, fought and defeat the great warriors.
Saying this the king sat on his throne.
Krishna, took the guise of an old brahmin. With Arjuna as his disciple, they went to see the king.
Seeing brahmanas, the king got up and welcomed them and asked them the reason for their visit.

Krishna said - What should I tell of my grief. My name is Krishna Sharma. I had arranged for the marriage of my son to a girl here. On the day of the wedding, when I was coming here, I came across a lion. The lion wanted to eat my son. I asked the lion to eat me instead of my son. The lion said I was old and my flesh did not interest him. I then asked the lion what would he accept in lieu of my son. What the lion said I cannot tell you.
The king said - Do not hesitate and tell me.
Krishna said - The lion said If you get me a piece of the flesh of the king Mayurdhwaja, then I will leave your son.
Hearing this, the king agreed.
His family and courtiers were aghast.
Tamradhwaja said he was willing to go to the lion instead of his father.
The king said if the brahmin would accept him, he could go.
The brahmin said What the lion needs is half the flesh of the king. Will you give me that?
The king agreed.
When his queen heard this, she approached the brahmin. She said People say I am one side of the king. Please accept me.
The brahmin said The wife is the left side of her husband. I want the right side.

The king asked the brahmin to wait. He went and had a bath. He then asked Tamradhwaja to cut him into two. Tamradhwaja took a saw and touched the king;'s head and started sawing slowly The king had a tear in his eye. Seeing this, Krishna said - I will not accept something given with grief.

Saying this, Krishna and Arjuna walked out.

The king went and held the brahmin. He said the tear came from my left eye. Do not think it is because of the pain. My left side cried as it was not as fortunate as the right side.  Accept me.

Hearing this, Krishna said - I am Krishna and I came to test you. I saw the skill of your son and wanted to see you.

Saying this Krishna came into his own self. The king saw Vishnu with four hands. Krishna then touched the king and all his wounds vanished.

All bowed down to Krishna. Arjuna's horse was brought and given to him.

Krishna asked the king to come and attend the horse ceremony in Hastinapura.

Mayurdhawaja wanted to accompany Arjuna. He asked Tamradhwaja to take care of the kingdom.

All the soldiers who had fallen in the battle came back alive.

Arjuna resumed his journey.

Tamradhwaja reports to his father

Having won, Tamradhwaja went to his father. He bowed down to him and then with folded hands said I was on the banks of Narmada, guarding our horse, when another horse happened to come there. This was the horse of Yudhistira, guarded by Arjuna. We captured the horse and a fight started with the Pandava army.
Vrishaketu came to fight me but he could stand my might. Anusalva, the daitya came then. He used his skill and magic and had to concede defeat.
Yuvanashwa and his son came and were defeated. Hamsadhwaja and Neeladhwaja then came and faced defeat.
Babruvahan and Bhima also came and faced defeat. Satyaki and Pradyumna also came faced defeat.
Arjuna then came on a chariot, driven by Krishna. He too was defeated.

Mayurdhwaja, hearing this was happy and hugged his son.

Arjuna revived and battle with Tamradhwaja

Seeing Krishna, Babruvahan told him all that had happened. Krishna said if that be so, then let the ones who stole the heads, loose their own heads. Also, let the stolen heads return.
As soon as Krishna said this, the heads of the sons of Dhritarashtra fell off their necks. Ananta then brought the heads of Arjuna and Vrishaketu to Krishna. The heads were placed on the respective shoulders and the gem was put on their bodies.
Arjuna and Vrihaketu got up, at the touch of the gem. With the two revived, Krishna thanked and returned the gem to Ananta.
Krishna then said to Babruvahan that he had done nothing wrong. He had performed the duty of Kshatriya. He then told Arjuna to accept his son.
Arjuna hugged Babruvahan and praised his skill.
With the horse returned, Krishna asked Babruvahan to go along with Arjuna and guard the horse.

From the land of Manipur, the horse went to the kingdom of Ratnavati. The land was ruled a great and pious king called Mayurdhwaja. The king was also a great warrior. He had a valiant son called Tamradhwaja. The king was also performing a horse sacrifice and Tamradhwaja was guarding the horse.

Arjuna's horse happened to stray into the kingdom. Tamradhwaja saw the new horse and caught it. He asked his warriors to capture the horse and then he would face the son of Pandu.

Arjuna hearing this got ready for a fight. Vrishaketu entered the battlefield. He said This horse belongs to Yudhistira and has the blessing of Krishna. Who dared to capture this?

Tamradhwaja said Krishna blesses all who seek his protection. My father is performing the horse sacrifice and I have come to protect his horse. I see your horse which has been sent to me as a divine blessing. I will not let you take the horse away.

The battle of words became a battle of weapons. Tamradhwaja shot fifty arrows which Vrishaketu could not avoid. His chariot was broken and the charioteer was killed. Vrishaketu fought on the ground but soon fainted. Seeing this Yuvanashwa and Subeg came but they too could not stand for long.
Hamsadhwaja and Babruvahan came next but they too could not conquer Tamradhwaja. Sons of Krishna, Satyaki and Bhima came next.
Tamradhwaja cut off their weapons. All were defeated.
Seeing this, Arjuna came. Arjuna shot arrows which Tamradhwaja avoided and in turn wounded Arjuna.
Arjuna then prayed to Krishna. He said I am easily defeated great heroes but why am I not able to defeat this warrior. I need your help Krishna.
Krishna came to Arjuna and said this is because of the power of the prayer of Mayurdhwaja. Let us go and meet him. We will go as brahmanas. I will be the teacher and you will be my disciple. Leave the battle and come with me. The horse will be yours.

Tamradhwaja, having won the battle, went to inform his father.

Fetching the gem

Uloopi sent for the naga Punadrika. Babruvahan stood queitly. Chitrangada said You have created history by killing your own father. Now listen to what Uloopi says. She is trying to get a gem that will revive Arjuna. The gem is in the nether world. Go and fetch that.
Babruvahan said I am not sure if the naga Ananta knows about me. He will not hand over the gem to me. It is better that Pundarika goes. If Pundarika is not given the gem, then I will go and fight and get the gem.
Uloopi said that was the correct way of dealing with the situation. She asked Pundarika to go and get the gem.
Pundarika went and asked Ananta to give the gem to him. While Ananta was willing, he needed an approval from the naga council. He asked them for their opinion.
Dhritarashtra, an elderly naga said - The gem protects the nagas from Garuda. And it is good that Arjuna is dead. I was friends with the king Dhritarashtra and Arjuna had killed many of his people. Let Babruvahan do what he can. I am happy that Arjuna is dead.
Ananta tried to argue with Dhritarashtra but he did not agree.
Pundarika came and reported this Uloopi.
Uloopi asked Babruvahan to go and fetch the gem.
When Ananta heard that Babruvahan was coming, he went to Dhritarashtra and said - You did not give the gem. Now Babruvahan has come to forcibly take away the gem.
Dhritarashtra said he did not fear the humans and would quickly kill him.
When Babruvahan began fighting, the nagas could stand his might. Dhritarashtra fled and went to Ananta asking for help. Ananta said - You did not give the gem. Now this is the consequence of that.
Dhritarashtra realizing that there was no other way, asked Ananta to give the gem to Babruvahan.

Ananta took the gem to Babruvahan and said Please stop the fight. Please take the gem and leave.

Babruvahan withdrew his weapons and took the gem. When he was leaving, Dhritarashtra called his sons and said - I had to face defeat because of this human. Quickly go to earth and get the heads of Arjuna and Vrishaketu. Without their heads, the dead will not get revived.

Babruvahan went to Uloopi with the gem. He said he had brought the gem but what had happened to the heads of Arjuna and Vrishaketu?

Chitrangada and Uloopi broke down.
Babruvahan said all this was happening because of him, and he would kill himself.

Uloopi said only Krishna knew a way out of this.

In Hastinapura, Kunti had a dream. She saw Babruvahan kill Arjuna and Vrishaketu. She called Krishna and told him about that.

Krishna told her not to worry. He called for Garuda and asked him to appear. Climbing up on Garuda, Krishna asked to be taken to Manipur.

Arjuna and Vrishaketu die

Janmajeya asked the sage - How was the war between Arjuna and Babruvahan?
Vaisahmpayana said -
Reluctantly Chitrangada gave permission to Babruvahan to fight. This was destiny playing a game. Ganga had cursed Arjuna and it was time for the curse to bear fruit. Arjuna was destined to die in the hands of Babruvahan.
Armies got ready.
Vrishaketu came and his arrows were all cut off by Babruvahan. Babruvahan then started shooting arrows and soon the sky was covered with arrows, and it became dark. Vrishaketu's chariot was cut off. Vrishaketu attacked and struck by an arrow of Babruvahan, he fainted. Sambha seeing this attacked. He too had to leave, wounded. Satyaki and Bhima came to fight and such was the skill of Babruvahan, that Bhima had to flee. All who came to fight fled and  went to Arjuna.
Arjuna picked up his Gandiva and started for battle. Vrishaketu, having recovered, decided to accompany Arjuna.
Vrishaketu managed to cut off Babruvahan's bow. Babruvahan took another bow and Vrishaketu had to flee. Babruvahan then attacked Arjuna. Soon he managed to control Arjuna. He said - Listen Son of Indra. People call you son of Pandu. You did not think of your own birth and you insulted me. Krishna has been saving you so far. Call him here. Let me defeat the two of you and then I will go back.
Arjuna was attacked by Babruvahan. Arjuna began hearing howls of jackals. This was a bad omen. A crow came and sat on the flag staff of Arjuna's chariot. He was not sure what would be the outcome. He asked Vrishaketu to go back to Hastinapura so that someone would be there to continue the lineage of the Kurus.
Vrishaketu said he would defeat Babruvahan and then all of them would return back together.
Hearing this, Babruvahan said Son of Karna, you are coming time and again and every time you are having to flee. You think you will be able to withstand my might?
Picking up a crescent arrow, Babruvahan aimed that at Vrishaketu. Vrishaketu fell dead.

Arjuna fell on the ground, grieving for Vrishaketu.
Seeing this, Babruvahan started laughing. He said What kind of a warrior are you, who leaves a fight to cry? If you are brave, get up and face me. Call out to Krishna, whom you call to, when you are in trouble.

Arjuna silently started praying to Krishna. Krishna did not answer the prayer. Arjuna was now scared.

Babruvahan started shooting arrows at Arjuna, who was unable to avoid those. Suddenly Ganga came and whispered into Babruvahan's ears about killing Arjuna. She left a weapon with him.

Babruvahan picked up the weapon and aimed it at Arjuna. The arrow flew and struck Arjuna in his neck. His head got cut off. Arjuna fell dead.

Babruvahan, happy, went to his mother. He told her he had won the war. Chitrangada fainted. Uloopi came rushing. She sprinkled water on Chitraganda's face to revive her. Uloopi said to the revived Chitrangada - Arjuna can not die. I have a pomegranate tree in my house. I just saw it blooming. If Arjuna is dead, the tree would have been dead too.

Chitrangada wanted to see the tree with her eyes. Uloopi took her and they saw a dead pomegranate tree.  Both were shocked. They began crying.

Babruvahan realizing what he had done, was not sure how to react.

Uloopi said I suddenly remembered something. When my father, Ananta, gave me away to Arjuna, he gave me a gem called Amrita and the naga Pundarik to serve me. Let me send for Pundarik. He will go and look for the gem. The gem should be able to bring Arjuna back to life.

Chitrangada said Please hurry up. Uloopi said - Do not worry. Our husband will be with us soon.

The horse enters Manipur

Roaming further, the horse reached the kingdom of Manipur. Babruvahan, son of Arjuna and Chitrangada was the ruler there. Arjuna had married Chitrangada when he was out in exile. He had also married Uloopi, the daughter of the Nagas. Uloopi's son Ilavanta had fought valiantly in the great war and had died a hero's death. Uloopi was now staying with Chitrangada.
Babruvahan caught the horse. When he realized that the horse belonged to Arjuna, he was not sure what to do. He went to Chitrangada and asked for advice. Chitrangada asked him to take the horse to Arjuna and return it.
Babruvahan did not like this. He said This is not a duty of a Kshatriya. A Kshatriya is born to fight. I will keep the horse and challenge father to a fight and then I will give the horse back to him. I will also not tell him who I am till I fight him.
Chitrangada said Who has ever heard of a fight between a father and a son? I am asking you to take the horse back to him.
Reluctantly Babruvahan agreed. He went to greet Arjuna carrying gifts and the horse. Arjuna was seated along with the sons of Ghatotkacha and Karna, Bhima, Pradyumna, Anusalva, Hamsadhwaja, Yuvanashwa and Subeg.
Babruvahan bowed down and introduced himself. He said he had unintentionally caught the horse and wanted to return it back.
Arjuna refused to acknowledge him. He said Abhimanyu was my son. He fought and died. I will not accept this coward as my son, who fearing his life has come to return the horse.
Babruvahan got and said - Please forgive but listen to my words. I am not an illegitimate son of yours. If you refuse to acknowledge me, then what about Karna who was born before Kunti's marriage? Also, how are you are a son of Pandu when you five brothers have five different fathers? Do not think I have come to you, fearing you. I came only because my mother told me to. I will show you who I am.
Saying this Babruvahan asked his men to tie the horse and take it inside.

A war was declared between Arjuna and Babruvahan.

Chitrangada heard of this and sent for her son. She asked why he was doing this. Babruvahan said he had been insulted by Arjuna and would take revenge. 

In the land of Pramila

The horse moving around, landed in a kingdom that was ruled by women. The land was ruled by a queen called Pramila. The women warriors seeing the horse, captured it.
Arjuna was in a fix. This was a land where he was not seeing a single man. Everywhere he looked, he saw only women. If it came to a war, how would he fight women?
Pradyumna asked Arjuna to go and talk to the queen. Arjuna agreed and they decided to meet Pramila.
Seeing the warriors, women came rushing with their bows. Arjuna said he wanted to meet the queen.
Pramila was informed about the arrival of Arjuna. Decking herself, she came to see Arjuna. She carried a golden plate with flowers and holy water in it. She greeted Arjuna with the flowers and the water and welcomed him.
Both sat down to talk. Arjuna asked why there were no men in the kingdom.
Pramila said - Once there was a great king called Dilip. I am his daughter. One day my father went hunting. I went along with him. A small army had also accompanied us. Parvati was roaming in the same forest with Shiva. My father happened to see Parvati with Shiva. Parvati was shocked and cursed all to become women. Since that day no man comes here. I have your horse with me. Marry me and take me away from here, along with the horse.
Arjuna said Yudhistira is currently in the sacrifice and it my duty to protect him. I promise to marry you once the sacrifice is over. Till then, please go to Hastinapura and wait for me there.

Pramila agreed. The horse was freed and Pramila left for Hastinapura.

From there, Arjuna followed the horse. The horse landed in the land of Vriksha. This was ruled by a rakshasa called Bhishan. He had many followers living there. He had pleased Shiva and Durga with his worship. In the morning, the plants bloomed with flowers. In the evening the flowers changed into humans which became meals for the rakshasas. Because of this, the land was called Vriksha,

The horse came here. Seeing the army following the horse, Bhishan was informed about the entry of humans in his land.  Bhishan gave orders for a sacrifice to be conducted where he would kill and sacrifice all the humans who had come, and then feast on their meat.
He then asked a female attendant, Lambodari, to take the shape of humans, mix with the army and find out who they were.
Lambodari went inside the army and then came back. She told Bhishan that Arjuna had come. Along with him was the son of Ghatotkacha, son of Karna and Hanumana was there, sitting on Arjuna's chariot.
Bhishan, who happened to be the son of Bakasura, was happy. He would be able to avenge his father's death by killing Arjuna.

A fight broke out among the armies. In the fight that followed, Arjuna killed Bhishan, and then freeing the horse, resumed his journey.

Horse becomes a tiger

After this, the horse roamed and entered a forest. There was a beautiful lake there and many flowers were blooming. The horse, thirsty, bent down to drink water from the lake. The moment it touched the water, its gender changed and it became a mare. The mare then went forth. It saw another lake. When it touched the water of that lake, it changed into a tiger.
Arjuna was stunned. First a mare and then a tiger. He looked at Krishna. Krishna said Do not worry. There is a sage nearby. Talk to him. He will tell you about this and will be able to give a solution.
Arjuna and Krishna went to the sage and bowed down to m. Krishna told the sage the reason for their visit. The sage said -
Parvati had prayed on the banks of this lake to get Shiva. She was lost in her meditation, when a daitya came there. Seeing Parvati's beauty, the daitya wanted to capture her. He went and grabbed her. With her meditation broken, Pravti cursed the daitya saying if a male came there he would get transformed into a woman.
Krishna said Why the mare then become a tiger?
The said said - There was a sage called Mitrasen. One day the sage came home after meditating for days in the forest. A daitya saw the sage and grabbed him, when the sage was having a bath. The sage put a curse. He said who ever touched the water will become a tiger.
Saying this, the sage said the curse will be lifted if you touch the tiger.
Krishna said he would do that. He touched the tiger, who got transformed into its original form.

Krishna then said he would proceed for Hastinapura else Yudhistira would be worried. Saying this, Krishna left and Arjuna continued his journey.

Hamsadhwaja sees Krishna

Suratha started fighting. Pradyumna and Vrishaketu came to fight and had to flee. Yuvanashwa and his son Subeg also could not stand the fight and had to flee.
Arjuna asked Krishna - Who is this who has come to fight?
Krishna said This is Suratha, son of Hamsadhwaja. He is great warrior and no one is equal to him in battle.
Arjuna asked Krishna to take the chariot near him.
Suratha said he would make Arjuna flee. Arjuna hearing this showered arrows which were cut off. Suratha tried to pick the chariot and throw it away but Krishna pressed the chariot hard, and Suratha could not move it.
Arjuna with a sharp arrow cut off the head of Suratha. Attendants of Shiva came and took the head away.
When Hamsadhwaja heard of the death of his sons, he broke down. His counselors tried to console him. The king said he wanted to see Krishna. His counselors asked to go to battle. There they would see Krishna and Arjuna. The king taking the horse, went to meet Krishna.
A messenger came and gave the news. Krishna asked Arjuna to drop his weapons. The king came and saw Krishna. He got off his chariot and bowed down before Krishna. Krishna hugged the king. The king then greeted Arjuna and gave the horse back to Arjuna. The king said he had caught the horse to have a glimpse of Krishna. His wish was now fulfilled. He asked Arjuna to stay the night in his kingdom.
The next day Arjuna left with the horse and Hamsadhawaja joined him.