Scene 1
Ashwathama hurls hysterically all the weapons and is about to set fire to them.
Drona stops him and asks him for the reason. Ashwaththama says he is frustrated because his father has voluntarily taught Arjuna the Brahmastra, whereas he did not teach his own son despite several entreaties, and has said that he does not consider him ready for learning it. The real reason why Drona did not teach him the art was because he wanted Arjuna to excel in archery. That was sufficiently demonstrated in the case of Ekalavya whose right thumb he had usurped just to ensure Arjuna's supremacy in archery. Ashwathama further accuses his father of having no true affection for him. Drona explains why he taught Arjuna the technique of using Brahmastra, as Arjuna had once saved him from the fatal clutches of a crocodile. Even though he hated to ask anyone for favors, it was only the love for his son that drove Drona to beg Drupada for wealth. His Guru Parashurama had told him not to teach archery to Kshatriyas, but fortunately he had not taken any such vow, and had agreed to teach martial arts to the Hastinapur princes because he wanted his son not to experience privations and poverty, but enjoy luxurious life. In fact, he is for ever worried he would have to clear this debt even if it requires him to act against his own conscience.
Then Drona whispers the mantra into Ashwaththama's ears and initiates him into the use of Brahmastra.
Drona then takes a vow that he would give up his life should something happen to Ashwathama, because he was his very soul and life. Ashwathama is deeply touched and asks his father for forgiveness.
Scene 2
Drupada now goes to Upayaja to ask him to assist his elder brother Yaja in performing the Yagnas for getting a son. He is apprehensive that Upayaja might refuse, but is surprised when he agrees without hesitation. Drupada is surprised.Drupada
: For years I waited on you trying to convince you to help me, but you did not yield in. Now your brother calls you for the same work but you have accepted it immediately. May I know why?Upayaja
: You were consumed by the raging fire of retribution. I did not want to support that aim. Besides you were offering me immense wealth, inducing me to sell myself.Drupada
: Then why did you agree now?Upayaja
: It is my elder brother who is calling me now. As a younger brother, it is my duty to alleviate his poverty. Besides, he is my Guru and I am bound to do his bidding.Upayaja and Drupada go to Yaja. Yaja gives an elaborate list of materials to be kept ready for the Yagnas and bids the king to go to Panchala to make the necessary arrangements.
Scene 3
The Shiva temple at Varanavata. Yudhishtra publicly expresses gratitude to Purochana for the excellent arrangement he has made for their stay. He also expresses his appreciation for Vanjikodi and her five sons. Kunti and the Pandavas brothers are dismayed by his effusive praise for those who were conspiring to kill them.Yudhishtra explains that Shakuni and the Kauravas were waiting to take the next step to lull the suspicion of the villagers and the Pandavas. That was why Yudhishtra wanted to assure them that they suspected nothing and trusted Purochana thoroughly. This would prompt them to take the next step. In the meanwhile, they would make sure they could exit safely at the appropriate time.
Scene 4
Purochana tells Shakuni, Duryodhana and Dushshasana that he had gained the total trust of the Pandavas who had, in fact, publicly endorsed him and his team for the hospitality extended to them. Shakuni pays him handsomely and tells him to carry out their plan of torching the palace on the day following the full moon. As soon as Purochana leaves, Duryodhana calls another spy, rewards him suitably and gives him some instructions. To the querying Dushshasana, Duryodhana explains that he doesn't want alive anybody who knows about their evil plot. That's why he instructed the spy to plot and push Purochana into the fire. Then he jokes he'd similarly assure the end of the spy too!A spy watching the proceedings report the matter to Vidura. Vidura then sends him to the Pandavas explaining what they ought to be doing next.
Scene 5
Kunti is conferring with the Pandavas when the spy Vidura sent conveys the message to them. They now decide to set aflame the palace themselves and escape. But they wish that the citizens of Ekachakra should believe that they perished in the fire. Then an idea comes to their mind.Reference: Arjuna saves Drona from crocodile and wins Brahmastra
Comments
Post a Comment