Sri Krsna told Yudhisthira how once envious Asvattāma tried
to get His invincible weapon Sudarsan Chakra. While standing with folded hands
he requested Sri Krsna to exchange his Brahmasira weapon with the Chakra
Sri Krsna spoke to puffed-up Asvattāma & said he
could choose any one of his four weapons-Sudarsan Chakra, Saranga bow, Kaumodki
club & a spear. But Asvattāma insisted for Cakra. As Sri Krsna gave His
permission to take the Chakra, the foolish son of a Brahmana grabbed the Chakra
but much to his surprise, couldn’t even move it. When asked by Sri Krsna, what
he would have done with the Chakra in case he took it, he said he would have
challenged Krsna himself with it
Sri Krsna told Yudhisthira: See how cruel Asvattāma is,
but as he still possesses Brahmasira weapon, Bhima who had went after him,
should be protected by all means
After saying this Sri Krsna along with Yudhisthira
& Arjun got onto his chariot & departed at great speed. Soon they
caught sight of Bhima. They also saw Srila Vyāsdev there surrounded by many
sages & Asvattāma dressed in Kusa grass. As Bhima picked up his bow to challenge
Asvattāma, he fearlessly invoked Brahmasira weapon by picking up a blade of
grass & empowering it with mantras. He chanted-Let this weapon be invoked
for destruction of Pāndavās. He then released the weapon & a blazing fire
expanded in all directions
Sri Krsna understood Asvattāma’s intentions &
asked Arjun to neutralize the weapon with his own Brahmasira. Arjun got down
from his chariot & after taking blessings from superiors released his
weapon
When they saw how all creatures within the universe
have become terrified, Nārada muni & Vyāsdev quickly stood between the two
Brahmasiras, thus absorbing their intense radiation. The two unlimitedly powerful
sages rebuked Arjun & Asvattāma: These weapons were never used during the
battle of Kurukshetra. Why you have been so rash to invoke them now? Pls heed
our words & withdraw your weapons immediately!
Arjuna said: I utilized my Brahmasira because Asvattāma
employed his first. If I withdraw, he will surely destroy us all. I appeal to
you both to ensure the safety of us Pāndavās. After this Arjun withdrew his
weapon (Only he & Indra could have done so-one with complete purity can do
so but if one who is impure tries to withdraw, it will come back & strike
his head), Asvattāma was unable to withdraw. He appealed to sages: It was out
of fear of wicked Bhima I invoked my ultimate weapon, so don’t unjustly blame
me
Vyāsdev chastised Asvattāma and said I order you to
withdraw your Brahmasira & also give the jewel from your head to Pāndavās.
If you do so, your life will be spared
Asvattāma agreed to give the jewel & said-If you
agree I’ll spare the lives of Pāndavās but will redirect the Brahmasira towards
the wombs of the Pāndava women
yuktaḥ karma-phalaṁ tyaktvā śāntim āpnoti naiṣṭhikīm
ayuktaḥ kāma-kāreṇa phale sakto nibadhyate
The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace
because he offers the result of all activities to Me; whereas a person who is
not in union with the Divine, who is greedy for the fruits of his labour,
becomes entangled
Peace comes from inner absorption & not by outer
domination. Mental peace comes when we are serene inside detached from the
externals. When we connect with the Supreme Lord-who alone is the eternal basis
of our security & identity, in the mood of devotional service, we feel protected &
thereby find peace that no worldly upheaval can ever take away
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