The slaying of Nivatakavaca and Kalakeya

(This story actually takes place while Arjuna was still in heaven. Arjuna, later narrates his experiences in heaven to his brothers. Vyasa tells the story in that context.)

Indra taught Arjuna the secret of several divine weapons after he reached heaven. This was on top of what he gave to the Pandava on earth. When he found his son competent to use his newly acquired skills the king of gods demanded a promise from his son by way of reward for his teaching (Guru Dakshina). Arjuna promised that he would do anything that was possible. Then, the god revealed the mission for which he invited his son to heaven.

The city under the sea

There was an entire clan of demons known collectively by name Nivatakavaca who frequently tormented the gods. The demons had acquired a boon that no god could kill them. They were so proud of their power that they did not bother to ask for immunity from men. Millions of those demons lived in a fortress beneath the sea. Indra wanted his son to kill all those powerful demons and assured the Pandava that he would succeed in the mission. He, then, sent him off in his chariot skillfully driven by Matali. Other gods and celestial sages blessed Arjuna with quick victory.

Matali drove the chariot through the sea to the city in which the demons lived. Arjuna found several ships sailing and huge whales swimming all around him on the way.

When the chariot reached the gates of the city Arjuna blew his conch shell, Devadatta, in challenge to the demons. Women and children were frightened by the noise and hid themselves within their abodes. But, the warrior demons came out in large numbers holding all type of weapons.

A fierce battle took place between Arjuna on one side and an entire army of demons on the other. Many showered arrows at the Pandava. Others threw huge rocks. The demons, expert in creating illusion, caused torrential rain, powerful enough to sweep out the Pandava with his chariot and horses. Others created fire and would have consumed him in flames. Arjuna knew the exact defense against each of those and frustrated the demons in their attempt. The demons would fly high up in the air and even disappear in the next moment making the Pandava wonder in which direction to send his arrows. But, Arjuna stood like a rock and used some of the special weapons he learnt from his father to destroy the delusions.

Meanwhile, arrows flew from his Gandiva in all directions causing his enemies to perish in large numbers all around. Matali was all in praise watching the Pandava facing the enemies with ease. He remarked that Arjuna excelled even his father in his skill in warfare. The charioteer found the passage of the chariot blocked by bodies strewn whichever way he took. But, he would make the horses fly in the air and would rein them in when required.

The whole army was thus wiped out by Arjuna at the end of a prolonged and intense battle. One could see only bodies of demons clutching on to their their weapons heaped on the ground as far as one’s eyes could reach.

The Kalakeyas

Arjuna asked Matali to turn the chariot back heavenward. On the way the charioteer said that there was another race of demons, the Kalakeyas, who posed perpetual threat to gods. It was Indra’s wish that Arjuna put an end to them also.

The Kalakeyas, also expert illusion makers, built a castle that floated in the air and would move like a flying saucer. Their mother, Kalaka, meditated on Lord Brahma and received a boon that her sons would not be killed by Gods. With that assurance the Kalakeyas harassed the gods at will and retired to their moving castle later.

Arjuna challenged the Kalakeyas for battle. An intense battle took place between the two warring parties. The Pandava not only killed all the demons at the end, but, he also destroyed their floating castle.

All the gods including the king was greatly pleased with Arjuna. They blessed the Pandava that he would soon destroy his enemies, the Kauravas, and attain glory. Arjuna took leave of the gods and his father, Indra, and returned to the forest where his brothers waited anxiously for his return.

This ends the chapter “the slaying of Nivata Kavaca and Kalakeya (Nivatakavaca Kalakeya Vadha Parvam)” .