The Carnage at Prabhasa

The day that was set for the pilgrimage to Prabhasa arrived. Many of the Yadavas had bad dreams on the earlier night. They saw vultures stooping down over the city in large numbers. Evil looking monsters were seen dragging the Yadava women away with them. They witnessed with horror scenes in which four horses pulled the golden chariot of Krishna and disappeared over the sea. Even the powerful discus of Krishna was noticed rising over the horizon and going out of sight.

All got ready the next morning for the journey to Prabhasa. Food in large quantity was loaded into carts drawn by bullocks. Such pilgrimages normally turned into occasions for enjoyment, too. So, various drinks were also included in the provisions. Unnoticed by the leaders, the prohibited alcoholic beverages were also carried in abundance. People travelled in chariots, on horse back or in whatever vehicles they could get into. After reaching the sea shore they got into the individual shelters made ready for the purpose.

Udhava (uddhava) was a great devotee of Krishna and pious by nature. He was apprehensive of the events to take place and took leave of Krishna and other Yadavas. Krishna knew in his mind that a disaster was imminent and did not try to hold Udhava back.

The quarrel

After performing the customary bath and rituals by the sea shore, the Yadavas got into feasting. Delicious food including meat of various kinds was served. Everyone, then, started drinking alcohol of various types, at first covertly and then openly in front of Krishna and Balarama. Krishna was by then resigned to the events in store and did not try to prevent the dangerous move of the Yadavas.

After the meal and drinks there was music and dancing. All forgot the very purpose of the pilgrimage by then and indulged into merrymaking.

Then there was that little spark that set light to the explosion. It started as an argument between Krishna’s best friend, Satyaki, and Kritavarma of the evil three (the three who slaughtered the sons of Draupadi and others at night) . Both were fully intoxicated by the time they got into their words of reprisal. Satyaki turned towards Kritavarma and said. “It was a heinous crime you, Oh Kritavarma, committed by slaughtering the innocent ones, including children, when they were deep in sleep. That too, after the war was over. Who, born as Kshatriya, will stoop down to such a low level? We, Yadavas, shall never forgive you for that.” The words of Satyaki brought nods of approval from all those who were around.

Kritavarma was angered by the unprovoked accusation and retorted. “What a fine Kshatriya you are, who chopped the head of Bhurisravas, whose right arm was already slashed by Arjuna and who had got into a Yogic posture, renouncing fight!”

Satyaki was furious when his opponent touched the weak spot in him. He narrated loudly the story of Syamantaka in which Kritavarma had played an evil role. Krishna’s wife, Satyabhama (the daughter of Satrajit on whom the trick was played), was enraged by the story and looked at Krishna pleading for revenge. Krishna ignored her. But, Satyaki took up the cause and declared. “I shall avenge the killing of the Panchala princes and the five sons of Draupadi by this evil man”. So saying, he ran towards Kritavarma. Before anyone could prevent him, Satyaki chopped the head of Kritavarma with his sword.

There were many among those assembled who were on the side of Kritavarma. They encircled Satyakai and in no time thrashed him into pulp with cooking pots and any other objects they could lay hands on.

What followed was total chaos. The Yadavas formed into two groups and started fighting with each other. First it was with fists and weapons they had with them. Then, some observed the new grown grass by the sea shore which stood strong and hard like pestles and handy for a fight. They started pulling the stalks of the grass and hitting the enemy with them. The innocuous grass turned out to be formidable weapons in the hands of the Yadavas. Each blow with it broke the skull of those who received it. Then, all rushed to grab the grass stalks and to swing them against the opponents.

Soon, the distinction between friend and enemy disappeared. Father killed his own son and the children killed their own parents. Brothers fought among themselves and met with death at the hands of their own brethren. Krishna watched the scene with dispassion and reflected how strong the hands of fate were. He, himself, pulled the grass and struck the head of any who he could get to. Soon, the holy place of Prabhasa was turned into a battle field where only dead bodies remained. Pools of blood developed in place of the holy waters. Among those killed included Krishna’s son, Pradyumna and grand son, Anirudha (aniruddha).

(To be continued)