Bhagavatam (Skanda 1, Chapter 7, Slokas 26-48)

By Sugunan (Recap given by Shoba on 6 Feb ‘03)

An introduction to ‘Bhagavat Mahatyamyam’ was given i.e. how Naradji made Gyan and Vairagya, the sons of Bhakti, revive their interest in life. Symbolically meaning in the Kaliyuga, Bhakti was growing, but Gyan and Vairagya were left behind. To revive the sons of Bhakti, Naradji advocated reading Bhagavatam or listening to the glories of Lord Krishna from Bhagavatam.

Then how Asvattama, the son of Drona killed all the Yuva Pandavas, while they were sleeping was described. Arjuna promised to take revenge followed Asvattama in a chariot, piloted by Krishna. Seeing them, Asvattama released the Brahmastra against Arjuna. Arjuna, on the instruction of the Lord, sent another Brahmastra and quenched the flames of both the missiles and withdrew them. Arjuna then bound up Asvattama with ropes. Krishna, pretending to be angry and to test how Arjuna would behave in this situation, scolded Arjuna for not killing the villain Asvattama. But Arjuna did not kill him, and left the situation to Panchali to decide, what action to be taken.

Panchali, in spite of his evil action, bowed to Asvattama and pleaded with Arjuna, to release him, because he is the son of his Guru who taught him the science of archery. If he would kill him, it would cause grief to his mother Kripi. Bhagavatam wanted to show to us, how Panchali, after going through the greatest tragedies of Mahabharatha war, completely changed her mental framework. Now she is able to see and feel the pain of others. The revengeful attitude of Panchali has been completely wiped off.