Abduction of Bhanumati by Nikumbha and death of the demon king

Vaishampayana said — О Janamejaya, when the auspicious people of Yaduvarhsa were engaged in the water sport, at the same time Nikumbha the wicked enemy of the gods — as if with the desire of his own destruction, kidnapped Bhanumati — the daughter of Yadava-Bhanu.

He reached the inner apartment in an invisible form, spreading his illusion, he confused the ladies, the illusory Danava, reminded of his earlier enmity, had kidnapped Bhanumati.

О valorous king, his brother Vajranabha had a daughter known by the name of Prabhavati. She was kidnapped by Pradyumna, killing Vajranabha.

Since that date, the wicked Danava, lived in the garden of Bhanu, waiting for an opportunity. Though Bhanu had a strict control over the daughter, but at that point of time, per chance, no guard was available there. The wicked Danava was aware of the weakness of Bhanu. (Therefore, he got the opportunity to kidnap the girl).

O Naresa, subjugator of the enemies, when Bhanukumarl was about to be kidnapped and she started crying, and at rhat time there arose a huge disturbance in the abode of girls.

Listening the cries of Bhanu in the abode of the girls, Vasudeva and Ugrasena, wearing the coat of arms, came out in the open.

But as far as they could see, no offender could be seen. Then both of them reached the place where Shri Krishna was standing.

Listening to the news from them, Shri Krishna — the subjugator of the enemies, mounted of his vehicle Garuda — the enemy of the serpents.

Then Shri Krishna commanding Prady- umna to follow him mouted over the chariot, asked Garuda — the son of Kasyapa to hurry up.

While proceeding to the city named Vajra, Shri Krishna and Arjuna, intercepted Nikumbha on the way.

О Naresvara, Pradyumna — the foremost of the illusory persons, also reached there. Finding all the three of them there, Nikumbha multiplied himself into three forms.

Therefore the immensely valorous Nikumbha, holding club with thorns started fighting laughingly.

The demon held the Yadava girl Bhanumatl in his left hand and using her as a child, he started attacking with his right hand.

О best of rulers, Shri Krishna, Arjuna and Pradyumna could not attack freely over Nikumbha because of the girl was used by him as a captive.

The invincible great souls were competent enough to destroy the wicked demon, but because of campassion (for the girl) they ended with a deep sigh.

Arjuna was the best of the archers, therefore he adopting the method of Nagastra — style, started wounding demon. (Nagastra means a serpent and the Naga. Once in a forest a python got entwined around the neck of a camel. Finding this a completent archer took out his bow and arrow and displaying his efficiency in archery shot arrows in such a way that the serpent was killed but the camel remained unhurt).

О lord of earth, Shri Krishna and other warriors attacked the demon in such a way that the demon was hurt no doubt, but the girl was saved from the attack.

Then the demon resorting to the demonic illusion, disappeared from the place with the princess. His illusion was unknown to all the three of them.

Then all the three - Shri Krishna, Arjuna and Pradyumna followed him. After some distance, the demon turned himself into a green pigion and perched in a tree.

Then the valorous Arjuna, again saving the girl attacked the demon with his vaitastika arrows.

Then the great asura — killer of his enemies started moving round the globe with seven island followed by all the three great warriors.

When the great demon was about to cross the Gokurna moutain, then he fell on the seashore near the bank of the Ganga.

O son of Bharata’s race, Gokarna mountain is secured because of the lustre of Mahadeva and can not be crossed by the gods, demons and the great Rishis even.

Finding the opportunity, Pradyumna - the ornament of the race of Bhlma, who moved with great speed, took the princess Bhanumati with him, since he could display the strength quickly and was invincible in the battle.

О king, Nikumbha — who was badly wounded with the arrows of Shri Krishna and Arjuna, leaving the northern Gokarna, he went to the southern direction. He was followed by Shri Krishna and Arjuna, both, mounted over Garuda.

Then Nikumbha entered the city of Satpura, where other demons lived. Both Shri Krishna and Arjuna, waited at the mouth of the cave for the whole night.

At the command of Shri Krishna, Pradyumna — the son of RukmanI, took Bhanumati and left her at Dvaraka.

Leaving her at Dvaraka, Pradyumna, again reached the city of Satpura filled with Danavas and met the immensely valorous Shri Krishna and Arjuna at the mouth of cave.

Both Shri Krishna, desirous of killing Nikumbha, waited at the munth of the cave with Pradyumna.

Then awfully strong and valorous Nikumbha, came out of the cave for waging a war.

O lord of the subjects, at the time of coming out of the cave, the path was obstructed with the pieces of arrows by Arjuna, from all the sides.

Then Nikumbha — the best among the warriors, lifted up his club having a large number of thorns over it and struck it at the head of Arjuna.

He had attacked remaining invincible with the strike of the gada over his head, Arjuna was fainted. When he was fainted vomiting blood, then the illusory demon smilingly struck Pradyumna as well. He stood there facing the north. Thereafter he could not be noticed by the asura. With the striking of the gada by the asura hiding himself, over the head of Pradyumna, made him also senseless and he also was fainted.

Having been wounded stealthly by the demon, both the great warriors, who lay their fainted, Shri Krishna felt highly enraged. Then Govinda — the elder brother of Gada, rushed towards Nikumbha holding the Kaumadl-goda in his hand.

Both the great warriors, thundering aloud, pounced upon each other. At the same time, Indra mounted over the elephant and other gods arrived at the scene and started witnessing the war.

At the presence of the gods there, Shri Krishna — the destroyer of the enemies and desirous of the welfare of the gods, thought of killing the demon.

Shri Krishna, who had been well versed in the waging of the war, holding his Kaumadi-gada, displayed several positions of war.

Thus Nikumbha, the foremost among the asuras, weilding his club with many thorns, as per his education, started changing his stance.

As the two bulls fight with each other over a cow in heat, as two elephants fight over a cow elephant in heat, trumpeting at the same time, as the two wolves pounce upon each other over a she wolf in heat, similarly Shri Krishna and Nikumbha, were engaged in fight with each other.

О valorous king, Nikumbha then uttered a terrific roar and attacked over Shri Krishna with a club in which eight bells were tied.

O son of Bharata’s race then Shri Krishna weilding his club swiftly, hit it over the head of Nikumbha.

At that point of time Shri Krishna kept on holding the Kaumati-gada for two ghadis (forty four minutes). Thereafter, he fainted of his own accord and fell down.

О lord of the people, when Shri Krishna was so placed in that position, the entire universe was disturbed.

Then Devesvara Indra poured the water of nectar of the Akasa-Ganga over the head of Shri Krishna.

Surely, Shri Krishna. had fainted of his own accord, otherwise who had the strength enough to make Shri Krishna unconscious in the war?

О Bharata, after regaining consciousness, Shri Krishna — the killer of enemies, lifted up the disc and said to the wicked demon, “O demon, now you face my disc.”

On hearing the words of Shri Krishna, the wicked and illusory Nikumbha discarded his demon-body there itself and flew up in the sky. But Shri Krishna could not know about his trick.

Unaware of the fact, whether the demon, was dead already or is yet to be killed, Shri Krishna did not attack his body lying on earth.

In the mean time Pradyumna and Arjuna, again regained their consciousness and stood before Shri Krishna. Both of them had resolved to kill Nikumbha.

Pradyumna too was well versed in illusion and as such he could well understand the trick of Nikumbha. Then he said to Shri Krishna, “O father, Nikumbha is not here. The evil minded demon has disappeared some where.”

At these words of Pradyumna, the body of the demon suddenly disappeard, observing this lord Krishna with Arjuna laugh aloud.

This created an astonishing situation because Arjuna, Shri Krishna and Pradyumna, saw thousands bodies of Nikumbha. It was an astonishing scene.

Some of those asuras picked up the bow of Arjuna, some of them snatched his arrows, the other held both of his hands, while other held their feet.

Thus making Arjuna captive, they carried him in the sky. Then the demons turned Arjuna in crores of forms.

Shri Krishna the destroyer of the enemies, as well as Pradyumna, who having been deprieved of Partha, then cut off Nikumbha with their arrows, still his end was not in sight.

О Bharata, when Nikumbha was cut into pieces, he turned himself into two more forms. At that point Shri Krishna, who possessed the divine knowledge, thought himself for a while on the issue.

Thereafter, Shri Krishna looked at the reality about Nikumbha, who was the creator of illusion and had also abducted Arjuna.

Shri Hari, the creator of the present past and future, in full view of all the living beings, cut off the head of Nikumbha with the use of his disc.

О king — son of Bharata’s race, with the severing of his head, Nikumbha, freeing Arjuna, fell on earth like an uprooted tree.

О excellent one, at that point of time, at the command of Shri Krishna, Pradyumna reached the sky and cought hold of Arjuna who was falling on the ground.

At the death of Nikumbha, assuring Arjuna, accompanied with Pradyumna, Shri Krishna, went back to Dvaraka..

Shri Krishna, of Dasaraha Vamsa and Yadukula, entered Dvaraka with delight and offered their salutation to the sage Narada.

Thereafter, the illustrious Narada, spoke to Bhanu-a Yadava, «O son of Bhima, donot feet painful for the abduction of the girl, you listen to my words.

Once Bhanumati was playing in a garden at Raivataka mountain and she enraged the sage Durvasa, who in anger pronouced a curse on her.

He said, “this girl shall fall into the hands of a terrific enemy.” At that point of time I myself and other sages some how pacified Durvasa saying, “O sage, this girl is following Brahmacaryavrata. She has also done no harm to you. Then why have you pronouced a curse on her? О Maharsi — you are the best among the auspicious people, be compossionate on this girl. We therefore pray for her.

О son of Bhima, when we thus spoke to Durvasa, he lowered his head for two ghadis (forty four minutes). The he spoke mercifully.

“O sages whatever has been spoken by me cannot be otherwise. No one can alter it. She would surely fall into the enemy hands, but this is also sure that her chastity would not be descrated. She would get a husband as per dharma. She would get many sons. She would be virtuous and blessed with fortunes.

Her body shall always issue fragrence. She would remain virgin even after having union with her husband. This chaste girl would forget forever about her kidnapping.

О valorous one, respecting my words, you marry her with Sahadeva, the son of Pandu, who is faithful, valorous, and religious minded.”

Therafter honouring the words of Narada, Bhanu, gave away his daughter in marriage to Sahadeva — the son of MadrI.

Then Shri Krishna, the carrier of disc, summoned Sahadeva, and after performing his marriage with her, sent off the couple, and he himself returned to Dvdraka.

A person who would faithfully read the episoe the victory of Shri Krishna or would listen to it, he would be victorious in all his efforts.

Here ends chapter — 90, of the Visnu Parva of the Harivamsa Purana, a supplementary of the epic of the Mahabharata, relating to the abduction of Bhanumati by Nikumbha and the death of the demon. (Vrs. 1-78, P.T. = 8260)

Janamejaya said — О great sage, the best of the virtuous saints, I have listened to the surprising episodes of the abduction of Bhanumatl, the victory of Shri Krishna, bringing of Chhalikya Gandharva from the heaven, and the oceanic water sports of the people of vrsni-varhsa.

O sage, while describing about the killing of Nikumbha, you had also stated about the killing of Vajranabha. By your grace, 1 feel anxious to listen the relevent story.

Vaishampayana said — О Naresvara, son of Bharata’s race, I shall delightfully narrate to you the story of the killing of Vajranabha, highlighting at the same time the details about the victory of Pradyumna as well as Sambha — the sons of Shri Krishna.

О Narendra, a great asura known by the name of Vajranabha had always been victorious in war. Once he performed a severe tapas over the peak of the Meru mountain.

Brahama — the grand sire, was immensely pleased with his tapas. Getting pleased he asked Vajranabha to seek for a boon.

Then the excellent Danava prayed for a boon to be invincible from the gods, besides a city of Vajrapura, which should be made of gems.

О Bharata, in the city of Vajrapura, even the wind could not enter of its own accord. All the articles of pleasure were available there even without asking for them.

О Janamejaya, around the boundless and vast city there were hundreds of gardens which were surrounded by the boundary walls.

О Bharata, because of the boon the demon received from Brahma, the city was established in that form. Vajranabha — the great demon used to live in that city.

Having been graced by the boon, hundreds and thousands of strong asuras with valorous and well built bodies, lived in vajrapura as well as other contigious locations, with prominent orchards.

(Then in due course of time) Vajranabha, arrogated with the boon he had recessed (from Brahma) started agonising the entire world.

О lord of the subjects, then he went to Mahendra and said to him, О Indra, I intend to rule the three worlds.

(Either you vacate the heaven for me) or fight with me, because only the sons of Kasyapa are fit to rule the universe.

О son of Kuru race, then the excellent Indra, consulting Brhaspati said to Vajranabha.

О pleasent one, we have taken diksa for the yajna of Kasyapa. After the completion of the yajna, we shall act accordingly as would be appropriate.

Then the Danava, went to his father Kasyapa and apprised him of whatever had been spoken to him by Indra, on hearing which Kasyapa said.

At these words of his father, Vajranabha then returned to his place. On the other hand Indra also went to the city of Dvaraka with excellent gate.

Reaching there, Indra, apprised Krishna of the activities of Vajranabha. At this Shri Krishna said.

“O Indra, my father is performing the Asvamedha sacrifice, I shall surely kill Vajranabha after the completion of the yajna.

О refuge of the noble people, tell me the means to entere the city of Vajranabha, because without the permission of the demon, even the wind cannot enter the city of the demon.

Thereafter, having been welcomed by Shri Krishna, Indra left the place. О Bharata, when the Asvamedha sacrifice of Vasudeva, was completed (Indra also arrived there).

When the yajna started Devaraja Indra and Krishna consulted each other for their entry in the city of Vajrapura.

During the performing of the yajna, an acrobat named Bhadra, pleased all the sages with his performance.

Then the sages asked Bhdra to seek for a boon. Then having been inspired with the goddess Sarasvati as well the desire of Shri Krishna and Indra, Bhadra — the acrobat, prayed for a boon from the ascetics who had arrived to participate in the yajna.

The acrobat said — “O sages, all the Brahmanas should feed me with respect or all the Brahmanas should take food with me. I should be able to move everywhere on earth in the seven islands. I should attain strength to fly in the sky, I should possess special prowess and should be indestructible from mobile and immobile creatures.

With the one who is dead or is alive, or the one who will be produced by me in future, when I intend to enter a particular place with them, I should turn myself like them with my instruments. The ailment and old age should never overpower me. Let the Rishis and other people remain always pleased with me.

О Naresvara, the Brahmanas then said, “Be it so”, granting him the desired boon. Thereafter the acrobat with the divine powers, wandered on earth in the seven islands.

He moved through the cities of Danavas, besides Uttarakuru, Bhadrasva, Ketumala and Kalamra, regions.

The valorous great acrobat used to frequent Dvaraka on all the festivals which was the abode of Yadavas.

Thereafter, the geese which dwell in the heaven, were summoned by Indra, who were the descendants of Dhrtarastra and Kasyapa and assuring them, he said to them.

О geese, you are progerny of Kasyapa, the father of the universe and as such, you are our brothers. You are the divine birds and serve as vehicles for the gods and the noble people.

Presently the task of destruction of the enemy has arrived before the gods, which happens to be our essential duty, The task has to be established. No one should know about his secret discussion.

In case of the disobedience of the command of the gods, you might have to face punishment. О excellent swans, you have unrestructed approach everywhere.

It is impossible for anyone else to enter the demon city of Vajranabha. You go there and visit the step walls of the inner apartments, because this task is suited to you the most.

Vajranabha has a daughter of red complexion, who is quite beautiful in the three worlds. She is known by the name of Prabhavati. She appears like the moon shine and illumines like the same.

We have heard that her mother had got that daughter by the grace of the boon of Mahadevi Uma, the doughter of Himavan - the king of the mountains.

О geese, the beautiful damsel is well guarded by her relatives. She has to select her own groom in a svayarhbara.

Therefore you go to Prabhavati and sing about the excellence of Pradyumna, his race, family beauty, his excellent nature, besides the virtues.

She is the chaste daughter of Vajranabha, and when she develops love for Pradyumna in her heart, then concentrating your minds, you should carry her message to Padyumna. Thereafter you carry the return message to Prabhavati. At the same time, you, using your own wisdom, after careful thinking, act according to the need of the time and do good to me.

Reaching there, you should express delight with your eyes and speech. You should narrate the virtues of Pradyumna in such a way that the mind of Prabhavati is totally attracted towards Pradyumna.

You should inform me daily about the news as well as Shri Krishna my younger brother, in Dvaraka.

Till such time, the selfconscious and magnificent Pradyumna, achieves Prabhavati — the daughter of Vajranabha your efforts in this regard should continue.

Vajranabha is invincible from all the gods, due to the boon of Brahma. He could be slain in the war, by Pradyumna and other prince.

There is an acrobat named Bhadra, and taking to his form Prayumna and other Yadavas, will enter his city for the destruction of the demon.

All this whatever has been spoken by me anything else which is warranted suiting to the accrosion, should be performed by you in order to please me.

О geese, in the city of Vajranabha, the gods can in no way enter. This is certain.

Here ends chapter — 91, of Visnu Parva of the Harivarnsa Purana, a supplementary to the epic of the Mahabharata, relating to the story of Vajranabha. (Vrs. 1-54, P.T. = 8314)

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