Mantralaya-1096

(The misunderstanding surrounding the Mahabharata Laksya Gruha episode)

Date : Jun 27, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA   JAYATI NA ANRUTA

Background

The misunderstanding surrounding the Mahabharata Laksya Gruha episode, elucidated by Srimadacharya in his Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, is detailed in Mantralaya (1096).

Meaning

Today we will look at the misconception regarding the episode of Laksya Gruha wax palace incident. When we read this, several questions arrived. Who is Purochana ? Why did Bhima lit fire and took the innocent life of a female along with 5 children in order to save themself. Isn’t this adharama ?

Let's look these into deep by referencing Srimadacharya, in his Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, has decisively laid down the actual incidents that took place, once again highlighting the greatness of Bhimasena.

One of the most fascinating and pivotal incidents in the Mahabharata is the Laksya Gruha, or "House of Lac" incident. The term "Laksya Gruha" (also spelled "Lakshagriha") is derived from Sanskrit and can be broken down into two parts: "Laksya" (or "Laksha") and "Gruha."Laksya: This term means "lac" or "lacquer," a highly flammable natural resin.Gruha: This term means "house" or "building."

After losing their kingdom in a deceitful game of dice, the Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and their mother Kunti—were sent into exile. Duryodhana, their envious cousin, was not satisfied with just their exile; he wanted them destroyed. To this end, he devised a sinister plan.

Duryodhana convinced his father, King Dhritarashtra, to send the Pandavas and their mother, Kunti, to Varanavata for a grand festival. Secretly, Duryodhana sent his loyal minister, Purochana, to Varanavata ahead of them. Purochana's task was to build a beautiful palace for the Pandavas. However, this palace was no ordinary home; it was made of highly flammable materials like lacquer, ghee, and wax, designed to catch fire easily and burn quickly. The real plan was to set the palace on fire and burn the Pandavas alive. When the Pandavas arrived, Purochana pretended that he had left Duryodhana's service and wanted to support them, trying to make them feel safe.

Vidura, the wise uncle of the Pandavas, sensed something amiss. He discreetly warned Yudhishthira through coded messages, urging him to stay vigilant and be ready for any treachery. Recognizing the hidden danger, Yudhishthira shared his concerns with his brothers, ensuring they were all on guard.

As the Pandavas and Kunti arrived at the palace, they pretended to be unaware of any danger. They lived there for a while, maintaining an appearance of normalcy while secretly planning their escape. Vidura, anticipating the threat, had already arranged for a tunnel to be built through a secret passage in Khagha, which would serve as their escape route when the time came.

Who is Purochana? Sri Madhva has revealed that Purochana is actually the demon Prahasta, who served as the minister of Ravana in the Ramayana. In this incarnation, he serves as the minister of Kali, represented by Duryodhana

Purochana waited patiently for the perfect moment to burn the palace and the Pandavas inside. He intended to strike when all the Pandavas were asleep to ensure they would be trapped and perish in the fire. However, he never saw Bhima asleep, as Bhima, representing (Mukhya) Prana, never truly sleeps. This constant vigilance foiled Purochana's plans and kept the Pandavas safe.

The original Mahabharata mentions a Nishada woman who arrives at the palace with her five sons. The Pandavas use them as substitutes, allowing Duryodhana to be deceived into thinking the Pandavas have perished in the fire. At first glance, this seems morally wrong, as it appears that innocent people were sacrificed by the Pandavas to secure their own escape.

Sri Madhva provides a profound interpretation on this matter. The Nishada woman is revealed to be an evil Rakshashi who, through intense penance, obtains a boon from Lord Rudra. The boon grants her the desire to attain the status of Aditi, the mother of the devatas (celestial beings). However, the condition attached to this boon is that she must not perish alongside her five sons in this lifetime. To fulfill this condition and secure her coveted position, the Demoness/Rakshashi strategically plans her actions.

Bhima, possessing knowledge of her true identity and the significance of her plight, waits patiently for six months until the Rakshashi and her sons arrive at the palace. They arrive intoxicated and fall deeply asleep. Taking decisive action guided by divine providence, Bhima sets fire to the palace at this opportune moment. This action ensures that the Rakshashi and her sons perish in the blaze along with Purochana, who is also asleep, thereby fulfilling the conditions of the boon granted by Lord Rudra.

In this way, Bhima's actions are not merely strategic but also uphold divine justice, ensuring that the conditions of the boon are met and maintaining the order established by Lord Rudra.

After the palace was set ablaze, Bhima swiftly took charge of the situation. With Kunti on his shoulders and Nakula and Sahadeva tucked safely in his arms, he carried Yudhishthira and Arjuna close to his chest. Bhima's mighty strides echoed like thunder, and wherever he ran, storms seemed to gather and the ground trembled under his feet. It was as if the very earth quivered in awe of his strength and determination.

Guided by the wisdom of Acharya Madhvaru, this heroic escape highlighted Bhima's exceptional knowledge and power. His ability to carry his family members through adversity with such speed and strength was a testament to his divine strength and unwavering resolve. Bhima's feat not only ensured their survival but also underscored his role as the protector and pillar of strength for the Pandavas during their trials.

Acharya Madhvaru provides clarity on the incarnations of Purochana and the Nishada woman, shedding light on their true identities and roles in the Mahabharata narrative. He explains the deeper reasons behind the seemingly harsh act of using the Nishada woman and her children as decoys. According to dharma, this action was justified under the circumstances to ensure the survival of the Pandavas and uphold righteousness amidst deceit and danger.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy, praised Madhavacharya (or Madhvacharya) for his profound contributions to philosophy and theology. Madhavacharya, also known as AnandaTirtha or Purna Prajna, was a prominent philosopher and the founder of the Dvaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. Sri Raghavendra Swamy appreciated Madhavacharya's scholarly insights, his systematic approach to Vedanta, and his efforts to uphold the principles of dualism (Dvaita) in interpreting the scriptures, particularly the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.

In the context of devotion and reverence towards Madhavacharya, Sri Raghavendra Swamy's praise would emphasize the importance of Madhavacharya's teachings in guiding spiritual seekers towards understanding the relationship between the individual soul (Jivatma) and the supreme reality (Paramatma), as well as the path to liberation (Moksha) through devotion and knowledge.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be disappointed.”

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||