Hi!!! Today's story is from the Mahabharata. It isn't very well-known, but it is very, very funny!! It's about the son of Duryodhana, Lakshman Kumar and how he was tricked into becoming a Brahmachari (one who won't marry ever in their life) by his cousin, Ghatothkacha. Let's go…
After the exile of the Pandavas, Subhadra, Arjuna's other wife, went with her son, Abhimanyu, to Dwaraka, where her brother - Krishna - lived. She thought that her son couldn't be trained by the Pandavas, who had lost their kingdom on a game of dice. She rode on her chariot, with her small son resting in her arms, all the way to Dwaraka.
Through the thirteen years at Dwaraka, Abhimanyu grew up to be a brave young man under Krishna's guidance. He was trained in archery and swordsmanship. It was said that he could defeat his uncle, Bheema, in a mace fight!! He was a very, VERY strong boy. He got his immense skills from his father, Arjuna.
Shashirekha was the daughter of Balarama, Krishna's brother, and Revati. She was born as a beautiful and lovely girl, who was fancied by many. The tales of her extraordinary beauty reached far and wide. Many young men were fascinated by her and set their heart out to win her but her heart belonged only to one - the talented and courageous Abhimanyu. He and Shashirekha would always be seen together, walking in the Royal Gardens. They knew that they loved each other (EEEEWWW!!! YUCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!) but neither said so. But Revati, Shashirekha's mother, did not approve of the match. She wanted her daughter to marry a king or a prince. But, seeing that Arjuna had lost his kingdom, Revati knew that Abhimanyu wouldn't become a king. So, she told Shashirekha, "A prince without a kingdom may well be a commoner!!!" Shashirekha didn't think about what her mother said and set about marrying Abhimanyu.
Revati thought that Abhimanyu wasn't the right choice for her daughter. She knew that Lakshman Kumar, Duryodhana's son, would be better for her. First of all, he would become the king of Hastinapur. And secondly, Balarama had taught Duryodhana in the art of mace-fighting, so it would strengthen their relationship. Shakuni, Duryodhana's uncle, was also in favour of Revati's decision. He knew that Krishna would always support the Pandavas, but if Shashirekha married Lakshman Kumar, then… Shakuni only supported Revati's view because of this. Revati tried to talk some sense into Shashirekha, but she persisted that her heart was only set to marry Abhimanyu. Without success, Revati turned to her husband, Balarama. She told him, "Our daughter cannot marry the commoner, who was once a prince! She must marry Lakshman Kumar," Balarama thought about the matter lengthily. He didn't know what to do!! If Shashirekkha was to marry Abhimanyu, it would mean that he had to stage a huge comeback against the Kauravas. So, Balarama breaks the news to her, "Shashirekha!! Shashirekha!!" She came running to her father. "What is it, father?" Balarama put his hand on her shoulder and said, "We have decided that you shall marry Lakshman Kumar, Duryodhana's son." Shashirekha broke down in tears. She was shocked!!! She wanted to marry Abhimanyu, but her parents were forcing her to marry a complete stranger!!! Thus, Shashirekha's marriage was set with Lakshman Kumara, much against the bride's wishes.
Abhimanyu was heartbroken when he got to know of Shashirekha's engagement to Lakshman Kumara. He couldn't bear to be without her (YUCK!!! BLEH!!!!!). Subhadra understood his plight and told him, "Son, there is no use of staying here anymore. We shall make for the forest, where your father is." Upset and disgraced, Abhimanyu and his mother left Dwaraka and set off for the Pandavas' residence.
They rode on their chariot until the blazing sun had set beyond the horizon, and the glistening moon rose to light up the starry sky. They knew that their horses wouldn't be able to move an inch more after such a long day's drive. They lay down in the star-studded chariot, which stood as still as a statue. Instantly, the mother-son duo fell fast asleep, without a whisper.
Suddenly, a large THUD woke them up. Abhimanyu ran to the back of the chariot and pulled his bow out. Another THUD came. Subhadra crawled behind her son. THUD. THUD.THUD. The THUDs came faster. All of a sudden, it stopped. You could hear the breeze flowing around. That's how quiet it was. Abhimanyu lit a small candle and kept it at the front of the chariot. As he lit it, a giant shadow was cast upon the candle. The shadow looked like a man, but the size of a few elephants!! Abhimanyu and Subhadra looked up. They saw it.
A man the size of a few fully-grown elephants!!!! He was wearing stitched tiger skin around his waist. But, looking at the amount of tigerskin he was wearing, you could have believed he had killed a thousand of them!!! His hair grew until his shoulders and he had a thin beard, covering the bottom of his face. He held a huge lamp, which shone like the sun. Straight away, the giant shouted, "WHO GOES THERE??? WHO WANDERS INTO MY FOREST???!!" Abhimanyu trembled. He tried stringing his bow, but his hands were quivering like a fish out of water!! The giant knelt down to the chariot and looked Abhimanyu in the eye. He stared with his eyes as big as Abhimanyu himself and smiled. He saw Subhadra behind him and said, "ABHIMANYU!! It's been so long!! How are you?!? Hi Subhadra Auntie!!!!!! How are you??!!" Both of them, Abhimanyu and Subhadra, were confused. They didn't know anyone who lived in a forest. Abhimanyu regained his courage and said, "Who are you?" The giant stood up and proclaimed, "I am Gatothkacha, son of Bhima and Hidimbi!!!" Abhimanyu stood perplexed. He didn't know that his Uncle Bhima had a son!!! He (tried to) embrace his cousin, but in vain. He could stretch his whole body only over his belly button!!! Gatothkacha laughed, "HAHAHA!!!!" He scooped the chariot, along with Subhadra and Abhimanyu, into his palm. They screamed in panic, as they went into the air. Gatothkacha laughed, as he thrust them up in his hand.
He took them to his house, which was HUGE!!!!!! You could fit a million elephants in there!!! It was sooooooooooooooo big!!! When they got there, Subhadra and Abhimanyu's jaws dropped in awe. They couldn't believe the size of that house!! As Gatothkacha knocked on the door, it shook. Abhimanyu and Subhadra were frightened by the sound of the giant door. Gatothkacha's mom, Hidimbi, came out to greet their guests. "Who is it???? OH, SUBHADRA!!!! HI!!!" Hidimbi exclaimed.
Abhimanyu and his mother stayed at Gatothkacha's house for a long time. They became very good friends and lived together in harmony. They co-operated very well, and lived a life of simpleness.
One day, Abhimanyu sat in the gigantic balcony of their house, when Gatothkacha came and sat next to him. Abhimanyu was brooding over something. Gatothkacha questioned him, "What's happened? Are you fine?" Abhimanyu said he was fine. But, Gatothkacha wasn't convinced. He thought that Abhimanyu was sad. He questioned him again.
After a long time, Abhimanyu finally broke. He told his cousin about Shashirekha, and how he wanted to marry her, and about Lakshman Kumar. Gatothkacha understood and told Abhimanyu, "Don't worry. I'll get Shashirekha here."
So, Gatothkacha used his magic and flew all the way to Dwaraka, where Shashirekha was sleeping. It was late in the night, so Shashirekha didn't like a person in her room. Gatothkacha covered her mouth with his hand and whispered, "I'm from Abhimanyu. Come with me to see him…" So, Shashirekha jumped onto Gatothkacha's other hand, and whispered back, "Then what are we waiting for?!" So, Gatothkacha flew back to the forest with Shashirekha in his hand.
Abhimanyu and his mother were tensed. They didn't know what Gatothkacha was going to do. Suddenly, Gatothkacha landed on the plain strip in front of their house. Abhimanyu ran towards Gatothkacha and saw Shashirekha in his hands. She jumped off his hand and ran to Abhimanyu. They hugged each other (YUCK!!!!!!). Shashirekha explained what Gatothkacha had done. Abhimanyu was ever so grateful. He asked Gatothkacha, " What will happen at Shashirekha's wedding?" Gtothkacha subtly replied, "I know what to do…"
A few days later, the wedding ceremony of Shashirekha and Lakshman Kumar came. The whole Kaurava family had come to witness the event. The anticipation built with every passing moment.
On the last day, when Lakshman Kumar was supposed to garland Shashirkeha, Gatothkacha came in the form of Shashirekha!!! A few hours earlier, in the early morning hours, Gatothkacha had transformed into Shashirekha. In the morning, Gatothkacha demanded something for breakfast. The maids then gave Gatothkacha a bowl of rice. He then devoured it in minutes!!!! The maids were astonished!!! They gave him another bowl of rice. Gatothkacha finished it off in seconds!!! The maids were shocked!! They knew that Shashirekha was such a poised lady, but seeing him eat this much was overwhelming!! Anyways, this wasn't Shashirekha. When he demanded more food, the maidens brought Gatothkacha into the kitchen. He saw all of the delicious wedding food there. Within the blink of an eye, Gatothkacha had wolfed down every single morsel of food!!!!! The cooks were annoyed because they had to start from scratch and make all of the food again!!!!!
Gatothkacha went outside to see the groom. He saw him and decided what to do to him.
When the ceremony started, Gatothkacha walked all the way to the altar. He reached the altar, and when he was instructed to lift his veil, Gatothkacha, being the illusionist he was, changed his face into that of a lion!!!!! Lakshman Kumar screamed and ran back in horror, "LION!!! LION!!! SHE'S A LION!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!" But, Gatothkacha made his face so that the other people would think he was Shashirekha. The other Kauravas laughed at Lakshman Kumar and told him, "Excuse me!!! You have to marry her, not insult her!!!" Lakshman Kumar continued with the wedding, even though he'd seen a lion's face.
When it was time to garland each other, Gatothkacha went first. When Lakshman Kumar looked up to see him, he saw the face of a tiger!!!! Gatothkacha pretended to roar, "AAAAAAHHHH!!!!!! A TIGER!!!!! A TIGER!!!!!! HELP!!!!!! I CAN"T MARRY HER!!!!!" Lakshman Kumar staggered back in fear. The Kauravas were angered. They pushed and shoved Lakshman Kumar and made him garland Gatothkacha. Lakshman Kumar was freaked out for no reason. When Gatothkacha put her head down for Lakshman Kumar to put the garland, he transformed his face into that of a bear!!!!!! You can guess what the reaction was: "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE'S A BEAR!!!!!!!!!! SHAKUNI THATHA!!!!!! I DON'T CARE IF THIS SUPPORTS YOUR ALLIANCE, BUT I WON'T MARRY HER!!!!!!!!" Shakuni's plan was busted. He only wanted Lakshman Kumar to marry Shashirekha for the alliance, but now that his plan had been revealed, Shakuni told all of the Kauravas to go back. The Kauravas hung their heads down and walked back to Hastinapur in shame.
The next night, Gatothkacha flew the real Shashirekha back to Dwaraka and told Krishna (ONLY) what had happened. Krishna, understanding the incident, persuaded Balarama to let Shashirekha marry Abhimanyu.
So, Balarama let Shashirekha marry the love of her life: Abhimanyu.
Fun Fact Nº 1: This tale isn't actually in Vyasa's Mahabharata. It's actually a folktale from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh!
Thanks for reading Lakshman Kumar and Gatothkacha!!! Please type your email in the box above the followers and click the blue button to subscribe to my blog!!!!!
After the exile of the Pandavas, Subhadra, Arjuna's other wife, went with her son, Abhimanyu, to Dwaraka, where her brother - Krishna - lived. She thought that her son couldn't be trained by the Pandavas, who had lost their kingdom on a game of dice. She rode on her chariot, with her small son resting in her arms, all the way to Dwaraka.
Through the thirteen years at Dwaraka, Abhimanyu grew up to be a brave young man under Krishna's guidance. He was trained in archery and swordsmanship. It was said that he could defeat his uncle, Bheema, in a mace fight!! He was a very, VERY strong boy. He got his immense skills from his father, Arjuna.
Shashirekha was the daughter of Balarama, Krishna's brother, and Revati. She was born as a beautiful and lovely girl, who was fancied by many. The tales of her extraordinary beauty reached far and wide. Many young men were fascinated by her and set their heart out to win her but her heart belonged only to one - the talented and courageous Abhimanyu. He and Shashirekha would always be seen together, walking in the Royal Gardens. They knew that they loved each other (EEEEWWW!!! YUCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!) but neither said so. But Revati, Shashirekha's mother, did not approve of the match. She wanted her daughter to marry a king or a prince. But, seeing that Arjuna had lost his kingdom, Revati knew that Abhimanyu wouldn't become a king. So, she told Shashirekha, "A prince without a kingdom may well be a commoner!!!" Shashirekha didn't think about what her mother said and set about marrying Abhimanyu.
Revati thought that Abhimanyu wasn't the right choice for her daughter. She knew that Lakshman Kumar, Duryodhana's son, would be better for her. First of all, he would become the king of Hastinapur. And secondly, Balarama had taught Duryodhana in the art of mace-fighting, so it would strengthen their relationship. Shakuni, Duryodhana's uncle, was also in favour of Revati's decision. He knew that Krishna would always support the Pandavas, but if Shashirekha married Lakshman Kumar, then… Shakuni only supported Revati's view because of this. Revati tried to talk some sense into Shashirekha, but she persisted that her heart was only set to marry Abhimanyu. Without success, Revati turned to her husband, Balarama. She told him, "Our daughter cannot marry the commoner, who was once a prince! She must marry Lakshman Kumar," Balarama thought about the matter lengthily. He didn't know what to do!! If Shashirekkha was to marry Abhimanyu, it would mean that he had to stage a huge comeback against the Kauravas. So, Balarama breaks the news to her, "Shashirekha!! Shashirekha!!" She came running to her father. "What is it, father?" Balarama put his hand on her shoulder and said, "We have decided that you shall marry Lakshman Kumar, Duryodhana's son." Shashirekha broke down in tears. She was shocked!!! She wanted to marry Abhimanyu, but her parents were forcing her to marry a complete stranger!!! Thus, Shashirekha's marriage was set with Lakshman Kumara, much against the bride's wishes.
Abhimanyu was heartbroken when he got to know of Shashirekha's engagement to Lakshman Kumara. He couldn't bear to be without her (YUCK!!! BLEH!!!!!). Subhadra understood his plight and told him, "Son, there is no use of staying here anymore. We shall make for the forest, where your father is." Upset and disgraced, Abhimanyu and his mother left Dwaraka and set off for the Pandavas' residence.
They rode on their chariot until the blazing sun had set beyond the horizon, and the glistening moon rose to light up the starry sky. They knew that their horses wouldn't be able to move an inch more after such a long day's drive. They lay down in the star-studded chariot, which stood as still as a statue. Instantly, the mother-son duo fell fast asleep, without a whisper.
Suddenly, a large THUD woke them up. Abhimanyu ran to the back of the chariot and pulled his bow out. Another THUD came. Subhadra crawled behind her son. THUD. THUD.THUD. The THUDs came faster. All of a sudden, it stopped. You could hear the breeze flowing around. That's how quiet it was. Abhimanyu lit a small candle and kept it at the front of the chariot. As he lit it, a giant shadow was cast upon the candle. The shadow looked like a man, but the size of a few elephants!! Abhimanyu and Subhadra looked up. They saw it.
A man the size of a few fully-grown elephants!!!! He was wearing stitched tiger skin around his waist. But, looking at the amount of tigerskin he was wearing, you could have believed he had killed a thousand of them!!! His hair grew until his shoulders and he had a thin beard, covering the bottom of his face. He held a huge lamp, which shone like the sun. Straight away, the giant shouted, "WHO GOES THERE??? WHO WANDERS INTO MY FOREST???!!" Abhimanyu trembled. He tried stringing his bow, but his hands were quivering like a fish out of water!! The giant knelt down to the chariot and looked Abhimanyu in the eye. He stared with his eyes as big as Abhimanyu himself and smiled. He saw Subhadra behind him and said, "ABHIMANYU!! It's been so long!! How are you?!? Hi Subhadra Auntie!!!!!! How are you??!!" Both of them, Abhimanyu and Subhadra, were confused. They didn't know anyone who lived in a forest. Abhimanyu regained his courage and said, "Who are you?" The giant stood up and proclaimed, "I am Gatothkacha, son of Bhima and Hidimbi!!!" Abhimanyu stood perplexed. He didn't know that his Uncle Bhima had a son!!! He (tried to) embrace his cousin, but in vain. He could stretch his whole body only over his belly button!!! Gatothkacha laughed, "HAHAHA!!!!" He scooped the chariot, along with Subhadra and Abhimanyu, into his palm. They screamed in panic, as they went into the air. Gatothkacha laughed, as he thrust them up in his hand.
He took them to his house, which was HUGE!!!!!! You could fit a million elephants in there!!! It was sooooooooooooooo big!!! When they got there, Subhadra and Abhimanyu's jaws dropped in awe. They couldn't believe the size of that house!! As Gatothkacha knocked on the door, it shook. Abhimanyu and Subhadra were frightened by the sound of the giant door. Gatothkacha's mom, Hidimbi, came out to greet their guests. "Who is it???? OH, SUBHADRA!!!! HI!!!" Hidimbi exclaimed.
Abhimanyu and his mother stayed at Gatothkacha's house for a long time. They became very good friends and lived together in harmony. They co-operated very well, and lived a life of simpleness.
One day, Abhimanyu sat in the gigantic balcony of their house, when Gatothkacha came and sat next to him. Abhimanyu was brooding over something. Gatothkacha questioned him, "What's happened? Are you fine?" Abhimanyu said he was fine. But, Gatothkacha wasn't convinced. He thought that Abhimanyu was sad. He questioned him again.
After a long time, Abhimanyu finally broke. He told his cousin about Shashirekha, and how he wanted to marry her, and about Lakshman Kumar. Gatothkacha understood and told Abhimanyu, "Don't worry. I'll get Shashirekha here."
So, Gatothkacha used his magic and flew all the way to Dwaraka, where Shashirekha was sleeping. It was late in the night, so Shashirekha didn't like a person in her room. Gatothkacha covered her mouth with his hand and whispered, "I'm from Abhimanyu. Come with me to see him…" So, Shashirekha jumped onto Gatothkacha's other hand, and whispered back, "Then what are we waiting for?!" So, Gatothkacha flew back to the forest with Shashirekha in his hand.
Abhimanyu and his mother were tensed. They didn't know what Gatothkacha was going to do. Suddenly, Gatothkacha landed on the plain strip in front of their house. Abhimanyu ran towards Gatothkacha and saw Shashirekha in his hands. She jumped off his hand and ran to Abhimanyu. They hugged each other (YUCK!!!!!!). Shashirekha explained what Gatothkacha had done. Abhimanyu was ever so grateful. He asked Gatothkacha, " What will happen at Shashirekha's wedding?" Gtothkacha subtly replied, "I know what to do…"
A few days later, the wedding ceremony of Shashirekha and Lakshman Kumar came. The whole Kaurava family had come to witness the event. The anticipation built with every passing moment.
On the last day, when Lakshman Kumar was supposed to garland Shashirkeha, Gatothkacha came in the form of Shashirekha!!! A few hours earlier, in the early morning hours, Gatothkacha had transformed into Shashirekha. In the morning, Gatothkacha demanded something for breakfast. The maids then gave Gatothkacha a bowl of rice. He then devoured it in minutes!!!! The maids were astonished!!! They gave him another bowl of rice. Gatothkacha finished it off in seconds!!! The maids were shocked!! They knew that Shashirekha was such a poised lady, but seeing him eat this much was overwhelming!! Anyways, this wasn't Shashirekha. When he demanded more food, the maidens brought Gatothkacha into the kitchen. He saw all of the delicious wedding food there. Within the blink of an eye, Gatothkacha had wolfed down every single morsel of food!!!!! The cooks were annoyed because they had to start from scratch and make all of the food again!!!!!
Gatothkacha went outside to see the groom. He saw him and decided what to do to him.
When the ceremony started, Gatothkacha walked all the way to the altar. He reached the altar, and when he was instructed to lift his veil, Gatothkacha, being the illusionist he was, changed his face into that of a lion!!!!! Lakshman Kumar screamed and ran back in horror, "LION!!! LION!!! SHE'S A LION!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!" But, Gatothkacha made his face so that the other people would think he was Shashirekha. The other Kauravas laughed at Lakshman Kumar and told him, "Excuse me!!! You have to marry her, not insult her!!!" Lakshman Kumar continued with the wedding, even though he'd seen a lion's face.
When it was time to garland each other, Gatothkacha went first. When Lakshman Kumar looked up to see him, he saw the face of a tiger!!!! Gatothkacha pretended to roar, "AAAAAAHHHH!!!!!! A TIGER!!!!! A TIGER!!!!!! HELP!!!!!! I CAN"T MARRY HER!!!!!" Lakshman Kumar staggered back in fear. The Kauravas were angered. They pushed and shoved Lakshman Kumar and made him garland Gatothkacha. Lakshman Kumar was freaked out for no reason. When Gatothkacha put her head down for Lakshman Kumar to put the garland, he transformed his face into that of a bear!!!!!! You can guess what the reaction was: "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE'S A BEAR!!!!!!!!!! SHAKUNI THATHA!!!!!! I DON'T CARE IF THIS SUPPORTS YOUR ALLIANCE, BUT I WON'T MARRY HER!!!!!!!!" Shakuni's plan was busted. He only wanted Lakshman Kumar to marry Shashirekha for the alliance, but now that his plan had been revealed, Shakuni told all of the Kauravas to go back. The Kauravas hung their heads down and walked back to Hastinapur in shame.
The next night, Gatothkacha flew the real Shashirekha back to Dwaraka and told Krishna (ONLY) what had happened. Krishna, understanding the incident, persuaded Balarama to let Shashirekha marry Abhimanyu.
So, Balarama let Shashirekha marry the love of her life: Abhimanyu.
Fun Fact Nº 1: This tale isn't actually in Vyasa's Mahabharata. It's actually a folktale from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh!
Thanks for reading Lakshman Kumar and Gatothkacha!!! Please type your email in the box above the followers and click the blue button to subscribe to my blog!!!!!
Nice story and writing Pradyun. Watch this movie mayabazar on prime which has the same story. It's really funny. I used to enjoy watching it especially when gatotgacha becomes sasirekha and when he eats the food. Keep more coming 😀
ReplyDeleteThanks Kruthika!!! I'll surely watch it!!!!
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