(Bhagavad-Yana Parva- Mahabharata)
Vaishampayana said- After giving the message of King Dhritarashtra to Pandavas, Sanjay returned back to Hastinapur. Thus, King Yudhishthira discussed the matter gravely with all of his brothers and well wishers. Knowing the intention of King Dhritarashtra, Yudhishthira requested Lord Krishna to convey their message to the Kauravas. With everyone's desire to be fulfilled, the slayer of Madhu set off on his journey as a messenger to Hastinapur.
Lord Krishna went to the Kaurava Assembly for a peace talk on behalf of King Yudhishthira. When the Vrishnis race hero entered the Shabha Hall, a perfect stillness reigned over there and all the kings looked at his beautiful face full of adoration! Paying due respect to all the Kuru elders, Krishna spoke softly to the king Dhritarashtra. He explained every word of virtue , morality and beneficiary to both sides but everything fell on deaf’s ear! All the rulers of the earth, agreeing with Krishna in their minds kept quiet, they could not dare to speak against Duryodhana.
Beholding the silence of other kings in the Kuru-Sabha Hall, Parshuram- the son of Jamadagni spoke these words to Kurus, ‘O Kurus! I shall tell you a beautiful story. Without keeping any doubt to my truthful words, try to accept the moral value of the story. Then Ram began the story—————
There was a very powerful king named Dambodbhava. He could bring the whole world under his sway! His heart was filled with pride thinking himself the unbeatable warrior. Every day in the morning, he was asking the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, ‘Is there anybody either Shudra, Brahmanas or Kshatriyas who is more powerful and accomplished like me?’
Intoxicated with pride and vanity, he went on asking, boasting himself all around the world. Out of arrogance he didn't hesitate to ask the same question to the twice born. Those high souled Brahmanas were too much annoyed and once out of wrath said, ‘There are two persons who are the best among the men and ever victorious! By no means you are equal to them, O king!’
Hearing their words, the king asked them again, ‘Who are they? What are their achievements? Where do they live?’
The Brahmanas then said, ‘O king! They are Nara and Narayana. They have taken their birth in human form. Go and fight with them. We heard that both of them are performing severe austerities secretly in Gandhamadana mountain.’
King Dambodbhava became too desirous to meet them. Collecting a large army, he proceeded to the mountain. At last, he spotted them. The two high-souled persons were badly afflicted with hunger, thirst and sun rays. Approaching two best of the men, the king paid his respect by touching their feet.
The duo also received the king offering roots and fruits and asked him, ‘O king! What can we do for you?’
Being asked, the king said, ‘O sages! I have vanquished all the kings on earth. Desiring to fight with you, I have come here. O blessed ones! Fulfil my wish which I have entertained for a long time! Fight with me.’
Nara and Narayana said, ‘O best of the kings, we are far from this warfare! We are engaged in penances. And where are weapons to be obtained in this forest? You should search for other Kshatriyas on earth to satisfy your desire. There are so many mighty warriors on earth. Go and ask them.’
But Dambodhbhava was adamant on his decision. He proposed the same proposal repeatedly till they were annoyed! The ascetics tried their best to comfort the king but failed. Then Nara, taking a handful of blades of grass, said, ‘O impetuous king! Come and fight! Now bring all your arms and satisfy your cry for battle if you can! I will satisfy your long awaited thirst for war!’
Poor Dambodbhava! Without realising the power of these ascetics, he retorted, ‘O noble Hearts! If you think this weapon of yours is enough for me, now watch my warfare and face my army.’ Thus, he covered them from all sides with a heavy downpour of arrows.
The Rishi using the same blade of grass nullified all the terrible arrows of Dambodbhava. Then the Sage who was unbeatable shot a dreadful weapon in the shape of a blade of grass which could never be withstood by the enemy. That created havoc for the armies cutting off their nose, eyes, and ears by its illusion energy.
The king was shocked to see the sky covered with blades of grass! Dambodbhava fell at Nara’s feet and said, ‘O Lord! May good happen to me!’
Nara felt compassion for the king as he asked for his protection. Then Nara said, ‘O noble king! Be virtuous and act according to the instructions of the Brahmanas. O best among the kings, never keep the intention of keeping possessions of your enemies. Whether anyone is superior or inferior to you, behave decently keeping aside your vanity and pride.
Endued with humility, forgiveness and wisdom, you must protect your subjects. Out of covetousness never insult any one without knowing his strength and weakness. Paying respect to our command, show respect and look after the welfare of the Brahmanas.'
Bowing at the feet of those high-souled ascetics, king Dambodbhava returned to his capital and thereafter acted most righteously.
The act shown by Nara was great, indeed! And O Kings, Narayana is far more superior in regard to many virtues!
O Duryodhana! For that reason, so long as the weapons are not joined to the Gandiva bow, keeping aside all your vanity, go to the third Pandava- Dhananjaya. Is there any one who can defeat the heroic Arjun whose friend and protector is the creator of this universe?
Know that the same Nara and Narayana of old days have taken their forms as Arjun and Keshava of immeasurable power. O king, the reputation of the Bharata race is well thought of in this world and let it be continued! Make peace with Pandavas before any serious things happen!'
Thus, Parshuram finished the story of Dmbodbhava and Rishi Kanva began his speech addressing Duryodhana in the assembly hall.
Each and every story of Mahabharata teaches some moral values and ethical sense to us. It depends upon us how much we want to learn!
Never underestimate others capabilities without knowing them fully well!
Always follow the path of Dharma!
Wisdom, humility, and compassion are the characteristic features of a noble man!
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