King Yuddhishtir ruled the Kingdom of Hastinapur generously. Prosperity and fame flowed in the Kingdom. Dharma was established. Pandavas and Krishna spent their time cheerfully. Yuddhistir performed Ashwamedha Yagna and conquered the whole world. The Earth seemed bliss under the rule of Yuddhishtir.

After a few months, the grandson of Mahanayak Dhananjaya, son of brave-hearted Abhimanyu was born. Draupadi, Subadra, and Pandavas were waiting impatiently for this moment.

Draupadi donated her treasure to the poor on this joyful day. She prepared food herself and fed Brahmanas and sages. Subadra assisted her. Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadev welcomed many pious Brahmanas to the palace.

The Child was placed on the royal swing. The cheerful citizens obtained the appearance of their infant prince. He scintillated like the sun. The horoscope was examined by the Brahmanas.

The King Yuddhishtir asked, "Oh Great souls, How will be my dear grandson in the future? Will he be saintly and righteous King? Will he make our clan proud?"

The Brahmanas proclaimed-

"O King Yuddhishtir, Your grandson is born to fulfill God's wishes. He was dead in the womb. Under the grace of the Lord of Lords, Sri Krishna, he was retrieved back to life. He was born by the powers of Narayana, himself. Hence, he will be called as Vishnurata by the world.

He shall shine like the Supreme God of Personality, Sri Rama. He shall be Arjuna, the great among the bowmen. He shall be righteous like his grandfather Yuddhishtira. He shall be generous like the God of Kalisa, Lord Siva.

He shall be like Maharaja Bali in Patience and like Maharaja Prahalada in devotion. He will be remembered forever by the world. He will be called as Parikshit as wished by Keshava. But, there is a sad thing...."

Bhima asked, "O Brahmana continue the prophecy, We are impatiently waiting for you to continue."

The Brahmana continued, "O Greatest among warriors, Bhimasena, Your Grandson will be killed by a snake who is waiting to revenge the Kuru Dynasty. Due to snake bite, the Prince may die at a young age of '50s. But Don't be dejected. He will surely fulfill God's wish. His name will become immortal."

All the 5 Pandavas donated to the Brahmanas making them satisfied. The whole kingdom was in colors of joy. Everyone was waiting desperately for Parikshit to grow up.

Sri Krishna, Rukmini, and Satyabhama arrived to occasion and stayed there for a few months. Parikshit was indeed blessed to grow up with Sri Krishna, Arjuna, Draupadi, and Devi Rukmini.

Uttara's health started deteriorating due to the effect of Brahmashira. Many Physicians did their best. Unfortunately, they could not save Uttara. Uttara left her body peacefully to heaven with the blessings of Sri Krishna. Pandavas fell in grief. They performed the rites. Draupadi and Subadra spent their whole time bringing up their grandson who became motherless.

10 YEARS LATER:

Subadra shouted from the balcony of her Kitchen, "Parikshit son, It is time for Lunch. Stop playing and come back from the garden." There was no reply or appearance of Parikshit. Arjuna arrived and pulled her cheeks, "Oh Dear, How many times will you forget that your dear son will come only when his Grandmother Yagnaseni orders him?" Subadra frowned. Bhima who watched this started giggling.

Draupadi entered the Kitchen with shining Parikshit. She was carrying him to the Dinning hall. Subadra too joined her. Draupadi served food to her husbands meanwhile, Subadra fed the naughty Parikshit.

Yudhishthira said, "I am thinking that it is the time for Parikshit's education. We should send him to Guru Kripacharya's Gurukul. What are your views?" The Pandavas nodded to his decision. Though Draupadi and Subadra's faces became pale as they have to get departed from their grandson, they accepted soon.

10 YEARS LATER:

Parikshit returned from the Ashrama of Kripacharya. He resumed serving his Grandparents with love and care.

A message came to King Yuddhistira who was in the Court with his Empress and other Pandavas. The messenger read, "O Emperor, Kunti Putra Arjuna has arrived from Dwaraka after many months." Everyone hearts beat in joy. All missed Arjuna so much.

As Arjuna entered the entrance, everyone was astonished. They could not believe whether it was Arjuna or not.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

(Published on 24th June 2020, Wednesday)

NEXT DAY: Parikshit becomes the King of Hastinapur.

(Image credits: Google and the owners of the art)