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we who are defeated " (10.10.9). The author of the epic observes on the catastrophic episode as : " undoubtedly the destined course of events cannot be changed " (10.8.143 ).5
Every reader of the Mahābhārata is moyed by the destruction in the camp. That is as it should be. But no one seems to have any tears to shed for those numberless victims from the Khāndava forest who were either burnt down or killed by the weapons for no fault at all. Aśvatthäman is rightly criticised for his cruelty, but it can be said that he wanted to wreak vengeance for the killing of his father. But the acts of Kțsna and Arjuna can in no way be motivated, let alone justified. But no one apparently has found fault with them, either in the epic or elsewhere in the course of the history. Shall we say that the people, since the time of the Mahābhārata, gained in antiquity but not in moral sensibility ?
But whether one has asked or not Krsna or Arjuna for explanation of their action, the law of retribution had run its regular course. The Khändava forest was mercilessly burnt down and those responsible for it invited on themselves punishment. Arjuna laughed when he cut down the birds and let them fall into the raging fire; with incomparable grief he heard the killing of those near and dear to him.
In burning down the Khāndava forest Agni was helped by Krsna. The Mahābhārata tells us that this mighty personage of the epic did not escape the working of the law of karman.
The third unfortunate incident is narrated in the Mausala Parvan of the epic. It took place outside Dvārakā, near Prabhāsa. Thet incident may not be called cruel but it was certainly tragic.
Krsna, Balarama and many Yādavas, accompanied by their wives and children, went for pilgrimage to the sea-shore. Under the influence of intoxicant drinks they began to abuse one another. This took a serious turn leading to a massacre. It is significant to note that the mutual recrimination began with a reference to the incident that took place in the camp of the Pandavas described above. Sātyaki first reproved Kệtavarman for killing the persons who were asleep. And the killing which started at this charge stopped only when all the Yadavas assembled on the sea-shore, including Satyaki, Pradyumna, and
5. asansayan hi külasya paryāyo duratikramah
6. As a matter of fact, this blame should go to Asvatthaman. But one has to remember that Satyaki was under the influence of wine while blaming Krtavarman.
Madhu Vidyā/419
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