Due to ambiguity, contamination of english language, Ashwathama is spelled differently. Aswathama was cursed to roam in Kaliyuga due to his sinful deed of killing innocent 5 sons of Draupadi, wife of Pandavas.
Prarabdh and What is Ashwatthama’s Prarabdh ?
History: No one can escape Prarabdh. If you worship Lord Krishna, then you can think of changing your Prarabdh to good one. Through Divine grace (Kripa) of Lord Krishna, one can go beyond the influences of actions of past lives. Ashwatthama’s Prarabdh lead him to an immortal life, roam in forests with pain. Bhishma strove hard throughout his life to protect Hastinapur in his quest of finding the legal heir of Sathyavati’s clan. Bhishma entrusted on Krishna this responsibility of finding the next heir of Sathyavati’s family and to continue the lineage of the Pandavas. Although, after Duryodhana’s defeat it appeared that Hastinapur was now safe, as it was clear that Yudhishthira was the next king of Hastinapur, Ashwatthama’s action brought an end to the Pandava line.Lord Krishna then placed a curse on Ashwatthama(actually it was his Prarabdha karma) that “he will carry the burden of all people’s sins on his shoulders and will roam alone like a ghost without getting any love and courtesy till the end of Kaliyuga; He will have neither any hospitality nor any accommodation; He will be in total isolation from mankind and society; His body will suffer from a host of incurable diseases forming sores and ulcers that would never heal”.Ashwatthama had a gem which was similar to Shamantakamani on his forehead which used to protect the wearer from fear of any snakes, ghosts, demigods and demons. So, Ashwatthama was asked to surrender this gem. Lord Sri Krishna further states that “the wound caused by the removal of this gem on his forehead will never heal and will suffer from leprosy, till the end of Kaliyuga”. It is believed that in Kaliyuga, his name will be “Suryakanta”. Thus, Ashwatthama will be in search of death every moment, and yet he will never die. At the end of Kali Yuga, Ashwatthama is to meet Sri Kalki, the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Few readers are apprehensive why Ashwathama was cursed, there were series of incidences in the history of Mahabharat that converted Ashwathama’s boon in to curse.
Ananth Iyer Ji had written great ending of Mahabharat in one of his online writings. Excerpt from that post is given below here. Ashwatthama had a mission- to annihilate the Paandava race. His resources were limited. All the soldiers fighting for the Kaurava army had perished. All the ally kings were dead and Duryodhana was the only one of the hundred brothers still alive, if only barely. In contrast, all the five Paandavas were alive. Drishtadhyumna, brother of Draupadi, and their general had lead their forces to victory in all the battles. However, Ashwatthama had vowed vengeance for the deceitful killing of his father and for the polemic defeat of Duryodhana. It was the night of the eighteenth day of the war and he was sitting beneath a tree, plotting the slaying of the Paandavas when a strange sight met his eyes. He saw an owl enter a crow’s nest and, in the darkness, kill the crow that had harassed it in the morning. When it was day and the contest was fair, the owl could not resist the crow’s advances. However, the owl exploited its advantage of being a nocturnal creature and at night, when the unsuspecting crow was asleep, the owl killed it. Ashwatthama then knew what he had to do.
With Kripaacharya, his uncle, and Krittavarma, the only two surviving members of the army, he rode out to the Paandavas’ camp at night. He stationed Kripa and Krittavarma at the entrance to the camp and stealthily went inside himself. With his long, gleaming blade, he silently beheaded Drishtadhyumna and Shikhandi. He then proceeded seeking the Paandavas. Seeing five men sleeping in a tent, he beheaded them all. As it happened, Krishna had taken the Paandavas away for some purpose that night. The five men Ashwatthama had actually killed were the sons of the five Paandavas, born from Drapuadi. Feeling remorse for his lowly and dastardly act, Ashwatthama decided to do penance in rishi Veda-Vyasa’s hermitage and he sought asylum there.
When the Paandavas discovered their sons and brothers in law were slayed by Ashwatthama in the middle of the night, they were furious. Seeking their revenge, they hunted down the son of their guru with the guidance of Krishna. Seeing the enemy approach, Ashwatthama suddenly erupted with rage- He forgot all about the remorse he had felt prior to coming to the aashrama. He plucked a blade of grass and uttered the Vedic incantations required to transform it to a Brahmaastra. On Krishna’s instruction, Arjuna produced a Brahmaastra of his own. The two faced each other, each ready to fire the most potent of all missiles. The hatred in their eyes burned brighter than the light of a thousand suns. And they fired. Veda-Vyasa, blessed with divine sight, saw that a clash of two Brahmaastras would bring about cataclysm. The world would be destroyed for generations to come. This had to be averted at all costs and so, using his tremendous spiritual powers, he stalled the motion of the astras before they collided.
The great sage appealed to Krishna to ask the two warriors to summon back their missiles. Arjuna did so immediately and replaced the now ordinary arrow in his quiver. Ashwatthama, however, could not obey. He knew only how to invoke the Brahmaastra. He knew not how it was to be withdrawn. Krishna sensed this and spoke with contempt. “Great Vyasa, Drona was not supposed to impart the knowledge of the Brahmaastra to Ashwatthama. Nonetheless, he did so out of paternal affection but held himself back from teaching his son how to call it back, since empowered with that knowledge, his unworthy son could employ the potent missile at will. Ashwatthama here is at a loss because once fired, he does not know how to revoke his missile.” Vyasa then said to Ashwatthama, “Son of Drona, if it is true that you cannot revoke your missile, then channel it to target an isolated point on the planet that is uninhabited by any life form.” However, being truly evil and spiteful, Ashwatthama said, “then let it destroy Abhimanyu’s yet unborn son in Uttara’s womb and end the vile Paandava dynasty” Immediately, his missile deviated and Uttara’s fetus was destroyed. Krishna, Supreme Lord of the Universe, incarnation of Vishnu the Preserver, was enraged. His voice thunderous with rage, he cursed Ashwatthama, “May you, Ashwatthama, lead the most wretched life anyone can ever lead. May the sin of every man on Earth haunt you and burden you with guilt. May you roam the lands like a ghost, despicable and contemptible. May you never receive love or affection ever in your life unto the end of Time.” Saying so, he demanded the gem on Ashwatthama’s forehead that protected the bearer from disease. “May the wound caused by the removal of this gem never heal, serving you as a reminder of your abhorrent crimes. May you beg for death each moment of your life and may it never come to you. Out of the great affection your father had for you, he granted you immortality as a boon, by the merit of his spiritual prowess. May that very boon be your bane.” Then, he said, “If I have tread on the right path all my life and am the upholder of righteousness, may Uttara’s baby be revived” and sure enough, the infant was revived. He was named Pariksheet, the tested one. He ruled long after the Paandavas retired and his son Janamejaya ruled long after him. The referred excerpt ends here.
Pariksheet, an eminent King and his conversation with Sage Sukhdev Gosvami Ji in last week of his life, lead to compilation of great Srimad Bhagvatam. Sukhdev Gosvami Ji described Pariksheet in detail about past lives of Sages and Kings of Bharat Varsha (India), and how Lord Vishnu made this world and other Universes. Srimad Bhagvatam is same ancient text for Hindus and Vedic people that taught one of the simple ways in Kaliyuga to attain sadgati, if properly recited by pious Sage – which means such knowledge must come down through the disciplic succession (for disciples of a learned pious Hindu Guru), Guru reciting and explaining Srimad Bhagvatam to his disciples. It’s also called Amar Katha (Eternal History, to make one eternal). People ask whether Ashwatthaamaa is still alive or not? Other people tell many incidents of his being alive and seen in various forms. The purpose of this is not to prove that he is alive, but just to refer some historic incidents what people say about him. Interestingly, people who met Ashwatthama never cited the incident as an ego boosting incident but merely highlighted it in their biographies or as contextual reference in their historical documents; giving very little importance to the occasion – writing up few lines on their meeting with Aswatthama This could be because they were not astonished to meet him or never thought of giving it due importance in their writings due to his past deeds in Dwapar Yuga. You may contact Dr Narayan Dutta Srimali’s disciples in Jodhpur, INDIA. They tell all these with evidence.
As per Vedas, killing fetus is heinous crime which is equivalent to killing mother cow. So all those to-be parents who kill female fetus in hope to bring life to a generation of sons are committing bigger crimes. Similarly, those couples who abort fetus to rub off from responsibilities are committing anti-Vedic sins. Ashwathama was cursed because he killed innocent sons of Pandavas and later also tried to harm fetus of Utarra. Don’t you think, those couples who are doing alike crimes would face the same wrath during their lives or after their deaths.
Whatever deed we do here in mrityulok (earth) – whether good or bad – does come back with reflective fruits of it. One must never kill innocent, non-aggressive animals and fetus. We cannot give birth to anyone – only Lord Krishna can – so who are us to kill anyone.
Killing adharmis in Dharmayudh to impose morality and humanity is pious but killing to put off responsibility or in fit of anger is crime.
Incident 1 – Ashwathama seen by Railway Employee
A more than a decade old newspaper article ran about a railway employee on leave. During his wanderings in the jungles of Navsari (Gujarat) he had reported a very tall man of about 12 feet with a wound on his head. He claimed to have conversation with him and learnt that Bheem was much taller and stronger than him.Incident 2 – Ashwathama met Pilot Baba ?
The last record of his existence came to my notice while reading a book called “Himalaya kah raha hai” by Pilot Baba. you can also go to his website to read the excerpts. The temple where he stayed was washed away in the floods a few years back. But before that he had interesting encounters with Aswathama which he shared and we have recorded it as incident 8.Incident 3 – Prithviraj Chauhan Hindu King Meeting Ashwathama
When in 1192, Prithveeraaj Chauhaan lost the battle from Mohammad Gauree, he left for jungle. There he met one old person with a scar on his head. Being a very good doctor Prithveeraaj Chauhaan confidently asked him that he can cure his scar. The old man agreed. But even after week’s medication it remained as it is. Prithveeraaj was surprised and understood the details. He asked old man if he is Ashwatthaamaa. Because only the scars that is created through taking up the “MANI” the gem from forehead cannot be cured. The old man told that he was Ashwatthaamaa and then he went away. This description is given in “Prithviraj Raso” the book written in 12th century on him.Incident 4 – Ashwatthama Ecounter with Saint Naranappa
In late 14th, early 15th century there lived in Gadag, Karnaatak, a poor Braahman called Naranappa. Later, because of the Mahabharata epic “Karnata Bharata Kathamanjari” that he wrote in Kannada, he came to be called as Kumara Vyasa. His greatest desire was to write Mahaabhaarat based on original sources, and to this end he prayed day-in and day-out in the Temple of Veera Naaraayan, temple of Trikooteshwar. One day the Almighty decided to answer his prayers and appeared in his dream and said: “Attend the forthcoming Dwaadashee Paaran (Dwaadashee feast) in the Veera Naaraayan Temple. Watch out for one lone Braahman who would leave the feast earliest. He is none other than Ashwathaamaa of MBH. Fall at his feet and ask him to narrate the MahaBharat as it happened. You can record it in writing and claim your share of fame”. Promptly Naranappa (Narayanappa) attended the following Dwaadashee Paaran at the Veera Narayan Temple, and then followed the Brahmin who finished his feast the earliest and started walking out of the Temple. He approached him and fell at his feet saying, “I know who you are, you are the very same Ashwatthaamaa of MahaBharat, please help me”. At this Ashwathaamaa was taken aback and asked him how do you know this? Naranappa responded saying “The Veera Naaraayan Swamy” appeared in his dream and told me so. Ashwatthaamaa was mightily pleased hearing this and asked Naranappa, OK, tell me what can I do for you. Naranappa responded saying he would like to write the Mahaabhaarat in Kannada as it happened.
To this Ashwatthaamaa agreed under two conditions. He said that Naranappa should start writing the Mahaabhaarat everyday after he finished his bath, wearing a wet Veshti (Dhotee). Ashwatthaamaa said – “You can keep writing till such time your Veshti is wet and the MahaBharata would flow from your pen as it happened. The moment your clothes dry up, the flow would stop. He also put a condition that he should not disclose this secret to anyone failing which the flow would stop forever. Needless to say, our Naranappa, was immensely excited about the project, and he kept his secret till the time he reached the “Gadaa Parv” (the time when Duryodhan and Bheem fought the duel of the mace fight). At this moment it is believed that Ashwatthaamaa appeared before Naranappa and he was in tears — remembering his friend Duryodhan and the A-Dhaarmik (unjustified) way in which Bheem defeated Duryodhan. Naranappa overcome with excitement disclosed this secret to his wife, and his writing flow stopped immediately. That is why his Mahaabhaarat ends with Gadaa Parv only. Later someone might have added up from Vyaas’ MahaBharat, but our Kumara Vyaas’s MahaBharata ended only with Gadaa Parv. End of Mahabharat and Beginning of Kaliyuga further suggest that Dronacharya’s son is very much alive and is bound to roam in India to serve the curse bestowed on him. The curse that “Ashwatthaamaa would roam the world carrying his own sins, with people shunning him, and suffering the pain of the wound on his forehead from where the “Mani” was removed by force”, 5000 years ago. Or Vikram Samvat 2070** years, since Mahabharata is now long passed, and I am sure, Ashwatthaamaa is there somewhere in the Himaalaya, performing Tapasyaa. (**Vikram Samvat is calendar derived by King Vikramaditya to record historical evidences).
Incident 5 – Aswathama Meeting Parents of Swaminarayan
Dharmdev and Bhaktimaataa (father and mother of Swaminarayan) were cursed over two hundred years ago by Ashwatthaamaa – son of Dronacharya. This is described in Satsangi Jivan written by Shatanand Muni – He was tall and well built robed in orange clothes as a Braahman. His head was strapped just above his eyebrows and he was covered with Bhasm (ash). He had big red eyes full of angerness. Mother Bhakti and father Dharm were on their way back from Vrindaavan where Shree Krishn proclaimed to them that their troubles in Chapaiyaa (village close to the banks of Sarayoo) would soon end after He himself would be born to them.
On the way back one night (it took 28 days for them to get back to chapaiyaa village – the birthplace of Swaminarayan Bhagwan), as they walked through the forest they lost there way. They saw a tall Braahman roaming in the forest. They asked him for direction. The Braahman with a deep voice asked where they were coming from as they looked feared. Dharmdev explained that they were a Sarvariyaa Saam Vedee Braahman and his Kuldev was Hanumaan Jee and up on Hanumaan Jee’s advice at Hanumaan Garhee -Ayodhyaa (where Dharmdev did Tapascharyaa for 3 months) they went to Vrindaavan. Dharmdev further explained the whole incident as well as telling him how they had a revelation from Lord Krishn and Shreemati Raadhaaraanee in Vrindaavan. With this the Brahmin spoke with anger in his voice “Krishna my arch enemy? Will be born to you? I curse Him for the pain I have borne as of Him, that He as your son will never be able to bear weapons and neither shall he be able to fight in any war.” Saying this he left pushing Dharmdev aside. Bhaktimata started trembling and crying. Just then Hanumaan Jee arrived to them once again and calmed them and showed them the way and told them that they need not fear as God does not need any weapon nor need to fight to rid evil and tyranny. This incident shows that Ashwatthaamaa is still roaming in forests and jungles of India today. As this was just over 200 odd years ago.
Incident 6 – Aswathama Seen in Ludhiana, Punjab
Narrated by a commenter. My Father’s uncle was a famous (Vaidya) – Doctor in Ludhiana. He would spend hours meditating too. He was a Bhakt of Data Dayal, a well Known Guru in Panjaab (try to search for Data Dayal on net). One day as he was closing his shop in the after noon, it was summer time and everything was shut due to summers, in 1968-69, Ludhiaanaa, Panjaab, just then an old person came to him, whose face was covered and spoke to him in crude Panjaabee and Hindi mix, “Badaa naam sunaa hai teraa, bhaut badaa vaidya hai too? Ilaaj kar sakdaa hai meraa? My father’s uncle said – “Tell me what the problem is?” and when he removed the Pagadee from his head, there was a dent on the forehead. He had never seen such a dent before, as if the brain was taken away from the fore front, yet the skin was tight as if nothing had happened. My dad’s uncle was a bit nervous but still said that he would like to have a second look at him. He said – “Tenu pataa hai main kaun hoon?” and my dad’s uncle said – “I think I know who you are but still let me get my stuff.” By the time he brings his stuff from the almirah, that man had left, never to be found again. But he said that his eyes always haunted him, He had blue eyes, which were so sharp as if he would walk inside his brain.Incident 7 – Aswathama seen nearby Narmada river (Gujarat)
Narrated by another commenter. I have also heard from numerous people that others have spotted someone with a dent in the forehead roaming around the Narmadaa river (Gujaraat). He was described as tall person, and that there was tons of fly’s, bugs surrounding him all the time.
Incident 8 – Vasudevanand Saraswati Met Ashwathama in Shoolpaneeshawar
Vasudevanand Saraswati, a saint who is considered as incarnation of Dattatreya by his followers, saw Ashwatthama in the dense forest of Shulpaneeshawar near Katarkheda*, in the year 1912 (2 years before he took samadhi on Mangalwar, Nakshatra Ardra, Ashadh Shuddha Pratipada).*Katarkheda is small village located in Dahi Tehsil of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh
In 1912 Chikhalada, 22nd chaturmaas. After a stay of 6-7 months Swami crossed the dense forest of Shulpaneeshawar near Katarkheda. He was partly guided by Ashwatthama. Thus he arrived for his final chaturmaas on the banks of Narmada with the help of Ashwathama.
The incident went like this: Tembe Swami who was also devotee of Dattatreya got lost in the dense Shulpaneeshawar forest (now in Gujarat) and was unable to reach the town. In the thick forest, an odd person appeared in front of the Swami and offered to help him in finding the right path to move out of forest. The Swami was not bewildered as he was true yogi and pious saint not to afraid of anyone. The Swami keenly observed his physique and characteristics which were very peculiar.
When they almost reached the end of the forest, the strange man who helped the Swami said, “We are close to the town. I cannot accompany you anymore. This is the farthest I can come. ” Swamiji replied, “I have observed your gait, behavior and physique very keenly. None of them seem human to me. Who are you? Are you a ghost? Are you a Yaksha? Reveal your true identity!”. The odd man replied, “You are right. None of them seem normal because I do not belong to this yuga. I belong to the Dwapara yuga. I am Ashwathama.”
This encounter with Ashwathama was written in the auto biography of Vasudevanand Saraswathi (Tembe Swami Maharaj).
Original Photo of Tembe Swami Maharaj
Vasudevanand Saraswati preached Sattvic form of life and it was one of these preachings that made him meet divine beings who are still roaming and protecting mother earth and humans.
To cultivate Sattvic nature, diet has to be wholesome (Hit), measured (Mit) and pure (Medhya). The signs of Sattvic nature are:
– Firm faith in Sanatan Dharma,
– Meticulous observance of Dharma conducts viz.
Snaan (bath)
Sandhya (prayer)
Dev Puja (worship)
Five major Yadnyas
Atithti Satkar (honor to the true guest, sadhus, saints, bhramins)
Service to Gomata (Cow)
Sincere attendance of Katha, Keertan, Bhajans, Puran etc.
Soft and kind speech
Refraining from harming anyone in any way
Service and obedience to parents (for men), and to husband, in-laws (for women) and other elders
Incident 9 – Ashwatthama Personally Welcomed Pilot Baba
Man’s life is the crowning glory of the entire ‘creation’. Even the gods have made use of the gross in order to attain the supreme bliss or ‘ Bramha tatva ‘. and whenever the need has arisen Ishwar has also assumed human forms . Human life is that result of good sanskaras. Meeting Ashwathama Aswathama as tribal Leader, Revered Bhila Since – times, immemorial, Himalayas has been the abode of great yogis, sages and Mahatamas.Thousands of years old, Saints, still live in the serene precincts of the lofty Himalayas. During my wanderings, I came across these lofty souls, fortunately I could spend some time in their gracious company and benifit from their wisdom. With my readers, I, Pilot Baba, wish to share my rich experiences, so that they may also redesign the structure of life. One day, I began the ‘ parikrama ‘ of the pious river Narmada,’Pahari Baba’ gave me company during the Parikrama of the holy river.There are interesting tales and myths about the river ‘Narmada’, which have enhanced its religious importance. After walking for some time we came across a dense forest, over grown, with ‘sulfan’ trees. The ‘Bhilas’ are native inhabitants of the forest. These tribals are not insignificant people, but have a long of history of notoriety which cannot be ignored. The tribals always looted the piligrims who happened to travel via the forests. But, whenever they spotted the gypsies they displayed an amazing dis – interest. We were dressed only in our ‘Kopins’ when we entered the notorious forest. Some of the tribals spotted us and began to make strange noises. The noises were meant as a signal to invite the attention of their kins. All the noise and confusion could not deter us, and we continued to march ahead. Shortly, we surrounded by hordes of tribals who came towards us menacingly. We were carrying only two bundles which contained some Neem leaves and little, Vibhuti power.The tribals, roughly snatched our meagre belongings and eagerly opened the bundles. But, when they saw the strange contents, their Behaviour under went a remarkable change. After a hurried consultation in soft tones,they signalled us to follow them. We did ,as we were told, and very soon found ourselves in front of couple of hutments. We accepted their hospitality and went inside one of the huts. It’s interior was neat and orderly. First, they made us sit on mats made from dry leaves, and then they lit a ‘Dhuni”. They also gave us to eat a couple of grass chappatis with some fresh honey. We broke the chappatis in small pieces,mixed them with honey and offered to our gentle hosts. We,also ate some portion of their native meal. The tribals were very happy to have us amongst them. They built a small hut for us and collected fruits and edible roots for us to eat. The tribals looked after us with a rare devotion. Though they were considred wild, yet they had a discipline of their own. And no one ever dared to break the rules. Their obedience towards their chief was total. They never questioned his authority on the contrary they almost worshipped him. “Shiva” was their deity. In the morning they either looted unsuspecting passengers or hunted animals. Every morning and evening they came to us in hundreds and sat with apparent devotion.Sometimes, they danced the entire night in aspirit of gay abandon, But, surprisingly enough they celebrated their festival day without any activity. Generally, a majority of ‘Bhilas’ men and women covered their bodies in mat like pieces. These pieces were either made from dry leaves or bark of trees, still, there were some who preferred to dress in the stolen clothes.
One particular man, who came with the tribals, had a commanding disposition He was always dressed in yellow, and looked different from the other tribals. We wanted to talk to him, but before we could make any move, he used to walk away from our place.
One day, while we were resting in the premises of Sulpaneshwar Mahadeva Mandir, my eyes got locked into the eyes of that extraordinary being. He looked young and had an admirable height and long arms. He had a sharp moustache and his eyes had a fire like brilliance. He looked composed and had a celestial bearing. His forehead was covered by the characteristic yellow cloth. When I began, to whisper into ‘ PahariBaba’s ears about the ‘special’ ‘Bhila’ he gave a knowing smile and left that place. But my curiosity regarding the ‘Bhila’ was so overpowering, that I also got up from my place and began to follow him. When the tribals saw me following the magnificient figure, they also joined me. The ‘Bhila’ turned around and requested us to leave. Since I had reached quite close to him, I caught his feet and burst out beseechingly – “Who ever you are, I want your introduction, whether we are complete or incomplete, we look up to your guidance. Your lofty personality tells us that you do not belong to this age. With great humility I want to surrender my self at your feet. Please reveal your identity : I want to know whether my guess regarding your identity is right or wrong. The bhilas were infuriated at my act and began to protest,excitedly. The civilised looking ‘Bhila’ was their revered one and during the festival of ‘Shiva Ratri’ they worshipped him along with Lord Shiva. The great Bhila gestured to the crowd to stop and then gathered me affectionately in his arms. He said, ” Kapil: I am Acharya Dronacharya’s son Ashwathama. I was the senapati ( the chief warrior) during the days of the historical Mahabarat. Those days have become a history, but , I still live in the past. This temple is my residence and these Bhilas are my companions. Once in a while I go to the Himalayas to meet ” Kripa Charya’ and Vidhur. But most of the times I involve myself in the activities of the tribemen. For us, time has become stand still , Ironically enough we are moving ahead of time common man is trying to keep pace with time, whereas with us the opposite phenomenon, is occuring, time is tyring to keep pace with us. Sulpaneshwar becomes a small Himalayas, whenever great souls like Kripa Charya and Vidhur visit this place. An occasional encounter with Gorakhnathji turns out to be a blessing. In his company we evoke the past of ‘Bramhand’ and watched with rapt attention the Jeevas repeated cycles of birth and death. We are changeless. Life has come to terms with us and we have come to terms with life. We are well acquantied with ‘past”present’ and ‘future’. Though we are aware of the three states of ‘Time’ ‘past’ ‘present’ and future, we cannot do anything. This is because we are not what we used to be in the past.”
When Ashwathama removed his head gear a bunch of unruly curls tumbled on his forehead. A strange light lurked in the deep wound mark which was in the centre of his impressive forehead. In a reflective mood Ashwathama again said ‘- ” Due to the appearance of this gem on my forehead all my war tactics and divine potential have come to an end. All these powers have foresaken me. But in return I have received the boon of immortality, which could not be taken away by Lord Krishna and Pandavas . Since then I have been living on the face of the earth. When I watch my contempories in the yonis of animals, birds and snakes I began to ponder the helpless dependence of ‘ man’. In the ‘ human yoni’ man in his ignorance does certain acts which force him to become birds and animals in the next birth. Consequently he is caught in the endless, vicious cycle of birth and death. Since I am not entangled in this mesh, I have reached a level where ‘ time has become still. Even in the past I have never given guidance to anyone. So, in the present I am not inclined towards any guidance and sermons. Today, I am totally immersed in Shiva’s Aradhana and do not bother about anything else’. We spent about six months in the company of the exalted being ‘ Ashwathama’. We used to go on long tours and move around as common men. During my stay, I discovered how a man who is thousands of years old can remain unaffected by the ways of the society in which he is living. In the company of the great soul how time flew away we did not know. One day the ‘great man’ blessed us, bade us farewell and disappeared. Before departing he uttered these words – you go ahead with your journey now. We were suppose to be together only for this alotted period. After this brief interlude, we proceeded on the ‘Parikrama’ of the Narmada river. On the way we met a young saint who was also on the similar mission.
One morning while we were having a dip in the river, a huge snake crept towards us. Our first reaction was to run away. Butr something held us back. When I looked into the eyes of the venomous snake, it cowered momentarily but his next move was totally unexpected. Instead of slithering away it came to us with a threatening speed and threw us out of gear. Pahari Baba sought refuge in the waters and the young saint picked a huge stone with intention of killing the snake. But before he could strike a alethal blow, the snake bit him. Dharmanand became unconscious and fell on the ground. The snake glided away to a distant rock and returned to his former watchful position. Pahari Baba tried his best to revive the unconcious Dharmanand. But his efforts proved ineffective. In a fit of fury he rushed to kill the snake. The snake remained unmoved by the menacing form of ‘Pahari Baba’ And, before Pahari Baba could crush it,it transformed into an aged saint. the old man with folded hands began ” Pahari Baba spit your anger. I am none other than Awadhoot Baba- I belong to Varmdeshwar – I for the last twenty five years, I have been waiting for “Dharmanand” . Finally, today my patient waiting has borne fruit. Now Dharmanand is liberated from his crimes. Hence onwards he can wander in the state. I request you not to take any action in this matter because every thing will be futile”. With these revealing words the old man once again returned to the guise of snake and hid itself amidst the cluster of stones. I tried my best to dissuade,Pahari Baba from taking Dharmanand’s unconscious form to the other side of the river, but all my pleas fell on deaf ears. Pahari Baba lowered Dharmanand in a boat and rowed him across the river. By this act he unknowingly broke his ‘Parikrama’. The doctors tried their best to save Dharmanand’s life, but failed. Even Pahari Baba’s indigineous methods could not bring Dharmanand back to life.
All these days, while I awaited Pahari Baba’s return, Avadhoot Baba brought food for me. One afternoon, while we were basking in the sun, Avadhoot Baba spotted the floating corpse of Dharmanand. Overcome with excitement, he discarded the body of the snake and entered the physical form of Dharmanand. But before leaving he told me to throw the snakes body in the water since it was no longer useful to him, I did as I was told. Pahari Baba was dumb founded, he simply blinked with disbelief to see dead Dharmanand coming out of the waters. When Pahari Baba looked at me inquiringly I told him about Avdhoot Baba and how he had made use of Dharmanand’s body. Dharmanand’s episode had broken Pahari Baba’s Parikrama. So, there was no choice left but to go on seperate paths,because I still had to finish my parikrama.
Thought: What is more startling about the experiences that every person shared was; the incidences were unique, non-repetitive and their descriptions differed which further add value to the perception that Ashwathama is still roaming in the forest to serve the curse that he got from Lord Krishna. And most of all, these were shared by revered Kings, Saints and Sages who never fell for recognition but shared it with disciples as one of the incident of their lives; which is one of the basis of strength for the sustenance of the great Indian spiritual power.
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