Indraprastha: The Legendary City of the Pandavas.Indraprastha, the legendary city established by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, symbolizes their rise to power and sovereignty. Transformed from the cursed Khandava Forest into a magnificent city by the architect Mayasura, Indraprastha became the capital of their new kingdom. This city was a testament to their divine favor, strategic prowess, and the central events that unfolded within its walls, including the Rajasuya Yagna and the infamous game of dice. Indraprastha’s story reflects themes of creation, resilience, and the quest for justice in ancient Indian mythology.
Indraprastha: The New Pandava Land
Indraprastha, the legendary city mentioned in the Indian epic Mahabharata, was the magnificent capital established by the Pandavas. Its creation marked a new chapter in the lives of the Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—and symbolized their rise to power and sovereignty.
The Background
After the Pandavas’ eventful return from exile and the burning of the Khandava Forest, they sought to establish a new kingdom. Dhritarashtra, the Kuru king, offered them a barren piece of land called Khandavaprastha as a means to avoid conflict with his own sons, the Kauravas, who ruled Hastinapura. The Pandavas accepted the land and, with Krishna’s divine guidance, transformed it into the splendid city of Indraprastha.
The Cursed Forest of Khandava: Land of Nagas and Rakshasas
The Khandava Forest, a significant location in Hindu mythology, is steeped in tales of curses, divine intervention, and fierce inhabitants. This dense and treacherous forest was not just a natural landscape but a realm filled with supernatural beings and ancient curses.
The Curse of Indra
The Khandava Forest was cursed by Lord Indra, the king of the gods, to become an infertile and inhospitable land. This curse was a punishment and a safeguard, ensuring that the forest remained wild and untamed, filled with dangers that kept ordinary people away. The curse rendered the land infertile, making it unsuitable for human habitation or cultivation.
Inhabitants of the Forest
Despite its infertility and the curse laid upon it, Khandava Forest was home to powerful and mystical beings:
Nagas
The forest was primarily inhabited by the Nagas, a race of serpent beings with immense power and mystical abilities. These serpent beings were both revered and feared in Hindu mythology. The Nagas were known for their wisdom, strength, and connection to the underworld. They were often associated with water bodies and had the ability to control various natural elements.
The ruler of the Nagas in Khandava Forest was Takshaka, a formidable serpent king. Takshaka was a powerful and influential Naga, commanding respect and fear from both his subjects and other beings. Under his reign, the Nagas thrived in the depths of the forest, maintaining their dominion over the cursed land.
Rakshasas
In addition to the Nagas, the Khandava Forest was also inhabited by Rakshasas, demonic beings known for their strength, ferocity, and malevolent nature. Rakshasas were often depicted as shape-shifters with a propensity for causing harm and chaos. Their presence added to the forest’s perilous reputation, making it a place avoided by most.
The Rule of Takshaka
Takshaka’s reign over the Khandava Forest was marked by his fierce protection of his territory and subjects. As the Naga king, Takshaka was a guardian of the forest, ensuring that its secrets and inhabitants were kept safe from intruders. His rule was characterized by both wisdom and ruthlessness, maintaining the delicate balance of power within the forest.
The Encounter with Krishna and Arjuna
The serene but dangerous existence of the Khandava Forest was dramatically altered when Krishna and Arjuna decided to burn the forest to make way for the new city of Indraprastha. This event, guided by the fire god Agni, led to a massive confrontation between the divine heroes and the forest’s inhabitants.
During the burning of the forest, Takshaka was not present, having gone to another location. However, his family and many other creatures were caught in the blaze, leading to a fierce battle between Krishna, Arjuna, and the remaining inhabitants. The forest’s destruction marked the end of an era, paving the way for new beginnings under the Pandavas.
The Destruction of Khandava Forest: The Survival of Takshaka and Mayasura’s Plea
In the process of creating a human habitat, Krishna and Arjuna undertook the formidable task of burning the Khandava Forest. Their goal was to clear the land for the construction of Indraprastha, a magnificent city for the Pandavas. As the forest burned, almost all the creatures within it were killed. This massive destruction, orchestrated by Agni, the god of fire, with the assistance of Krishna and Arjuna, was a significant and violent act.
However, not all inhabitants perished in the blaze. Among the survivors were Takshaka, a serpent king, who managed to escape the inferno, and Mayasura, a renowned asura (demon) king and architect. Mayasura, realizing the might of Krishna and Arjuna and the futility of resistance, decided to surrender. He approached Krishna and Arjuna, pleading for his life and offering his services in return for mercy.
Mayasura said, “I am a great architect and builder. Spare my life, and I will use my skills to serve you.” Recognizing the value of his talents, Krishna and Arjuna accepted his plea. Mayasura, true to his word, constructed a magnificent palace for the Pandavas. This palace, known as the Mayasabha, became renowned for its extraordinary beauty and architectural splendor. It was filled with illusions and marvels, showcasing Mayasura’s unparalleled craftsmanship.
The escape of Takshaka, however, had future repercussions. Takshaka harbored a deep grudge against the Pandavas and particularly against Arjuna, for the devastation of his home and the death of his kin. This enmity eventually played a role in the events leading up to the Mahabharata war and its aftermath.
The story of the burning of the Khandava Forest, the survival of Mayasura, and his subsequent contribution to the Pandavas highlights themes of destruction and creation, mercy and vengeance. It underscores the complex interplay of fate, skill, and the consequences of one’s actions in the grand tapestry of the Mahabharata.
Vishwakarma: Architect of the Indraprastha
Vishwakarma, also called Maya also built the royal palace. The palace was famous for its grandeur and illusions. The floor of the palace was built with illusions and walls were encrusted with precious stones.
