The story of Barbarik

The war of Mahabharat was about to begin. Warriors from both sides of Kauravas and Pandavas were ready for action in the battlefield. Figthers from various parts of India had come to take part in the legendary battle. In those days, Dronacharya was considered to be the most expert archer. Duryodhana used to feel proud on seeing the Maharathis fighting from his side. One by one he asked everybody, "Among all of you who can beat the Pandavas in the minimum time?"

Bheeshma said that he alone can beat the enemies in just one month. Kripacharya too said the same. Guru Dron claimed that he can beat Pandavas in just 14 days. Ashwathama went ahead of his father saying that he can do the same in just 10 days. Karna announced, "I can kill the enemies in just six days. Kaurvas joy knew no bounds.

This news worried Yudhisthir a lot. He thought of asking the same question to his warriors. He wanted to check that whether they had the confidence to achieve victory. When the question was put, not a single word came out from anybody. Seeing the lack of confidence in them, Arjuna got furious. Addressing Yudhisthir, he said, "Maharaj, our brave warriors including Drupad, Virat, Satyaki, Ghatotkach and Bheema will show their strength as and when time demands. Although these people are not giving a definite time, we'll give Kauravas a run for their lives. And listen, I alone can defeat Guru Dron, Kripacharya and Pitamaha Bheeshma in just 15 days. I don't count Ashwathama and Karna at all." Krishna supported Arjuna's claims.

But all the assurance could not pacify Yudhisthir. He was still worried. Just then a man of great built entered the assembly. Politely, he said, "I am not saying that whatever Arjuna claims is false; but by God's grace I have unimaginable strength. My weapons never let me down."

Hearing him, Arjuna, Bheema and others stood dumbfounded. Yudhisthir was very pleased. Everybody looked at each other's faces. At this point, Krishna said, "You are right. Once upon a time in Pataal loka you had knocked off a tree with its nine crore leaves in just a second. I myself consider you a great warrior. But I ask you how can you defeat the Kauravas protected by the greats like Bheeshma, Dron, Kripacharya, Ashwathama, Karna and Duryodhana in just a moment. On which powerful weapon do you make such seemingly impossible claims?"

The mountain-like man opened his matted locks and announced, "See what I can do." He took out an arrow and placed it on his bow. Just as he released it with all his might, it went and hit the opponents' chests. People present there began to see the enemies dying as they were destined. They saw Bheeshma's body covered with full of arrows. Dron, Karna, Drupad, Virat, Shakuni, Dhristadhyumna and just everybody else was bleeding. Only Ashwathama and Kripacharya escaped unhurt.

The young man further exclaimed, "See again!" Everybody saw the battle field covered with numerous dead bodies.

Flowers started raining on the mighty warrior with everybody praising him for his bravery.

Just then a suprising event took place. Krishna getting angry released his Sudarshan chakra and knocked out the man's head from his body. There was pin-drop silence in the assembly. Tears started rolling down from everybody's eyes on witnessing the brave man lying on the floor. Ghatotkacha started crying profusely on seeing his son dead in front of his eyes. That man was no one else but Bheema's grandson, Barbarik.

Everybody exclaimed, "Krishna, what did you do!?"

They all criticized Krishna for this act. Just then fourteen Devis appeared and announced, "Krishna has done nothing wrong. This was bound to happen. Once upon a time on seeing the earth loosing its balance by the weight of people, Brahma requested Vishnu. At this point of time, this man by the name of Suryavarcha, a Yaksha then, announced, "I alone can reduce the burden of earth!" This infuriated Brahma who in turn cursed him that he will be killed by Vishnu's avataar Krishna."

Saying this the Devis poured Amrit on the dead body's head resulting in the man getting alive. Shri Krishna said, "My son, I grant you a boon."

Barbarik replied, "I wanted to fight from Pandava's side but my wish could not be fulfilled."

Hearing this Shri Krishna placed his head on the top of a mountain near the battlefield. From there he witnessed the war of Mahabharat. Whenever there was any injustice in the battle, he used to shout from his place and protest. Later after the war came to an end, Barbarik's head found its palce in Shiva's munda mala.