05.193
Pancharatra and Ext: Sthuna, the Yaksha exchanges his manliness with Shikandin. Later, Kubera's curse ensures it stays this way till the end. Bhishma concludes his narration of Shikandin story, giving justification as to why he will not kill Shikandin.
Bhishma said:
Upon hearing Shikhandi's words, the Yaksha, troubled by fate, thought to himself, "This must indeed happen for my sorrow, O Kaurava."
O auspicious one, I will fulfill your desire, but be aware of my timing. After some time, I will grant you your own masculine form. You must arrive on time. I assure you, this is the truth.
I am the lord, capable of fulfilling wishes and taking any form I desire, like a bird. By my grace, protect the city and only the relatives.
I will take on a feminine form, O prince, truly promise me, I will do what pleases you.
Shikhandi spoke:
I will restore your form, O Lord, but for a little while, bear the form of a woman, O night-wanderer.
When King Hemavarman of the Daśārṇas returns, I will transform into a maiden, and you will become a man.
Bhishma said:
After speaking thus, the two kings made an agreement there to not harm each other and then proceeded to transfer the kingdom.
Sthuna, the Yaksha, took on a female form, O king. Shikhandi then took on that radiant form of the Yaksha.
Then Shikhandi, the son of Panchala, having become a man, entered the city joyfully and approached his father, and he narrated everything that had happened to Drupada.
Upon hearing the news, Drupada was filled with immense joy. Accompanied by his wife, he recalled the words of Lord Shiva at that moment.
Then the king of Daśārṇa sent a message to the king, saying, "This man is my son; please believe me."
At that time, the king of the Daśārṇas suddenly came to King Drupada of the Pāñcālas, overwhelmed with grief and anger.
Then, upon reaching Kampilya, the lord of the Daśārṇas sent a highly respected messenger, who was the best among the knowers of Brahman.
The messenger is instructed to tell the son of Panchala, considered the worst of kings, that his arrogant decision to choose the girl for his own daughter will have consequences, which he will witness today without any doubt.
Upon being addressed in this manner by him, the Brahmin, O esteemed king, the messenger set out for the city, as instructed by the king of the Daasharna.
Then the priest approached King Drupada in his city. The Panchala king sent him a cow and offerings, well-honored, along with Shikhandi, O king.
He did not accept the worship and said: "What was spoken by the hero, King Kanchanavarma."
Because of your wicked conduct, I have been deceived for the sake of your daughter. Now, O wicked-minded one, you shall receive the consequences of that sinful act.
O King, grant me battle today at the forefront; I shall immediately defeat your ministers, sons, and relatives.
The king was indeed informed of that reproach by the messenger of the king of Daśārṇa, in the presence of the ministers and the priest.
Drupada, with affection, said, "O best of the Bharatas, the message you conveyed to me through the words of relation, its reply will indeed be spoken by the messenger."
Then Drupada sent a Brahmin messenger, who was well-versed in the Vedas, to the noble Hiraṇyavarman.
After meeting with the king of Daśārṇa, he accepted the words spoken by Drupada, O king.
The arrival should be clearly announced, the prince is indeed my son. This statement was falsely made by someone and should not be believed.
Then the king, upon hearing about Drupada, thoughtfully sent the most distinguished young women, who were of exquisite beauty, to ascertain whether Śikhaṇḍin was a woman or a man.
They were sent to understand the truth and affectionately reported everything to the king. Shikhandi, the man of great personality, was related to the Kaurava king and the king of Dasharna.
Then, after the king had made the arrangements, he was pleased with the arrival. Having met with his relatives, he joyfully stayed at the residence.
The king, in a joyful mood, bestowed wealth upon Shikhandi, including elephants, horses, cows, and numerous servants. After being honored, he returned, having sent back his daughter.
King Hemavarman, having been freed from sin, was pleased. However, upon returning to Dasharna, Shikhandini was joyful.
At a certain time, Kubera, the god of wealth who is known to ride men, was conducting a grand procession through the worlds and arrived at the abode of Sthūṇa.
He, who was present above that house, looked at the protector of wealth. Upon seeing the house of the Yaksha of the pillar, which was beautifully adorned with various garlands, he was impressed.
The place was adorned with parched grains, perfumes, and canopies, well-worshipped and filled with incense smoke, decorated with flags and banners, and offerings of food, drinks, and meat were made as part of the sacrificial ceremony.
Upon observing his beautifully adorned place, the lord of the Yakshas then addressed his Yakshas and followers.
Why does this well-decorated house of the pillar of immeasurable valor not approach me today, and why is he acting so slow-witted?
Since he is very dull-minded and does not approach me despite knowing, I believe he should be severely punished.
The Yakshas spoke:
O King, the daughter of Drupada was born as Śikhaṇḍinī. For her purpose, someone endowed her with male characteristics.
He adopted the characteristics of women and, having taken on a woman's form, stays in the house. He does not approach others, being bashful and embodying a woman's form.
O king, because of this reason, the pillar does not see you today. After hearing this, act justly and let the chariot remain here.
Bhishma said:
The lord of the Yakshas said, "Bring the pillar." He repeatedly stated, "I will restrain him."
Summoned by the lord of Yakshas, he approached, O lord of the earth. Disguised as a woman, he stood there, O great king, filled with shame.
Kubera, in his great anger, cursed him, saying, "O descendant of Kuru, let the sinful Guhyakas become women in this manner."
Then the great soul, the lord of the Yakshas, said: "Because you have shown disrespect to the Yakshas here, you evil-minded one, you have accepted the female characteristic for Shikhandi, you evil-doer."
O wicked-minded one, because you have done this, from today onwards, you shall be a woman and he shall be a man.
Then the Yakshas indeed appeased Vaishravana, repeatedly requesting him to end the curse for the sake of Sthuna.
Then the great soul, the lord of the Yakshas, addressed all his followers, the groups of Yakshas, with the intention to end the curse, dear.
When Śikhaṇḍin is slain in battle, he will return to his true form. Let Sthūṇa, the Yakṣa, remain fearless, said the wise one.
After speaking thus, the blessed god, honored by yakṣas and rākṣasas, departed with all those who can move within a moment.
Sthuna, after receiving the curse, stayed there. At that time, Shikhandi approached him, who was a night-wanderer.
He approached and said, "I have arrived, O Lord." Then Sthuna replied to him, "I am pleased," repeatedly.
Upon seeing the prince Shikhandin arrive with honesty, everything was explained to him exactly as it happened.
The Yaksha said:
I have been cursed by Vaiśravaṇa because of you, O prince. Now go wherever you desire and roam the worlds freely and comfortably.
I believe this was destined long ago and cannot be changed. Your intention is truly to go and meet Paulastya.
Bhishma said:
After being addressed by Sthunayaksha, Shikhandi, filled with great joy, returned to the city, O Bharata.
He worshipped the twice-born, deities, sanctuaries, and crossroads with various fragrances, garlands, and great wealth.
Drupada, accompanied by his son Siddhartha and Shikhandi, experienced immense joy together with the Panchala and his relatives.
O best of the Kurus, for the sake of the disciple, you also entrusted Śikhaṇḍin, who was once a woman, to Droṇa, O great king.
The prince mastered the comprehensive knowledge of archery. Shikhandi, together with all of you, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, were involved.
My spies, O dear, have accurately reported about those who were engaged in Drupada's court, appearing as if they were dull, blind, and deaf.
Thus, O great king, Shikhandi, the son of Drupada, who embodies both male and female, was born as the foremost of chariot-warriors, O best of the Kauravas.
Ambā, the eldest daughter of the king of Kāśi, was renowned and reborn in the family of Drupada as Śikhaṇḍī, O best of the Bharatas.
I would not even look at or strike this person who stands ready with a bow, eager to fight, not even for a moment.
This vow of mine is always renowned on earth, among women, in those preceded by women, and also in those named or having the form of a woman.
I will not release my arrows, O joy of the Kauravas, nor will I kill Shikhandin for this reason.
I am aware of the truth about Shikhandi's birth, father. Therefore, I will not kill him in battle, even though he is an aggressor.
If Bhishma were to kill a woman, he would also kill himself. Therefore, even seeing him standing in battle, I will not kill him.
Sanjaya said:
Upon hearing this, King Duryodhana of the Kauravas paused for a moment and thought it was appropriate to rely on Bhishma.
