Hindu Mythology
Lesson 6: The Mahabharata
Barbareek and the Accumulation of Power
Barbareek’s father was Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhim and Hidimbaa. His mother was Maurvi, the extremely talented daughter of Mur, who was the commander of the army of the Demon Narkasura. Barbareek was born with a thick mane, just like a lion’s. Hence he was named Barbareek, which means “like a lion”. Barbareek’s grandmother was responsible for his early education. By the time Barbareek was in his teens he had learnt all he could from Hidimbaa. But he was not satisfied. He wanted to be the best in the world - unconquerable in action or thought. Krishna told Barbareek to go the place where the oceans meet. There he would meet a brahmin named Vijay Sindhsen. Through Vijay Sindhsen he would achieve whatever he desired.
When Barbareek reached there, Vijay was already immersed in the meditation of Shakti. The demons were afraid that Vijay would acquire insurmountable powers, and they tried to disturb him and thus foil his meditation. But Barbareek killed them. Thus with Barbareek’s assistance Vijay Sindhsen completed his objective. The brahmin then guided Barbareek through a series of austerities. Barbareek successfully completed these and was ready to become unconquerable. Lord Shiva gave Barbareek three infallible arrows with which he could defeat any one in the three worlds. Vijay Sindhsen the instructed Barbareek in the use of these arrows. However in any battle Barbareek would have to fight against the stronger side.
When the Pandavas heard this they were aghast. They were definitely the stronger side in the imminent war and that meant their grandson would fight alongside their enemy and against them. When the Pandavas became the weaker side, Barbareek would be compelled to join them and battle against Duryodhana. In this manner he would keep changing sides till both the Pandavas and Kauravas would be annihilated.
Yudhishthir, the eldest Pandava wanted to discuss the issue with Barbareek. “We will explain to him how his participation in the war will lead to total destruction and hence ask him to stay away.” Krishna disagreed with this strategy. “This young man has given his entire youth to becoming the best in the world. When the opportunity has arisen for him to test his powers he will not let it go. I have a plan, but I need your consent and your promise that you will not intervene.” Since Krishna was their guide and mentor, the Pandava brothers readily agreed.
Krishna accosted Barbareek disguised as a brahmin and asked him the secret of the three arrows. The first arrow could mark everything Barbareek wanted to destroy. Then the third arrow would destroy everything that was marked.
Alternatively the second arrow could mark everything that Barbareek wanted saved. Then the third arrow would destroy everything that was not marked. The brahmin proposed a test. He asked Barbareek to destroy all the leaves of the tree below which they were standing. If Barbareek succeeded then the brahmin would give him even greater powers, but if Barbareek failed then he would have to give to the brahmin whatever the brahmin asked for. Barbareek agreed. With the first arrow he marked all the leaves on the tree and with the third he destroyed them. Then the brahmin lifted one leg to reveal one leaf hidden below his foot. Barbareek had destroyed all the leaves on the tree but not all the leaves of the tree; because there was no doubt that this leaf was of the tree. Thus Barbareek failed the test. Krishna then assumed his true form and explained to Barbareek what would happen if Barbareek decided to participate in the battle. He explained how both sides would be annihilated. He then asked for Barbareek’s head. Barbareek unsheathed his sword and separated his head from his body.
Before doing that he consoled his mother. There was a very important message to mankind that he was destined to tell. If absolute power is concentrated in one hand it can only lead to the destruction of the world.
George Orwell said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. History has thrown up several despots who accumulated vast power and made the life of a large section of humanity miserable. What this tale tells us that concentration of absolute power in the hands of good well intentioned people is also harmful, because with the accumulation of absolute power exists the in-built desire to use that power and this desire is impossible to suppress.
Optional Exercises
7a. Read the entire story of Barbareek in instalments, the first instalment beginning at this site.
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