“O Grandsire! What regions will be available for those who died in war.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus:
“O Dharmaja! Previously, there was a conversation between Indra and Ambarisha. King Ambarisha performed many Yajnas and Yagas. After his death, he went to Svarga. In Svarga Loka he found Sudeva, who worked as a soldier in his army, roaming in a splendid aircraft. Immediately, Ambarisha asked Indra:
“O Indra! In my kingdom, he was a soldier who served me. He did not perform any Yajnas and yagas. For what reason he is enjoying more pleasures than me.” asked Ambarisha.
Indra said thus: “Ambarisha! In the past, there was a Rakshasa called SataSrunga. He had three sons called Sadama, Vidama and Dama. Those three Rakshasas fought with you. You deputed Sudeva to fight with those Rakshasas. You specifically told Sudeva to return only with victory or prefer to die in the battle field. Sudeva attacked those three Rakshasas. Sudeva thought that he was not capable of fighting a miracle war with those Rakshas and his defeat was certain. Hence, Sudeva sent back his army and began to worship Maha Siva. He was about to sacrifice his head at the feet of Maha Siva. Maha Siva appeared before Sudeva and said:
“O Sudeva! You are a great hero. You shall not die like this. You should fight and die in the battle field” so saying, Maha Siva gave Sudeva one divine chariot, divine bow and arrow pouch.
“Go and fight with the enemy. But never set your foot on earth” ordered Maha Siva.
Sudeva rushed against the Rakshasas and killed Sadama and Dama. Beholding the death of his brothers, Vidama was enraged with great wrath and attacked Sudeva. In that confusion, Sudeva forgot the caution of Maha Siva and got down the chariot and set his foot on the ground. Immediately, Vidama cut the head of Sudama with his sword. Sudeva also in turn cut the head of Vidama. Both fell down and died. You got the Victory. As Sudeva died in the battle field while fighting with enemy, he attained higher regions in Svarga. Therefore, King Ambarisha! Performing several Yajnas and Yagas are not equal to a heroic death in battle field.” said Indra to Ambarisha.
Dharmaja! On another occasion, there was a great fight between King Janaka and his enemy. King Janaka summoned all the generals in his army and addressed them: “O Heroes of war! The heroic heaven is ready and waiting for those who die in the battle field. A hell, full of sorrows, is ready for those cowards who flee from battle field. You choose whatever you like” said King Janaka.
Realising the intention of King Janaka, the soldiers fought in the battle field without caring for their lives. King Janaka was victorious. Therefore, Dharmaja! The gates of heaven will always be open for those who die in battle field.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/Monthly/Mahabharat/content1202.htm
Bhishma said thus:
“O Dharmaja! Previously, there was a conversation between Indra and Ambarisha. King Ambarisha performed many Yajnas and Yagas. After his death, he went to Svarga. In Svarga Loka he found Sudeva, who worked as a soldier in his army, roaming in a splendid aircraft. Immediately, Ambarisha asked Indra:
“O Indra! In my kingdom, he was a soldier who served me. He did not perform any Yajnas and yagas. For what reason he is enjoying more pleasures than me.” asked Ambarisha.
Indra said thus: “Ambarisha! In the past, there was a Rakshasa called SataSrunga. He had three sons called Sadama, Vidama and Dama. Those three Rakshasas fought with you. You deputed Sudeva to fight with those Rakshasas. You specifically told Sudeva to return only with victory or prefer to die in the battle field. Sudeva attacked those three Rakshasas. Sudeva thought that he was not capable of fighting a miracle war with those Rakshas and his defeat was certain. Hence, Sudeva sent back his army and began to worship Maha Siva. He was about to sacrifice his head at the feet of Maha Siva. Maha Siva appeared before Sudeva and said:
“O Sudeva! You are a great hero. You shall not die like this. You should fight and die in the battle field” so saying, Maha Siva gave Sudeva one divine chariot, divine bow and arrow pouch.
“Go and fight with the enemy. But never set your foot on earth” ordered Maha Siva.
Sudeva rushed against the Rakshasas and killed Sadama and Dama. Beholding the death of his brothers, Vidama was enraged with great wrath and attacked Sudeva. In that confusion, Sudeva forgot the caution of Maha Siva and got down the chariot and set his foot on the ground. Immediately, Vidama cut the head of Sudama with his sword. Sudeva also in turn cut the head of Vidama. Both fell down and died. You got the Victory. As Sudeva died in the battle field while fighting with enemy, he attained higher regions in Svarga. Therefore, King Ambarisha! Performing several Yajnas and Yagas are not equal to a heroic death in battle field.” said Indra to Ambarisha.
Dharmaja! On another occasion, there was a great fight between King Janaka and his enemy. King Janaka summoned all the generals in his army and addressed them: “O Heroes of war! The heroic heaven is ready and waiting for those who die in the battle field. A hell, full of sorrows, is ready for those cowards who flee from battle field. You choose whatever you like” said King Janaka.
Realising the intention of King Janaka, the soldiers fought in the battle field without caring for their lives. King Janaka was victorious. Therefore, Dharmaja! The gates of heaven will always be open for those who die in battle field.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/Monthly/Mahabharat/content1202.htm
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