*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 89.*
At Dvaraka a Brahman lost his son at birth. He took the dead child to
the palace and placed it at the gate, blaming the king for his
misfortune. For the sins of kings visit themselves upon their subjects.
In this way nine sons died one after another and the Brahman did the
same with all of them and, when the ninth son died, Arjuna was sitting
with Krishna and he heard the reproaches of the Brahmana. Arjuna
promised the Brahmana that he would protect his son this time, or would
otherwise enter the fire for breach of his promise. The son was born
again. And Arjuna was there with his famous bow. But lo! the child wept
and it rose up high and disappeared, The Brahmana taunted Arjuna for
making promises he had not the power to keep. Stung by these words, the
Pandava went to Yama Loka. He went to Indra Loka. He went to the regions
of Agni, Nirriti, Chandra, Vayu and Varuna. He went to Rasatala. He went
to Svarga. But the Brahmana boy was no where to be found. He then made
preparations for entering the fire. Sri Krishna made him desist. He
said: -- "I shall show you the Brahmana's sons. Do not disregard
yourself. Those that blame us now shall sing our glory hereafter."
Krishna and Arjuna went towards the west. They crossed the seven oceans
and the seven Dvipas. They crossed the Loka-aloka and entered the
regions of chaotic darkness. The horses could not proceed further. So by
Krishna's order the glowing Chakra, Sudarshana, pierced through the
darkness and the horses followed the track. Infinite, endless, divine
light then spread out. Arjuna re-opened his eyes. They then entered the
regions of primal water. They found one house glittering with gems and
stones. The thousand-headed Ananta was sitting in that house. Seated
upon Ananta was the Supreme Purusha, the Lord of the Lords. Krishna and
Arjuna saluted Him. The Purusha then smiled and said: -- "I brought the
Brahmana boys that I might see you both. For the protection of Dharma on
the Earth, you have incarnated as my parts (Kala.) Kill the Asuras that
oppress the Earth and come back soon to me. Filled are your own desires,
O you Rishis, Nara and Narayana. But for the preservation of the
Universe, do that which others may follow."
Krishna and Arjuna said "Om". They brought back the Brahmana boys and
restored them to their father.