The Prologue of epic Mahabharata

The Epic Mahabarata especially the andhra Mahabaratam is said to be always started with a powerful prologue "Uttanka Upakhyana" or Udhonkopakyanam. It is often said during the story telling of mahabaharta this story should be said first. The story Goes like this

In the Mahabharata, the Uttanka Upakhyana opens with the story of a dedicated disciple named Uttanka, who studied under his guru, Veda. Uttanka was known for his deep devotion to his teacher, serving him diligently for many years and learning the wisdom of the Vedas and other scriptures. After years of faithful service, Uttanka was ready to complete his education and return to society. Before leaving, Uttanka approached his guru and humbly asked if there was anything he could do as a parting service. His guru expressed no need, but his guru's wife made a specific and unusual request. She desired a pair of earrings that belonged to the queen of King Paushya, and she asked Uttanka to bring them as a gift. Committed to fulfilling her wish, Uttanka set out on a journey to obtain the earrings, unaware of the trials he would face.

Uttanka’s Journey and Trials

Uttanka traveled long and far and eventually reached the palace of King Paushya. When he arrived, he explained his mission and requested an audience with the queen. King Paushya received him warmly and granted permission for Uttanka to speak to the queen directly.

However, when Uttanka went to the queen’s chambers, he could not find her. Confused, he returned to King Paushya, who informed him that Uttanka must first purify himself by performing certain rites before approaching the queen, as she was a very pious woman. Uttanka did as instructed and, this time, managed to meet the queen. She welcomed him kindly and gave him the earrings as requested.

Satisfied with the queen’s generosity, Uttanka began his journey back to his guru’s ashram. However, his troubles were far from over. Along the way, he encountered Takshaka, the powerful king of the Nagas (serpent beings). Takshaka was captivated by the radiant beauty of the earrings and desired them for himself. In a moment of mischief, he stole the earrings and disappeared underground, leaving Uttanka distressed and empty-handed.

Determined to fulfill his promise to his guru’s wife, Uttanka was undeterred. He chased Takshaka down into the depths of the Naga world, bravely fighting through obstacles. The trials he faced were symbolic of the obstacles that a righteous soul must face to uphold duty and integrity.

The Blessing of Lord Indra

Seeing Uttanka’s steadfastness, the god Indra intervened and helped him retrieve the earrings from Takshaka. With Indra’s divine assistance, Uttanka managed to escape the Naga realm and finally returned to his guru’s wife with the precious earrings, completing his mission.

His guru blessed him, impressed by his dedication and the lengths he went to fulfill his duty. The story concludes with Uttanka receiving the rewards of his perseverance and loyalty, and he returns to his life in the world, carrying the lessons of his journey with him.

Symbolism and Foreshadowing in the Mahabharata

The Uttanka Upakhyana serves not only as an inspiring tale of duty but also as a symbolic prelude to the Mahabharata's larger narrative. Here’s how:

Duty and Perseverance: Uttanka’s unwavering dedication to his teacher’s command, even in the face of immense difficulties, mirrors the struggles that the Pandavas face. Just as Uttanka remains committed to his duty despite the challenges, the Pandavas, especially Yudhishthira, uphold dharma even when circumstances are stacked against them.

Challenges of Righteousness: Uttanka’s journey highlights how the path of righteousness (dharma) is not without obstacles. Similarly, the Pandavas encounter various moral, ethical, and physical challenges as they strive to uphold their sense of justice and duty, whether in exile, on the battlefield, or in their interactions with the Kauravas.

Intervention of the Divine: Uttanka receives divine help from Indra, which is also a recurring theme in the Mahabharata. Throughout the epic, Lord Krishna intervenes at key moments to guide and support the Pandavas, just as Indra assists Uttanka in completing his mission. This emphasizes the belief that divine support often comes to those who uphold righteousness.

Struggle against Adversity: The confrontation with Takshaka, the Naga king, symbolizes the lurking threats and enemies one must confront on the journey of life. Similarly, the Pandavas face antagonists like Duryodhana, Shakuni, and Karna, who present complex moral and physical threats. Uttanka’s encounter foreshadows the enmity and struggles the Pandavas will face with the Kauravas.

Themes of Loyalty and Devotion: Uttanka’s loyalty to his teacher and his dedication to fulfilling his teacher’s wife’s unusual request illustrate the importance of loyalty and respect for one’s elders. In the Mahabharata, the concept of loyalty is a cornerstone, as seen in the deep bonds of loyalty and love among the Pandavas, as well as their commitment to Krishna and their duty.

Retrieving What Is Lost: The plotline involving Takshaka’s theft of the earrings can be seen as a metaphor for the Pandavas' own loss and quest for what is rightfully theirs. Just as Uttanka fights for the earrings, the Pandavas will later fight for their kingdom and rightful place in the world.