M for Matali, The Charioteer of Indra - Mahabharata Mashup
Namaste,
Charioteers have a special role in Mahabharata.Krishna was Arjuna’s charioteer in the Kurukshetra War. Daruka was Krishna’strusted charioteer. Visoka was Bhima’s charioteer. King Shalya of Madra becamea charioteer for Karna on day 17 of the war.
Matali was the charioteer for Indra (the King ofHeaven). He was first mentioned in Aranyaka Parva when Indra met Arjuna on theHimalayan peak after performing tapasya. When it was time, he said Matali wouldarrive to take Arjuna to heaven for training in the use of celestial weapons.The chariot was pulled by ten thousand horses and had magical properties. Itwas invisible to most and carried the Vaijayanthi flag on a goldenflagstaff.
Matali appeared again when Arjuna was gifted thecelestial weapons and was sent to kill the Nivatakavacas hidden in the ocean’swomb. He gave timely advice to Arjuna in defeating the daityas (demons/ anti-gods).
Next in Udogya Parva, Rishi Kanva narrated the storyof how Matali found a groom for his daughter with Narada’s help.
The story goes that Matali wanted a suitable husbandfor his lovely daughter Gunakesi. He discussed the issue with his wife,Sudharma, and decided to go to the Naga world to look for a groom. He metNarada en route the next day. Narada offered help and accompanied Matali tomany kingdoms, singing praises and revealing the flaws of the prospectivegrooms. They went to Patala (underworld) and checked out the various kingdomsin it - Hiranyapura, Rasatala, and Bhogavati.
Finally, Matali saw a young and handsome Naga princeand wanted to know his details. Narada said it was Sumukha from the Airavatafamily, Aryaka’s grandson and Cikura’s son. They met Aryaka with the proposal,but he refused, saying Garuda had killed Cikura and promised to kill Sumukhasoon. How could he knowingly get the boy married in such instances?
Narada and Matali convinced Aryaka that they wouldensure Sumukha’s safety. Aryaka agreed to the wedding. Next, Matali and Naradawent to Indra with their problem. Indra was pleased to know that they found asuitable groom for young Gunakesi. He happily granted a long life toSumukha.
Garuda got to know of this and was upset as itnullified his vow to kill Sumukha. He considered Indra a friend and dislikedthis decision. Garuda was boastful of his powers when Maha Vishnu intervenedand placed an arm on his shoulder. The majestic Garuda couldn’t bear the weightof Vishnu’s arm and fell unconscious. He regained consciousness a while laterand asked for forgiveness for being arrogant. Vishnu then flicked Sumukha ontoGaruda’s chest and made them befriend each other.
Thus, Matali got his daughter married to a Naga ashe and his wife planned and also made sure his son-in-law had a long life. Ofcourse, Mahamuni Narada had a vital role in this story.
Matali doesn't have much role but manages to make his presence felt.
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The AI images are made on Bing.
