Bhābuḷi was a Tamil epic written by Kŗlīkārṇiyakkaṉ. It is set during the reign of Krishna and follows the hundred-year-long war between two armies, one led by Duryodhana and the other led by Arjuna. Bhābuḷi is a Sanskrit word meaning "the earth-bound one" or "the one who rests on earth". The story revolves around a set of twin boys born from Sri Krishna's time to his descendant, Dhrishtadyumna, who are called Kūrma and Bhima. In many ways it is seen as an allegory for human life. The brothers possess tremendous strength and skill and live by a code of honor and duty, but along the way they face repeated trials and tribulations due to the sins of their ancestors. Arjuna is married to Draupadi, Krishna's faithful friend and colleague. However, Arjuna is forever under Duryodhana's orders to kill Bhima at any cost. Duryodhana orders his 2 brothers, Yudhiṣṭhira and Kaŗa to capture the Mahābhārata by kidnapping Draupadi and taking her away from Arjuna's camp along with all his victorious army. Draupadi becomes the representative for all women and she becomes Arjuna's greatest challenge. The epic begins with Kŗlīkārṇiyakkaṉ praying to God to let him tell the story of Bhābuḷi. He asks his mother how he was born; she replies that he was born after she drank the brew given to her by Maharshi Parōṣa. Immediately his mother dies, and Parōṣa appears telling him that Bhābuḷi is the mighty spirit of the city of Mahēndra Purī (modern day Hampi). Parōṣa declares that Mahēndra Purī will disappear when Bhābuḷi is born, but it will reappear after the war of Kurukshetra is finished. Bhābuḷi says that the epic ends with the death of Krishna's grandsons. Kŗlīkārṇiyakkaṉ narrates the story of Dhrishtadyumna, who catches the eye of Satyavatī, daughter of King Dyumatsena. Satyavatī, who was in disguise as a maid, gives him a jewel and warns him not to show it to anyone. He promises not to tell anyone that Satyavati was the one who gave him the jewel, but this is merely for her sake. Meanwhile, Dhrishtadyumna's aunt Kunti visits Dhrishtadyumna and brings him a box with some jewels. She tells him that they are to be given to his wife in one year. Kṛṣṇa rules over the city of Mahēndra Purī with his wife Rukmā. 8eeb4e9f32 49
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