In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna making His way to meet the Paandavas in the “Kaandava Vanam” forest. This meeting happens after a really long time, perhaps for the first time since Yudishtra’s “Raaja-Suya Yaaga” was over at Indraprastha. Ever since that time, Bhagawan Krishna, for some reason, never paid even a single visit to check on the Paandava brothers. However, of course, He was there to protect them at all the crucial moments invisibly, and we should never forget that. As Bhagawan Krishna enters the Paandavas’ dwelling place, He enquires about all that happened in the near past – About the gambling game, Draupati’s insult in public, the Paandavas losing their kingdom, ascending to the forest for the next thirteen years, etc. Subsequently we’ve also witnessed how Arjuna is paying his respects to Bhagawan Krishna in a beautiful and an emotional way.
Interestingly as we move on, Arjuna refers to Bhagawan Krishna in his praise as the “Dweller of the divine abode – Bhadrinaatha Kshetra”. At this point, Bhagawan Krishna drops an important point here. As Arjuna praises Bhagawan thus, He quickly intervenes and quips thus, “Oh Arjuna! You would have heard about the Nara-Naaraayana combine of the Bhadrinaatha Kshetra isn’t it? Let me now tell you one important thing – I’m Bhagawan Narayana from Bhadri, and you are none other than the “Nara” (Human Being) there. Both of us have taken a divine incarnation in this world for a very important purpose. Oh Arjuna! Just like how “Nara” is the first disciple of Bhagawan Narayana at Bhadrinaata Kshetra, you are my most important disciple now as well!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna couldn’t believe this for a moment! He is so surprised and awestruck! He doesn’t know what to speak for a moment or two as He looks into Bhagawan Krishna’s divine eyes eagerly!
As Arjuna looks thus, Bhagawan continues further: “Oh Arjuna! You are my Atman! You are my soul! You are telling everyone that I’m the “Atman” or the “Paramatman” for everyone! It may be true, but please remember this – I’m your Atman and I’m dwelling all over you – Both in your mind and body! Similarly, you are dwelling everywhere within me! If someone praises you, it is equivalent to that person praising me! At the same time, if someone insults and abuses you, it is equivalent to that person insulting and abusing me! Please understand one thing – Duryodhana has insulted and abused you. This means that he has insulted and abused me as well! He would pay a heavy price for this. I shall make you do this when the time comes. Oh Arjuna! At some point in time, I feel very bad about myself! You are showing extreme love and devotion towards me, but I’m unable to reciprocate even a fraction of that towards you! This makes me feel very bad! Had I been there with all of you at that crucial time of the gambling game, all these unfortunate events might not have taken place! If at all things would have gone bad, I myself would have ensured that the entire Duryodhana gang was finished then and there! Oh Arjuna! This very thought of you suffering like this in the forest, makes my heart break!”
As Bhagawan Krishna explainst thus, He sheds tears! We can witness here the in-depth relationship that Bhagawan had with Arjuna and Co. So for today, let us understand this point and let us appreciate this divine relationship between Bhagawan and the Paandava brothers! We shall wait till the next episode to witness what conspired after this between Bhagawan Krishna and the Paandavas! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 