In the previous episode, we were at an important juncture wherein Bhagawan Krishna is giving an opportunity to both Arjuna and Duryodhana to ask for whatever they needed, in terms of preparation for the war. As expected, Bhagawan Krishna, while giving an opportunity, lays down a trap and we’re witnessing how both of them react to it. Now the bigger question here is, who is going to fall into Bhagawan Krishna’s trap and who is going to play it safe! As Bhagawan Krishna gives Arjuna the first opportunity to “have a go” at it, Arjuna is very clear in what he wants – Bhagawan Krishna’s mere divine presence and nothing else! Arjuna surrenders to Bhagawan Krishna’s divine lotus feet and opts for His presence at all times to guide and support him!
As Arjuna puts forth his request thus, Bhagawan Krishna smiles and replies back – “Oh Arjuna! Are you sure what you’re asking for? Please remember that as per Option 1, even if I’m there with you, I wouldn’t take any weapon in hand and fight. I’m reiterating my point very clearly here – I will not fight the war along with you and support you. You will only get my presence and nothing else! Are you still fine with this?” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Duryodhana is onlooking this conversation and he internally laughs within himself! He thinks within himself thus, “Oh wow! Thank God! Arjuna is not as clever as me to ask for Bhagawan Krishna’s powerful army! I shall now use this opportunity to take that army and prepare for the war! Meanwhile, Arjuna has made a foolish decision to opt for Bhagawan Krishna’s mere presence. What can He do on the battlefield alone?”
Even as Duryodhana thinks thus, Bhagawan Krishna immediately turns towards him and says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Now it is your turn! What are you thinking? Go ahead and ask whatever you require!” As Bhagawan Krishna asks thus, Duryodhana replies back – “Oh Keshav! I now ask for your entire army that you had given as part of Option 2. I shall take it and this will help me in winning the war against Yudishtra!” As Duryodhana asks thus, Bhagawan Krishna immediately grants Duryodhana’s wish without asking any further questions! However, we had witnessed earlier that when it came to Arjuna, Bhagawan Krishna had a follow-up question whether he was sure of what he’s asking! But here for Duryodhana, perhaps Bhagawan Krishna eagerly anticipated this answer from him, and once He got that, He directly granted Option 2 to Duryodhana without asking a single question back!
Thus, as Duryodhana receives Option 2, he is extremely happy and immediately leaves Dwaraka! As Duryodhana leaves, Bhagawan Krishna turns towards Arjuna who is in tears! As Bhagawan Krishna sees Arjuna in tears, He immediately consoles Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! Please do not cry! I cannot see you in tears! Please do not worry! As you’ve requested, I shall always be with you at every moment to guide and support you! As you know, I always take the side of “Dharma” and you have the “Dharma” in you. The bond between you and me is unshakable! Hence, please do not lose heart! What is Duryodhana going to do with my army? Nothing at all! You’ve made an extremely wise decision and you should be happy about it!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna consoles Arjuna as He reveals Himself quite a bit in this small conversation! Meanwhile, a happy Duryodhana reaches Hastinapura and straightaway goes to his uncle, Sahuni to convey the “good news”! Sahuni listens to Duryodhana’s accord and is now going to give his reply. We should remember here that Sahuni is highly intelligent and smart! So, the bigger question here is whether Sahuni is happy with what Duryodhana has accomplished at Dwaraka or not! Or, is he having other ideas? Let us wait till the next episode for Sahuni’s answer! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 