In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra taking a firm stance of going for a war if required, to redeem his Indraprastha kingdom. This stance comes at a time when Sanjaya is trying to convince Yudishtra to go for a sacrifice in various different ways. Ultimately, Sanjaya’s argument here is that, going for a war is completely an act of “Adharma”. However, Yudishtra differs in this statement of Sanjaya’s. Yudishtra explains that even though war might be disaatrous and “Adharmic” in nature, as a “Kshatrya”, war is part and parcel of life! If peace is not working out, the next alternative is none other than a war! Hence, if Duryodhana doesn’t want to sacrifice, he has no other option but to face a war, for which, Yudishtra asserts that he and his brothers are prepared to face the eventuality.
As this exchange of conversations is going on, Bhagawan Krishna intervenes and concludes this. We shall now witness what Bhagawan Krishna has to say. Bhagawan says to Sanjaya thus, “Oh Sanjaya! You’ve performed your duty as a messenger to perfection! I’ve been patiently listening to all the arguments, both from your end as well as from Yudishtra’s end. Oh Sanjaya! Do you think that you’re an epitome of “Dharma”? Do you think that you’ve got all the expertise in the subject of “Dharma”? The way in which you’re putting forth your points suggests to me that you’ve somehow mastered the subject of “Dharma”! Do you feel that you know “Dharma” more than me and Yudishtra?” As Bhagawan Krishna asks thus in a huffed manner, Sanjaya starts to shake with fear! Did he say anything wrong? Why is Bhagawan getting irked all of a sudden?
Thus, as Bhagawan Krishna puts forth a question in this manner, Sanjaya becomes a bit uncomfortable as he folds his hands in respect to Bhagawan Krishna! Sanjaya surrenders himself to Bhagawan Krishna’s divine lotus feet and replies back thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Please do not take me wrong! My profound apologies to you if I had told something that hurt both of you! Till date, I’ve never thought even for a single moment that I know everything! I’ve only performed my duty as a messenger to King Dhritarashtra. I only tried to convey his intentions and message in whatever way possible. King Dhritarashtra doesn’t favour a war, but he wants his son Duryodhana to succeed him to the throne. He has no intention to give Yudishtra an opportunity, fearing a huge backlash from Duryodhana! Hence, oh Bhagawan! What do I do at this stage? I know whatever King Dhritarashtra is doing is gross “Adharma”. But I’m helpless about it. I’ve tried convincing him many times. Vidura is also trying his best to bring King Dhritarashtra out of the path of “Adharma”. However, nothing seems to work at this point in time. Hence, instead of convincing King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana for a compromise, I thought it might be a good idea to convince Yudishtra to go for a compromise to save the face of the Hastinapura kingdom! Oh Bhagawan! If I have said anything wrong, please accept my apologies!”
Saying thus, Sanjaya is in tears and falls on Bhagawan’s feet! Upon seeing this, Bhagawan lifts Sanjaya up, consoles him and says thus, “Oh Sanjaya! You’ve always been on the path of “Dharma” and I know that very well. You are an innocent and a straightforward person and this is something that all of us including myself, Yudishtra and the others are aware of. This is the reason why we respect you a lot! Oh Sanjaya! I have great personal regard for you! Please do not mistake me for my words! However, if you ask me what is “Dharma” and “Adharma” in this context, Yudishtra’s “Dharma” will always be to fight a war if the need arises! There can never be a compromise on this. You would be knowing how much suffering Yudishtra had to undergo for the past many years. Yudishtra has compromised and sacrificed enough. In fact, I would say that Yudishtra has already gone overboard to sacrifice things for Duryodhana. However, if Duryodhana doesn’t realize all this, he has no other option but to meet the Paandavas in the battlefield! Hence, my dear Sanjaya! Please go back to King Dhritarashtra and convey this message to him very clearly. Yudishtra is still giving Duryodhana an opportunity to correct himself and mend his ways. Even now if he fails to do so, war is inevitable!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna consoles the deeply-hurt Sanjaya and provides him with His divine “Anugraha”! As Sanjaya receives Bhagawan Krishna’s grace, he gets more clarity on what is going on and with this, he now makes his way back to King Dhritarashtra. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness what Sanjaya has to tell King Dhritarashtra, who is waiting anxiously for his arrival! Stay tuned for more updates! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 