We’re in the midst of an electrifying argument that is brewing up at King Dhritarashtra’s courtroom at Hastinapura wherein Sanjaya has tabled his detailed report on his visit to Yudishtra and Co. This creates ripples in the Kaurava camp as Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Karna, etc. express their views and opinions as to how to proceed further from here on. Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya are of the firm opinion that Duryodhana should part with Indraprastha and give it to Yudishtra, so as to put an end to the entire feud. As they express this opinion, Guru Dhronachaarya is particularly more harsh in his expression as he takes potshots at Karna for grossly misleading Duryodhana in this aspect. Guru Dhronachaarya is also apprehensive about Sahuni’s role, since he was the architect of the entire gambling game that wreaked havoc on that fateful day at Hastinapura. It is this very gambling game that led to enormous levels of “Adharma” committed by Duryodhana and Ducchaasana, including the insulting of Draupati, isn’t it? Hence, Guru Dhronachaarya slams both Karna and Sahuni for their alleged misguidance of Duryodhana. As Guru Dhronachaarya says thus, Karna immediately refutes him and this leads to a huge war of words between the two!
Moving on thus, King Dhritarashtra intervenes and doses down the heat that is building up between Karna and Guru Dhronachaarya. King Dhritarashtra says thus, “Oh Karna! Oh Guru Dhronachaarya! Both of you are great warriors and you should not fight amongst yourself, while being in the same camp. Anyway, now that we are heading towards a war, we shall now see who is on which side! I want to take stock of this situation that is brewing up!” This accord from King Dhritarashtra clearly shows that he is not interested in brokering peace with Yudishtra! Vidura’s advice has totally gone in vain! As King Dhritarashtra says thus, Sanjaya starts to list out who is on which side. He says how Bhagawan Krishna voluntarily opted to support Yudishtra’s cause. Similarly, King Drupada also is on the Paandavas’ side, along with the king of Viraata Desha. Similarly, many other kings from neighbouring territories like Shaalva Desha, Kekeya Desha, etc. are rallying behind the Paandavas. At the same time, if we look at the Kaurava side, of course we have the great duo – Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya who are virtually unstoppable. Along with them, King Shalya has also joined the Kaurava camp. Of course, not to mention, Karna who is the king of Anga Desha is also by the side of Duryodhana. Similarly, Sanjaya is now listing out the entire population that forms either camps, and as he does so, he becomes so frustrated and sad! As Sanjaya is reading out the names, at one point, he faints and falls on the ground!
As Sanjaya suddenly faints and falls, Duryodhana and the entire courtroom becomes jittery and immediately wake up Sanjaya by giving him some water. As Sanjaya wakes up, Duryodhana says thus, “Oh great Sanjaya! Why are you getting tense by looking at the other camp? Do you really think that the Paandava camp is more powerful than ours? You look at ours! We have so many great warriors by our side and with this, make yourself calm and composed!”
As Duryodhana says thus, Sanjaya doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry! He replies to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! I’m not scared by looking at anyone in any camp! My frustration and fear is that, if there is a war in the making, an enormous number of great warriors are going to lose their lives! This fear is constantly lingering in my mind and hence I fainted on the ground! Oh Duryodhana! You’re not understanding the impact of a full-fledged war as yet and this is the reason why you are adamant in your approach!” Saying thus, Sanjaya recoups himself and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 