In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sanjaya trying his best to make King Dhritarashtra that he is trying to defend the indefensible. While Bhagawan Krishna’s “Sankalpa” is too strong towards destruction of “Adharma” completely, what is the use of King Dhritarashtra trying to hold fort by defending his son Duryodhana who is an embodiment of “Adharma” altogether? Duryodhana’s ego knows no bounds and what is the use of trying and protecting someone like this, who is not really interested in understanding the practical implications of sticking to his ego? With these questions looming large, Bhagawan Krishna Himself is now volunteering to make a last-ditch attempt to broker peace between the two camps! He is going to go to Hastinapura as a “Paandava-Dhoota”, which is a very important section of the entire Mahabharata text. This episode is nicely captured by Sage Vyaasa in the “Bhagawan Vyaana Parva”, which we’re starting to witness starting today.
Moving on thus, as this conversation between Sanjaya and King Dhritarashtra concludes, the scene now shifts to Yudishra and Co. at Viraata Desha. All of them now go into a huddle after Sanjaya’s visit, as Bhagawan Krishna too is present in that huddle. All of them discuss the way forward from here on. Various people in the group express their opinions, including Yudishra and Arjuna. Bhagawan Krishna initially waits patiently for His turn as all of them keep opening up with their views. The debate is now whether we should declare a war straightaway or whether should we go for another round of peace talks. At this point, Yudishtra comes close to Bhagawan Krishna with folded hands and stands near Him. As Yudishtra comes near Bhagawan, he has tears in his eyes! Yudishtra is moved to such a state as the discussion veers off into a certainty towards having a war!
As Yudishtra is getting into this state, Bhagawan Krishna immediately gets up from His seat and consoles Yudishtra thus, “Oh my dear Yudishtra! Why are you getting emotional now? What happened to you? Till now I’ve never seen you cry for anything and I’ve always been proud of your valour and stubborn decision-making. Now what has gone wrong in such a way that it is bringing tears to your eyes? Please tell me!” As Bhagawan Krishna comforts Yudishtra thus, Yudishtra replies back, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! The moment I think of a war. My heart shudders with all kinds of emotions! Apart from Duryodhana, there are great veterans including Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, etc. aren’t they? Invariably all of them will support Hastinapura’s cause and fight on Duryodhana’s side. I do not have a problem with that of course. But what if we end up killing all of them just for the sake of “winning the war”? Bhishmachaarya is my dearest grandfather who has taken so much of pain and effort in bringing all of us up! Similarly, how can a student kill his own Guru? Is there any precedence to this in this entire world? Wouldn’t it be a great misdeed for my own selfishness of taking possession of Indraprastha? That would be one of the greatest sins I would be committing in my life, isn’t it? This is what makes me shed tears and this very thought that comes to my mind every now and then is making me shake with fear!”
Lamenting thus, Yudishtra continues further, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Of course I can confide to you with all these issues that are running in my mind, because of the fact that you are Bhagawan! Whom other than you can I trust in this? You have to guide me with the correct path!” Saying thus, Yudishtra breaks down completely and falls on Bhagawan Krishna’s divine lotus feet! Yudishtra makes Bhagawan’s feet wet with his tears of surrender and upon seeing this, Bhagawan Krishna’s heart melts instantly! He immediately lifts Yudishtra up and wipes off his tears. As Bhagawan comforts Yudishtra further, Yudishtra asks thus, “Oh Bhagawan! I have a small request to you – You are the only one who knows in and out about all of us. You are the one who stands by us at all times, especially when the going is tough! You are the one who has supported us in all difficult times. Hence, if possible, can you try and broker peace between the two camps by explaining our stance to them? Can you convey the message that Yudishtra always stands for peace and he is not ready for a war if an amicable solution is met? Please, can you make this last-ditch effort to save precious lives?”
As Yudishtra explains his stance, Bhagawan Krishna clearly understands what Yudishtra is expecting. Whatever Yudishtra says seems genuine and concerning. Now it is up to Bhagawan Krishna to reply to Yudishtra. What is going to be Bhagawan Krishna’s stance? Is He going to accept Yudishtra’s request? Let us wait and witness Bhagawan Krishna’s reply in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 