In the previous episode, we had witnessed Karna’s decisive answer to Kunthi Devi that no matter whatever happens, he is determined to fight on the side of Duryodhana, because Duryodhana was the one who came to his rescue at a time when Karna was insulted and rejected by everyone at Hastinapura. So, ditching Duryodhana at a crucial time is not “Dharma” according to Karna. Moreover, Karna also highlights Kunthi Devi’s “selfish attitude” of putting her dignity on priority and deserting her own child mercilessly. Karna questions Kunthi Devi as to why he should obey the words of a “selfish mother” who did not care about him all these years! Thus, with this, Kunthi Devi did not know what to talk further to Karna, as he was perfectly right in his questioning. Kunthi Devi leaves with tears in her eyes and as she departs, Karna gives her a boon – At any point in time, she will have five sons surviving at the end of the war. Even though Karna will fight against the five of them, he will not kill any of them. However, if the fight is against Arjuna, he would definitely go for the kill. Thus, the fifth son to be alive at the end of the war would either be Arjuna or Karna! Granting this boon, Karna sends Kunthi Devi off to Hastinapura.
Meanwhile, Bhagawan Krishna makes His way back to Viraata Desha where Yudishtra and Co. are waiting eagerly for His arrival. As Bhagawan Krishna arrives, Yudishtra goes and receives Him with the protocol of hospitality and respect. Now all of them sit down to discuss the future course of action from here on. As Bhagawan settles down, Yudishtra asks thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Please narrate whatever happened at Hastinapura during your visit. Did you succeed in convincing Duryodhana and King Dhritarashtra? What is Duryodhana’s version? What is King Dhritarashtra saying? Did you meet the scholarly Vidura and Sanjaya? What did they say? How is Bhishmachaarya? What is his opinion? How is Guru Dhronachaarya? Is he for or against the war from happening?” As Yudishtra continues with his questions, Bhagawan Krishna patiently listens to everything and is now going to commence His reply to whatever Yudishtra has asked.
Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I spoke to Duryodhana and I tried my best to convince him. But the ill-fated and wicked Duryodhana rejected all my words and fumed with arrogance in front of everyone. Moreover, Duryodhana also went to the extent of insulting me in public amidst the entire courtroom! Do you know what he did to me? He had dug a huge hole beneath my “Aasana” and his plan was simple – When I sit on that “Aasana”, it would crash down into the hole and thereby I would be trapped! With this, he could arrest me and thereby bring me to his fold! Upon understanding this vicious ploy of Duryodhana, I got extremely angry and decided that there’s no point in talking or negotiating with Duryodhana henceforth. Hence, I decided that I should not stay there even for a minute more, and thus, made my way back to see all of you!”
As Bhagawan Krishna explains thus, Yudishtra and Co. are stunned beyond words! For a moment none of them open their mouths to talk even a single word! They are completely taken aback by the fact that Bhagawan Krishna was insulted and it was Duryodhana who had the guts to go to this extent! However, calming down after a few moments, Yudishtra is now going to ask a very important question to Bhagawan Krishna, upon which, Bhagawan Krishna is going to burst out laughing! So what is this question? What made Bhagawan Krishna so amused with what Yudishtra is asking? Let us wait till the next episode and witness! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 