In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhishmachaarya taking a “Prathignya” (Pledge) in front of Duryodhana that he will not be instrumental in killing the five Paandava brothers, even though he will give a tough fight with them. Secondly, Bhishmachaarya is also clear in his communication with Duryodhana that if Karna is in the battlefield, he will move away, as Karna will not listen to Bhishmachaarya’s words. Hence, if Duryodhana wants Bhishmachaarya to be the “Senapati”, Karna should not enter the battlefield. Listening to this, Karna also supported this argument. He too knows the amount of ego clashes that both of them have had all these years. Hence, when Duryodhana appoints Bhishmachaarya as the “Senapati”, Karna chooses to stay away from the battlefield and informs Duryodhana accordingly.
Moving on thus, Karna emphasizes a very important point while he expresses his view here. While he supports Duryodhana’s decision of appointing Bhishmachaarya as the “Senapati”, Karna also says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Let Bhishmachaarya take the first lead and fight the Paandavas. There will be a time when he is no more, and at that point in time I shall take over and come to the battlefield to fight the Paandava brothers!” Now isn’t this a strong, yet subtle message that Karna is giving out to Duryodhana? Readers should think of one thing here very clearly – The battle hasn’t even started yet, and here’s Karna who is already talking about destruction and loss to their camp – And that too, of Bhishmachaarya! What does this signify? Karna knows very well that all of them are going to be destroyed! Even Bhishmachaarya himself knows this pretty well. Thus, this war is just a mere joke and a formality for all of them, even in the Kaurava camp. Just because of the arrogance and adamant behaviour of one person called Duryodhana, the entire Kaurava camp and its army is going to be destroyed, which is an open secret for all of them assembled there! It’s only a matter of time that this destruction starts to unfold!
Meanwhile as this happens, Bhagawan Balarama comes to meet Yudishtra on the other side. As Balarama comes, Yudishtra pays his respects to Balarama and requests him thus, “Oh great Balarama! You are someone who knows the path of “Dharma” very well. This war is between “Dharma” and “Adharma”. Hence, can you support us in this war and fight for us so that “Dharma” attains victory?” As Yudishtra requests thus, Balarama is now in a fix! We should remember one thing clearly here – Both Duryodhana and Bheemasena are Balarama’s disciples, when it comes to the “Gadhaa-Yuddham”. Balarama was the one who taught both these people the art of fighting with the “Gadha”. Given this state of affairs, now whom will Balarama support? How can he be partial to one disciple and impartial to the other? Thinking for a moment thus, Balarama comes to a conclusion. He replies to Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I understand your concern. I know that this war is fought on the basis of “Dharma” vs. “Adharma”. However, I will not be in a position to support both sides. This is because, my students are on either sides and as a Guru, I should always take a neutral and an unbiased stance. If I support you, it will be as if I’m biased against Duryodhana and if I support Duryodhana, I’ll end up being biased against Bheemasena. Moreover, I consulted with Bhagawan Krishna also, and I understood that He is in favour of you and He is going to support you big time. I tried to negotiate and find a mid-way between Duryodhana and you, but it didn’t happen unfortunately! Hence, I’m in a fix! Oh Yudishtra! I’m planning to go on a “Teertha-Yatra” and I will not be available during the period of war. However, I’ll keep providing my “Anugraha” to all of you for the war!”
Saying thus, Balarama makes his way out of Kurukshetra and goes on a “Teertha-Yatra”! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 