In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna being able to view the spectacle of his lifetime, wherein he saw Bhagawan Krishna in the form of the divine Bhagawan Vishnu. Upon seeing this spectacle, Arjuna expresses his joy and satisfaction, but at the same time, he also expresses his fear upon seeing such a ferocious and a dazzling form of Bhagawan in front of him. As Arjuna is having this experience, Sanjaya, who is narrating the entire episode of the war to King Dhritarashtra at Hastinapura, is also able to witness this spectacle. Sanjaya communicates to King Dhritarashtra that he is able to see Bhagawan Krishna showcasing all His might to Arjuna in the middle of the battlefield at Kurukshetra, which in turn sends shockwaves to King Dhritarashtra. This makes it more and more certain that his sons Duryodhana and Co. are going to be handed over the worst defeat ever possible and their lives are in great danger in front of Bhagawan Krishna and the Paandavas.
At a time when Bhagawan Krishna is showing His “Vishwa-Roopam”, it is not only Arjuna who is getting to see it, but also some people in the Kaurava camp as well. Bhishmachaarya obviously has the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Krishna at all times, and he is able to see the same. Along with Bhishmachaarya, some other people in Duryodhna’s camp are able to see it and Bhagawan “selectively” gives this opportunity to a few – This is done by Bhagawan Krishna to create a panic amongst the Kaurava camp and with this, it can be an opportunity for a few of the warriors to run away from the battlefield without fighting the war. If this happens, it would make Arjuna’s work lighter, isn’t it?
Moving forward thus, Arjuna asks Bhagawan Krishna out of fear upon seeing this ferocious form – “Oh Bhagawan! Who are you? Till now I’ve never seen such anger and ferocity in you! You’re someone who is always smiling and playing amidst all of us, aren’t you? But now, I’m seeing something unimaginable and unbelievable! Who are you? What are you here for? What is your agenda for this divine incarnation? Tell me in detail!”As Arjuna asks this important question, Bhagawan replies through His ferocious form thus,
“Kaalosmi lokakshayakith pravruthaha lokaantamaahartumihah pravrithaha!!”
Bhagawan Krishna says, “Oh Arjuna! I’m none other than “Kaala!” (The ultimate destroyer of this world)! I’ve come here to put this world to an end, because this world is now completely engulfed in “Adharma”! This cannot continue any further and I’ve come to destroy “Adharma” completely at the grassroot level! Oh Arjuna! You’re merely thinking of killing your own family members in this war, but the reality is something grossly different. Please understand – This war is my “Sankalpa”! This war should happen and it will lead to a mass destruction, which will mark the end of all the “Adharma” that is happening in this world. You are merely a small speck of dust in this great war that is going to take place. Hence, oh Arjuna! Please do the duty that is assigned to you by me and don’t ever think of running away from this place. You are destined to play a key role in destroying the “Dharma” and execute my “Sankalpa! You are an instrument in my hands to destroy “Adharma” and re-establish “Dharma” in this world! Please realize this truth as you take the bow and arrow in your hands again to fight!”
As Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna quickly replies back – “Oh Bhagawan! If that is the case, why can’t you fight the war by yourself? Your ferocity knows no bounds, isn’t it? Why am I needed here? Afterall, who am I if we compare you and me? You’re the supreme Bhagawan and I’m merely a novice here. If you think for a moment, you can destroy this entire gathering at Kurukshetra within a minute, can’t you? If such is the case, why am I even needed here in the middle of the battlefield?” For this, Bhagawan replies thus, “Oh my dear Arjuna! You’re making a mistake here – Of course if I want to, I can destroy everything and everyone within a second, but I do not want to do that. I want to give you an opportunity to wash off your “Karma” and come to me permanently at Vaikunta! I want you to play a role in restoring “Dharma” in this world, which is a great duty that you’re fulfilling! By destroying this gathering in a minute, of course, I can earn a great name, fame, reputation, etc. But I do not look for all that. I want you to earn all of these and ultimately reach me at the end of this birth of yours!”
As Bhagawan says thus, tears roll down Arjuna’s eyes! What a great philosophy is Bhagawan Krishna narrating here! Can Bhagawan’s compassion towards His ardent “Bhaktas” know any limitations? Even if Bhagawan can achieve this within a minute, He wants to give Arjuna and his Paandava brothers an opportunity to have a go at the opposition, so that these five people will be able to attain the highest “Moksha” by washing off their “Karma”! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 