In the previous episode, we had witnessed a refreshed Arjuna taking the “Gaandipa” bow in his hands yet again in the middle of the battlefield. This comes after the 700-shloka-long Bhagawad Gita presented to Arjuna by Bhagawan Krishna, motivating him to perform his duty as a “Kshatrya” warrior. Arjuna listens carefully to all of it and is now up on his feet again with a renewed vigour and valour, which makes the entire world tremble for a moment! This also sends shockwaves to Duryodhana and Co., who were till this moment, happy that Arjuna was trying to escape the scene of the battle because of the imminent “fear” that he was in! However, as Arjuna gets up with a new “Avatar”, something strange happens yet again – This time it was Yudishtra’s turn to put down all his weapons, protective shield, etc. and he starts to walk towards the direction of the Kaurava army! Upon seeing this, Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna are shocked, while Duryodhana and Co. are laughing and making fun of Yudishtra! So what happened to Yudishtra? Why is he suddenly putting down everything and walking towards the Kaurava army? Let us witness today’s episode!
Upon seeing Yudishtra walking towards them in a humble demeanour, Duryodhana quickly passes a comment thus, “Oh wow! Look at this coward walking towards us! I was thinking that this would happen, but I did not anticipate this to happen too early even before the start of the war! Upon having a look at our mighty army, it seems Yudishtra has started trembling with fear! I think he has also decided not to fight this war and he seems to come with a decision to surrender to all of us straightaway!” As Duryodhana says thus, he laughs aloud as Ducchaasana and the others join in! This happens even as Yudishtra keeps walking towards the Kaurava army! As Yudishtra is walking thus, Bhagawan Krishna quickly understands the reason behind this decision of Yudishtra and He quickly gets down from the chariot and starts walking behind Yudishtra with a small laugh! As Bhagawan Krishna Himself starts walking behind Yudishtra, Arjuna can’t keep quiet and he too gets down from the chariot and starts walking! Upon seeing Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna walking, Bheemasena, Nakula and Sahadeva also get down from their respective chariots and start walking towards the Kaurava army alongside Yudishtra!
Thus, the five brothers along with Bhagawan Krishna straightaway walk towards Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya, who are standing in the central position of the Kaurava army, which is flanked by Duryodhana and his brothers on either side. Yudishtra’s intention is now clear to Bhagawan Krishna as He also follows suit.
“Yesha bhishmam tataah dhronam gautamam shalyameva cha!
Anumaanya gurun sarvaan yotsyate paarthavaha haribihi!!”
Thus, all the five brothers make their way towards Bhishmachaarya and bow down to him with great respect! During this time, Yudishtra and Arjuna look around the Kaurava army and have a closer look as to who is standing where! Bhishmachaarya is in the centre and near him is Guru Dhronachaarya. Beside Guru Dhronachaarya is Sage Kripachaarya and the other seniors in the Hastinapura kingdom. Having a glance thus, Yudishtra and Co. bow down to Bhishmachaarya. Yudishtra says thus, “Oh great Bhishmachaarya! You’re the “Pita-Maha” (Grandfather) for all of us and I bow down in respect to you! I came here to seek your blessings to commence this war. Even it is not too late now – You tell us if this war is really required or not. If you say “no” even at this moment, we are ready to call it off. I’m still saying clearly – I’m not interested in fighting this war and creating a huge disaster for everyone. If you say that we should go back home without fighting, I’m 100% with you on your decision. However, if you say a “yes” for the war, then also I’m ready to fight it out. So I leave it to you to make the final decision whether to proceed with this war or not!”
Saying thus, Yudishtra seeks Bhishmachaarya’s “Anugraha”, as Bhagawan Krishna looks on with His pleasing divine eyes! Bhagawan of course knows what Yudishtra’s intentions are! He is very genuine and straightforward in his approach and even at the last moment, he is ready to obey the words of elders – This is the hallmark character of Yudishtra and this is why he is referred to as “Dharma-Putra”! He knows exactly what is “Dharma” and what is not, and hence, Bhagawan Krishna Himself follows Yudishtra in this pursuit! So for today, let us understand up to this point and now the onus is on Bhishmachaarya to decide whether this war should happen or not! Let us wait till the next episode to find out Bhishmachaarya’s answer to this tricky situation! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 