In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna taking an important resolve to kill Jayatrada, who was the perpetrator behind Abhimanyu’s demise. Arjuna roars and thunders in front of everyone that either he or Jayatrada will be alive before the next evening! However, if Jayatrada comes and surrenders to Bhagawan Krishna, Arjuna wouldn’t touch him. But, if Jayatrada goes to anybody else seeking surrender, he would definitely be killed by Arjuna at any cost! Such is the firm resolve that Arjuna undertakes at the end of Day Thirteen at Kurukshetra! As Arjuna does so, Duryodhana’s spies take this news to Jayatrada swiftly! Upon hearing this, Jayatrada starts shaking with fear! He knows what Arjuna’s resolve means! After a bit of deliberation within himself, Jayatrada decides to flee away from the battlefield immediately in a bid to save his life!
Moving on thus, as Jayatrada starts packing his bags and getting ready to leave, Duryodhana suddenly barges inside Jayatrada’s tent. Upon seeing Jayatrada busy in doing something, Duryodhana asks him what’s going on. As Duryodhana asks, Jayatrada replies thus, “Oh Duryodhana! I’m having some urgent work back home! Hence, I’m forced to take leave from here and return back to my place. You proceed with tomorrow’s battle and take it forward. I will not be able to join you for tomorrow’s battle, owing to some compulsions!” As Jayatrada says thus with a trembling voice, Duryodhana is quick enough to understand what has happened! Meanwhile, the spies also convey the message of Arjuna’s resolve to Duryodhana. Now Duryodhana has to somehow stop Jayatrada from leaving Kurukshetra. What does he do? He tries to console Jayatrada and assure him with some confidence and motivation.
Duryodhana says thus, “Oh Jayatrada! You are a great warrior and you’ve been solely responsible for the demise of several great “Maharathis” on the Paandava camp. Indeed, the Paandavas are fearing your presence in the battlefield and this is the reason Arjuna is forced to take such a pledge. Do not worry! Arjuna will never be able to stop you on the battlefield tomorrow! I shall ensure that you are protected from all directions during tomorrow’s war. I shall ensure that all of us are around you every time. I shall inform Guru Dhronachaarya and he will definitely take all the necessary steps to ensure your safety! Hence please be assured that you will be protected tomorrow and there’s absolutely no danger to your life!”
As Duryodhana gives a solid assurance thus, Jayatrada’s mind starts changing slowly! He drops his bags down on the floor and with a half-baked mind, accepts Duryodhana’s proposal to stay back and fight the war the next day! As this happens on one side, something else unfolds on the other side as well simultaneously. As the entire Paandava camp is mourning Abhimanyu’s demise, Draupati and Subadra Devi come inside the camp to see Arjuna and Co. Both the ladies cry bitterly over the demise of Abhimanyu. Subadhra Devi is inconsolable that she has lost her dear husband at such an early stage in her life! As they cry loudly, Bhagawan Krishna tries to console both of them by saying thus, “Oh Draupati! Oh Shubadra! Please understand one thing clearly – “Kaalam” for everyone is fixed! Nobody can challenge “Kaala-Devata” as destiny for each and every person is already written. We do not have anything in our hands to change it as per our convenience. Hence, it is better to accept things as they are and move on with life. Moreover, Abhimanyu is a “Kshatrya” prince and for a “Kshatrya”, death is something that can come at any point in time. He should always be awaiting death to knock at his door at every instance, whenever he is fighting for his country! Hence, Oh Draupati! As a mother of a Kshatrya warrior, you should understand this! Rather than crying like this, you should hold your head high today with pride that your son has obtained the highest “Veera Gathi” that a “Kshatrya” prince would attain! Also, please be sure that during tomorrow’s battle, Arjuna is going to avenge this by killing Jayatrada! This is going to happen for sure!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna consoles a heart-broken Draupati and for today, let us understand up to this point! We shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 