In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of a spectacular Day Seventeen at Kurukshetra wherein Karna is engaged in a fierce battle with Arjuna. We’ve seen that Karna’s son, Virochana was killed earlier by Arjuna and with this fury, Karna is going full throttle on Arjuna. In return, Arjuna is also not an easy person to be countered, as both of them exchange several “Asthrams” upon each other. The war goes on for several hours unabated, even as a war of words breaks out between Indra and Surya Bhagawan, as both their sons are fighting against each other. Finally Bhagawan Brahma has to intervene and broker peace between the two great Devatas. The battle goes on and on, even as Bhagawan Krishna is just a mute spectator till this moment. However, as Bhagawan starts feeling that enough is enough, He decides to unleash His divine “Leela” here. He starts bringing Karna’s previous “Karma-Phalam” onto the battlefield where he himself is going to get trapped. We shall witness how this is going to unfold, but in the meanwhile, Ashwatthama is keenly observing what is going on. Even though he’s not involved directly in the confrontation between Karna and Arjuna, he is quite concerned about what’s happening. Hence, he rushes to Duryodhana and decides to have a chat with him.
Reaching Duryodhana’s vicinity, Ashwatthama says to Duryodhana thus, “Oh my dear Duryodhana! Look at what is happening! All your brothers are dead now. Almost three-fourth of our army is destroyed and we do not have enough ground force to handle the situation. The lone warrior who is fighting for us at the moment is Karna. Going by what is happening between Karna and Arjuna, it seems to me that it is only a matter of time that Karna is also going to breathe his last! Hence, Duryodhana! I feel that this is the most appropriate time to call this war off! Let us go to Bhagawan Krishna and seek His refuge. Even now it is not too late. If Karna is also gone, we will not have anybody with us for the rest of the future. We’ve lost all key people like Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Ducchaasnana, etc. What more do we have to lose? So let us go and broker peace with Bhagawan Krishna and Yudishtra and bring this war to a halt!”
Ashwatthama continues further thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Even now it is not too late. As per Bhagawan Krishna’s request, please give Yudishtra atleast five villages from your kingdom. This is the simplest solution that we have in our hands right now. Oh Duryodhana! Please do not underestimate Bhagawan Janardhana! He is an epitome of compassion. You might think that He would get angry upon you if you negotiate at a time when you’re on the losing side. Yudishtra will definitely accept your request and he is also an epitome of “Dharma”. If you are ready to broker peace, both Bhagawan Janardhana and Yudishtra would be extremely happy. Oh Duryodhana! Please think calmly – If you give one piece of your kingdom to Yudishtra, it doesn’t mean that you will lose your position and power. You can also be a king and at the same time, Yudishtra can also be a king. Both of you can rule your respective kingdoms separately without any hiccups. Oh Duryodhana! If this war continues further, the rest of our scanty relatives will also die. There are very few people who are remaining with us right now. If we stop this war now, we can atleast protect their lives!”
Saying thus, Ashwatthama tries to convince Duryodhana to call a truce! Now the ball is in Duryodhana’s court! Is he going to pay heed to Ashwatthama’s timely advice and intervention? Or, is he going to still continue with the war and satisfy his ego? Let us wait till the next episode to continue this important conversation between Duryodhana and Ashwatthama! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 