In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the conversation that is currently taking place between Yudishtra and Duryodhana at the lakefront, near the Kurukshetra battlefield. We’ve witnessed that Duryodhana is sitting under the waters of a huge lake with the help of his “Maaya-Shakti” (Illusionary power), in the pretext of healing all his bruises and wounds that he had accumulated during the eighteen-day-long war. In the meanwhile, Yudishtra and Co. who were searching for Duryodhana’s whereabouts, come to know of his presence beneath this lake, and the Paandava brothers assemble there. Yudishtra tantalises Duryodhana of being such a bad coward, unable to face them in a war. The conflict of words escalate to such an extent that Duryodhana decides that there’s no point in arguing with Yudishtra further on this, and the time has come to pick up a fight. Duryodhana agrees to come out, but with one condition – Since he is alone, he wants the five Paandava brothers to come one after the other with any weapon of their choice and fight with him. At this point, Yudishtra lets out an assurance by saying that Duryodhana can choose whom to fight with, amongst the five Paandava brothers. Bhagawan Krishna makes a timely intervention by scolding Yudishtra that he’s falling into Duryodhana’s trap. Bhagawan Krishna feels that Bheemasena is the right person to fight with Duryodhana, with the Gadha weapon.
Moving on further into the next “Adhyaaya” – This is where Bheemasena is going to remind everyone of the pledge that he had taken on the day of the gambling game episode. As the war of words is still going on, and Bhagawan Krishna advising Yudishtra to depute Bheemasena for the final assault, Bheemasena himself comes forward and picks up an argument with Duryodhana in front of everyone. Bheemasena says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Why are you still sitting under the water and talking? Yudishtra has called you for a fight, and Bhagawan Krishna is also signalling the same. If you have the guts, come out and fight with me with the “Gadha” weapon!” As this happens, Bhagawan Krishna and Yudishtra finish their conversation by the side. Bhagawan Krishna, upon looking at Bheemasena’s interest to fight, signals to Yudishtra that he is the right person to fight down Duryodhana. Bhagawan Krishna says further thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Please understand one thing – If Duryodhana takes the “Gadha” weapon in his hand and starts fighting, none of you will be alive. Even if Indra descends down and tries to fight on behalf of you, Duryodhana will still win the contest! He is extremely powerful, thanks to the enormous “Maaya-Shakti” that he has obtained of late. You will not be able to face Duryodhana at this moment. Hence, Bheemasena is the right person to go in the front, and with Bhagawan’s divine “Anugraha”, things should be fine for all of you!”
As Bhagawan says thus, Yudishtra signals Bheemasena with his eyes, to come forward and take the lead. Bheemasena comes out accordingly, obeying Bhagawan Krishna’s and Yudishtra’s words and challenges Duryodhana for the marquee battle. Bheemasena once again roars with anger thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Let this be the final battle of this eighteen-day war! I do not want to stretch this war beyond this. I shall ensure that you are biting the dust today! Oh Duryodhana! Enough of hiding! When Draupati was being molested on that inauspicious day, you weren’t hiding, were you? When you defeated Yudishtra illegally in the gambling game and insulted him in front of everyone, you weren’t hiding, were you? But now, when you’re at the verge of tasting defeat, why are you hiding? Do not give excuses that you’re trying to heal your wounds! This is unacceptable! Come out and fight with me, if you have the guts!”
Meanwhile as Bheemasena is challenging Duryodhana for a fight, Balarama comes from nowhere into the scene! Readers should remember here that Balarama is Bhagawan Krishna’s brother, and he is also the Guru of Duryodhana, when it comes to the “Gadha-Yuddham”. In other words, Balarama was the one who had taught Duryodhana how to use the “Gadha” weapon in warfare. Now, as the war clouds between Bheemasena and Duryodhana are looming large, Balarama comes in and enquires what is going on! Till now, he had been on a “Teertha-Yatra”, and after finishing it, Balarama is back! As Bhagawan Krishna welcomes Balarama into the scene, He enquires about the “Teertha-Yatra”, for which, Balarama says thus, “Oh Krishna! Everything went well. However, while I was returning back, I happened to meet Sage Naarada. It was he who had spoken to me about the entire detail of the war, and also the fact that Bheemasena and Duryodhana are about to face each other any time from now!” Hence, I rushed to see what is going on here and how I can render support to my student, Duryodhana!”
As Balarama says thus, Bhagawan Krishna is stunned! At a crucial juncture when He is trying to ensure that Duryodhana is getting isolated, Balarama comes and presents himself, and offers support to Duryodhana as well! So, how is Bhagawan Krishna going to handle Balarama now? An interesting accord awaits us in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 