In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bheemasena unleashing his extreme fury upon Duryodhana, by not only hitting him on his thighs and pushing him on the ground, but also kicking his face with his strong feet! This is a huge insult that Bheemasena is inflicting upon Duryodhana and this infuriates Balarama, who is watching all these proceedings live. As Balarama fumes in anger, he rushes towards Bheemasena to kill him on the spot for the gross “Adharma” to the “Yuddha-Neethi” he has committed! However, Bhagawan Krishna pulls Balarama back, and explains the reality to him. Meanwhile, Bheemasena engages with an argument with Yudishtra, who also opposes Bheemasena’s sinful act. However, Bheemasena gives an apt justification for his action by recalling all the past incidents that happened right from childhood days, to the “Laaksha Griham” episode, to the gambling game episode, etc. As Bheemasena fumes in anger thus, it is now time for Bhagawan Krishna to make an intervention and to pacify everyone around. On one hand, Balarama is fuming! On the other, Yudishtra is sad and upset, whereas Bheemasena is still kicking Duryodhana’s face continuously, thus, making him bleed profusely!
It is at this time, Bhagawan Krishna starts talking. He says thus, “Oh Balarama! You are not understanding the reality here! There are two important points that need to be highlighted here – Firstly, Bheemasena had taken a pledge on that day of gambling, by saying that he will kill Duryodhana only by plundering his thighs! This is because Duryodhana had ordered Draupati to sit on his thighs, as Yudishtra lost her in the gamble. This was a stunning move by Duryodhana and the entire courtroom was witness to this. Duryodhana insulted Draupati with all kinds of unparliamentary words and actions. Unable to resist this, Bheemasena took the pledge that he would kill Duryodhana by plundering the same thighs upon which Draupati was asked to sit as a “Daasi” (Servant Maid). If a “Kshatriya” warrior has taken a pledge, it has to be fulfilled at any cost. This is the “Yuddha-Neeti”! Secondly, Duryodhana has been cursed by a Brahmana Rishi that he would meet his end only by getting injured in his thighs! The words of a Brahmana Rishi have to come true, and he is high on “Tapas” (penance). Hence because of these two reasons, whatever Bheemasena did is completely justified! He is not at fault. Moreover, Bheemasena has been insulted by Duryodhana in several ways on several occasions. How does Bheemasena give it back to Duryodhana if only he follows “Dharma” and the other person doesn’t? Hence, there is no point in criticizing Bheemasena for what he is doing to Duryodhana!”
As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Balarama is not satisfied and convinced still. He replies to Bhagawan thus, “Oh Krishna! Whatever you’re saying may be right on paper, but in practicality it is unacceptable! I’ve seen you right from childhood and this is not the first time you’re twisting the story according to your convenience! You always have this habit of manipulating things! Hence, listen to what I say, atleast now!” Now Bhagawan Krishna reverts back quickly! With this epic reply, Bhagawan Krishna puts a full stop to this entire conversation! Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Balarama! Please understand – We are inching towards the end of the “Dvaapara Yuga”. Next is the “Kali Yuga”, and all these things are quite common! Hence, if such things are starting to happen, please understand that the advent of the “Kali Yuga” is not very far off! It’s only a few more years and whatever we say as “Dharma” today will be forgotten completely by people! Whatever is deemed “Adharma” now, will be transformed into “Dharma” and the norm of life for people! Hence, there is nothing to question about! Oh Balarama! Please understand this reality and let us leave this place peacefully now!”
As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Balarama understands the reality of things. If the advent of “Kali Yuga” is close by, there’s no point in questioning anything! Hence, Balarama quietly gets into his chariot and leaves the place! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion in the next episode! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 