In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna and Arjuna conversing with each other as Arjuna’s chariot burst into flames. Along with that, we’ve seen Yudishtra making a request to Bhagawan Krishna to pay a visit to Hastinapura and meet the aggrieved King Dhritarashtra & Gaandhaari. Yudishtra requests Bhagawan Krishna to meet both of them as they would be in a state of despair after losing all their hundred sons in the Kurukshetra war. Hence, it is important to console them and help them to come out of this disastrous happening. Yudishtra’s request comes at a point wherein even though Duryodhana was his most bitter enemy, he is very clear that King Dhritarashtra & Gaandhaari (being in the level of parents), had no role in the enmity that he had with Duryodhana. This also shows how Yudishtra is very clear to differentiate between “Dharma” and “Adharma” and thus, wants Bhagawan Krishna to do the needful. Just because the anger and frustration was on Duryodhana and his brothers, it doesn’t mean that this anger should reflect upon elderly members of the family.
Moving on further, as Yudishtra makes this request, Bhagawan Krishna is overwhelmingly happy and He accepts it straightaway! Bhagawan Krishna decides to commence His journey towards Hastinapura to meet the aggrieved couple. He does so, and upon reaching the Hastinapura palace, Bhagawan Krishna goes straight into King Dhritarashtra’s chamber. As Bhagawan enters, King Dhritarashtra is already devastated beyond words, and he had already fainted on his chair, unable to bear the news that his sons are no more with him! He has been completely deserted in his final stage of life, even though he gave birth to a hundred sons! As Bhagawan Krishna sees this sad state of affairs of King Dhritarashtra, He Himself sheds tears for a few minutes. Consoling Himself first, Bhagawan Krishna talks to King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I completely understand your pain of losing all your sons in the battle. It is indeed a disaster. I came to meet you to convey a very important message of advice to you. From whatever has happened at Kurukshetra, you might easily conclude that the Paandava brothers are solely responsible for the demise of your sons Duryodhana & Co. However, you’ve to understand a very important point here – Duryodhana had to meet this ghastly end to his life, not because of Yudishtra. Duryodhana only has himself to blame for all the mess that has happened. Had he mended his ways by utilising all the several opportunities given to him, this situation would not have come by! Please understand that Yudishtra cannot be held responsible for this. I know that your mind will be simmering to curse the Paandava brothers right now for all that has happened! Oh King Dhritarashtra! Be patient and analyze the situation in-depth – It is Duryodhana’s “Karma-Phalam” that has reduced him to this level. Moreover, it is your “Karma-Phalam” that you are experiencing this situation of losing your own sons. I’m sure you are mature enough to understand this. If you end up cursing the Paandava brothers for whatever has happened, please understand that you are complicating your situation even further than this. Hence, please refrain from doing so. Please try and move on from this as soon as possible. You are a “Kshatrya” and I do not need to tell you more than this!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna consoles King Dhritarashtra, who is still in a complete state of shock. He is in a stage wherein even Ashwatthama, Sage Kripachaarya and Krita Varma, who escaped from the battlefield, are not there near him right now. Only Sanjaya was there all through, but now he is also missing! Frustrated by King Dhritarashtra’s never-changing attitude, Sanjaya also flees the Hastinapura palace for the moment with a lot of frustration and grief. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall take this discussion forward. Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 