Episode # 1194 – “You’re experiencing the repercussions of your own “Karma”!” – Bhagawan Krishna counters Duryodhana!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of an important conversation between Duryodhana and Bhagawan Krishna. This comes at a time when Duryodhana is almost on the deathbed, with nobody to defend him on the battlefield. Bheemasena had inflicted fatal blows on Duryodhana, from which the latter could not get up anymore and retaliate. At this moment, Duryodhana fumes in anger and redirects his inability upon Bhagawan Krishna. He fumes that Bhagawan Krishna is the one who was solely responsible for the dismal state in which he is in currently! However, Bhagawan Krishna is quick to refute Duryodhana’s wild allegations. Bhagawan Krishna rewinds all the instances of the past and explains how Duryodhana is the one who is solely responsible for the entire fiasco that unfolded. Bhagawan Krishna talks about the “Kaarana-Kaaryam” relationship, which in Leadership and Management contexts today, is referred to as the “Cause-Effect Relationship”. In this context, it was Duryodhana who was the cause for all the disaster to unfold, and at the last moment, how fair will it be to blame someone else when the effect is against him? This is exactly what Bhagawan Krishna is trying to highlight here. 

This can happen even in our lives as well – When we commit a mistake, we never think of the effect (repercussions) that might arise out of it. However, when the repercussions arise, we conveniently shift the blame on to someone else! Thus, this conversation between Bhagawan Krishna and Duryodhana is an eye-opener for all of us to introspect and reflect upon ourselves, so as to understand this important cause-effect relationship. If we’re experiencing suffering / difficulty, we should have the maturity to accept the fact that the cause for it lies within ourselves only. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna continues to highlight Duryodhana’s mistakes one after the other to make him understand. Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Now having said all this, let me list out your shortcomings, because of which you are in this state of affairs today – Firstly, right from your early childhood days, you have been in a wicked intention to kill the Paandava brothers for no fault of theirs. You were overpowered by jealousy towards them. You’ve tried several times to kill Bheemasena in particular – By pushing him into the water, by pushing him from a mountain cliff, by trying to feed poison into his food, etc. Secondly, you’ve failed to listen to the important words of advice of senior members of the courtroom like Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Sage Kripachaarya, etc. on several occasions. In fact, you’ve even gone on to abuse them and scold them with disrespectful words that should not be used. Thirdly, as a prince of the Hastinapura, you failed to look into the needs and wants of your subjects. Isn’t it your duty to protect the rights and lives of your people? Fourthly, you did not pay heed even to a single word of your father, King Dhritarashtra! When King Dhritarashtra did not approve of the gambling game to be played at the Hastinapura courtroom, what did you do? You insulted and abused your father and went ahead with the game. Isn’t this a gross disrespect to your own father? Fifthly, if there is a daughter-in-law in the house, you should respect her in all possible ways. Instead, what did you do? You insulted her and compared her to the level of a “Daasi” (Servant Maid). You even went to the extent of molesting her in public, with the help of your brother, Ducchaasana! Sixth – If a person is not willing to come for the gambling game, you forced him to come! This is a big mistake! Seventh – You never realized that this Bhagawan Krishna is Bhagawan Vishnu Himself, and you insulted me in front of everyone by digging a hole under my “Aasanam” (Chair). In between all this, you have earned the curses of several great “Maharishis” who came with a good intention of correcting you and mending your ways. Rather than respecting them and listening to the good things from them, you preferred to insult them with a high amount of disrespect!”

Bhagawan Krishna continues further thus, “Oh Duryodhana! It is not only about you getting curses from Maharishis. People around you have also earned several curses for themselves because of you. For instance, Karna had to earn several curses from Parasurama and other Brahmana Rishis because he was your able ally. Guru Dhronachaarya had his own curse. Bhishmachaarya was also inflicted with several curses. In this way, all the “Karma Phalam” (Effects of past “Karma”) came together to haunt all of you in the battlefield! If such is the case, aren’t you responsible for all these actions that you’ve performed? When you performed all the “Adharmic” actions, did you even think for a single moment that whatever you’re doing is going to inflict severe backlash upon you at some stage in your life? Hence, Duryodhana! Stop blaming others for what you’re experiencing currently! You are in this state of affairs, solely because of your own actions!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna gives a lengthy reply to Duryodhana’s accusations and for today, let us understand up to this point! We shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion forward! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1193 – “If the fault yours, why blame me for it?” Bhagawan Krishna slams Duryodhana!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very interesting conversation between Bhagawan Krishna and Duryodhana, as the latter is on the deathbed at Kurukshetra. Duryodhana fumes with anger even while being about to die with several injuries. He feigns at Bhagawan Krishna for all that had happened in the Kurukshetra battlefield over the past eighteen days. Firstly, Duryodhana starts with criticizing Bhagawan Krishna for cheating him with the auspicious day for commencing the war. Secondly he blames Bhagawan Krishna for grossly misguiding Arjuna and misleading Yudishtra at several occasions during the war. He says that Bhagawan Krishna was solely responsible for the illegal and unethical killing of Bhishmachaarya (Using Shikhandi), Guru Dhronachaarya (By making him falsely believe that Ashwatthama is dead, and with this, Drishtadhyumna chopping off his head) and Karna (For attacking him when he was weaponless and without a chariot, standing on the ground). Finally when it comes to himself, Duryodhana alleges that it was Bhagawan Krishna who mooted this unethical idea of “hitting him below his waist” to Bheemasena. Overall, Duryodhana squarely blames Bhagawan Krishna for all the mishaps that have happened to him and his entire family! 

As Duryodhana fumes with anger thus, it is now time for Bhagawan Krishna to respond. Till Duryodhana finished his lengthy accord of all accusations, Bhagawan Krishna never opened his mouth! He allowed Duryodhana to pour everything out of his mind through his words. As Duryodhana completes his accord, Bhagawan Krishna responds back thus, “Oh Duryodhana! For all what has happened on the battlefield for the past eighteen days, you are the one who is solely responsible! You were the one who was solely responsible for the demise of Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya and all your ninety-nine brothers. The entire eleven-”Akshauhini”-Sainya (Army) of yours got destroyed because of one person called Duryodhana! Your character and behaviour were solely responsible for this widespread destruction! If the fault is on you, why are you squarely trying to put the blame on others? Oh Duryodhana! Have you forgotten what all you’ve done all through your life, which led to this disaster? If you have not, you will not talk this way!” 

As Bhagawan says thus, this is a very important point that all of us have to ponder within ourselves as well – Normally we have a habit – We tend to forget the bad actions that we performed towards others, and when the “Karma” comes back and bites us, we will start blaming others for the disaster that we undergo! For instance, we would have committed a mistake some four or five years ago, and now, we would be facing the consequences of that mistake that we did. When we’re facing the consequence and when we start suffering, we will squarely blame someone else for this suffering, and little will we remember that it is due to our own mistakes that we’re suffering! Even if we remember the mistake, our mind will refuse to take responsibility and cognizance of the same while we suffer! This is human nature. Maybe at that time of committing the mistake, some people around us might have advised us not to commit it. But we would have turned deaf ears to their advice. Now when we are suffering because of that mistake, we would not be in a position to accept our fault and move on. Thus, we’ve to understand that both the “Kaaranam” (Reason) and “Kaariyam” (Action) lie in the same place only. Both these things cannot exist in different places. For instance, if I fall sick with a cold / fever, it is because I would have had an ice-cream or would have been drenched in the rain the previous day. However, for the cold / fever that I get, can it be as a result of my neighbour drenching in the rain? Or, if someone else eats an ice cream, will I get a cold / fever? Thus, it is clear that the “Kaaranam” (Eating the ice cream) and “Kaaryam” (Falling sick) are in the same place only, which is within me! 

This is exactly the same thing that Bhagawan Krishna is trying to highlight to Duryodhana here. The “Kaaranam” (Duryodhana’s unethical conduct and behaviour) lies in himself, and because of this, the “Kaaryam” (Disaster in the war) has happened. Thus, Bhagawan Krishna highlights the point here that the “Kaaryam” (Duryodhana’s suffering) is because of Duryodhana’s “Kaaranam”, wherein he tried to kill the Paandava brothers several times, insulted Draupati in the courtroom during the gambling game episode, sending the Paandava brothers to the forest for thirteen years of exile for no fault of theirs, not returning the Indraprastha kingdom of Yudishtra after the thirteen-year exile period, etc. If all these “Kaaranams” are there on Duryodhana’s head, how can he pin the blame on to someone else (Here in this context, Bhagawan Krishna) for the disaster that he is facing? 

So for today, let us understand this important explanation given by Bhagawan Krishna to Duryodhana and we shall continue this discussion forward to see what Bhagawan has to say next in the next episode! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1192 – “You are the wrecker-in-chief!” – Duryodhana slams Bhagawan Krishna!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra and Co. emerging victorious in the Kurukshetra war, which spanned for over eighteen days. Duryodhana is now left all alone in a severely injured state, from which he cannot heal himself! Thanks to Bheemasena’s fatal blows, Duryodhana is almost in a state of coma. He could hardly talk to anyone. All his organs have failed and he is almost on his deathbed. Meanwhile, Yudishtra and Co. return back to their tents and upon Yudishtra’s request, Bhagawan Krishna is preparing Himself to go to Hastinapura to meet King Dhritarashtra and Gaandhaari. They must be mentally devastated upon losing all their hundred sons in the battle, and Yudishtra feels that Bhagawan Krishna would be the right person to console them and provide some solace. Bhagawan Krishna too accepts the request and travels to Hastinapura. As this happens on one side, Ashwatthama comes to see Duryodhana who is battling his life still on the battlefield all alone! 

Meanwhile as this happens, we’ve to witness a very important conversation that took place between Bhagawan Krishna and Duryodhana, before all of them left the battlefield. We’ve not seen this earlier, but given the context currently, this conversation is significant in nature. As Yudishtra and Co. are about to leave the battlefield, Bhagawan Krishna says thus. “Oh Yudishtra! It is now time to celebrate your victory! You’ve to be prepared to take over as the king of unified Hastinapura! You’re going to become a king once again after almost fourteen years! This is the time for celebrating the victory of “Dharma” over “Adharma”! Duryodhana is no more now! Hence, you shall take over Hastinapura as a righteous king and rule the country as per “Dharma”!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Duryodhana is still alive only, however, he is unable to get up and pick up any further fights with Bheemasena or anybody else in the Paandava camp. Duryodhana hears Bhagawan Krishna’s words and gets angry. He replies to Bhagawan Krishna by holding his breath somehow – “Oh Krishna! You are an embodiment of “Maaya” (Illusion)! You have come here to create chaos in the family. You’ve conveniently twisted several aspects of “Dharma” in your favour and have made this sinful Yudishtra win the battle! This war was not fought on moral and ethical grounds even on a single day! You twisted and turned several events during the war, with the sole intention of making Yudishtra win. This was never a fair deal! Oh Krishna! I know all your childhood stories too! You were someone who was afraid of Kamsa right from your birth and this is why you lived your childhood days at Gokuka, instead of Mathura. You feared Jarasandha and ran all the way to Dwaraka! You were not prepared to take Jarasandha down in the battlefield. You lost to him fourteen times and ran away from there! Can there be a coward more than you in this world? Oh Krishna! You completely misled Arjuna on the battlefield! You tried to change the “Amavaasya” (no moon day) as per your convenience and misled me to start the battle on an inauspicious occasion! You cheated Jayatrada on the battlefield by playing with the sunset timing of the day! Oh Krishna! All of us know how you played the nasty game of bringing Shikandi in front of the great Bhishmachaarya and with that you made Arjuna to kill him! All of us know how you played the cheating game in tricking Guru Dhronachaarya by making him believe that his son Ashwatthama is dead! You never had the guts to take the weapon in hand to fight the war, but you used all possible ways and means to malign everyone in our camp and kill them!”

Saying all this, Duryodhana continues further – “Oh Krishna! You’ve been the culprit behind all these illegal and unethical things that happened over the last eighteen days! At the end, you didn’t spare me too – You were the one who motivated Bheemasena to hit me below my waist. I know about Yudishtra and Bheemasena. Even though I have my own grudges and enmity with them, I know that Yudishtra and Co. will not think like how you do! They will not go against the “Yuddha-Neethi” to fight a battle. It is only on the pretext of your wicked advice, Yudishtra and Bheemasena took the unfair means of fighting the war in their hands! Oh Krishna! After all this has happened, you’re still smiling! This shows that you are a complete manipulator and you never have even an iota of guilt in you!” 

Saying all these, Duryodhana directly blames Bhagawan Krishna for all the chaos that happened at Kurukshetra! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness what Bhagawan Krishna had to reply to all of Duryodhana’s allegations! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1191 – Bhagawan Krishna goes to Hastinapura to meet King Dhritarashtra!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna pacifying Balarama as he advanced swiftly towards Bheemasena to kill him for the heinous crime of hitting Duryodhana below his waist. In the beginning, Bheemasena had justified his act as he had been insulted several times in the most disastrous ways possible. There were several attempts in the past to kill Bheemasena and Co. in the most heinous ways possible, however, nobody raised voice for them in those times. But now, what is the point in raising voice when Duryodhana is subjected to third-rated treatment? Bhagawan Krishna also echoes Bheemasena’s points of view, by adding that the advent of the “Kali Yuga” is very close by and all acts of “Dharma” will be considered as “Adharma” and vice versa. With this, Balarama becomes silent, but not very convinced. Unable to stand there for more time, Balarama gets into his chariot and goes away from Kurukshetra – Perhaps once and forever! 

As Balarama moves away, Bhagawan Krishna, along with Yudishtra and the Paandava brothers come back to their tents. Duryodhana is still alive, but is grimacing in intense pain and is almost in a “Coma” stage. He’s hardly able to utter a single word through his mouth, as he’s very badly injured. Meanwhile, as Yudishtra and Co. return back to their tents, all of them are ecstatic over the victory and the demise of Duryodhana and Co. However, Yudishtra has a very important concern and he approaches Bhagawan Krishna with it. Yudishtra says thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! I understand that we’ve won over the Kauravas finally after an eighteen-day long war. However, I have one sad feeling within me – King Dhritarashtra, who is at Hastinapura, will be extremely sad upon losing all his hundred sons in the war. I do not know in what mental and physical condition he is right now. From the position of a father, I can understand that the loss of all his sons would be an extreme heartbreak for him. Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Can you go to Hastinapura and find out what is the status with King Dhritarashtra currently? Can you do this help on behalf of all of us?” 

As Yudishtra asks thus, Bhagawan Krishna immediately accepts Yudishtra’s words. He replies thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Your words are very valid. I appreciate your concern for King Dhritarashtra, even though his sons were your biggest enemies. This is the characteristic of a “Dharma-Atma”! Till now I’ve executed all your requests, and this one is no exception. Definitely I shall go to Hastinapura immediately and check out what is happening there. I shall try and console King Dhritarashtra and Gaandhaari at Hastinapura. They will be in inconsolable grief of losing all their sons in the war. Even though a Kshatriya warrior doesn’t bother much about such losses, losing his own children in the war can be extremely painful for a father and a mother. I shall now go to Hastinapura and do the needful!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna packs His bags and leaves for Hastinapura to meet King Dhritarashtra and Gaandhaari. Meanwhile, on the Kurukshetra battlefield, we’ve seen that Duryodhana is still battling his life after being fatally hit by Bheemasena. At this time, Ashwatthama comes to see Duryodhana. The other two people – Krita Varma and Sage Kripachaarya have already fled the place as Bheemasena won over Duryodhana in the “Gadha-Yuddham”. Now there is nobody except Ashwatthama who comes to the rescue of Duryodhana. Upon seeing Duryodhana’s pitiable state, Ashwatthama couldn’t control his tears. Duryodhana talks to Ashwatthama in a meek voice thus, “Oh Ashwatthama! Look at my pitiable condition currently! I’m not even able to get up and drink a glass of water, even though I’m very thirsty! At this time, everybody has deserted me, except you! I’m so grateful for you!” As Duryodhana says thus, Ashwatthama brings water to Duryodhana and sprinkles on his face and with this, Ashwatthama reassures of his companionship with Duryodhana till his last breath. He asks Duryodhana what to do next, for which, Duryodhana could not even look up and answer his question. At this time, Ashwatthama gets enraged with anger on the Paandava brothers and is going to take a very important pledge in front of the dying Duryodhana. 

With this pledge, we come to the end of the “Shalya Parva”. This is a long “Parva”, which comprises of three “Upa-Parvas”, starting from “Shalya-Vadha-Parva” to “Hrada-Pravesha Parva” to the final “Gadhaa-Yuddha Parva” where Duryodhana is on the ground, injured very badly! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1190 – “The advent of Kali Yuga is nearby!” – Bhagawan Krishna declares!!!

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! 

Episode # 1189 – “Clash of the Titans” – Balarama fumes in anger upon Bheemasena’s act!!!

We’re at a very critical juncture wherein Duryodhana is fatally hurt by Bheemasena! As seen, Bheemasena was initially struggling to locate Duryodhana’s weak spot, however, thanks to Bhagawan Krishna and Arjuna, Bheemasena obtained a clue about the pledge that he had taken on that gambling game day. Bheemasena had roared in front of the whole courtroom that he will be the one who will kill Duryodhana by plundering his thighs with his “Gadha”, for the heinous crime of asking Draupati to sit on his thighs as a “Daasi” (Servant Maid) in front of everyone. As Bhagawan Krishna signals and as Arjuna articulates, Bheemasena quickly changes his strategy and starts relentlessly targeting Duryodhana’s thighs. Even though it might be illegal as per the “Yuddha-Neethi” to hit someone below the waist, Bheemasena has an innovative idea that he would aim for Duryodhana’s thighs when he jumps up from the ground to fight! Accordingly he does so, and Duryodhana gets badly hit in between his two thighs. This makes him completely weak and he squeals in pain! Thus, Duryodhana falls on the ground and is almost about to collapse. 

As this happens, the entire group of “Devas” headed by Indra are shell-shocked! How can someone get hit below the waist in a one-on-one fight? Isn’t this illegal as per the “Yuddha-Dharma”? As this happens and as Duryodhana collapses on the ground, Balarama who was witnessing the proceedings all this while, gets extremely angry! He immediately takes his sword from behind and rushes towards Bheemasena by saying thus, “Oh Bheemasena! Today you’ve committed the most heinous crime in this world by hitting my disciple Duryodhana below his waist! Is this the real warfare that you’ve learnt? Who taught you to perform such an “Adharmic” act? After this, you’ve become ineligible to live for even a single moment in this world! I’m going to thrash you and chop off your head for the act that you’ve committed!” Saying thus, Balarama fumes with extreme anger and rushes towards Bheemasena to chop him off to death! 

As Balarama rushes towards Bheemasena, Bhagawan Krishna is shell-shocked! He immediately jumps and runs behind Balarama to pull him back! Meanwhile, even as Balarama fumes and comes towards him, Bheemasena is not someone who is going to relent from his anger and frustration! He now kicks Duryodhana on his head with his left foot, which is extremely insulting in nature! As Bheemasena does so, he roars with anger and as this happens, Yudishtra himself could not resist. He also tries to stop Bheemasena from insulting Duryodhana further. Bheemasena replies back to Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I know you are a “Dharma-Atma” and you will think only of the good for everyone. However, Duryodhana is someone who is beyond all this. I remember fresh in my mind, right from my childhood days as to how he has insulted me! Where did your “Dharma” go then? When all of us were locked inside the “Laaksha Griham” and were about to get burnt down by Duryodhana, where did your “Dharma” go then? When our Draupati was insulted publicly during the gambling game, where did your “Dharma” go then? When we were sent on exile for thirteen years, where did your “Dharma” go then? Why didn’t you question any of it then and why are you trying to stop me now? When Bhagawan Krishna was insulted by Duryodhana in the public courtroom, wasn’t that an insult for you as well? Where did your “Dharma” go then? Hence, Yudishtra! This Duryodhana deserves this “belt treatment” only and please do not stop me from insulting him more! This is just the beginning!”

Saying thus, Bheemasena kicks Duryodhana on his head, even as Duryodhana is struggling to breathe properly! Unable to bear this, Balarama fumes in anger and this is where he is trying to kill Bheemasena on the spot. Bhagawan Krishna springs into action and stops Balarama from advancing further. As Bhagawan Krishna holds Balarama tight, it is as if Surya Bhagawan and Chandra Bhagawan have come together for a moment! Both of them are extremely divine in nature and as they hold each other tight, Balarama’s anger starts coming down slowly. Bhagawan Krishna calms him down with his divine smile and drags him away from Bheemasena! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we are going to witness an important accord from Bhagawan Krishna, which is going to justify what Bheemasena had done! Stay tuned for the important accord! 

Episode # 1188 – “The Clash of the Titans” – Duryodhana falls on the ground as Bheemasena hits below his waist!!!

We’re at a very critical juncture amidst the “Clash of the Titans” wherein Bheemasena and Duryodhana are involved in a very intense fight with each other. The “Gadha Yuddham” between the duo goes on for several hours, but without any conclusion. Both of them exchange several fatal blows, but neither of them are able to neutralize the other. Bheemasena is not able to understand the secret behind Duryodhana’s escapism from all his blows, and vice versa. At one point, losing patience, Bhagawan Krishna passes on a subtle message to Arjuna and in turn, Arjuna appeals to Bheemasena, reminding him of the pledge that he had taken during the day of the gambling game. Arjuna passes on a coded message to Bheemasena to target Duryodhana’s thighs, which wanted Draupati to sit on them during the gambling episode. Accordingly, Bheemasena gets the message and tries to attack Duryodhana on his thighs with his “Gadha”. However, Duryodhana is smart enough to escape Bheemasena’s “Gadha” from hitting his thighs. This makes Bheemasena think again, as even this strategy doesn’t work! So now what does Bheemasena do? 

Moving on thus, as the fight still goes on unabated, Duryodhana is getting stronger by the moment. He clearly has understood Bheemasena’s plot to attack his thighs to kill him. He ensures that Bheemasena doesn’t succeed in targeting his thighs by jumping up and ducking down whenever Bheemasena is trying to attack him. Now, Bheemasena has to reframe his strategy a bit. He thinks thus, “Ok! Now I’ve to fight as per the Yuddha-Neeti”, wherein I cannot legally target Duryodhana’s thighs. However, Duryodhana’s weakness lies in his thighs only. Maybe I should target his thighs when he is jumping up. If I do so, it would not be against the “Yuddha-Neethi”! This is because, given the normal condition when Duryodhana is standing on the ground and fighting, the “Gadha” would have targeted his stomach / waist, but since he’s jumping up, his thighs get “accidentally” hit by the “Gadha”. Hence, this will not be against “Yuddha-Neethi”! So the only chance for me to kill Duryodhana is to target his thighs as he is on the jump!” 

Thinking thus, Bheemasena waits for the opportunity. Meanwhile, the fight continues intensely. Duryodhana is still showing gimmicks to escape Bheemasena’s wrath, and in turn he gives lusty blows to Bheemasena as well. Both of them are badly injured in the fight. At one point, Duryodhana is giving fatal blows on Bheemasena’s chest, and he collapses for a few seconds. Composing himself again, Bheemasena gets up once again and tries to target Duryodhana’s waist portion with his “Gadha”. Bheemasena intentionally does this, so that Duryodhana could not understand his strategy. He makes Duryodhana slightly confused. On one hand, Bheemasena was trying to target Duryodhana’s thighs, which he’s jumping up and down to tackle. However suddenly now, Bheemasena is avoiding Duryodhana’s thighs when he is on the ground! Now, as Duryodhana jumps up in anticipation of Bheemasena’s “Gadha”, Bheemasena sees this as the greatest opportunity and throws his “Gadha” towards his thighs, in the pretext of aiming for his stomach. Thus, the “Gadha” hits Duryodhana’s thighs and plunders through both of them! Unable to bear the impact of Bheemasena’s “Gadha”, Duryodhana falls on the ground with a huge squeal of pain! He is bleeding profusely from his broken thighs! Bheemasena has clearly targeted Duryodhana’s weak point. He was extremely powerful with his “Maaya-Shakti” everywhere else in his body, but not in his thighs. He had thought of securing his upper part of the body with his mother’s eye power, but did not anticipate getting hit below the waist. Thus, Bheemasena targets Duryodhana and hits him where it hurts the most! 

Unable to bear the pain, Duryodhana lets out a huge cry as he experiences the pain of death! Narrating the entire set of proceedings, Sanjaya tells King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh King of Hastinapura! Your son Duryodhana is thus hit by Bheemasena on his thighs and is now grimacing with pain! He is almost dead, but still, he is holding on to his breath! He’s refusing to give up! Of course, on one hand, I appreciate Duryodhana’s will power and determination as a warrior, however, the unfortunate reality is that he is on the wrong side, and all his determination doesn’t make any sense!” So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion into the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1187 – “The Clash of the Titans” – Bheemasena targets Duryodhana’s thighs!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the proceedings of the marquee battle between Bheemasena and Duryodhana, which at the moment had crossed the prolonged “War of words” and now transformed into the “Gadha-Yuddham”. Both of them are extremely talented warriors, especially with Duryodhana, who is high on the “Maaya-Shakti” (Illusionary power) at the moment. This “Maaya-Shakti” is deceiving Bheemasena, wherein every time Bheemasena gives lusty blows with his “Gadha”. Duryodhana still manages to get up and return back to fight normally! Of course, Duryodhana on the other hand, is also unable to understand how to tackle Bheemasena and find out his weakness. As this marathon war continues, Bhagawan Krishna is also concerned. He explains to Arjuna that Bheemasena doesn’t know how to bring a war to a logical end. Given an opportunity, he only keeps fighting on and on without an end to it! Arjuna swiftly gets the subtle message that Bhagawan Krishna is passing on to him! 

Moving on further, as Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna goes forward and shouts at Bheemasena, in a bid to motivate him further. Arjuna says thus, “Oh Bheemasena! Do you remember that day when Draupati was forced to sit on Duryodhana’s lap? You had taken a pledge on that day that you will kill Duryodhana by hitting him on his thighs where Draupati was forced to sit, hadn’t you? I’m just reminding you! Fight accordingly!” As Arjuna says aloud thus, Bheemasena quickly remembers the series of instances that took place on that fateful day! The scene of Draupati being insulted by Duryodhana flashes in Bheemasena’s mind. The scene where Druapati was asked by Karna and Ducchaasana to sit on Duryodhana’s lap as a “Daasi” (Servant maid) flashes in Bheemasena’s mind. All these instances happened in front of his eyes, isn’t it? Hence, Bheemasena remembers each and every moment of what had happened on that day! Thus, as the fight is still going on, Bheemasena gets the message and now starts to target Duryodhana’s thighs. As we know, the pledge that Bheemasena had taken the other day was to kill Duryodhana by plundering his thighs which wanted to have Draupati! 

Now with this savage resolution and with an acknowledgment towards Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna, Bheemasena’s vigour increases multifold! He now throws his “Gadha” by targeting Duryodhana’s thighs. Understanding this ploy from Bheemasena, Duryodhana tries to avoid the Gadha from hitting his thighs by jumping up and down! Duryodhana is an expert in warfare and he knows that Bheemasena will not target his thighs straightaway, as doing so, is against the “Yuddha-Neethi”. Bheemasena too tries his best to target Duryodhana’s thighs when he is jumping up. However, Duryodhana is smart enough to evade Bheemasena’s “Gadha” from hitting his thighs. At one stage, both Bheemasena and Duryodhana throw their “Gadhas” at each other out of pure frustration, however, both the “Gadhas” meet in between them and a huge flash of current and light emerges from the collision. This looks like a lightning that emits from the clouds when they come in contact with each other! Picking up their “Gadhas” thus, the duo once again continue the fight and exchange lusty blows – Only to be up again and exchange more and more blows! 

As this progresses on and on without a break, Bheemasena is still not understanding why Duryodhana is escaping every time. Even as he is executing Arjuna’s words of targeting his thighs, Duryodhana is not giving him any space for Bheemasena’s “Gadha” to touch his thighs. This now makes Bheemasena rethink his strategy of attack. Merely throwing the “Gadha” by aiming at Duryodhana’s thighs is not going to work. Duryodhana is smart enough to jump up and duck down to evade it! He has to do something else here! So what is he going to do now? How is Bheemasena going to tackle Duryodhana’s “Maaya-Shakti”? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1186 – “The Clash of the Titans” – Bheemasena doesn’t understand the trick to take Duryodhana down!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the “Grand Finale” between Bheemasena and Duryodhana on Day Eighteen at Kurukshetra. Both of them, being equally powerful in the “Gadha-Yuddham” technique, go for one final assault against each other. Buoyed by Bhagawan Krishna’s words, Bheemasena is upbeat and motivated to go for the kill, whereas, Duryodhana has been practising the “Gadha-Yuddham” on Bheemasena’s statue for the past thirteen years. Now that Duryodhana has got a golden opportunity to have a go at Bheemasena (in person), Duryodhana is not going to miss this either! He has been waiting for this for the past thirteen years, and moreover, Duryodhana has nothing else to lose from here on. Hence, his aggression is at its peak! The marquee clash begins with one big blow on Bheemasena, who collapses for a moment. Jumping up on his feet again, Bheemasena deals a severe and a lustful blow with his “Gadha” upon Duryodhana, which sends him packing! Jumping up on his feet, Duryodhana is also warmed up by this blow, just like how Bheemasena did with the previous blow! The stage is set now for the battle to get more intense by the minute! 

Moving on thus, Bheemasena and Duryodhana start exchanging blows upon each other and the war is heating up by the moment! Bhagawan Krishna and Balarama are looking on as spectators, and so are Yudishtra and Co. as well! The frustration with which both of them attack each other is escalating to an unprecedented level. Bheemasena inflicts several lusty blows again and again upon Duryodhana with his brute muscle power, and at one point, he even brings Duryodhana under his feet! However, Duryodhana is not in a mood to relent even for a single minute now. With the power of his “Maaya-Shakti”, Duryodhana somehow illusions Bheemasena and escapes from his clutches quite easily! As Duryodhana repeatedly does this, Bheemasena is unable to understand the secret behind Duryodhana’s unending power. Every time Bheemasena hits, Duryodhana somehow manages to compose himself and go on and on. On the other side, Duryodhana is also not able to understand Bheemasena’s weakness. He also tries hitting Bheemasena again and again with his “Gadha”, only for Bheemasena to compose himself within seconds! Thus, the intensity is growing minute by minute. 

Seeing all this, Bhagawan Krishna slowly talks to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! For how long are these two going to keep fighting like this? Time is running out! It has been more than an hour that this fight is going on unabated! If the fight goes on like this, there is very little chance that Bheemasena is going to win over Duryodhana! Moreover, Arjuna! I fail to understand one thing – Right from Day One I’ve been observing Bheemasena and his approach. He is very good at starting the war and progressing with it. But somehow I feel that he doesn’t understand the knack of bringing the war to a logical conclusion! Bheemasena has learnt the art of fighting the war well from Yudishtra, but he hasn’t really understood the technique of “going for the kill” from him! I really do not understand what to do with Bheemasena at this moment!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna says thus with a smile on His face, Arjuna is not understanding head or tail of why is Bhagawan saying this right now. 🙂 Arjuna replies to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Vasudeva! I really can’t understand your words! Why should you tell this to me at this moment? You should have told all these to Bheemasena before the war began, shouldn’t you? Now by telling all this, what is the use? I’m not able to make sense of what you’re saying – Just like how I wasn’t able to make sense of the 700 shlokas of the Gita that you told me earlier! 🙂 Of course, I’m not saying that I did not understand anything of it, but still, your words are puzzling me every time!” As Arjuna says thus, Bhagawan Krishna laughs aloud and replies thus, “Oh Arjuna! I know why you’re not able to understand my words – Let me rephrase them for you – If someone is fighting a war as per the rules and regulations (“Yuddha-Neeti”), you should also reciprocate your strategies according to that. However, if the opponent is using his “Maaya-Shakti” and illusioning you in the battle, you cannot fight the war in the straight way. You also need to tailor-make your strategies to counter the opponent’s illusionary tactics! Oh Arjuna! Duryodhana is not fighting with Bheemasena as per the rules of the war. However, Bheemasena does not understand this. He is hitting Duryodhana as per the rules, but this is not enough. He has to think out of the box to do something special, so that Duryodhana is countered effectively!” 

Now, as Bhagawan says these words, Arjuna quickly understands what He means! He now knows what to convey to Bheemasena, and that too with sign languages. So what is that message which Bhagawan Krishna wants Arjuna to subtly convey to Bheemasena, who is busy fighting down Duryodhana? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1185 – The “Clash of the Titans” – Bheemasena vs. Duryodhana commences!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed “Round One” of the “Grand Finale” between Duryodhana and Bheemasena – The “War of Words”.  While Duryodhana is still hiding inside the waters of the lake, Bheemasena starts mocking him for his cowardly act of sitting inside and not coming out to fight against him. Subsequently, Bheemasena starts taunting Duryodhana about the “good omens” that he’s seeing around him, which indicates that Bheemasena is going to triumph over Duryodhana! However, Duryodhana rubbishes Bheemasena’s tall claims by giving a befitting reply that a real warrior doesn’t look at the omens and start fighting a war. The verbal argument escalates further and further wherein both of them abuse each other of their weaknesses and cowardliness. Meanwhile, Bhagawan Krishna also warns Bheemasena to be watchful while picking up a fight with Duryodhana, because, Duryodhana has trained and equipped himself to such an extent that he’s a well-oiled warrior when it comes to the “Gadha Yuddham”. Duryodhana had made a statue of Bheemasena out of copper and everyday he trained himself by hitting the statue with his “Gadha” with a lot of fury. Thus, the anger and intensity against Bheemasena has increased several folds, and Duryodhana is on a savage resolution to kill him in the war. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna also warns Bheemasena that Duryodhana has nothing to lose, and hence, will give his everything in this fight. It will be Bheemasena’s war to lose from here on, if he is not careful about Duryodhana’s “Maaya-Shakti”. 

As Bhagawan warns thus, meanwhile, Duryodhana comes out of the waters, unable to bear the heat of the conversation. Upon coming out, Duryodhana looks at all the Paandava brothers with a lot of fury. Duryodhana says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Oh Bheemasena! All of you are with your “Kavach” (Protective shield) upon your body. I do not have anything. When Bheemasena comes to fight with me, he should remove the “Kavach” before the war commences. Only then will it be a fair contest!” As Duryodhana says thus, Yudishtra quickly counters him thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Who asked you not to wear a “Kavach”? Did I say that you shouldn’t wear one? If possible, go and wear one and come. Who are you to tell Bheemasena that he has to remove his “Kavach”? Is this a good sign of a great warrior?” As Yudishtra says thus, Duryodhana clearly feels insulted here. He quickly runs to the battlefield, gets his “Kavach” from the chariot, wears it and comes back! 

Now the stage is set for the grand finale to begin. Both Bheemasena and Duryodhana are ready for the marquee battle with their respective “Gadha” in their hands and the “Kavach” on their bodies. Both of them come round and round in front of each other, raring to attack each other. As this one-on-one confrontation is about to begin, Bhagawan Krishna, His brother Balarama, Yudishtra and his other three brothers – Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva stand around the place with awe and a lot of tension as well. Bhagawan Krishna of course, is quite cool and calm as usual and is keenly watching the proceedings. The war commences as Duryodhana gives the first blow on Bheemasena’s waist. This first blow itself is quite a huge one, and Bheemasena immediately collapses on the ground! He gets into an unconscious mode for a few seconds, but rejuvenates himself and gets up from the dust. As Bheemasena is up on his feet, he thinks for a minute thus, “Oh wow! Bhagawan Krishna was right! Duryodhana is all pumped up now with a lot of revengeful power and “Maaya-Shakti” combined! This seems to be a dangerous combination and has to be tackled carefully!” 

Thinking thus, Bheemasena gets ready, comes forward, raises his “Gadha” and deals a heavy blow upon Duryodhana’s chest and shoulders! Unable to bear this lustful blow from Bheemasena, Duryodhana’s “Kavach” breaks open from his body and falls on the ground! Also, with the force of Bheemasena’s brutal hit, Duryodhana is pushed back several feet on the ground! Thus, the first blow itself sets the stage for a great battle between the two of them! In return, Duryodhana hits Bheemasena with all his might, which also sends Bheemasena’s “Kavach” flying in the air! Now both of them are without their “Kavach” upon them! The fight gets murkier! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall continue this interesting battle between the duo in the next episode as well! Stay tuned!