The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna rendering important words of advice to Duryodhana, which met with a sharp response with arrogance from him. Duryodhana makes his point very clear that he is not going to give even an inch of land from Hastinapura / Indraprastha to Yudishtra. There is no question of asking for any land or kingdom or villages from Duryodhana! As Duryodhana says thus, Bhishmachaarya is stunned and tries once again to resurrect Duryodhana, but his effort ends up in vain. Bhagawan Krishna too tries once more to mend Duryodhana’s ways by pinpointing his stupidity, however, this attempt too meets with stiff resistance from Duryodhana. After this, when Bhagawan Krishna is about to sit in His “Aasana”, with the instruction from Duryodhana through a wink of his eye, the “Aasana” is pulled downwards into the deep pit that Duryodhana has dug in that place. This heinous act of Duryodhana stuns the entire Hastinapura courtroom, which is looking at Duryodhana with eyes wide open! Bhagawan Krishna has clearly been insulted here! As the “Aasana” goes down, Bhagawan Krishna also falls along with the “Aasana” into the pit! 

As Bhagawan Krishna falls thus, we’re at a very important juncture today. He becomes very angry with Duryodhana now. Atleast till this moment, it was only a heated exchange of words between Bhagawan Krishna and Duryodhana, but now, the issue has escalated to unprecedented levels! Upon seeing Bhagawan Krishna falling down, Duryodhana, Ducchaasana, Karna and the others burst out laughing! Upon seeing this, Bhagawan Krishna’s anger mounts further and thus, decides to give a befitting lesson to the entire Kaurava clan members. He gets up quickly and grows in size and height within seconds! Bhagawan Krishna is now showing His “Vishwaroopa” to the entire gathering! He grows on and on and at one point, His divine lotus feet breaches the ground and grows further underground! On the other hand, His divine physical body grows further and further upwards, thus breaching the roof! The power that is emitted out of Bhagawan Krishna’s “Vishwaroopa” is so enormous, that the servants who are standing nearby are burnt to death on the spot! Thus, Bhagawan Krishna unleashes His true divine form to the entire Hastinapura courtroom, in a bid to remind them that He is the supreme Lord of this entire world! The entire courtroom is stunned upon seeing this! The powerful light that is being emitted from Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Darshan” is piercing everyone’s eyes so deeply that none of them are able to see Bhagawan clearly! The scene is so bright that it blinds the eyes of Duryodhana and his entire set of brothers seated there! 

Thus, as Bhagawan Krishna shows His “Vishwaroopa” to everyone, Bhagawan Brahma and Bhagawan Shiva emerge on either sides as well, thus illustrating the fact that all Gods are one and the same! Even as Bhagawan Krishna shows His true form thus, King Dhritarashtra obtains the “Divine eyes” for a moment, so that he can also see who Bhagawan Krishna really is! Along with King Dhritarashtra, Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Sage Kripachaarya, Vidura and Sanjaya also obtain the divine opportunity to worship Bhagawan in this manner! How fortunate all these people are! As King Dhritarashtra worships Bhagawan Krishna in such a ferocious form, he quickly realizes the extent of damage that his son has created! So what is King Dhritarashtra’s reaction going to be? Let us wait and witness it in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna rendering some important words of advice directly to Duryodhana amidst the entire lot of people assembled in the Hastinapura courtroom. As King Dhritarashtra laments in front of everyone that he has completely failed to convince Duryodhana to mend his ways and not to go on the warpath with Yudishtra, Bhagawan Krishna takes over and He tries to inculcate some good thoughts in Duryodhana’s mind. He explains how “Dharma” is not by the side of Duryodhana and with this situation if he goes for a war, he will be the biggest loser. By doing whatever Duryodhana is doing, Bhagawan Krishna explains that it is not only going to destroy him but also the entire Kaurava clan as a whole! Bhagawan Krishna renders these words of advice amidst everyone and it is now Duryodhana’s turn to respond. Atleast now does Duryodhana realize his folly? Let us continue with what happened at the Hastinapura courtroom at this important juncture. 

Moving on thus, it is now Duryodhana’s turn to respond, isn’t it? Duryodhana says thus, “Oh Krishna! Do you even know what you are talking about, and that too at Hastinapura courtroom? I will never ever pay heed to someone who is supporting that stupid Yudishtra! How dare you tell me that I should part with my kingdom with that listless person? Yudishtra is my enemy. He is not a good person by heart. I know about him very well. He is a cunning fellow! He is slowly trying to dominate over me and my father and I would never ever allow this to happen. Oh Krishna! Let me tell you one thing very clearly now – You asked me to give Indraprasthra to Yudishtra. But I will not give even an inch of land from both Indraprastha and Hastinapura to Yudishtra! This is my firm decision! You may have your own opinions, but I’m very firm with mine! If Yudishtra wants a share of the kingdom, let him wage a war and take it if he can win over me!” 

As Duryodhana says thus, Bhishmachaarya fumes with anger! The entire courtroom is stunned upon listening to Duryodhana’s words! Bhishmachaarya replies to Duryodhana angrily, “Oh Duryodhana! Please stop this stupidity of yours! You do not even know what you’re talking about and that too in front of Bhagawan Krishna, of all the people! How dare you talk against Bhagawan Krishna’s words? How dare you embarrass Him like this?” Even as Bhishmachaarya fumes with anger thus, Bhagawan Krishna too gets irritated. He says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Let me tell you clearly – This is your last opportunity to mend your ways! If you’re not doing so, only God can save you! Do not expect any favourable results on your side from here on! Your stupidity and your arrogance are going to pave the way for your downfall!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna angrily replies thus, Duryodhana fumes with more and more anger and arrogance! With a wink of his eye, Duryodhana instructs his servants to “do the needful”! We’ve already witnessed that Duryodhana has laid a trap to arrest Bhagawan Krishna and to bring Him into his fold, isn’t it? As per the plan, there is a huge pit dug beneath Bhagawan Krishna’s “Aasana” and with Duryodhana’s instruction, the servants open up the pit with a rope! Now when the rope is released, the “Aasana”, along with Bhagawan Krishna seated in it are going to go down into the pit! Thus, as per Duryodhana’s plan, Bhagawan Krishna falls into the pit in front of everyone in the Hastinapura courtroom! This plan is not known to either King Dhritarashtra or Bhishmachaarya or Guru Dhronachaarya, or Vidura or Sanjaya. This is a secretive plan done by Duryodhana and as Bhagawan Krishna falls into the pit, the entire courtroom is stunned to bits! Till now atleast, there was only a war of fiery words being exchanged between Duryodhana and Bhagawan Krishna, however, now Duryodhana has gone one step ahead to go on the offensive against Bhagawan Krishna to trap Him physically as well! 

Now, as Bhagawan Krishna falls into the pit, all hell breaks loose at Hastinapura! This is the pinnacle point! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness Bhagawan Krishna’s reaction to this big insult that He had to undergo! Stay tuned for an important accord! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Parasurama narrating the “Garuda-Charitra” to prove how Garuda Bhagawan’s arrogance led to his downfall in front of Bhagawan Vishnu. As we know, Garuda Bhagawan (Eagle) is Bhagawan Vishnu’s divine vehicle and he got into a tangle while chasing Snake Sumuka for his prey. As Snake Sumuka seeked refuge under Bhagawan Vishnu and as Bhagawan Vishnu also refused to leave Snake Sumukha to Garuda Bhagawan for his prey, Garuda Bhagawan got extremely frustrated and entered into a war of words with Bhagawan Vishnu Himself! Finally, Bhagawan Vishnu decided to teach Garuda a befitting lesson by asking him to lift Him now. Even though Garuda Bhagawan is the one who always carries Bhagawan Vishnu on his shoulders, this time, Bhagawan Vishnu seems too heavy to be lifted! Thus, even after repeated attempts, Garuda Bhagawan fails to lift Bhagawan Vishnu, and with this, Garuda Bhagawan learns his lesson! 

Thus, unable to lift Bhagawan Vishnu this time, Garuda Bhagawan realizes his folly and immediately seeks apology to Bhagawan Vishnu. He knew that he has been shown his place by Bhagawan Vishnu and thus, the “Charitra” comes to an end. Narrating this in the courtroom, Bhagawan Parasurama drives home the important point thus, “Oh Duryodhana! You are currently overwhelmed with arrogance. This was exactly the case with Garuda and see what happened to him. This will be the similar result that you will also encounter in the near future if your arrogance continues unabated like this! Oh Duryodhana! You do not know the significance of Bhagawan Krishna and that’s the reason behind your behavior. Please understand that Bhagawan Krishna is the supreme! He is the one who rules the entire world. Please do not go against Bhagawan Krishna’s divine will, and if you do so, disaster is inevitable and is already written on the walls for you!”

As Parasurama talks thus, it is now the turn of King Dhritarashtra to respond. He says thus, “Oh Bhagawan Parasurama! Whatever you’re saying is right, and I also realize all of what you said. However, the person who has to actually realize this fact is unfortunately not realizing it! What do I do? Oh Bhagawna Krishna! I’ve tried enough and more to convince Duryodhana but he is not listening to my words at all! I’m currently stuck between Duryodhana’s arrogance and Yudishtra’s “Dharma”. As a father and as a king, which direction do I take now? Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Now that you’ve come to Hastinapura, maybe you should try and talk to Duryodhana and see if you can bring about a change in him!”As King Dhritarashtra says thus, he is in tears. Bhagawan Krishna sees this and quickly understands the situation. He obeys King Dhritarashtra’s words, turns towards Duryodhana and says thus, “Oh my dear Duryodhana! Please understand one thing – Even now it is not too late. You should realize that you are a powerless person in front of “Dharma”. You may be powerful in a battlefield, but if you do not have “Dharma” by your side, it will be next to impossible for you to win. Oh Duryodhana! Please do not desire for others’ property. Please do not think of abducting their wealth. Please understand that all your actions till now are pertaining to gross “Adharma”, and if this continues, you will have to pay a heavy price for these. A person who is carried away by “Kaama” (Desire) and “Krodha” (Anger) has never tasted victory in this world in any pursuit. Oh Duryodhana! Please look here – It is not only me who is telling this to you. Bhishmachaarya is also telling you the same. Guru Dhronachaara is here too, and he is telling you the same. You should listen to his words atleast, as he is your teacher! Hence, please take this as an opportunity to mend your ways from this minute onwards, and this will be good for you and also for your entire Kaurava clan!”

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna renders important words of advice for Duryodhana and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall wait till the next episode to witness what Duryodhana’s reaction to this is going to be! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂

We’re at the midst of a very important conversation wherein Bhagawan Krishna is acting as the “Paandava-Dhoota” (Messenger to the Paandavas) at Hastinapura courtroom. Bhagawan Krishna addresses King Dhritarashtra and explains His stance clearly – Even now it is not too late. If King Dhritarashtra mends Duryodhana’s ways and duly balances his stance between Duryodhana and Yudishtra, the disastrous war can be avoided. Duryodhana should come forward to hand over Indraprastha to Yudishtra immediately and call it truce. If this is not happening, Hastinapura and the entire Kaurava clan is going to face disaster very soon. Reiterating Bhagawan Krishna’s point, Bhagawan Parasurama also explains how the “Nara-Narayana Combo” is currently in the form of Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna combine. This combine is extremely lethal when it comes to a war and it cannot be destroyed at any cost! 

Moving on thus, Parasurama also explains the “Garuda-Charitra”, to highlight how Garuda Bhagawan (Bhagawan Vishnu’s divine vehicle – The Eagle) tested Bhagawan Vishnu’s patience and got hit! Once upon a time, there was a snake by name “Sumuka”. This Sumuka snake got into a huge tangle with Garuda Bhagawan, who was chasing Sumuka for his prey. Ultimately after running here and there, Sumuka snake goes and surrenders under Bhagawan Vishnu’s divine lotus feet, seeking refuge from Garuda. Chasing Sumuka thus, Garuda Bhagawan understands that this snake is extremely smart and has gone to Bhagawan Vishnu for refuge. Garuda Bhagawan arrives at Bhagawan Vishnu’s abode and talks to Bhagawan Vishnu thus, “Oh Bhagawan! This snake Sumuka is none other than my prey. Please give him to me and satisfy my hunger. I’m very hungry at the moment and I need something to eat!” 

Upon understanding Garuda’s request, Bhagawan Vishnu replies calmly thus, “Oh Garuda! I can understand your hunger and I feel pity on you! However, I cannot give this Sumuka snake to you as your prey because he has come and seeked refuge under me. As per my “Dharma”, I will always protect all those living beings who seek refuge under my divine lotus feet! Hence, you may feel free to go around and search for another prey!” Upon hearing this from Bhagawan Vishnu, Garuda Bhagawan becomes furious! He replies to Bhagawan Vishnu thus, “Oh Bhagawan Vishnu! What are you talking? Don’t you think I’ve also surrendered to your divine lotus feet? By protecting this snake Sumuka, don’t you realize that you’re leaving me alone? Don’t you understand that you’re failing to protect your ardent Bhakta? Oh Bhagawan Vishnu! This is the problem with you! If someone comes to you newly, you will show all your love and affection to them, and you will leave behind the others! Till today I’ve been of service to you by lifting you in my shoulders wherever you go! You’ve proved to me today that you’re someone who forgets all the help that others do to you! If you realize how much service I’ve offered to you in the past, you wouldn’t be talking like this today! Hence, it is quite obvious that you do not recognize the importance of the service that I’ve offered to you all these years!” As Garuda Bhagawan vents out his frustration thus, Bhagawan Vishnu laughs within Himself! He knows that Garuda Bhagawan is talking angrily because of his hunger! 🙂 However, Bhagawan Vishnu wants to teach Garuda Bhagawan a befitting lesson for what he has alleged! Bhagawan Vishnu slowly replies to Garuda Bhagawan thus, “Oh Garuda! You’ve said now that you’ve been the one who was carrying me all the time, isn’t it? Now let me give you a test!” Saying thus, Bhagawan Vishnu points out downwards and continues – “Oh Garuda! Here’s my index finger! If you have all the strength in the world, try to lift this index finger of mine in your hands and prove your point to me!”

As Bhagawan Vishnu gives an open challenge thus, Garuda Bhagawan immediately accepts it and goes for it! He tries his best to lift Bhagawan Vishnu’s index finger for several hours together, however, all his efforts are going in vain! Alas! Garuda Bhagawan cannot even lift Bhagawan Vishnu’s index finger in his hands! So for today, let us understand up to this point wherein Bhagawan Vishnu has given a befitting reply to Garuda Bhagawan’s arrogance! In the next episode, we shall witness how Garuda Bhagawan reacted to this failure and how Bhagawan Parasurama is going to link this story with Duryodhana’s case! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna commencing His important accord to King Dhritarashtra. Even though it was meant to address King Dhritarashtra, Bhagawan Krishna smartly trained His guns towards Duryodhana and Co. as well. Bhagawan advises King Dhritarashtra to strike a balance between his sons and his brother Paandu’s sons and not to encourage differences between them. Both as a father and as a king, King Dhritarashtra has to discharge his duties in a neutral manner. If this is not going to happen, disaster is in the making and it cannot be ruled out! Bhagawan Krishna clearly communicates this message to King Dhritarashtra, even as Duryodhana is looking on. Bhagawan Krishna also clearly explains why the key decision of going for a war or not rests only with King Dhritarashtra and not with anybody else. If he takes a decision and mends his son’s ways, war can still be avoided and the matter can be resolved amicably. 

Driving home this point once again, Bhagawan Krishna explains thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please remember one thing very clearly – You might think that you have great warriors like Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya alongside you. Yes, I agree that they are great warriors and on any given day, they can spell doomsday to any enemy possible. However, you’ve to also remember that “Dharma” is not on your side. Only for the side wherein “Dharma” is present, victory is possible. Yudishtra might not have the firepower that you have. However, “Dharma” is on his side and it will be very difficult to overcome him in the war. Moreover, the side in which I am, will always win! I will always stand by “Dharma” and lean by the side which follows “Dharma” meticulously!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna explains thus, Parasurama who is also in the courtroom, gets up immediately. Many of us know who Bhagawan Parasurama is – He is also an older incarnation of Bhagawan Vishnu, just like how Bhagawan Krishna and Bhagawan Rama are. Hence, Bhagawan Parasurama talks amidst the courtroom thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I’ve had a unique opportunity in life to worship “Nara” and “Narayana” at Bhadrinaatha Kshetra a long time ago. I know of someone who tried to wreak havoc with this duo and I also know how much suffering that person had to undergo in life. Please understand that this same “Nara” whom I’m talking about has incarnated as Arjuna and “Narayana” whom I’m talking about has incarnated as Bhagawan Krishna. Oh King Dhritarashtra! This “Nara-Narayana” combine is none other than “Arjuna-Bhagawan Krishna” combine today. You do not know how closely knit both of them are! Arjuna is a great warrior, aided by Bhagawan Krishna. Both of them cannot live without each other and their bonding is so unique! Hence, King Dhritarashtra! Please understand the fact that this “Nara-Narayana” combine can never be defeated, even if you send the best-in-class warriors against them! It is always better to call it truce at this time and educate Duryodhana on the disastrous consequences that will arise if he takes on this “Nara-Narayana” combine in the battlefield! Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please pay heed to my words and do not let your entire clan get destroyed right in front of all our eyes! This would be disastrous, not only for your family, but also for the Hastinapura kingdom as a whole!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Parasurama renders his words of advice to King Dhritarashtra and for today, let us understand up to this point. In the next episode, Bhagawan Parasurama is going to narrate the important “Garuda-Charitra” to explain how Bhagawan Krishna is the ultimate supremo of this world! Stay tuned for this interesting accord! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna making a grand entry into the courtroom of Hastinapura, flanked by Vidura and Sanjaya on either sides. As per Duryodhana’s instruction, all the kings, ministers, etc. in the courtroom are holding on to their seats tightly in a bid not to get up and pay respects to Bhagawan Krishna! However, with Bhagawan Krishna clearly understanding Duryodhana’s ploy of insulting Him, His deep vision towards Duryodhana makes him stand up automatically! Laughingly, Duryodhana is the only one who stands and pays respect to Bhagawan Krishna for a moment, not realizing the fact that all the others are seated as per his instruction only! As Duryodhana stands up, the entire “Darbar” roars with laughter and with his face bright with shame, Duryodhana immediately looks around and sits down in his chair! 

As Duryodhana faces embarrassment first up, and now as Bhagawan arrives in the scene, all of them seated in the hall, along with the Devas, Maharishis, etc. are very eager to listen to what He is going to talk! Even Sage Naarada comes invisibly to the Hastinapura courtroom and stands by the side of Bhagawan Krishna. Amidst all of them sitting in the courtroom, it is only Bhishmachaarya who is able to spot Sage Naarada amidst everyone. Hence, he requests Sage Naarada to reveal his identity and take his seat. Paying heed to Bhishmachaarya’s words, Sage Naarada takes a nearby seat and sits down to listen to Bhagawan Krishna’s words. As Bhagawan Krishna is about to begin, all of them in the courtroom are so eager to listen to Bhagawan’s divine words of wisdom. As this happens, Bhagawan Krishna looks around the courtroom to see who is seated where. He wants to identify who will speak for Him and who will speak against Him. Hence, His divine eyes cast a look everywhere around to identify who are seated at which place. 

Readying Himself thus, Bhagawan Krishna commences His accord in a very beautiful way. He says thus, “Oh great king of the Kurus, King Dhritarashtra! You have the power of administration in your hands. You are the ultimate decision maker. My wish is that nobody should die unnecessarily when a war looms large. This is totally your decision and I want you to think and make a decision in such a way that all your subjects are duly protected. Oh King Dhritarashtra! You are mature enough! You are a great king and an able administrator! You’ve proved your mettle several times in several key aspects! Now it is one more time for you to prove your prowess. Your sons and your brother’s sons should be treated equally. You should not encourage any differences between them! You should be able to balance both the camps as a king and as a father. If you’re able to do this effectively, “Dharma” will always be by your side. Your people will appreciate you if you’re able to do this correctly. Oh King Dhritarashtra! I wanted to convey this valuable piece of advice to you and this is the reason behind my visit to Hastinapura!” 

Bhagawan Krishna continues thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! More than this, I would like to also emphasize upon a few other points as well – Your clan is one of the greatest clans that has ruled this world till date. Your “Kuru Vamsa” is famed for its honesty and integrity. Hence, you should uphold these values of the “Kuru Vamsa” to which you belong. None of the kings in this “Kuru Vamsa” have desired for others’ property. None of the kings in this “Kuru Vamsa” have nurtured jealousy and arrogance against others. Hence, King Dhritarashtra! If not for anything else, you should behold all these value systems atleast to protect your “Kuru Vamsa”! You should prove to the world that you really belong to this great dynasty of kings who have ruled Hastinapura! Oh King Dhritarashtra! If you think for a moment deeply and analyze, you can stop the disaster that is looming large! I once again reiterate – Going for a war or not, is your decision! The call is in your hands to take! You should first control your thoughts and mind. Only then you will be able to control Duryodhana. Oh King Dhritarashtra! I know that you’re a firm believer of peace and harmony. However, the problem here is that you’re very confused as to which direction to take. Hence, please calm yourself and take a steady decision! I’m sure Vidura and Sanjaya would have given advice to you on various aspects of “Dharma”. Please pay heed to them and do so accordingly!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna pauses for a moment to see if there’s someone to counter Him! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and let us wait till the next episode to continue with this important accord further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna giving a grand entry into King Dhritarashtra’s courtroom, flanked by Vidura and Sanjaya. Before Bhagawan Krishna enters, Duryodhana gives a stern instruction to everyone seated in the courtroom. Duryodhana instructs people not to stand up and pay respects to Bhagawan Krishna as He makes His way into the courtroom. If anybody disobeys Duryodhana and pays respects to Bhagawan Krishna on the contrary, Duryodhana threatens that he would chop off their heads then and there and would also ensure that their kingdoms would be destroyed to pieces! Fearing Duryodhana’s wrath, all the kings who have assembled at Hastinapura are holding on to their seats as Bhagawan Krishna is making His way through the passage. 

Moving on thus, Bhagawan Krishna appears for the first time at the Hastinapura courtroom and He is escorted by Vidura. King Dhritarashtra takes his seat on the throne and Duryodhana also is seated by the side. As Bhagawan Krishna enters, His eyes straightaway fall on Duryodhana, who is an epitome of arrogance! Duryodhana is sitting there, fuming with anger because Bhagawan Krishna had insulted him the previous day. Bhagawan Krishna too knows Duryodhana’s ploy and instructions as He walks with a mischievous smile, quite as usual! 🙂 As Bhagawan Krishna casts a deep look at Duryodhana, unable to bear the intensity of His looks, Duryodhana is forced to stand up on his own! We know that Bhagawan’s eyes are none other than Chandra Bhagawan and Surya Bhagawan! In the Vishnu Sahasranama, we describe Bhagawan’s divine eyes as “Chandra-suryouscha Nethre”, isn’t it? Hence, if such is the case, Bhagawan Krishna’s eyes have a long-lasting impact both on devotees as well as enemies too! For devotees, Bhagawan’s eye which is an incarnation of Chandra Bhagawan takes charge and provides the cool vision and protects us. However, for enemies, Bhagawan’s eye which is an incarnation of Surya Bhagawan takes charge and burns them down instantaneously! Here too, Bhagawan Krishna’s eye which is an incarnation of Surya Bhagawan takes over and literally burns Duryodhana straightaway! However, upon Bhagawan Krishna’s silent instruction to Surya Bhagawan, the eye limits to just casting a deep look and with this itself, Duryodhana is robbed off all his strength and valour! 

Thus, unable to bear the deep look from Bhagawan, Duryodhana stands up on his own and automatically pays respect to Bhagawan Krishna! He does this amidst a packed courtroom wherein none of the others are standing, as per Duryodhana’s instruction! For a moment, Duryodhana freezes and after that, he realizes in a jiffy that he is the only one who is standing up in the entire courtroom! Looking around thus, Duryodhana’s face becomes white with complete embarrassment and he immediately takes his seat! This itself is a body blow to Duryodhana, even as Bhagawan Krishna has begun to execute His agenda silently and smartly! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode we shall have the continuation of this incident! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna’s final conversation with Vidura as He’s preparing Himself to leave for the Hastinapura courtroom the next morning. As both Vidura and Bhagawan Krishna are getting ready after a sound sleep the previous night, Bhagawan Krishna asks Vidura for the message that He has to convey to Duryodhana during the courtroom session. For this, Vidura replies with tears in his eyes that there’s absolutely no point in Bhagawan Krishna talking to Duryodhana as he is now beyond anybody’s advice! Vidura feels sorry for what is happening at Hastinapura currently and he knows that war is going to be inevitable in the near future. Yet, he asks why Bhagawan Krishna is wanting to waste His time in advising Duryodhana to relent from his position. 

Now, as Vidura says thus, Bhagawan Krishna gives an important reply to him. He says thus, “Oh my dear Vidura! I asked you this question first-up to you because I know that you are a scholarly person and will always give answers pertaining to “Dharma” only. I have the trust and confidence in you more than anybody else in this world, when it comes to aspects of “Dharma”. Oh Vidura! You’re asking me why am I wasting my time in talking to Duryodhana! Let me tell you one thing clearly – Given my stature and given the fact that both sides respect me in all possible ways, it is my duty to broker peace between both sides atleast once. I also know that Duryodhana is never going to listen to me even for a minute. But he respects me. There is no dispute between Duryodhana and me. Hence, as a mediator, I should do my duty to try and persuade Duryodhana towards the path of “Dharma”. Else, what will the world say? The world will say that Bhagawan Krishna being all-knowing and all-pervasive and supreme, did not give any chance to Duryodhana to do a course-correction. People will say that Bhagawan Krishna was partial towards Yudishtra and protected him, even though there was a window of opportunity for Duryodhana to resurrect. People will also say that maybe if Duryodhana would have been given an opportunity to correct himself, he might have done so! Hence, I’ve to put an end to all these unwanted arguments people would be making later on. If this has to be done, I’ve to mediate between the parties and see what Duryodhana can do. If he is still able to mend his ways, I don’t have any problem in calling a truce between Yudishtra and Duryodhana. I can still forgive all whatever mistakes Duryodhana has made so far! Hence, Vidura! I cannot escape from my duty, isn’t it? So, please come. Let us make our way towards the courtroom and see what happens there!” 

Moving on thus, it is now time for all of them to make their way to the courtroom. Bhagawan Krishna holds Vidura’s hands on one side and Saatyaki’s hands on the other as He walks towards the courtroom. As Bhagawan makes His way, in the meanwhile, Duryodhana instructs all his people thus, “Oh Kings! Oh Ministers! When Bhagawan Krishna comes inside the courtroom, nobody should stand up and pay any kind of respect to Him! Bhagawan Krishna insulted me very badly last evening and I shall show who I am to Him today! Hence, if I see anybody standing up and paying respects to Bhagawan Krishna, I will ensure that your heads will be chopped off and your kingdoms will be destroyed immediately without any mercy!” 

As Duryodhana gives orders thus, all the ministers and kings who are assembled at the Hastinapura courtroom are shaking with fear. All of them are eagerly awaiting Bhagawan Krishna’s arrival, even as Bhagawan Krishna slowly makes His way into the huge “Darbar” of King Dhritarashtra. So for today, let us understand up to this point wherein Bhagawan Krishna comes to Hastinapura courtroom as the “Paandava-Dhoota” (Messenger of the Paandava brothers) and in the next episode, we shall witness a very interesting incident as Bhagawan Krishna makes His entry into the courtroom! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Bhagawan Krishna’s beautiful conversation with Vidura at Vidura’s residence. As we’ve witnessed earlier, Bhagawan Krishna opts to stay with Vidura for the rest of the day, even as Duryodhana wanted to offer the best-in-house hospitality to Bhagawan Krishna, in a bid to entice Him towards the Kauravas’ side. However, Bhagawan Krishna is too smart for all these gimmicks, and Duryodhana’s bid gets foiled. Subsequently, as Vidura offers bananas for Bhagawan Krishna’s dinner, we’ve witnessed how Vidura gets engrossed deeply into the “Bhakti-Bhaava”, and offers the banana skins instead of the actual fruit. As Vidura realizes his folly, and as Vidura offers the fruit instead of the skin, Bhagawan Krishna declares that His hunger is already satisfied! Even as Vidura wants Bhagawan Krishna to consume atleast one banana properly, Bhagawan Krishna asserts that His hunger got satisfied with the “Bhakti” that Vidura exhibited, and not because of the banana skins that he offered! 

This is an important lesson that all of us need to understand here. We might offer so many things for Bhagawan in a temple, including gold chains, gold coins, any other kinds of jewellery, expensive attires, etc., but the real question here is – “Are we offering all these with a sense of selfless Bhakti, or, are we offering all these so as to fulfil our own desires and worldly pleasures?” Many of us might not be able to differentiate between these two aspects in life. Even if we offer a “Tulasi” leaf and a flower petal to Bhagawan with complete and selfless devotion, Bhagawan will wholeheartedly accept them and provide His divine “Anugraha” to us. Thus, it is not important as to what we offer to Bhagawan. All what is important here is how we offer them to Him! In fact, Bhagawan Krishna Himself is going to talk about this aspect in His Bhagawad Gita shortly, which we’re going to witness in the future episodes to come. We shall take up this discussion in detail at that point in time. 

Moving on further thus, as the conversation continues, Bhagawan Krishna asks Vidura thus, “Oh great Vidura! You know exactly what is “Dharma”. You know how to differentiate clearly between “Dharma” and “Adharma” and you are a great scholarly person! So tell me – What is the message I should convey tomorrow to King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana, in such a way that we may avert the disastrous war from happening? Oh Vidura! Please tell me from your experience as to how I should go forward from here!” Upon hearing this from Bhagawan Krishna, Vidura is in tears! He doesn’t know what to reply! Doesn’t Bhagawan Krishna know the answer to the questions that He had asked just now? Inspite of knowing everything, why is He asking Vidura for an answer? Let us witness Vidura’s beautiful answer now. 

Vidura replies thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! If you ask me such a question, I would only tell you one thing – There is no use talking to both King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana! Instead of wasting your time in this futile effort, why don’t you stay with me for one more day here itself? Why can’t we continue our conversation on “Dharma” on and on without any break? If you are with me, I’m feeling a sense of satisfaction and strength! Oh Bhagawan! I’m not asking you for anything that is going to satisfy any worldy pleasure! All I’m asking you is your divine presence near me at all times! As I said earlier, I really do not know what you should convey to Duryodhana and even if you do so, I’m not sure whether he would listen to you at all! Hence, please consider my request and stay with me here itself for tomorrow also!” 

We can clearly see an exhibition of Vidura’s Bhakti-Bhaava here, isn’t it? This is the level of Bhakti that all of us should strive upon. If it was any other person other than Vidura to whom Bhagawan Krishna would have asked this question, anybody would have given their “expert opinions and suggestions” to Him, not knowing of the fact that Bhagawan already knows everything and He is merely testing our Bhakti levels! But here is Vidura, who doesn’t leave even an opportunity to exhibit his Bhakti towards Bhagawan! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness Bhagawan’s response to Vidura’s request! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

We’re in the midst of a beautiful and heart-touching incident that is unfolding between Bhagawan Krishna and Vidura. As we’ve witnessed earlier, Bhagawan Krishna rejects Duryodhana’s hospitality and lunch / dinner offers at his palace by saying that He cannot consume anything that is given by an enemy. Thus, the decision is made that Bhagawan Krishna would go to Vidura’s place for the rest of the day. Accordingly, Bhagawan Krishna holds Vidura’s hands and walks to his residence along with him. Escorting Bhagawan Krishna thus, Vidura is all tensed as to how he would be able to offer the best-in-class hospitality to Bhagawan Krishna, who is coming as a guest for the first time to his place! As the duo reach Vidura’s residence and as Vidura offers a seat for Bhagawan Krishna, he touches it with his hands multiple times, in a bid to check whether nothing “sharp” would poke Bhagawan Krishna when He sits on it! Subsequently, as Bhagawan Krishna makes Himself comfortable, a long conversation ensues between the two of them over various subjects. 

Now as it is time for dinner, Bhagawan Krishna opts to take a few bananas and accordingly, Vidura’s wife serves a plate full of bananas for Bhagawan Krishna. As the conversation goes deeper and deeper, Vidura peels off the bananas’ skins and instead of giving the fruit to Bhagawan Krishna, he gives the skins by mistake! Bhagawan Krishna too happily consumes the banana skins whatever are being offered by Vidura, knowing the fact that Vidura is committing a mistake! However, after a while, Vidura’s wife realizes the huge blunder that is taking place and immediately alerts her husband of the same! Quickly realizing what is going on, Vidura now offers the banana fruit instead of the skins and seeks unconditional apology for what had happened! 

Now as Vidura offers the bananas, Bhagawan Krishna replies thus, “Oh my dear Vidura! My hunger has come down now! I think I’ve had enough! Thank you for the wonderful dinner that you’ve served me!” Upon hearing this, Vidura is shell-shocked! He’s feeling guilty too at the same time! Vidura slowly replies with tears in his eyes thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! What are you saying? I’ve merely offered the skins of four bananas and you’re saying that your hunger has been satisfied! Are you trying to pin-point my mistake and are you angry on me? I’m terribly sorry for the mishap that has happened! Of course, it is my fault that I got carried away with the conversation and my “Bhakti” towards you in such a way that did not even realize what I was offering you! Please accept one fruit atleast from me now, so that your hunger is really satisfied!” 

As Vidura says thus, he falls on Bhagawan Krishna’s divine lotus feet and sheds tears of Bhakti and Sharanagati! Upon seeing Vidura in this state, Bhagawan Krishna immediately lifts him up and explains thus, “Oh Vidura! I’m moved by your exemplary Bhakti and Sharanagati! I know that you were offering me the banana skins unknowingly! Those banana skins that you offered me tasted really good, because they were from the hands of my ardent devotee! How can I say a “No” to what my devotee offers me with complete faith and surrender? Oh Vidura! Please understand one thing clearly – Amidst this world full of people who come to me for fulfilling their desires and agenda, ardent and selfless Bhaktas like you are my real-go-to place! Do you think these bananas that you’re offering you will increase / decrease my appetite? The whole of creation is under my directions and guidance. Hence, I’m someone who is beyond worldly hunger! So, please do not worry about what happened! All what I want from my Bhaktas is unconditional love and devotion towards me! If this happens, my hunger gets automatically satisfied! Hence, Vidura! Let us move on and get prepared for tomorrow’s accord at the Hastinapura courtroom!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Vidura is in tears of joy! How fortunate is Vidura to experience Bhagawan’s divine presence at his place! How fortunate is Vidura to have an opportunity to exhibit his ardent Bhakti to Bhagawan in person! How fortunate is Vidura to have an opportunity to feed Bhagawan! So for today, let us enjoy this beautiful incident and learn our lessons of Bhakti and Sharanagati from this! We shall wait till the next episode to commence witnessing what is going to happen in the Hastinapura courtroom the next day! Stay tuned! 🙂