The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the conversation between Sanjaya and King Dhritarashtra in the divine presence of Sage Vyaasa and Gaandhaari. After a long conversation between the duo, Sage Vyaasa finally breaks his silence and replies that things are going to get tougher every moment from here on, primarily due to Duryodhana’s ego. This is where Bhagawan Krishna is extremely hell-bent upon! Perhaps the decision from Bhagawan Krishna on the certainty of the war stems from the incorrigible character of Duryodhana and his stubbornness to “go for the kill” against Yudishtra. After all that had happened during the infamous gambling episode in the Hastinapura courtroom, it was just a matter of time that such a situation fuelled! Hence, Sage Vyaasa too in a way washes off his hands! 

As Sage Vyaasa says thus, we shall move ahead with the conversation further. Now a rattled King Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya and Sage Vyaasa thus, “Oh Sanjaya! It is quite evident from the words of both of you that Duryodhana’s attitude is not changeable in any way. However, is there another way through which we can find a solution for this problem? Hastinapura should be protected at any cost. Atleast, if not for Duryodhana, shall we approach Bhagawan Krishna directly and ask Him for some guidance? Maybe He can shower His divine “Anugraha” upon us isn’t it? Oh Sanjaya! Tell me if this is possible and suggest ways to execute this!” 

As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Sanjaya replies back, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! What you’re asking is very important. However, let me tell you one thing very clearly – Only a person who has complete control on his senses and desires will be able to understand and attain Bhagawan Krishna! In your case, what I see here is that you’ve engrossed yourself into a pool of desires and you’re somehow refusing to come out of it! You are desiring not only for your property but also for the property of others! How fair would this be? If you’re going with such an intention, how do you think Bhagawan Krishna will favour you? If at all you want to approach Him, go with a pure heart and innocent “Bhakti”. Only then He would turn His face towards you. You are wanting to strike a “business deal” with Bhagawan and please remember – Bhagawan Krishna is not a businessman to strike deals! You’ve to go with “Nirmala-Bhakti” and surrender to His divine lotus feet, which Arjuna and Yudishtra had already done. This is the reason why Bhagawan Krishna is on the side of the Paandava brothers! You are trying to approach Bhagawan for fulfilling all your selfish needs and this will only turn to be futile!”
Saying thus, Sanjaya now continues to explain a few of Bhagawan Krishna’s divine names. We shall see some of them. One of Bhagawan Krishna’s divine names and commonly known one is “Vaasudeva”. Sanjaya explains the meaning of this divine name here. He says thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! This divine name “Vaasudeva” is a testament to the fact that Bhagawan Krishna is omni-present (“Vaasu”). He resides anywhere and everywhere in this world and also in the seven outer worlds as well! So how does He reside? He resides playfully everywhere! His divine “Leelas” are a testament to His playful characteristic (“Deva”). Hence, the term “Vaasudeva” means, Bhagawan is “playfully omni-present” throughout the entire creation! Next important divine name of Bhagawan Krishna is “Maadhava”. It means, Bhagawan Krishna is an embodiment of three important characteristics – “Mounam” (Silence), “Dhyaanam” (Tapas & Penance) and “Yogam” (The state in which Bhagawan is)! Thus, the combination of these three characteristics – “Mounam”, “Dhyaanam” and “Yogam” is what we understand as the divine name “Maadhava”! Another interpretation to this – “Maa” means Goddess Mahalakshmi and “Dhava” means Bhagawan Krishna! Thus, the divine name “Maadhava” signifies the fact that Goddess Mahalakshmi is always in Bhagawan Krishna’s heart! Thirdly, Bhagawan has the most-used divine name – Krishna. The term “Krishna” means someone who gives extreme happiness to this entire world!” 

Saying thus, Sanjaya explains the meanings of each of Bhagawan’s divine names! For today, we’ve seen three of them and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further to witness more such divine names and their meanings! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the conversation between Sanjaya and King Dhritarashtra, this time in the divine presence of Sage Veda Vyaasa and Gaandhaari. As both of them look on, a frustrated and a dejected King Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya how come he knows the significance of Bhagawan Krishna several notches more, even though both of them studied together in the same “Gurukula”. For this, Sanjaya replies that King Dhritarashtra over time became an epitome of “Maya” (Illusion) and “Vanjana” (Vengeance). The moment King Dhritarashtra started doing “Vendetta politics” in his kingdom against Yudishtra, he started losing the plot straightaway! 

Now this is a very important accord which Sanjaya is giving here, which all of us need to understand as well. Sanjaya continues further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please do not get angry on me. I’m speaking out the truth to you today. Bhagawan Krishna cannot be realized fully in a very easy manner with our naked eyes and limited mind! I was able to realize who Bhagawan Krishna really is, only because I’m completely devoid of “Maya”. Only through the pure “Bhakti-Maarga”, one can attain Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet. You’re not realizing this fact as yet. You’re thinking that you are the cause and effect for everything in this world. However, the reality is grossly different. The cause and effect of everything that happens in this world rests on Bhagawan’s divine “Sankalpa”! You are still thinking that you can fix up things between your son Duryodhana and Yudishtra in such a way that Duryodhana would unduly gain an upper hand. Your “Putra-Vaatsalya” towards your son is coming in between like a stumbling block in front of  your eyes from understanding reality and “Dharma”. You are thinking that it is you who is running the show completely. However, please understand that Bhagawan Krishna is running the entire show according to His divine will and wish! Whatever is going to happen in the future is His “Sankalpa” and all we can do is to just lie down and accept whatever comes by!” 

As this conversation is going on, Duryodhana suddenly barges into the chamber of King Dhritarashtra! As Duryodhana arrives, he sees Sanjaya, King Dhritarashtra, Sage Vyaasa and his mother Gaandhaari engaged in a deep deliberation. As Sanjaya sees Duryodhana, he says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! You’ve come at the right time – We were discussing the significance of Bhagawan Krishna and how things happen according to His divine “Sankalpa”! According to my understanding, the future of Hastinapura looks quite bleak and If you’ve to escape this catastrophe, the only way is to go to Bhagawan Krishna and surrender to His divine lotus feet! Oh Duryodhana! Please understand that Bhagawan Krishna is a “Paramatman” and is the Supreme Lord for the entire world. There is no use fighting against Him and if you do so, it would be like a dog barking continuously at the sun! Hence, instead of nurturing your ego, please think practically and go to Bhagawan Krishna in surrender! This would help you and Hastinapura kingdom in the long-run!” 

As Sanjaya advises Duryodhana thus, Duryodhana listens patiently to the entire accord. However, Duryodhana isn’t ready to relent just like that. Duryodhana replies back thus, “Oh great Sanjaya! Whatever you are saying might be right. I too understand that Bhagawan Krishna isn’t an ordinary person. I would always like to have Him by my side. However, Bhagawan Krishna has insulted me several times in front of that treacherous Yudishtra, which has deeply hurt me! Those wounds would never heal within my heart! Moreover, if Bhagawan Krishna is favouring my enemy, how can I go and celebrate friendship with Him? Hence, given this situation, I’m not willing to go to Bhagawan Krishna and seek any further guidance from Him! Moreover, until the time Bhagawan Krishna is celebrating His friendship with Arjuna, there is no place for me there and hence, it would not be appropriate for me to go and foster any kind of friendship with Him!” 

Hearing this from Duryodhana, Sage Vyaasa finally breaks his silence. He laments to Sanjaya and King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh Sanjaya! Oh Dhritarashtra! It seems to me that whatever we say is not going to enter into Duryodhana at any point in time! Duryodhana is full of ego and vengeance. No matter whatever we tell him now, he would not be in a position to listen, analyze and take a decision. He has completely decided to go against “Dharma” at any cost! Difficult times are ahead of us!” Saying thus, Sage Vyaasa limits his words to these and this leaves King Dhritarashtra even more thoughtful and scared! So what does King Dhritarashtra do next? What is he going to say? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sanjaya establishing his accord that the future is going to be quite bleak for King Dhritarashtra and his sons, as Bhagawan Krishna has decided once and for all that a war should take place, which would lead to mass destruction not only on the Kauravas’ side, but also on the Paandavas’ side as well. As Sanjaya explains thus, he also wants Sage Vyaasa and Gaandhaari to be party to it, as King Dhritarashtra once again seeks advice on some “last minute course correction” if at all something is possible at this crucial juncture. Sanjaya calls for both of them because he feels that there’s no point in advising King Dhritarashtra one-on-one as he is not going to implement anything in practice. Maybe Sage Veda-Vyaasa and Gaandhaari can bring in some much required last-minute change? We shall find out today! 

Moving on thus, as Sage Vyaasa arrives along with Gaandhaari, Sanjaya once again sets up the context for discussion amongst all of them. As Sanjaya does so, he mentions one more bigger point here – “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Oh Sage Vyaasa! Oh Gaandhaari! I do not think this is just going to be a war between two rival camps within one family. This is going to be several notches bigger in size! From whatever Bhagawan Krishna said to me, I feel that it is going to be a huge marquee event wherein an unimaginable amount of lives are going to be lost. This is not going to happen only on Duryodhana’s side, but is also going to happen on the Paandavas’ side as well! For me, it looks like the entire world is going in for a mass transformation through a mass destruction mechanism! Hence, I do not see this as any kind of a small event at all in the near future!” 

Saying thus, Sanjaya conveys his findings, even as Sage Vyaasa oversees the entire thing. As Sanjaya concludes, it is now Sage Vyaasa’s turn to respond, but surprisingly, Sage Vyaasa chooses to remain silent for the moment. He wants this conversation to continue further and see where it leads to. Perhaps, this can even pave the way for King Dhritarashtra’s course correction at any point of time? Of course, Sage Vyaasa being a “Mahatma” knows the inevitable destruction that is looming large. Readers might remember that in one of our earlier episodes (Around 400 episodes ago), we had discussed Sage Vyaasa lamenting to Ambika and Ambaalika on the future course of action that is going to unfold! At that point, King Dhritarashtra was not even born! Even then, Sage Vyaasa clearly explained to the world that a huge disaster is in the making! 

Moving further thus, King Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya a very important question here: “Oh Sanjaya! Now that you’re explaining to me all about the significance of Bhagawan Krishna, I’m understanding it bit by bit, but from whatever you’re explaining to me, I feel that it is too late to do anything right now! However, Oh Sanjaya! Both of us studied in the same “Paata-Shaala” (Gurukulam). How come you know the significance of Bhagawan Krishna several notches more than I know? Of course, I know Bhagawan Krishna as a person very well and I’ve spoken a lot with Him! However, I’ve never understood the in-depth significance of what Bhagawan Krishna is for all these years!” As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Sanjaya is going to give a reply which is extremely important here. Sanjaya replies thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! You’ve asked me why you’re unable to understand Bhagawan Krishna, whereas I’ve understood Him better, isn’t it? I shall answer your question, upon one condition that you should not get angry with my reply! If you’re okay with it, then I shall explain it to you!” 

From the way in which Sanjaya is now answering King Dhritarashtra, we can clearly understand that he is going to poke King Dhritarashtra in a very triggering way! 🙂 As King Dhritarashtra gives the green signal, Sanjaya replies thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I’m not an embodiment of “Maya” (Illusion) and “Vanjana” (Vengeanceful mindset)! Hence, I’m able to understand Bhagawan Krishna better than what you could!” Saying thus, Sanjaya stops his reply abruptly! The message is loud and clear here – Sanjaya has clearly poked King Dhritarashtra and has let out a strong feeling that King Dhritarashtra’s core problem lies in these two characteristics! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sanjaya dropping a huge bombshell to King Dhritatashtra about Bhagawan Krishna’s intentions and how He is deeply hurt by what happened to Draupati on that ill-fated day when the gambling game took place at Hastinapura courtroom. Bhagwan Krishna clearly conveys the message loud and clear through Sanjaya that a disastrous war became inevitable, the moment Draupati was insulted in the public courtroom amidst everyone. Sanjaya explains Bhagawan Krishna’s deep anguish upon Duryodhana and King Dhritarashtra that even after giving enormous amounts of opportunities to change course, things have not progressed even an inch and thus, whatever is going to happen in future is already pre-decided! This obviously sends shockwaves to King Dhritarashtra as he has to now scramble for some last-minute course correction if at all it is possible! 

As Sanjaya says thus, King Dhritarashtra is clearly rattled and replies back thus, “Oh Sanjaya! You’ve been so fortunate to witness Bhagawan Krishna in the way nobody would have witnessed in this world. I understand the pain in which Bhagawan Krishna is in right now. I know that my son Duryodhana is solely responsible for all what had happened. However, Oh Sanjaya! Please think deeply and tell me – Is there still a slight chance of course correction? If yes, what should I do? I would really want to listen to your golden words of wisdom and based on your thought and advice, I shall try to take things forward!” These are words of King Dhritarashtra as both of them are alone in the chamber without anybody present there. As King Dhritarashtra says thus, Sanjaya replies back immediately: “Oh King Dhritarashtra! You are an expert in listening to the words of “Dharma”, but when it comes to action and execution, you seem to be a fine zero! Now I do not want to tell you anything when we are alone. Let us call upon Sage Vyaasa and Gaandhaari and let us discuss the next course of action in front of both of them. We shall also seek the expert advice from Sage Vyaasa as well!” 

As Sanjaya says thus, King Dhritarashtra calls upon both Gaandhaari and Sage Veda Vyaasa into his chamber, even as Sanjaya is present. King Dhritarashtra asks Sage Vyaasa thus, “Oh great Sage Vyaasa! You are my father and I’m sure you will guide me in the right direction. As you might have seen till now, the situation at Hastinapura is deteriorating day by day and it looks as if a huge war is looming large, which is going to create mass destruction! Hence, is there any way to prevent this and tackle the situation amicably so that there is no loss on both sides?” As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Sage Vyaasa smartly looks at Sanjaya to continue his accord. With the signal coming from Sage Vyaasa’s divine eyes, Sanjaya continues further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! With the esteemed Sage Vyaasa and Gaandhaari amongst us, let me reiterate my point very clearly – Even if you have a thousand accomplished warriors on your side and if Bhagawan Janaardhana (Bhagawan Krishna) is alone on the other side, your side will surely be on the losing side! If Bhagawan Krishna has decided to win, there is no second thought in that and whatever happens thereafter will only be aligned to His “Sankalpa”. This is the fact and it will definitely happen, no matter how much ever you try to go against Bhagawan’s divine “Sankalpa”! This is what I understood after I had the divine “Darshan” of Bhagawan Krishna. Now that Sage Vyaasa and Gaandhaari are also with us, we may seek their opinion on this and let us see if the scholarly Sage Vyaasa is going to negate whatever I said till now! Oh King Dhritarashtra!  Bhagawan Krishna doesn’t need even a single weapon in His hand to defeat His enemies. All what is required from Him is His divine “Sankalpa”! With that itself, “Adharma” will be burnt down completely within a jiffy!”

Saying thus, Sanjaya also conveys yet another important point here. He says, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Till the time I met Bhagawan Krishna, I was thinking that the feud was between Duryodhana and Yudishtra (Kauravas vs. Paandavas). However, after I met Him, I sense that this is not the case! The feud is much bigger than all of us think! I feel that it is going to be a war between Dharma and Adharma and at the end of it, all of them are going to be destroyed in both the camps! This is what I understand!” Saying thus, Sanjaya hands over the mantle to Sage Vyaasa to take the conversation further! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness Sage Vyaasa’s accord on this! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna “spilling the beans” about the upcoming Kurukshetra war, which is looming large at the moment! By providing Sanjaya with a great divine spiritual experience, Bhagawan Krishna secretly tells Sanjaya that the entire fiasco is all His divine “Leela” and things are going to lead to the inevitable war between the Kauravas and the Paandavas. Bhagawan Krishna explains this to Sanjaya and in turn, Sanjaya explains this to King Dhritarashtra confidentially after the courtroom session is over. We are at this moment wherein Sanjaya is explaining Bhagawan Krishna’s opinion on the entire feud that is brewing up between the two camps, as questioned by King Dhritarashtra. We’ve also seen that Bhagawan Krishna specifically has chosen Sanjaya to give out this vital information because He knows that Sanjaya will goof it up in his own brilliant way and send out a stern warning to King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana on the upcoming danger. 

Moving on thus, Sanjaya continues with his accord to King Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya says thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! As Bhagawan Krishna spilled out this stunning news that He is the one who takes the final decision of going for an inevitable war, I asked Him the reason for His extremely harsh decision. Bhagawan Krishna said to me thus – Oh Sanjaya! On that ill-fated day when Draupati called out to me with my divine name – “Govinda”, my heart melted towards her unconditional devotion towards me! I had tears in my eyes! Immediately I decided to act and thus, with my divine “Anugraha”, Draupati was saved from facing more embarrassment. However, I feel that I’ve not done complete justice to Draupati still. The moment she called out my divine name “Govinda”, I became indebted to her! Hence, I’m just waiting for the right time to clear off my debt to Draupati and the only way to clear it off is to ensure the war taking place between the two camps! Duryodhana can never run away without answering tough questions for whatever he has done in the past! He thinks that he can escape anything and everything in this world, but his “Karma” will catch up with him very soon! Oh Sanjaya! I’ve been suffering from the debt of Draupati for all these years! My heart is in pain! Please convey this message confidentially to King Dhritarashtra, Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya!”

Sanjaya continues thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Such was the message from Bhaagwan Krishna to all of us! If Bhagawan’s heart has to pain, you can imagine the level of atrocities Duryodhana has committed in the past and is still committing in the present. Hence, if this continues further, there is no use of protecting anyone from anything. The damage is increasingly becoming inevitable and all we can do is to prepare our mind to face it! If Bhagawan has decided it, who are we to even question it further? Hence, please listen to me – There is no use of making attempts for any kind of peace talks in future!” 

As Sanjaya gives a firm reply thus, King Dhritarashtra is also stunned to bits! He shakes with fear and asks back thus, “Oh Sanjaya! Please do not say that! I’m ready for any number of peace talks in the future and ultimately I want this issue to be amicably resolved. If required, I myself will volunteer for the same! Maybe, I shall take the hard decision of giving what Yudishtra’s share of Indraprastha and put this to an end!” As King Dhritarashtra says thus, Sanjaya replies further: “Oh King! I don’t think this is going to happen! You may give your best shot, but when Bhagawan has decided the course of action for the future, I do not think you can really interfere in it. Even if you do so, it will end in failure. Of course, I’m not saying that you should leave it off. Please keep trying your best, but pray to Bhagawan Krishna as you try! Moreover, from whatever I’ve understood from my conversation with Bhagawan Krishna is that, even if you think of resolving the issue amicably, fate would drive you towards “Adharma” only. It is too late for you and for Duryodhana to now shift back to the path of “Dharma”! 

Saying thus, Sanjaya drops a bombshell upon King Dhritarashtra’s head! As we know, King Dhritarashtra is already confused upon which way to take and with this stunning accord from Sanjaya, he is getting confused even further! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna providing an enthralling spiritual experience to Sanjaya as being narrated by Sanjaya himself to King Dhritarashtra. This happens as part of Sanjaya’s visit to Viraata Desha to meet Yudishtra. As Sanjaya narrates, he had an opportunity to have Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Darshan” in a totally private space and with Arjuna being present along with Him. Sanjaya had the divine experience of witnessing Arjuna being in constant service to Bhagawan by making Him feel comfortable. As Arjuna sees Sanajaya coming inside that chamber, he points out to an “Aasana” for him to sit, however, Sanjaya feels that this high-profile seat in front of Bhagawan is not for him to sit! Hence, he prefers to sit on the ground, along with Arjuna and the others who are present there. As Arjuna points out Sanjaya to Bhagawan Krishna, Bhagawan Krishna’s divine eyes fall upon Sanjaya and He welcomes Sanjaya with a beaming smile! This surprises Arjuna too, as Bhagawan Krishna normally doesn’t entertain anybody else in this private chamber, including the likes of Abhimanyu and Saatyaki! However, if Bhagawan is wanting Sanjaya to be present in His chamber, we shall understand that Sanjaya is a great “Dharma-Atma” the world has ever seen! Hence, Bhagawan Krishna wants to honour Sanjaya’s “Dharma” and hence, He welcomes Him with His divine look and pleasing words! 

As Bhagawan Krishna does so, Arjuna asks Him directly thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Normally you do not allow anybody inside our private chamber, including the likes of Abhimanyu, Saatyaki, Pradhyumna and Aniruddha as well. However, why did you allow Sanjaya to come in?” Bhagawan Krishna gives an important reply to Arjuna’s question thus, “Oh Arjuna! Sanjaya is a person who does not have even an iota of jealousy in him. He is a pure soul! He is also an epitome of “Dharma” and not many people might have realized it, because he is amidst people who are grossly going by the path of “Adharma”! Sanjaya is an embodiment of “Satva Guna” and is completely devoid of the “Rajo Guna and Tamo Guna”. Moreover, Sanjaya knows how to explain things in a very beautiful way. He has been blessed with the divine art of communication. If he sees something, he will be able to explain it in an extremely convincing way to people! Now that Sanjaya has seen us in this manner, he will definitely go and tell King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana that they are never going to win against you and Yudishtra in the upcoming war! Just look at how Sanjaya is going to explain this scene to King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana! As Sanjaya explains this to them, there is definitely a chance that the father-son duo will realize what they are up against! This is why I wanted Sanjaya to come inside!” 

Saying thus to Arjuna, Bhagawan Krishna gets up from His divine “Aasana”, folds His hands with respect towards Sanjaya and says thus, “Oh great Sanjaya! Now you have an important task in your hands – Whatever I’m going to tell you now, please do not go and convey to kids! Talk about this to seniors such as King Dhritarashtra, Guru Dhronachaarya and Bhishmachaarya. Only they will understand what I’m going to tell you now!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Sanjaya doesn’t know what to reply! He asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Please tell me! I’m here to execute your orders! What are you going to talk about? Is it about peace or war or treaty or what?” Upon Sanjaya’s questioning, Bhagawan Krishna replies thus, “Oh Sanjaya! Please understand one thing very clearly – The war that is looming large is definitely going to happen! There is going to be mass destruction! Your entire Kaurava clan is going to be extinct! This is not Yudishtra’s or Arjuna’s decision! This is my decision and I’ll be executing it in the near future! Hence, there is no use of involving in peace talks! This war is inevitable!” 

These words from Bhagawan Krishna stuns Sanjaya to bits! He doesn’t know what to reply after he hears this from Bhagawan Krishna! As he conveys this to King Dhritarashtra, he once again shudders and trembles with fear upon talking to King Dhritarashtra about it! Sanjaya continues with his conversation with Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! I know I’m hearing something which is shocking! However, I would like to know the reason for your decision!” As Sanjaya asks thus, Bhagawan Krishna is going to narrate an important reason behind Him taking such an extreme decision! What is the reason? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Duryodhana expressing his final decision on the entire fiasco – He’s very clear that he is not going to compromise even an inch of land to Yudishtra from Hastinapura, despite several people including Sanjaya, Vidura, Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya and King Dhritarashtra himself trying to make Duryodhana relent from his adamance! Thus, as Duryodhana expresses his decision, the entire courtroom is stunned into silence and people start walking away gradually, knowing that their words do not have any recognition and respect. Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya hurry out of the courtroom with insults written all over their faces! As people walk away one after the other, King Dhritarashtra calls Sanjaya near him and asks him about Bhagawan Krishna’s opinion on this entire fiasco. Sanjaya replies that he would explain that, but not in the public courtroom. As both of them go into King Dhritarashtra’s chamber, Sanjaya is going to explain what Bhagawan Krishna’s thought process is. 

Sanjaya explains thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! When I had met Yudishtra at Viraata Desha, I had an impeccable experience wherein Bhagawan Krishna was sitting along with Arjuna, Satyabhama and Draupati in Yudishtra’s “Antahpura”. When I entered inside, it was a divine moment for me in my life and I’ve never experienced such a thing till date! There were two “Dwaara-Baalakas” guarding the entrance and as Bhagawan Krishna understands that someone is coming, He enquires with the “Dwaara Baalakas”. Upon understanding that this Sanjaya has come to meet Him, the “Dwaara-Baalakas” opened the doors for me to enter. The permission was only for me to enter and with folded hands I obeyed Bhagawan Krishna’s words and entered inside! I was sure that I’m in for a divine and a lifetime experience as Bhagawan Krishna called me. As I had the divine “Darshan” of Bhagawan Krishna, He was decorated with sandal paste all over His divine body. He was wearing a fresh and a sweet-smelling garland around His neck along with a “Kireeda” (Crown) on top of His head. Bhagawan Krishna was dazzling in His appearance and I’ve never seen Him like that till that day! As I went closer, I saw Bhagawan Krishna leaning on to His “Aasana” (Seat) with both His divine lotus feet placed on Arjuna’s lap and Arjuna is caressing Bhagawan Krishna’s feet! What a sight! How fortunate is Arjuna to touch Bhagawan Krishna’s lotus feet and caress them! As Arjuna saw me entering, without talking a single word, he gestured his respect towards me and requested me to be seated in another “Aasana” kept nearby Bhagawan Krishna. 

As Arjuna points out the “Aasana” for me to sit, I did not know whether to talk or to laugh or to cry! I wanted to talk something to both Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna, but my tongue failed me! Words were not coming out of my mouth! I wanted to sit on the “Aasana” but somehow my conscience was pricking me that this Sanjaya wasn’t eligible enough to sit on this high-profile “Aasana”. Hence, I just touched the “Aasana” with my hands and quietly sat on the ground! As I sat on the ground, Arjuna showed me Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet with his hands. Upon having a look at those divine feet of Bhagawan, I was able to see the “Shanka” on one foot and “Chakra” on the other! I’ve never seen this till now and it was totally a new experience for me! Moving on, I also saw Arjuna’s feet, and it has the “Urdhva Regai”. Normally the “Urdhva Regai” will be in someone’s feet, only if that person is a great king or someone who is a close aide of a great person in this world! As I saw all these, Arjuna was caressing Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet and I was enjoying this scene with all my heart! As I was sitting beside both of them, Arjuna slowly asked Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! Our dear Sanjaya has come to see both of us. What should I tell him?” As Arjuna says thus, Bhagawan Krishna immediately gets up from His reclining position and sits on the chair properly and replied straightaway to me thus, “Oh dear Sanajaya! Welcome to my chamber! I’m so happy to see you today and I was waiting for you all this long!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna is totally surprised! While even Saatyaki, Abhimanyu, etc. aren’t allowed inside to meet Bhagawan Krishna, how come Sanjaya is being welcomed so warmly by Bhagawan? This same thought ran through my mind as well and with this, I was in tears of joy upon being welcomed by Bhagawan Krishna in person!” 

Saying thus, Sanjaya explains his divine experience of meeting Bhagawan Krishna in person! So for today, let us enjoy this section of Sanjaya’s beautiful description and in the next episode, we shall continue this further and see what Bhagawan Krishna had to tell Sanjaya! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Duryodhana giving his reply to the entire discussion that has been taking place post Sanjaya’s visit to Viraata Desha to meet Yudishtra. As Sanjaya, Vidura, Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, etc. are of a unified opinion that Indraprastha should be given back to Yudishtra since he had obliged and fulfilled all the conditions set by Duryodhana during the gambling game episode and also to put an end to the raging feud between both the camps. King Dhritarashtra too tries his part to mend Duryodhana’s ways and to make him relent from his adamant stance. However, Duryodhana is determined in his stance! The moment Guru Dhronachaarya talks about Karna and explains how opportunistic he is, Duryodhana fumes in anger and retaliates that he requires none of the seniors in the courtroom to rally behind him during the war and he can manage single handedly with Karna and Ducchaasana by his side! By saying thus, Duryodhana gives a feeler that all the efforts taken by Sanjaya, Vidura and King Dhritarashtra himself to mend Duryodhana’s arrogance are in vain! Duryodhana seems to be sticking on with his stance, even as he continues with his reply further to explain his final decision. 

Moving on further, Duryodhana continues thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Oh Bhishmachaarya! Oh Guru Dhronachaarya! Oh Vidura! Oh Sanjaya! Let me make my stance very clear here – I’m not going to give away even an inch of Hastinapura to Yudishtra and Co. If at all Yudishtra wants to claim his Indraprastha, let him do so in terms of fighting a war! I shall not relent from my stance even for a single moment. I do not want to give Hastinapura to someone who doesn’t even deserve an inch of land! If Yudishtra has the guts really, let him come and fight and through that, let him reclaim Indraprastha if at all he can!”

It is to be noted here that this is the first time Duryodhana is expressing this intention in front of everyone. Upon hearing this stubborn and adamant answer from Duryodhana, the entire courtroom is stunned into silence! Bhishmachaarya looks at Duryodhana with anger! Guru Dhronachaarya is fuming! King Dhritarashtra doesn’t even know how to react! The fate seems to be written clearly on the wall for the entire Kaurava clan! Vidura and Sanjaya look at each other helplessly! Until now, Vidura was atleast raising objections whenever required. But now, after Duryodhana has expressed his adamant decision, he too doesn’t know what to talk about! As this stunned silence prevails, many people start walking away from the courtroom! The effort to broker peace has come to a grinding halt and it has come to an inconclusive end and hence, all of them including Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya walk away in frustration. As people leave one by one, Sanjaya is the only one who stays back. 

As Sanjaya stays back thus, King Dhritatashtra asks him a very important question – “Oh Sanjaya! Till now you were explaining what Yudishtra, Bheemasena and Arjuna said. You were also telling about Viraata king’s opinion as well. However, Bhagawan Krishna is also by Yudishtra’s side, isn’t He? You’ve never told us what Bhagawan Krishna’s opinion on this was until now! Hence, please tell us Bhagawan Krishna’s opinion and based on that, we may decide on further course of actions. As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Sanjaya replies back – “Oh King Dhritarashtra! You’ve asked a very important question here, for which I cannot give you an answer here in the public courtroom. I shall give you the answer during a one-on-one meeting with you!” Hearing this from Sanjaya, King Dhritarashtra immediately gets up from his throne and leads Sanjaya into his chamber for a one-on-one meeting! Now Sanjaya explains thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! When I had asked for Bhagawan Krishna’s opinion, Arjuna led me into his “Antahpura” wherein there was a golden throne. Draupati, Satyabhama and Bhagawan Krishna were there, talking with each other. While this was going on, I saw something which I cannot even explain in words! But still, I shall try doing so! I shall try to explain what exactly I saw, but after I finish this explanation, please do not ask me for further descriptions. I shall not be able to give any further explanations! 

This reply from Sanjaya sends shivers down the spine of King Dhritarashtra! What was that which Sanjaya saw so uniquely? What was the message from it? King Dhritatashtra is very eager to know, and so are we, isn’t it? 🙂 So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness what Sanjaya’s description is going to be in this important context! Stay tuned! 🙂 

We’re amidst an important juncture wherein King Dhritarashtra is seemingly making a concrete attempt, perhaps for the first time to med Duryodhana’s ways and turn his path towards “Dharma”. Out of frustration, King Dhritarashtra tries to tell Duryodhana amidst the courtroom that it is time for him to hand over Indraprastha to Yudishtra as agreed upon earlier when the gambling game was played. King Dhritarashtra tries to convince Duryodhana to move on with things, rather than getting stuck with Yudishtra and seeking revenge against him. King Dhritarashtra also renders an important piece of advice, both as a father as well as a king that Duryodhana shouldn’t stand his ground unnecessarily and there is no use of fighting a war endlessly which would only result in the feud getting bigger and bigger at the end of each war! Of course, King Dhritarashtra is now doing his part, as Sanjaya and Vidura wanted him to do. But the bigger question here is whether this nudge from King Dhritarashtra is going to work with Duryodhana or not! Let us continue with what happened subsequently. 

As King Dhritarashtra says thus, it is now Duryodhana’s turn to reply. This time, he changes his stance a little bit, because he is seeing that his father is increasingly not getting convinced with his argument. Duryodhana says thus, “Oh father! Look! If you’re thinking and believing that I’m solely dependent on either Bhishmachaarya or Guru Dhronachaarya or Sage Kripachaarya, you are grossly mistaken! I’m not dependent on any of these three people, even though they might be veterans in warfare. I can win any war without these three people! I have ninety-nine brothers including my dear brother Ducchaasana. I have Karna’s never-ending support with me. With these people, I can fight and win any war in this world! They will never ditch me at any point in time!” 

Upon hearing this statement from Duryodhana, Guru Dhronachaarya and Bhishmachaarya immediately get up from their seats in anger! Both of them jointly say thus, “Oh Duryodhana! This is exactly what we are saying – Your statement is sounding absolutely foolish! Neither Ducchaasana nor Karna nor Sahuni are going to be behind you all the time! They are highly opportunistic in nature and you are not understanding their true nature! This is exactly where you are going wrong and you are completely aloof of this fact! Oh Duryodhana! Recollect the past a little bit – When all of us invaded the Viraata Desha last year, don’t you remember how Arjuna singlehandedly made Karna and Ducchaasana run for their money? Did they come and protect you when Arjuna was attacking you in the battlefield and when you were struggling to defend yourself? Moreover, when you were under attack from the Gandharvas, did Karna come and save you at that time? Instead of fighting the war, he ran away from that spot, leaving you alone to defend yourself! Finally it was Arjuna who came and saved you from the Gandharvas on that fateful day! If not for Arjuna, you would have been killed on that day itself! Oh Duryodhana! You’re talking so high about Karna, aren’t you? Where was Karna on that day when you were brutally attacked? Hence, please remember one thing clearly – Karna is a huge opportunist! Sahuni is even more of an opportunist and we know exactly what is his personal agenda behind rallying by your side! Please understand the reality!” 

As Guru Dhronachaarya and Bhishmachaarya speak in the forum thus, Duryodhana fumes with intense anger! He replies thus, “Oh Bhishmachaarya! Oh Guru Dhronachaarya! Whatever you’re talking about is just nonsense! I know about Karna! Nobody needs to give me lectures and sermons about the friendship and bonding that I share with him! Karna will never ditch me and he has been with me through the kith and kin of my life till today! Let me tell you one thing – Both of you, even though you are great warriors with a proven track record, have fallen trap to Yudishtra’s words! You are clearly rattled by the threat that Yudishtra is time and again doing! You’ve clearly succumbed to Yudishtra’s relentless pressure! If you succumb to those listless people, I do not bother! I know how to handle these kinds of threats and cheap tactics of Yudishtra! He doesn’t have the guts to come and fight a war with me and instead, he is veiling all these useless threats on me! Such things will never work with me and Yudishtra has to meet me on the battlefield very soon! I’m very clear on this!” 

Saying thus, Duryodhana asserts himself with aggression, never more than before! With this, King Dhritarashtra’s attempt to correct Duryodhana’s course of actions have come to a grinding failure! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness the continuation of what Duryodhana has to say! He is now going to convey his final decision through the course of this conversation! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the discussion between Sanjaya and King Dhritarashtra and the others, with regards to handing over Indraprastha to Yudishtra. After Sanjaya tables his detailed report on his visit to Viraata-Desha, Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, etc. have their say on it, and as a result, King Dhritarashtra starts getting jittery. He now reminds himself about Bheemasena’s brutal vow that he had taken during that infamous gambling episode when Draupati was publicly insulted and manhandled. With this, King Dhritarashtra’s fear is very simple – What if Bheemasena succeeds in fulfilling his vow that he would bludgeon Ducchaasana and give his blood to Draupati to wash her hair? Are the Paandava brothers too strong to destroy the entire Karuava clan mercilessly? As this fear grips King Dhritarashtra, he somehow comes to a conclusion that the best way to put an end to this brewing feud is to hand over Indraprastha to Yudishtra. But he has other doubts as well – Will handing over Indraprastha to Yudishtra put an end to this issue? Or, will Yudishtra react in some other way? This is where, Sanjaya once again intervenes and advises King Dhritarashtra to mend Duryodhana’s ways. 

As all these arguments happen in the public courtroom, Duryodhana is keenly listening to all of these. It is now his turn to respond at a time when all people who are assembled there are expecting Duryodhana to relent atleast now. Duryodhana gets up and says, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I’m surprised that you’re getting carried away by the talks of all these cowards sitting here! Just because Bheemasena is powerful, should the entire world fear for him and succumb in front of him? Is this the way a brave king talks? We are “Kshatryas” and we should always have confidence in ourselves! Look at our army! We have Karna who has proved time and again that he is a great warrior and can defeat anyone and everyone on his given day! In addition, we have KritaVarma, who is also an accomplished warrior! We have Ashwatthaama and Guru Dhronachaarya with us! Bhishmachaarya himself is a great warrior and even the celestial beings cannot stand in front of him during a war! Our army is like a huge whale in the ocean! Whereas, their army is just like a small jellyfish struggling in a mighty ocean! We shall destroy them altogether and please do not worry! Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please do not get scared by the scary talks that these people are giving! Sanjaya and Vidura are talking out of fear! Do not succumb into their fear mongering! You should have confidence in our people, who are great warriors with proven track records!” 

Saying thus, Duryodhana tries to convince King Dhritarashtra. By doing so with a detailed accord that spans for four “Adhyaayas” thus, Duryodhana conveys his final decision. But before that, King Dhritarashtra once again tries to advise him thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Please understand the reality. You are living in a fictitious and an illusionary world! You do not know what disaster in a war is. You are playing with fire. Please let your ego off! Please come for a compromise. This is good for you as well as for Yudishtra and Co. Ultimately as a king and as a father, I want all my sons to be happy and prosperous and for that, compromise between brothers is necessary! Why don’t you understand this? Moreover, a war will only be detrimental to the entire kingdom. War is never a solution for a peaceful life! You may still win the war with all the might that you have. But what if Yudishtra, who is losing today, comes back for a war again and again with you later on? Will you spend your entire time fighting wars repeatedly or will you like to spend your time peacefully with other important administrative works of the kingdom? You should think on these lines too. Just because you have a grudge on Yudishtra, it doesn’t mean that you would deny his rightful claim of Indraprastha! Oh Duryodhana! It is you who had assured on that day that once the thirteen-year period of “Vana-Vasam” is over, Indraprastha will be handed over to Yudishtra. Now that he has completed it successfully, isn’t it your duty to duly hand it over to Yudishtra? Why are you standing your ground like this unnecessarily?” 

Saying thus, King Dhritarashtra tries to mend Duryodhana’s ways, both as a father and as a king. But the important question here is whether Duryodhana is ready to pay heed! We shall find this out in the next episode when Duryodhana comes up with his final decision! Stay tuned for an important accord! 🙂