Mahabharata/Jaya - Peace Talks 2

"I will not give a needle point of land to the bastards (Pandavas)." Thus spoke Duryodhana in the royal court of Hastinapura when responding to Krishna's peace resolutions. It shows the foolishness and stubbornness generated in a man when one is greedy and evil .

After Sanjaya's visit, the mood among the Pandavas and their supporters were very aggressive. Only Emperor Yudhistira still maintained some calm and peace. He was happy to know that Krishna had arrived as summoned by him.

Emperor Yudhistira met Krishna and updated him on the recent developments about how King Dhritharashtra was not willing to do justice. Emperor Yudhistira wanted to know if there was any other resolution rather than war. Krishna listened to his worries and advised that he is willing to help. Krishna confirmed that He can go to Hastinapura and try to resolve this with peaceful dialogues. Emperor Yuddhistira then also states, "If they do not agree, ask them for five villages. If they give us those 5 villages, we will not fight". In some retellings, Yudhistira is not credited with this idea. It is Krishna who states all this.

The others were not happy with this development but Krishna again reminded that avoiding the war is the best for all. Let's try all the peaceful methods before choosing war.

Draupadi was very unhappy and she met Krishna before he left for Hastinapura. She asks, "Have you forgotten how those Kouravas and their friends had humiliated me? Even if they give us our land, I want a war. My humiliation needs to be avenged". Krishna consoles her, "I am just going to do my duty by speaking to them. If it is destined that a war will happen, then it will happen.". In some retellings it is stated that Krishna confirms to Draupadi that He will go and speak in such a way that peaceful truce will not happen.


News of Krishna coming to Hastinapur is met with great joy by the people and the elders of Hastinapura. King Dhritharashtra commands Vidura to make arrangements for his welcome and stay. The elders here again advise King Dhritharashtra and Duryodhana that "He is coming here as a messenger of peace. Listen carefully to whatever He has to say and think about it. It would be good for all of us if we agree to His resolutions".

Krishna is very well treated on his arrival. King Dhritharashtra extends lot of rich gifts to Him. Then as he states that Krishna can stay at Dushashana's palace, Krishna refuses. Krishna confirms that He will stay with Vidura and moreover, His aunt Kunti too is there. King Dhritharashtra and Duryodhana feels insulted but yet they mask it. Then Duryodhana invites Krishna for a meal. Krishna refuses this as well stating, "I am a messenger of the Pandavas. There might be a war in the future or maybe not. If it does occur, I am on Pandavas' side as Dharma is with them. I cannot accept your hospitality as then it will make me indebted to you. Neither am I so hungry or you my friend that I should be eating with you". Duryodhana considers this as  an insult but again masks it.

On this day, Krishna meets Bhishma, Drona and Vidura advising that war is not in the best interests to any of  the sides. Krishna requests them to advise King Dhritharashtra and Duryodhana to give back the Pandavas' their rightful land and avoid war.

Krishna meets Kunti. There is a little subtle hint of Krishna knowing Karna's identity provided here. Kunti is worried about the upcoming war. Krishna consoles her, "Don't worry, Aunt Kunti. All your FIVE sons will be safe". Kunti has a slight worry and then quickly masks it. Then she (as strong a woman as she was) instructs Krishna to give the following message to the Pandavas, "If the war is going to happen, then go tell my sons that the reason we queens give birth to warrior sons is come. They need to fight at their best and come out victorious".

Next day in the royal court of Hastinapura, Krishna addresses the court and the King, "This court has great beings like Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Vidura. If there is war, all this will be destroyed.It is the responsibility of this court to advise foolish Duryodhana that one's clan cannot be destroyed to support his stupid ambitions. He can make truce with the Pandavas and give them back their rightful land". The elders to tried gently persudae Duryodhana to do what is right.

Duryodhana was seething with anger. He downright refuses to give up his land. This is when Krishna offers him the following proposal, "Give Pandavas 5 villages - Varnavata, Indraprastha, Jayanta, Vrikaprastha and 5th one of your choice". This is when Duryodhana stated the opening words of this post showcasing his unrelenting ego and hatred.

I have read that the 5 villages being asked here has a significance. With Varnavata, Yudhistira wanted the Kauravas to remember the house of lac. With Indraprastha, Yudhistira wants them to remember the injustice of receiveing Khandavaprastha. With Jayanta, Yudhistira wanted them to remember the recreational hall  where the game of dice was played. With Vrikaprastha, Yudhistira wants them to remember where Bhima was poisoned as a child. Also, the adjoining forest is where the Pandavas spent the first night of their exile. The fifth village is left for Kauravas to choose and provide. That will make up for the rest of injustices committed against the Pandavas. This is stated to Dhritharashtra and Duryodhana by Vidur.


Listening to Duryodhana's response, Krishna implores the King and the court to sacrifice this foolish prince. Duryodhana warns Krishna that He will be arrested and imprisoned. Krishna dares him to do so if he can. When Duryodhana orders his officers to arrest Krishna, Krishna shows his vishwaroopa (eternal & universal  form).

The ordinary mortals in the crowd are blinded by this event. Only Bhishma, Drona and Vidura is able to view this spectacle and feel blessed. In some folklores, it is stated that Dhritharashtra receives his eyesight for these moments due to blessings from Krishna. King Dhritharashtra is filled with ecstacy at this and he quickly requests Krishna to restore his blindness. This sight is enough for him. And yet, he does not do what is right. A very good lesson for all us to show that mere knowing of what is true is not enough. Some among us are blessed and in the correct position to do what is right. And yet, blinded with greed and attachment we act in a ungodly way. 

Krishna leaves the court and no one dares touch him.

Speaking about the modern times, you need to do a little research about the 1962 cuban crisis. The way JFK, his brother and his adviser tried all the diplomatic routes to avoid a nuclear war is well documented. The generals and military representative were pushing for war but yet peace was maintained. Who knows how the world would have been if indeed JFK had listened to his generals. Yet, he exhausted all the diplomatic routes to ensure peaceful resolution was found. You can also watch "Thirteen Days" movie starring Kevin Costner which is based on this event. Krishna was unsuccessful in his bid for peace but JFK was able to avoid war. It could very well have been the third world war.

Mahabharata/Jaya - Narayan or Narayani Sena?

"Since you both are related to me, I cannot help just one of you. There are 2 options- pick the one you like for yourselves. First option is my army (Narayani sena) with all their weapons and devices and the second one is me (Narayan - another name for Krishna), unarmed and will not fight." Thus spoke Krishna addressing it to Arjuna in the presence of Duryodhana.

Both the parties started preparing for the war after the royal priest had left Hastinapura and when Sanjaya was on his way to Upaplavya. It was only Yuddhistira who was still hoping for peace.

Both the parties had send messages to their friends and supporters requesting their confirmation on the impending war. The son of Subbala, Shakuni, then instructed Duryodhana, "The Dwaraka army (narayani sena) is very strong. They are related to us just like they are to Pandavas and they are our political allies as well. You should personally go and meet Krishna and get their support for the war."

Thus instructed, Duryodhan left for Dwaraka. At the same time, Arjuna too had left for Dwaraka to gather support for his cause.

Duryodhana reached the palace of Krishna before Arjuna. Krishna was sleeping at the time. Duryodhana entered his chambers and (as arrogant and egotistical as he was) went and sat on the chair next to Krishna's head. Arjuna then entered the chambers and just stood at the feet of Krishna.

In a while, Krishna got up and he saw Arjuna. He smiled at him and inquired, "Oh my friend, what brings you here". Duryodhana then interrupts stating , "I was there before Arjuna and I am here to request your assistance in the impending war". Krishna responds, "But I saw Arjuna first so I will tend to his needs first". Arjuna confirms, "No friend. It is true that Duryodhana had arrived before I." Krishna, the all-knowing and ever smiling, then spoke to Duryodhan, "Still I will tend to Arjuna's need first. He is younger to you and hence, he has the right to ask first".

Then turning to Arjuna, the Great One asked, "Tell me, Partha, how can I be of help to you?" Arjuna says, "My friend, you know it all. I am here to take your assistance for the upcoming war. Please support us as we   are true to Dharma."

This is when Krishna reminds them that He cannot help just one but will have to help them both. Thus, He gave Arjuna the choice of His regiment and Him alone. Arjuna responds, "I do not want your strong army with all those wonderful weapons. I only need you with me, with us. We need you to guide us. Also, it will be a great honour if you will be my charioteer. Victory will be sure if you are with me, oh friend." Duryodhana was relieved and ecstatic listening to this. Still he masked his joy and put a sorry face. He says,' Ok, then. If that is the case I will just make do with the army" and leaves the place.

Spiritually speaking Vyasa was just not subtle here. This was a very great story. Just take off the metaphors and the message is so clear. The God has given us the world with all it's bounty and joys. But the true devotee will always need to balance himself in God to achieve that thing called enlightenment. So at one side you have all the material world and it's riches while at the other side there is God. It is interesting that Krishna does not choose for himself but he puts Arjuna in the predicament. Maybe, it is just a simple test. But Arjuna chose God over his riches. Maybe, we will all encounter such a choice in a micro or macro level. What we choose will shape our future. If you delve more into our lives, you will see that we all face this kind of choice multiple times in a day. I know that this story was not so subtle but everything that can be said about "oneness" has been said in this wonderful little event. 

Mahabharata/Jaya - Peace Talks 1

"Be happy as you are." Thus spoke Sanjaya to Emperor Yudhisthira and the other kings and warriors present in the court of Upaplavya. If there was any doubt over King Dhritharashtra's complicity with Duryodhana, it was all removed by this message.


Emperor Yudhisthira, his brothers and all his supporters were now in Upaplavya (city of the Matsya kingdom). They were deciding the next course of action. Almost all were ready to do battle. But then Emperor Yudhisthira and Krishna did not want to go for a war right away. They opined that a peace messenger should be sent to the court of Hastinapura to gently ask for the Pandavas' portion of the land. Bhima was not very happy with this suggestion but then Krishna stated, "War cannot be fought to finish off your enemies. War should be fought only when there is adharma (chaos, evil, violence) prevailing and all the peaceful measures have been exhausted. A war cannot be fought just so that you finish your vows. Peace is more important that you succeeding in your vows." I will give a very modern example of how a great leader avoided the third world war by using all the means of diplomacy within the next 2 blogs.


It was decided that the royal priest would be sent to Hastinapura for delivering the message of Emperor Yudhistira.

In the court of Hastinapura, the royal priest states to King Dhritharashtra, "Emperor Yudhistira has sent his respects to all the elders here and lots of love to his younger brothers. If Grandsire Bhishma or Guru Drona or Vidur states that the Pandavas had not finished the term of exile as demandeed, then they are ready to go back and resume the next set of 13 year exile as was the condition. But if not, then please return to them their kingdom. Emperor Yudhistira does not want war and is hoping peace and justice will prevail". Listening to this Prince Duryodhana rejects this offer. Bhishma reprimands Duryodhana to treat the messenger with respect. To this the royal priest states, "You don't get manners through lineage". Karna is angry on Duryodhana's insult. Karna supports Duryodhana and tells the priest to inform the Pandavas to get ready for a war.

At the end, King Dhritharashtra sends away the royal priest saying, "I need some time to think. We will send our message through a messenger".

All the elders request King Dhritharashtra to give back the land to Pandavas. But he does not agree.

He calls Sanjaya, his loyal servant and charioteer, to his room. He instructs Sanjaya on the message which needs to be delivered.

Sanjaya travels to Upaplavya and delivers the following message, "King Dhritharashtra sends his love to his sons. He pays his respect to King Drupada. His message to his eldest son Yudhistira is here - Be happy as you and where you are. You are a very peaceful person. I am sure you will be able to understand that there is nothing to be gained from this material world. If there is war, then it will only result in the destruction of the family line. You just stay where you are and live your life. I am sure you will be able to convince your brothers to follow peace."

Emperor Yudhistira and all the others present were red with anger. But still Emperor Yudhistira did not desire war. He called Krishna for his guidance. 

Mahabharata/Jaya - Abhimanyu's wedding

"With Brihanalla around, there was no way Prince Uttar could have lost". Thus spoke Kanka to King Virata who was exalted on hearing Prince Uttar's victory over the Kuru army.

As the news of Prince Uttar's victory reached the King who had just returned from fighting with the Trigartas. The King was elated and wanted to celebrate and decorate the city. During these conversations, Kanka reminded Brihanalla's presence and impact thrice by stating the above  mentioned words. The first 2 times the King ignores his statement but then the third time he throws a dice at Kanka injuring his mouth. At that time, Sairandhri attends to Kanka. Simultaneously, it is announced the Prince Uttara has reached the palace. Kanka slowly indicated to Sairandhri to ensure that Brihanalla does not enter the room. It is becuase Brihanalla (Arjun) will not be able to control himself if he sees a bleeding Yuddhistira and he might kill King Virata. This episode is in someways a good reminder to us that people might not always be ready to hear the truth. Also, Yuddhistira should have empathised with a fathers joy over his son's success rather than blatantly speaking the truth. Also, one should not be blind to the truth due to love as shown here by King Virata. 

The next day the Pandavas adorn theier Kshatriya clothes and present themselves to the court. Emperor Yudhistira as was his position, seats himself in the royal throne. King Virata is first angry at this sight but then Prince Uttara enters to disclose the identity of the Pandavas. Emperor Yuddhistira leads King Virata to the throne. King Virata is overcome with gratitude to know that his servants were the famed Pandavas who also helped them in winning 2 wars. He extends his daughter's hand in marriage to Arjuna.

Arjuna states, "Uttara is my student and I am her master. I cannot breach this relationship by marrying her. My son Abhimanyu is a skilled warrior himself and now entering the age of marriage. If you are fine, I would like to have her as my daughter-in-law." King Virata happily agreed to this.

After so many years the Pandavas got a reason to celebrate and be joyous. The news of this wedding reached Hastinapura. Did the Pandavas invite their relatives for the wedding, I am not sure but no one attended it. 


Vidura advised King Dhritharashtra to command Duryodhana to give back the Pandavas' portion of the kingdom. Out of love and his own ambitions, King Dhritharashta does not agree. 

Mahabharata/Jaya - Virata Yudh

"Only 6 people could kill Keechak. Bheeshma, Bhima... Krishna, Jarasandh, Duryodhana and I. But we know the wherabouts of all the people except for Bhima. So it would be Bhima who killed Keechak, the army general of Matsya Kingdom. My friend, we have to attach that kingdom for shielding our enemies and to identify the Pandavas. In that case they can go back to the 13 year exile". Thus spoke Karna on hearing the news of Keechak's death.

Duryodhana was elated with the hope of keeping Pandavas at bay for another 13 years. Karna, always noble yet loyal and blind to Duryodhana, instructed that they must not let the elders be aware of this.  Shakuni and Duryodhana then informed the Trigartas to attack the Matsya kingdom.  Maybe that was the practise of the times to nab and steal cattle of other kingdoms. Cattle must have been counted as assets of a kingdom.

King Virata was alarmed when the Trigartas attacked the kingdom and led an army against them. But Kanka assured King Virata that cook Ballav and the 2 Stable boys were good soldiers in the army of Emperor Yuddhistira. Due to this, all the 4 of them were included in the regiment. With the 4 Pandavas present, victory was ensured. Sushurma was captured and brought to King Virata for sentencing his punishment. King Virata checked with Kanka as to what Emperor Yudhisthira would have done. Kanka states "Emperor Yudhistira did not believe in slaying an already captured enemy as that is against his Dharma. He would warn and let go of the prisoner". King Virata follows this step.

At the same time, the Kurus attack and steal the cattle from the other end of the kingdom. The Kuru battalion had Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Duryodhana, Karna, Ashwatthama and Dushassana. When the news was relayed to the royal palace of Matsya, the women were worried. This is when Prince Uttar (who is just a teenager) boasts about his prowess. He claims, "No need to inform my father who is fighting a battle at the other end of the kingdom. I am here and I will defeat all the kurus.". Sairandhri somehow convinces him to take Brihanalla as his charioteer stating that Brihanalla has done that for Arjun. This is where Vyas has included some humour into the story. Brihanalla acts as if she does not know how to wear the shield or the warrior costumes and Prince Uttar helps him out. Just before they leave, Princess Uttara takes a promise from them to get the clothes of the Kurus so that she can stitch some clothes for her dolls.

At first, the Kurus laugh when they see a teenage prince in a chariot driven by a eunuch advancing towards them. Prince Uttar gets shaky and scared when he sees the Kuru army with great fighters like Bhishma, Drona, Karna and Duryodhana. Prince Uttar says, "Brihanalla, forget all this. Turn back the chariot. I cannot be fighting these people. They will easily kill me". Brihanalla responds, "Huh! In the royal palace, you were boasting so much in the presence of women. Now what happened? DOn't be afraid. I am with you. Let's go and fight". Prince Uttar is so scared that he jumps from the chariot and starts running back. Brihanalla stops the chariot and she/he runs behind him. This leaves the Kuru camp in splits.

Brihanalla gets hold of the fleeing prince, lifts him and places him in the chariot. Then she/he takes the prince and the chariot to a tree nearby. He/she instructs Prince Uttar to bring down the seemingly dead-body covering cloth from the top of the tree but Prince Uttar does not oblige. This is when Brihanalla discloses the fact that he is Arjuna in disguise and the cloth does not contain a dead body but the weapons of the famous Pandavas. Prince Uttar brings down the cloth and is surprised to see the weapons. Yet, he is not convinced that the eunuch in front of him is Arjuna. This is when Arjuna reveals his ten names and the reasons for the same.

Armed with his famous Gandiva bow and Prince Uttar as his chariot driver, Arjun proceeds back to the Kuru army. The kuru army is now surprised and shocked to see the Gandiva bow and realizes that the eunuch is none other than the powerful and skilled Arjuna. Duryodhana is happy and he goes to the elders stating that the Pandavas were not succesful in keeping their identity a secret in the 14th year and hence must go back and resume another 13 years of exile. Revered Bhishma responds, "Your calculations are wrong. As per the calendar we follow, the 14 years have already completed. Yet, noble Yuddhistira, has waited for an extra month to ensure there are no complications". Duryodhana does not agree and is ably supported by Karna.

The elders does not have any other choice but to fight against Arjuna. Arjuna single handedly defeats all of them. One to note here is that in the first offical encounter between Arjuna and Karna, Karna is injured and he leaves the battlefield. This is also observed by Bhishma who later uses this instant to insult Karna to call him "Ardha Rati" (Half foot soldier). But it is never deeply explained as to why was Karna defeated in that duel.

Arjuna uses his divine weapon and puts all the Kurus to sleep. He then instructs Prince Uttar to bring pieces of cloth as promised to Princess Uttara. Another interesting highlight is that he instructs Prince Uttar not to kill the sleeping enemies and robbing them of a piece of their cloth is an enough of an insult.