SRI KRISHNAA Diplomat and Statesman

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

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Sri Krishna - A Diplomat and Statesman

© Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

Year : 2014

Typesetting by : R. Anuradha Raghuram, Hyderabad. (9441186831)

SRI RAMAKRISHNA TAPOVANAMChennai – 600 032, Mobile : 9884708559

Website : sriramakrishnatapovanam.org

E-mail ID : chvenkateswarlu30@gmail.com

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BETWEEN YOU AND ME

Society is rotten and stinking – It is our duty to protect

and preserve it. If our body falls sick it will not effect the

society. But if the mind gets sick, the

society gets rotten. Why?

Mind is the mother of all

desires. Even the waves in a sea

might stop but the desires in a mind

will not stop. Many more desires

crops up even before the first one is

fulfilled. When the desires did not

fulfil, the man gets angry. Anger

breeds hatredness. Hatredness

breeds vengeance. Vengeance gives

birth to violence. Such a person will

resort to heinous crimes to fulfill his

desires. Greed overpowers mind

and encourages to achieve his

desires in all unrighteous ways. The

greed will not die even if he is

imprisoned. Why a man resorts to

that? Is it due to lack of love for his

own dharma and sadacharams? or

does he disregards to the laws of

land? Or does he lacks fear for the

king (Constitution) ? Or is it due to

the lack of devotion to the god?

In olden days people strive in

gurukulams till they attain perfect

knowledge. Our puranas reveals us

that Rama and Krishna also entered

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in gurukulams for knowledge. Even a hundred years ago the

grand parents used to make their kids to sit on their stomachs

and teach them to recite the morals from Neeti satakams like

Vemana and sumati satakams . They inculcate devotion in

their tender minds with stories of Prahlada and Gajendra.

Thus they train their minds on Ethics on one side and devotion

on god on the other side. Oh! What a great solid system that

existed just before a century?

Now this system is disappeared under the guise of

secularism. Even grand parents do not know ethics and

values of life. What can they teach to their children? On the

other hand they are questioning “What gain my child benefit

by learning time old morals? We want to make him an actor

or a doctor etc” In this manner even the parents themselves

are brain washing the child. While the Parents are dreaming

the future of their children they are missing natural love and

affection from their parents. As the parents are pushing their

children to coaching centres and for campus selection, in turn

the children also are driving their parents to old age homes

when they are grown up. The undue growth of old age homes

should be an eye opener to the greedy parents.

Many Doctors, Layers, administrators politicians and

many other professionals are being produced in the above

manner and ruling the society. As a result ethical values are

disappeared and jungle law prevailed. There is no protection

for a common man. Possession of wealth, at any cost, is the

order of the day.

These are all off shoots of mental sickness. They are not

visible to the doctors. Even Laws of the land also could not

catch them. If one in a million is caught, he is boasting without

shame that he will come out from the jail, like a cleaned pearal.

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Unless the mind is controlled this disease can not be

cured. If mind becomes desireless it listens to sadbudhi. If it

listens to sadbudhi, chittam becomes pure and associates close

to antahkaranam. (In fact manassu, budhi, chittamu and

Antahkaranam are all one and one and to the size of an atom,

situates in hrudayam).

Our society is built on Sanatana Dharma. Vedas are

authority for those dharmas. The great rishis took out the

essence from Vedas and framed in the form of Upanishads,

sastras and puranas. Those dharmas were further simplified

in the form moral poems, devotional stories and the grand

parents were taught to their kids at a very infant age. Now

that time old tradition disappeared. But it is not a difficult

task for the almighty to put it back.

In fact these thoughts are not mime. I am only an

instrument, in the hands of my guru Sri Ramakrishna

Paramhansa.

Thought the society is rotten and stinking, people did

not lost devotion towards God. The unending Qs of devotees

at all temples is an evidence of their devotion towards God.

This element of bhakti bhavana is enough to retreat the lost

peace and hormoney in the society. Is not a small seed brings

out a huge banian tree? Now let us came to the point.

In marketing terminology the term P.O.P ( Point of

Purchase ) occupies a significant place. Which means;

normally a business man keeps many more articles useful to

his customers with a view of serving him better. If a customer

comes to buy an article, he buys some more articles also useful

for him. In the same way T.T.D Board also providing several

Savas to the Lord so as the devotees can avail a seva of their

choice.

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For the first time I went to Tirumala to have a darshan of

Lord Venkateswara in 1945. At that time a road was laid

and dedicated for the service of devotees. In those days one

bus used to come in the morning to Tirumala and the same

bus returns to Tirupati before sunset. Devastanam used to

provide us vessels freely and we used to cook our own food.

Hardly there were 2 or 3 special services were there apart

from dharma dersanam. Now the situation is different.

Devotees are waiting in Q complex between 5 to 20 hours

for darsan. Though they are confined in their comportments

physically, but their minds are not confined at the lotus feet of

Lord Venkateswara. Unless their mind is also made confined

on god related matters, they will not get Poorna Phalam.

Keeping in view of the above, and as guided by my

Gurudev I brought out 50 titles from Ramayanam,

Bhagavatam, Mahabharatam etc in an abridged from not

expecting 150 pages. I made an appeal to the Board of Trustees

to distribute those epics freely who are all standing in Q

complexes jas long as they continue the scheme of annadanam.

In case the devotees develop taste in Sanatana dharmas, ethics

and Sadacharams they may go for its originals and enrich

their knowledge.

In fact this is a divine cause. It is the duty of the god to

propagate Sanatana dharma among the people. T.T.D has

enough funds to for Dharma Pracharam at their command.

In case they need more funds, people will stand in Q to donate

for this divine cause. That is why Mahatma Gandhi advised

“Choose the right cause, means follow”.

Human mind is like a balance with two pans. As they

enrich purity of their mind by reciting these epics, the worldly

desires, greed and other impure qualities will disappear.

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In other words the society which is on the verge of rotting will

comeback and start practicing its time old Sanatna dharmas.

As instructed by my Gurudev I ventured to put this

proposal before the learned T.T.D managing committee. Rest

Lord Venkateswara will take care.

- CHILUKURU VENKATESWARLU

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KRISHNA, BALARAMA MEETS PANDAVAS

(This part is taken from Mahabhartam Adiparvam, Chapter – 7)

Pandavas escaped from the house of wax by an

underground tunnel and reached a forest, from there to

Drupada’s city. They attended the swayamvaram and won

Draupadi by breaking Mastya yantra in the form of brahmins.

All kings on earth including Duryodhana, Karna and others

failed to break mastya yantra . Krishna also came to that

swayamvara with yadava warriors. There he noticed

pandavas and advised yadava warriors not to participate in

the swayamavara.

Those kings who failed to win Draupadi became jealous

declared a war on those brahmins (pandavas) who broke the

mastya yantra. Pandavas won all those kings including karna.

They all reached home to tell the news of their victory.

At that time Krishna went to pandavas house and

introduced himself to Kunti as her nephew. He paid respects

to Dharmaraja and embraced other pandavas. Dharmaraja

asked “Krishna! We are afraid of Duryodhana and living in

the form of brahmins. It is strange to know how you could

identify us?”. Krishna said with a smile “can the clouds hide

the lustier of sun?”. Krishna blessed all good for them and

left.

BURNING OF KHANDAVA VANA

(This part is taken from Mahabharatam, Adiparvam Chapter – 8)

The manifestation of Krishna is different from other

manifestations. In this avataram he made Kurukshetra as a

stage and others played their roles. But he remained as an

observer. While Pandavas were ruling Indraprasta Krishna

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stayed a few days with Pandavas. One day he proposed to go

to forests to relax and went with Arjuna to Khandava Vana .

One day while Krishna and Arjuna were talking an old brahmin

came. They both worshipped him and said “Oh superior

brahmin! You looked tired can we do any help”? The brahmin

said “ Oh king? I am Agni, god of fire. Long ago king Swetaki

performed a long satrayaga for hundred years where they

poured ghee extensively as an oblation. Doorvasa maharshi

was acted as upadrashta priest . Because of the consuming

ghee in large quantities I am suffering with indigestion. I went

to Brahma and expressed my indipossion . Brahma said

“Agni!. Ordinary medicines will not work in your case. Indra

has nursed Khandava Vana with several medicinal herbs. If

you consume those herbs with the power of your burning,

you becomes normal. So you go and burn the Khandava Vana’’.

On the advise of Brahma I tried several times to burn

Khandava Vana, but Indra poured uninterrupted rains and

put off the fire. Since then I lost my burning power. I became

pale and lost my brightness. Again, I went to Brahma and

requested him to show a way out for me. Brahma said “Agni!

leave your distress, After some time Nara-Narayanas will

manifest as Krishna and Arjuna. You appeal to them. They

will help you in burning Khandava Vana”. Since then I am

waiting for your presence. Arjuna said “Oh Agni, I did not

brought weapons with me. But I have the expertise of using

all weapons. I am in possession of several astraas. I can even

defect Indra. I can make clouds to run away from you”.

Agni prayed for Varuna in his mind and he appeared in

human form. Agni said “Varuna! You give the great bow,

quiver with lasting arrows and the chariot yoked by divine

horses to Arjuna. In the some way you give Sudarshan chakra

to Krishna” Varuna gave a bow which known as gandeevam

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and a lasting quiver which will destroy the target and comes

back. He gave sudarshana chakra to Krishna and said it will

kill the target and comes back to you. There is no equal or

superior weapon than this. You also know it as Kalachakra”.

Krishna and Arjuna took those weapons with great

devotion and sat in the chariot. With the Permission Arjuna,

Agni stated burning the vana. Agni razed and burnt all the

herbs. Devatas went and reported to Indra. He ordered the

clouds to pour rain heavily. But Arjuna driven away the

clouds to far away and covered the sky, with arrows. Not even

a drop fell on ground. Indra became furious and went to fight

Krishna-Arjuna with big contingent of devatas.

In that wild fire Takshaka’s wife and son were caught.

He tried to save his mother in several ways but Arjuna did

not spared. Before Arjuna’s arrows reached target Indra

covered with an illusion of mohini and took both of them to

heaven. Indra was worried about his friend Takshaka. At that

time a voice from the sky heard as “Devendra! Takshaka was

not killed in the wild fire. He went to Krukshetra two days

earlier and he is safe there one more good news to you. The

great architect Mayu was spared unhurt by Arjuna from Agni.

He is also safe and alive.

Devendra! Krishna – Arjuna are no other them Nara-

Narayana’s who were manifestated with an amsa of Sri maha

Vishnu. So you can not win them. All the more you won many

battles against demons with the help of Vishnu. The same

Vishnu is now manifested as Krishna-Arjuna. Mayu came and

surrendered to them for protection and they protected him.

Devendra come down and offered several divine asters to

Arjuna” Krishna-Arjuna went and informed Dharmaraja.

(Readers may have a doubt how is that Agani had the

disease of indigestion? Bhagavan Sri Krishna him self said

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“Kaalosmi —— Bhava Savyasachin”. Which means that the

main object of manifestation is to reduce the burden on earth.

Keeping in view of the forthcoming battle of Kurukshetra.

Arjuna is equipped with gandeevam, divine astras and chariot.

In the same way, granting protection to Mayu will build an

unusual Sabha which will become seed for the forthcoming

battle of Kuruskhetra. )

MAYASABHA

(This part of the story is taken from Mahabharatam Sabha Parvam)

After Khandava dahanam, Mayu went to Dharmaraja

when Krishna was also with him.

Mayu : “Dharmaraja ! I am Mayu the architect of devatas.

By the grace of Arjuna, I to escaped from the raging fire in

Khandava vana. I am grateful to you, and Arjuna. Order me

how I can express my gratitude?

Krishna : “Mayu! Dharmaraja is going to be the most

powerful king among the Kuru dynasty. All the kings on land

are going to accept his authority. So you build a Sabha which

will be befitting to the status of such an emperor, It should be

unique”.

Mayu : “Krishna! I had some plans to build a glorious

Sabha which will please this Rajendra. With that, Sabha,

Dharmaraja will becomes more glorious then Indra and

rakshsendra. So I shall build for him a Sabha hall befitting to

his status, in which I will decorate with different kinds of

diamonds, gems and corals, which will produce more

brilliance than sunlight. Long ago Rushaparva, a king of

rakshasas asked me to build a Sabha hall for him. For that I

have procured several gems and many other materials and

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preserved them in Bindhu Sarovar. Now I will use all those

materials and build an extraordinary and variegated Sabha

hall and present it to Dharmaraja. In addition to this, I have

a conch and a club which belongs to Bhoumadithya, a Rajarishi.

I shall present them to Arjuna and Bheema”.

Mayu went to Bindhu Saravar and Mt.Mainaka to cut

marble slabs for carving structures such as beams, pillars,

walls and platforms which were studded with glittering gems

etc. All such materials required for the Sabha were procured

and carved on the banks of Bindhu Sarovar. He studded all

those pillars and beams with Sapphire stones. The rays of

sapphires gaves an illusion of a water pool. He studded ruby

stones to appear as lotus flowers; White lotus and swans were

made of silver. Tortoises were made with pure gold. Water

lilies were made of gems, cats eye and Lapis lazuli. The fish

were made of diamonds. The foam was made with pearls.

Moss was made of emerald stones. Walls were made of Alum

stone.

In the newly built Sabha, where some funny illusions

were created and permutations were made. As a result of it

one thinks there was a pool of water, but factually there will

be no water. At some other place it gives an illusion as if there

is a door, but it will end up with a wall. Mayu had built the

entire Sabha fitted with some such contrivances. The

surroundings were fitted with figures of mystics, so as to

appear like flowers, fruits, trees, lawns and gardens. Lakes

were blossomed with lotus and Lilly flowers. These

constructions and decorations were made on the banks of

Bindhu Sarovar itself. It took fourteen months for him to build

and engaged eight thousand rakshasa servants to bring by air

and erected at Indraprasta. He presented the same to

Dharmaraja. He presented a club to Bheema and a conch to

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Arjuna. Dharmaraja was very much pleased for the classic

presentation of Mayu and complemented him.

On an auspicious day Dharmaraja occupied Maya Sabha

and worshipped brahmins and donated with heavy gifts like

land stones, gold and new cloths. Narada and several

Maharshi graced the occasion.

Narada teaches Rajaneeti : One fine morning, Narada

of appeared at Indraprasta and Dharmaraja. Worshipped him

and offered him a golden throne to sit. Narada taught

raajaneeti to Dharmaraja in the following manner.

Dharmaraja! (1) Are you following the tradition of your

ancestor Rajarishis? (2) Are you following dharma, ardha and

kama without conflicting with each other? (3) Is your mind

fixed on dharma while you are following dandaneeti? (4) Are

you taking decisions on your own? (5) Are you taking

decisions after midnight? (6) While recruiting your employees

on royal duties, are you verifying and satisfied with their

antecedents?

7. Have you checked the Pedigree of your ministers? Are

they virtuous, well read in sastras, are they obedient and loyal

to you? Are you keeping a watch on them?

8. Know it well the success of a king will depends on how

confidentially keeps his secrets form the people.

9. Is your priest read all sastras Vedas Head he control

an indriyas duals such as love, hate, heat, cold etc.

10. Whom ever you appoint as Upadrashla , he should be

above all duals. He should love all beings equally. He should

be fully aware of his duties.

11. Are your commanders are Valorous? Are they loyal

and faithful to you? Are they Winning battles for you?

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12. Though your minister might be popular and capable

of doing things but if he is greedy and joins hands with

enemies, he should be dismissed from the cabinet of ministers.

13. Have you appointed a knowledgeable astrologer? Do

you have doctors in your country who have love for people

and have a compassion for people?

14. Are you spending time in the company of sadhus? At

the same time are you taking care of your health?

15. Are you able to collect taxes in time? Are your

employees who collect taxes are righteous? were they

harassing people? To avoid all these things you should test

their virtues before and after you appoint them.

16. However care you might take all your employees may

not be equal. So you divide them as superior, mediocre while

allowing duties. Are you paying their salaries in time? If you

do not pay them in time, their anguish will do harm to the

king. Even Indra can not escape from that sin.

17. Are you able to notice and reward those employees

who are loyal to you? If you reward them, they will work for

your welfare, even at the cost of their lives.

18. Are you dispersing pensions to all those families who

died or wounded in battles for you?

19. Do not give employment to those who are greedy,

who has a thieving nature, those who are not fit for friendship,

those who have sympathies with your enemy, who are

cowards, or cruel, and those who interfere in your duties.

20. Are you protecting your people from thieves? Are

you keeping a close watch on your employees who are

corrupt? Are you not removing such corrupt and dishonest

employees from service?

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21. Did you take care of water sources such as rivers,

lakes, sarovars, wells and reservoirs are full of water? Is your

kingdom free from floods or famine?

22. Are you not showering kindness on physically and

mentally challenged? Are you protecting those who seek

protection?

23. Are you rewarding those who help others and do

human service? Then only, the king will have a kind heart.

24. You should not spend all your revenue; spend one

fourth or one third or at the most half of your revenue.

Treasuries, ordinance factories, horse breeding centers are

critical. Hence you appoint such people who are loyal to the

king. You should also see to it that guru, elders, sculptures,

business people, relatives, dependents and sadhus are free

from poverty.

25. Are you giving public audience everyday in the

presence of your ministers, commander in chief, princes,

pundits? This is an accepted populist measure in all times.

26. Is your spy system is strong enough to inform you

the strength and weakness of your enemies? Are you making

use of their intelligent reports to take precautionary

measures?

27. Are you keeping an open mind for the advices given

by the righteous people and people who are free from love

hate (raga-dwashas)?

28. The prosperity of any government depends on its

welfare measures. So the king should take all precautions to

reaches those measures to the common man.

29. Four principal objects are enumerated for a human

life to be pursued viz. dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

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Dharma can be achieved by good character and constantly

serving sadhus. The real enjoyment of wealth can be achieved

by giving gifts (danam). The purpose of sense organs are to

produce a son. The fruits of vedaadhyanam and worshipping

agnihotra is to achieve moksha.

30. To keep your forts strong you, should develop

sufficient reserves of food grains, water, cattle, weaponry, and

soldiers.

31. If one can win over six internal enemies viz. pride,

anger, lust, greed, ignorance and jealousy, if one can keep

Indriyas under control, he will become the strongest man in

the world. If one accumulates an undue lust and becomes

slave to indriyas, he will loose the power of thinking.

32. Are you applying all for upayas viz. sama, dana, bheda

and danda before you go on an expedition of war on your

enemies? You should resort to danda only when it is inevitable.

33. A king should keep away from the following viz

telling lies, laziness, confusion, friendship with fools, too much

of anger, too much of grief, doing things in odd times

(indiscrimination between) good and bad will becomes a slave

to Indriyas.

Dharmaraja : “Munindra! I follow the path of dharma as

guided by our ancestor rajarishis. Tell me, have you ever

seen a durbar hall like Maya Sabha?

Narada : “Dharmaraja! I am pleased and privileged to

go round in Mayasabha with you. I am surprised to see

pleasant colours and forms in it. Even Indra, Yama, Varuna,

Kubera, Brahma do not have such a Sabha”

Narada provokes to perform Rajasuya :

Dharmaraja : Narada! While Panduraju and others were

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restricted to Yamasabha, how is that Harischandra had become

incomparably virtuous? Please tell me”

Narada : “Dharmaraja! Harischandra was the son of king

Trisanku. He was the most truthful king. He was the authority

in matters of all sastras. He defeated all Kings on earth and

collected tributes from them. With that money he performed

Rajasuya and gave liberal gifts to Yajikas, became pure and

reached Indra loka. Oh Dharmaraja! When I saw you father

Panduraju in Yamasabha, he asked me to tell you as his words

as “My son! Dharmaraja! Those kings who performed

rajasooya yaga attained divinity. So you also perform

rajasooyam so that I can also attain divinity” Narada I came

to convey the message of your father. So defeat all kings and

perform rajasuya with those tributes. Thereby your father

will reach Indra Sabha”.

On hearing Narada’s words. Dharmaraja wanted to

perform rajasuya; but he was hesitant about the human loss

if go on an expedition of war. Dhaumya said:

Dhaumya : “Dharmaraja! Don’t get confused. There will

no great human loss as you thought of. Because all the kings

will surrender and accept your sovereignty. They will give

you enormous gifts and with those tributes, you can perform

rajasuya. By which you will be benefitted in three ways. 1.All

people will destroy their sins and live in peace. 2. All the kings

will become your subordinates. 3. By those tributes you will

receive addition and recurring revenue”.

Dharmaraja consulted his brothers and decided to

perform yaga. He believes that Krishna was the eternal spirit

and Lord Vishnu who took birth in human form. So he sent

his messengers to Dwarka and invited Krishna.

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Krishna went to Indraprasta and saluted Kunthi and

Dharmaraja, embraced Pandavas. They offered a superior

throne and worshipped him.

Dharmaraja: “Krishna! You are all pervading and eternal

spirit. You know everything. A few days back Narada

maharishi came and said that he he met my father and ancestral

parents. He told that my father had instructed me to perform

rajasuya, so that he could have a place in Indra Sabha. My self

and my brothers are waiting for your arrival and guidance.

Krishna : “Dharmaraja! You are the most eligible to

perform this rajasuya. All your brothers are so valorous and

can win all the land for you. Earlier Parasurama, the son of

Jamadagni, killed all the Kshatriyas. Only two kshatriya

dynasties remained on earth. They are I love and ikshavaku.

Other than these two, all other dynasties were artificial. In

course of time, those two dynasties were spilt into hundred

dynasties. From Yayati and Bhoja families they spread into

fourteen families. Jarasandha defeated all those kings. I need

not describe and tell you the valour of Jarasandha. Sisupala

the king of Chedi was also a valorous and an arrogant King.

Though he is a king, he takes pride to be called as a commander

of jarasandha.

“King Kaushika, and Chitrasena love to be in the army

of Jarasandha. People also call them Himsa and Dimbhaka.

They are masters in archery. They are right and left hands of

Jarasandha. King Bhagadatta, King of western country is also

a good friend of Jarasandha. In fact Bhagadatta’s father is a

close friend of your father Panduraju. There is one more king

Paundrika Vasudeva, who is a part of Jarasandha’s team. In

addition to these people, Anga, Vanga, Kundra and Karatha

kings also are afraid of Jarasandha. In the northen part of the

country. Uttara Pancahala, Surasena, Pushkara, Pulinda,

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Kaliga, Kunthi and Maschya also left their country and ran

away for fear of Jarasandha. I killed Kamsa who was the son-

in-law of Jarasandha. From then onwards, he developed an

enemity towards me and is waiting for an opportunity to do

harm to me. In short Himsa, Dimbaka and Jarasandha

defeated all the kings on earth and became most valorous.

“Himsa and Dimbaka are immune to all weapons.

Nobdy can kill them. They invaded Mathura with Jarasandha.

At the time, we also opposed them with Yadu, Vrushti,

Andhaka, Bhoja and other yadava kings with eighteen

thousand radhikas. However courageously we fought, we

could not won them. At the end we made a trick. We sent a

message to Dimbaka stating that Himsa was killed by us in that

battle. On hearing the death of Himsa, Dimbaka got dejected

and committed suicide. On hearing the Dimbaka’s death Himsa

also committed suicide. In this manner, we could able to

eliminate Himsa and Dimbaka. Jarasandha was also dejected

at the death of his close friends and went back to his capital

Magadha. We are really fed up with the frequent threatening

from Jarasandha and built a city on Mt.Raivatha and living

there. From then onwards, Jarasandha captured all the kings,

imprisoned them and offering one king per day as sacrifice

to Bhirava (Siva) to increase, his valour and strength. So

Dharmaraja! If you kill Jarasandha, you can successfully

complete rajasuya.

“ Dharmaraja! Long ago The following kings held the

entire land under their control. They are king Bhageeratha

with Valour, king Yavanashya with Tapasya, king

Karthaveeryarjune with strength, king Maruthu with wisdom.

You have all those qualities. So you can kill Jarasandha with

the valour of Arjuna or Bheema with my rajaneeti.

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Bheema : “King! By keeping quiet, nobody can achieve

fortunes. Though a person is weak, he should make an effort;

to achieve victory. Even a strong man does not make an effort,

he can not achieve victory. By waging a war, his glory will be

spread whether he wins or not. However by defeating a weak

limb, one can not become glorious. With the blessings of

Krishna, the with valour of Arjuna and with my strength, we

can kill Jarasandha. We three will go as thretaagnis and burn

Jarasandha as a sacrifice. Thereby you can complete rajayoya

successfully” .

Arjuna : “Raja! You permit us to go on an expedition of

war. We will win all the kings and bring enormous wealth.

You perform rajasuya with that wealth. If you do not perform

rajasua, what is the use of my valour? What do I do with

Gaandivam? Unless you win all the earth? your roopam,

gunam and sampada will become mere ornaments. We will

kill Jarasandha and release all the kings from his prison. This

is our kshatriya dharma. We three will go and kill Jaasandha.”.

Dharmaraja: “Krishna! Can Jarasandha fight with you?

How Jarasandha developed such a cruel nature? Is there any

reason for his extraordinary strength and cruetly?”.

Jarasandha’s Episode

Krishna : “Dharmaraja! Long ago there lived a righteous

king by name Bruhadradha, ruling Magadha. He fought many

kings and won. The king of Kasi had given both his daughters

in marriage to him. But the king Bruhadradha did not have

sons. He performed putrakamna yaga, still did not had a son.

As such the got dejected, went to forest with his two wives

and made tapasya. In the same tapovana, there was another

maharishi doing tapasya by name Chandakesaka.

Bruhadradha went and served him with his two wives. One

21

day Chandakesaka maharishi was pleased with his services

and asked him, “What do you want?” The king said, “maharishi!

I had a kingdom but there was no successor. Hence you bless

me with a son”. Suddenly a mango fruit fell in front of them.

Maharishi gave it to the king and said, “ king! Let both your

wives eat this fruit, they both will become pregnant”.

“The king gave the fruit to his wives and went back to

his kingdom. After some time, one wife delivered left half of a

boy and the second wife delivered the right side of the boy.

On seeing this ugly stature, both the queens were frightened

and threw those pieces on the road.

A rakshasa was living in that city by name Jara. She saw

those two pieces, took them in to her hands and pressed hard.

Those pieces were joined and boy started crying. The queens

heard the cry and came running. In the meanwhile, King

Bruhadradha also came and took the boy in to his hands. At

that time Jara took the form of a beautiful woman, came before

the king and said.

Jara : “King! My name is Jara. I am a rakshasi. Since a

along time I thought of doing some good to you. Today I had

this opportunity of helping you. I have taken those two pieces

pressed it hard and brought it back to life. So you take your

boy and bring him up with care”.

Bruhadradha : “Jara! You may be a rakshasi. But to me

you are a devata. You are responsible to have a successor to

my family line. I can never forget your help. Since he was

pressed by Jara and became one, he named the boy as

Jarasandha. As the boy grew, he became cruel and developed

the strength of a rakshasa. One day, Chandakesaka maharishi

came to the palace and met king Bruhadradha. The king

brought the boy and put him at his feet”.

22

Chandakesaka Maharishi : “King! Jara did a great help

to you. I came to know it with my divine sight. Your son will

become as powerful as Kumaraswamy. He will perform severe

tapasya and will have the blessing of lord Siva. Once the

enemy comes before him, he will burn him to ashes like a locust.

All other kings follows him like other birds follow Garutmenta.

His brilliance will be as splendorous as sun. He will secure

many divine astras”.

Krishna continues Jarasanda’s story

“Dharmaraja! After the death of Himsa and Dimbaka,

he became pale and dejected. He was surviving only with the

boons that he had from lord Siva. Nobody could kill him with

any weapon. Bheema alone can kill him. So we will go and

kill Jarasandha. You keep faith in me”.

Dharmaraja: Krishna! Who else can wish good for me,

other than you. We are surviving under your protection. As

long as you are by our side, nobody can defeat us. Incidentally

all the kings in his prison also will survive. Bheema and

Arjuna are two eyes to me and you are my mind. Hence I am

sure Bheema will succeed in killing Jarasandha with your

guidance.

Krishna, Bheema and Arjuna undertook a vow of

Snataka vrata and reached the outskirts of Girivrajapuram

the capital city of Jarasandha. Girivrajapuram was surrounded

by five hills and had a natural protection. Thus it was named

as Girivrajapuram. An enemy should not enter the city

through its main gate. So they climbed Cheaichyaka hill peak

to enter the city. There they saw three huge kettle drums.

Krishna said, “Long back the kings of Magadha killed a huge

bull and made three drums with it’s skin and made these

drums. Any new person enters the city from the back side

23

those drums produce huge sound.” So they broke those drums

and entered the city. They went to a flower vendor grabbed

huge garlands and wore them around their neck. From there,

they went to a fragrance vendor and applied ointments on

their bodies. In that city, there was a gate for brahmins to enter

directly to the palace, which was kept open round the clock.

Because Jarasandha worship brahmins at all times. So Krishna,

Bheema and Arjuna also mixed up with brahmins and entered

the palace.

Jarasandha welcomed and offered new cloths dyed in

turmeric (Madhuparka) to Krishna, Bheema, Arjuna with

other brahmins. But they refused to accept them. Jarasandha

understood that they were not brahmins by the way they wore

garlands and perfumes.

Jarasandha : Beloved guests! Since you are strong

enough, you climbed over Mt.Chaichyaka and entered the city

in a stealthy way, leaving rajamarga . You also refused to accept

madhuparka. From your dress, you look like brahmins, but

by your stature looks like Kshatriyas. You tell me who you

are?

Krishna : Jarasandha! We are kshatriyas. To go to a

friend’s house, he will go through the the front door, if one

wants to enter an enemies house, they are to enter from the

back door. This is an accepted custom. Lakshmi resides in

flowers and sandal. So we applied on our bodies. Since we

have come to fight with you, we did not accepted your

madhuparkas”.

Jarasandha : “ I never did any harm to you earlier nor

you did it to me. All the more, I am virtuous. I have not

committed any adharma. I always respect and worship sadhus

and brahmins. I follow kshatriya dharma. Then, how I become

your enemy?.

24

Krishna : “Jarasandha! You are complementing yourself

you boast your that which is bad. You are committed to

kshatriya dharma. You have captured many kshatriya kings

and kept them in your prison. You are sacrificing them to

Bhairrava everyday. How can you offer a kshatriya king as

sacrifice to Bhairava? Did ever a kshatriya did this sin? Will

there be any more adharma than this? Without any

provocation, you are harassing and killing the weak

Kshatriyas. Thus you are an enemy of all the people. Is it not

enough to become our enemy? You are killing your own

kshatriya kings for no fault of them. Is it not a big sin? If you

are left unpunished, that sin will fall on us. Hence we have a

responsibility to protect dharma. We have come here only to

punish you and keep you away from the sin of adharma. You

are an arrogant, and proud of your valour. In the olden days,

great fighters Saindhava, Dambodhava, Kartaveerya and many

others were defeated, because they had insulted virtuous

people. Even now we are giving your an opportunity to

retrieve, provided you release all the kings in your captivity.

I am Krishna. They are Bheema and Arjuna. They are superior

Kshatriyas from Kuru family who have come to put an end to

your cruelty. If you do not listen to my advice this Bheema

and Arjuna are ready to put an end to your arrogance and

release all the kings from your prison.

Jarasandha : Krishna! With my valour I defeated all the

kings. Is not it a Kshatriya dharma? As long as I am alive, I will

practice this Kshatriya dharma. I have defeated them and put

in prison. I will sacrifice all those kings and keep lord Siva

happy. This is my vow.

Krishna! I accept your challenge. If you come with your

army I will fight with my army. If you want to fight with all of

you, I will fight one after the other. If you want me to fight

25

with only one, I am ready to fight with him. The choice is your’s.

I am ready for a fight.

Krishna : Jarasandha! It is not fair for many people to

fight with one. You choose any one among us. Whomever

you may choose, will fight with you.

On hearing Krishna’s words, Jarasandha agreed to fight

with Bheema in wrestling. Jarasandha called his priest and

coroneted made his son Sahadeva as yuvaraja and went to

fight with Bheema.

The fight continued for thirteen days. At the end of

thirteenth day, Krishna noticed that Jarasandha was loosing

strength. He encouraged Bheema, “Oh Bheema! Jarasandha is

becoming weak. Now you remember your father vayu and

gain strength from him. You kill this public enemy and release

all the kings. On hearing Krishna’s advice, he remembered

Vayu, the wind god and lifted Jarasandha, spun him in the air

and dashed on the ground. Bheema took the dead body of

Jarasandha and put in front of the main gate. The people made

a hue and cry.

Krishna consoled the people not to grieve for their

security, safety and peaceful living. He called Sahadeva, the

son of Jarasandha and consoled him. He declared him as the

king of Magadha. All the kings who were in his prison were

released and asked them to sit in their chariot. Krishna ordered

Garutmantha to take this chariot to Indraprasta.

With the death of Jarasandha, Dharmaraja became an

unopposed emperor. Krishna, saluted Dharmaraja and

introduced the kings imprisoned by Jarasandha. Dharmaraja

sent them back to their respective countries.

Dharmaraja asked his brothers to go on an expedition

of war in all four directions. All the kings accepted the

26

superiority of Dharmaraja and gave them valuable gifts and

agreed to pay tribute and to become as subordinate kings.

Dharmaraja : Krishna! By your grace, I became an

emperor. All the kings on earth surrendered to me. They

gave enormous wealth which I can not count and tell you. I

await for your orders to perform this Rajasuya yaga For the

welfare of all people on earth.

Krishna : “Dharmaraja! Your mind always fix on

dharma. You are purest of the pure. In strength and valor

you can be compared with only Indira. Hence you are eligible

in performing this yaga. You yourself allocate the

responsibilities to all of us. We all obey your orders.

Dharmaraja dedicated to perform yaga. Dhaumya

procured the materials required for the yaga. Krishna

received and worshipped the guests. Bheeshma,

Dhrutarashtra and other elders came to witness the yaga.

Bheeshma and Drona were requested to honour Brahmins and

yajikas. Vidura took control on stores. Duryodhana to received

and preserved the gifts. Dushsasana took care of hospitality

Sisupala vadha:

To witness Rajasuya yaga Devarishi Narada came from

heaven . Because Maha Vishnu who was the Yagapurusha,

himself came to participate in the yaga in human form as

Krishna. Krishna desired to use that yaga as a platform to

reduce the Bhoobharam on earth. Bheeshma got up and said

to Dharmaraja.

Bheeshma : “Oh Dharmaraja! You have successfully

performed the yaga. Unless you respect the holiest person

by offering Arghyam, the yaga will not complete. Now you

worship a rare person who is of the holiest and most

worshipful person. Such a person should possess qualities like.

27

1.Snataka, 2.Rutiviju, 3.Satguru, 4.Eishta, 5.Bhoopala,

6.Ganasampanna. You choose a suitable person and worship

him with devotion. Such worship alone gives the fruit of this

yaga.

Dharmaraja : Pitamaha! You are the most senior, wise

and judicious person. You suggest the name of such a person.

Bheeshma : “Dharmaraja! The person who is eligible to

receive the Arghyam, the highest honour of this yaga, should

be as splendorous as sun and as pleasant as moon. Who is

worshipped by all the virtuous persons. He who is the

primeval Supreme Being, he who had the lotus on his navel,

is present in this Sabha in the form of Krishna. Then why you

search here and there? Krishna himself is the yagana purusha.

He has all the qualities to receive Arghyam. He is worshipped

by all lokas. So give Arghyam to Krishna.

Dharmaraja : “Sahadeva! Bring Arghyam to Krishna and

let us worship him as advised by our Pitamaha.”

Sisupala : “Dharamaraja! There are so many kings,

intellectual giants and superior brahmins in this sabha, who

are eligible to receive Arghyam. By obeying Bhishma’s advice,

you once gain prooved your ignorance. What are those great

qualities that you have seen in Krishna?. He does not have a

good character. He belongs to Dasarha, a low caste yadava

family. Oh Dharmaraja! Is it so easy to know the subtle nature

of dharma? with his stealing nature (childhood) how he is

eligible to receive Arghrayam? Since you do not know the

nature of dharma tatwam you have blindly agreed to

Bheeshma’s advice.

Oh Dharmaraja! If Krishna is your friend, you take him

to your home and feed him stomach full or give enormous

wealth. You have invited many kings and superior brahmins

28

to witness the yaga. Is it only to insult them? Is it not unfair on

your part?

Dharmaraja!. If you want to worship an elder personal,

Vasudeva is the eldest of all. If you want to worship a Yajika,

Vyasa maharishi is the most worshipful. If you want to

worship a guru, Dronacharya is the right person. If you want

to worship a king, there are so many kings in this Sabha.

Yadavas are not eligible to rule. What superior quality is there

in Krishna for you to worship with Arghyam? Is it because

Bheeshma had suggested his name?

Dharmaraja! Many kings accepted your invitation and

came here thinking that you are a virtuous king. But you have

insulted them. Assume that even though you might have

offered Arghyam to him, how that shameless Kirishna accepted

it? To be frank, worshipping Krishna is equal to the

worshipping of a girl or an impotent. You have become a

laughing stock before the kings.

Dharmaraja : “Sisupala! Can you talk such harsh words

in a sabha? Are you not aware that harsh words are more

harmful than poison and fire? Bheeshma Pitamaha had

praised Krishna as the creator of all the worlds. In fact, Krishna

was praised even by Vedas. Krishna is being worshipped by

all worlds. How can you abuse such a virtuous person and

say he is unworthy of receiving Arghyam?

Sisupala! Pitamaha had correctly understood Krishna as

the destroyer of ignorance and as the Supreme Being. Since

you are ignorant you are finding fault with Pitamaha and

Krishana. Can a man of little wisdom like you can ever

understand the subtle state of Paramatma? Even virtuous

kings and superior people have understood Krishna as the

Supreme Being. Is it right on your part to abuse Krishna in

this manner?

29

Bheeshma : Dharmaraja! He is an arrogant and a spoilt

child. Any amount of good words will not enter his ears. Can

an ignorant who abuses virtuous persons ever understand

the subtle nature of dharma?

“Sisupala! By the grace of Krishna, all the kings were

released from the captivity of Jarasandha, hence he is eligible

for this highest honour. Even a boy is to be worshipped if he

is wise. In the same way, if a person is valorous, he is to be

worshipped by all kshatriyas. By virtue of wisdom and valour,

Krishna has killed the demon Mura. Hence Krishna alone is

eligible to receive Arghyam. Normally if we honour a person,

he alone will feel happy. Whereas if Krishna is honoured, all

lokas will feel elated. Krishna has created all worlds simply

with his power of the will. How you can understand such a

yogeshwara’s true spiritual knowledge?

Sahadeva : We have decided to worship Krishna with

Arghyam. There is no change in our decision. If any one

oppose, we crush him like bug.

On hearing the worlds of Sahadeva, all kings appreciated

his courage and bravery. Sisupala’s become furious and

declared war. All yadava kings alerted their army and

confronted with Sisupala’s army.

Dharmaraja went to Bheeshma

Dharmaraja : Pitamaha! Emotions rage to sky. I am

afraid this violent situation might spoil the sanctity of yaga.

So you pacify both the sides and settle the matter amicably.

Bheeshma : Dharmaraja! No one can win Krishna. He

himself is the yagnapurusha. As long as he is present in this

Sabha, no harm will happen to your yaga. All those kings went

behind Sisupala are like street dogs. Krishna is like a lion. So

they can not wag their tail before him”

30

Sisupala : Oh kings! This Bheeshma is an old and senile.

He lost his mental balance long back. Somehow he managed

the innocent Dharmaraja and worshipped Krishna with

arghyam. All the more, he praised Krishna as Paramatma.

Thus he has insulted all the kings in this sabha.

Bheeshma! You are praising Krishna as valorous and a

strong man. What achievements he did? Is it a great valour to

kill Putana, a woman? Is it his strength to push a lifeless cart?

Do you consider killing a bull is also a heroic deed? Was it his

feat to pull down an old tree? For all these blabberings, I will

cut your tongue into hundred pieces. Otherwise there will be

no end of your blabberings about Krishna.

Bheeshma! I will tell you more about Krishna which you

are not aware of . He has killed women and cows. Will there

be any bigger sin than the killing those who gave food to him.

Krishna is a killer of women and children. What did you did

for Amba who fell in love with another king? You brought her

to Hastinapura to your brother marry. Vichitraveerya refused

to marry her and you threw her away. Will it be appreciated

by the virtuous people? Even a child know that one can not

get superior lokas, if he does not have a son. Whereas you

remained without a son.

Bheeshma ! You claim that Krishna has killed all his

enemies with valour. Is it not a lie ? When Jarasandha attacked

Mathura, he ran away ten times from the battle field, in a

deceitful manner.

On hearing Sisupala’s worlds, Bheema became furious

and stood up to kill him. In the meanwhile, Bheeshma pacified

him and said the episode of Sisupala in the presence of all kings.

Bheeshma : Kings of the assembly! This Sisupala is the

son of Satruit, the aunt of Krishna. As soon as he was born, he

31

booked like a donkey. He had four hands and en extra eye on

his forehead. To see the freakish and brizaare boy, people

came from long distances. At that time, a voice heard from

the sky, “When a person takes this boy in his arms, his extra

two hands can an eye will disappear. Later on, he will be killed

by that person. No one else can kill him”. From that day his

parents were anxious to know the person who kill their child.

So they used to ask all the visitors to take him in their arms.

Krishna and Balarama also went to see the wonder boy

of their aunt. Satruit gave the child to Krishna. As soon as

Krishna took the boy in his arms, his extra two hands and eye

disappeared. Satruit was astonished and thought that her son

would be killed by Krishna. She requested him, “Oh Krishna!

If my son does any harm to you, I request you to pardon him

for hundred faults. Krishna assured her that he will endure

up to hundred faults.

Hence he is bound to die in the hands of Krishna. That is

why I also did not reacted though he abused me. Except

Krishna, no one else can kill him. So be patient.

Sisupala : Krishna! Because of mad love towards you,

Pandavas ignorantly worshipping you with Arghyam. This

old man’s words also gave strength to Pandavas. So I will kill

you and Bheeshma. Thereby I will undo the sin committed by

Dharmaraja.

Krishna : Sisupala! When I was engaged in a war with

Bhagadatta, you attacked Dwaraka and cruelly set fire to

houses and killed children, women and old people. While king

of Bhoja was enjoying with his families on Mt.Raivati, you

killed them brutally. You have stolen the Yagaswa of Vasudeva.

Not only that I tolerated your hundred faults as promised to

my aunt. Now you abused me in several ways in this sabha

for which all the kings are witness.

32

Sisupala : Krishna! You are a dishonest person. You have

forcibly abducted a girl, who was fixed for me, and married

her. So you are worshipful for the wicked people only. Neither

I care for your fury nor I care for your friendship. Are you

not ashamed to pretend as a virtious person?

The killing of Sisupala :

While Sisupala was continuously abusing, Krishna,

remembered chakrayudha and casted it on Sisupala . It went

like a ball of fire and cut the throat of Sisupala in the presence

of all courtiers. A flash like light came out of his body and

absorbed in Krishna. The kings praised the glories Krishna.

Finally Krishna coroneted Sisupala’s son as king. Thus the

rajasuya yaga came to an end.

(Sisupala was a dwarapalaka of Maha Vishnu in his previous birth)

After the yaga everyone had the sacred bath called

Avabridha snanam and became pure. With this Dharmaraja

had become glorious among the kings.

Kauravas felt jealous of Dharmaraja’s glory and wealth.

Arjuna and his brothers gave a hearty send off with heavy

gifts to Bheeshma, Dhrutarashtra, Drona, Krupa and many

other kings. At that time of going to Dwaraka Krishna advised

Dharmaraja.

Krishna : “Dharmaraja! All creatures live on rain, all the

birds live on fruits, all devatas depends on Indra. In the same

way you also protect all the people and relatives depended

on you. On hearing Krishna’s words Dharmaraja replied,

“Krishna ! with your grace I am able to complete the yaga. Since

all the kings saluted me, I became glorious. My family become

pure. Though you live in Dwaraka, you keep enquiring our

well being. Though you are far away (at Dwaraka) you are so

near to us by living in our hearts”.

33

The conversation between Satyabhma and Draupadi

(This part of the story is taken from Mahabhatram, Aranya Parvam)

Once Krishna and Sathyabhama went to Pandavas while

they were living in forests. Sathyabhama was fond of Drupadi

and spent many hours with her and said,

Satyabhama : Draupadi! You have five husbands. Each

one competes each other in expressing their love to you. You

are also reciprocate equally to all of them. All your husbands

are not only brilliant and valorous but also have good

character. They never express their displeasure or anger on

you. Contrary to that, they always try to keep you happy. This

is the biggest wonder of all wonders. How does it happen?

Did you perform any special vratas? Did you use any mantra

or tantra on them? Or did you make them to eat any herbs or

are you an expert in techniques of winning their love? Or did

you learn any tricks in demonstrating your coquetry.

Draupadi : Satya I live with one Pandava for one year.

During that year other Pandavas will keep away from me and

treat me very respectfully as another man’s wife. So there is

no chance to competing with each other. I serve only one

Pandava at one time. All my duties and responsibilities are

restricted to that particular Pandava only. So there is no clash

among them.

If any women thinks, that her husband could be won by

resorting to vasikarana, tantras, mantras and herbs he may

even lose his masculinity.

I will not unnecessarily involve in wasteful talk. I will

treat other men as a blade of grass. My mind will always look

for the comforts of my husband, such as food, clothing and

sleep. After providing comforts to him, I will think of myself.

34

When my husband comes home, I will offer water to clean his

foot and arrange a comfortable seat. I never entrust these

services to my servants. I will not waste either money or food.

I consider saving is also another way of earning. I will observe

cleanliness in all respects because god lives in pure hearts

and clean places. I will make all my relatives happy and

comfortable. I will not go and peep through the main door

every now and then. I will not make friendship with wicked

and cruel people. I. will not entertain humour beyond a point.

When my husband is not in station I will not decorate with

flowers, fragrances and ornaments. I worship my mother –

in-law and follow her instructions.

“My mother-in-law is as patient as Bhoodevi. I will

take care of her needs such as bathing, dining etc. Since I

follow all the duties of a virtuous and chaste wife, I am able to

enjoy the love and affection of my husbands. The only Dharma

I know is to keep Pandavas happy. As you said, I am not aware

those vasikarana, tantras, mantras, herbs and psychic

methods.

Satyabhama : Draupadi! I know, I have wounded you.

You kindly take them, lightly. Your glorious character alone

brought all virtues to you”.

Draupadi : ‘’Satya! Don’t worry! I took your words

lightly and in a humorous manner.

Satyabhama : I am happy to know your attitude

towards Pandavas. Draupadi! Now I understand why you

are highly respected by all, including your co- wives. All your

sons are safe in Dwaraka. Rukmani and Subhadra are treating

them as their own children.

After some time Krishna and Satyabhama took leave from

35

Pandavas discuss with Krishna their future course of action :

(This part in taken from Mahabharatam Udyoga Parvam)

After the marriage of Abhimanyu, Dharmaraja went with

his brothers and all his relatives to the sabha. Those kings

who were invited for the marriage were also present. In

addition to them, Virata, Drupada, Krishna, Balarama and

other dignitaries were present. Krishna said.

Krishna : Pandavas were invited for a game of dice,

cheated by Sakuni and lost their kingdom. Had they wanted

to regain their kingdom they could have done so by their

valour. However Pandavas were committed to their vow and

completed their Aranya vasam, Agnatha vasam. Thus they

proved their decorum, nobility and dignity. We are all aware

Dharmaraja’s mind always fix on dharma. So in the path of

dharma and considering the above facts, you think well and

advise which is good for Pandavas. If it is an unrighteous way,

Dharmaraja will reject even the throne of Indra.

While Pandavas were enjoying their kingdom,

Duryodhana became jealous and planned a deceitful game of

dice in consultation with his evil friends. Duryodhana and

others meanly and viciously insulted him. In spite of great

humiliation, Dharmaraja did not utter even a single word.

Therefore we ought to keep all these points in mind.

I will tell you what I have in my mind.

Pandavas fulfilled their vow underwent patiently all the

ordeals. It is natural that their hearts will always be fervent,

fiery to take revenge. But Kauravas are under the impression

that Pandavas are not only weak but also isolated . Perhaps it

is the wicked thinking of Duryodhana, if he could isolate

Pandavas and mobilize a huge army on his side, they could

defeat pandavas easily.

36

Hence Pandavas also should think in the same lines of

Durodhana. In other words, in addition their own valour,

Pandavas also should mobilize support of, as many kings as

possible to their side. Then only the fight between Pandavas

and Kauravas will be as tough as the fight between devatas

and danavas. All the supporters of Pandavas have now

assembled here. We don’t know what the Kauravas are

planning. We should not take any decision without knowing

the mind of our enemies. We should send a diplomat to Kuru

sabha to present Pandavas’s views. If Durodhana agrees for a

compromise and gives their half share of Pandavas, there will

be nothing more for us to discuss. If he refuses to give them

the share, then we will think what should be our next course

of action.

Balarama : What Krishna said is good for both parties.

It is also our responsibility to convince both the parties. This

will be appreciated by all kings. Now they are asking back

their father’s share, which is just and reasonable. In this way

Duryodhana also loses nothing. Dharmaraja has the soft and

forgetful nature; thereby he can forget the past and continue

his relationship with Kouravas.

Therefore it is better to send a diplomat who is widely

respected for integrity, impartial, and concern for the public

good. He should be able to convince Duryodhana in soft and

pleasing words. Dharmaraja lost all his fortune in a game of

gambling. To be frank, Duryodhana himself is not an expert

in gambling. He hired the skills of Sakuni and deceived

Dharmaraja. But Dharmaraja could not guess the deceit

behind the game.

Satyaki opposes for sending a mediator to Duryodhana:

Satyaki : I disagree with Balarama.

37

He always favours Duryodhana; According to me there

is no need for any mediation. Pandavas should get their

kingdom by right. Duryodhana, Dushsasana, Sakuni and

Karma had conspired to loot the wealth of Pandavas and thus

invited Dharmaraja for a gambling and deceived him. It is an

open secret! Then how you can find fault with Dharmaraja?

Can any one in this sabha pinpoint that Dharmaraja has played

the game willfully?

Therefore as per the conditions of the game, Pandavas

are entitled to the share of their father. They should not beg

for it. If they are denied they will secure their kingdom by

valour. Even if Pandavas send a mediator, will our enemies

appreciate Dharmaraja’s goodness? I protest the move of

sending a mediator to Kurusabha. I will kill Duryodhana in

the battle. You can’t find an equal warrior like bheema and

Arjuna in the enemy’s camp.

Drupada : I agree with Satyaki. Balarama’s approach is

not convincing for me also. We should demand our legitimate

right and not by begging. Duryodhana is depending on the

strength of other kings. Whereas we fight with our own valour.

Our friend’s help is additional strength. I am sure that

Duryodhana would never agree to give the share of Pandavas.

Unless war break he will not understand what his strength

is?. Bheeshma, Drona and other elders did not pinpointed

Duryodhana’s crooked ways because they are eating his food.

According to me, war is inevitable and it is better to increase

our strength to fight the enemy. Let us send word to all our

well wishers and ensure their support. I wish that Selya,

Kaykaya, Drustakethu, Sahadeva (the son of Jarasandha),

should be invited to our side.

If this sabha decides to send a mediator, I would suggest

that we shall send my priest to Kurusabha as our mediator.

38

He is a not only a statesman, but also can tactfully changes his

mood and tone according to the situation.

Krishna : What Drupada said is correct. We shall do

accordingly. For me both Pandavas and Kouravas are equal.

I will be happy if they both rule their kingdoms happily and

peacefully.

Drupada! You are elder to all of us. You are our well

wisher. You have a pure mind in all matters. You send your

priest as a mediator to Kurusabha on behalf of Pandavas. If

Duryodhana refuses to give their share, all Kouravas will be

reduced to ashes with the fury of Arjuna”.

Pandavas sent their messengers to various kings

requesting their support in the event of a battle between

Pandavas and Kauravas. Drupada called his priest and briefed

him.

Drupada sends his priest as a Mediator :

Drupada : Oh superior Brahmin! You have the knack of

understanding the thoughts of others. I will tell you precisely

how to present pandavas and to talk with Dhrutarashtra. I

wish that you would succeed in your mission. You listen what

all I say carefully.

Duryodhana is a greedy person. He will not agree to

give the share of Pandavas. You know the nature of

Dharmaraja. You talk to Dhrutarashtra in such a manner, that

all the kings that are present in Kurusabha should develop

sympathy for Pandavas. If Bheeshma, Drona and others are

not in favour of a battle, you can talk tactfully and convince

Duryodhana. With the briefing of Drupada, the messenger

went to kurusabha. Meanwhile both pandavas and kauravas

sent their priests to all the directions to enlist their support.

39

Duryodhana and Arjuna went to Krishna for help :

Duryodhana sent his mediators to all the kings on earth

for their support in the event of a battle, but for securing the

help of Krishna, he himself went personally. On the same day,

Arjuna also reached Dwaraka to see Krishna. By the time they

reached Krishna was sleeping. Duryodhana sat on a chair by

the side of Krishna’s head. In the meanwhile Arjuna went. He

sat in another seat by the side of his feet. The moment Krishna

woke up he saw, Arjuna, who stood up and saluted him. After

receiving Arjuna he saw Duryodhana was also standing. After

respecting both, he asked them what for they have come?

Duryodhana said, “Krishna! It appears that a war is inevitable.

So I came to seek your help. I came first and waiting since you

are sleeping. Virtuous people always serve the people that

have come first. So you should listen to me first” Krishna said,

Krishna : Duryodhana! You have come first. But I have

seen Arjuna first. So I will see to it that I help both of you

equally. Therefore, I will divide all my strength in to two. You

can choose whichever you like. I will tell you how? I have ten

thousand warriors who are very valorous, strong and brave.

They fight on one side. I alone will be on the other side.

Whereas all those ten thousand warriors will fight the battle

and help, whereas I will not take part in the battle . I won’t

even touch a weapon. I only give an advice wherever is

necessary. Now you choose what you want. Since I have seen

Arjuna first, he will choose first. On hearing Krishna’s words,

Arjuna asked for Krishna’s help, Duryodhana was happy and

choose the army and went to see Balarama. Balarama said

to Duryodhana.

Balarama : Duryodhana! This topic has come when I

went to the marriage of Abhimanyu. At that time, I spoke on

your behalf. But many of our own people opposed me. At

40

that time only Krishna supported me. Since I don’t want to

expose further I kept quiet and came back. Anybody may say

any thing, I can’t leave Krishna. In case you have decided to

fight a battle, I will not fight on any side. I will remain neutral.

Duryodhana was happy with Balarama’s words and

went to see Krutavarma. He assured his support with an army

of one Askhauhini. Duryodhana happily and complacently

returned to Hastinapura. After Duryodhana left Krishna asked

Arjuna.

Krishna : Arjuna! Duryodhana is a wise man. He had

chosen ten thousand yadava warrior but you have asked me,

though. I gave you an opportunity to choose first. I had a feeling

that you made a wrong choice.

Arjuna : Krishna ! I don’t want to take any army ‘s help

from you to fight the battle. After I won the battle people say

that Krishna has won the battle. Not only that if you are on the

opposite side, it is impossible to defeat you. That is why I chose

you to be on my side. You show your kindness on us. You be

my charioteer, this was my long desire”.

Krishna: “Oh sinless Arjuna! It is my duty to satisfy your

desire. I will become your charioteer in the coming big battle.

By saying to Krishna went with Arjuna to meet Dharmaraja to

workout arrangements for the war.

Duryodhana seeks the help of king Selya :

The mediators from Pandavas went to Selya and asked

his help in the forthcoming war with Kauravas. Selya accepted

the invitation.

Duryodhana came to know that Selya was going to

Dharmaraja to extend his help. So he wanted that Selya to

fight for his side. Duryodhana erected tents for the comfortable

41

stay of king Selya and his army under his personal

supervision. But none in Selya’s troop knew who arranged

the hospitality. At the end, Selya was happy and pleased for

the gesture of Dharmaraja. He ordered his people to bring

the ministers of Dharmaraja to thank for the hospitality.

Duryodhana : “Uncle! out of love and regard for you I

took personal care in providing you these comforts” Then

Selya complimented Duryodhana’s gesture and assured his

help for Duryodhana. He was happy and took the assurance

from Selya again and again so that he might not jump from

his promise. Duryodhana persuaded Selya to go with him to

Hastinapura.

Selya : “Duryodhana! I have equal affection for you and

Pandavas. I will certainly help you I appreciate your gesture

and Then Duryodhana requested him to become his minister.

Selya : Duryodhana! You go to Hastinapura. I am going

to see Pandavas and from there I will come to Hastinapura.

Duryodhana! Again and gain requested him not to forget

his promise. Selya smiled at him, embraced and assured his

help.

Selya went to Dharamaraja and met his brothers. They

made him to sit on a golden throne and worshipped him. Selya

said,

Selya : Dharmaraja! We are all safe. You lived in forests

for a long time. There you suffered many difficulties. Since

you are all virtuous and truthful, you completed the Agnatha

vasam successfully. However the whole world is distressed

for your difficulties. On my way I met Duryodhana

unexpectedly . He gave an impressive hospitality for me and

my army. So I am indebted to him. He wanted me to be his

minister. As there was no other way to express my gratitude,

I agreed to his request.

42

Dharmaraja : Uncle! You always take right decisions.

I am happy that you gave a boon to Duryodhana. However

I have a prayer to you . You must bless me. Karna always

hisses like a cobra at Arjuna. If they both meet in battle, one

can’t imagine his fury on Arjuna. In this battle one day or the

other, you might become the charioteer for Karna. At that

time, you wound his feelings and disturb his mind and distract

his concentration. You see to it that he will not recover from

those wounds. Don’t think it is unethical. Please give me this

boon.

In the battle filed if Duryodhana orders me to become a

charioteer to Karna, I can’t say no to him, though he is a low

caste person. If I happen to be his charioteer, I will assure

you that I would insult Karna with most humiliating words.

With which he will become nervous and forget his astras and

develops cold feet. Thereby Arjuna will take advantage.

There are two reasons for Sely’s promise to Dharmaraja.

1.Selya is the brother of Madri, and the uncle of nakula and

Sahadeva. Therefore he is the uncle of Pandavas. He is a

natural well wisher of Pandavas. 2. Karna is a low caste

person. And hence he hates to be a charioteer for a low caste

person. He also did not forget the humiliating words said

against Draupadi in Kurusabha)

“Dharmaraja! Don’t worry for the difficulties you have

suffered. You will win the battle and get back all the land.

Some times even devatas fell in difficulties. So one can’t escape

from the fate.

Satyaki and others reaches with their army :

Satyaki came with one Akshouhini of army and reached

Pandavas camp. Drushtajyumna, son of Drupada came with

one akshouhini of army, Sahadeva, the son of Jarasandha came

43

with one akshouhini of army. Virata and his brothers came

with one akshouhini of army. Drustakethuvu came with one

akshouhini of army. King of Panda came with one akshuhini of

army. Many small and sundry kings came with one akshouhini

of army. The strength of Pandavas army became seven

akshouhinis.

On Duryodhana’s side Bagadattha, Bhurisrava Selya the

king of Kambojha, the king of Sindhusowhera, Krutavarma,

Vindha, Anuvindha came with one akshouhini of army each.

In addition to the above all enthusiastic kings, formed in to

three akshouhinis of army. In this manner, the Kauravas

strength became eleven akshouhinis of army.

The priest of Drupada reached Hastinapuram as

mediator :

Drupada’s priest reached Hastinapura and met

Dhrutarashtra in person and explained the Pandavas appeal.

In the same way, he met Bheeshma, Drona Krupa and others.

They all appreciated the priest for his skill of talking. He also

met Duryodhana and praised his good qualities and tried to

please him. He stayed in Hastinapura for a few days and met

all dignitaries before going to kurusabha.

The Priest : Respectful Dhrutareshtra and revered

courtiers! We are all aware that Dhrutarashtra and Panduraju

were brothers. Their sons are entitled to enjoy the shares of

their fathers. We also know that many attempts were made

to kill Pandavas. However by the grace of god, they survived.

While they are enjoying their respective kingdoms,

unfortunately Pandavas kingdom was annexed by kauravas

in a deceitful manner. All these things happened with the

knowledge of king Dhrutarashtra. Draupadi was insulted in

Kurusabha in the presence of elders. In addition to all these

44

humiliations they also faced many difficulties in their Aranya

vasam and Agnatha vasam. Now Pandavas are approaching

you for a peaceful settlement which is to be appreciated by

one and all.

You should take into account the haughtiness of Kauravas

and the forbearance of Pandavas in an unbiased way. You

are to advise Dhrutarashtra the righteous way. Pandavas are

not desirous of having a confrontation with Kauravas. Because

it ends up with enormous human loss. However one should

not view this as Pandavas weakness. Since they have

completed their vow, they are approaching this sabha as

matter of their right.

Oh elders! Pandavas could able to secure seven

akshouhini of army. On Kauravas side, you secured eleven

akshouhinis of army. By this arithmetic, one can’t judge that

Pandavas are weak. Because Satyaki, Bheema, Arjuna and

others had a proven strength and victories. Of all said and

done, Krishna who is none other than Maha Vishnu himself is

in Pandavas side. Dhrutarashtra! Before it is too late, please

be tactful and gracious to send comforting words to Pandavas.

Give back their kingdom and make friendship with them.

Bheeshma : All your words are factually correct. If

Pandavas and Kauravas live amicably as brothers what more

we want. Krishna and elders like me are also welcome the

same. Oh superior Brahmin! Though your way of expression

is not palatable to Kauravas, the audience in the sabha will

understand the agony, behind your argument. We all wish

that king Dhrutarashtra should invite Pandavas and give back

the share of their father and treat them as his won sons. Not

only that, Dharmaraja was invited to play a game of dice for

the sake of a fun. But it provoked Dharmaraja for a gambling.

In the same way his brothers also could not say no to

45

Dharmaraja. Therefore they all fastened with a vow and

patiently under went all the ordeals. Had they turned violent

on that day, none of his enemies would have been alive.

Karna : What the brahmin and Bheeshma said are known

to one and all. How many times they will repeat the same

tune? Anybody may say anything but Dharmaraja sat willfully

and consciously to the play the game of dice. It is an accident

and in a natural course, we noticed them before the

completion of agnathavasam. Therefore they are to undergo

another thirteen years of exile as per his vow. In the manwhile,

if they come and shout for their father’s share, there will be

none to hear their false claim. If they had a strong father-in-

law let them live with him. We are not afraid! So you stop this

meaningless and endless discussion at this point.

Bheeshma : Karna! Don’t think that you are a statesman.

People will laugh at you. Just a day before in Uttara

gograhamam, Arjuna alone beat you all. Did you forget? I told

you, Duryodhana, Drona and others on the day of Uttara

gograhamam itself the term of agnatha vasam was

successfully completed. You were also there at that time.

Dhrutarashtra : Uncle! It is not good for us to wrangle

before a mediator. Oh superior Brahmin! I also want all my

children to live in peace and harmony. So I will send an envoy

from my side.

The mediation of Sanjaya :

Dhrutarashtra assembled Bheeshma, Drona and others

on one side, Duryodhana and others on another side and said

to Sanjaya.

Dhrutarashtra : Sanjaya! Now Pandavas are living in

Upaplavayam. Krishna also is there. You go there immediately

and tell them as my words.

46

“Dharmaraja! I am pleased to note that you have come

out from many difficulties both in the forest and agnatha

vasam. Duryodhana does not know the difference between

good and bad. He is responsible for all the unpleasant

happenings. But you are all virtuous. You are all courageous,

strong and good at fighting battles”.

Sanjaya! You tell all my words when Dharmaraja is

presiding sabha. You should water down their anger with

your words and make them happy. You see to it that the

concept of battle should not enter in their mind. You alone

could do this mediation with tact.

Sanjaya goes to Upaplavyam :

Sanjaya went to Upaplavyam and met Arjuna and sent

word to Dharmaraja. Next day Sanjaya went to sabha where

Krishna and others were present . Sanjaya said,

Sanjaya : Dharmaraja! I am glad that I have met you

today. King Dhrutarashtra came to know that you are here

and asked to me to enquire about your wellbeing.

Dharmaraja : Sanjaya! I am grateful to him for enquiring

of our welfare. Does Karna still manage the affairs of

Duryodhana?

Sanjaya : Dharmaraja! you are aware, that in the court

of Duryodhana there are many vitreous persons and also

wicked people. You are as pleasant as Moon light. You are

always a peace loving person. If war is inevitable, it is certain

that all Kauravas will die. It is your vow that you protect even

your enemies. That is why you are praised as “Ajata Satru’.

When you are in sabha sitting with your brothers and Krishna,

I came to submit a few words, please permit me to say.

Dharmaraja : Sanjaya! Please go ahead! You tell what

all you want to tell without any fear.

47

Sanjaya : Dharmaraja! You are an ocean of kindness!

War means killing each other. They are all our own relatives.

After killing our near and dear, what pleasures such a victory

will give?

Krishna is a big force in your side. Apart from Bheema

and Arjuna’s valour, Nakula, Sahadeva, kings like Virata and

many others are great warriors on your side. It is a well known

fact that in spite of your strength, you dislike war.

But you also know that Bheeshma, Drona, Krupacharya

and many others cannot be defeated. Somadatta, Bahlika and

many other kings are ready even to give their lives for

Duryodhana. I am prostrating at the feet of Krishna. My

salutations to Bheema, Arjuna and others! I request you all to

leave anger, I seek protection from kind hearted Dharmaraja

again and again. Bheeshma also will feel happy if peace

prevails.

Dharmaraja : Sanjaya! Did I said a single word about

war? It seems you are afraid of war. If we get what we deserve

without a war, there will be no need to think of war? We both

Pandavas and Kauravas are all peace loving brothers. Only

greedy people will think of war and ultimately Ians in grief.

That does not mean we are averse for comforts. While

Duryodhana and his brothers are enjoying comforts, will

Dhrutarashtra deny the same to us? Please listen with an open

mind and tell me what I said is reasonable or not?

On that day when we played to game of dice the King

had chosen to be unjust and supported his sons. Today he is

advising us to go in a righteous path. Which means, that he

wants us to watch his sons from a distance when they are

enjoying comforts. Is it reasonable?

Sanjaya! We lost everything. We have become weak.

48

Is Dhrutarashtra a mad man to treat us kindly? Is it not an

eyewash to send a peace massage through you? Already we

are suffering. Your words are causing more pain as if spilling

chilly powder on a wound. Are we new to this kind of his

behavior? He had a blind love for Duryodhana. He believes

that his son is more valorous than us. Therefore he never

took a right decision.

Sanjaya! You know that Vidura advised him that he

should not have lust on others furtune through gambling. But

he refused to take his advice and supported Sakuni. Even

today Dhrutarashtra is a tool in the hands of Duryodhana,

Dushsasana, Sakuni and Karna. Durodhana will not care even

Krishna. He is hoping that Karna will defeat Arjuna and

therefore refuses to give our share. You know all these things

but you took pains of coming all the way like a statesman. I

fail to understand whether you are wise or otherwise. I don’t

agree with your views that nobody can fight with Bheeshma

and others. If Arjuna’s twanging his Gandivam that deafens

the entire battle filed. The glittering of Bheema’s club will blind

those Kaurava heroes. So don’t view with a closed mind. You

advised me to leave anger. In spite of many insults and

humiliations, we are maintaining patience. Now also as

advised by you, if we will not show anger people will laugh at

us. If the king has real love and affection, let him show it in

action. It is up to him to convince his son and give us our

share.

Sanjaya : Dharmaraja! You are patient enough to forgive

other’s faults however grave they might be. It is known to all

that Kauravas are wicked and even if they refuse to give your

share, I would request you to forgive them. You don’t relish

kingdom by killing your own relatives. Is it not better to live

by begging than eating the food mixed with blood? You have

49

performed Rajasuya, the greatest of all yagas. You

worshipped several devatas. All the worlds are praising you

as the most peace loving and a king who has control on senses.

Why should you loose your image for the sake of land? You

swallowed and digested so many insults and humiliation at

the time of deceitful dice game . Having had patience for so

many years, should you fight a war for the sake of

impermanent comforts? You are capable of swallowing anger

like Siva who gulped Halhalam. If you also becomes impatient

where is the protection for the world?

Dharmaraj : Sanjaya! You listen to my words with

patience and then blame if you feel like. You have advised me

to leave anger. I do agree that nonviolence is superior of all

dharmas. Since kauravas are burning the glory of our kuru

family, should I not destroy them to the roots. All the more,

you yourself tell me whether fighting is a Kshatriya dharma

or not? We are always guided by the advice of Krishna. He is

also guiding Yadava kings in the right path. We all depend on

Krishna to achieve Dharma, ardha kama and moksha. One may

say that war is adharma on the face it. But if we fight for our

share of kingdom, they will not find fault with us.

Krishna : Sanjaya! Since my name has come in your

conversations, I will tell you a few words. I am a well wisher

of Pandavas. I also wish good for Kauravas. Unless both of

you come down a step, the compromise may not be possible.

Tell your king “sweet words will not give food for Pandavas”.

There is no point in digging the past. Is it not our custom that

children are to enjoy their father’s share? If that is denied what

is left to them except war? To up keep Varnasrema dharmas

is one of the important dharmas for a king. If such is the case

how can he ignore his own Kshatriya dharma?

50

Sanjaya! Is it the first time that a gambling is played in

this world? Did ever a chaste wife was humiliated in the lowest

manner in the presence of her husbands?

Sanjaya : Deva! If you remember all those past events,

can we achieve any thing?

Krishna : Sanjaya! When Draupadi was insulted

Bheeshma and others kept quiet because they could not read

the mind of Dhrutarashtra. Though a chaste wife was insulted,

Dhrutarashtra did not warn his sons. Had he taken remedial

measures then and there, not only me but all the world would

have felt happy. When Dushsasana was dragging a chaste

woman in that sabha, did he not heard her cries? But today he

has sent you as his messenger to enquire about their wellbeing.

When that helpless woman was struggling to project her

honour, could Pandavas bear such an agony?

Sanjaya! Did you not hear what Karna said? He said all

Pandavas are weak limbs and asked her to choose another

strong man. Unless they restore pandava’s share, it is not

possible to have a settlement. So you go and tell your king to

give Pandavas share and thereby protect Kauravas. Justice is

on pandava’s side. I shall come and convince elders of your

kuru sabha. I shall seek justice for Pandavas.

Sanjaya! Duryodhana is an embodiment of a poisonous

tree. Karna is the trunk. Its branches are Sakuni. Dushsasana

is its flowers and fruits. Dhrutarashtra is its roots. Whereas

Dharmaraja is an embodiment of Dharma. Arjuna is its trunk.

Bheema is its branches. Nakula and Sahadeva are its flowers

and fruits. From this, one should decide which is the noblest

side. Dhrutarashtra and his sons are like a forest. Pandavas

are like lions. A forest can’t sustain without lions otherwise

people cut the forest indiscriminately. In the same way, lions

51

also can’t wander outside a forest. Anybody can do harm to

them. So both are complimentary and supplementary to each

other. Should he not treat them as his sons? If Dhrutarashtra

treats them also as his sons, they will serve him in times of

peace and protect him in times of war. I myself will come to

Kurusabha and try for a compromise. Let us see whether

Dhrutarashtra agrees or not. Depending on his attitude we

should decide. You convey to the king the opinions expressed

by us”.

Sanjaya : Dharmaraja! If Krishna himself comes

everything, will turns out to be good.

Dharmaraja : Sanjaya! You speak out what they wanted

you to convey. From that side you and Vidura alone are

righteous persons for negotiations. You pass my warm

enquiries and salutations to Bheeshma and other elders. Pass

on my enquires to Duryodhana and his brothers. In the

presence of all elders, you tell my words to king Dhrutarashtra

as,

“King! Ever since my father died, you allowed us to enjoy

the half share of my father and treated us kindly. Now we are

suffering with dire poverty and still you are behaving

indifferently towards us. Is it fair? Should there not be a limit

for selfishness. If we live together, all the earth will be under

your control”.

Sanjaya! You tell these words to my grandfather

Bheeshma” “Pitamaha! You are responsible to sustain the

family of king Santana. In the same way now also you save

our Kuru family. You save all your grand sons from premature

death then people will appreciate you. Even now I am not

inviting war”.

Sanjaya! In the presence of all elders in the sabha, you

tell Duryodhana as my words.

52

“Duryodhana! Though we are all valorous, you made us

weak limbs and driven us to forests. Thus you became

responsible for all our sufferings. We tolerated even when

Draupadi was dragged in to the sabha by her hair. There is a

limit for our patience. Don’t become greedy for other’s wealth.

Don’t become the cause for destruction of Kuru family. You

give back our share of kingdom; thereby we all can live

peacefully.

Duryodhana! I am proposing this compromise for your

welfare only. Don’t depend on the strength of the kings who

are supporting you. Justice is on our side. Krishna always

leans towards Dharma. Don’t think Krishna is an ordinary

human being. He is none other than Lord Vishnu. With these

two factors nobody can defeat us. I am older than all our

brothers. So don’t put me in a state of affliction. Let us enjoy

our share and live peacefully. This is the only just and proper

solution.

Duryodhana! If you don’t like to give us half share, you

may give us five villages. All our five brothers will live happily

in those villages. All the kings who came with enthusiasm will

go back to their places”

Arjuna : “Sanjaya! You are our childhood friend. You

know all our good and bad qualities. Dharmaraja is controlling

Bheema like a mahout controls an elephant. So tell them, our

proposal is more in the interest of kauravas.

Arjuna gave valuable gifts to Sanjaya and gave good feast

in his honour.

53

SRI KRISHNA RAYABARAM

(This part is taken from Mahabharatam, Udyoga Parvam)

After Sanjaya left, Dharmaraja consulted with his

brothers and decided to send Krishna to Hastinapura as their

mediator. He went to Krishna’s palace with his brothers and

said.

Dharmaraja: Krishna! My father Panduraju put all of us

under your care and since then you are protecting us. You

alone can convince Duryodhana. Sanjaya clearly expressed

their views. Even at this juncture if I don’t prepare for a war

it will become a stigma on my vigour. So you go to

Hastinapura, impress the elders in Kurusabha and convince

them for settlement. Then only we Pandavas and Kauravas

can live in peace. In case Dhrutarashtra did not agree to give

our share, you plead for five villages, Indraprastam,

Kusaprastam, Vrukastalam, Vaasanti and Vaaranavatam. If

he is reluctant go give us those five places, I am prepared to

take any other villages of his choice.

Krishna! I don’t know whether Duryodhana will agree

even for those five villages. For the sake of those villages, I

don’t want to go for a war. In fact I don’t want any comforts

or pleasures. But I should be in a position to provide food,

clothing and shelter for those who are depending upon me.

There are so many brahmins and others also with me.

Many kings have joined me and Duryodhana. Whether

they are my relatives or not, why should I kill them? Can’t we

find an alternate to war? Even in Kauravas side also, my

friends and relatives are there. Should I kill them just for the

sake of a piece of land? If I do that, will the people pardon me

for the massacre? It is not only unjust and inglorious but also

sinful.

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Krishna! Keeping weapons is Kshatriya dharma. At the

same time, we can’t kill our own people for kingdom. On

reaching the battlefield, no side can confidently say that they

win the battle. So you can convince the elders in Kurusabha

for a settlement without a war, we all can live peacefully.

Krishna! I want kingdom without a war. You suggest

any other way which will avoid loss of Kuru family and human

loss. I request you to be patient even if Duryodhana provokes

you with harsh words. Don’t walk out from the sabha. Let

Duryodhana have the blame of disobeying elders. If we respect

Bheeshma, Drona and other elders, people won’t blame us.

Though Dhrutarashtra may take an unethical stand, don’t

loose your patience. Don’t lose heart even if the compromise

talks fails. If you are forced to talk harsh words, you speak in

a charming way and all the elders will appreciate your stand.

Krishna! I become mentally sick on this issue. You are

the right physician for me. Whatever way you suggest, I shall

follow the same path. However I have an apprehension that

wicked Duryodhana might do some harm to you. So I have

second thoughts to send you as my envoy. Let us search for

somebody.

Krishna : Dharmaraja! Of course what you said is

correct. Not only Duryodhana, but his father is also equally

wicked. I can understand your anxiety. If it comes to that,

can any one do harm to me. You keep faith in me. I will go to

kurusabha and come back. By that you will achieve what you

want. Even if my attempts fail, people will not find fault with

you.

Dharmaraja : Krishna! If you tell that that we can achieve

good result, what else I want? Come back with a peaceful

settlement. You know everything. My mind is for a

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compromise only. You know how to talk, when to talk, you

know how to achieve things. In diplomacy and statesmanship,

there is no one equal or superior to you.

Krishna reveals the crooked nature of kauravas :

Krishna : Dharmaraja! I understood the mind of

Kauravas, through sanjaya’s mediation. Your mind was fixed

on dharma. They will not leave jealousy. They are so haughty,

because Bheeshma, Drona and others are on their side.

Begging does not suit the kings. Kauravas grabbed your land

in an easy manner and enjoying it. Now they are finding it

difficult to give away your land. They are not afraid of public

censure. They do not hesitate to do unlawful and sinful acts.

Dharmaraja : Those ruthless Kauravas might harm you.

Though they do some sinful act, you show kindness on them.

As long as Duryodhana is alive, he will not agree for giving our

share. So you impress on our elders like Bheeshma and others

for a peaceful settlement.

Bheema : Krishna! Why are you talking about war before

you go for mediation? The question of war comes only if your

mediation fails. Duryodhana is haughty because he is jealous

and greedy. Thus he is pushing all of us to grief. He hates me

most. He tried to kill me several times. Dharmaraja and

Arjuna are trying their best to arrive at a compranise. So I am

also mentally prepared to live with Duryodhana.

Tell Duryodhana that we wish to live amicably like milk

and water. You impress the same while talking in Kurusabha.

Among Kauravas, Duryodhana alone is the wicked person. He

is the central point for enemity. However there is nothing

impossible for you. You can do and undo things. You make a

best bargain in that blind kingdom. You tell Duryodhana as

my words in the presence of Bheeshma and Dhrutarashtra.

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“Duryodhana! We both are brothers. If we fight among

ourselves others will enjoy the fun. This will not enhance our

prestige. So we both will abide by the words of our elders. Let

us share our ancestral property and enjoy peacefully.

On hearing Bheema’s words, Krishna laughted. He never

heard such a passive approach from Bheema. He thought that

the fire was in is put in him. He thought a mountain has turned

into a heap of cotton and said,

Krishna provokes Bheema for a battle :

Krishna : Bheema! You always stand first for fight. You

have destroyed even the most valorous enemies. Oh killer of

Keechaka! Even fear will be afraid of your. You are always

anxious to kill Duryodhana and make Dharmaraja as our

emperor on earth. How is it I am hearing such meek words

from you? Can you utter such cowardly words?

Bheema : “Krishna! Don’t try to whet manliness in me.

My brother is pleading for our father’s share only. Did we

ever say against his word? However we plead for peace. When

war breaks, I shall kill Duryodhana. You yourself will see how

he will suffer in my hands. Don’t you know my heroism?

Krishna : “Bheema! I know your heroism”.

Bheema : “Krishna! You go and come back from

Hastinapura. When war commences, you can’t count how

many elephants and horses will be killed in my hands. You

will see in that battle heaps of broken chariots and dead heroes

of Kauravas”.

Krishna : “Bheema! I know your valour. I am sure that

you will prove more than you said. On several occasions, we

all crossed the ocean of grief, by making you as a catamaran. I

am going to Kurusabha to try for a peaceful settlement. If I fail

in my attempts, we all depend on you”.

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Arjuna conveys his message :

Arjuna : Krishna! We all abide by the decision of

Dharmaraja. Dhrutarashtra is greedy and his son is a crooked

person. So I am of the opinion that they may not agree for any

peaceful settlement. Since a long time there is no work for my

Gandevam and divine weapons. You create some work for

them. Your willpower can do and undo things. Though it

may appear to be unsuccessful in the beginning, in the long

run they yield fruits. Even god can not help without a human

effort. In fact you are both a god and also a human. You

yourself said many times that they are to be punished who

ever insulted dharmaraja . You are affectionate towards

virtuous. In fact you don’t have enimity on any one.

Krishna! We were all fastened by dharma and maintained

patience though Draupadi was pulled by hair and removed

her clothes in Kurusabha. We underwent many difficulties

while living in forests. You know everything. You try for a

peaceful settlement only. We all agree by your decision. You

do which is best for us.

Krishna : Arjuna! In spite of best efforts of a farmer, if

rain does not help, all his efforts will go waste. I shall put up

my human effort, if the time is ripe, we can get fruits. But I am

not hopeful of any peaceful settlement unless Duryodhana

had a change in mind. Because he would have not created so

many troubles had he had any sadbdhi ever since his

childhood. At the time of gograhmem, Bheeshma told

Duryodhana, “The lone warrior attacking us is none other than

Arjuna. He has proved to be the most valorous. Ultimate result

lies in the hands of god. So in the present circumstances it is

better to go for a compromise”. In reply to Bheeshma’s advice

Duryodhana said “ I will not give them an inch of land. As

such where is the question of compromise? I am prepared to

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fight a battle”. Hence I am not hopeful that Duryodhana will

agree for a compromise. Since Dharmaraja has asked me to

go to Hastinapura I shall try for a compromise, I consider it as

my duty to obey his order. Having gone that far, I will also

extract more information about their war plans.

Nakula : I too wanted to take revenge since we

underwent many hardships in aranyavasam and

agnatevasam. Now, I agree with my brothers for a peaceful

settlement. I am sure that they might have understood might

our valour and strength after gogarahanam. Bheeshma,

Drona and other elders also to advice them. we are also had

the support of seven akshauhini’s of army. So war is not a

child’s play for them. You are the best statesman of all times.

You come back with a good result.

Sahadeva : Krishna! How can you go to Kurusabha and

beg on our behalf? You killed many demons. Could a great

emperor like Dharmaraja stoop to such a low thought. Many

friends, well wishers and relatives came with enthusiasm for

joining us in a big battle? How can he disappoint them? How

can we eat and digest such a food by begging ? Though all my

people might have stooped to such a low level, I am not for a

settlement. For me war is the only solution. We have

completed our vows. You demand our father’s share.

Otherwise they all die in the war.

Satyaki : Sahadeva ! I agree with your views. Wicked

Duryodhana will never agree for good words. We have seven

akshauhini’s of army. Each soldier is enthusiastic for the war.

All the kings present in the sabha agreed with the views

of Sahadeva and Satyaki.

Draupadi reveals her feelings to Krishna:

Draupadi was pained with the words of Dharmaraja. She

said to Krishna, with fury and agony.

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Draupadi : Krishna! On that day they insulted us in the

sabha and today Sanjaya came to console us after 14 years.

Dharmaraja was delighted to his words forgetting all the

injuries we suffered. He is asking 5 villages for the sake of his

brothers on compassionate grounds. Otherwise he would not

have asked even those five villages. However if Pandavas do

not demand their legitimate share, people will laugh at them.

Why Pandavas are seeking a compromise? Are they

afraid of Kaurava’s strength? How can we make adjustments

with them? In this way Dharmaraja is lowering himself. It is

more advantageous for Kauravas because, they can save their

lives. Pandavas are more valorous and can prove it if a war

brakes out, we will become the winners. Hence why should

we beg for a compromise? The real problem is Dharmaraja

and his crawling nature for peace. Will Kauravas respect his

words? Do they appreciate his goodness? In fact Dharmaraja

is behaving like a brahmin than a Kshatriya.

“Krishna! Duryodhana is not afraid of a war. He will not

respect your words. On the contrary, he thinks cheap about

us. Suppose if that sabha decides for a war, will Pandavas

make preparations for a war or will they prefer to live again

in the forests?

Krishna! All of you are statesman. Who am I to find

fault with you? Pandavas are always conscious of glory and

appreciation from the people even at the cost of their self

respect. But should they not give thought to the insults and

humiliations suffered by me? By negotiating for a

compromise, will their prestige will enhance? Did kauravas

are thinking in your line? However I am of the opinion that

Pandavas are not doing a right thing. Who cares for my

opinion? Being born as a house wife, all these years I am

restricted to the kitchen only. Out of distress I am talking all

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irrelevant . My mind has become dim. All these yeas I suffered

silently. Since I am hearing what you are talking, I could not

resist myself and came out!.

Krishna! You know about my birth. I was born by the

grace of god. I became the daughter-in-law of Panduraju. I

gave birth to brave and valorous sons. That way I also belongs

to a glorious family.

Padmanabha! You have treated me more dearly than

Subhadra. I became pure, after completing avabridhasnana

(after performing rajasagayaga). A crooked fellow has pulled

by my (purified) hair and dragged me to Kurusabha in the

presence of my husbands. Will any body insult a chaste woman

in this manner?

“Mukunda! When I was under menstrual period,

Dushsasana had dragged me to the Kurusabha and my

husbands stood like statues. At that time I lost hopes on them.

I mediated on you with full faith and devotion. You yourself

know how you saved me. You remember all these, before you

negotiate a compromise.

“Brother! that blind king Dhrutarashtra will treats me

as a servant maid, If my husbands again join his court? You

ask him, whether I should serve him as a daughter-in-law or

as a servant maid? You yourself tell me what I should do.

Krishna! Look at my long hair, which was held by

Dushasana and dragged me into the court. While you were

negotiating, you remember my hair. I must see the hands of

Dussasana are cut into pieces. I must see Duryodhana’s dead

body on the ground. Then only my mind will rest in peace.

If that does not happen, what for Bheema is carrying a big

club on his shoulders ? What does Arjuna do with his

gandeevam?

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I am burning with the fire of shame and insults, in spite

of having a brother like you who is born only to punish the

evil people while talking in an exited manner she broke down

and fall on ground .

While Draupadi was profusely weeping, Krishna

ordered servant maids to comfort her and said.

Krishna consoles draupadi :

Krishna : Sister! Be brave. Why do you worry when I

am with you? As ordered by Dharmaraja I will go to

Hastinapura to satisfy the world as if we made all possible

efforts to avert war and human loss. I know pretty well

Durodhana will never agree for peaceful settlement. So the

war will become inevitable.

Sister! Stop grieving. The way, in which you are put to

humiliatin, tomorrow the wives of Duryodhana also will face.

That day is not far off. I am giving you a word of honour, it is

certain that all Kauravas will be killed in the battle. You are

going to be the empress on the earth. Leave your grief.

Arjuna : Krishna! Pandavas and Kauravas are equal to

you. You prevail on peace. My brother also wants the same.

If Duryodhana don’t respond to you, god alone will decide the

future course.

Krishna : Arjuna! Dharmaraja has ordered me to

negotiate and to do good for both. I am going to fulfill his

desire. I am confident that I shall come out with good result.

Dharmaraja : “Krishna! I am very much pleased with

your words. Pursue in the same manner. Tomorrow morning

you start to Hastinapura.

That day the Pandava sabha had come to an end.

Everyone had completed their evening rituals. Krishna asked

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Satyaki to make necessary arrangement for the journey and

said “Brother! Duryodhana is a ruthless person. He might have

hatched some wicked plans. You keep all my weapon in the

chariot”. Before they started Dharmaraja went to Krishna and

said.

Dharmaraja : Krishna! The moment my mother sees

you, she will forget all her dieters and will feel happy. You

convey my pranamns to her . You console her that all our

difficulties have come to an end. You only can convince her

grief. I need not tell you what to do.

“Krishna! You convey my salutations to Bheeshma,

Drona and other elders. Convey my warm respects to Vidura.

He is the most impartial and well-wisher for both Pandavas

and Kauravas.

Krishna talks to Narada and maharishis :

On his way to Hastinapura, Krishna saw Narada, Kanva,

Jamadagni and other maharishis. On seeing them, Krishna

stopped his chariot, went to them, prostrated at their feet and

said, ‘Maharishis! I am fortunate to see all of you at one place.

Order me what service I can do for you”? Narada said,

“Krishna! We are all going to Kurusabha to see your negotiating

skills with Kauravas. We want to hear what Bheeshma and

other elders say”. Then Krishna invited them to board the

chariot. But maharishis said, “Krishna! You go ahead. We shall

come and join you later”.

Dhrutarashtra came to know the arrival of Krishna. He

deputed Bheeshma, Drona, Vidura, Duryodhana, Karna,

Syndhava to receive him and said,

Dhrutarashtra : Duryodhana! Krishna is coming on

Pandavas work. Whoever satisfies him, will get good fortunes.

Those who do not satisfy him, will suffer. So you take personal

interest in providing all comforts during his stay.

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Accordingly, Duryodhana ordered his servants to

decorate the city. Precious diamonds and art pieces were kept

ready. Perfumes, ointments and a variety of delicious food

was provided in that palace.

Dhrutarashtra speaks to Vidura :

Dhrutarashtra : “Vidura! I want to offer Krishna

valuable chariots, horses, diamonds and many more gifts.

Tell me what more we can offer!”,

Vidura : “Dhrutarashtra! Krishna is none other than

Paramatma. It is good to satisfy Krishna with devotion. But

we don’t have even five villages to offer to Pandavas. We are

so poor. What valuables you can offer to him?

King! I understand what you have in mind. By offering

valuable gifts, you want to corrupt and attract him to your

side to do harm to Pandavas. Your thoughts reveal how

ignorant you are? Whatever you may do, he will not leave

Arjuna who is more than his life.

King, You do the work of Krishna with whole heart. More

thant that, he will not expect anything more.

Duryodhana : Father! What Vidura said is correct. He

will never leave Pandavas. If you offer him valuable gifts, he

may mistake that we are weak and afraid of Pandavas. Even

people also will laugh at us. I am also aware that Krishna is a

worshipful person. We shall provide comforts and pretend

as his devotees.

Bheeshma : Dhrutarashtra ! Whether you give gifts or

not, Krishna will do only what he wants to do. It is a fact that

he is coming to talk, on behalf of Pandavas. So you fulfill his

mission. That solves all problems.

Duryodhana: Pitamaha! Krishna pleads for their half

share to Pandavas. I will not agree to it. Then what is it he is

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going to mediate? So I worked out a master plan with my

friends. You listen. “Krishna is father, mother, guru and

everything for Pandvas. He is coming to our place on his own.

We fasten and keep him as our captive. Without him,

Pandavas will becomes birds without wings. From then

onwards, Yadavas, Panchalas and all other kings also will

becomes my friends. Therefore Pandavas will become isolated

and helpless. They again goes to forest. This plot has already

been planned and will be executed once Krishna enters

Kurusabha. Now tell me your opinion”.

Dhrutarashtra : Duryodhana! Your words are

disturbing me. What are you thinking of Krishna? Know it

that, doing harm to Krishna is doing harm to all lokas. Stop

thinking in wicked ways. Who is coming as an ambassador,

who is virtuous, who is working to establish justice and

dharma, such a person should not be fastened. He is none

other than Maha Vishnu. May I know what sin he committed

to fasten him?.

Bheeshma : Dhrutarashtra! Your son is planning to do

cruel acts. By doing harm to Krishna, he and his entire family

will be ruined. I cant’ hear such sinful words. I can’t be a

party to his crooked acts. I am leaving this sabha.

After Bheeshma left, Dhrutarashtra called Duryodhana

and said, “Duryodhana! Why you gave room for such sinful

thought. Know it well, it will destroy you. So you stop thinking

of those cruel plans in your own interest”. By saying so, he

asked all the members to leave the assembly and was sitting

alone.

Next morning Krishna started from Kusastali to reach

Hastinapura. Many people came to see him off. By the time

Krishna was leaving, Duryodhana’s ministers went to him and

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offered various sweets and garlands. Krishna received them

all with a smile and pretended as if he had eaten them.

Krishna reaches Dhrutarashtra’s place :

Dhrutarashtra deputed all elders to greet Krishna, except

Duryodhana. Krishna spoke affectionately to them. People of

Hastinapura gave a rousing welcome to Krishna. Finally he

reached the palace of Dhrutarashtra and embraced him. After

some time he took leave from Dhrutarashra and went with

Vidura. Vidura worshipped Krishna with traditional honours

and enquired about the wellbeing of Pandavas. In the

meanwhile Kunti came and embranced him with affection and

said.

Kunti : Krishna! You have brought up my children right

from their childhood and made them virtuous. Though I am

living here, my mind is always with them. Though they were

born in royal family, they are being deceived and made to live

in forests. How are my children? How is Draupadi? Though

she is my daughter-in-law she is more than my daughter.

When she was insulted in Kurusaha, except vidra none of the

elders opened their mouth. I do not blame Bheeshma,

Dhrutarashtra or Bahlika. I only blame my parents for

sending me to the Kuru family as a daughter-in-law. When I

delivered Arjuna, we heard a voice from sky that he would

win all worlds. I presume that voice made a false

announcement. Still if dharma and justice remains in this

world, that voice must become true. You tell Dharmaraja as

my words.

“My son! You are a born Kshatria. Why do you beg for

your share? Your distress and approach make me to think as

if the fire has lost its heat. Will your enemies respect you,

unless you show your virility”?

66

You tell to Bheema and Arjuna as my words :

“My sons! A Kshatriya woman gives birth to her sons

only to fight a battle and the time has come now. If you don’t

jump into the battle field, the people will doubt your

masculinity”.

You tell to Nakula and Sahadeva :

“My sons! A Kshatriya should prove his vigour and

valour. Living at somebody’s mercy do not suit for a kshatriya.

You better know what I mean from Draupadi”. So tell my

sons to pull me out from distress. Krishna! They will listen to

you. You are a great statesman. So you also help me to come

out of my grief.

Krishna consoles Kunti:

Krishna : My dear Aunt! With your noble character,

you have enhanced the prestige of your parents and parents-

in-law. You have undergone many difficulties boldly. I can

understand your distress. I shall do all that I could and relieve

you from this distress. All your sons are safe. Each one of

them worshipped you in thousand ways. None of your sons

aspire any pleasures by begging. They want to have them by

vigour and valour . they never entertain thoughts of low

profile. There are going to subjugate the entire Kaurava family

with its roots and are ready to establish the rule of dharma

and justice. The day is not far off.

Kunti : “Krishna! With your words, all my distress

evaporated. You are the father, mother, guru and god for my

children. You do whatever is good to my sons.

Krishna took leave from Kunti and went to the palace of

Duryodhana. Duryodhana, Karna, Dussasana, Sakni, Bheeshma,

Drona and others welcomed Krishna. He was offered a seat

made of gold and worshipped him.

67

Duryodhana talks to Krishna :

Duryodhana received Krishna and Satyaki, offered golden

throne and spoke for a long time on various subjects and said

that he had arranged delicious food and offered a lunch with

him. Krishna said that he will not take food in his house. On

hearing Krishna’s words, Duryodhana said.

Duryodhana : “Krishna! You are the most virtuous

person. My father had highest regard for you. As such he has

ordered special menu for you. He will really get upset if you

refuse to dine with us. Even by relationship you are equal to

us and Pandavas. Do you have any specific reasons for not

dining with us?

Krishna : Duryodhana! You are a great statesman. You

know everything. Still you want to hear it from me. I will tell

you the reason. I came as an ambassador of Pandavas. Unless

I complete my work, I should not eat or drink anything from

the opposite party. I should not accept gifts of any kind. After

completing my work I will accept what ever you offer.

Duryodhana : Krishna! Don’t mix your work with lunch.

Some times our work may not be successful or maybe

successful. When we sit on that subject, we discuss. Don’t

mix those matters with food. If you have something else in

your mind you can tell.

Krishna looked around the people sitting there, took the

hand of Duryodhana into his hands shook well and said with

a smile.

Krishna : “Duryodhana! If a gruhasta offers food out to

love and affection, the guest can take . Sometimes they offer

without love but under compulsion. Even in such a case also

food can be taken. But people doubt to take food in an enemies

house. Elders say such a gruhasta should not offer even nectar

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to an enemy. So I refuse to take food in your house. Life is

impermanent. Anything may happen any time. Danger may

come in any form. You may ask “Am I your enemy? I will tell

you, Listen. You hate Pandavas. Pandavas are my life. Your

attempts of doing harm to Pandavas are as good as doing harm

to me. So those who are trying to do harm on life are

considered to be enemies. Is it not?

“Duryodhana! Can you show me one good reason why

do you hate Pandavas? You are doing harm ever since your

childhood. They live a virtuous life and follows the path of

dharm a. After all they are your cousins. Is it right to develop

enemity with them? The food offered by those who harm to

virtuous people, is equal to poison, I have decided to dine in

the house of Vidura”.

While Krishna was about to start to Vidura’s house,

Bheeshma and Drona came and invited him to their houses

for a lunch. Krishna pacified them politely and went with

Vidura.

Krishna went to Vidura’s house. Vidura worshipped him

with devotion and offered a delicious dinner. Krishna, Satyaki

and Vidura dined. After dinner, he arranged a bed for him to

take rest. Vidura said, “Krishna! I am being blessed and

honoured by accepting food in my house. I don’t want any

more wealth beyond this. Oh virtuous Krishna! Why did you

took so much pain to meet this wicked Duryodhana? He has

already secured the cooperation of many kings to fight

pandavas and their strength is eleven akshauhini’s of army.

All those kings are hopeful that Karna will rout Pandavas.

They are all more banking of Karna’s valor than Bheeshma,

Drona and others.

“Krishna! Before your arrival, Kaurvas decided not to

give the share to Pandavas. They want to enjoy the share of

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Pandavas also. The kings who came in support are prepared

either to live or die with Karna. They don’t know your

greatness and majesty. I would request you not to go to

kurusabha. They may even try to do harm to you.”

Krishna replies to Vidura :

Krishna : Vidura! I know your devotion . You are as

affectionate as my parents. I know Duryodhana is a ruthless

person. If a war brakes there is going to be a great human loss.

If I do not try to avert it, all the people will blame me. If he

doesn’t listen, that is also good because the burden on earth

will be reduced by killing with sinful people . I am a relative

and well wisher for both. If I do not try for peace and reduce

tension, people will blame for my indifference. Will they try

to do harm to me? If so, will any one of them survive? So you

leave all your fears and sleep”.

Vidura bowed his head at the feet of Krishna and went

to sleep. Next morning Duryodhana and others came to

Krishna and said, “Krishna! Dhrutarashtra and others are

waiting for you”. Krishna, Satyaki and others reached

Kurusabha in their chariots. The moment Krishna entered the

sabha, all the members stood on their feet as a matter of

respect. At the same time, Narada and other maharishis

reached Kurusabha. Krishna received them and introduced

to Bheeshma and other elders. Krishna appealed to all the

audience to take their seats only after maharishis are seated.

Elders and other audience were surprised at the sudden

presence of maharishis.

Krishna speaks to Dhrutarashtra :

Krishna : “King Dhrutarashtra! You know everything.

I want the entire Baratha dynasty is to live in peace and

harmony. I came here only to do justice which is beneficial

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for both of you. Kauravas and Pandavas must live like milk

and water. You only should take the lead, since you do not

differentiate between kauravas and Pandavas.

“All the family line of Baratha are known for adhering

dharma, justice, truthfulness, unity, kindness and honour.

You and your brother Panduraju also lived in the same way.

Your sons also possess many noble qualities. Why such a

good tradition is to break?

“Dhrutarashtra! You are the most superior among the

Kuru family. The good and bad behavior of your family

members are to be attributed to you. Hence you ought to

take such a decision which makes good for both sides and in

an amicable manner.

“King! The friends of Duryodhana are not giving good

advice. They are not able to discriminate between good and

bad. Will such a behavior achieve prosperity to you? They

are behaving against family tradition and their actions are

harassing relatives. This will not bring any good. You interfere

and make a peaceful settlement with Pandavas. Then only

both sides can live in peace. Now things are in your hands.

You only can do it.

Think well, whether any one of you are as valorous as

Bheema and Arjuna? Did Pandvas had any one who can match

Bheeshma and Drona? Don’t you like to have such heroes

under your command? Or do you want them all to die in a

battle? If they are with you, you will become the emperor on

earth. All the kings will be your subordinates. If you are

complicent, not only Kauravas but all the people will die. Then

what will remain to you?

“Great King! Both Kauravas and Pandavas are two eyes

to you. You are the sufferer whomever you may lose. Both

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Kauravas and Pandavas are well read, and valorous. They

both are heading for a war for a piece of land. You yourself

brought them up. If arrows enter into their bodies and lay

on ground. can you bear such a pain?

“You have the experience and wisdom to avert human

loss in a war. Take such a good decision for which people also

will applaud You”.

Krishna conveys the messages of Pandavas :

Krishna : Dhrutarashtra! You only brought up the sons

of Panduraju in an affectionate manner ever since their

childhood. Don’t leave them half way. You look after their

welfare till the end. I will tell you the message of Pandavas.

“Father! As ordered by you we have completed twelve

years of aranyavasam and one year agnatevasam. We have

fulfilled our vow. Now we are determined to have our half

share of kingdom. We believe you as our father, mother and

relative. Consciously or unconsciously had we committed any

mistakes, you have a right to correct us. You are our protector

for ten thousand years. Whatever manner the people may

think of us and Kauravas, we don’t mind but we always look

for your good wishes. We assure you that we will not behave

to lower the prestige of our family”.

Krishna : “Dhrutarashtra! I told you the message of

Pandavas as such. Keeping in view of character, justice,

relationship and dharma, the kings in the sabha may come

out with your views leaving anger, hate, jealousy and pride.

You yourself will realize that the way I have suggested will do

good to all. You give away the reasonable share of Pandavas

and avoid human loss.

“Dhrutarashtra! You give away the share of Panduraju to

them and you may give your share to your sons. By doing so,

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all your sons and grand sons will live in peace and enjoy

comforts. While Dharmaraja was ruling Indraprasta, he

defeated all kings and made them all your subordinate kings.

He filled your treasury with enormous wealth.

“King! You endorsed the deceitful acts of Duryodhana.

However Dharmaraja committed to the vow, undergone

enormous difficulties in the forests, suppressed valour and

vigour of Bheema and others. In spite of all, he still wants to

be subordinate to you.

Maharaja! Have you ever seen the exemplary qualities

of Pandavas such as tranquility, veracious and modesty in any

other king? In fact there is none equal to Dharmaraja in all

worlds. So you take them into your fold. You know it well

that Pandavas are the most peace loving persons, but at the

same time they are so valorous at times of war. Such Pandavas

are ready to serve you with love and devotion. If you do not

want their services, you tell me. They are ready to jump at

war. You decide whether you want peaceful settlement or

war? You decide which you like most”.

On hearing the words of Krishna, the audience were

uplauded and overjoyed. Every one was happy with Krishna’s

audacious words, with ability to talk fluently, eloquently and

with persuasive skills. He excelled in the art of oration.

Audience were spell bound like a serpent before a snake

charmer.

After Krishna conveyed the message of Pandavas,

Jamadagni, Kanva and Narada maharishis advised

Duryodhana to agree for the peace proposal of Krishna.

Duryodhana refuses the advice of maharishis :

Duryodhana did not relish the advice of maharishis and

replied with arrogance. Maharishis! Brahma has already

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decided my destiny. Your advice can’t change my destination.

So you stop giving unwanted advices and you may go on your

way”. Duryodhana’s words wounded Dhrutarashtra and said,

Dhrutarashtra : “Krishna! Your advice do good to me in

this world and as well as in the other world also. But my son

is a fool. I tried to convince him in several ways. He refused to

hear my words. I shall be grateful to you if can try to convince

my son”

Krishna : Duryodhana! You are the eldest son of your

family. You are to correct your brothers, if they choose a

wrong path. You are next to your father. So, virtuous persons

like you will never go in a wrong path. Your father and elders

of your family are looking for a nice settlement. People of

low profile may provoke you for enemity with Pandavas.

Don’t listen to their advice. Elders like Bheeshma and others

want you to live in peace with Pandavas.

“Duryodhana! However one may try to be prosperous

by untruthful and greedy way, finally they can’t achieve it.

The advice of Dushsasana, Sakuni and Karna will not only spoil

your property but also brings you in glory.

Bheema and others are not outsiders to you. But you

are treating them as enemies, whereas you are taking all

worthless persons as your own. They are all living under

your mercy. At the same time, they are misleading you in an

unrighteous path. You can’t even say one reason why you

hate Pandavas.

“If you and Pandavas live together, all the kings will

become your vassals. But the people around you don’t like it.

That is why they are misleading you to spoil the compromise

with Pandavas. You think for a moment, if you are to forced

to fight with Pandavas, will any one of them can face Pandavas?

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God forbid, if a war is inevitable, not only Karna and others

but even Indra also can not score a win over them. This is

truth. So you make up your mind and make a settlement with

Pandavas. That is the only safe way for you.

“Duryodhana! Even if those kings who came to help you

can’t defeat Bheema, leave alone Arjuna and others. So don’t

have enemity with Pandavas. In case, if you choose to fight,

you not only lose the battle but also there will be enormous

human loss. So you don’t be the reason for such a colossal

human tragedy.

“Duryodhana! You went on expedition to grab Virata’s

cow herds with atiradhas and maharadhas. Arjuna came alone

and fought against you . At that time he did not have even a

bow and arrows with him as he was under agnatevasam. Did

any one from your side obstructed him? You listen to me

peacefully. Don’t get angry at me. When I and Arjuna give a

fight, you will be destroyed in no time. So you change your

mind and agree for a compromise. Don’t kill your own sons

and grandchildren with your own hands. Live together in

peace.

“you imagine for a while, if you agree with my advice

Dhrutarashtra will become the king of Kuru empire. You will

be crowned as Yuvaraja. Pandavas will protect you from all

sides. You imagine Bheeshma pitamaha’s pleasure of living

with his grand children and great grand children crawling

around him. While Pandavas themselves are craving for peace,

your refusal looks like closing your doors while Lakshmi,

herself, wants to enter the house”.

Bheeshma and Drona advises to Duryodhana :

Bheeshma : Duryodhana! Know it well that Lord Vishnu

himself came and advised you. Why are you giving him a deaf

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ear? Do you want to destroy all your family? Developing

enmity with Krishna and Arjuna will not only destroy your

family but all your wealth, influence, fame and name. If you

don’t agree, you not only lose all pleasures in this world but

also in other world also. So listen to Krishna and agree for a

compromise.

Drona : Duryodhana! Your grandfather, father and I are

your well-wishers. Don’t listen to the advice of bad people.

The good advice of Krishna will not only gain longevity, but

also prosperity. If both Kauravas and Pandavas live happily

it will be pleasant for all of us. What else I can tell you?

Dhrutarashtra : Duryodhana! What Bheeshma and

Drona advised is good to you. You go with Krishna and,

embrace Dharmaraja, talk to him affectionately and that will

solve all problems. If you listen to Krishna’s words, good will

happen to all of us.

Bheeshma and Drona : “Duryodhana! Go and embrace

Dharmaraja, as advised by your father. He will lift you

affectionately and agree what ever you say. That will solve all

problems. All our subordinate kings, relatives and people will

feel happy. The kings who came to fight, will go back to their

cities. Both of you rule your respective land and live happily

for ever”.

Duryodhana : “Krishna! Till now my father, Bheeshma,

Drona and others are blaming me. Now you also joined with

them. They blame me for insulting Draupadi. They claim that

Pandavas went to forests because of me and developed

enemity on me. They claim that they alone are valorous and

can destroy me and my brothers.

“Krishna! You tell me frankly. Is there any truth in their

allegations? Dharmaraja is a gambler. He forgot himself while

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playing with Sakuni and lost everything. When he was losing,

should he not stop at a particular point? As he was losing hestarted increasing the speed of his betting’s. Since Sakuni waslucky at the game, he won all the games. Thus Dharmaraja

lost everything and went to forests. They have no right to thekingdom. Bheema, Arjuna and other Pandavas made a vowto kill us. What wrong I did to them?

“As he could not resists his temptation to fight with me,he invited the armies of Mastya, Panchala and others kings.Did I ever entertained such a crooked thought? You are omni-present. You know everything. When they are makingpreparation for a war, should I keep quiet? I am also a bornKshatriya. When enemy is attacking us, should I go back like acoward?. If I die in a battle I not only reach heaven but alsobecome glorious in this world. When I was too young andignorant, my father and grand father colluded and gave ashare to Pandavas from my kingdom. Even now, if they forceme to do the some mistake, I will not allow it to repeat. Theyenjoyed my kingdom for some time. Having tasted thepleasures of ruling they are again trying to enjoy a fortune atmy expense. So I shall not yield to their unjust demand.Bheeshma, Drona and many great heroes are on my side”.

“Krishna! Why so many words? I shall not allow them torule this country. I will not give them even a tip of a needle ofland. Either one of us will rule this country only after winningthe battle”. He said in a thunderous voice. The whole sabha

was rudely shocked.Krishna became furious with Duryodhana’s words. His

eyes and face became red. Still he maintained his natural smile

on his face.

Krishna blasted at the atrocities of Duryodhana:

Krishna : “Duryodhana! You are going to die as desired

by you. That day is not far off. You and the kings who came to

help you are also facing the same fate.

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“You said there is no fault on your side. There was no

day passed in your life without committing harm to Pandavas.

Ever since you were born, you were trying to kill Pandavas.

You served them poisoned food, you engaged poisonous

serpents to bite them, and you locked them in a wax house

and burnt it. How many should I enumerate? Since they are

virtuous, dharma itself saved them. Somehow they could

withstand all your atrocities. Now they want to enjoy their

share of land. With a sinful thought and jealousy , you grabbed

their kingdom in a deceitful dice. Did ever any one pulled a

chaste woman by hair, before the king and his audience? Did

any one removed the clothes of a chaste women in an

uncivilized way.

“Duryodhana! When Draupadi was insulted in Kurusabha

the words you and Karna uttered can’t be uttered. She was

born in a respectable family. She is a chaste and virtuous wife

of pandavas. You were an eye witness for all these sinful acts.

In spite of all, you are asking, “What harm I did to Pandavas?

You alone could speak such lies.

“ You claim that Pandavas are ready with big army to

attack you. by blaming Pandavas, you cannot save your life.

Your father, Bheeshma, Drona and others are giving you a good

advice. But you are giving a deaf ear. Knowing fully well that

you hate Pandavas tooth and nail, still I came to make a last

attempt for peace.”

While Krishna was talking, Duryodhana became

impatient. At that time Dushasana went to Duryodhana and

said in a low voice, “Brother! Our father, Bheeshma, Drona and

others are conspiring to go in favour of Pandavas. They are

trying to pressurize you to go in favour of a compromise. If

you still sit here, Krishna may try to mesmerise your mind.

So it is not safe for you to sit in sabha”. Immediately

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Duryodhana left sabha with an angry look at Krishna. With

him Dushsasana, Sakuni and Karna also left sabha. When all

the four left abruptly, the audience were astonished at his

behavior Bheeshma said:

Bheeshma : Duryodhana became arrogant and proud.

He is an ignorant, jealous and is suffering with passion. How

can he leave sabha while Krishna was talking? He is always

associated with wicked persons. I am afraid that they must

be planning some terrific acts.

Krishna : Revered audience! How arrogant is this

Duryodhana? Many elders are sitting in this sabha. Don’t they

feel it an insult to them? Will he ever leave his crooked

nature? Can’t we find a remedy for this? Can’t we save the

purity of Baratha dynasty by abandoning a vile person? Will

this Kaurava dynasty should bear this blemish person? Kamsa

also behaved in the same way. He tarnished dharma and put

his father in prison. All our relatives came and requested me.

I killed Kamsa and made his father Ugrasena as the king. Can’t

you do in the same way? Once we get rid of this crooked

Duryodhana, all problems will be solved. The prestige of Kuru

family will become upright . Both Pandavas and Kauravas

can live in harmony.

The harsh words of Krishna disturbed Dhrutarashtra and

sent Vidura to bring Gandhari so that she might try to convince

Duryodhana. When she came to sabha the king said,

Dhrutarashtra : Your son has insulted Krishna and

others by leaving sabha abruptly. Can we ever see such a low

profile son? You convince him. If you can do it, with the

grace of Krishna, our Kuru family will flourish.

Gandhari : King! I know our son is disobedient and

dishonest. Knowing fully well about his nature, why you play

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to his tunes? You settle to Pandavas whatever way you want.

Who is going to stop you?

On hearing Gandhari’s words Dhrutarashtra sent Vidura

to call Duryodhana. Vidura went and came back with

Duryodhana.

Gandhari : My son! You never follow dharma. You do

not know diplomacy, you don’t know how to talk with elders.

You do not know your own strength and the strength of the

kings who came to fight for you. Why don’t you love your

cousins ?

Duryodhana tries to fasten Krishna :

Duryodhana : My dear Karna, Sakuni! Krishna had

certain ulterior motives in his mind. He turned Bheeshma and

Drona to his side. He frightened my father and mother by

telling the story of his killing Kamsa. He may even fasten us

with illusion and keep us under his captivity. So we ourselves

will contrive schemes ahead of his plan and keep Krishna in

our prison. If we do that, Pandavas will lose heart and come

to our terms. They cannot attack us without the help of

Krishna. So we imprison Krishna and tell him that Pandavas

are driven to forests.

Duryodhana’s plan was appreciated by his friends and

made arrangements to take Krishna under their captivity.

Satyaki was closely watching Duryodhana’s movements. He

deployed the army in front of sabha and was ready to handle

any eventuality. He went inside sabha and informed Krishna

about the sinful plans of Duryodhana. He took permission

from Krishna and said to Bheeshma and Bahlika.

Satyaki : Elders of Kuru family! Duryodhana hatched a

sinful plan of fastening Krishna and to imprison him. If he

wants to fasten Krishna, it is like carrying fire in your pocket.

Is this the way of solving problems?

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They were shocked to know the evil designs of

Duryodhana and his henchman. Vidura conveyed the words

of Satyaki to Dhrutarashtra and said.

Vidura : King! Your son is thinking that Krishna is an

ordinary human being. If they try to fasten him, it would be

like a locust attacking fire. Warn him before your son and his

friends turned to ashes.

Krishna : Dhrutarashtra! Your son Duryodhana and his

friends plotting to do harm me. If you permit me, I shall set

right all the matters pertaining to Kaurava and Pandavas

before I leave.

One hearing Krishna’s words Dhrutarashtra shivered like

a tender leaf and sent Vidura to call Duryodhana and said.

Dhrutarashtra : Duryodhana! Have you not heard the

miracles of Krishna ever since his childhood? Why are you

inviting your death? Don’t plan any harm to him. He is an

envoy of Pandavas. He is not our enemy, but a well wishers.

Krishna looked at Duryodhana minutely and said with

a smile, “Duryodhana! You are trying to fasten me, since I am

alone? You don’t know me. Now you will be shocked to look

at me”.

Viswaroopam :

At that time Brahma was seen on Krishna’s forehead,

Rudra was seen on his chest, Agni on his face, on both armpits

were found Indra, Yama, Varuna, Kubera, Adityas, Marultus,

Viswedevatas and Aswinidevatas. Balarama on his right hand,

Arjuna on his left hand, from his back Dharmaraja, Bheema,

Nakula, Sahadeva appeared. From his thighs, armed heroes

of Vrishti, Bhajaka, Andhaka were appeared, Sankham,

chakram, club, sword, Sakthi and saranyam appeared from

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his various hands. Form his eyes, ears and nose fumes were

developed. From his pore of the skin powerful sun rays

developed. The audience in sabha could not see him and

closed their eyes. At that time, the Supreme power was kind

enough to allow seeing his viswaroopam to Narada, other

maharishis, Bheeshma, Vidura, Drona, Sanjaya and few others.

He blessed them with divine right to see his Viswaroopam.

They all enjoyed the bliss of his Viswa Roopam.

Dhrutarashtra heard the uproar in sabha and presumed

that Krishna must have did a miracle and praised the glories

of Lord Krishna.

Dhrutarashtra : Krishna! I am seeking your protection.

You pardon my ignorance. Bless me to see your Viswaroopam.

On hearing his request Krishna blessed him divine sight.

That born blind was able to see the Viswaroopam of Lord

Krishna. His eyes were filled with tears of joy and he touched

his feet and said.

Dhrutarashtra : Purushothama! I saw your divine form.

I became pure. I do not wish to see the world with those divine

eyes take back the sight you blessed me.

On hearing the words of Dhrutarashtra, the whole

audience were surprised. Krishna took back the sight given

to the king. Krishna permitted all the maharishis to go to their

respective places. He could not succeed in his mission. Krishna

expressed his dissent over Duryodhana’s behavior, and walked

out from the sabha. Dhrutarashtra hurriedly ran to the chariot

of Krishna and said.

Dhrutarashtra : Krishna! I told my son not to develop

enemity with Pandavas on several occasions. But he refused

to listen my worlds. It is enough if you believe that I am pure

and sincere in my efforts.

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Krishna : “Bheeshma, Drona and other elders! You all

witnessed what happened in the sabha. Now this king is saying

that he is pure. What else is left for me to mediate? So I have

no other option but to leave with empty hands. From there

Krishna went to see kunti.

Kunti : Krishna! Tell Dharmaraja as my words. Kings

are to achieve things by valour. A masculine Kshatriya will

never crave for a compromise. Will a Kshatriya relish food

by begging? You and Pandavas did a tapasya for compromise.

The enemy has rejected you. it is for good that the compromise

talks failed.

Krishna! I fail to understand why Arjuna crawled for a

compromise? How such cowardly words were spelt out from

Bheema? You are an All-Pervading Supreme Spirit. How you

also made peace Japa? Are you forgotten the insults suffered

by Draupadi? Should they not fight, and got their legitimate

share?

Bheeshma and Drone were astonished at kunti’s harsh

words. They noticed both Kunti and Krishna, are very haughty.

Again they went to Duryodhana and pleaded. “Oh King! We

became pretty old. We are not afraid of death. We can die for

you in a battle. But we are advising you once again to meet

Dharmaraja and have peaceful solution”. Before leaving

Hastinapura, Krishna met Karna secretly and said.

Krishna : Karna! You listen my words carefully. You

served elders. With the power of a mantra and with the

grace of sun god. Kunti gave birth to you before her marriage.

Therefore you are the eldest brother of Pandavas. All

Pandavas will accept you as their eldest brother and serve you.

You will be crowned as the king. Dharmaraja will fan the

chowris. Arjuna will become your charioteer. Bheema will

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hold the sweta chatram (white umbrella). Nakula and

Sahadeva, Abhimanyu and others will serve your with regard.

Draupadi also will accept you as her husband. You come with

me. Kunti also will feel happy.

Karna: Krishna! I too heard this story. Though Kunti gave

birth to me, she left me in waters without any mercy. Radha

and Atiraradha brought me up and did all samskaaraas.

Through them I too had many brothers and relatives. How

can I leave them all and come with you as a son of Kunti? Not

only that, whole world is projecting me as the potential

opponent to Arjuna. If I came that side the same world will

laugh at me. Will it bring any glory to Arjuna?

“Krishna ! Since you are a guileless person, you gave me

this advice. However I could not accept it . I request you to

keep my birth secret within yourself. If Dharmaraja comes to

know about it, he will not rule this country. He will offer the

crown to me.

Krishna! In the forth coming battle, I wish that all the

brothers of Dharmaraja are to become Hota, Udgata, Advarva

and Brahmas. you should be Upradashta in that yaga. Let all

Kauravas became sacrificial animals. You yourself may lead

that yaga. Dharmaraja should be the karta in that yaga to

protect dharma. Let people like me may get superior lokas.

Krishna : Karna! I congratulate you for your patient

hearing. You must understand that bad ego (durahankaaram)

will land you in distress. You have cultivated jealousy on

Arjuna. That will certainly land you either in a defeat or even

death. Not only to you, but all your side are going to face the

same fate. Then only your jealous will be buried and take

you to eternal place. Arjuna acquired numerous divine astras.

As long as I am his charioteers, you can’t defeat Arjuna. You

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go to Hastinapura and announce that the war will start on the

day of new moon”.

Karna : “Krishna! Many omens are indicating that a big

war will broke between Kauravas and Pandavas. You

confirmed it. I am aware, that Dharmaraja alone will win. That

is the reason I refused to join Pandavas. In fact I, Sakuni and

Dushsasana are responsible for all this. In the forthcoming big

war, if I win I will come and meet you. If I am killed, I will

meet you in the other world, since you are Parameswara,

Krishna was happy to note that Karna was very firm about

his loyalty towards Duryodhana.

After Krishna left, Kunti thought, “ I will go and meet Karna

and tell about his birth secret, so that, he may not venture to

kill his own brothers”. Thinking in this manner she went to

Karna.

Kunti revealed his birth secret to Karna :

Kunti : “My son! When I was the daughter of kuntibhoja

and unmarried I gave birth to you by the grace sun god. You

are elder than Dharmaraja and Duryodhana. You are entitled

to be the ruler of entire Kuru empire. You are not the son of

Radha and Atiradha as you are thinking all these years.

While Kunti was revealing his birth secret, a voice from

sky was heard, “What Kunti said is true. You act as per her

wishes and prosper”.

Karna : “Mother! At the time of my birth, you have not

sanctified me (Jatakarma ) with the rites to become a kshatriya.

At this stage, how can I come with you and accept kshatrya

dharma? Even though my birth is not condemnable, but it was

kept as secret all these years. Now some people may believe

your version, and some may not believe. One more thing is

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Arjuna’s valour is famous in all worlds. If I join Pandavas,

people might think that I joined them out of fear. Another

point is that Duryodhana is looking at me as a catamaran to

reach the shore from the ocean of enemies (Pandavas). At

this critical hour, how can I leave him and come with you.

Because of you I came into this world. Duryodhana crowned

me as the king of Angadesam and provided large wealth, so

that I could donate freely to the persons seeking my help and

became glorious as ‘Danakarna’. All these years I lived with

the food provided by Duryodhana. Now he needs my support.

At this juncture how can I leave him? Is it not ungrateful if I

come with you? People will castigate me. How can I lead such

a mean life?

Mother! Certainly I shall fight against your sons. There

is no doubt. I can understand that you have come all the

way, to take some benefit from me. I am giving you a word,

that I will not kill any of your sons except Arjuna. If time

permits, I will kill Arjuna. Or I get killed in the hands of Arjuna.

In both ways, it as a privilege for me. Either way, you will

have only five sons and not six.

Kunti : “My son! What god proposes only will happen.

You don’t forget your promise made. You leave all my sons,

except Arjuna, unhurt”. Kunti embraced Karna and wept.

Karna prostrated at her feet.

(The scene was highly emotional and heart breaking.

Karna proved to be a man of peerless and immaculate

character. He could have defected Kaurava party and joined

Pandava clan and become their king. But he boldly refused

the offer.)

Krishna reports the results of his mediation to Dharmaraja :

Krishna : “Dharmaraja! As soon I reached Hastina,

I moved with everybody in a friendly manner. I conveyed

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your message in Kurusabha when all elders where present.

Duryodhana gave evasive and arrogant replies”.

Dharmaraja : “What did Dhrutarashtra say?

Krishna : He tried to convince Duryodhana in several

ways. Duryodhana wounded the feelings of Dhrutarashtra

also. Drona said, “Duryodhana! Though your father was a born

blind, his brother Panduraju made him king. He went on an

expedition of war, secured enormous wealth and put it in the

hands of your father. Pandavas also, (like their father) had

defeated many kings and filled the treasury. They lost all their

wealth in a deceitful dice game with you and lived in forests

for thirteen years. Now they fulfilled their vow and asking

the share of their father. If you refuse to give their share, the

entire Kuru family will be ruined. It is nothing but truth.

The elders in the sabha also tried to convince him in

several ways. Duryodhana could not digest those good words,

and became impatient and left sabha abruptly with his

followers.

Dhrutarashtra smelt the crooked plans of Duryodhana

and sent word for Gandhari. Gandhari also tried to convince

him for a peaceful settlement. He refused to heed her advice.

I tried with good words. After some time I threatened him.

Again I pacified with good words. Finally he said, that he was

prepared to die, then giving an inch of land to Pandavas.

There was no road open except war. Now you decide the next

course of actions”.

Dharmaraja : “Krishna! You know our mind. You also

heard the views of Bheeshma and Drona. Still my mind is not

accepting for the impending colossal human loss. Krishna!

Don’t you suggest any other way to avoid this human

loss?’.

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Krishna : “There is no way other than a war. He not

only refused to listen but also attempted to fasten me in

Kurusabha. With such a ruthless person, what else can we

do? At that time I have shown them a supernatural power

and created wonders. Still he did not agree for a compromise.

Kunti also expressed her deep distress in the presence of

Bheeshma, Drona and Bahlika and blamed your soft nature.

However you are not inviting a war. But they are forcing on

you. What else you can do ? I personally feel it is no sin if you

fight them”.

Dharmaraja : Brothers! We suffered so many difficulties

because of them. Even Kunti also gave her consent to fight a

war. Still my mind is refusing to kill our own kith and kin.

You also think well and tell me what our next course of action

should be?

Arjuna : Brother! Krishna knows everything. He himself

is telling that there is no alternative except war, we are forced

to fight with our own relatives. Vidura knows all dharmas.

Kunti also gave her consent. So, there is no point in delaying

our decision.

Dharmaraja: Let us also get prepared for a war. Then

whom shall we appoint as our commander-in-chief? He should

be capable of planning and executing the war strategies with

vigour and valour.

Nakula : We shall choose king Draupada as our chief. He

fought many battles. All the more, he was anxious of killing

Drona.

Arjuna : I feel Drushtajyumna is better. He was born from

a Homagundam only to kill Drona. I think he is equal to

Bheeshma to lead our army.

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Dharmaraja : Krishna! You are all Pervading Supreme

Spirit. You know everything better than anybody. All the more

whatever comes from your mouth, will come true. So we

accept whomsoever you nominate as our commander –in-

chief and other commanders.

Krishna : Dharmaraja! You nominate Drushtaiyumna as

the commander-in-chief. We are in possession of seven

akshauhini’s of army. You appoint the following as our

commanders of each segment. 1.King Drupada 2.King Virata

3.Satyaki 4. Sahadeva (son of Jarasandha) 5. Drushnaketu (son

of Sisupala) 6. Sikhandi 7.Bekitanudu.

Dharmaraja! Though Kauravas are having eleven

akshauhini’s of army, you have nothing to worry, because god

will be protecting your army. Even devatas can’t win your

brothers.

Next morning Pandavas, Krishna, the kings and their

army moved towards Kurukshetra. Dharmaraja said “Arjuna!

Krishna is our protector. Every moment we shall move under

his guidance. He will protect you every moment, by sitting in

your chariot”.

Duryodhana came to know that Pandavas also prepared

for a war and were proceeding towards Kurushetra. He called

for a meeting of his ministers and said, “Since I did not agree

to his advice, Krishna went and provoked Pandavas for war.

Now we are left with no option except to give a fitting reply to

them”.

Next morning Duryodhana convened a sabha and

appointed 1.Drona 2.Karna 3.Aswathama 4.Bahlika 5.Sakuni

6.Krupa 7.Selya 8.Jayadradha (Syndhava) 9.Bhoorisrava 10.

Sudhekshina and 11 Krutavarma as commanders for each

segment. He took his commanders to Bheeshma and said.

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Duryodhana : Pitamaha! I appointed these eleven as our

commanders for each segment. They all came from different

nations. You are not only a veteran warrior but you have the

leadership abilities. You should lead them to victory”.

Bheeshma : Duryodhana! No one can stand and light with

me in a battle. But I can’t defeat. Arjuna, because he has

acquired several divine weapons. Not only that, I cant’ kill the

sons of Panduraju. They also may not come to fight with me.

So that will not be a problem. If you agree for this, I have no

objection to take responsibility as your commander-in-chief.

One more thing that Karna should not enter the battle field as

long as I am in command of army.

On hearing Bheeshma’s words Karna became furious

and said, “Why are you raking up this issue now? I have

already taken a vow, that I will not enter battle field unless

Bheeshma fell down”.

Bheeshma was happy and assured Duryodhana that he

would lead his army. Duryodhana coroneted Bheeshma as

the commander-in-chief in the presence of all his

commanders. At that time, they noticed many bad omens.

Dhrutarashtra and others were worried. Duryodhana engaged

his priests and ordered them to perform remedial measures.

Balarama was not happy with Krishna’s mediation at

Hastinapura. He did not like a war between Pandavas and

Kauravas. He went to Dharmaraja’s camp and said that he

will not fight for either side and go on a pilgrimage. He said.

Balarama : Both Kauravas and Pandavas resorted to a

cruel act. I will not support killing of brothers in a war. This

will not only destroy Kauravas and Pandavas, but there will

be a greet human loss. Krishna went for mediation and

threatened Duryodhana. Had he wanted, he could have made

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a settlement. Instead of that, he actually provoked Duryodhana

and forced him for a war. I can’t be an eye witness for this

human mascare. I myself taught both Duryodhana and Bheema

how to fight with a club. How can I see the fight between my

own disciples? Krishna knows all dharmas. He himself will

take the responsibility. I am going to prabhasa teerdham on a

pilgrimage.

Message through Ulooka :

Sanjaya : “Dhrutarashtra maharaja! You always escape

the blemish situations by making your son Duryodhana as the

scapegoat. Do you want me to believe, that Duryodhana did

all evil acts without your knowledge or support? Just two days

ago, your son Duryodhana sent Ulooka, the son of Sakuni to

Dharmaraja to say some unpalatable words. You listen”.

Ulooka : Dharmaraja! I am only a messenger of

Duryodhxana. I shall tell you what he asked me to convey.

You please do not get angry with me, if they are harsh.

Dharmaraja : Ulooka! You tell me what all the mischious

words he wanted to say before the audience. They also hear.

Ulooka : Dharmanandana! These are the words as said

by Duryodhana. All these years you are afraid of me. Finally

you picked up courage to fight. I congratulate for your

courage. When Sanjaya came, you and your brothers babbled

all nonsense as if you are the only valorous people in the world.

In fact none of you has masculinity, because even though your

wife was insulted in front of your eyes, you stood like statues.

Now you dared to come before me for a fight. Even now, don’t

run away in the middle. Remember you are a Kshatriya and

fight bravely because many kings came to fight for you, have

no track record. Why I am cautioning you is that none of you

can fight with Bheeshma, Drona and others. In fact, you have

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no strength of your own. Every now and then, you run to

Krishna for advice. All these years, you enjoyed my kingdom.

When I took it back you have become fish out of water and

became desperate.

“Bheema ! You said that you will drink the blood of

Dushsasana. Now the time is ripe. You show your strength.

You are like a frog in a well. You will have to boast brave words

before your brothers and wife. The moment I see you in the

battle field, I will kill you on that spot. Stop talking brave words

and have a direct fight with me”.

“Arjuna! Since your gandeevam is tall like a palm tree,

you think that you can win the battle? Am I a child to get

frightened by your vows? Why don’t you continue as

Brihannala forever. Since you are an impotent, whey you

need a kingdom?

“Krishna! Are you still doing gimmicks? You came to

Hastina assuming your self as a diplomat and exhibited a

magic to impress the old people. Let thousand Krishna’s and

Arjuna’s come, we are ready to fight them. I stick to my word

that I will not spare even a tip of a needle of land”.

Thus Ulooka expreseed the message of Duryodhana.

Many from Pandava side wished to give a strong reply, but

Krishna pacified them and he replied himself in a diplomatic

way.

Krishna : Ulooka! You go and tell Duryodhana as my

words, in the presence of all. “Duryodhana! You are caught in

our hands. The war begins tomorrow. You can’t escape from

us. Wherever you hide, I myself will ride the chariot of Arjuna

to catch you. Bheema is not a babbler like you. He has the

strength of thousand elephants. He not only kills you but also

kick on your head. He will drink warm blood of Dushsasana

in front of your eyes”.

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Arjuna : Duryodhana! You are thinking too much of those

kings who came to help you. Don’t you know, that I defeated

all of them? With that vengeance , they joined you, not out of

love for you. Whereas the kings who are fighting for us came

with love and regard.

“You have no strength of your own. We are not afraid of

you or the strength of your supporters. Bheeshma is the eldest

of our family. He conducted his life in a principled way. Out

of jealousy on us, you wanted to kill him. Are you dreaming

that Bheeshma would be able to redeem you and secure a

victory? You have a notion that Bheeshma is the only valorous

warrior in this world. You want to escape from your sins by

making him a scope goat. Know it well that we are going to

defeat Bhessham first. After him, we will kill our guru

Dronacharya and karna with my hands. Then only your eyes

will be opened.

Though Ulooka’s words were not palatable, those words

were not his own. Hence Dharmaraja gifted Ulooka with new

clothes and ornaments.

On hearing the words from Ulooka,

Bheeshma : Duryodhana! We tried to avert a war. Now

the war had broken and both sides took positions. You leave

all fears. I will protect all Kaurava army. If the army runs

hither and thither with confusion, I will bring them at one place.

I will act as a protective shield to our army”.

Duryodhana : Pitamaha! When you and Drona are on

my side, where is the fear for me?

Bheeshma : Duryodhana! Your sister’s husband Syndhava

is an atiradha. When he insulted Draupadi, Pandavas beat

and humiliated him. With that insult, he pleased Lord siva

and had some boons to attack Pandavas. There are so many

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atiradhas and maharadhas in your side, you know them all.

But Karna is only an ardharadha”.

Karna : Pitamaha! You have insulted me in the presence

of many kings as an ardharadha. Considering your age and

valour, You are also an ardharadha. Because of my friendship

with Duryodhana I ignore your comments.

Bheeshma : Karna! You are trying to console yourself by

saying that I am misfit for fighting because of my old age. You

go and enquire your guru Parasurama about my valour, three

times I made him to run away from the battle field. Now watch

from a distance, how I fight this battle. It is unfortunate that I

am forced to reveal my greatness myself before a person who

does not know who his parents are?

ARJUNA GOES TO SEE DHARMARAJA:

(This part is taken from Karma parvam)

Arjuna : Krishna! My mind is anxious to see Dharmaraja.

Severely injused Dharmaraja with his arrows. He could able

to withstand the arrows of Bheeshma and Drona, but he was

seriously injured with Karna’s attack. So you take me to

Dharmaraja.

They went to Dharmaraja. By the time Dharmaraja was

lying on a bed and moaning due to the wounds. Krishna and

Arjuna prostrated at the feet of Dharmaraja. He thought that

Arjuna must have killed Karna and came to inform.

Dharmaraja: Krishna and Arjuna! Just now I fought with

Karna. You all know how he humiliated me, in the presence

Satyaki, Drupada, Sikhandi and Upa-Pandavas. He killed my

charioteer and horses. He filled with iron arrows on my body.

Added to those injuries, he used all fifthly language and

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insulted me. He was shining with the power of astras from

Parasurama. He exceeded wind god in speed. Fighting became

a child’s play for him. At that time, Duryodhana was caught

by Bheema and was struggling for life. So he left me and ran

to protect Duryodhana. Since the wounds are severely paining,

I came home for a brief rest. Arjuna! Karna is not an ordinary

human. He took all astras from Parasurama. Whenever I think

of him, I spent sleepless nights. How you are able to kill him?

Now and then, he used to challenge that he would kill Arjuna.

Now you have shown him who Arjuna is,

I can understand that the enemies do babble but for his

talks, sky is the limit. The way in which he insulted Draupadi

in the Kuru Sabha is in front my eyes. He always stands first

to please Duryodhana with war provoking talks. Today you

have killed such a bitter enemy of mine and made me happy.

You made me an enemy less on earth. You poured water on

Duryodhana’s pride. In short, Karna is an embodiment of

jealousy.

Arjuna : Dharmaraja! While I was fighting with

Samsaptakas, Aswadhama came with several radhikas and

surrounded me. I destroyed five hundred chariots of

Aswadhama. The dead bodies of army and animals became

big mountain. Aswadhama became furious and released a

peculiar astra on me. With that, we lost our sight and couldn’t

see anything in front of us. We were able to see only his

chariots everywhere. I released a remedial astra and removed

the illusion and killed his charioteer. At that time the horses

took his chariot away.

I searched for you. Bheema told me that you were fighting

with Karna and seriously injured. I came to enquire your

welfare. If you permit me, I will go back and kill Karna.

I would water down the hopes of Duryodhana. He is thinking

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that he was more valorous than Bheeshma and Drona. I will

go and kill him. If I don’t kill him. I will get the sink of killing

a brahmin. I will get such a sin of telling a lie. Bheema alone

can’t kill Karna. Hence I seek your permission to go and kill

Karna.

Dharmaraja was unhappy that Karna was still alive. He

was disappointed, got frustrated and said.

Dharmaraja : It is a fact that I was wounded severely.

These things are common in a battle. One should have the

strength to withstand and fight till the end. Since I came home

an injury, I have become cheap before other. In fact Karna

did not left any one free. Agni gets the beatings of hammer,

since it is associated with iron, In the same way Krishna also

get wounded because of any association.

Now I have no interest in winning the war or ruling the

country. We are all used to live in forests and continue to

lead a muni life eating fruits and roots. From now, let us not

talk anything about vigour and valour. We conveniently forget

Kshatriya dharma and accept a Sudra dharma and serve some

king or the other. We shall accept whatever they give us and

live at their mercy.

Arjuna! You boasted about your divine astrals and

sastras. You assured me that you kill Karna with the strength

of astras. You have praised me and lifted to the skies in the

presence of our relatives. All those adorations have become

false since you have dashed me to the ground. When did you

learn tilling lies? Even the promises made in the presence of

Krishna also reduced to the writings on water.

You had a Gandeevam which is as tall as a palm tree. You

have a divine chariot, yoked by immortal horses presented

by Agni and have Krishna as your charioteer with a

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Kapidhwajam. In spite of your divine power, you failed to

fight Karna and came running here on the pretext of seeing

me.

Expect me every one knows about your valour. Karna

said several times that, “I will kill Arjuna easily”s. Duryodhana

said long ago that you couldn’t decimate Karna. I only believed

your words. I have to curse my foolishness and ignorance.

How can I blame you?

I am personally responsible for this colossal human loss.

I was also misguided by the voice heard from the sky . “He will

not go back from the battle field. He will kill all his enemies”

which has become false.

Had Kunti given birth to a girl or to an impotent, I would

have avoided this humiliation. Brahma has written on my

forehead to undergo all these insults. What can you do for

my bad luck?

Arjuna! Had you told me in Dwaitavana that I was afraid

of Karna and couldn’t defeat him I wouldn’t have come to

Kurukshetra to fight a war. I never thought that you were so

coward. Had Abhimanyu or Ghatotkacha were alive, they

wouldn’t have allowed me to get drowned in this ocean of

distress.

In the presence of all my relatives and kings, Karna had

treated me like a blade of grass. Thus, I was put to humiliation

and became an orphan. While Karna was calling you for a

war, you came running to see me. What is the point of blaming

you in so many words? I am neither valorous nor a competent

Kshatriya. Then what right I had to rule this country?

Had you given Gandeevam to Krishna, and had driven the

chariot, Krishna would have killed Karna by this time. Had

Kunti given birth to a girl instead of you, I would have avoided

this humiliation.

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Arjuna went to remove the head of Dharmaraja :

The humiliating words of Dharmaraja, Arjuna became

furious, took out his sword and rushed towards Dharmaraja

to cut his head. But Krishna stopped him and said;

Krishna : Arjuna! We don’t have any enemies here. On

whom you are raising your sword? Don’t you remember that

we came here to know the welfare of Dharmaraja? He is safe.

Should we not feel happy for that? If that is the case why did

you have pulled out the sword?

Arjuna : (Looking at Dharamaraja with fury) Krishna! I

have a vow that I cut the head of any person who tells me to

part with my Gandeevam. Now Dharmaraja said to give away

my Gandeevam to you. In that case, should I not cut his head

and keep up my vow? If I fail to remove his head, should I not

get the sin to telling a lie? You know all dharmas. You tell me

what I am to do now. I go as per your advice.

Krishna : Arjuna! While observing dharma, we have to

bear in mind several aspects. Then only we should jump into

action. Truthfulness and nonviolence both are dharmas. One

must protect truth with non-violence. Sometimes we should

protect non-violence with untruth. This is what our elders

said, In your haste you complicated those dharmas. Without

considering, the subtle nature of dharma you resorted to kill

your brother, who is also our king and well-wisher. Will there

be any bigger crime than killing such a virtuous person?

“Arjuna! In fact you must have taken this vow

unconsciously, while you were playing as a child. Such vows

are not considered to be as vows by elders. You listen! One

can tell a lie to save a life. In such cases, elders accept such a

lie as truth and truth as a lie”.

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Arjuna : Krishna! Right from my childhood, you taught

me all dharmas. You have averted me from committing a

heinous crime. You tell me a way out, thereby my brother

should live long and I also should not break my vow.

Krishna : Arjuna! Abusing elders is equal to killing a

person. So you abuse Dharmaraja in whatever manner you

want. That it amounts to killing of Dharmaraja. After that

you go and prostrate at his feet.

On hearing Krishna’s advice, Arjuna abused Dharmaraja

in the following manner.

Arjuna : Dharmaraja! Bheema was wounded and stood

without a weapon but still he is fighting the enemies with his

hands and legs. Such a Bheema can talk in a sarcastic manner

but not you. you are neither valorous nor strong enough to

stand and fight. Hence what moral right you have to wound

me? In spite of all these things, how dare you insult me? Having

spoken such crude words on me, how your tongue should be

cut into two? Have you ever exhibited your valour any time?

Even Nakula or Sahadeva never ill-treated me like you.

Had you not played gambling, we would have not lost

our kingdom. we experienced several difficulties in the forest.

Are you not responsible this enemity with Kauravas? In spite

of all, you are trying to boss over us. Are you not ashamed?

Those who cannot fight should have enough patience which

will enhance their prestige. But haughty talks, doesn’t suit

you. If at all you speak, you might become cheap before others.

Past is past. From now on keep away from all bad habits and

live like a virtuous person. All these years we have suffered

on account of you. We are not prepared to suffer in future.

Arjuna abused Dharmaraja and took out the sword again.

Looking at Arjuna, Krishna said, “Arjuna! How is that you are

again raising your sword?

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Arjuna said, “Krishna! I have abused Dharmaraja in vulgar

way. As a mark of repentance, I have to cut my head. Then

only I will be relieved from my sin of abusing my king”. Krishna

said, “Arjuna! This time you praise all your glories by yourself.

That amounts to committing suicide. So you put back your

sword”. Arjuna took the advice of Krishna and took his bow

and said to Dharmaraja.

Arjuna : Except Siva, nobody else can win me in archery.

I defected several kings and brought enormous wealth and

kept at your feet. With that wealth, you have performed

Rajasuya yaga. I killed many of Samasaptaka’s soldiers and

now a small number remain. You yourself go and see how I

killed Kaurava battalions. You leave anger and try to be

modest.

While saying so, Arjuna stood before Dharmaraja and

prostrated at his feet and said humbly, “Oh king! Now I babbled

many irrelevant talks you don’t take any of them seriously.

I am telling you the truth that as long as I am alive, I am your

property. My life is at your feet. You permit me to go and

support Bheema, who is fighting alone? I swear I will kill Karna

and come back to you. I will see to it that Duryodhana dies in

shame at our victory. If I don’t kill Karna, then Kunti will have

only four sons. Either me or Karna alone live in this world”

Dharmaraja : “Of course I committed many mistakes.

I played gambling and brought disgrace to our family. I made

all of you to suffer. I deserve to be get killed. Even though

you show kindness on me. I am not prepared to stay and

rule the country. Now I am going to forest and do tapasya. As

you said, a coward like me has no right to rule the country.

Let Bheema be coroneted and rule this country”. Dharmaraja

started walking to go to forest. While looking at Dharamaraja,

Krishna said:

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Krishna : Dharmaraja! I am not aware of the vow of

Arjuna. However he said that he had a vow that he would kill

a person who insuls his Gandeevam. In a fit of anger, he must

have acted in haste. You, also in a fit of distress, uttered the

words which are not palatable. To keep his vow, I myself

suggested a way out and advised him to speak a few haughty

words. Abusing one’s elders will amount to killing him. This

is what our elders said. I touch your feet and surrender to

you. You are a kind hearted person. You shower kindness

on us. You pardon our mistakes and exonerate us.

Dharmaraja! I am also giving you a word of honour that

today itself, we will cut the head of Karna and show it to you.

You don’t worry about Karna who is going to die in a short

while.

Dharmaraja pacified with the words of Krishna :

The words of Krishna bewildered him and said with

folded hands:

Dharmaraja : Krishna! I agree that, I was a bit confused.

I lost my balance. You woke me with your kind words. You

taught me good words. You saved me from the ocean of

troubles. Krishna! You are . A pervading Paramatma; you have

to pardon me for my ignorance.

Krishna : Arjuna! Why are you looking so pale?

Dharmaraja has not only cooled down but also showered his

blessings on us. You compliment him. You take permission

from him and start to fight Karna and make him happy.

“Arjuna! Have you ever imagined that a day will come to

you to stab Dharmaraja? By the grace of god, we are saved

from such an unfortunate situation and a great sin”.

On hearing Krishna’s words, Arjuna wept bitterly and fell

on the feet of Dharmaraja and requested for his pardon.

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Dharmaraja lifted him with both hands and embraced

“Arjuna! Karna has broken my flag, bow, horses and the

charioteer. He did all these things only with his valour. Unless

you kill such a valorous Karna, my mind will not rest in peace”.

Arjuna : Dharmarjaa! I swear at your feet. Today I kill

Karna and all his associates. In case I fail to kill him, I will not

show my face gain. As long as Arjuna and Krishna are in the

same chariot, Arjuna will never become weak.

“Krishna! You make a sankalpam in your mind that

Karna is to be killed today itself. Your will power never

become untrue. I will kill Karna only with the power of your

will”.

Krishna : “So be it. Oh Dharmaraja! You also bless your

bother. Your blessings only will give him the strength of killing

Karna”.

Dharmaraja embraced and blessed Arjuna.

Krishna : Arjuna! You killed Bheeshma and Drona with

your valour. Of all your victories your killing of Syndhava is

exemplary. Kauravas are banking on Karna for their victory.

Unless you kill Karna the passion of Duryodhana will not be

drowned. With that, your glory will becomes immortal. Oh

Arjuna! Karna, Selya, Krutavarma, Aswadhama, Krupacharya

and many other Kaurava warriors are going to be killed in

your hands. If you want to show any kindness, you may spare

Aswadhama and Krupacharya. The relationships should not

come into your way in a battle. So you don’t hesitate to kill

Krutavarma and Selya also.

“Karna alone is responsible for all the distress of

Pandavas. Unless you kill Karna the passion of Duryodhana

will not be suppressed. Once Karna is killed, Kauravas will

not surrender”.

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Arjuna : Krishna!, I will make Kauravas to surrender at

the feet of Dharmaraja.

While Krishna and Arjuna were talking and proceedings

towards the battle field Arjuna saw that Kaurava and Pandava

armies were fighting. In that battle one of Karna’s sons were

killed by Uttamouja. Karna killed the horses of Uttamouja.

He got down from his chariot with a sword in his hand and

killed horses of Krupacharya’s chariot. Sikhandhi came and

took Uttamouja in his chariot. Aswadhama came and took

Krupacharya in his chariot.

Bheema enquired his charioteer Visoka, about Arjuna

and the welfare of Dharmaraja. On hearing Bheema’s words,

Visoka stretched his head all around and found that Arjuna’s

Kapidhwaja was entering the battle field. In the mean while

Sakuni attacked Bheema and wounded the sholder of Bheema.

KRISHNA CONSOLES DHARMARAJA

(This part is taken from Mahabharatam, Aswamedha Parvam )

After completing the last rites for Bheeshma and others,

Dharmaraja, went to for Hastinapura. Dharmaraja could not

control his grief and was about to fell down. Krishna

comforted Dharmaraja in many soothing words.

Dhrutarashtra said.

Dhrutarashtra : My son! They deserves this end. You

did what is proper. You need not grieve for them. You fought

the battle and won this kingdom. Now it is the time for you

and your brothers to rule this kingdom. This is not the time

for distress. I did not listen to the advice of Vidura. I also went

in the path of my son Duryodhana. We destroyed became

responsible for this calamity. Myself and Gaandhari also put

to inconsolable grief. Fortunately you are taking care of us.

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Krishna : Dharmaraja! Have you heard the words of

Dhrutarashtra? I will tell you one more word. If anyone

grieves for the people who are ded, their soul will not rest in

peace. All your relatives who died in the battle are all reached

heaven. Why should you grieve form them? If you grieve for

them, will they come back? You learnt so many dharmas from

Bheeshma. Now it is the time for you to remember all of them

and behave like a hero. Vyasa, Narada and many others taught

you many dharmas. So you remember all of them. To forget

your grief, you perform a Maha yagna which will not only

satisfy all devatas, ancestors but also destroy all sins. You

give heavy gifts to brahmins in that yaga. You treat all your

people as your children and rule this country. You worship

the guests and the brahmins.

Dharmaraja : Vyasa Maharishi! You are so kind and

affectionate to us. I committed a sin by killing my grandfather

Bheeshma and by elder brother Karna. You show me the

deliverance from these sins. Otherwise you permit me to go

to the forest and lead an ascetic’s life.

Vyasa : Dharmaraja! A king by name Maruthu did a great

yaga and donated gold to the brahmins in a big way. Those

brahmins could not carry the entire gold with them. They kept

the remaining gold on Himalayas in a secret place and said in

one word, “Whoever discovers this treasures, that belongs to

them”. Hence you locate that treasure and perform

aswarmedha yaga and give heavy gifts to brahmins.

Dharmaraja : “Maharishi! How Maruthu could secure

so much gold? (Here, there are two doubts involved. One is

could we take out the brahmins wealth? That had been cleared

by Vyasa that those brahmins themselves declared that

treasure could be enjoyed by anyone who discovered it. So it

is no longer a brahmins wealth. The second is whether

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Maruthu had earned the gold in a righteous manner or not.

This doubt is raised in Dharmaraja’s question.)

Vyasa : “Dharmaraja! Maruthu was a virtuous king.

I will tell you his story”.

Maruthu’s Story

“In Krutayuga, King Manu enforced Dandneeti (C.P.C) He

had a son by name Praja. He had a son Shutu; Shutu had

Ikshavu; Ikshavu had hundred sons. The eldest was Vimsu who

had fifteen sons. His eldest son was Khaninetra. He did not

share his kingdom with his brothers and lived in an

unrighteous manner. People vexed with his ruling and killed

him and installed his son as the king. Unlike his father, he

treated his people like his own children. He respected his

ministers and priest. He led his life in a righteous way. He

donated all his wealth to people. So he become financially

weak and could not maintain army. His neighbours came to

know his weakness, attacked him and occupied his kingdom.

The king went to the forest with his relatives and led an

ascetic life. He made a severe tapasya. One day a wonder

happened i.e many horses, elephants and warriors with

weapons landed there from nowhere and requested him to

lead. Huge treasure of gold was also found.

He took the army and gold, attacked his enemies, and

won the battle. While doing tapasya, he used his hand as

dandam. From then he was popularly known as Karandhama.

He ruled the country with great splendour, bravery, wealth,

kindness and firmness. He made several Aswameda yagas,

fixing Angirasa Maharishi as the Upadrashta. He was pure,

control on indriyas and won truthful. All the three worlds

appreciated his yagas.

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“Dharmaraja ! Maruthu was the grandson of that famous

Karandhama. Maruthu was pure and glorious. He had the

strength of ten thousand elephants. He knew the subtle nature

of all dharmas. He was as great as Vishnu. He proposed to

perform an Aswameda yaga. He secured all the materials

made of gold. Even for storing water, he made golden pots.

All the utensils, used in that yaga, were made of gold. He

desired to perform that yaga on the slopes of Himlayas. He

had taken priests by giving heavy gifts of gold.

“King Karandhama, by the power of tapasya made

Angirasa Maharishi as Upadrashta for his ritual and made

several Aswamedhas. With that frits of action, he reached

heaven with his physical body. His son was Avikshit, who ruled

like his father. Maruthu was his son, who wanted to go in the

footprints of his grandfather. He was also a popular king. Even

Indra was jealous of him by his impartial implemtation of

dandaneeti. By virtue of his frequent yagas and the righteous

rule. Indra was afraid of Maruthu and went to Bruhaspati

and requested him not to accept as an Upradrashta for the

yaga of Maruthu. Bruhaspati assured Indra that he would not

act as an Upradrashta for Maruthu. One day Maruthu went

to Bruhaspati and said;

Maruthu : Deva guru! I have procured all the materials

to perform the Aswamedha yaga. You please accept to be an

Upadrashta of these yagnas. Your father Angirasa Maharishi

officiated as Upadrashta for all the rituals performed by my

grandfather Karandhamu. I request you to accept my request”

Bruhaspati : “King! Just now Indra came and asked me

to be his Upadrashta for the yagna he going to perform. Since

I am guru of devatas, I can’t accept the invitation of an

ordinary human”.

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Maruthu was disappointed, and returned to his kingdom

with distress. At that time Narada Maharishi saw him and said.

Narada : King! Why are you so distressed? Where are

you coming from? If you tell me reason for your distress,

I can “suggest you a solution.

Maruthu : Mahaishi! I requested Bruhaspati to act as my

Upadrashta for my proposed yagna. He insulted me by saying

that he wouldn’t accept an offer from an ordinary human. As

such I wish to leave this body.

Narada : Why are you so desperate? If Bruhaspati rejects

you can complete your yagna by keeping his younger brother

Samvartana as Upadrashta.

Maruthu : “Maharishi ! Your suggestion is good. Where

he lives? Where can I see him? How to get his services?

Narada : “Samvartana lives in Kasi. He looks like a mad

man. I will tell you how to notice him. You take a dead body

with you and sit in front of first gate of Kasi. By looking at the

dead body, whoever runs away like a mad man, you know

him well as Samvartana. You catch him and seek his

protection. He may ask you, “How do you know me”. You tell

him that Narada Maharishi told about you”

Maruthu went to Kasi, sat at the first gate with a dead body.

In the meanwhile a person saw the dead body and ran away

like a mad man. Maruthu went behind him and met him.

Samvartana : How did not know me? If you tell me the

truth, your desire will be fulfilled. If you tell a lie, your head

will be broken into several pieces.

Maruthu : Narada maharshi told me about you.

Samvartana : “What do you want”

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Maruthu : I want to perform an aswamedha yaga. You

must as Upadrashta for my yaga.

Samvartana : “King! My brother Bruhaspati had insulted

me. Hence I left my house and came out. As I am penniless.

What help I can do for you? So you go and make a request to

my brother, Brahespati.

Maruthu : I approached your brother, but he insulted

me by saying that he couldn’t act as an Upadrashta for an

ordinary human. Indra only forced him to talk like that. Hence

don’t ask me to go back to Bruhaspati. You can even dictate

Indra with the power of your tapasya. You show kindness on

me and agree to my request “

Samvartana : “King! I am agreeing to your request. Once

You dedicate to the yagna you should not change your

Upadrashta. If you change your mind, you have to face my

curse”

King Maruthu Commences Yaga :

Maruthu : Once I decide my upadrashta no one can

change my decision. Even Indra and Bruhaspati can not

change my mind. This is my vow.

Samvartana : King! I will make you richer than Indra

and conduct your yagna. You may ask me how? There is a

mountain by name Manchavanta on the northern side of

Himalayas. There Siva and Parvathi will be strolling. Many

siddhas and gandharvas would be serving them. As such there

is no fear of diseases, old age and death. You get flowers and

fruits in all seasons. That peak is full of golden stones and

sand. You come with your soldiers who are strong enough to

carry the heavy stones of gold. I will also come with you.

Marthu engaged thousands of strong men and went to

the mountain with Samavartana. On reaching the mountain,

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they praised Lord Siva and worshipped him. Then all his men

carried as much gold as they could on their shoulders and

chariots.

In this manner King Maruthu brought enormous gold

and made utensils to start the yagna. Bruhaspati came to know

about these developments. He felt jealous. Indra went to him

and said.

Indra : “Guru deva! Why are you so confused? Do you

foresee any inauspicious happenings in heaven? If you tell

me the reason for your distress, I shall try to keep you happy”

Bruhaspati : “Indra! Maruthu started yaga in a big way.

My brother became the Upadrashta. You see to it that king

Maruthu dismisses Samvartana. Then only my mind will rest

in peace”.

“Indra called Agni and said” You go to Marthu and

instruct him to remove Samvartana as his Upadrashta. You

tell him that Bruhaspati would complete his yaga.

Agni goes to Maruthu :

Agni : Maruthu! I am Agni. Indra has instructed you to

remove Samvartana as your upadrashta. In his place

Bruhaspati will complete your yaga. If you agree he will bless

you with divinity.

Maruthu : Revered Agni! My salutations to you and

Bruhaspati. First I requested him to become my Upadrashta

but he refused because I am an ordinary human. After he

rejected I went to Samvartana. With great difficulty I made

him to agree. I will not change my Upadrashta Samvartana

alone will complete my yaga.

Agni : Samvartana! If you agree Bruhaspati as your

upadrashta he will bless you with superior lokas.

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Samvartana : Agni! If you stay here some more time, I

will burn you with my fury. You leave this place immediately.

This time Indra sent Dhrutarashtra a gandharva King as

a mediator. Dhrutarashtra went to Muruthu and said

“Muruthu! Don’t behave like a fool. Indra becomes angry he

my even cast Vajra and kills you. so you accept Bruhaspati as

your Upadrashta”. King Maruthu refused to change his

upadrashta. Indra became furious and released vajrayudha.

Vajra went to attack Maruthu with flames. Maruthu went to

Samvarthana for protection.

Samvartana : “Maruthu! Don’t worry about Vajrayudha.

I will stop it with Stambhana mantra”. Maruthu prayed

samvartana to save his yaga and said,

Maruthu : Virtuous! If you want to give me a boon, you

protect my yaga and see that all devatas come to take their

havisis.

Samvartana : “King Don’t worry about devatas. If I call,

Indra also will come and take his havisis, drinks somarasa.

Indra and devatas receives havisis:

Samvartana stopped vajra entering yagnavatika and

prayed. Indra and other devatas to come and take their share

of havisis. Devatas including Indra went and took their

havisis. Maruthu worshipped them all.

Indra : Samvartana! I am pleased with your modest

prayers. I am giving all the fruits of this yaga.

Samvartana : “Indra! You are the ruler of all the three

words. By your presence itself I had it’s fruits. You bless me

with superior lokas”.

Indra was pleased and asked all devatas to decorate the

entire yagasala. Maruthu had donated all his gold to brahmins.

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They took as much gold as they could carry. The remaining

gold was kept in a secret place. Brahmins said, “This treasure

belongs to those who discover it.

Vyasa : Dharmaraja! You can take that treasure as much

gold as you want.

KRISHNA TEACHES DHARMARAJA

Krishna : Dharmaraja ! all wicked people died a

premature death in this war. All virtuous people remained to

enjoy bliss. Do you know why you are not able to leave

distress? That is because of your internal enemies. I will tell

you a story. You listen.

“Long ago Vrutasura swallowed the subtle quality of earth

gandham (odor). Indra released Vajrayudha on him. At that

time, Vrutasura possessed Indra in the form of a spirit and

Indra fainted. Vasista comforted Indra with mantras and

made him alright. Indra recovered and found Vrutasura’s

spirit lying in himself and cast Vajra into himself to drive away

the demon from inside. Indra revealed it later to rishis and

those rishis told me. Dharmaraja! You can understand the

power of an internal enemy.

Diseases are two types, One is physical and the other is

mental. If vata, pitta, sleshmas are maintaining in right

proportions in a body, will be normal. If any of them takes

change, disease takes place. In the same manner, if Satva, Rajo

and Tamo gunas are in right proportion, the mental health

will be normal. If any one of the three changes the, mind gets

sick. We can not notice those changes. Because those three

will always take birth from the other. That is how the body

and mind gets sick.

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Therefore you should drive away your internal enemy

and have peace. In fact you lost nothing by losing all your

friends and relatives. Oh King! If you kept on grieving for so

many days, nobody knows where you land. You wake up

your intellect with true knowledge and divert you mind.

“King! Soul is permanent which has no relationship with

body. However all Jeevas are taking suitable bodies which are

perishable. Violence is the nature of body. That is why, they

fight with each other. It is not permanent like soul. Hence the

body will not have any spiritual qualities. The king who has

no attachment with the world will becomes pure. It is not

difficult to win an external enemy. One should have the skill

of winning an internal enemy.

Desire is the strangest among the internal enemies. The

entire world is filled with desire. Though one recites Vedas,

performs rituals, gives hefty donations, there will be some

desire behind it. Some desires are due to lust. I will tell you

the power of a desire. You listen.

Kaama Geeta

Geeta means a sacred song or awaking. Bhagavadgeeta,

Brahmanageeta, Kamageeta and such other geetas are all

conveys more or less the same meaning

Kamamu means desire. It says “Nobody can win over

me. At times even Vedas Praises me. There is no contrivance

to defeat me. If any one is firm to win me, I live in him in the

form of an imagination, thought, passion or affection. But he

will not comes to know of my existence in him. Hence the

question of defeating me does not arise. Those who wants to

win over me by doing tapasya, I live in him in the form of

seeking tapophalam. I live in a person who seeks moksha in

the form of an ambition for moksha. So no body can kill me or

win me”.

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(Even a tapasvi will have a desire, such as winning

control on Indriyas or passion. Who will do tapasya without

an aspiration? What does it mean of winning indriyas? Is it

not a desire to suppress temptation? So the attack of a desire

is stronger then other blows. That is why kamadeva will be

taking birth in the form of a desire every now and then. )

Dharmaraja! One can win over a desire 1.If a person

deliberately refuses to do karmas. 2. By doing tapasya without

a desire. 3. Those who does not even aspire moksha. Hence

you perform Aswamedha yaga with a righteous mind and for

the wellbeing of all beings, you keep kamadeva as a saakshi

and perform Aswamedha. Can any one bring back the dead

people? Then what is the use of your grieving for them?

ANUGEETA

Dharmaraja! was convinced to perform Aswamedha yaga

and said.”Maharshi! You guide us to secure the secret treasure,

so that we can give heavy gifts to brahmins in aswamedha

yaga” Maharshi assured Dharmaraja and disappeared.

Dharmaraja, Dhrutarashtha and others completed the last

rites to kauravas, karna and others and went to Hastinapura.

Krishna and Arjuna spend some time in Indraprasta. One day

Krishna said “Arjuna! I enjoyed bliss in your company. My

mind is pressing to see Balarama, father, mother and others

in Dwaraka. If you and Dharmaraja permits me I will go to

Dwaraka and see my people and come back soon.

Arjuna: Krishna! At the time of battle my mind was in

state of confusion. You taught me many mahavakyams. But I

could not preserve them in mind, at that time. My mind is

anxious to hear them again. Please tell me.

(“At the time of battle, Arjuna was drowned in an ocean

of dejection and said to Krishna I” don’t want the pleasures of

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kingdom. I accept a muni life and live by begging”. At the time

Krishna taught him to cross the ocean of dejection with the

knowledge of Bhakti, Jana, Karma, human nature, Paramatma

tatawam, the nature of trigunas, by performing nishkama

karmas and encouraged him to fight the battle. The essence of

Krishna’s teaching was that nishkamakrma itself will leads to

yoga. Arjuna could not register the same in his mind. However

he was able to remember the glimpse of it. So he wanted to

know it once again).

Krishna: Arjuna! Can the mahavakyams be repeated

every now and then? When I told, you did not register then in

your mind, because you lack both budhi and sradha. However

I will tell you a story which can accomplice moksha.

“Long time back a brahmin by name Kashyapa came to

see me. I asked him to teach me the knowledge of Brahman.

That brahmin told me “Krishna! I met a sidha. I requested him

to leach me the knowledge of Aatma. I will tell you those

mahavakyams to you.”

“So Arjuna I will tell you what that brahmin has taught to

me. You Listen”.

(Jnanam pertains to worldly knowledge. Socio,

economic, legal matters falls under janam. Vignanam pertains

to some thing special belongs to mind. Pragnanam is superior

than those two. This is also known as Brahman. That is why it

is also said in Vedas as Prajananam Brahma. Sidha is neither a

yogi nor an Avadoota. He is simply a Sadhaka . So they keep

living away from wife and work hard to keep indriyas under

control. They love to live in the company of jnaanees. Since

he is only a Sadhaka Krishna choose to tell Arjuna the story as

told by Siddha.)

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Sidha : Oh Superior Brahmin! I did several Punya karmas

and enjoyed all those punya phalams in heaven. But I was

thrown out of heaven in a movement after exhausting my

punya phalams . I was caught in all duals such as love, late,

anger, jeolacy and fell in to the cycle of birth and death. Since

then I had several fathers, mothers, sons. I was born in several

sects and varnas. I lost relatives and wealth many times.

My body suffered many pains and tourches on earth,

even without going to hell. I was vexed with all those

experiences and stopped involving in worldly senses. With

that I ralaised true knowledge of Aatma and had sidha

Samadhi. I am living only as a saakshi without involving in

the world. Since then everything is going in right path. I am

sure that I might experience much more auspicious things in

future.

Oh superior Brahmin! You are modest, inquisitive of

Aatma jnanam. All the more you choose me as guru. So I am

pleased and accepting you as my disciple. Now you ask, what

do you want to know from me.

Brahmin : Oh glorious ! You are an ocean of kindness.

You instruct me the knowledge of Aatma. Pull me out from

birth and death.

Sidha : Oh virtuous! Body is an instrument to achieve

spiritual practices. Leading a righteous path will provides us

the great knowledge of Aatma. Hence body is to be protected

by all means.

I will explain you how a fool abuses his body. He takes

food at all times. He takes all types of food whether it helps to

his body or not. Some times he takes two much of food,

otherwise he starves.

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The effects of vata, pitta, sleshma :

One should do right things to protect his body.

Otherwise lust and fury will flare up and destroy the body.

Sometimes contortions may take away the life. If such

contortions flares up sensitive organs might be damaged and

leads to death.

Sleshmam : Is one such contortion. It will appear in the

form of phegm and cover the body from inside. Slowly it will

enter the throat and obstruct breathing. With that Jeeva can’t

breathe properly. The Jeeva can’t adjust himself inside the

body without breathing and goes out. Hence sleshmam is a

disease which can take away jeeva from the body. In normal

course the mind will enjoy the pleasures through sense organs

like the mouth, nose, ears, etc. When the phlegm is blocked in

all its nine holes, in the body, the organs will lose their strength.

Therefore the organs will stop working.

Now I will tell you the ill effects of Vatam which will melt

the fats in the body and weaken the joints. This is the mother

of pain in the joints and paralyses. When vatam is in proper

order, the man can use a his tongue, legs, hands etc as he

desires. If all the defects of a rheumatic accumulate at one

place the fever (sannipatam) will develop he. This disorder

will attack the pregnant women and takes away their life. It

also exposes in the form of epilepsy and mental disorders. At

the end it will takes out jeeva.

“In this manner the Jeeva will choose another body to

experience karma phalams. Those who did sins will suffer in

hell, those who did virtuous acts will enjoy pleasures in

heaven. However they are not eligible for salvation.

(Jeeva means Prana who holds the body. Jeeva is

different from body. Since Jeeva is residing in the body he is

called as human. Once Jeeva leaves the body it becomes dead)

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Oh sinless Brahmin! Jeeva takes body based on his good

and bad karma phalams. He gets caught in birth and death

again and again.

(Jeeva and Jeevatma are one and the same. When he

assumes a human body Aatma will be known as Jeevatma.

The all pervading Aatma is known as Paramatma. When Jeeva

goes out from a body, it is known as death. When the Jeeva

takes a new body it is known as birth).

Based on their Karmaphalams they reach either heaven

or hell. When the Karma phalams becomes nil they comes

back to earth.

“In addition to the hell and heaven, there are some more

upper lokas such as the Nakshatra mandalam, Chandra

Mandalam, Surya Mandalam. Those lokas are also not

permanent. As long as the balance of Punya Phalams remains

the Jeeva will enjoy the pleasures of heaven. After the balance

of Punya Phalam is exhausted he will be thrown out of heaven.

Such lokas cannot be said as permanent. Salvation alone is

permanent.

(Though Bruhaspati happens to be a devaguru he did not

get rid of hate and jealousy. In the same way Dharmaraja

also caught with jealousy which was said in swargarohana

parvam.)

Pindotpatti :

I will tell you how a Pregnancy takes place. Jeeva will

enjoy or suffer the good and bad karma phalams in a mixed

way. Such a Phalaanubhavam is known as birth. When man

and woman engages in a sexual act, both suklam and sonitam

will mix up in suitable propitions in the stomach of a woman

and forms a beejam. This is the creative skill of Bhagawan. In

course of time it develops into a Pindam which develops and

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forms indriyas. The Jeeva gets out from the mother’s stomach

and enter the world to experience his Karma phalams of his

previous births. After completing the experience of Karma

phalams, he leaves the body, which is known as death. Again

he takes another body to experience Karma phalams which is

known as birth.

“Untill the Jeeva finally attains salvation, this cycle of birth

and death will continue in an endless manner. So I will tell

you how to attain salvation. Donations, tranquility, subduing

passion, religious studentship, kindness, not expecting the

others wealth or woman, control of sense organs, worshipping

parents, worshipping guru, worshipping devatas,

worshipping ancestral parents, worshipping guests,

truthfulness, cleanliness, having devotion while performing

righteous acts. If the righteous person practices all the above

gunas he will be eligible for salvation.

There is one more sadhana which is the practice of

dharma. This knowledge is to be learn from a gugu. This type

of a virtuous life is to be practiced like a vrata. Who has nishta

in all including brahman, Agni, Water, Yaga, Upadrashta,

Mantra and darbhas. He will not become a victim to pleasure

and pain. Illusion and Ignorance will not touch him. He will

be relieved from the cycle of death, birth and attains salvation.

Kshara and Akshara Tatwam :

Long ago Brahma created a tatwam by name ‘Pradhana’

at the time of creation and inserted prana. Which is known as

Kshara. The opposite tatwam is ‘Akshara’ Because of these

two tatwams, a seed is forming a shape at the time of birth

for all creatures. Even Vedas confirmed this. Since Brahma

has commenced birth and death all creatures are entangled

in a cycle of birth and death. Thus the Jeeva is entering a

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body to experience his good and bad karma phalams. The

Jeeva who attains the knowledge of soul will come to know

that all duals such as pleasure and pain are temporary, and

the creation is made only for destruction. Thus he comes to

know that the body is impure and Jeeva is pure. Such a Jnani

will gets rid of ignorance and attains moksha. He realizes that

birth, old age, disease and death are the nature of body and

do not belongs to jeeva.

He who studies others mind and controls the raging

thought is known as ‘Samyami’. He who maintains friendly

relations with all and maintains samanu, wins over lust and

passion is known as ‘Samadarsi’. He who can see Aatma both

in honour and dishonuor is known as ‘Aatmajani’. All the three

are eligible for moksha.

(Sri Krishna taught the distinctive features of a yogi viz

winning control on senses, samadarsana and Aatmagnanam

only such yogi attains moksha. What Sri Krishna taught in

Bhagavadgeeta, is now taught again from the mouth of a sidha)

Those who are eligible for moksha are classified in to

four type. viz 1. Those who can experience all duels such as

pleasure and pain equally 2. He who is neither righteous nor

unrighteous 3. Those who detached from Dharma, Ardha and

karma totally, 4. Those who does Karmas without any

attachment, and always aware that he is not the doer. (Kurtha)

Among several yogis only one can reach brahma padam

which is, self supporting, where roopa, rasa, gendha, sparsa

can not reach, which is beyond three gunas, which is self

splendorous.

(It is said in Bhagavadgeeta that only one yogi will attain

moksha. Remaining yogis are retained at one point or the

other on their way to mahaprastanam.)

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The yogi who does sadhana leaving all worldly desires

having eternal peace in his mind will looks like a blazing flame

without any fuel. (The ananda a yogi experiences is nothing

but realization of Parmatama.)

Mahatma! We see Aatma as we see the minute thorn of

a munjagrass. Yogis sees the body as munjagrass and its

minute thorn as Aatma .

So the yogi who realizes that the body is impermanent

and does sadhana with sradha to realize Aatmajnanam. All

the karmas performed by such a yogi will reach Aatma only.

Hence bhaya, raga, dweshas will not touch that yogi since

they belongs to the body. Weapons, fire, water and any other

power will not touch such a yogi. Such a yogi will not accept

even the seat of Indra. (The seat of Indra is also not

permanent)

Brahmin: “Krishna! That sidha is myself”. I taught the

brahmin in this manner and came to see you”

Krishna: “Arjuna! You were in a deep grief in that battle

field. I taught you about the knowledge of Brahman. Did you

remember? Who ever gets rid of worldly bondages and

practice my instructions will certainly reaches the abode of

Brahman. I you taught what you wanted. No body can teach

better then this except me.”

Arjuna! That brahmin told me “Krishna! You know

everything. That sidha is my self. I will tell you how I cleared

the doubts of kashyapa.

(Krishna does not want to repeat what he instructed to

Arjuna in the battle field. So he created the characters of

Brahmin, sidha and kashyapa. Krishna created all this only to

instruct Arjuna again. So that he can retain in his mind. This is

known as ANUGEETA)

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Kashyapa: “ Mahatma! Instruct the easiest and most

superior way of moksha sadhana”

Sidha: “Where ever the cowherds may wander, his mind

will be fixed on its milk pot. In the same manner, Jeeva might

entangle in many difficulties, but he should fix his mind on

Aatma. That is the only superior way of realizing moksha.

A tactful yogi experiences the knowledge of brahman by

keeping his mind in control with the help of budhi. Brahman

is being an eternal tatwam it cannot be known with the help

of indriyas. A tranquil mind alone can enjoy the bliss of

brahmandham. In a splendisrous ball of blazing fire. Spreads

several heads, hands, legs etc.

(In puruha sooktam the Paramatma is described as

‘Sahasra seersha purushah’. In Bhagavagdgeeta it is described

as ‘Anaka bahu dara Saktrunatru”)

“My son! I told you all secrets of Brahma vidya. Now you

go home”. By saying so the sidha disappeared.

Krishna: “Arjuna Now these mahavakyas will gives you

eternal peace. When I taught you in the battle field you mind

was drowned in grief. This Brahma vidya should not be taught

for those who do not have a steady mind and who can not

practice sincerely. Long ago I taught this knowledge to devates.

Since you are the master of archery I taught you. Others can

not know this knowledge from me.

(The object of archarer is to hit its target. Since Arjuna

had that lakshyasidhi, he became a lone listener. Krishna did

not instructed Dharmaraja either Bhagavadgeeta or

Anugeeta)

Kshatriya, Vyya, Sudra, women and children are not

eligible to learn Vedas. But all are eligible to learn Brahma

Vidya.

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Arjuna! I instructed you all that I could. No one else cold

instruct better then this. Those who do sadhana as instructed

by his guru systematic way, he will certainly reach Brahma

padam.

MAHABHARATAM

(This part is taken from / Mahabharatam

Aswamedha Parvam Chapter – 2)

Brahmana geeta :

Krishna : Arjuna! I will tell you a conversation between

a wife and her husband. This is popularly known as ‘abhaya’.

There lived a brahmin who had the knowledge of the soul.

He desired to live alone and do tapaya. His wife said,

Wife : “Oh virtuous! Bless me with knowledge of soul and

make me pure”

Brahmin : I am happy to know that a woman has given

thought to attain the abode of Brahman. I shall teach you and

learn from me.

All actions we do are known as karmas. Some people

belives that they can attain mukti without doing karmas. That

is ignorance. Because nobody can live without doing karma.

In case one could live without karma that itself is the supreme

state of salvation.

I always associate with soul and mediate on Brahman.

Such a concept of Brahman is pure and actionless. All other

states are connected with karma. Siva in association Agni is

creating all creatures and rule the world. Brahma and other

devatas also (with indriya nigrahan) becomes pure and

meditates on Akshara.

Brahman thus yogi won control on indriyas and do

karmas in the name of soul, and considers them as nishkama

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karmas. That is also known as the state of Santi. There he will

not experience any afflictions or attachment. Such a karma is

known as Brahma karma. Brahma means Para Brahman and

not one among tuimoortis.

The word Rama is composed as “Agni shtomatmakam

beejam ramaname pratishtitam”. In these ‘ra’ indicates Agni;

‘ma’ indicates Rudra beejam. That means Parameswara with

Parvathi. The union of Siva and Parvathi was disconcerted

by Agni, and seized the semen of Siva and gave birth to a son.

That son became Viswakumara (the son of universe).

(The birth of each one in this world lies in this story it

self. Eswara resides in the heart of each Prana. Thus the

association of Chandra-Agni assumes the shape of

jagadbeejam. Though it is also a karma, it is a karma with Jnana

which has no transformation and helps the world. So it is a

nishkamakarma. Thus the brahmin instructed to his wife that

man gets Jananam by discriminating “akarma-

nishkamakarma).

“I will tell you the state of imperishable Para Brahma.

Since this tatwam is beyond touch, taste, form, sound and

odor. Hence it cannot be known from any sense organs. So

this permanent Brahman can be known only with pure

intellect. All the five vayus are generating in prana vayu in the

heart, apana vayu in the Anusmaranam, samnam vayu in naval,

udana vayu in throat, vyana vayu spread all over the body.

This is what Vedas say. These five vayus are also known as

naga, koorma, krukara, devadatta and dhanunjaya. Nagam

lives in he mouth, koormam in the eyelids, krukaram in the

sneeze, devadartam in the yawn. Even after the man is dead,

these will remain.

When Jeeva sleeps in prana and apana, samana and

vyanas will become one. But while sleeping in udana, prana

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and apana will not leave Jeeva. This is how yogis noticed the

state of Jeeva.

Antaryaga : (Doing actions with a sense of Brahma

karma)

Brahman : “Each action is considered as yagna. The soul

lives as an Upadrshta or known as observer. Therefore no

karma phalam will touch him but all actions are done by him.

All karmas that indriyas perform with a thought of Brahma

karma . That is known Antaryagam which is responsible for

the bondage and salvation. However, if one does as a mere

action that will become bondage. Now I will tell you about

Agni who is called as Vyswanara. For performing Antaryaga,

soul will live in the form of a spirit and act as Agni that works

continuously.

“The speech takes birth from omkaram and other

mantras. The mind runs behind them to achieve Dharma,

Ardha, Kaama and Moksha”

Wife : “Oh virtuous! The speech takes place only at the

commands of the mind. Then how the mind runs behind the

speech?

Brahmin : With the provocation of soul mind and udana

vayu will brings out speech. This is what normally everybody

thinks but while performing certain special actions mind will

run behind the speech. The way in which the mind notices

the ways of speech will leads to salvation which means when

mind lies in peace that leads to salvation.

Jnanandriyas are superior than karmandriyas. Mind is

superior to Jnanandriyas. Budhi is superior than mind. Soul

is superior than budhi. If you know this knowledge you can

know the Brahma tatwam easily.

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The dispute between the organs- Mind :

Brahmin : “Long ago there was a dispute between the

mind and the organs. Organs said, “Oh mind! We are also an

indriya like you. Why are you commanding your authority

on us?’ The mind said, “You should not revolt this like.

Without my command nose cannot smell, the tongue cannot

taste. It is the same with other organs also. Without me all of

you will become dead like fire without brilliance”. The organs

said, “Oh mind! Only after we enjoy, you are enjoying the

objects. As such all your enjoyments are defiled by us. Now

you tell us where is your superiority? The mind said , “You

cannot enjoy anything, because yore are an instrument to me”.

The Brahmin also said another instance of vayus dispute

among them selves and went to Brahma and asked him to tell

which vayu is superior. Bradma said, “He who makes others

quench in him and he who make others also make to perform

with him, such a vayu is superior” and sent them away. But

they refused to go back to their places. Knowing their mind

Brahma said, “Whichever Vayu is critical at a particular time,

that Vayu will be the superior Vayu for that occasion. Thus

each Vayu will becomes necessary in protecting Prana”. In

this manner Brahma sent them back to their places.

The state of Jeevaatma :

Jeeva who is associated with karaka trayam does not feel

he is the doer, he offers all sensual pleasures as an oblation

into the fire in the form of Aatma that burns well. In that

blazing fire avidya shines like a flame without smoke. This is

the way to attain salvation. If one fails to follow and assumes

that he is the doer he will entangle bondage. Now I am deeply

involved in this yoga yagna. To get rid of from bondage is

dakshina for this yagna. Then only the all-pervading Sriman

Narayana will absorbs into him. People calls it as mukti or

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moksha. There is only one who orders. I obey his orders. I

serve only one guru. I follow his instructions. I bow my head

before an every and. Long ago Brahma taught aksharopaas

to devatas. I am also following the same path to cross the

forest of illusion.

Wife : “Oh virtuous! You tell me how that forest looks

like?

Brahmin : “That forest is full of anger, greed, desires.

They catch hold of indriyas. I can come out such a thick forest

of mundane existence. There I do not differentiate duals such

as big and small. In other words I do not have the feeling that

I am the doer. Then I will become fearless, which is known as

dhruti (spirit). For such a hero can easily achieve Nivrutti. i.e.

akshara tatwam.

“In that forest even the trees are dedicated by satisfying

the guests. They are all personification of Para Brahman. The

ascetics in that forest will enjoy bliss, sky is the limit for them.

Since sun is the ruler of the forest, it will be shining always.

(People with firm devotion only lives in forests. By virtue

of brahmacharya and other religious vows they develop

vairagyam and lives in ananda. Mental resolve is responsible

for bondage. Because of that likes and dislikes takes place.

That is why he brahmin started doing nishkama karmas.

Which means he will not think he is the doer. Because of that

vairagya feeling he depends fully on god.)

“I will tell you a conversation between a sanyasi and a

yagnika. The yagnika kept everything ready to sacrifice an

animal in that yagna. Suddenly a sanyasi came there and

asked, “Oh yagnika! Is it not a sin to kill an animal?

Yagnika : “If you have faith in Vedas you should not talk

like that. This goat is not killed. We are actually sending it to

the superior lokas”

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Sanyasi : “Yagnika! If this goat is going to heaven what

benefit it gets?

Yagnika : “Good question! When we perform yagna with

sacrifice we get superior lokas. Have you not read all these

things in Vedas?’

Sanyasi : “I am also citing the same Vedas which are

telling you that violence is a sin”

Yagnika : “When you are mediating to have an internal

vision (Antarmukham) you are controlling the air. Don’t you

know that is also an act of violence?

“Those who follow sadachaarams only could able to

distinguish between the good and bad. I have purified this

animal and kept ready for sacrifice. At this moment you have

come and talk about kshara and akshara tatvas. As I am

following Vedas no sin will touch me, even if you say it is a

violence. I will complete the ritual and reach superior lokas”.

Sanyasi : “Instead of sacrificing an animal, it is better to

do tapoyagna?

On hearing the Sanyasi’s words, the yagnika abandoned

the sacrifice.

Brahmin : Oh vanita! I won control on indriyas and living

here lonely enjoying brahmanandam. You came like a thief in

to my vairagyam and pleaded for Aatmabodha, Though I

understood your mischievous intentions I taught you

Aatmavidya. I am not interested to enter the world. I became

a real brahmachari. Which means a jeevanmukta. Don’t think

I am the old brahmin. You are not aware of my present

spiritual level. I am filled in the entire creation. Even sun and

moon are not equal to me. Vairagya is my real wealth. As fire

conceal in wood, parmatma lies in all creatures. As all rivers

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reach the ocean, all are to reach the abode of brahman with

vivakam but not with body. All karmas have beginning and

end. Since I am aware that the body is responsible for bondage,

I am not afraid of birth and death. You try to digest the

knowledge of Aatma as I instructed you and try to reach my

level. You are sure to attain mukti.

Oh kanta! Nobody can say he is Brahman because indriyas

cannot touch him or see him. Nirguna is his status .

Nirahankaram is his nature. This the only way to notice him.

You also try.

Krishna : Arjuna ! In this manner the brahmin’s wife

attained parama santi.

Arjuna : Krishna! You tell me who are those brahmin

and wife? From where they came? Are they so great?

Krishna : Arjuna! My mind is that brahmin. My budhi is

his wife. I my self is Parmatma which can not be measured

by indriyas.

A debate between a guru and Sishya :

Arjuna : Deva! My budhi became pure. You instruct me

Brahma tatwam.

Krishna : Arjuna! There is an old episode by name a

debate between a guru and sishya. I will tell you that story.

That clears your doubt. Long ago all devatas and maharshis

went to Brahma and asked him to tell “Which will bring

salutary” Brahma said,

Brahma : All creatures born and die in satvam. Satvam

is also known as vedam, tapasya and prajapati. So a yogi

should leave all six enimies and worship satvam.

No one can attain moksha without knowing the

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knowledge of Aatma. Which means the knowledge of twenty

four tatwams. This is the only easiest way of attaining moksha.

Each one of you knows trigunas. They always live in support

of the other two-But no are can notice them. None of these

gunas behave independently. They mix up with other gunas.

The powerful guna will suppress the other two. When a man

is ignorant tamo guna will be on raise and rajo guna helps for

the down fall. But satwa will not be seen any where. Vedas

said that Prana is satwa, Apana is rajo, Udana is tamoguna.

Manassu, Budhi, Ahankaram :

Brahma : Mahattu takes birth from Avyaktam. Mahattu

is also called as Budhi, Mati, Dhruti, samvitu and Upalabdhi.

All actions in the world are heard or seen by it. Ahankaram

was born from Mahattu. Ahankaram is the cause of all actions

in the world. This is also the centre of attraction for worldly

matters. Pancha bootas are taking birth from ahankaram.

Prana gets caught into the illusion. Subtles of Panchabhootes

viz Roopa, Rasa, gandha, sparsa, sabdas. Prana becomes slave

to the sense pleasures of these five sable tatwams. Jnanis and

virtuous people will keep away from those sense pleasures

with Aatma balam. Since these sense pleasures are

impermanent and in a way they are poisonings Panch pranas,

speech, manassu, budhi are known as Antaraatama. This

antaratma is upadana karanam for this world. (To make a

pot, clay is upadana karanam. In the same way to form this

world Aatma is becoming Upadana karanam)

Brahma taught a few spiritual aspects in the following

manner. Aadhyatmam, Adhibhootam and Adhidaivikams are

all associates of pancha bhootas in the following manner.

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Aadhyatnam Adhibhootam Adhideivikan

Ear Sound Directions

Skin Touch Lightening

Eye Form Sun

Mouth Rasam Moon

Nose Gandham Vayu

Speech Speaking Agni

Hands Working Sukra

Foot Walking Babhru

Payu Ejecting Mitra

Upasta Sukaran Prajapati

Ahankaram Abhimanan Rudra

Manassu Thinking Moon

Budhi Discrimination Brahman

(All that we know from the nature is Avidya. The

knowledge that teaches about Aatma is Vidha. Vidya only

releases the man from bondage. Aatma makes indriyas as fuel

and shines like a blazing fire. Those who can visualize all

bhootas in his Aatma will attain moksha easily.)

Brahma further instructed “Maharshis! Ahimsa is

superior among all dharmas. Those who perform karmas

with a desire will caught in bondage. Man attains mukthi by

performing nishkama karmas. Satvam is like a lamp. So Satvam

is to take as an instrument to attain moksha. Satvam is like a

boat to cross the river.

(Prayanam means travel which is also said as

“mahaprastanam”. In other words it is the elevation to

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heaven. Here boat is to consider as satvam. Who navigates

the boat is Purusha. So who wants to cross the river should

take the help of a boat. After crossing the river we gets out

and leaves the boat.)

Krishna visits Udanka :

Krishna went to the ashrama of Udanka Maharishi on his

way to Dwaraka. He worshipped Krishna and said, “Krishna!

You are a sinless person. You pacified both Pandavas and

Kauravas. With your negotiating skills you made them to

enjoy their respective kingdoms” .

Krishna understood his satire and said, “ Maharishi! I tried

my level best to make a compromise. I spoke in a polite

manner. Since they did not listen, I even frightened them.

Again I brought down the atmosphere and pacified

Duryodhana. I tried by all means to bring out a compromise,

but Duryodhana did not agree. Though Bheeshma, Drona and

other elders advised him in several ways, he gave a deaf ear.

As a result war became inevitable. In that war all Kauravas

died and reached heaven. In Pandavas side also, only those

five brothers survived. All others were dead. Who can escape

the fate?

Udanka became furious and said, “ Krishna! You have

negotiated the compromise talks with a deceitful mind.

Because of you, there was a great human loss. I will curse for

your sinful act”. Krishna said with a smile.

“Please be clam! You listen to me patiently. After listening

me you do what you want. Anger doesn’t suit an

accomplished sage like you. You leave your anger in your

own interest. Cool down. You listen to my humble submission.

I am not afraid of curse from a small time ascetic like you. If

you curse me, you are exhausting your tapophalam,

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brahmacharya and everything but it will not do any harm to

me. So don’t be in a hurry to give a curse”.

Udanka said, “Krishna! You tell what you want to tell. I

will lisen patiently. If I am convinced I will not curse You”.

Krishna said with a smile.

“Udanka! All the three gunas lies in me. All Maruthis,

Manus and devatas are all born from me. I am All Pervading

and living in all creatures. I myself is chittu and Sathi.

Omkaram, four Vedas, four varnas, and four ashramas, all their

duties and customs are all myself. Salvation is my nature.

Those who perform rituals they worship me. Sinners who

are seeking my protection getting deliverance from their are

sins. Yama was born from my mind. Know him as my eldest

son. To protect dharma and righteous people I manifest in

several forms and names in different times. I took the form of

Brahma and do creation. I take the form of Vishnu to rule the

creation. I took the form of Siva to withdraw all lokas into

myself. I tried in several ways to protect the cruel Kauravas

and make them to live happily with Pandavas. All my efforts

were appreciated by Vyasa and other maharishis. Unrighteous

Kauravas were killed in the hands of righteous Pandavas. Now

you do whatever manner you want to do”.

On hearing Krishna’s words, Udanka said, “Oh

Parameswara! I know all these things earlier. However my

eyes are closed out of anger and passion. You opened my

eyes and made me pure. Ignore my innocence and arrogance.

I seek your protection. You bless me with your Viswaroopa”.

Krishna shows Viswaroopa to Udanka:

At the request of Udanka, Krishna showed the same

Viswaroopa as shown to arjuna. Udanka trembled, astonished

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and prayed with folded hands by several stotras. Krishna

withdrew his Viswaroopa and asked Udanka to seek a boon.

Udanka said “Protector of all worlds! what desire do

I have? After seeing your Viswaroopa, If you wish to give a

boon, you bless this country with sufficient water”.

One day Udanka was going in the forest he felt thirty and

rembered Krishna. Immediately, a chandala appeared with

filthy rags carrying a water-skin strapped to his shoulder.

The chandala grinned at Udanka and said, “You seem to

be thirsty, here is water for you, “ and offered a bamboo spout

from his water skin to the ascetic to drink. Udanka, looking

at the man, dogs and his water skin, said in disgust : “Friend,

I do not want to quench my thrust from such an impure water,

thank you”. Saying this, he thought of Krishna, reproached

and thought in him self as “Krishna! Is this the boon you gave

me”? Krishna appeared and said,

Krishna : “You are mistaken! What was offered to you is

not water! I went all the way to Indra, convinced him and sent

nectar for you, with a view of favoring you, whereas you are

finding fault with me. You have missed an opportunity of

becoming divinity. However my boon will not go waste. You

get water throughout the year. Whenever you wish the clouds,

will rain”. From there Krishna reached Dwaraka.

Krishna arrives Hastinapura to witness aswamedha :

Krishna, Balarama, Satyaki and other relatives went to

Hastina to witness the Aswamedha yaga. They went to

Dhrutarashtra, Gaandhari and Kunti and exchanged

pleasantries.

While they were celebrating they got the news that Uttara

delivered a boy. That news made everyone happy. After a

while, another person came and said the boy was born dead.

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With that all of them were drowned in an ocean of grief.

Krishna also felt unhappy. He took Satyaki with him and went

to Kunti, Draupadi and other women who were grieving.

Kunti request Krishna to give life to Parikshittu :

Kunti came to Krishna and requested him, “Krishna ! You

have protected my sons. Now you protect your nephew’s

son also. When Aswadhama released Brahma sironamka astra

you assured us that you would give long life for the boy. So

you give life to this boy.

Krishna promised “Aunt! I assure you that I will give life

to this boy”. Krishna said, I never said an untruth. I will

bring back life into this boy”. By saying so he took vow,

“Had I have great regard for brahmins, and had I have

given hefty dhakshanas to them let prana enter into this child.

Had I protected dharma, let prana enter into the body. Had I

killed Kamsa and other cruel people to establish dharma, let

prana enter into this boy. Had I loved Arjuna as my life, let

Prana enter into this child’.

While Krishna was taking the vow, the Prana entered

into the body and the limbs started moving. He opened his

eyes and looked around. At that time a voice from the sky

praised Krishna with several stotras. On that occasion Krishna

suggested the name of the boy as Parikshittu.

Vyasa comes to Pandavas :

Dharmaraja : “Maharishi! With your grace we were able

to procure the treasure. I want to utilize the entire treasure

for performing Aswamdha yaga.

Vyasa : “Dharmaraja! Aswamedha will destroy all the

sins. You give heavy gifts and become pure”.

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Dharmaraja : “Krishna! You order me to dedicate to

yaga. For us you are the mother, father, guru and daivam.

Krishna : “You do as instructed by Vyasa Maharishi to

destroy all your sins. You will become purest of the pure.

You order me what I should do while you are dedicated to the

ritual. Myself and your brothers will obey your orders”.

Dharmaraja was happy and requested Vyasa Maharshi

“Maharishi! You fix the auspicious time to begin the ritual and

commence it”. Vyasa consulted Yagnavalkya, Paila and others.

He fixed the auspicious time for releasing the sacrificial horse.

That horse would go round all countries and enhance your

glory”. He asked Arjuna to follow the horse as the protector.

Nakula and Bheema would took care of the internal security.

Sahadeva would took care of the administration.

Thus the aswamedha yaga was commenced under the

guidance of Krishna.

–oOo–