THE MIGHTY MESSENGER

Pandav made Lord Srikrishn their messenger to negotiate with the Kaurav. He therefore, reached Hastinapur to have a word with Duryodhan. Duryodhan made him sit in a couch made of gold and requested him to dine with him. Lord Srikrishn refused to eat with him. Duryodhan tried to impress him with his officious speech, -“Janardan! We are offering you best of foods, drinks, dresses and bed. But why are you not accepting these?  You have agreed to help both of the sides and wish welfare of both of the parties. You are a relative of king Dhritarashtr and close to him. You are well-versed in knowledge of righteousness and ethics. I therefore want to know why are you refusing our offerings?” Lord Srikrishn lifted his large arm and said in a serene voice, -"O the king! The law says that a messenger should accept food etc. only after attaining his goal. So when I have finished my job, you may also offer my ministers and me anything you like. I do not renounce Dharm for lust, anger, envy, selfishness, deceit and greed. Food is accepted out of love or in emergency. You do not love me and I am not in emergency. The Pandav are your virtuous brothers but you envy them. That who envies them also envies me for I am one with them. A man who is slave of lust and anger and envies the virtuous ones is called mean. Your food belongs to wicked ones. Hence, it is not eatable. I believe that I should accept food only at the home of Vidurji." He firmly said and walked out of the palace of Hastinapur.

Vidur being a son of sage Ved Vyas was deeply ethical. His wife Sulabha was overwhelmed to see Lord Srikrishn whetted his appetite when she offered him skin of bananas, dropping pulp down, out of delirium of love. When Vidur entered and noticed the lapse, Lord Srikrishn promptly replied-"The food she has offered is the tastiest". Such is the appetite of Master of Universe for love that the articles worth throwing become his favourites when offered with pure love.

Lord Srikrishn reached the court of Hastinapur next morning with Vidur. He saw sage Narad along with other sages in subtle bodies present in the court. Lord Srikrishn asked Bhishm to arrange for their welcome. Sages appeared and accepted seat and offerings by Bhishm. Lord Srikrishn got up to address Dhritarashtr. "O King! The purpose of my visit is to ensure friendship between Kaurav and Pandav to save bloodshed of Kshatriyas. Kuruvansh is well known for virtues such as generosity, kindness, sweetness, simplicity, pardon and truth. It does not behove you to bring disgrace to your lineage. Your sons have been behaving meanly with their cousins. They have given up righteousness. Their depravity has endangered your reputation and lives of others. If you want to save your lineage, then you should stop them. Bringing them on one platform is now in the hands of you and me. You keep your sons under command and I shall take care of the Pandav. If you join hands with virtuous Pandav, everyone would be benefited. Your lineage will prosper and be invincible. The Pandav have sent their salutation to you and requested that; -“We have suffered in exile for twelve years and one year in agyatvas in obedience of your command. We have always looked upon you as father. We should now be given half of the kingdom as our share. You, being like a teacher to us, should guide us always.” The Pandav have been and are still following righteousness. O descendent of Bharat! According to Dharm, you should do justice to the Pandav. Give up anger and lead a peaceful life. Check your greedy sons for the Pandav are ready for both, - to serve you as well as fight you. Now you decide what suits you.” Lord Srikrishn paused after delivering the message of the Pandav and presenting his own views on the situation prevailing between the two parties. The entire audience was dumbfounded and remained immersed in ineffable silence. None dared say anything. Perhaps in awe, perhaps in apprehension.

Sage Parashuram broke the ice, -“King, listen! Long back, there was a king named Dumbodhbhava. He daily used to ask his people if they had seen any other king as great as he was? Finding no match to himself around, his arrogance reached so high that Brahmans finally decided to open his eyes. They said, -‘there are two such great men who have conquered many. You cannot compete with them.’ When king enquired of them, they told that they were two great tapaswies named Nar and Narayan, meditating on mount Gandhamadan. The king went searching for them. He asked them to fight. They said that fighting in the ashram is uncalled for. However, the arrogant king insisted on. Then sage Nar took a handful of straws and threw over his army. The ear, nose and eyes of army were filled with straws. The king fell in the feet of sages. Nar asked him to lead a peaceful and pious life. That Nar is now Arjun and Narayan is his mentor Lord Srikrishn. If you believe me then better join hands with the Pandav.’

Sage Kanv also advised Dhritarashtr that Lord Vishnu himself was there as Lord Srikrishn to avert the war. However, Duryodhan got furious and laughed aloud to tell all, -”Great sages! Whatever is destined and whatever I am destined to face, god has created me according to that only and accordingly do I behave. What difference can your sayings make?” All sages including Narad, Ved Vyas and grandfather Bhishm tried to persuade the king of Hastinapur but failed. Dhritarashtr told Lord Srikrishn. -“Keshav! The rigid and obstinate Duryodhan does not pay heed to what I, Gandhari, Vidurji and Bhishmji tell him. Better you make him understand. This would be a great favour." Lord Srikrishn then assumed the responsibility and addressed Duryodhan, -“O Descendent of Kuru! You are born in a decent family and possess good virtues such as modesty, knowledge of scriptures and generosity. You should obey your parents. When a man suffers, he always recalls his father’s advice. Even though you have been jealous of the Pandav, they have not been so. You are hopeful that you can win the war with the support of Shakuni, Karn and Dushasan but remember they cannot get you wisdom, Dharm and wealth. They cannot even stand before the Pandav. Show me a single warrior in your army who can win over Arjun? One who has fought and pleased Lord Shiv in battlefield, you hope to win over him? If you join hands with the Pandav you would rejoice with your friends for a longtime." Duryodhan however, said, -“Keshav! You should speak after giving due thought. You are taking side of the Pandav and blaming me?  I do not find myself guilty. The Pandav came to play the game of dice on their own because of their interest in it. They lost their kingdom in the game. What is my fault in it? I know very well that the Pandav are not capable of facing us. Then why are they behaving so elatedly like an enemy? We do not fear you or your big talks, Lord Srikrishn!  We do not see any Kshatriya who can win over us. Even if we die fighting, we will go to heaven for we are following our Dharm. So long as I am alive, I would not give the Pandav land equal even to a needle's end.” Lord Srikrishn raised his eyebrows. He thought for a while and said, -“Duryodhan! If you aspire for the death of a fighter in the battlefield, then wait with your ministers for some time. You would surely get it. But remember, there will be a massive massacre. And if you believe that you have not done any harm to the Pandav then better wise men sitting here, decide about it…..” He paused for a while but none dare say anything in front of him. He therefore, himself explained, -“You insinuated them to play the game of dice. You stooped to unlimited meanness by humiliating Draupadi. You plotted to kill the Pandav in Varnavat. You even tried to poison them, but failed. You the sinner! You are disobeying all your elders. You would never be happy” Lord Srikrishn went on thrashing Duryodhan.

Dushasan interrupted by addressing Duryodhan, -“King, if you do not join hands with Lord Srikrishn, then our elders would tie up our hands and hand us over to the Pandav." Duryodhan got up and began to retreat in anger. Bhishm said, -"Lord Srikrishn! Anger and greed have devoured him. Take it for granted that the moment of catastrophe is… ahead.”

Finding elders of Hastinapur in a helpless situation, Lord Srikrishn further said, -“It is a blunder on the part of elders of the Kaurav clan that they are not arresting and putting Duryodhan behind bars. Kans lost his life as he imprisoned his father king Ugrasen. You also arrest Duryodhan, Dushasan, Karn and Shakuni and hand over them to the Pandav. To save a family one man; to save a village one family; to save a country one village and to save oneself the entire earth should be abandoned. Mother Gandhari should try to persuade him. At least that would save the masses…." Lord Srikrishn paused.

Mother Gandhari blamed father Dhritarashtr for having spoiled and favoured Duryodhan unreasonably. They sent for him and tried to persuade him but he walked out and joined Karn, Shakuni, and Dushasan. All four concluded that Lord Srikrishn had come there to arrest them so they decided to arrest him beforehand. Satyaki, the friend of Lord Srikrishn sensed their ill intention. He asked his minister Kritavarma to prepare the army and went inside the court to tell Lord Srikrishn of their plan. All elders, when learnt of ill and chimerical intention of evil minded scions of Hastinapur, condemned it.

Lord Srikrishn, sensing the inability of blind king and deluded father to curb his unruly sons threw a direct challenge to Dhritarashtr, -“O, King! If they dare arrest me out of anger then please allow me. Let them see that whether they can arrest me or I can arrest them! Tell me, what do you have to say, if I arrest them and their followers right now and hand over to the Pandav? Tell me would it be considered improper? I allow all your sons to do as they wish!” Lord Srikrishn thundered authoritatively meaning exactly what he expressed through his speech. Dhritarashtr inwardly scared of powers of Lord Srikrishn, called his sons and scolded them, -" You are not aware of his power. You want to arrest Lord Srikrishn? Even deities cannot do that. As wind cannot be caught by hands, so Lord Srikrishn cannot be arrested by force.” Vidur also narrated tales of superhuman gallantry of Lord Srikrishn right from his birth. He eulogized Lord Srikrishn as a superman who was beyond the comprehension of common man. Lord Srikrishn himself spoke, -“Duryodhan! Out of ignorance you think that I am alone and you can keep me in prison. But remember, all great powers are here including great sages" Saying so, Lord Srikrishn broke into a mighty laughter. He appeared as a charismatic Divine Being. All deities appeared in his mighty frame. He showed several of his arms equipped with various arms. His eyes, nostrils and ears lolled out huge flames of fire. His body pores issued bright sunrays all around. All closed their eyes in fear. Only Dron, Bhishm, Vidur, Sanjay and sages could dare see his ferocious form. The wise ones bowed before him inwardly and prayed to him. The ignorant ones closed their terrified eyes. The earth trembled and seawater tided up. The deities showered flowers over Lord Srikrishn. King Dhritarashtr prayed to him and begged for sight. Lord Srikrishn blessed him with vision and he offered his prayers to him. Spreading the message that the dooms’ day was not far as supreme man Lord Srikrishn was beside the righteous Pandav, he gracefully resumed his human form. Lord Srikrishn then sought permission to leave. He gravely addressed all, - "Whatever has happened in this court, you have witnessed yourself. You have also seen how stupid Duryodhan has walked away in rage. King Dhritarashtr considers himself helpless. I now seek your permission to visit Yuddhisthir."

No one dared utter anything. Lord Srikrishn looked stern and straight away walked out in a dignified gait matching a fearless king, in insouciance. Daruk was waiting for him at the entrance. Lord Srikrishn gracefully mounted his chariot and motioned him to make track ahead.

Coaxing Karn

Duryodhan did not agree to establish peace with the Pandav even when persuaded by all wise men and elders. Lord Srikrishn then made another diplomatic attempt. He knew that valiant archer Karn was the main pillar of Duryodhan who alone was sufficient to give Pandav a tough fight. He especially abhorred Arjun for having been humiliated by him and Draupadi in the past. Karn was as great a warrior as Arjun and helped Duryodhan in all his wicked plans. He was born of Kunti, the mother of the Pandav when she was unmarried. Kunti had obtained a boon from sage Durvasa that she could invite deities on earth. When she was yet a girl, to experiment, she called god Surya who refused to go back without blessing her with a son. Kunti was in sheer dismay for the fear of society. God Surya however, convinced her that her virginity would be restored and no one would come to know it. She agreed and begot a son secretly and shed him in the river to save her honour. Karn, her son was born with divine kavach (shield) and earrings endowed by god Surya. An issueless charioteer named Adhirath and his wife Radha brought Karn up. He proved to be a matchless warrior and Duryodhan, impressed with his valour, befriended him. He enthroned him by giving an empire. Karn who had all along been spurned by elite for being the son of a low cast charioteer felt immensely obliged to Duryodhan  as he had given him the status of a king which he longed to have and truly deserved too.

Aware of the secret of his birth, Lord Srikrishn thought of coaxing him to join Pandav in the battle of Mahabharat. He took Karn along and reached a solitary place where he could hold secret discussion with him. He expressed genuine affection and concern to Karn. Karn felt the sympathy inherent in speech of Lord Srikrishn who spoke to him in a manner that behoves a seasoned diplomat."Karn! You have served enlightened Brahmans and received immense knowledge from them. But I tell you a major secret. You were born to Queen Kunti when she was yet unmarried. You are therefore, legally son of Pandu. Your father belongs to Pandav clan and mother to yadav clan. Come along with me I will let Pandav know it. All the Pandav and their five sons born of Draupadi would touch your feet. All kings, gathered to help Pandav, would honour you. I wish that sage Dhaumya should perform a Yajna and all of us will enthrone you today as the eldest of Pandav on the throne”.  Karn kept on listening to him patiently. Lord Srikrishn did not see even an iota of change in his expression. Lord Srikrishn therefore, further proposed,-“Yuddhisthir would fan you and sit behind you. Bhimsen would hold your umbrella. Arjun will be your charioteer and I will also walk behind you. You should thus perform virtuous deeds and enjoy the life of a king.” Karn was a wise and gentle soul who had been a victim of social ostracization owing to the status of his parents. This alone irked him all through and he longed to get even with those who humiliated him for this reason alone. He calmly listened to the sop being offered to him by diplomatic Lord Srikrishn. But he was no mean soul. A sardonic smile spread on his lips. He envied the fortune of his younger brother Arjun who enjoyed such great support and patronage from so many capable personalities. Earlier lord Indra had come to him disguised as a mendicant and begged of him to give away his celestial kavach and kundal so that Arjun could kill Karn easily. Even though his father Surya foretold him in dream about intention of Indra, Karn displayed rare courage and magnanimity and kept his vow of giving away alms to anybody by peeling off his kavach from a bleeding skin along with the kundala. Now Lord Srikrishn was trying to enmesh him in the temptations to swerve him from the path of loyalty and commitment to his friend Duryodhan just to protect Arjun. He lowered his head and serenely said, -“Keshav! Whatever you say out of cordiality, affection, and friendship is correct. I am already aware of this fact. According to Dharm, I am the son of Pandu. Queen Kunti abandoned me soon after my birth as advised by father god Surya. But Adhirath and Radha brought me up with great love and care. How can a knower of Shastra ignore their sacrifice? My foster father married me off to women of his clan. I, now being attached to them, cannot betray Duryodhan at this stage. But take care, that this secret should not be leaked to the Pandav. Otherwise large-hearted Yuddhisthir would never accept the throne. And if, I got the kingdom I would give it to Duryodhan. But my sincere wish is that the Pandav who are protected by Lord Srikrishn should rule. I deeply regret the mean things I uttered about the Pandav to please Duryodhan. I do not fear die… fighting.” Lord Srikrishn smiled and said, -"Karn, you are not willing to accept the opportunity of getting the kingdom. You do not want to rule over the kingdom offered by me. No doubt victory will be of the Pandav. On the seventh day from today, the war will begin. All who die in fray would get good after-life.” Karn welcomed Lord Srikrishn and wisely mumbled, -“Why do you want to create attachment in my heart”? The time of destruction has come. Shakuni, Duryodhan and I are mere puppets in the hands of time. All kings fighting for Duryodhan will go to Yamaraj. Ill omens are auguring this.”

Lord Srikrishn too smiled seeing the unflinching faith and wisdom of Karn. He merely nodded his head and said,-“Karn, no doubt the time for destruction is imminent that is why my advise is not sounding you appealing." He paused for a while. Karn showed no sign of change. "Fine I will see you in the battle field or in the heaven.... See you in the battle field!” Karn finally bid farewell to Lord Srikrishn and embraced him. The two-great souls hugged each other; fully aware of the divine plan of almighty in which they were merely acting as if stringed to the supreme will alone.

The war was about to begin. Lord Srikrishn had exhorted Arjun to fight by imparting him the discourse of Bhagavad-Gita. Yuddhisthir got down his chariot to offer salutations to grandfather Bhishm, guru Dron and uncle Shalya before starting the fight. Pleased with his humility they all blessed him to be victorious. All present in the battlefield praised Yuddhisthir for his modesty. Lord Srikrishn knew that Karn always abhorred grandfather Bhishm. Lord Srikrishn was walking past the Pandav, as Yuddhisthir was his elder cousin. He took advantage of the situation and addressed Karn secretly in solitude, -"Karn! You do not get along with Grandfather Bhishm. He is the chief of the Kaurav army. You will have to fight under him. It is better you join us now and fight independently on our behalf. Once Grandfather Bhishm is slain, you may join Kaurav Army." He made another attempt to deviate Karn. Karn disliked Bhishm and fighting under him was unacceptable to him. He however, said, -"Lord Srikrishn. What you say is correct. I am however, oath bound to Duryodhan and cannot leave him under any circumstances." Lord Srikrishn dismissed his words lightly. His smile expressed what could not be expressed in words.

Thwarting the scheme of Gandhaari

the war was going on. Gandhari was anxious to save Duryodhan. She therefore, sent for him to appear before her, starkly naked so that she could transmit her spiritual power into him by unfolding her eye band secretly. Ever since her marriage to blind prince Dhritarashtr, she had not unfolded her eye band. Duryodhan took bath in a pond and followed his mother. Lord Srikrishn knew the immense spiritual power Gandhari possessed and the secret wish she nurtured in her anxious heart.  He was however; alert enough to thwart her scheme. As Duryodhan was about to see his mother stark naked before the dawn of day, Lord Srikrishn appeared and ridiculed him. "Ah, Prince of Hastinapur roaming around unclothed!” Inspired by the remark, ashamed Duryodhan wrapped a covering around his loin. He reached before mother Gandhari who was all set to strengthen his body rock hard by transferring her energy. She ensured his presence and unfolded her eye band. Duryodhan received the energy. Gandhari threw her first glance at her son after transferring energy .She had never seen him. Having unfolded her eye band first time, since her wedding, she could not resist herself from ensuring that her son had received her strength. But what she saw shocked her. Loin of her valiant son was covered. “Son! What have you done! I had asked you to come stark naked.” She exclaimed. Duryodhan sensed the disappointment shrouding the face of his nonplussed mother. He divulged how clever Lord Srikrishn had insinuated him to cover his loins.

Gandhari nearly swooned. She realized that her secret scheme to save his son had been sensed and foiled by the unbeatable diplomat Lord Srikrishn.

duping Grandfather BhishmHH

The war proved to be dangerous and most challenging for both the parties. Greatest of warriors lost their lives. Anxiety gripped the minds of all. Duryodhan used to pester Bhishm and Dron to ensure that victory should be his for they were with him. Bhishm therefore, advised Duryodhan to send his queen to him in the early hours of morning when Bhishm would rise from his meditation. His idea was to bless the wife of Duryodhan to remain with husband all through the life. Duryodhan happily disclosed it to his wife. The plan was secret but who can hide anything from the all seeing Lord Srikrishn? He knew it and apprised his beloved friend Draupadi of the scheme of grandfather and Duryodhan. Draupadi did not know what to do and how to foil this scheme. Lord Srikrishn cajoled her to reach before the grandfather, earlier then the wife of Duryodhan to obtain his blessing. Draupadi had her apprehension but Lord Srikrishn promised his company and took her along next morning. He wrapped the footwear of Draupadi in his shawl, so that she could walk barefooted, remaining unheard of her footsteps.

The grandfather was in deep meditation. Draupadi bowed in his feet. Jingling of her bangles interrupted his concentration. Without bothering to ascertain her identity, he granted the boon to a silent seeker. “Be ever blessed with your husband in nuptial bliss.” The grandfather said in a grave voice. The recipient was silent and did not utter a single word as advised by her mentor. Observing her silence grandfather sensed a foul play. Draupadi revealed herself and Bhishm was taken aback. How could she reach there and know his secret scheme? He thought for a moment and realized. What could be held secret from those whose mentor was Lord Srikrishn! Thwarted grandfather intoned. The wise old man felt inwardly happy that Lord Srikrishn was helping the righteous ones even though he had to take the side of their opponents, being oath bound.

SLAYING  DRONCHARYA               Half of the  battle of Mahabharat was over. Grandfather Bhishm had been vanquished. Two great sons of the Pandav named Ghatotkach and Abhimanyu had lost their lives. Guru Dron was the chief of Kaurav army. He proved too tough. His strategic approach left no scope for the Pandav to win. They were in sheer frustration. Seeing their low spirit, Lord Srikrishn called upon them, -“Pandav! Dronacharya is the best among archers. So long, as he holds a bow, not even Indra, can defeat him. Only when he gives up bow, can he be slain. I understand that he would stop fighting on hearing about the death of his son Aswatthama. Someone should therefore, tell him the news of death of Aswatthama.” Arjun did not like this idea. Yuddhisthir accepted this suggestion with great difficulty. Others however supported the idea. The king of Malava had an elephant called Aswatthama. Lord Srikrishn got that elephant killed through Bhim. Bhim then went in front of Dron and shouted jubilantly, -“Aswatthama got killed!” The rumour spread fast. When Dron listened to it, his face paled and body turned inert. Aware of the prowess of his son, he doubted the news. He applied Lord Brahmastra and killed thousands of Kshatriyas in fury. To see him fighting so vehemently great sages such as Vishwamitra, Jamadgani, Bhardwaj, Gautam, Vasishth, Kashyap, Bhrigu, Angira, Garg and Atri arrived in subtle form and said, -“Dron! Lay down the weapons. The time to die is ahead. You have abused Lord Brahmastra by applying on those who were ignorant of it. Being a Brahman this does not behove you.” Dron stopped and felt morose. He asked Yuddhisthir, -“Is it true that my son has been killed?” He had full trust in the guileless nature and staunch disposition in truthfulness sustained by Yuddhisthir.

Lord Srikrishn knew that Dron was not going to spare the Pandav in the battlefield. He therefore, exhorted him, saying, -“If Dron continued to fight for rest half of the day in fury then believe me, all your army would perish. You should therefore, save us from Dron first. If one speaks a lie to save other’s lives then one does not become guilty of lying.” Bhim informed Yuddhisthir that he had broken the news of death of Aswatthama to Dron but he did not believe him. Yuddhisthir should confirm this to Dron, he advised. Inspired by Lord Srikrishn, Yuddhisthir agreed to say so. He loudly said, -"Yes Aswatthama got killed, but elephant.” He uttered last two words in a low tone, which Dron could not hear as Lord Srikrishn blew his conch shell aloud. The power of truthfulness of Yuddhisthir was so great that his chariot used to remain above the earth but as he uttered one lie his chariot touched the earth. Dron renounced weapons and sat down in his chariot. Dhrishtadyumn the son of archenemy of Dron, king Drupad pounced upon Dron. Dron bravely foiled his attack. Satyaki, a warrior of Lord Srikrishn, helped him swiftly. Lord Srikrishn praised Satyaki. Dron retreated and entered Samadhi. Dhrishtadyumn took a sword and beheaded him. However, before he did so great Brahman Dron had left his body. His subtle body entered Lord Brahmalok in front of Lord Srikrishn.

SLAYING OF Karn

Duryodhan had tactfully obliged and taken promise from the king of Madra named Shalya to support the Kaurav in the war. Shalya being a relative of Madri, the mother of Nakul and Sahdev inwardly supported the Pandav. He therefore, chose to be the charioteer of Karn with an intention to demoralize him in the fray by passing sarcastic remarks and telling tales hinting defeat of the Kaurav. Karn and Arjun fought a fierce battle. Arjun made Karn swoon and did not attack him further. Lord Srikrishn called upon a generous Arjun, -“Son of Pandu! Why this laxity? Wise men kill an enemy trapped in calamity and gain glory. You should also finish him or else, when he regains consciousness, he would attack you.” Arjun covered him with arrows but as Karn gained consciousness he retaliated back. Karn forgot the divine Lord Brahmastra he had learnt from Parashuram because of a curse. Karn concealed his identity and went to Parashuram to acquire Lord Brahmastra posing as a Brahman. Parashuram detested Kshatriyas and taught Karn the astra. Once he was taking siesta with his head resting in the lap of Karn. One poisonous insect bit his leg causing blood to flow out. Lest his guru should be disturbed, Karn did not move a bit, bearing quietly pain and bleeding. When Parashuram woke up and witnessed tolerance of Karn, he enraged, -“You cannot be a Brahman who tolerated the pain for so long silently. Reveal your identity or else I would curse you.” Karn was aghast. He hesitatingly disclosed his identity and Parashuram cursed him that he shall forget knowledge of Lord Brahmastra at the time of need. Thus Karn could not apply Lord Brahmastra on Arjun. Because of another curse received from a Brahman his chariot began to sink in the marsh. Karn lost patience and began to lament,-“Wise men say that Dharm sustains a man but it is not so. I have been following Dharm still he does not save me.” Lord Srikrishn told Arjun, -“Parth! Karn has been foiling your attempts. Better try an astra now on him.” Arjun mounted Lord Brahmastra and aimed at Karn. Karn cancelled his attack. Lord Srikrishn advised, -“Arjun attack him from close quarters.” The wheel of the chariot of Karn further sank down and he got down pulling it out. He asked Arjun, -“Son of Kunti! You are a great archer. Please wait till I unearth this wheel. You should follow law and Dharm (righteousness) and not attack one who is unarmed.” Hearing him teach Arjun Dharm, Lord Srikrishn sarcastically intervened, -“Son of Radha! It is indeed heartening to hear that finally you are minding Dharm. It is often seen that mean people when fall in a pit blame luck, instead of recalling their mean actions. Karn! Where was your sense of Dharm when you refused to give share of the Pandav after thirteen years of exile? When with your advice only, Duryodhan gave poisoned food to Bhim and made him a victim of serpents, where was your Dharm? When you conspired to finish the Pandav asleep in the palace at Varnavat, where was your Dharm? When in your court you humiliated a menstruating Draupadi where had Dharm fled? Do you remember what you said to Draupadi? You had said, -“Krishne! Pandav are no more. They will remain in hell forever. Now you choose some other husband.” Saying so, when you stared at her with hawkish eyes, where was your dharma? When out of greed to acquire kingdom you invited the Pandav again to play the game of dice what happened to your Dharm? Abhimanyu was young. You and other warriors attacked him and killed the lonely boy, where was then the Dharm? When there was no room for Dharm in those moments, then why are you bragging now in the name of Dharm? No matter what great acts of Dharm you perform here, you would not be spared now. Pushkar had usurped the kingdom of king Nal in the game of dice but he reclaimed it through his own efforts and earned great glory. Pious Pandav will also regain their lost kingdom and these sons of Dhritarashtr will die in their hands.”

Lord Srikrishn bluntly exhorted Arjun to kill Karn there and then. Aroused by the speech of Lord Srikrishn, Arjun attacked Karn with tremendous force. “Behead him before he mounts his chariot,” commanded Lord Srikrishn sternly. Arjun prayed to guru and god for a moment and then within an eye blink unleashed an arrow that beheaded the mighty son of God Surya. A light issued from the body of Karn and entered Sun before all. As thundering of dark clouds eclipse the sun and shroud the earth with murk, so did roaring sound of conch shell Panchjanya being blown by jubilant Lord Srikrishn echoed all around proclaiming the victory of his favorite Arjun that entrenched the hearts of enemies with ineffable gloom.

Slaying of Duryodhan

The massive massacre took place for eighteen days. In the end Duryodhan ran for his life and being adept in the science of stilling water, hid in the bottom of a pond. The victorious Pandav went searching for him and finally succeeded in spotting him. They urged him to come out and fight. Seeing death gnawing at him, Duryodhan began to appreciate them for having observed and practiced righteousness all through their lives and preached Dharm to them, exhorting them to spare him who was without army and weapons.

Such is the approach of mean and cunning persons when they find themselves endangered. Lord Srikrishn smiled and advised Yuddhisthir to ask him to come out and fight instead of preaching Dharm from his hideout. He finally agreed to come out and fight with his mace with one of the Pandav. Bhim was ace in gadayuddha (fighting with mace). He decided to fight with Duryodhan. The dual began. Both of them fought fiercely. The onlookers including Lord Srikrishn and Balaram got anxious. Duryodhan had learnt gadayuddha from Balaram. Duryodhan blew on the chest of Bhim. He nearly fainted and got up with difficulty to fight back. The Pandav were in worry. Duryodhan floored Bhim. His armour crumbled and the anxious Pandav began to lose hope. His mouth bled. He wiped his mouth and got up again to fight. Arjun sought respite in the counsel of Lord Srikrishn, -“Janardan! Whom do you consider superior? Who has which quality more than the other? Please tell me.” Lord Srikrishn replied, -“Both of them have received training alike. But Bhim is more powerful and Duryodhan has better practice and makes intense effort. If Bhim fights according to rules, he would not be able to win. He had vowed at the time of game of dice that he would break the thigh of Duryodhan. He should fulfill that vow today. Arjun! I cannot abstain myself from saying that because of Yuddhisthir we are in great trouble now. We had won over Bhishm and killed millions of Kaurav soldiers with great difficulty. But Yuddhisthir has put that victory at stake again. He has agreed that the defeat or victory of one Pandav will decide the defeat or victory of all Pandav. He has turned this fierce battle into a game of dice. This is his big blunder. I now recall the tenet given by Shukracharya that “one should fear the enemy that has come back to fight after fleeing away for his life from the fray. One, who fights after giving up hope to survive, can defeat even the god Indra. I doubt now that Duryodhan might again usurp the kingdom won by us in the battlefield." Arjun followed his veiled advice. He signaled to Bhim, showing his left thigh reminding him his vow taken at the humiliation of Draupadi in the Kaurav court, to break the thigh of Duryodhan. Bhim followed him. To hoodwink him, Bhim moved fast in criss-cross way. Their clinking, colliding maces issued sparks of fire drenching them in blood. Their bodies crumbled. Duryodhan jumped up with all his force to pounce on Bhim. Bhim immediately broke his thigh with his mace, flooring him with a thud.

The wind blew fiercely, dust storm rose up, earth trembled and it began to thunder, lighten and rain.  Nature expressed her jubilation over the end of an era of cruelty and wickedetiy.

Bhim moved close to Duryodhan and said, -“Fool. You had humiliated Draupadi in the open court. You called us bulls. Now, reap the fruit of that insult." Passionate Bhim crushed the head of enemy with his left foot and roared in jubilation like a ferocious tiger. Yuddhisthir, moved by his brother’s act, stopped him from humiliating Duryodhan further. A kind hearted Yuddhisthir uttered consoling words near Duryodhan.

Balaram, the teacher of Duryodhan went up in rage. He could not bear attack on thighs of Duryodhan, against the rules of not hitting the enemy below the belt. He furiously took on Bhim, -"Fie upon you Bhim! The kind of injustice Bhim has done has never been done. He is a fool.  He does not follow law and behaves arbitrarily!” Lord Srikrishn! Duryodhan is as powerful as I. Bhim has not only insulted him but me, as well." Infuriated Balaram rushed to kill Bhim. Lord Srikrishn briskly marched forward and held Balaram by his arms.

He knew that delay of a single moment could cost life of Bhim. “Brother!, Please listen to me. Progress is of six kinds. Progress of self and harm of enemy; progress of friend and failure of friend of enemy; progress of friend’s friend and failure of friend of enemy’s friend. Pandav are our friends and cousins. They have suffered severely because of their enemies. Bhim has merely fulfilled his vow, which is the duty of a Kshatriya. Sage Maitreya had also cursed Duryodhan that Bhim would break his thigh. Please give up anger. They are our friends. Their progress is …..our… progress.” Flowed a volley of diplomatic skills from the mouth of an ace diplomat Lord Srikrishn. The showers of his tactful speech stilled the flames of anger, engulfing Balaram. Although not fully convinced, he could no longer argue with his younger brother,  an unbeatable exponent of righteousness. He however, went on condemning unruly Bhim. Lord Srikrishn tried to persuade him, saying-"Brother! The entire world honors you as anger less and righteous. Please calm down and give up anger. Believe, that Kaliyug has set in. Also, do not forget the vow of Bhim. Let the Pandav be redeemed from the debt of enemy and vow…." ’Balaram could not argue. He retreated from there dissatisfied. He turned to Yuddhisthir as to why did he not stop Bhim from kicking on the head of poor and helpless Duryodhan. Yuddhisthir apologized and appeased him by rebuking Bhim.

HONOURing curse

The five Pandav killed the hundred Kaurav. Yuddhisthir was fearful that mother Gandhari would surely curse them when she would come to know of her sons’ death. They help of Lord Srikrishn to face and pacify her. Lord Srikrishn gladly took upon himself the responsibility of calming down the aged, bereaved couple. He mounted his chariot and reached Hastinapur. He straightaway entered the palace of Dhritarashtr. Sage Ved Vyas was already there. Lord Srikrishn touched the feet of Ved Vyas and Dhritarashtr and greeted Gandhari. Clasping aged hands of king Dhritarashtr in his, he began to cry bitterly. Tears rolled down his lotus-eyes for some time. Then he took water and washed his eyes. After sipping a little of water, he addressed the aged king, -“Bharat! You are aged. Whatever has happened and is happening as ordained by time…, is not hidden from you. The Pandav have always treated you respectfully. They tried their best to avert the calamity of massive   massacre. They were innocent but were sent to exile deceitfully. They suffered in disguise during agyatvas. I myself begged you to avert the war. But unfortunately you out of greed and attachment, turned down my proposal. Thus, because of only your fault, massive massacre happened. Please do not blame the Pandav for they are innocent and pious. Now, they are your sons. They express great sorrow towards you and Gandhari Devi. Out of sheer shame and sorrow they are not prepared even to face you."

He had patiently tried to calm down the anger of seething Dhritarashtr who possessed the strength of thousands of elephants. Soothing, modest speech of the precursor offered him some relief. Lord Srikrishn then turned to Gandhari and said, -"Please listen to me. There is no other woman as great as you are, in the world today. You may recall that in the court, you had uttered most righteous words to persuade your son. You had rudely told him that victory accompanies Dharm. Your that saying has been proved true. You possess immense power of your penance and are capable of turning the whole world into ashes. Yet,… you should not give thought of harming the Pandav in your mind.” Gandhari thought for a while and said, -“Keshav! You are absolutely correct. I have been searing in suffering. My mind had swerved and I was wishing of harming the Pandav. But, after listening to your wise counsel, my mind has been stilled. Anger has fled. The king is old and blind and searing in suffering. You alone with the help of brave Pandav can redeem him from the ocean of suffering.”

She could not contain her sorrow and broke down into inconsolable tears. Lord Srikrishn consoled the aged couple in various ways. He knew that Aswatthama was intending to kill the sons of the Pandav. He told them this and took permission to leave. The aged couple also asked him to rush to help the Pandav soon.

Gandhari possessed immense spiritual power. She had practiced purity and truth all through her life. After the battle of Mahabharat, she wished to see the battlefield even though being blindfolded. Sage Ved Vyas endowed her with the power to see the battlefield without unfolding her eyes. The Pandav took king Dhritarashtr and bereaved Gandhari along with all widows of the family and conducted them through the battlefield. Lord Srikrishn too, accompanied them. The womenfolk found their fathers, uncles, husband and sons lying dead and began to swoon. They fell down the chariots. Gandhari called Lord Srikrishn and said, -"Madhav! See. My widow daughters-in-law are lamenting helplessly.  My entire being burns to see them bereaved. It seems that the entire creation has been engulfed by the doom. Who could ever imagine that great warrior such as Jayadrath, Karn, Bhishm and Abhimanyu would be devoured by this war? What can be more tormenting then this? Definitely I committed a great sin in the past because of which I am seeing this massive destruction with my own eyes." Gandhari went on lamenting and ultimately collapsed to see the corpse of her iron bodied son Duryodhan.

When she recovered, she showed Lord Srikrishn the corpses of great warriors such as her hundred sons, Karn, Abhimanyu, Shalya, Bhishm, Dron, Shakuni and other kings. The mounds of corpses strewn all over and being feasted upon by the vultures demolished her sense of dharm. "Lord Srikrishn! You and five Pandav are unslayable. That is why you have survived in front of such great warriors. Madhav! Nothing is impossible for god. I considered my sons dead the day you went back, failing in the proposal of peace. Bhishm and Vidur had advised me to give up attachment to my sons on the very the same day. How could their prophecy be belied…?" Thus narrating to Lord Srikrishn the plight of mighty kings, Gandhari fainted and fell down.  Lord Srikrishn silently watched her,- unperturbed, unmoved. For, he knew the aftermath of the war and had forewarned all elders as a messenger of the Pandav to establish peace.

Bereaved Gandhari regained consciousness after a long time. Just as the mighty Himalayas stand unruffled to thwart the momentum of stormy winds so did Lord Srikrishn stood quietly, right in front of her to face her wrath.

A totally shattered Gandhari, profused the lava of her wrath over calm and peremptory Lord Srikrishn, -“Lord Srikrishn! Pandav and Kaurav died because of family feud. But why did you ignore it even though being capable of averting the destruction? You had huge army and could conquer both or eloquently persuade them to establish peace. But you ignored it.” She went on giving vent to her grief, “Whatever penance I have earned out of serving my husband, on that strength, I curse you-You ignore Kaurav and Pandav in their family feud. You too, shall slay your own kith and kin the same way. In the thirty-sixth year from today you, your relations, ministers, and sons will perish and you shall die as an orphan. The way these women are lamenting, your women will also lament the death of your men.”

Lord Srikrishn listened and smiled. Not an iota of sorrow or fear loomed over his glowing countenance. He said in an unperturbed voice, -“I knew that this will so happen. You have cursed for what is predestined. No doubt, my clan will perish in god given trouble only, for they are otherwise invincible and indestructible. What to talk of men, not even deities can kill them. Only I can kill them. The yaduvanshis will surely die of mutual feud only."  The depth of ocean quietly laps up the agitation of a flowing and inundating river. Lord Srikrishn proved.

The Pandav fell in deep sorrow when they found aunt Gandhari having ventilated her anger over Lord Srikrishn and Lord Srikrishn having accepted her curse coolly. The guilt that Lord Srikrishn had taken upon himself the blame of having destroyed her lineage, while actually it were they who had slain her hundred sons, pinched them the most. They bemoaned the curse fallen on Lord Srikrishn. Lord Srikrishn however, showed no sign of sorrow. He gently said, -“Gandhari, get up. Do not grieve. The Kaurav died because of your fault. You used to consider your wicked son a saint. One who was cruel, quarrelsome and impertinent, you pampered such a Duryodhan. Why do you then blame me, instead of accepting your own fault?" Gandhari did not know how to argue with the fearless and grave Lord Srikrishn. She became quiet.