THE MAHABHARATA: A Modern Rendering, Vol 2

Copyright © 2006 by Ramesh Menon

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‘The Ferryman’

by S. Nandagopal, 2005

Welded Copper & Cast Brass

112 x 117 x 25 cm

Collection: Jasdeep Sandhu. Gajah Gallery, Singapore.

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-40188-8 (pbk)

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-84565-1 (ebk)

Contents

ONE

THE COUNCIL IN UPAPLAVYA

TWO

A CHOICE FOR TWO KSHATRIYAS

THREE

‘EVERYONE SEEMS TO KNOW ME’

FOUR

THE TWO ARMIES

FIVE

THE MESSENGERS

SIX

THE PANDAVAS’ REPLY

SEVEN

A BLIND KING’S TERROR

EIGHT

SANJAYA DELIVERS A MESSAGE

NINE

‘NOT LAND TO COVER THE POINT OF A NEEDLE’

TEN

A SECOND COUNCIL IN UPAPLAVYA

ELEVEN

KRISHNA ARRIVES IN HASTINAPURA

TWELVE

IN VIDURA’S HOUSE

THIRTEEN

IN THE COURT OF HASTINAPURA

FOURTEEN

DURYODHANA AND KRISHNA

FIFTEEN

‘I AM NOT ALONE’

SIXTEEN

KRISHNA AND KARNA

SEVENTEEN

THE PANDAVA SENAPATI

EIGHTEEN

THE KAURAVA SENAPATI

NINETEEN

ON THE BANKS OF YAMUNA

TWENTY

‘COME AWAY TO YOUR BROTHERS’

TWENTY-ONE FOR LOVE OF HIS FRIEND

TWENTY-TWO

BALARAMA AND RUKMI

TWENTY-THREE

ULUKA’S EMBASSY

BOOK SIXI

BHEESHMA PARVA

ONE

SANJAYA’S GIFT

TWO

KURUKSHETRA

THREE

A MOMENT OF CRISIS

FOUR

THE BHAGAVAD GITA

FIVE

THE SONG OF GOD

SIX

THE BHAGAVAD GITA

SEVEN

THE BHAGAVAD GITA

EIGHT

THE SONG OF GOD

NINE

THE BHAGAVAD GITA

TEN

THE GHASTLY WAR

ELEVEN

THE SECOND DAY: TWO KRAUNCHAS

TWELVE

THE THIRD DAY: THE EAGLE AND THE CRESCENT

THIRTEEN

THE FOURTH DAY: BHEEMA AND HIS SON

FOURTEEN

THE FIFTH AND SIXTH DAYS

FIFTEEN

THE SEVENTH DAY: MANY DUELS

SIXTEEN

THE EIGHTH DAY:

THE FIELD OF DEATH

SEVENTEEN

DURYODHANA’S DESPAIR

EIGHTEEN

THE NINTH DAY:

THE TERRIBLE PATRIARCH

NINETEEN

THE LAST NIGHT OF AN AGE

TWENTY

THE TENTH MORNING

TWENTY-ONE

THE BED OF ARROWS

TWENTY-TWO

‘I NEVER HATED YOU’

BOOK SEVEN

DRONA PARVA

ONE

DRONA, SENAPATI

TWO

THE ELEVENTH DAY

THREE

SUSHARMA

FOUR

BHAGADATTA’S ELEPHANT

FIVE

AN ANCIENT AND HIS BEAST

SIX

DRONA’S VOW

SEVEN

THE CHAKRA VYUHA

EIGHT

JAYADRATHA’S MOMENT

NINE

ABHIMANYU

TEN

ARJUNA’S VOW

ELEVEN

JAYADRATHA’S TERROR

TWELVE

ARJUNA’S DREAM

THIRTEEN

THE THREE VYUHAS

FOURTEEN

ARJUNA THE MAGNIFICENT

FIFTEEN

AT THE RIM OF THE RED LOTUS

SIXTEEN

DEEP INTO THE ENEMY’S ARMY

SEVENTEEN

THE SOUND OF KRISHNA’S CONCH

EIGHTEEN

TERRIBLE SATYAKI

NINETEEN

YUDHISHTIRA’S ANXIETY

TWENTY

BHEEMA ARRIVES

TWENTY-ONE

KARNA AND BHEEMA

TWENTY-TWO SATYAKI AND BHOORISRAVAS

TWENTY-THREE

THE SETTING SUN

TWENTY-FOUR

THE WAR AT NIGHT

TWENTY-FIVE

KARNA, KRIPA AND ASWATTHAMA

TWENTY-SIX

AWESOME KARNA

TWENTY-SEVEN

GHATOTKACHA RULES THE NIGHT

TWENTY-EIGHT INDRA’S SHAKTI

TWENTY-NINE

DRONA

THIRTY

ONE WHITE LIE

THIRTY-ONE

RECRIMINATIONS

THIRTY-TWO

NARAYANASTRA

BOOK EIGHT

KARNA PARVA

ONE

SENAPATI KARNA

TWO

MANY DUELS

THREE

THE LUCID NIGHT

FOUR SHALYA

FIVE

THE TWO BROTHERS

SIX

IN YUDHISHTIRA’S TENT

SEVEN

THE TASTIEST DRINK

EIGHT

KARNA AND ARJUNA

NINE

THE MIRED WHEEL

TEN

THE SORROWING SUN

ELEVEN

OUT UNDER THE MOON

BOOK NINE

SHALYA PARVA

ONE

KRIPA AND HIS SISHYA

TWO

TAMELESS SHALYA

THREE

THE LAST MEN

FOUR

THE DWAIPAYANA LAKE

FIVE

MAGNIFICENT DURYODHANA

SIX

THE TWO COUSINS

SEVEN

AT SAMANTAPANCHAKA

EIGHT

THE CLARITY OF KRISHNA

BOOK TEN

SAUPTIKA PARVA

ONE

IN HASTINAPURA

TWO

THE WHITE OWL’S LESSON

THREE

THE SAVAGE CAMP

FOUR

ASWATTHAMA’S JEWEL

BOOK ELEVEN

STREE PARVA

ONE

WITH DHRITARASHTRA AND GANDHARI

TWO

GANDHARI’S CURSE

THREE

TARPANA FOR A KSHATRIYA

BOOKS TWELVE AND THIRTEEN

SHANTI PARVA & ANUSASANA PARVA¹

ONE

YUDHISHTIRA’S GRIEF.

TWO

A NEW KING IN HASTINAPURA

THREE

THE DYING PATRIARCH

FOUR

BHEESHMA’S WISDOM1

FIVE

DHARMA

SIX

THE PASSING OF A PATRIARCH

BOOK FOURTEEN

ASWAMEDHA PARVA

ONE

KRISHNA SAYS FAREWELL

TWO

THE ASWAMEDHA YAGNA

BOOK FIFTEEN

ASRAMAVASIKA PARVA

ONE

THE PASSING OF THE ELDERS

BOOK SIXTEEN

MAUSALA PARVA

ONE

RITUAL AT PRABHASA

TWO

KRISHNA

THREE

ARJUNA’S ANGUISH

BOOK SEVENTEEN

MAHAPRASTHANIKA PARVA

ONE

THE FINAL JOURNEY

BOOK EIGHTEEN

SWARGAROHANIKA PARVA

ONE

THE LAW OF HEAVEN

PHALASRUTI

APPENDIX

Glossary

About the Author

Endnotes

BOOK FIVE

UDYOGA PARVA

AUM, I bow down to Narayana, the most exalted Nara and to the Devi Saraswathi and say Jaya\

ONE

THE COUNCIL IN UPAPLAVYA

The morning after the wedding, all the kshatriyas gathered in Virata’s sabha to discuss their other purpose. Being elders Drupada and Virata sat at the head of that council; beside Drupada sat Balarama and Satyaki. Yudhishtira and Krishna sat next to Virata. Draupadi’s sons were there, five young lions, with their fathers and uncles: Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. Krishna’s sons were there, too, Pradyumna and Samba. Abhimanyu sat between Arjuna and Krishna.

The sabha got underway. At first, there was some polite chat, mainly about the wedding. When everyone had taken his place, Krishna rose to speak and silence fell.

The Dark One said, "There is no one here who does not know that perfidy sent the Pandavas into exile; we all know about the game of dice and how Shakuni cheated Yudhishtira. Yudhishtira lost his kingdom, his wealth, his army, everything he owned, not on the field of battle but at a low game where he never stood any chance of winning. Thirteen years the Pandavas and Draupadi spent in the wilderness like beggars.

Though Yudhishtira could have crushed Duryodhana in war and taken back what was his, he never did so. Though many of us urged him to take arms against his cousin and promised him our support. As kings yourselves, you might imagine the ordeal of the Pandavas and their queen in the wilderness. Now their exile is over and the sons of Pandu are back with us. We have met here today to decide what they should do next.

For myself, I urged Yudhishtira thirteen years ago to kill the Kauravas and take the entire Kuru kingdom. Duryodhana and his brothers deserve to die for what they did. Yudhishtira is a man of dharma; not for me would he abandon what he thought was just. Even now, after all that he and his family have endured, this saintly man speaks only of peace. He speaks of dharma still."

Krishna paused and you could hear the morning breeze murmuring in the trees outside, for the silence in that sabha. He resumed, "We know nothing of what Duryodhana intends. I, for one, feel he will never give anything back to his cousins: that, already, he is preparing for war. But Yudhishtira insists we must ask him formally if he will return half the Kuru kingdom; half only, though to my mind the whole kingdom belongs to the Pandavas, since Pandu conquered most of the lands the Kurus rule today. Yudhishtira does not want war. He does not want bloodshed, but peace.

I think we should send a messenger to Hastinapura and ask for half the kingdom. But first, let us hear what the rest of us have to say."

Krishna sat down, unaccustomedly solemn today and for once, unsmiling. After a moment’s pause, Balarama rose. Wearing resonant blue silk, he towered over the sabha. My brother has spoken impartially. He spoke of Yudhishtira’s dharma and, I am happy to note, said little that disparaged Duryodhana.

Krishna had some idea of what was coming. His brother could hardly resist taking a different position from him, if for no other reason than that it was different.

Ponderously, Balarama continued, Krishna says the Pandavas want only half the Kuru kingdom. Now this is noble of them and I think Dhritarashtra’s sons should be grateful. It is just the course to take to avoid a war. I agree that we should send an honorable messenger to Hastinapura to ask for half the kingdom.

Krishna was a little perplexed; his brother seemed to be endorsing every word he himself had said. Balarama was only warming up. The messenger should go to Hastinapura with his mission clear in his mind: to pacify Duryodhana. He must greet Bheeshma, Dhritarashtra, Drona, Aswatthama, Vidura and Kripa decorously.

There was some murmuring at this. However, Balarama went on, impervious, He must speak respectfully to Shakuni and Karna and be the soul of courtesy to Duryodhana and his brothers. He must submit Yudhishtira’s plea humbly in Hastinapura.

By now, there were loud noises of dissent in the sabha and Krishna glanced at Arjuna with a twinkle in his eye. Balarama held up his hands to silence the protests. He said, "Duryodhana must not be provoked or antagonized, or all hope of peace will be lost! For, let me tell you, Duryodhana was not solely to blame for what happened. What about Yudhishtira’s part in the gambling? Should an emperor gamble away everything he owns, his brothers and his wife? There is no excuse for what Yudhishtira did. He was foolish.

I have heard the Kauravas repeatedly tried to persuade him not to play. But he would not listen to them."

A shocked silence had fallen. No one spoke out of respect for Krishna and for Balarama himself. Balarama mistook the silence for approval, while his brother sat smiling openly now.

Balarama ploughed on. "Yudhishtira is a notoriously bad dice-player. Yet, he must play. There were a hundred players in Hastinapura as bad as himself. Why did he choose to play Shakuni, who is the best player on earth? Yudhishtira is obstinate. Repeatedly, Shakuni beat him, but he would not stop. Again and again, Shakuni asked him if he hadn’t lost enough. Yudhishtira would not accept defeat. He played on, until he had lost even himself.

But how can Duryodhana or Shakuni be blamed if Yudhishtira insisted on losing everything he had to them?" He paused. He was not a natural speaker and fumbled for words. Yudhishtira had grown tense, but managed a rueful smile from time to time. Most of the sabha realized why Balarama was speaking like this: he had certainly heard a very special version of the game of dice from Duryo-dhana, whom he still doted on.

Quite oblivious of the effect his words were having, Balarama continued, And since Duryodhana cannot be blamed for what Yudhishtira brought upon himself, we must be careful that our messenger speaks in a conciliatory manner to the Kauravas. I say we must prevent war at all costs. Our messenger must be a soft-spoken man, a master of diplomacy.

Yudhishtira still said nothing, but the line of his jaw was tight and there was hurt in his eyes. Balarama had not finished, but before he could say any more Satyaki jumped up in rage, A man’s words mirror his heart! There have always been both brave men and cowards in this world and all men are one or the other. Why, both types are found in the same family. From the same tree, grow branches that are either fruitful or barren. Yet, O Balarama, I am not as upset by what you say as by the silence of these others that let you speak without protest. Your foolish words are like arrows in the Pandavas’ hearts and you still haven’t finished!

Satyaki had a powerful voice and he was an orator when roused. I don’t see how anyone can think for a moment that Yudhishtira is to blame for what happened in Hastinapura thirteen years ago. And I cannot bear to listen to you accuse this saint among men, as casually as you do. How, my lord, do you say Yudhishtira had any choice in the game of dice? As a kshatriya could he refuse to play? Did they play in Indraprastha, where the game might have been fair? Isn’t it clear the game of dice was a plot hatched by Duryodhana and Shakuni?

Satyaki was shaking and drew a breath to calm himself. "And now, hasn’t Yudhishtira served every last day of his exile and some more besides, from what I hear? Why should he send a humble messenger or a conciliatory message to that monster? Isn’t this the Kuru kingdom we are talking of, most of which Yudhishtira’s father conquered and his brothers much of the rest? Why should Yudhishtira beg for it? Why should he be anxious about annoying Duryodhana?

Balarama, even if Yudhishtira were in the wrong, there is no need for him to placate Duryodhana; and Yudhishtira is far from being in the wrong. To keep his word he has spent thirteen years in the jungle. You will not find another man like him on this earth; he is as noble as Rama was.

Since you exonerate Duryodhana so completely, I ask you to consider the message Dhritarashtra’s son sent from Hastinapura. We have seen Arjuna before the ajnatavasa was over. You must go back into exile for another twelve years.’ Do you say, Balarama, this is what a loving cousin does?

You have a unique picture of what happened in Hastinapura on the day of the gambling: one so far removed from the truth that it is laughable. You never mentioned how Vidura begged Duryodhana to relent and return the Pandavas’ kingdom to them. But your favorite sishya would not! Was it part of Duryodhana’s dharma, also, that Draupadi was dragged into the Kuru sabha and Dusasana tried to strip her naked? My lord, there must be some limit to your fatuousness!"

Satyaki turned to Yudhishtira, Send me as your messenger to Hastinapura. I will speak to that devil in the only language he will understand: the tongue of burning arrows. I will bring him to your feet, Yudhishtira, or I will kill them all, the cowards!

He paused, as if a more attractive idea struck him. "And if it is war they want, why should we be afraid of them? Who in this world can stand against Arjuna and Krishna, or this Satyaki? Who will face Bheema? When Nakula and Sahadeva take the field, which Kaurava will ride against them? Who will fight Shikhandi and Dhrishtadyumna? How will they contain Gada, Samba and Pradyumna? Which of them will face Abhimanyu?

Our enemies are rotted soft with the sins moldering in their hearts. How will they stand against the forces of dharma? We all know Duryodhana. He will never give back the kingdom and I think gentle Yudhishtira knows this as well as any man here. Why should our emperor, for whom we are all ready to die, demean himself with an obsequious message to a serpent who has always done his best to destroy him and his family?

No! Yudhishtira should send word to Duryodhana that he must return what no longer belongs to him, at once, or prepare to meet death on the field of battle."

Satyaki sat down with a final glower at Balarama. The sabha burst into loud applause. Yudhishtira smiled gratefully at the young Yadava. Krishna had an inscrutable and, now, rather faraway look in his eyes. The time had come for an elder to speak and Drupada rose. "What Satyaki says has the ring of truth. Duryodhana will never give back the kingdom without war; most likely, he already prepares for it. Dhritarashtra will stand with his son. Shakuni and Karna are with him. Bheeshma and Drona will be foolish if they take his part, but it is not impossible we find they do.

I differ with Balarama today. We must not send a humble message to Duryodhana; he must not think we are afraid of him. If there is any hope of his returning the kingdom without war, it is if he fears us. An animal like him does not understand gentleness or dharma, only violence and fear. We must send a messenger to Hastinapura; but he must carry our word in strength, not weakness."

There were noises of approval from the council. Drupada went on, "But, to my mind, sending an ambassador to Hastinapura is not our most pressing concern. In all likelihood, our enemies already prepare themselves for war and so must we. Let word go out to all the kings of the earth who will ally themselves to us. I am an old man and I have some instinct for history. I sense a horrible war, formed like a fetus, growing in the womb of time and its birth drawn very near. A war such as this earth has never seen: a war between dharma and adharma, good and evil, for the right to rule the world. Let us not deceive ourselves with foolish hopes, but be well prepared.

There is an old saying that a kshatriya always agrees to support the man who goes to him first. We must not lose any allies because Duryodhana sent word to them before we did. Yudhishtira, this very day, let your messengers ride to the courts of Shalya, Dhrishtaketu and Jayatsena. Let the loyal Kekaya brothers not feel we have left them out of our deliberations. Let Bhagadatta be told of our plans and the hundred other kings we know¹. We must not underestimate Duryodhana. He is so charming he can turn our best friends against us, if we don’t make sure they are firmly on our side before he reaches them."

Drupada glanced pointedly at Balarama. Drupada’s daughter had been humiliated in Hastinapura; she had been exiled. The Panchala king loved Draupadi more than his life. He would not rest until Duryodhana was dead. Let me send my family priest as our messenger to Hastinapura. He is a wise and distinguished man and used to dealing with kings. He will not be cowed by the opulence of Duryodhana’s court, or cringe before the Kurus. Tell him what message to carry to Dhritarashtra, Bheeshma, Drona, Duryodhana and the others and he will deliver it without dishonoring the sender.

Smiling, Krishna rose again. "Drupada speaks wisely, though he speaks on the part of the Panda-vas; and that is natural, since his daughter is their wife. I agree with what he says. But I must make one thing clear: the Yadavas are keen to see Yudhishtira’s kingdom restored peacefully to him. Strange though it may sound, I see the Pandavas and the Kauravas with equal eyes. I have no doubt that Bheeshma and Dhritarashtra, Drona, Kripa and Vidura will listen attentively to Drupada’s messenger.

We came here for Abhimanyu’s wedding. We are grateful to Virata that he has honored us by giving his lovely daughter to our nephew. The wedding is over and it is time we went back to Dwaraka. We hope Drupada’s wisdom will prevail upon Duryodhana and his elders and there will be peace again between the Kuru cousins."

Balarama, who sat crushed by what Satyaki and Drupada had said, breathed a sigh of relief. Unpredictable as ever, Krishna had not turned against his brother in public, whatever he might have felt about his views.

Krishna turned to Yudhishtira, If Duryodhana doesn’t see reason, if he is determined to have war, send for us and we will come to fight for you. We shall see how they face Arjuna and Bheema away from the dice-board!

On that note, the sabha in Upaplavya concluded. Virata bid farewell to his guests, sending them home with many precious gifts. Krishna and Balarama left with the Yadava army and went back to Dwaraka, Balarama rather chastened and Krishna with a growing instinct of the war that plunged ever closer along the maze of time. The Dark One also had a premonition of a piquant choice that would soon confront him in his ocean-city, the prospect of which he quite relished.

Yudhishtira and Virata began to prepare in earnest for war. They sent messengers abroad, to kingdoms far and near, to warn their allies of the impending war and enlist their support. News of this traveled swiftly to Duryodhana and he, too, sent his own envoys to powerful kings who were his friends.

Soon, armies on the move covered the earth. Some went to the Matsya kingdom to join the Pandavas, while others marched to Hastinapura to be part of Duryodhana’s legions. And surely, the greater number went to the Kuru capital; for in those days, Duryodhana was at the height of his influence and power.

TWO

A CHOICE FOR TWO KSHATRIYAS

Drupada sent his erudite and experienced priest to the Kaurava court. This man was a highborn brah-mana and presented himself with dignity before the blind king, Bheeshma, Drona, Vidura and the other Kauravas.

Earlier, before he left the Panchala capital, Drupada had said to him, "You know the gravity of the mission on which I am sending you. You are aware of all the circumstances, the injustice the Pandavas and my child have endured. You know Duryodhana’s character. Vidura was the only one in the Kuru sabha who spoke for dharma on the day the Pandavas were banished. But Dhritarashtra paid him no heed.

Shakuni is a malignant creature; he is the heart of evil in Hastinapura. Duryodhana and the others have gone too far down the path of darkness to turn back now; there is no point talking to them. Address yourself directly to Dhritarashtra. He is old enough to fear death and wise enough, at least by his infirmity, to acknowledge his fear. Yet, he dotes on his son and you might not persuade him. However, though you address the blind king, what you say can influence those wiser than him: Bheeshma, Drona and Kripa. And I am sure the good Vidura will support you.

If you speak of dharma in Hastinapura, at least you will sow some doubt in the minds of Duryodhana’s followers. If you speak of how much their deeds are at variance with the ways of the Kuru sires, the Kaurava may well have to spend some time winning back their hearts. That will be time won for us and we can strengthen our forces. This is the real purpose ofyour embassy to Hastinapura, a subtle and vital one. Set out under the Pushyami nakshatra, at the time of day called Jaya."

In Upaplavya, Yudhishtira and Virata called Arjuna. Yudhishtira said, Krishna hasn’t committed himself to our cause. He even said the Kauravas and Pandavas are the same to him and Balarama seems to be against us. More than anything else, this worries me. I want you to ride to Dwaraka and ask Krishna for which side he will fight. He is always mysterious and I will have no peace until I know what he means to do.

Arjuna set out alone for the city in the sea. He had not gone far, when Duryodhana’s spies learnt of his mission and word reached the Kaurava. Duryodhana burst in on his uncle and main advisor, Shakuni.

Arjuna is on his way to Dwaraka! What shall I do?

Shakuni’s serpent eyes flickered for a moment. He said with rare urgency, You must reach Dwaraka before Arjuna does and ask Krishna to support you in the war. Take your swiftest horses, go now!

Within the hour, Duryodhana swept toward the ocean-city. Meanwhile, Arjuna went along with no doubt in his mind that Krishna would join the Pandavas. How would the love the Blue God bore his cousins allow him to fight for the Kauravas? Arjuna did not hurry, but went in faith and arrived in fabulous Dwaraka only after Duryodhana did.

It was early morning. The city of dreams lay languid on a sea tinted with the colors of a new day. Arjuna took his chariot across the bridge that led into Dwaraka; the city was just beginning to bestir itself. Still rubbing the sleep from their eyes, some Yadavas came out of their homes to worship the sun. They saw Arjuna, shouted his name in surprise and waved. He arrived in Krishna’s palace and a guard brought him to a waiting room. He saw Duryodhana sat there already, grinning smugly at him.

Greetings, cousin! Whatever brings you to Dwaraka, young Arjuna? Could it be the same thing I have come for? But I came before you and I will speak to Krishna first.

Arjuna sat as far away from Duryodhana as he could and said calmly, What does it matter who came first or last? He who decides all things, for his own reasons, will decide this as well.

We shall see.

Satyaki came into the room. He seemed agitated and flashed Arjuna a dark look as if to say, Why didn’t you come before him?’

He greeted them both perfunctorily and said, Krishna is still asleep, but you can come in and wait beside his bed. He will speak to you when he wakes up.

Duryodhana jumped up to follow Satyaki and Arjuna went after them at his ease. In his chamber, Krishna lay asleep. At the head of his bed stood an exquisite chair carved from dark rosewood. Duryodhana crossed to it and sat down. Arjuna went slowly to the foot of the Dark One’s bed and stood there, his eyes shut and his hands folded to the sleeper. Duryodhana fidgeted in his chair. He looked scornfully at his cousin; Arjuna stood motionless at Krishna’s feet, in prayer.

Satyaki had barely left the room, when Krishna opened his eyes, yawned and saw Arjuna at the foot of his bed.

Arjuna! he cried. When did you come?

Just now, my Lord.

Krishna was all smiles. As he rose, there was a cough behind him. He turned to see Duryodhana, sitting stiffly in his chair. The Kaurava said, Krishna, I came before Arjuna and it is only just that you hear me first.

Krishna said softly, How nice to see you, Duryodhana. And I am glad to hear you speaking of justice today! He scratched his cheek thoughtfully. Yet, when I awoke, it was Arjuna I saw first. Well, I must be fair to both of you, since you have come so far to seek my advice or help, or…what is it you have come for?

Duryodhana said, Krishna, we mean to have war between us. There is no point pretending otherwise, since both of us are mustering armies. I have come to ask you, Krishna, to fight for the Kaura-vas. And I came before he did.

Krishna turned questioningly to Arjuna, who inclined his head to say that he, also, had come for the same reason. Duryodhana went on smoothly, Krishna, they say you favor neither the Pandavas nor the Kauravas. It is only dharma you join the one that came to you first. The rishis all say you are the greatest man in the world. You must not violate dharma.

Krishna nodded gravely at Duryodhana and the Kaurava smiled as if he already had what he wanted; and if Krishna joined him, the Pandavas would be finished! He would have won the war before it began. He would not be surprised if Yudhishtira abandoned the thought of fighting and went back into the jungle for another twelve years. Sending him here was a masterstroke of Shakuni’s.

Krishna said gently, Duryodhana, I don’t doubt you came before Arjuna; but when I opened my eyes, I saw Arjuna first. To be fair, I cannot turn either of you away. So I will offer you a choice.

Duryodhana began to protest, but now Krishna’s tone brooked no argument, Moreover, Arjuna is younger than you are, Duryodhana and he must have the first choice.

Again, Duryodhana wanted to speak and again Krishna would not let him. Listen to the choice I offer before you protest. I feel you will both be pleased with my offer. Can you agree to trust me? For once the choice is made, it will bind all three of us. I promise it will be fair to both of you: a choice after your own hearts and neither of you shall be disappointed. Will you trust me?

Arjuna nodded at once and, after some hesitation, Duryodhana did as well. Make your offer, Krishna.

Krishna said, On one hand, I offer myself, just me mind you and I will carry no weapons during your war, nor strike a blow regardless of who wins or loses. On the other hand, I offer an aksauhini of Yadava warriors¹ and they shall bear arms and fight for one of you. Arjuna, you choose first.

Arjuna did not hesitate. This is the easiest choice I ever had to make. I choose you, Krishna! Who else do I need in this world, or the next?

Duryodhana had to restrain himself, so he did not laugh aloud. On one hand, an unarmed Krishna who would not strike a blow and a formidable legion of Vrishni heroes on the other: if he had the first choice, he would certainly have chosen the Yadava warriors. What could Krishna do if he did not fight? It was a laughable choice and what was more, the fool of a Pandava had made it for him.

Krishna, are you sure you will not fight?

I swear it, Duryodhana.

Arjuna has chosen and I am content, said the Kaurava.

He could not keep the glee out of his eyes and Krishna smiled to see it. Duryodhana thanked Krishna quickly and hurried away, thinking his war as good as won, since the Pandavas’ most dangerous ally would not carry a weapon or fight for them. He was so overjoyed he ran straight to his master Balarama.

My lord! cried Duryodhana, kneeling before his old guru.

Balarama raised him up. Duryodhana, I am glad to see you. Have you heard how I defended your cause at Upaplavya?

I have heard, my lord and I thank you! I have come to tell you how much what you said there has helped me.

How is that? Krishna and Satyaki are against you.

Arjuna and I saw Krishna together. He said he would be fair to both of us. He offered us a choice and asked Arjuna to choose first.

I told you he favors the Pandavas.

Oh no, my lord! In this instance, he has been entirely fair. In fact, Arjuna made a foolish choice and Krishna smiled at me as if to say, ‘Now you have what you want, Duryodhana!’

What was the choice he offered?

Duryodhana laughed, On one hand, himself and he will bear no arms, nor strike a blow during the war, whatever its outcome. And on the other, a legion of Vrishni warriors who will fight!

A knowing look had crept into Balarama’s eye. He said softly, And Arjuna chose Krishna?

Duryodhana cried, I would have chosen the aksauhini, even if I had chosen first.

I feared as much, said Balarama with a sigh. It was no choice he offered you.

But Duryodhana was too excited to notice his master was not enthused. The Kaurava was already saying, So, will you fight for me, my lord, as part of the Yadava legion? Then the Pandavas’ fate will be sealed.

Balarama shook his head. How can I fight against my brother? I have already told Krishna I will take no part in this war. If you and your cousins do fight, I shall go away on a pilgrimage to pray for all of you. And for Krishna. He sighed again and put his arm around his pupil’s shoulders. Kindly, he said, Duryodhana, among all my sishyas, you were always my favorite. You are a brave man, born in a noble house. Fight your war like the proud kshatriya you are. You are a jewel of your line, don’t bring shame on yourself.

There was such pity in Balarama’s voice, which Duryodhana in his jubilation did not notice. The Kaurava embraced his guru and strode out to his chariot to ride back to Hastinapura with his wonderful news². How pleased Shakuni would be! When Duryodhana had gone, Balarama sat very still for a long time and a tear glistened in his eye. He rose and poured himself a bowl of wine.

There was no doubt now that there would indeed be war and blood would flow in scarlet streams. It would be Krishna’s great yagna, the one he had been born for and he would cleanse the earth with it. Balarama drained the bowl and set it down.

He whispered, Oh, my brother, how savage are your ways. Choice! What choice did you offer? You knew both their hearts. The only choice you offered Duryodhana was his death.

THREE

‘EVERYONE SEEMS TO KNOW ME’

When Duryodhana had gone, Krishna turned to Arjuna with reproach in his eyes.

You made such a foolish choice! Didn’t you hear what I said, that I would carry no weapon during the war? Did you think the Sudarshana Chakra would be yours to cast at the enemy? I will not strike a blow, Arjuna. You had the first choice and you chose wrongly. Did you see the delight in Duryodhana’s eyes? Ah, what have you done, Pandava?

Arjuna began to laugh. Krishna cried, And laughing now? After being so rash.

Arjuna said, Don’t make fun of me, my Lord. I have what I came for, though I came slowly and arrived after my clever cousin. Krishna, I will raze the Kaurava army by myself. But will you be my sarathy? So I can fight in your name and in the name of dharma and rid the earth of the evil that chokes her. And if you will, my own name shall become immortal: for they will call you Parthasar-athy!

Krishna’s accusing look evaporated. He took Arjuna’s hand and said, I will be your sarathy, Partha. But are you certain you have made the right choice?

"I know you, Krishna! Where you are, victory shall be. Life is a storm and you are our only shelter. You have come to the world to till this ancient land and let kshatriya blood in a sea to renew her. I will be your priest for that ritual, Krishna.

Spring will be greener, when we have finished our sacrifice. Rain-clouds will be darker and the colors of autumn more resonant. Winter will be purer and the summer more true because your blue feet walked the earth! My heart knows all this, why do you try to make me think it is otherwise? When Arjuna fights, Krishna’s will shall be done through him, not his own. Win or lose, no matter, for posterity will know that Krishna fought on the side of the Pandavas. Not I, or any of my brothers would have it otherwise."

Krishna embraced Arjuna. Then he led him into another room in his palace, where Satyaki was pacing the floor. Krishna said, Look, Satyaki, at what this Arjuna has done.

Satyaki cried anxiously, What did he do?

He chose to take my hand, even if it meant losing the war.

Satyaki gave a shrill laugh. I thank God! I was terrified Arjuna would make the wrong choice. A shadow crossed his face. But Duryodhana has gone to meet Balarama, to ask him to fight on his side. Kritavarman says your brother is already with him.

Krishna said, My brother will take no part in the war. He did his best to keep me out of it as well. But that would not do, would it? He smiled, mysteriously as ever. Balarama isn’t happy with his Krishna, but that can be set right later. The vital thing is, he will not fight.

He took a grape from a silver bowl and chewed thoughtfully on its purple flesh. It was surely Shakuni that sent his nephew to me in such haste and he will be overjoyed at the news Duryodhana takes back to him. That is the pity with people like Shakuni: they are satisfied with the skin of the fruit. But in the end, it is Arjuna and his brothers who will taste the flesh. This is always the way of time: that the righteous shall have lasting victory, while evil only appears to win and for a short while.

He spat some seeds through a window, from the grape he had just eaten. Anyway, I am thankful I did not have to turn Duryodhana down when he came to me. Now no one can say Krishna was not just. Though heaven knows what I would have done if I had not seen Arjuna standing at the foot of my bed when I awoke, while the Kaurava sat haughtily where I could not see him. I really wonder what I would have done.

Satyaki said quietly, Shall I tell you what you would have done? You would have told Duryo-dhana that you had already decided to join the Pandavas. That is what you would have done. I know you, Krishna!

"Do you really, Satyaki? Everyone seems to know me, these days, better than I do myself. A short while ago, when I questioned the wisdom of the choice he made, Arjuna said to me, ‘I know you, Krishna!’ Just yesterday, Balarama said the same thing. Shall I tell you what my brother said?

‘I know you, Krishna,’ he said to me. ‘You will not rest until you see this war fought. You are determined that Duryodhana and Karna must die and I will not fight against you. I don’t much care what happens, either; I don’t care who wins or loses, lives or dies. But I feel sorry for Duryodhana. Time will remember him as the man who sent the Pandavas into exile, the kshatriya who cheated at dice. But what about his other qualities, Krishna? His generosity, his charm, his intelligence, his courage: who will say Duryodhana was a respectful pupil, a softhearted and loyal friend? He will be remembered only for one folly and not for his kindness toward Karna, whom he treats like his own brother. I ask you, would any of the Pandavas have been so generous to a man who is not their own blood, but a sutaputra. Would anyone?’

He sighed. ‘I wish I had gone to Hastinapura to negotiate with Duryodhana; he would never refuse anything I asked him. But that was not what you wanted, was it? I know you, Krishna. Only what you have decided will happen. The others are all your puppets and they don’t even realize it. Once Shakuni twirled loaded ivory dice; now you twirl the dice of fate in your hands, my brother. And they are loaded, too, with the deaths of Duryodhana and Karna, both of whom have never been given a fair chance in this life.’

He said again, ‘I know you, Krishna. I want no part in this war,’ and he stalked out."

Krishna sighed, "My brother is very unhappy, Satyaki. I suppose it is true, what he says, that one fault has eclipsed all Duryodhana’s undeniable qualities. It is sad, but then this is a sad world, isn’t it? And should Yudhishtira, who is the noblest of men, suffer endlessly for no fault of his? Why should he? Because he is truthful and patient and because he never leaves the path of dharma? No, he has suffered enough for being righteous. The hour of reckoning has come, now Duryodhana must pay for his sins.

Shall Bheema not keep his oath, which he swore when Dusasana tried to strip Draupadi in the sabha of Hastinapura? Shan’t Draupadi have the revenge for which she has waited thirteen years? They shall! Or dharma has no meaning. But, Satyaki, my brother doesn’t really know me. If there was any way at all, I, as much as Yudhishtira, would prevent this war. But I do know Duryodhana. His hatred rules him and he will not relent. And I fear the war on the crack of the ages must be fought. Softly he added, As it was always meant to be."

For a moment, he was plunged in some thought too deep to share. Then Krishna smiled brightly again at Arjuna and Satyaki. He put his hands on their shoulders and said, But now we must hurry to Upaplavya. As Balarama says, the die is cast and Yudhishtira waits anxiously for us.

FOUR

THE TWO ARMIES

Madri’s brother and Nakula and Sahadeva’s uncle, the mighty Shalya, heard that the Pandavas’ exile was over. He was thinking of visiting them in Upaplavya, when Yudhishtira’s messenger arrived in his court.

My lord Yudhishtira wants you to know there may be war between the Pandavas and the Kaura-vas. He sends word to ask you to fight for him.

Tell my nephews I will come at once to Upaplavya.

Shalya set out the next day with one aksauhini. It was some way from his kingdom to the Matsya city and the going was hard. Duryodhana heard of Shalya’s march. He decided he wanted to win the powerful kshatriya to his side and strike the first blow off the field of battle.

Duryodhana arranged for luxurious camps for Shalya’s army along its tedious progress. Wine flowed, the food was fit for kings, the music was sweet and the dancing-girls were seductive. Duryo-dhana even had his agents lead Shalya some way from his true route and feted him lavishly in mansions built within Kuru lands. Duryodhana’s arrangements quite overwhelmed Shalya, who thought Yudhishtira was his host. Duryodhana had instructed his men not to reveal for whom they worked.

One day, in the fourth or fifth haven, Shalya was awash on his secret host’s hospitality, particularly on the heady wine. He said to the servants, Call your masters who serve my nephew Yudhishtira. I want to thank them.

A little puzzled, the servants bowed and withdrew. Duryodhana himself was waiting in that mansion. The servants came to him and told him what Shalya said. With a smile, the Kaurava walked into his unsuspecting guest’s presence.

Duryodhana bowed and said, I hear you wanted to see me, my lord.

Duryodhana! But I thought…

I am pleased to be of service to such a great kshatriya.

Shalya got up and embraced him. You have looked after me and my men with unforgettable affection. I must reward you! Ask me for anything and it shall be yours.

Duryodhana knelt before Shalya, My lord, I want just one boon from you: that you fight the war for me.

Having given his word, Shalya could hardly refuse. I will fight my nephews for you, Duryodhana. But I was on my way to meet Yudhishtira. You go back to Hastinapura and I will come there after visiting Pandu’s sons. You have my word.

Duryodhana said, I trust a kshatriya will not forget his word?

No, Duryodhana, my word is sacred. I will fight on your side.

Duryodhana embraced Shalya. Then hurry to Upaplavya and meet your nephews. So you can join me quickly in Hastinapura.

And Duryodhana was gone. Shalya was left wondering if he had not been more than a little rash under the influence of the excellent wine with which the Kaurava’s men had plied him. He pushed the thought aside and gave orders for his army to march within the hour to Upaplavya.

Shalya was quite sober when he arrived in that city. When he saw his nephews and they welcomed him so warmly, he regretted having agreed to fight for Duryodhana. He embraced each of them, crying, My poor children, what an ordeal you have been through. I am so pleased it is over now and you are back among us. Draupadi, my child, how good to see you again. And just as beautiful as you always were!

When they sat together in the palace, Yudhishtira said, Our trials are not yet over, uncle. It seems we must still have war with our cousins.

He saw Shalya flush. Yudhishtira looked at him curiously. Shalya took a deep breath and said, Yudhishtira, I have promised Duryodhana I will fight the war on his side. He told Yudhishtira how he had been enticed into making that promise.

As he spoke, he saw Yudhishtira’s eyes fill. When Shalya finished and lapsed into a sorry silence, the Pandava said gently, I understand how it happened, my lord. Duryodhana planned the whole thing. But it pains me that we will have to fight our own uncle in this terrible war.

Red-faced, Shalya mumbled, Yudhishtira, you know how much I love you. Especially when I think of your exile, I could cut my tongue out for giving my word to Duryodhana. But having given it, I must keep it.

Yudhishtira was thoughtful. Suddenly, he said, I think I have a way in which we can turn this defeat into a victory. As a kshatriya, you must not break the word you gave Duryodhana. But you must make me also a promise.

I will do anything except break my word.

"It is not an honorable thing I am going to ask you, but it is something that must be done. When I think of all the enemies ranged against us, I truly fear only one of them: Karna. Only he can kill Arjuna, the rest are no match for my brother. Perhaps Karna is not his equal either, but my heart tells me to beware of him.

Krishna will be Arjuna’s sarathy during the war and Karna will want a sarathy who is as good as Krishna. We all know you are the finest sarathy on earth, my lord. At some time, Duryodhana will ask you to drive Karna’s chariot. I am certain Arjuna and Karna will come face to face on the field and the duel between them shall decide the outcome of the war. Dharma is with us but, somehow, I fear that against Karna dharma alone won’t suffice."

What would you have me do?

Now Yudhishtira spoke as if he was another man. He whispered, Talk to Karna when he rides into battle. Dishearten him! Compare him to Arjuna. Extol my brother to the sky and make Karna believe he is inferior to him. Fill his heart with doubt. Tell him a sutaputra can never be the equal of a kshatriya and a Devaputra. I know it is base; but I fear the earth shall be lost to us, if Karna fights as he can. His inconfidence is his only weakness, we must take advantage of it.

A grim smile touched Shalya’s face. Perhaps it was a Godsend, after all, the rashness which made me commit myself to Duryodhana. It may be that I shall be a deadlier foe when I am near him. As you say, it is hardly what a kshatriya should do; but when I think of the thirteen years you spent in the wilderness and of Draupadi’s shame, my blood cries out for revenge. Yes, at the critical time, I will whisper doubt and fear into Karna’s soul. I bless you, Pandava. Victory shall be yours and you will rule the earth as you deserve to.

More than a little ashamed, Yudhishtira said, Of all of them it is only Karna I fear. I am not sure why.

It was as if some part of his mind murmured to him, insistently, that Karna was not what he seemed. Yudhishtira could never quieten the niggling fear he had of that warrior, not though Arjuna had beaten him convincingly outside Virata. When it came to a duel to the death, Yudhishtira was afraid Karna would prove invincible.

Shalya left Upaplavya and marched to Hastinapura with his legion. Duryodhana welcomed him like a brother.

The first of Yudhishtira’s allies to arrive in Upaplavya was Satyaki, with his one aksauhini. Then, Dhrishtaketu, king of the Chedis, came with another aksauhini. Jarasandha’s son Jayatsena came from Magadha with a glittering legion and the five Kekaya brothers, with theirs. Drupada arrived with his army, with the brilliant Shikhandi, whose roots were deep and strange, the fire-born Dhrish-tadyumna and with Draupadi’s sons, the young tigers chafing to prove themselves worthy of their fathers in battle. Virata brought one aksauhini, as well, from his capital and came to Upaplavya with his sons and brothers and Uttara Kumara who was a celebrated kshatriya now! The Pandya king and Neela, king of Mahishmati, came with their legions.

Seven oceanic aksauhinis flowed across the earth, a tide of fighting men and swarmed around Upaplavya; and they were the Pandavas’ to command.

But if immense legions came together at Upaplavya, the legions that swelled the ranks of Duryodhana’s army in Hastinapura were vaster. Bhagadatta was the first to answer the Kaurava’s call and he brought an aksauhini. Then Shalya arrived with his army, as did Bhoorisravas. Kritavarman came from Dwaraka with the promised Yadava force. Jayadratha of Sindhu, Sudakshina of Kambhoja, Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, all brought an aksauhini each. And there was a host of other, lesser kings of the earth, loyal to Duryodhana, who answered his summons to war and their combined forces amounted to another three aksauhinis.

The Pandava army numbered seven aksauhinis and Dhritarashtra’s son had eleven to call his own. Duryodhana kept his legions on the banks of the Ganga and employed another army of servants to cater to the soldiers’ every need. The Kaurava was lord of the earth. After the years of the Pandavas’ exile, his coffers overflowed with their wealth and his own. Duryodhana’s army camped outside Has-tinapura was well cared for.

FIVE

THE MESSENGERS

Meanwhile, the brahmana from Drupada’s court arrived in Hastinapura and was shown into Dhrit-arashtra’s palace. He was an imposing figure, with clear, sage eyes. When Bheeshma, Dhritarashtra and Vidura heard the Pandavas had sent him, they received him with honor. When the brahmana’s comfort had been seen to, the blind king called a council to hear what he had come to say.

When all the royal and powerful in Hastinapura filled the Kuru sabha, Dhritarashtra said, The Pandavas have sent this good brahmana from Drupada’s court as their emissary. Let us hear what he has to say.

The brahmana had been well looked after and perhaps they hoped to hear words of conciliation from him. He rose and a bright and imposing figure he was, that old man. He began, This is an ancient house in which I am honored to speak today. My lord, yours is a noble line and all your ancestors who sat before you on the Kuru throne were men of dharma. Which is why the House of Kuru has lasted so long upon the face of the earth and its glory did not diminish.

The brahmana looked around him leisurely; he was at his ease.

Yes, this is an august sabha into which I am privileged to bear my message. You all know, far better than I, the dharma that a kshatriya is sworn to. Dhritarashtra and Pandu are sons of the same father; no one doubts that. The world knows that Pandu conquered most of the present Kuru kingdom. Thus that kingdom belongs equally to the sons of Dhritarashtra and the sons of Pandu.

The brahmana lowered his voice, to make his point better. "The sons of Dhritarashtra have a kingdom to rule today. Why is it the sons of Pandu do not? The kingdom you bequeathed to them, Dhritarashtra, the wilderness that flowered when Yudhishtira sat on his throne in Indraprastha. In this house of dharma, time and again, Dhritarashtra’s sons have tried to be rid of their cousins; even to kill them. Force was of no avail and Duryodhana and his uncle Shakuni resorted to deceit.

They took Yudhishtira’s kingdom from him at a game of dice. The world knows that Shakuni is not only a master player, but also a master of cheating. It was not as if the elders of this sabha did not know Shakuni was using loaded dice when he played Yudhishtira. Yet, the Kuru elders sat and watched, as Shakuni took everything Yudhishtira owned from him. Was this the dharma of one of the noblest houses on earth? Was this how Pandu’s sons should have been treated in Pandu’s brother’s court?"

He paused and a hush had fallen on the council in Hastinapura. From the brahmana’s tone, it was abundantly clear the Pandavas were not offering any compromises.

"But the Pandavas do not want revenge for all they have suffered. They only want back what is theirs by right. They want half the Kuru kingdom, which Dhritarashtra himself once gave them. I have come here to ask the Kuru elders to give back what belongs to Yudhishtira, what was to be returned to him once his exile had been served. Yudhishtira is a man of peace. He does not want a war in which kshatriya kind itself will be destroyed.

But if his kingdom is not returned honorably, he will have no choice left except to fight. Let this august sabha know that the sons of Pandu are far from helpless. Seven aksauhinis have gathered at Upaplavya. If Duryodhana does not put his greed behind him and relent, there will be a war like the world has never seen. Kshatriya blood will fall upon the earth like crimson rain!

When Satyaki, Bheema, Nakula, Sahadeva and Yudhishtira take arms against you, how will you resist them? When Indra’s son Arjuna, with Krishna as his sarathy, blows at you like a gale of death, how will you contain him? O Bheeshma, Dhritarashtra, Vidura, you are all wise and experienced men. Kuru elders, I have come to ask you to persuade Duryodhana to relent. Do as I ask, I beg you; or the House of Kuru will be destroyed and with it, the very race of kings."

Having delivered his message, the brahmana sat down.

Bheeshma responded to him. "I am pleased to hear the Pandavas are well, that Krishna is with them and they have no wish to leave the path of dharma, though they have an army of seven aksauhinis. Yet you bring a haughty message from my grandsons, Brahmana and your tongue is sharp.

However, what you have said is not false and I honor your words. It is true the Pandavas have suffered as kings of the earth hardly do. They and their queen were forced to live like hermits in the prime of their lives. It is true that they, too, have an equal right to this kingdom of their fathers. And it also true there is no kshatriya in the world like Arjuna and any army will find it hard to contain him. Yes, all of us here know these things well."

Bheeshma had not finished, when Karna jumped up and cried, "Is there no end to this? We hear the same things repeated in this sabha. Brahmana, you have said nothing new or very wise. Yes, we all know Yudhishtira lost a game of dice to Shakuni and he gambled away everything he owned, including his freedom. We know that without your telling us, messenger. But now Yudhishtira dares send you here to threaten the Kuru sovereign! Because he has Drupada’s support? And old Virata’s? Has Yudhishtira lost his wits in the forest, that he thinks he can threaten Duryodhana? Listen to me, Brahmana, Duryodhana will not give Yudhishtira a foot of land out of fear. But if it is for dharma, he will give away his entire kingdom! Have the Pandavas forgotten the real conditions of their exile? That if any of them was seen during the ajnatavasa, they would all go back to the forest for another twelve years. Yudhishtira himself agreed to this condition.

All of us here, why, the Kuru army saw Arjuna in the Matsya kingdom. Dharma demands the Pandavas live in the jungle for another twelve years. But the noble Duryodhana does not insist they do so. He is prepared to receive them here and have them live among us as his cousins and dependents.

It is not Duryodhana, but Yudhishtira who must leave the path he treads, which leads straight to disaster."

Duryodhana smiled to hear his fierce, loyal Karna. The Kaurava nodded to agree with what his friend said and in appreciation of the manner in which he chose to say it.

Bheeshma was outraged. "Enough! I have heard enough of your brashness in this court, Karna. You speak too loudly for one who fled the field when you faced Arjuna in battle. Six renowned warriors from this sabha, I among them, could not contain Arjuna though he fought alone, with just a boy for his sarathy. Can you imagine what a force he will be with Krishna at his chariot-head? Just as surely as Karna ran for his life a few days ago, Duryodhana and all of us will die, if we are foolish enough to fight a war against the Pandavas.

It is not only that they are greater kshatriyas than we are and Bheema and Arjuna are a match for ten Duryodhanas and Karnas. No, eternal dharma is on their side and Krishna is Arjuna’s sarathy! Many of you may be too young to realize what this means. But I have no doubt in my mind that, if we don’t give back what is theirs to the sons of Pandu, we will lose everything, our lives as well. Doom is what awaits us and all kshatriya kind, if we don’t stop this careen into madness on which Duryodhana leads us!"

Shaking, livid at Karna, Bheeshma sat down. Now Dhritarashtra said, "I agree with Pitama Bheeshma. He speaks for the good of both the Kauravas and the Pandavas and from his love for us all. When this good brahmana brings a message of peace, Karna, how dare you speak arrogantly to him? We must not have this war, at any cost, or there will be bloodshed as not the eldest among us can imagine.

Brahmana, go back to my brother’s sons. Tell them I will consider every aspect of this grave and perilous circumstance in which we find ourselves and I will send Sanjaya shortly to Upaplavya to tell Yudhishtira what we have decided. I must sit in careful consultation with my sabha before we arrive at a conclusion. Tell my son Yudhishtira he will hear from me soon. And I thank you, good Brahmana, for coming here on a mission of peace."

The brahmana bowed and went back to Upaplavya, where he conveyed all that had transpired in the Kuru sabha to Yudhishtira and his brothers, to Krishna and Drupada and the Pandavas’ other allies. Now began the anxious wait for Sanjaya.

In Hastinapura, the king called for Sanjaya. This courtier, who was also the king’s sarathy, was one of the few men alive with whom Dhritarashtra shared any of his true feelings. Since he heard how Arjuna routed the Kurus in the Matsya kingdom, Dhritarashtra had been terrified.

Now he said to Sanjaya, Old friend, go as my ambassador to the Pandavas. Say I asked after their wellbeing, not only now, but also through their thirteen years of exile. Tell them I was never their enemy and I am pleased their ordeal is over. I have watched Yudhishtira since the day he first came to Hastinapura, when he was just a boy. I have never known a character so lofty and pure. I doubt the earth has seen many men to equal him in all her ages.

Sanjaya thought his king was on the point of breaking down and crying. Dhritarashtra said, They are true and honorable, Sanjaya. My nephews are blameless; they walk the way of dharma. Who can hate them except my envious Duryodhana and that wild and thoughtless Karna of his? The world loves the sons of Pandu, all the Kurus love Yudhishtira.

The king trembled. Sanjaya, I am alone and afraid. How can my son think he can rob the Pandavas of their kingdom? But, alas, he will not listen to anyone.

The king struggled against a darkness that engulfed him, choking his life. "Duryodhana is so foolish he does not see beyond his own vanity, or realize with whom he is dealing. They are not just his cousins; they are Devaputras! Why, if he wanted to, Arjuna could burn up the earth with his Gan-diva. But Duryodhana does not understand this. Bheema could scatter the Kuru army as the wind does a pile of grass.