KRISHNA IN HASTINAPURA AS MESSENGER

After Sanjaya left Upalavya Yudhisthira recalled Krishna?s promise to go to Hastinapura as their messenger. He said to Krishna, "Now the time has come to take a decision. We all are dependent on you. You are our only resort. We always come to you in case of any calamity. Duryodhana?s mind is full of greed and pride. King Dhritarastra is blinded by his love for his son. He cannot do anything. I do not want war. I am born a Kshatriya, therefore, I cannot do any service like a shudra to earn my living, nor can I do any trade or business like a Vrishya, nor I can beg for alms like a brahmin. I shall have to start a war, which will destroy the world, only because of the greed of my brother and my uncle. Therefore, I request you, O Krishna to find some way out to avoid this war. Krishna said that he shall try to get some peaceful and just propsal, fair to both the sides, accepted by the Kauravas. I shall make my best effort to avoid the war. If the war is avoided, I shall get the credit for it."

Yudhisthira also said that he is worried about Krishna?s safety, which was going alone to Kauravas. Duryodhana and his advisors are not very scrupulous. They might try to harm Krishna. Krishna laughed and said, If those misguided Kauravas tried some such misadventure then I will not wait for the war to start. I shall kill them all then and there. Now my lord Yudhisthira, you should change your behaviour of gentleness, the time has come now to take hard decisions like a Kshatriya. When Kauravas won your kingdom through deceit, when they insulted your queen, Draupadi, when they dragged her by her hair to the assembly hall, when they tried to disrobe her they said many insulting and harsh words to her. You and your brothers came out like beggars in the streets of Hastinapura, your elders and teachers did not speak even a word. Why do you care for them? If there is a war, they shall not hesitate to shoot their arrows on you. They will try their best to kill you. So, you should abandon this infatuation for them and be ready to punish them for their misdeeds. This is the dharma of Kshatriya. Punish the wrong-doer, however dear and beloved he may be.

Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahdeva were in full agreement with Krishna. They said Krishna is omniscient and he would do only what is right.

Then Krishna cast a glance towards Draupadi, who was silently, listening to all this sitting in the great assembly hall. Draupadi with tears in her eyes, said, Satyaki and Sahdeva have promised to kill all the Kauravas, only they are true Kshatriyas. The Kauravas and their elders are sinful. They did not speak against the injustice done to us. I want annihilation of the entire clan of the Kauravas. My lord, you know everything, I do not have faith in my husbands who are talking of peace. Only you are my last hope and support. I want to see all the Kauravas die in the battlefield. My hairs are still undone. They will only be tied when these are washed with the blood of Dussashan.

Krishna?s voice was full of compassion, when he said," Now do not shed tears, O Draupadi. The time has come now. I have given promise to you in the Kamyaka forest. My words cannot be wrong. The destruction of Kauravas is emminent."

Next morning Krishna left for Hastinapura. All the Pandavas came out bare-foot to see him off up to the outskirts of the city of Upalavya. Now Krishna hastened towards Hastinapura.

KRISHNA ON THE PEACE MISSION:

The spies of Duryodhana informed Dhritarastra that Krishna was coming to Hastinapura as an emissary of the Pandavas. He called Bhishma and Vidura. Sanjaya, Drona and Duryodhana were present there too. Dhritarastra said that Krishna himself was coming to Hastinapura as messenger of the Pandavas. He was the greatest man on earth. He should be given best possible welcome and all possible courtesies should be extended to him. Everyone agreed with him. Duryodhana, himself was to supervise the arrangement for the reception of Krishna. Dhritarastra said to Vidura that Krishna would take a rest during the night at a place called Kushasthala and would reach Hastinapura in the morning. He should personally look after the reception of Krishna. Vidura was amused by the childish thoughts of Dhritarastra. He said that Krishna was the lord of the entire universe. There can be no greater folly than trying to win him over by extending hospitality and lavishing gifts upon him. If one really wants to please him, Better he listens to his words very carefully and to do what he desires. He is coming to Hastinapura to seek justice for the Pandavas and to rectify the wrong done to them by the Kauravas. It would be unwise to insult him.

Duryodhana was also not in favour of showing excessive courtesies to Krishna nor was he in favour of winning over Krishna by costly gifts. Krishna was above these frivolities. Bhishma said that it was not possible for anyone to insult or honor Krishna. Krishna does not care for such petty things. He always treads the path of truth. Whatever he says, would be in accordance with dharma and truth, It would be in our best interest to agree to whatever he says.

Duryodhana said that the grandfather always sided with the Pandavas. He saw that he had made a plan and the Pandavas would be removed from his way forever. He said that he would apprehend and imprison Krishna. Once Krishna is thus removed the Pandavas would become powerless like a serpent without his fangs. I would execute my plan.

Dhritarastra was struck with terror to hear Duryodhana?s plan. He said that it was foolish to even think that. Such a course of action is quite contrary to dharma and conduct of Kings. Krishna, being an envoy and also being our relation, are very dear to us, too It is sin even to think of imprisoning him.

Bhishma became very angry and said to Dhritarastra, "Your son Duryodhana has lost his mental balance. He is bent upon inviting disaster. His mind is full of sinful thoughts and his friends too, are like minded. He is not willing to listen what is good for him. Now, this sinner of a son of yours is thinking of putting Krishna in prison. No one in this universe is capable of doing this. I am sick of him." Bhishma left the court after saying this.

Krishna came to Hastinapura in the morning. Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and Kripacharya went to the city gate to receive him. Duryodhana and Karna were with them too. All the streets were decorated and the people of the City were very enthusiastic in extending their welcome to Krishna. Krishna was brought to the palace of Dhritarastra with due ceremony and he was seated on a throne, specially made for him. After all these reception and exchanges of courtesies were over, Krishna went to the house of Vidura for his stay. Vidura was overwhelmed by this singular honour and the tears of delight were streaming from his eyes. He extended all possible courtesies and honoured Krishna in all possible ways. He asked about the well being of the Pandavas and Krishna told him all the news of Pandavas. Krishna went in the chamber of Kunti who was staying in the house of Vidura. Kunti too asked Krishna about her sons and daughter-in-law Draupadi. Her eyes were full of tears, recalling the thirteen-year hardship they had undergone during exile. Krishna consoled Kunti in every possible manner. He said that the days of misery were over for the Pandavas. They would regain their old glory. The greatness of the Pandavas was not to be doubted.

Then, Krishna paid to visit to the palace of Duryodhana. He found Duryodhana sitting on his throne, with Shakuni, Karna and his brother Dussashan. They all welcomed Krishna and gave him appropriate seat. Duryodhana said that he had made all the arrangements for Krishna?s stay at his palace but Krishna did not accept his hospitality. Duryodhana said that he too was very fond of Krishna. Krishna said that Vidura was elder and the mother of the Pandavas Kunti too was at his palace. He was an envoy of the Pandavas. Duryodhana had not treated the Pandavas fairly. Therefore he could not accept the hospitality of Duryodhana and chose to stay with Vidura. Thereafter, Krishna came back to the house of Vidura. Bhishma and Kripa were always in attendance with Krishna. They also requested Krishna to stay at their houses. But Krishna declined politely. Krishna took his meal at Vidura?a place and took rest during the night at his house.

In the morning, Krishna discussed with Vidura, about his embassy. Vidura told him that his mission was not likely to succeed. Duryodhana was lost to all good counsel and any effort to make him see the reason was futile. It was not likely that he would pay heed to Krishna words. He was eager for war. He thought that with the Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Karna on his side the war had already been decided in his favour. He was very sure that his eleven ?akshavhimi?s of army would win the war for him. Kauravas were going on the path of unrighteousness. Anything truthful or in accordance with dharma was not acceptable to them. Any attempt to show them the path of dharma was likely to result in the wastage of time and efforts. Vidura said, "These fools may even think of insulting you. How shall I be able to see that?" It will be better if you do not go to the court of Dhritarastra.

Krishna said, "You are saying all this only out of love and affection for me; But nothing is hidden from you. I will tell you the reason for my coming. I know what the Kauravas think. I know what effect my words will have on them. Still I want to save them from imminent death. They all are certain to die in the war. If I can save them by my efforts I shall win eternal fame. Even if I am not successful, I shall have the consolation that I have made my best efforts. I see the destruction of the Kauravas and I am keen to avoid that. I also want to tell every one present in the court about the great injustice done to the Pandavas. The war is inevitable but let every one know who is responsible for it."

KRISHNA IN THE COURT OF KAURAVAS

Duryodhana his brother and Karna came to Vidura?s house to escort Krishna to the court of the Kauravas. Krishna and Vidura proceeded towards the court in chariot and they were followed by Karna and Duryodhana in another chariot. Krishna was given a rousing reception in the court. He was taken to a special throne specially made for him. Everyone saluted Krishna and greeted him with folded hands. Krishna could see Sage Narada and many other great sages standing outside the court hall. He told Bhishma about them. Bhishma went out and respectfully invited all the sages to come into the hall and offered them suitable eyes. All eyes were focussed on Krishna, Krishna was there in his full splendor.

All of those present in the hall were silently waiting with bated breath, for Krishna to speak. Krishna stood up and started in his deep voice, addressing King Dhritarastra,, "My lord the purpose of my visit to Hastinapura is to stop the war by any means. This will avoid unnecessary massacre of eighteen akshauhinis? of army, many Maharathis, other warriors and heroes. I am here as a messenger of peace between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. I don?t have to tell you much. You are all aware of the facts. Your clan of Kurus is famous in the world for its bravery, forbearance, wisdom and righteous conduct. Since you are born in such a great family, you will not abandon the traditions of the family.Already, too much injustice has been done to the Pandavas. Your sons are going on the path of unrighteousness, forsaking the path of dharma. They have forgotten to respect their elders and teachers even. They are in the grip of greed and you should have noticed that.

They are not listening the advice of the wise and the righteous. They are bent upon the destruction of the world. You can prevent the destruction of the world, if you desire it really. You should have returned the kingdom of the Pandavas to them as it belongs to them by right. If the Kauravas and the Pandavas live together, peacefully, they shall have no rival in the world to challenge the house of the Kurus. Your family shall become famous in all three worlds.

But if you choose the path of war and adharma the destruction of your family is certain, you shall suffer ignominy, which shall last forever. You shall also be causing death of countless number of soldiers and warriors by embarking upon a war, with the Pandavas. Your sons and the Pandavas, both are strong and powerful. I see all the kings gathered here in this august assembly, going into the jaws of death. Only you are capable of preventing. Save the world from destruction and let your sons and the Pandavas live peacefully. You shall enjoy the kingdom of the whole world. You have the opportunity to rectify the mistakes committed by your sons. Don?t let the opportunity slip out of your hands. You know the all aspects of the righteous conduct in minute?s detail. You can choose the path of the truth and the righteousness.

In this august assembly of the Kuru royal court, injustice, oppression of the weak by the strong, untruth and unrighteousness cannot have any room. In the presence of the noble souls like you, only truth righteousness and justice can prevail. Therefore, it is my humble request to you, that the kingdom of the Pandavas be returned to them.

Krishna was heard with total attention and in complete silence of the court. No one could move even after Krishna sat down, for sometime. Then Dhritarastra spoke. "Krishna, you are preaching the lesson of peace to me. Can?t you see that I am powerless? No one is there to obey my command. Even my sons do not listen to me. If you may convince Duryodhana and Karna. I shall be very grateful to you and I shall be happy. Duryodhana even refuses to listen to the advice of his mother Gandhari. Bhishma and Vidura cannot make him see the right path. I shall be very pleased if it can be done."

After the king stopped, Krishna addressed Duryodhana, "O Duryodhana, listen carefully to what I say, You are a descendant of a very great family. You are endowed with great wealth and many good qualities. I am not able to understand your unjust treatment to your cousins the Pandavas. Your animosity towards them is also not understood by me. My dear Duryodhana, envy and greed are the qualities of low and basemen, Such qualities do not conform to the high traditions of your family. You should choose the path, which may bring happiness to your mother, father, elders and your teachers. You can make them happy by following the path of the truth and righteousness only."

Bhishma also endorsed the views expressed by Krishna. He told the assembly that Krishna is saying just the right thing. Duryodhana should abandon his obstinate and choose the right path. Drona and Vidura also approved of what Krishna had said.