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War Clouds
Loom Large
Exile Comes To The End
Thus ended the exile of Pandavas. They could
successfully fulfill all the conditions of banishment.
Duryodhana and Shakuni had no excuse now, but to offer
Pandavas their due portion of kingdom. But greed and
hatred ruled the heart of Kauravas. Their rule
extended almost all over north India, a vast expanse
of power and possession. To part with a part of land
and wealth was not acceptable to Duryodhana, as is the
case with almost every ruler! Therefore, Shakuni
insisted and Duryodhana concurred not to anything to
Pandavas.
As such Kauravas were least afraid of five Pandavas,
there was no army to support them in war. Kauravas
were sure to win even if Arjuna and Bhima convinced
Yudhisthira for war. Here Bhima and Arjuna knew how
ungrateful Duryodhana and Shakuni could be, they had
anticipated that Duryodhana would never agree to give
Pandavas their rightful kingdom. They told Yudhisthira
to prepare for war, indeed it was the only option left
to regain their glory and wealth.
Accordingly Arjuna was sent to Dwaraka to seek advice
and help from Sri Krishna. Moreover, there were one
hundred kings who were obliged by Sri Krishna in their
release from the jail of demon king Jarasangha.
Preparation For War?
When Arjuna reached Dwaraka, he found to his
surprise Duryodhana was also camping to seek help from
Sri Krishna. His purpose was to ask for Sri Krishna's
army to fight on his side. Next day, Duryodhana
reached the palace of Sri Krishna and was told to wait
for a while as Sri Krishna was asleep. Soon Arjuna
also went. Duryodhana took his seat at the head of the
Lord, while Arjuna sat at the holy feet. In a while
Sri Krishna opened his eyes to see his dear friend and
disciple at his feet. Said the lord, "O Arjuna,
what brings you here so early in the morning?"
But Duryodhana could not wait, he intervened and said,
"O Krishna, I have come before Arjuna. Therefore,
please speak to me first."
The lord jested, "But I saw Arjuna first. Let him
talk to me first."
But the sober Arjuna himself told the lord, "No,
Duryodhana is right. He has come before me. Let him
put forward his purpose of visit."
Thus given chance, Duryodhana asked of Sri Krishna to
fight on his side. Sri Krishna said, "But
Duryodhana I have vowed not to pick up arms in this
war. But army can be on your side. Decide what do you
want, me or my army."
The foolish Duryodhana thought : "There is no use
of Sri Krishna if he is not fighting, I will ask for
his huge army." Thus all army of Sri Krishna went
to the side of Kauravas. Arjuna was pleased for all
Pandavas wanted was gracious lord on their side. He
thanked Duryodhana for his choice.
Diplomacy fails
Yudhisthira sent message to Dhritarashtra to give
them half of the kingdom which was their right.
Dhritarashtra asked Duryodhana to consider the demand,
but proud and indiscreet Duryodhana refused to part
with any portion of his kingdom.
Yudhisthira then requested to grant to give them five
villages, one each to five Pandavas. But still
Duryodhana refused.
Thus the clouds of war loomed large as Bhima and
Arjuna wanted to take their due even by force.
Sri Krishna was informed and requested to settle the
matter. As a last appeal Sri Krishna accepted to act
as their ambassador. He went to the court of
Dhritarashtra and pleaded with the king to see reason.
"Be just, O king", said Sri Krishna,
"Save the kingdom from annihilation. Your and
Duryodhana's irresponsible behavior would bring
calamity to whole race. Pandavas must be given their
right. Where has your sense of justice gone? Control
your foolish son, otherwise this kingdom will see only
widows as its inhabitants!"
But the helpless king was overpowered with his love
for his son. he left the decision to Duryodhana.
Duryodhana replied, "O Krishna, why are you
wasting your time. what to talk of half kingdom, I
will not part with even that much of land that a
needle could hold on its tip!"
Preparation of War
The inevitability of war left both Kauravas and
Pandavas to chalk out their respective strategies
and assess the strength and weaknesses of their
opponents. While Arjuna was the best archer on
Pandavas side Karna was no less a warrior on
Kauravas side. To the extent some one rated him
greater than even Arjuna! This particular fact
caused a great concern in the heart of mother Kunti.
The story of Karna - 3
To find a way out Indra foster father of Arjuna,
and king of heaven, decided to rob Karna of his
protective kavacha and kundalas given to him by his
father, the Sun God. It was a very well known fact
that Karna was the most generous person on the
earth, he would not disappoint any one who begged
anything of him.
Indra disguised as a Brahmin beggar, therefore, came
to Karna and requested him for a favour. Without a
moment's hesitation, Karna said, "O respectful
Brahmin, you have come at the opportune time. I have
just finished my worship and whosoever asks me any
thing at this hour his wish is granted."
"Give me, O generous Karna, your kavacha and
kundala, if you can!," said the Indra.
Karna without any hesitation tore out the his
natural protective armour and handed over to the God
Indra. This rendered Karna essentially weak.
So also, Mother Kunti approached her eldest son
Karna. Karna was till now unaware that Kunti was his
real mother. With a heavy heart, Kunti begged and
pleaded for Arjuna's life dissuading Karna from
fighting the war. During this encounter, which is
very touching in the original text, Karna comes to
know about his birth, how Kunti deserted him at the
mercy of river waters. And Sun God was in fact his
father.
Kunti was willing to announce him as her son now,
and offered him the throne of Hastinapur if he
decided to fight on the side of his brothers,
Pandavas! But Karna had declared his loyalty to
Duryodhana. He politely declined mother Kunti's
offer and said, "O mother, I promise you one
thing; in any event you shall have your five sons
alive. If Arjuna dies I shall be the fifth,
otherwise there would be no change in your
life."
The War of Mahabharata
Rules and regulations were laid down for this
Dharma-Yuddha, war of righteousness. War would be
fought from dawn to dusk. Injured and helpless who
has lost his weapon would not be attacked. Fight
would be between equals, a charioteer would engage
the other charioteer only and not pedestrian
soldier. No one should attack anyone from behind. At
sunset everyone would return to his respective camp.
The injured would be treated by the physicians. The
fellow from one camp would be allowed to visit other
camp without hesitation.
On the side of Kauravas Bhishma was to lead the
front. Besides, Dronacharya, Duryodhana, Jayadratha,
and many more would fight against Pandavas. Karna
would be out of picture till Bhishma was alive and
leading the Kauravas.
On Pandavas side Sri Krishna became the charioteer
of Arjuna. Besides five brothers, king Virata,
Abhimanyu - son of Arjuna --, Ghatotkacha - son of
Bhima from Hidambi, brother of Draupadi, and many
more joined the forces.
Eighteen Days of Devastation
The First Day
The fateful day, probably the month of December,
dawned. Battle lines were drawn. The two sides were
arrayed against each other. Sri Krishna was the
charioteer of Arjuna. He had decided not to fight or
lift any weapon, but he would guide Arjuna and
Pandavas with his wisdom and useful tips and hints.
Conches and trumpets were blown. The horses and
chariots were ready, elephants decorated. Arrows and
javelins were sharpened, clubs and maces flashed
with terrifying power.
Duryodhana reached near the chariot of Bhishma and
told him about the powerful generals on his side.
Bhishma appealed to all the warriors to fight to the
end, for death in this great war, on the
battlefield, guaranteed liberation and attainment to
the joys of Heaven.
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