Krishna Imprisonment!

     

Sunrise in Hastinapur!

      With his mild warm rays, sun rose in the east embracing the world with light. Lord Krishna woke up at the first light of the sun and took bath in the river and decorated himself with fragrance filled flowers. With the sun shining gold in the sky, Krishna performed the morning rituals and worshipped the Lord Sun. He then gave donations to the Brahmins who were there for their morning prayers.

      Krishna returned to Vidhura’s house. Vidhura was ready to leave for the court. Krishna changed his attires and draped himself in golden yellow silk garment and wore gold and pearl ornaments. They both finished their breakfast while Daruka prepared Krishna’s chariot.

     Duryodhana and his uncle Saguni reached Vidhura’s manor in their golden chariot. Vidhura welcomed them and gave them milk and honey.

     “Krishna, respected King Dhritarashtra is in the palace court, along with grandsire, Dronacharya and the mighty kings requesting your presence.” –Said Duryodhana, bowing in front of Krishna.

    On Krishna’s command, Daruka brought Krishna’s charmingly adorned chariot. Bounded by the Kuru army with Duryodhana and Saguni leading in front, Krishna left for the Palace of Hastinapur. Vidhura followed in his chariot, beside Krishna. Krishna’s army led by Kritavarman and King Satyaki followed Krishna’s chariot. Even the sun rose high from the ground to witness the exquisite beauty of charming Krishna marching in his attractive chariot. The streets were swept and watered. Delighted citizens of Hastinapur cheered and showered flowers on Krishna.

     The moment Krishna’s chariot reached the streets of the Palace, conchs were blown and music was played by talented musicians of Hastinapur. Grandsire Bhishma and Dronacharya gave a warm welcome to Krishna in the Palace entrance.  Krishna descended from his chariot, greeted Pithamaha and Dronacharya and walked along with them to the court, followed by Vidhura, Kritavarman and Satyaki.

Reaching the court room, Krishna greeted the King and the allies who were gathered there. The King rose from his seat to welcome Krishna. Duryodhana, who has reached the court before Krishna’s entry, sat alongside his best friend Karna and uncle Saguni. The assembled people in the court stood to welcome Krishna except Duryodhana, Karna, Saguni and Duchadhana. A beautifully adorned seat made out of gold was placed next to the King for Krishna. The whole of court remained silence for everyone to settle. Even after everyone had taken their seats, the chamber remained absolute silence, wondering where and how to begin.

Peace Talk!

Seeing that the King won’t be able to start the conversation out of his inability to go against Duryodhana, Krishna rose from his seat and said – “O King of Hastinapur, I am here on behalf of the Pandavas seeking peace. Kuru dynasty has got rulers who were all noble in heart and followed the path of dharma and also have led the people too in the same path. And you, with the mighty Pithamaha as the guardian, have ruled the kingdom peacefully so far. Being so nice and noble to the citizens of Hastinapur but being unfair towards the sons of King Pandu is not reasonable. They reached Hastinapur without their father, seeking your protection. Being your beloved brother’s sons, it is your duty to protect and cherish them as your sons. But, now, because of your wicked son, Duryodhana, you are being unrighteous to the Pandavas, who consider you as their father. You, supporting Duryodhana’s greediness for the throne have been callous, tried to kill them along with their mother, Matha Kunti and have also insulted Draupathi, your daughter-in-law. You and your sons are being responsible for degrading the fame, morality and the name of Kuru dynasty through your immoral and sinful acts. Though the Pandavas remember what you have done to them, they seek peace, not willing to slay their own brothers and kinsmen. They still consider you as their King and as their father. They don’t wish the Kuru dynasty to be erased of from earth, because of a throne. Consider that respect and save your sons, allies and family and friends. Set the mind of Duryodhana favoring peace and I will make sure that the Pandavas too will follow your words.”

Vidhura and the King!

“O Madhava, I believe and accept every word you say. My wish too is the same. Peace is what everyone favors. Kindly tell me what I can do to stop the war. ” – asked King Dhritarashtra.

“King, give the Pandavas their Indraprastha and Yudhistra’s throne. That will be enough for them, to live a decent life, as a Kshatriya.” – said Krishna.

“O King! Kindly accept to Krishna’s words this instant and save mankind. Don’t even think for a second.”- said Pithamaha Bhisma.

Hearing Pithamaha’s words, Duryodhana rose from his seat, “O Krishna! The right on Indraprastha is in my hands. Not the King. I won it in the game of gambling, in this very court room. It’s not fair to ask for what you have lost. Doesn’t Yudhistra know that? They lost it. They went to woods. ”

“O Duryodhana, everyone here knows how you won the game. You were unwise to your own brothers and to your sister-in-law. Uncle Saguni won the game for you, by manipulating the game itself. Still knowing that they were cheated, they respected your father’s words and even lived in exile. Now that they have returned, it is your responsibility to be moral and return their kingdom to them.” – Krishna spoke with serenity.

“Manipulated!? They accepted the game first hand! Uncle Saguni played and they lost. How can the blame be put on my shoulders?! Moreover, the rules were framed by the great Pithamaha and the game was played in front of the wise men. I don’t find any fault in me.”

 Karna, who was seated next to Duryodhana rose from his seat and said – “Consider the fault in their side before blaming. Who will wager their wife? You all name Yudhistra as the idol of dharma and he wagers his brothers and wife just for a gambling game! How do you even consider that as an act of dharma and on what basis are you supporting such a person? Not even a drunken person who has lost his senses will do that.”

“O Karna, what you say is correct. But, wasn’t it Uncle Saguni who twisted the words of Pithamaha, Yudhistra and also the rules of the game. If you know that it’s wrong to wager one’s wife, why didn’t you oppose it or stop it? Why didn’t you stop your friend from doing such a sin? Why did you let it happen? You too supported a sin only because it will favor your friend, isn’t it? Is that really your dharma? If it is, you should have at least remained silence. But you called her a whore and made it personal. Is revenging a woman like that is what your dharma is?” – Krishna sealed Karna with his sharp questions.

“If it’s a wrong, why did these people who blame me was silent at that time? If what I did was wrong then what they did too was wrong. So, I don’t find any wrong in me.” – Duryodhana spoke with attitude.

“Duryodhana, indeed what they did too is immoral. Pithamaha, Dronacharya, Krpacharya and the King too failed in their responsibilities and duties. But, they have accepted their fault and are ready for an opportunity to repay for what they have done. This moment is the time for doing that. Go in peace with the Pandavas and save your soul. And your brothers and kin too. The throne will be yours and the Pandavas will accept it.” – Said Krishna.

Duryodhana grinned and said- “Who are they to accept it? The throne is mine, always. Tell them that I have no intention to give Indraprastha.”

“Alright, if you have no intention in giving Indraprastha, why not give them at least five villages? The sons of Pandu do have rightful share on this Kingdom, but you are not ready to give them their share too. Give them at least five villages. They will live with dignity. ” – Said Krishna, hoping for peace.

“Five Villages!!! No way!!!!” – Duryodhana sounded stunned and laughing cunningly, he said – “I will never let those Pandavas have even a needle point volume of land from this Kingdom. Not even the size of the tip of the needle point.”

"Not even a needle point size land!" - Duryodhana

“Duryodhana, think for once. With just five villages, they will be less in fame, property and prosperity. You get to have the throne. You will have greater advantage in favoring peace.” – Krishna tried to pacify Duryodhana.

“Greater advantage! If I slay the Pandavas, I find full advantage!” – Duryodhana spoke with attitude.

“Duryodhana, this is a family dispute over property and throne. Slaughter of the mighty Kings and their armies in the war for a family dispute is not fair. It doesn’t make sense. In war who wins in the end is never considered important when the destruction it has caused is right in front of the eyes. The Pandavas are letting you have both the throne and the property and are trying to avoid war. Favor peace.  You get to save the lives of your brothers, friends, mighty Pithamaha and other wise men and your allies and also you have the throne to rule. What benefit do you see in favoring war and causing a worldwide destruction?”- asked Krishna.

“O Krishna, I am not a fool to believe your words. I know that the Pandavas are weak in terms of army gathered for their side. That’s why they are seeking peace. They speak as if they are strong and caring, only to hide their fear. They gambled. They lost. What is the reason for them to war with us? As a Kshatriya, as a Prince and as future King, I like to face the war at hand. We won’t get alarmed and bow to you or to them out of fear.” – Said Duryodhana still keeping his head high, filled with attitude.

Krishna, understanding that Duryodhana is not ready to listen, turned towards the King and said – “O King, correct the mind of your wicked son. Peace only favors you and your sons. With peace, the Pandavas will be your allies. They will fight for you. Your rivals will be afraid to war against you when you have both the Kuru and Pandavas in front, leading the army. With the talents and skills combined, the sons can win the world for you. Kuru dynasty will be undefeatable. This even is your advantage. With war, nothing but destruction will only be seen. Save the souls of your friends, kin and allies. Go with peace and cherish life, celebrating along with them and their family.”

“O Krishna, I realize what you are saying. But, I have always failed in altering my son’s mind for it has been putrefied with ego, greed and insolence.”- The King sounded exhausted.

“O Duryodhana, for once, listen to the words of intellectual Krishna. The man with pure soul, he speaks only for everyone’s good. He cares for every soul. Kindly, accept his request and gratify this old blind man who has none but only you and your brothers.” – pleaded King Dhritarashtra.

“O Duryodhana, listen to Krishna. Having given birth to you, the King and the Queen are already suffering a lot. Don’t hurt them more. Don’t let them bear the tag- ‘Parent of the wicked man who was the exterminator of his own race and the mighty heroes of earth’. They won’t be able to live a life like that after war.” – Vidhura spoke in a firm and caring voice.

“Now, I know why my father is weak. It’s all because of listening to you he has grown weak in heart and is afraid of Krishna. And now, he is terrified a lot because of the war, not having the courage and trust in me. It’s really his mistake to place the son of a servant as a minister, blinded by love for his brother.” – Said Duryodhana provoking the rage in everyone gathered.

“Duryodhana, listen to yourself. You are losing your senses. He is your uncle and you have the right to respect him.” – warned Pithamaha.

Duryodhana casted his eyes off Pithamaha and chuckled, not paying attention to his words. Witnessing that, raged Vidhura rose from his seat – “You imbecile man of wicked soul, How sinful of you to show disrespect towards me and Pithamaha? One who has no control over his senses will be lacking intelligence and cannot enjoy the fruits of supremacy. Your lust and greed will cast you away from the throne and also from the moment of happiness. Man with wicked soul has never ruled for a long time and also has never had a great end. You consider yourself above all and ignore the words of wise men. You have never listened to even your mother and father. You are not a human with heart and not worth to be a king to lead a country.”

Duryodhana ignored Vidhura’s words. Krishna, who was seated on his chair, trying to stay away from the conversation saw Duryodhana and cautioned – “O Duryodhana! You are expecting war and at the same time opposing your mighty heroes too! Not sensible, Duryodhana. Especially Vidhura, the wielder of Vishnu Dhanush (A powerful bow of Lord Vishnu).”

“Indeed O Krishna, you are my savior. I have already tainted my soul with sin because of his acts and I don’t want to thicken the layer by slaying mighty soldiers and Kings for him. The mighty and incomparable Vishnu Dhanush of Lord Narayana that I hold, I don’t want to use it to support one man’s greed. Not especially for this wicked, cunning and inconsiderate Duryodhana.” – Saying so, Vidhura took his bow in his hand and held it up high and vowed aloud – “I, Vidhura, hereby swear in front of all that I won’t participate in this war, favoring anyone. And my bow will not be used for slaying anyone, anymore.”

Saying so, Vidhura broke the bow into two halves putting his whole strength. The whole court room was stunned to witness it as the sound of the bow echoed and filled the room. Vidhura then swiftly left the room even before the men in the court could gather their senses to stop him.

Vidhura leaving the court room!

With Vidhura gone, Krishna spoke to regain everyone’s sense – “Duryodhana! Vidhura was such a great archer and the bow he held was the most powerful one, used by Lord Narayana himself. So sad, you lost it. You lost one mighty warrior of your side.”

Duryodhana casted his eyes on Krishna and spoke, “I have no worries when I have my Karna, Pithamaha and Duryodhana by my side. Vowed to the Kingdom and to my father, they will do anything for me.”

“Duryodhana! Just because we have vowed, it doesn’t mean that we will win everything for you. With Krishna sided with the Pandavas, there’s nothing that Yudhistra cannot win. All we ask you is to consider our request and follow the path of dharma. Do not push your parents into the ocean of grief by drowning yourself in the ocean of sin. Duryodhana, go right now and beg for forgiveness from Vidhura.” – Said Pithamaha.

Listening to Pithamaha’s words, Dronacharya said – “Duryodhana, everyone here desires for peace except you. Listen to them. The wish of every wise man is only to avert war. We have seen a lot of war and we all know the effects this war will bring. Krishna, Pithamaha and Vidhura - the most wise and intellectual people on this earth have all said the same. Accept to their words. All they desire will bring good to everyone. Don’t annihilate the whole Kuru and their kin and friends for your greed. The throne is not worth it. Also, the one who fights with greed will never win in the end. Think.”

King Dhritarashtra, who was completely helpless in convincing his son appealed – “Duryodhana, dear son, listen to all those people. Their love for you and the Pandavas has always been the same. You have those mighty souls of earth to lead you and teach you. You have them to defend the Kingdom. What else do you need? Kindly go with Krishna’s words. Do not obliterate the world for your greed. Do not let this opportunity fade right in front of your eyes. I beseech as a father, not only for you but also as a father of hundred sons. Ignoring Krishna’s request will never give happiness and victory. This old man has got only you and your brothers.”

Witnessing the whole assembly disapproving Duryodhana’s plan and war, Duchadhana rose from his seat and said maliciously – “O brother, It looks like, if we are not ready for peace, even the wise men of Kuru and allies will bind our hands and legs and present us in front of Yudhistra. I think Pithamaha will get the chains. Even our father too might approve for it!” – Turing towards Karna, he said-“Karna, be ready to be confined. It will be you, me and brother Duryodhana, for sure. Oooo...I’m scared, brother.”

Duchadhana favoring Duryodhana!

Hearing Duchadhana, those shameless, disrespectful and wicked Duryodhana, Karna and Saguni laughed raucously along with Duchadhana while it intensified the temper and frustration in everyone else. Seeing this, the allies started favoring Krishna.

“If that can stop the war and the disaster that follows, no doubt we will implement it and chain you four.” – said Pithamaha Bhishma with ire.

Witnessing the whole assembly disapproving his plan and war, Duryodhana got enraged, breathed heavily and yelled, “Do you all sound like a Kshatriya!? Where are your honors? The Pandavas seek peace because they know they cannot defeat Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Karna.” – Turning towards Krishna, he said – “O Krishna, listen to me. As a Kshatriya, it’s my duty to face the war. Even if we all die in the war, we will reach heaven for facing it bravely. Also, the pride of a Kshatriya lies in dying in the battlefield, without bowing to the nemeses. I was born and grown in one such noble race, following the Kshatriya practices. I didn’t grow up among cowherds like you. So listen clearly, I will not return Indraprastha to the Pandavas, I will not give them share from this property and Kingdom and summing all, I will never ever give them land that fits a needle point. Not even the dust of our land.”

Draupathi Cheer Haran!

“Duryodhana, you think you have committed no sin against the Pandavas. Consider all those that you have done along with uncle Saguni- poisoning Bhīma, trying to kill them in the wax palace, that game of dice in which you tricked, insulting Draupathi and also, even after they went into the woods, along with Jayadratha, you tried to abduct Draupathi. You, foolhardy Duryodhana, you have already stained your soul with sins that will burn you to death. Yet, for your sake, everyone’s seeking peace and you are neglecting peace, out of your lack of understanding. Sinful, notorious and disrespectful has always been your act and what you are about to do is also no different from all those. What else I can say, other than destiny and your idiocy? Of all the sins and foolishness you have done, this war will be the peak of your stupidity. Think and act, to not illustrate your stupidity to the world.” – Krishna warned Duryodhana in a strong voice.

Disregarding Krishna’s warning, Duryodhana, fumed with wrath said- “You seek peace. You all want no war. Fine. There’s one more way to stop the war other than peace. Krishna and you all would even seize us to avert war, right?! I will do the same. Only that…I will seize this Krishna!! Knowing that Krishna is seized, the Pandavas will lose their hope to even battle and will be broken. They will be on their knees, to let him free. Depressed, they will do anything to get him out. This Krishna who has been insulting me, right from the moment he has entered the court… I will seize this Krishna, right now and prove you all how mighty I am!!!”

Saying so, Duryodhana pressed the button that was on his throne’s hand rest. As planned the night before by Duryodhana, Saguni and Duchadhana, the floor beneath Krishna’s chair opened downwards and Krishna’s chair fell into the deep hole that was dug for seizing him. The loyal soldiers of Duryodhana were waiting with all their weapons and chains to capture Krishna. Witnessing the unanticipated incident, everyone assembled stood stunned though Krishna was composed.

Filled with wrath, Pithamaha roared – “Duryodhana! What have you done, you fool?!? Dhritarashtra, stop your son right now before he turns into ashes.”

Karna, who too was unaware of the plan, got tensed and spoke – “O dear friend, what are you doing? Krishna is here favoring peace no harm should be done to him. He is here as a messenger. Kindly stop right now.”

While everyone was fumed, Satyaki laughed hysterically and said – “O Duryodhana, I have never known that you are such a fool. You didn’t even think for a minute to understand what you are doing! What you are trying to do is something that even the gods and devas aren’t capable to achieve. Such is your lack of understanding, to not even understand that you will never be able to achieve it. Your brain is covered by thick layers of greed, lust, wrath and ego. According to what I see, what you are trying to do is like rats trying to catch a mighty lion using thin strands.”

King Dhritarashtra who was frantic, pleaded – “Duryodhana, what has gotten into you? We are trying to lead you in the path of dharma whereas you keep piling the sinful acts of yours. There’s nothing that Krishna cannot do.”

“King Dhritarashtra! Please!” – Krishna’s voice echoed from the hole. He stopped the King from continuing and addressed – “If your son desires to seize me using violence, O King, do permit him. Because of his acts, if I get raged, I will even burn him and his followers in a wink of the moment and Yudhistra’s objective and honor will be redeemed this very day, without war. I, however, will not do such an act as Bhīma has vowed to kill your sons. I give permission for Duryodhana to try.”

Kritavarman, fumed with wrath, roared – “Duryodhana, for your immoral behavior and for trying to seize Krishna, I, under the command of Lord Balram, will gather the army in front of the gates of Hastinapur and will vanquish Kuru dynasty and you from the face of earth, right now. Forget the Pandavas for I will slay you all this very day.”

While Kritavarman was about to leave the court, the earth quivered and sound of drums and conchs were heard from the hole and from the sky. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the hole as light, brighter than the sun’s rays came through the hole. Krishna, still seated on his golden chair, took his divine form, reaching the sky. The soldiers beneath, who were waiting to seize Krishna ran away to save their lives. The earth crumbled and Krishna emerged from the hole, standing extraordinarily high in his divine Vishwaroop form.

Filled with energy, Krishna turned towards Duryodhana and said – “O Duryodhana, you thought I am just a cowherd guy. You believed I can be contained by those chains of yours. You want war, right!? Here, I will show you what you desire.” – saying so, Krishna turned towards the King and said, “O King Dhritarashtra! I give you the power to see what I am about to show about the future. The future and fate of your sons and the entire Kuru dynasty.”

Saying so, Krishna granted the King, the power to see his divine supreme form. His whole body appeared like blazing volcanic fire. The whole cosmos itself was inside him, smaller than the size of his finger nail. Brahma, the creator was sitting on a lotus, in his forehead. Lord Shiva, the divine dancer was dancing in his breast. Lord Sun was in his right eye, blazing with his warm rays and the Lord moon was in his left eye, embracing the whole world with love. All other devas, demons and their armies, revered Sages and saints were seen in miniature forms in his face and neck. With his hands upraised, in attacking manner, he held his mighty indestructible discus, his Saranga (Lord Narayan’s bow), his mace, plough, sword, conch and all other weapons. The blaze from his body was so fierce that no one in the room was able to see what was happening. Every single pore of his body shined intense and appeared like a blazing sun. On his finger nails were the Pandavas, the Gandharvas, the Yadavas, the Vrishnis and all other human races on this earth. Everyone closed their eyes out of fear whereas, for Pithamaha, Dronacharya, Satyaki, Kritavarman, Vikarna and Krpacharya, the immensely pure souled Krishna appeared like a full moon, bright yet calm. Blessed, they raised their hands above their head and bowed witnessing the concealed truth. With Krishna standing rigid from ground to sky adorned in golden yellow silk attire, all the gods, devas and demons and sages gathered in the sky to witness the delightful form of Lord Narayan and purify their soul, just by looking at him. They showered newly blossomed flowers upon Krishna, celestial musical instruments were played and drums were beaten while the saints chanted mantras.

Vishwaroop!

 The moment Krishna was appearing in such a delightful form, the living things on earth felt a mysterious yet delightful wave passing through their nerves. The people felt it, birds felt it, newly born cubs felt it, the animals in the forest felt it, the fishes beneath the oceans felt it, even the worms under the soil felt it and the ants and flowers in the trees felt it and even the trees felt it. Sun and moon shined together on the sky along with other stars, yet there was no catastrophe on earth.

In his exceedingly auspicious form, Krishna spoke – “O King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana, you both wished to see the future, right! Here I will show you the end of the war that’s about to come. And also, the end of the Kuru dynasty. Witness it and realize what dharma is really capable of.”

Bhima attack Duryodhana!

His voice thundered and echoed in the walls and filled the whole court room. Saying so, Krishna showed the glimpses of the war where Arjuna blow the Kuru army with his Gandiva, the moments where Pithamaha, Dronacharya, Karna and the sons of the King dies. He showed the final moment of Duryodhana on how he will be defeated in the battle by Bhīma. Duryodhana felt the immense blow that Bhīma gives on his thigh. Unable to witness further, the King closed his eyes, wailed and begged Krishna – “O Lord Narayana, The creator and protector of the cosmos, Please…Please...Enough. Kindly stop it. I can’t handle the light and the destruction. Kindly take back my vision. I am not able to see you through the blazing light. Enough…Please…”

The almighty Krishna returned to his normal form and appeared human. Duryodhana was lying on the floor terrified and speechless. He glanced at everyone with frightened eyes. King Dhritarashtra was petrified as he was unable to remove the images of the death of his sons from his mind. The court room was filled with intense calm though the hearts were finding reason to regain their senses. Pithamaha and Dronacharya were looking at Krishna with devotion and love in their eyes. Happiness was filled in their soul.

Addressing the court, mighty Krishna spoke – “You all have seen the wicked soul of Duryodhana. His lack of understanding and ignorance. With King Dhritarashtra remaining feeble in controlling his son, I take that war is what the Kuru family desires. With your permission, I will now leave to convey the message to the Pandavas.”

Saluting Pithamaha, Dronacharya and the King, Krishna left the room swiftly along with Satyaki and Kritavarman, without even expecting a response from the King or others gathered. 

The moments inside the court passed in silence. Everyone tried to grasp their breath and senses. Duryodhana, still horrified, said- “What happened to you all? Why did you all let that Krishna attack me with his mystic wiles? Aren’t you supposed to prison him for he attacked the Prince of Hastinapur?”

Not knowing what exactly he was speaking, Duryodhana yelled at everyone. The King, gathering all his energy, shouted – “Duryodhana, you fool, abandon all your sinful thoughts and missions right now and go and plunge in the feet of Krishna. Beg for forgiveness and right now and make peace. For the sake of you and your brothers. For the sake of this world. Make peace with the Pandavas. Yudhistra, unlike you, is filled with affection and kind heart. He will forgive you, if Krishna forgives you.”

While Duryodhana was glancing at the King with rage filled in his eyes, Pithamaha, said – “No, Dhritarashtra. Forget about it. War will happen, for it has to happen. Yudhistra will not forgive us for what we have done to Krishna. Not even King Balram will. I can see that the end of Kshatriyas in the Kuru side is not far. I get a feeling that my mission will be accomplished here.”

Dronacharya, who was in deep thought, staring at Duryodhana with wrath, said – “The hour has arrived for your sons too, Dhritarashtra. Because of your son Duryodhana’s idiocy, the end of your sons is near and we all are going to die like insects in the hands of the Pandavas. Just like you have wished for, Duryodhana. War it is!”

“War it is!!!” – The words echoed in everyone’s heart.