Krishna’s Mission of Peace

Many people think that Krishna was a warmonger, because he persuaded Arjuna to refrain from running away from battle. In fact, he tried his best to prevent war. The Kauravas refused to part with the due share of Pandava’s territory after their return from exile. There was an air of hostility everywhere. So, Krishna, being the Lord Himself, thought He would make a last bid for peace by going Himself, as a special emissary of Dharmaraja and his brothers, to the court of Dhritarashtra.

Before leaving for Hastinapur, He consulted the Pandavas. They gave their views. Krishna, accompanied by Satyaki, reached Hastinapur. The Kauravas made elaborate arrangements to receive Him, as they wanted to please Him through their show and pomp. Duryodhana himself, with his brothers and Karna, received Krishna at the city gates. He invited Him to stay in the royal palace as their guest and dine with them. But, Krishna politely said, “My dear cousin, I am a special emissary of your enemies. So, on principle, an emissary should not dine with the hosts, until his mission is fulfilled.

So saying, Krishna went to Vidura’s house, which was near by. The unexpected visit of the Lord was a pleasant surprise for Vidura. He bowed to Krishna and poured out his devotion and revered Him. Krishna enjoyed His stay in His devotee’s abode.

Vidura said to Krishna, “Oh Lord, why do You take the trouble of carrying a peace mission to these unworthy Kauravas? You know that they are itching for a fight.”

Krishna smiled and said, “My dear Vridura, I know everybody’s mind. I never expected Duryodhana and his mothers to accept compromise. But, I felt it is My duty to try for peace and avoid bloodshed.. I will make a final attempt.”

Krishna then entered the royal court of Dhritarashtra. Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana, Bhishma, Drona, and Karna welcomed Him and offered Him a proper seat. Krishna, after looking around, found that many venerable rishis and sages were not given proper seats. So, He said, “I will take My seat only after these venerable persons are seated properly.”

When everybody was seated, Krishna began to explain His mission. He said, “In the presence of so many highly respectable persons, I am making a fervent appeal to Dhritarashtra to honour his commitment and give the Pandavas their due share of the kingdom. This will avoid unnecessary bloodshed and ensure lasting peace.”

Bhishma, Drona, and other elders promptly supported Krishna’s view. But, Duryodhana vehemently opposed any talk of sharing the kingdom. He blurted out, “Krishna, tell the Pandavas that they will not even get an inch of the territory, come what may. We are prepared to fight.”

Dhritarashtra, though inwardly pleased with his son’s stubborn stand, outwardly made a feeble attempt to dissuade him from this hostile attitude. Even Gandhari pleaded with her son to budge. But, Duryodhana, supported by his henchmen Karna and others, did not relent.

Krishna said, finally, “Do not think the Pandavas are weak. The might of Bhima and Arjuna and the righteous indignation of Dharmaraja are capable of annihilating the entire world. But, they desire peace in the interest of the entire human race. So, once again, I appeal to your good sense and ask you to compromise.” But, His words fell on the deaf ears of the power-mad Kauravas. They even plotted to take Him their prisoner. But, Lord Krishna exhibited for a moment His true Divine Form, i.e. the Vishwarupa. He gave necessary eyesight to the blind Dhritarashtra to enable him to get a glimpse of Him. The Kauravas were dazed at the size of His Cosmic Form and stood standstill.

Krishnan departed, accompanied by Vidura and Satyaki. The Lord made a final bid for peace but He knew that bloodshed was inevitable for the extinction of Adharma and the triumph of Dharma.

Narration: Ms. Sai Sruthi S.V.
[Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas Alumna]

Questions:

1. What was the main purpose o f Krishna’s mission to Hastinapur?
2. What was the response He got from the Kaurava camp?
3. How did Krishna show them that He was the Supreme Lord?