MAHABHARATA

HARE KRISHNA

Krishna's peace-mission had miserably failed and he had returned to Indraprastha to give a green signal for the preparations for the impending war. The war having been declared, both the armies marched to the field of Kurukshetrato face each other. Krishna had taken a vow not to fight as a warrior in this war. He had accepted to act as Arjuna's charioteer only. Directed by Arjuna, Krishna drove his chariot to the no-man's land so that he could view the warriors who had come to face him. When Arjuna saw his blood relations, revered guru Drona and respectable Bhishma standing in the opposite camp his mind shook and he was filled with doubts. He said to Krishna, "I won't fight at all. Is it proper and worthy of me to kill all my near-ond-deor ones only to get a throne ? No, not I won't do it at all." Krishna felt upset when he saw that Arjuna was quite averse to war and had placed his bow down. It was at this time that Krishna delivered his sermon of the Gita to Arjuna. He said, "O Arjuna ! you have got the right to act only without bothering about the result. Man's soul is immortal and it is the body only that perishes. This is a holy war and a true warrior (Kshatri) cannot afford to prove a coward." Hearing these words, Arjuna realised his mistake and got ready to fight.

Bhishma loved the Kaurvas and the Pandavas alike. Though he was fighting on behalf of Duryodhana, yet he had never tried to kill any of the five Pandavas. He had been killing only their soldiers. Duryodhana did not like it and he said to Bhishma, "Grand-father ! you are avoiding the murder of the Pandavas while fighting. Do you want them to be victorious? I do not expect such a thing from you as you have always been faithful to the Kaurava throne." Bhishma had nothing to reply back and so he said, "I shall direct my arrows at the Pandavas if Krishna does keep his vow of not fighting as a warrior." Duryodhana was very pleased to hear these words. The next day, Bhishma fought like a lion so much so that he caused Arjuna to swoon when struck by his arrows. The horses of Arjuna's chariot were also killed. How could Krishna tolerate all this 2 His anger knew no bounds and he decided to break his pledge. Raising the wheel of a broken chariot, he ran towards Bhishma. Bhishma felt frightened and folded his hands in order to beg his pardon. Seeing this, Arjuna came running, pacified Krishna and taking him by the arm, he took him back to his chariot.

Incited by Duryodhana, Bhishma once again took a pledge to kill the Pandavas. The news of this pledge reached the Pandava camp and they were extremely worried. They knew that Bhishma had the boon to die only when he wanted to do so and so it was impossible to kill him. Once again Krishna came to their help and asked them not to fee) anxious at all. Escorting Draupadi to Bhishma's place at night, Krishna advised her to go inside and make obeisance to the old worrier who was sitting for meditation with his eyes closed. Draupadi went in and said, "Glory be to you, grandfather!" Without opening his eyes, Bhishma uttered a blessing, "May you never be a widow and enjoy the company of your husband till your death!": When Bhishma opened his eyes, he was surprised to see Draupadi sitting in front. He at once followed that she had come to him on the advice of Krishna who must be there somewhere around. Just then, Krishna stepped in and Bhishma stood up to greet him with profound devotion and piety. In this way, Krishna had saved the Pandavas from the fatal wrath of Bhishma.