Udyoga Parva



Chapter One



The Pandavas Prepare for War



After Abhimanyu's marriage, there was royal festival and everyone was 
pleased that the son of Arjuna was united with the daughter of King Virata. 
The next day all the Kings, who had assembled for Yudhisthira's cause, came 
to Virata's imperial court to discuss future plans. The assembly consisted 
of King Virata, King Drupada, Satyaki, King Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, 
Nakula and Sahadeva. Also present were Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality 
of Godhead, and His very powerful brother, Balarama. From the Yadu house 
came Pradyumna and Samba. Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu was present, as well as 
the sons of Draupadi, appearing like their fathers in prowess. Drupada's 
sons and Virata's sons were also seated in the court. They all talked on 
varied subjects for some time, and after conversing with each other, they 
sat in a thoughtful mood, their eyes fixed on the beautiful form of Lord 
Krishna. The Lord sat in the midst of the assembled kings like the full moon 
amidst the many stars in the sky. With His lotus like eyes and bluish 
complexion, He was attracting the minds of everyone. While gazing upon the 
Supreme Personality of Godhead with insatiable glances, they waited for Him 
to speak. After due contemplation, the Lord of the universe spoke, "It is 
known to all that the Pandavas were unfairly defeated in gambling by 
Suvala's son, and thus swindled out of their kingdom. They were then exiled 
to the forest for the thirteen year period, which they faithfully carried 
out. Dhritarastra's sons still maintain their illicit desires for complete 
sovereignty of the world, although the sons of Pandu also have a right to 
share half that kingdom. What Duryodhana exactly thinks is not completely 
known, so what opinion can be formed? Therefore, a competent person should 
be selected who can go to Hastinapura and induce the Kauravas to give half 
the kingdom to the Pandavas."

After listening to the words of His younger brother, Lord Baladeva, the 
carrier of the club and plow, spoke to the assembled Kings, "You have heard 
the advice of Krishna which is pregnant with virtue and beneficial to both 
Yudhisthira and Duryodhana. Dhritarastra's sons should give half their 
kingdom joyfully so this quarrel can be settled. It is known that when 
Yudhisthira was in possession of the throne, he unnecessarily engaged in 
gambling, although he was not able to play the game well. He foolishly 
gambled away his kingdom, and no blame can be put on Shakuni. Therefore, the 
messenger should approach the sons of Dhritarastra with words of humility 
intended to pacify Duryodhana. Nothing can be gained by war with the Kurus."

After Lord Balarama finished expressing His opinion, the scion of Shini's 
dynasty, Satyaki, rose up and condemned Lord Balarama's words which favored 
Duryodhana. Satyaki proclaimed, "A man will certainly speak what is in his 
heart. It is well known that You cherish affection for Duryodhana although 
he is unprincipled. By his deceitful nature, he tricked the sons of Pandu 
out of their kingdom. Instead of facing them on the battlefield, they chose 
to cheat them out of their kingdom by throwing dice. They are cowards of the 
highest order. Why should Yudhisthira, who is entitled to the ancestral 
throne, humble himself before the uncivilized Duryodhana, who tried to see 
the Pandava's beloved wife stripped naked in the imperial court. They should 
either give back the kingdom or be ready to fight. Who can withstand Arjuna 
on the battlefield? Who can stand in front of Lord Krishna as He wields His 
Sudarshana discus to destroy the entire array of the Kurus? Who can 
withstand the tenacious Bhima, mace in hand, ready to destroy the ranks of 
the oncoming enemy? There is no need to approach them like beggars. Either 
Yudhisthira is given back his kingdom this very day, or Dhritarastra's sons 
will lie on the earth slain by me!"

After Satyaki's speech, the eminent king Drupada gave his opinion, "You 
have spoken well. Never will Duryodhana agree to give up his kingdom by 
peaceful means. Dhritarastra will agree with his son's wishes, and Bhishma 
and Drona will follow out of stupidity. Karna and Shakuni will certainly 
join forces with Duryodhana out of folly. The words of Baladeva are, indeed, 
righteous, but Duryodhana should never be addressed in mild words. Sweet 
words are never spoken to a snake, but a weapon must be used to kill it. An 
envoy should be sent to Duryodhana demanding half the kingdom. At the same 
time a message should be sent to all kings of the earth who favor 
Yudhisthira's cause. Let them come here to support us."

Lord Krishna then gave the final opinion, "King Drupada's words are well 
spoken and meant to promote the interests of Pandu's sons. However, our 
relationship to both the Kurus and the Pandavas is equal. We have been 
invited here for the marriage ceremony of Abhimanyu. The marriage ceremony 
is now complete, and we should return to our kingdoms. Since you, King 
Drupada, are the eldest and most respected amongst us, you should send a 
message to Duryodhana, requesting half the kingdom. If Dhritarastra's son 
should make peace, then there should be no hard feelings on either side. 
However, if Duryodhana refuses to make peace, then after calling others for 
war, also call upon us. The wicked will have to face the onslaught of the 
Gandiva bow as well as My wrath." Saying this much, Lord Krishna made 
preparations to leave the Matsya capital. He was worshiped by King Virata as 
well as by all the kings present. After the departure of Lord Krishna, the 
Supreme Lord of heaven and earth, King Yudhisthira, along with King Virata, 
began making preparations for war. King Drupada sent for one of his most 
trusted priests and gave him a message to be spoken in the midst of the 
Kaurava leaders. The priest then departed.

Meanwhile, the Pandavas proceeded with their preparations for a future 
offensive, knowing well the mentality of their diabolic cousin. The third 
son of Kunti, Arjuna, then left for Dvaraka in hopes of obtaining the favor 
of both Lord Krishna and Lord Baladeva. When Duryodhana learned through 
spies of the Pandava's intentions, he also set out for Dvaraka, accompanied 
by a small number of troops. Both Arjuna and Dhritarastra's son arrived in 
the city of the Yadus on the same day. At the time they arrived, Lord 
Krishna was sleeping, and they both entered His room together. Duryodhana 
sat at the head of the bed whereas Arjuna sat at Lord Krishna's lotus feet. 
When Lord Krishna awoke, He saw Arjuna first, seated at the end of the bed. 
He greeted both Arjuna and Duryodhana and asked about their welfare. 
Duryodhana then solicited Lord Krishna, "I am requesting Your support for a 
future war. Arjuna and myself are equally Your friends. O descendent of 
Madhu, You bear the same relationship to both families. Therefore, since I 
have come to You first, please follow the path of virtuous men. You are 
listed at the top of all who are righteous, and therefore I ask You assist 
me at this time."

"It is, indeed, true," Lord Krishna replied, "that you have come to Me 
first. However, I have cast My glance upon Partha first. Since you have both 
come here, I shall lend My assistance to both causes. Those who are junior 
in years should have the first choice. I have a body of soldiers known as 
the Narayanas, numbering one million men; that is one choice. The other 
choice is Myself. However, I will not fight in the battle. Arjuna, you may 
choose between Myself and My Own men. Since you are the youngest, you may 
pick first."

When given first choice by Lord Krishna, Arjuna chose his most intimate 
friend, Lord Krishna. Joyfully, Duryodhana chose Lord Krishna's division of 
troops, shunning the personal power of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 
After this meeting, Duryodhana went to Lord Balarama, the possessor of 
infinite power. Duryodhana explained how Krishna was chosen by Arjuna, 
although He Himself would not fight. Duryodhana then requested Lord Balarama 
to fight for his cause. Hearing this appeal, Balarama replied to Duryodhana, 
"When we were present at Abhimanyu's marriage ceremony, I spoke in your 
favor. I supported affection for both parties, although Krishna did not 
agree. Krishna has now chosen Arjuna's side, and under no circumstances can 
I fight against Him. Therefore, I will fight neither for the sons of Pandu 
nor the sons of Dhritarastra."

Duryodhana was pleased to hear that Balarama would not take either side. 
Embracing the wielder of the club and plough, he considered Arjuna already 
vanquished. The royal son of Dhritarastra then went to Kritavarman and 
requested him to take up weapons against the Pandavas. Kritavarman agreed 
and gave Duryodhana one akshauhini division of soldiers.

After Duryodhana had departed with Kritavarman and the great military 
phalanxes of the Narayanas, Krishna, the most merciful Lord, questioned 
Arjuna, "Why is it, O Partha, that you have chosen Myself, who will not take 
up any weapons?"

"There is no doubt in my mind," Arjuna replied, "that You are able to kill 
all these soldiers. O best among men, I am also capable of slaying all of 
Duryodhana's troops. However, I know that wherever You are present, there 
will also be victory, fame and opulence. These qualities are present 
wherever You are. For this reason I have selected You, although I know You 
will not fight. It is my desire that You ride upon my chariot and drive my 
horses. Please fulfill this desire for with Your assistance there is no 
chance that the Kurus will be victorious."

"I will without doubt ride upon your chariot and direct you to victory," 
Lord Keshava said. "By My grace all your opponents will perish in this 
enormous battle to come." Thrilled at the thought of having Lord Krishna, 
the slayer of Madhu, riding on his chariot, Partha caused the Personality of 
Godhead to accompany him to Upaplavya, the city of Virata.

Having heard from Drupada's messengers of the upcoming war, Salya, the king 
of Madras and the brother of Madri, directed one akshauhini division to 
Yudhisthira. So large was that division of troops that when it was 
encamped, it covered twelve miles. When Duryodhana learned of Salya's 
intentions, he ordered the best accommodations be made for his comfort. 
Different houses were erected along his route, and when Salya was 
entertained in those houses, he became joyful at the thought that 
Yudhisthira had gone to so much trouble for his comfort. He was given the 
most royal treatment, on an equal level with the demigods. Still thinking 
that it was Yudhisthira who had made the arrangements, he called for those 
men who had supervised the accommodations. He vowed that he would grant a 
benediction to whoever made such nice arrangements. When Duryodhana came 
before Salya, and Salya understood that it was Duryodhana who had made all 
the arrangements, Salya said, "You may take a benediction from me."

"If your words are truthful," Duryodhana replied, "then I ask you to be the 
leader of my army."

"I will fulfill this benediction," Salya said, "for what can I do? I have 
agreed to give a benediction. Before coming to Hastinapura, however, I will 
visit Yudhisthira for he is my beloved nephew. It, therefore, behooves me 
to meet with him."

"O ruler of the earth," Duryodhana said, "after talking with the Pandavas, 
come to my city with great speed. I depend upon you entirely, O king of 
kings." Salya then left for the city of Upaplavya, the city of Virata.

Upon reaching the Matsya's city, King Salya met Yudhisthira and was royally 
received. The King then informed Yudhisthira of what had happened in his 
meeting with Duryodhana.

"O valiant king," Yudhisthira said, "you must act as you have promised. 
However, I request a favor, and I hope that you will execute it for my sake 
only. O great King, you are an equal to Krishna on the battlefield. When 
single combat takes place between Arjuna and Karna, I have no doubt that you 
will drive Karna's chariot. When this event takes place, I hope that you 
will give protection to Arjuna. With insulting words you must dishearten 
Karna in battle, and then victory will be ours. It is improper, but still, 
for our sake, I request you comply with my wish."

"To be sure," Salya replied, "I will be his charioteer for he considers me 
to be an equal with Lord Krishna. At that time I will demoralize the vicious 
son of a suta, and in that condition, it will be easier for Arjuna to kill 
him. Whatever else I may do, I will do it for your sake. You have suffered 
from the gambling match and the insults to Draupadi. They all deserve to die 
for these immoral acts, and certainly it will happen, for providence is 
supreme." After being treated royally by the Pandavas, Salya went to 
Hastinapura to fulfill his commitment to Duryodhana.

Then Yuyudhana (Satyaki), the celebrated hero of the Satvata race, came to 
the Pandava's camp. He brought with him an akshauhini division, consisting 
of thousands of chariots, tens of thousands of calvary, tens of thousands of 
Infantry and thousands upon thousands of beautifully decorated elephants. 
Also coming to the side of the Pandavas was the stalwart Chedi king, 
Dhristaketu, accompanied by an akshauhini division of soldiers. The Magadha 
King, Jayatsena, brought to the Pandava's side another akshauhini division 
of soldiers consisting of warriors with unlimited prowess. King Pandya, who 
lived near the ocean, came to the Pandava's side bringing with him a 
veritable sea of troops. King Drupada brought with him his sons, 
undefeatable in battle, as well as an akshauhini division of soldiers, 
consisting of the four kinds of troops. King Virata also gave to Yudhisthira 
another akshauhini division of soldiers to help conquer the wicked sons of 
Dhritarastra. Altogether Yudhisthira had collected seven akshauhini 
divisions eager to fight with the Kurus.

Many kings also came to Duryodhana's camp, intending to help him retain his 
kingdom. These kings each brought with them an akshauhini division of 
soldiers. They were King Bhagadatta, Bhurisravas, King Salya of Madras, 
Kritavarman, the son of Hridika, accompanied by the Bhojas and the Andakas. 
Jayadratha, the King of Sindu, came to the aid of Duryodhana as well as 
Sudakshina, the leader of the Kambhojas. King Nila, the ruler of Mahismati, 
also came there with an akshauhini division of troops as well as the 
Avantipura Kings, Vinda and Anuvinda. The Kekeya princes also came to 
Duryodhana, gladdening his heart with a large number of troops.

Thus King Duryodhana had collected eleven akshauhini divisions of soldiers 
to fight against Pandu's sons. There were so many warriors that the leaders 
of the troops could not fit in Hastinapura. Their encampment spread over 
many provinces and along many rivers. Thus the two sides amassed their 
armies and arsenals, intenting to aid either Pandu's sons or Dhritarastra's 
sons. It was all a part of Lord Krishna's plan to decrease the unnecessary 
military burden of the world. All those soldiers would die in a colossal 
battle that was to last for eighteen days. Thus Lord Krishna fulfilled his 
promise in Bhagavad-gita, "In order to deliver the pious and to annihilate 
the miscreants as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I 
advent Myself millennium after millennium." (Bg.4.8)



Thus Ends the First Chapter of the Udyoga Parva, Entitled, The Pandavas 
prepare for war.



Chapter Commentary



There is certainly a difference between a devotee of the Lord like Arjuna, 
and a materialistic person like Duryodhana. The materialist always thinks in 
terms of profit, and a devotee always wants to please Lord Krishna. 
Duryodhana had come to Krishna, not to please him, but for material benefit. 
Lord Krishna gave Arjuna the first choice: men or Himself. Arjuna did not 
think in material terms. He just want to serve Krishna and get Lord 
Krishna's constant association. He knew that was the perfect formula for 
success. Duryodhana was very happy to get an akshauhini division of 
soldiers, thinking that if he outnumbered Yudhisthira, he would be the 
victor. Materialists never take into consideration the mercy of the Lord. 
Arjuna was perfectly happy to have Lord Krishna's association for he knew 
that wherever there was Krishna, there would certainly be victory.

Duryodhana was constantly thinking of ways to be successful materially. He 
tricked Salya into taking his side during the battle of Kurukshetra. It 
really didn't make any difference if Duryodhana had an unlimited number of 
akshauhini divisions, for it was the Lord's desire that Duryodhana be 
punished for his sinful activities. Whoever Krishna wants to kill, no one 
can protect, and whoever Krishna wants to save, no one can kill. Because 
Duryodhana was lacking any farthing of pious activity, he could never catch 
up this point.



Udyoga Parva



Chapter Two



Discussions of Peace Between the Pandavas and the Kauravas



When the brahmana priest, representing King Drupada, had arrived in 
Hastinapura, he entered the Kuru imperial court and relayed a message on 
Yudhisthira's behalf. He spoke in the presence of Bhishma, Drona, 
Dhritarastra, Duryodhana, Karna, Vidura and others. "It is well known that 
Dhritarastra and Pandu were born of the same father. There is no doubt that 
they should equally share the wealth of the father. Why now are Pandu's sons 
not given an equal portion of that wealth? Dhritarastra's sons have tried in 
the past to exterminate the Pandavas from the face of the earth, but have 
not been successful. Even after the sons of Pandu acquired a kingdom by 
their own endeavors, the scheming Duryodhana cheated them out of it with the 
aid of Suvala's son, Shakuni. Their beautiful wife was also insulted by 
Duhshasana, and they were then sent to the forest for thirteen years. This 
was all with the consent of Dhritarastra. Those pious sons of Pandu have now 
emerged from exile and want a peaceful settlement with the Kurus. Despite 
all the offenses that have been committed in the past, they are willing to 
forget them, and are not eager for war with Dhritarastra's sons. They desire 
to get back their own kingdom with out involving the world in ruin. The sons 
of Pandu are now more powerful. Although the Pandavas have only seven 
akshauhini divisions of soldiers, while the Kurus have eleven, these are 
counteracted by men who equal a thousand akshauhini division of troops, such 
as Bhima and Satyaki. There is also the mighty-armed Dhananjaya who has the 
strength alone to defeat these forces. For his chariot driver, Arjuna now 
has Vasudeva's son, Krishna, who possesses infinite wisdom. Who is there in 
the world who will oppose them? Therefore, give back to the Pandavas what is 
rightly theirs and avoid any unnecessary bloodshed."

After hearing the brahmana's message, Bhishma spoke to all assembled, "How 
fortunate that the Pandavas are well and have Krishna, the Supreme Lord, as 
their ally. They are entitled to the ancestral kingdom left by their 
father. Arjuna, the son of Pritha, can not be defeated in battle. Even the 
King of heaven, Indra, cannot challenge Partha as he releases arrows from 
his Gandiva bow. Other bowmen cannot even compare to him."

Unable to tolerate hearing about Arjuna's prowess, Karna interrupted 
grandfather Bhishma, "What benefit is there in repeating Arjuna's glories 
again and again. The sons of Pandu have been discovered before the end of 
their year of exile. They should go back to the forest for another thirteen 
years, and then live as Duryodhana's servants. If they turn their faces from 
the path of righteousness and desire war, then they will be slain on the 
battlefield."

"Why do you talk so much?" Bhishma replied, "Do you not remember when 
Arjuna single-handedly overpowered in battle the six great chariot fighters. 
If we do not act as this brahmana has requested, then certainly we shall be 
slain in battle."

Dhritarastra pacified Grandfather Bhishma and spoke to the assembled Kings 
and princes, "Bhishma's advice is unquestionably meant for our well being, 
and the good of the Pandavas. I will send this brahmana back to Upaplavya, 
and Sanjaya shall journey there also to offer greetings to them." Drupada's 
priest then left for the city of the Matsyas.

Dhritarastra then called for Sanjaya, instructing him to proceed to 
Upaplavya and inquire about the Pandava's welfare. He also gave him messages 
for the Pandavas. Sanjaya then went to Upaplavya and was welcomed warmly by 
the Pandu's sons. Yudhisthira questioned Sanjaya about his relatives in the 
Kuru house, and then asked him to repeat King Dhritarastra's message. 
Sanjaya said, "I hope that Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva 
are faring well as Krishna, the son of Vasudeva. Let there be peace among 
the sons of Pandu and my sons. We have heard that you are protected by many 
kings of the earth as are we. With all these forces assembled, what is the 
need for unnecessary bloodshed. My desire and the desire of the Kuru elders 
is for peace. Therefore, let us make some arrangement so that the whole 
kshatriya race be saved from annihilation."

Yudhisthira replied to Sanjaya, "What makes you think that we desire war? 
Peace is preferable to total annihilation of the earth's warriors. Why does 
Dhritarastra speak of peace now? Why did he not try to stop the injustice 
at the gambling match? Why did he not try to stop the injustice to Draupadi? 
Why did he not listen to Vidura's words of wisdom? Why suddenly does he want 
peace? Why does Dhritarastra nourish his envious son whose companions are 
the disgraceful Karna, Shakuni and Duhshasana? The fact is that he is not 
willing to part with half the kingdom due to affection for his dishonest 
son. If he is serious about this proposal for peace then let him return to 
me my kingdom of Indraprastha."

"O Pandava," Sanjaya replied, "I have heard your words which are full of 
righteousness. O son of Pritha, listen to my counsel that I now offer you. 
Life in this world is transient. Material fame and name last only for a few 
seconds in this temporary world. If the Kurus are not willing to give your 
share of the kingdom, then live in the Andaka and Vrishni kingdom by begging 
alms. This mortal existence is subject to constant suffering and is 
unstable. One who seeks after wealth in this world suffers from material 
attraction, but one who acquires virtue and truthfulness never laments, for 
these treasures no one can take from him. Therefore, desist from the desire 
for kingdom and wealth so that humanity can be saved from a dreaded war. 
When you went to the forest for exile, all the kings of the earth came to 
your aid. You could have at that time humbled the pride of the puffed-up 
Duryodhana. Why have you allowed your enemies to grow so powerful? To give 
up this idea of gaining a kingdom would be preferable to seeing Bhishma or 
Drona slain on the battlefield. What will you gain from this. Having killed 
all the heroes of the Kuru house, what joy will you experience?"

"It is true, O Sanjaya," Yudhisthira replied, "that one should not seek 
wealth in this world by unrighteous means. But it must be decided first 
whether it is virtue or vice that I seek. Everyone is controlled by the 
Supreme Being. Here next to me is the Lord of all created beings. Here is 
the celebrated Krishna who has humbled all the great earthly kings. He is 
able to judge whether my actions are from lust or virtue. I never reject the 
counsel that Krishna has given me."

Lord Krishna said, "I desire, O Sanjaya, that Pandu's sons grow in 
prosperity and not suffer. I also pray for the prosperity of the Kurus as 
well. However, there cannot be peace as long as Dhritarastra's sons are 
envious of the Pandavas. How can you say that Yudhisthira is unmindful of 
his duties? How can you say that his desire for his kingdom is a desire of 
lust? Yudhisthira is ever mindful of his duties, and has never even known 
lust or wickedness in his heart. The kshatriya's duty is to protect those 
around him. If a kshatriya unlawfully takes the property of another, then he 
is subject to be punished. Duryodhana has unlawfully taken the Pandava's 
kingdom, and therefore he deserves to be punished. What is the difference 
between thieves and Dhritarastra's sons. Duryodhana has seized the Pandava's 
wealth and is therefore subject to death. Those dull headed fools, assembled 
together as Dhritarastra's sons, are under the clutches of death. I would 
have sympathy for the Kuru elders, if they had spoken up against the 
unrighteous acts performed against Draupadi and her husbands in the imperial 
court at Hastinapura. However, this was not the case. How can you say that 
Yudhisthira acts out of vice? I will personally go to Hastinapura to settle 
this matter with the Kurus. I hope they treat Me well and listen to my 
counsel for peace. If not, they will be burnt by wrath of Bhima and Arjuna. 
The sons of Dhritarastra have offended the Pandavas in many ways, and the 
reactions of these activities will be their ruin."

Yudhisthira then bid farewell to Sanjaya and sent kind words to all the 
members of the Kuru family. He told Sanjaya, "Speak the following words to 
Duryodhana, §Your desire for absolute domination, which torments your 
heart, is very unreasonable. It has no justification. We have no desire to 
harm you in any way. O foremost of the Bharatas, either give me back my 
kingdom of Indraprastha or fight with me! Peace is what we really want. 
Therefore, if you will not grant us a province then at least give us five 
villages. Even this will end the quarrel.'" Having spoken thus, Yudhisthira, 
the foremost pious man, sent Sanjaya back to the city of Hastinapura.

Sanjaya then returned and reported all messages given by the Pandavas. In 
the presence of Dhritarastra, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Duryodhana, 
Ashvatthama, Karna, Jayadratha, and all the Kings assembled for the cause of 
Duryodhana, Sanjaya relayed all messages given by the Pandavas. The Kuru 
elders agreed with the Pandava's request for peace, but Duryodhana showed 
little respect and left the assembly refusing to return anything to the 
Pandavas.

After all had left, Dhritarastra questioned Sanjaya about the Pandava's 
strength. Present in the room were Gandhari, Vyasa and Vidura. "Please tell 
me truly, O Sanjaya, of the strength of Krishna and Arjuna."

"Krishna and Arjuna have appeared on earth for the protection of the pious 
and to annihilate the miscreants," Sanjaya replied. "With Lord Krishna 
sitting on Arjuna's chariot, the Kurus will not survive. If the whole 
universe were to be placed on one scale and Lord Keshava on the other, that 
same Supreme Lord, who creates the whole cosmos, would tip the scale. 
Janardana can, at His pleasure, reduce the whole universe to ashes. All good 
qualities rest in this Divine Being, for He is the Supreme Personality of 
Godhead, the cause of this manifested world. Therefore, wherever there is 
Krishna, then there must certainly be victory. Through Arjuna, Lord Krishna 
will kill your wicked sons who are addicted to sin. It is by the will of the 
Supreme Lord Krishna that the wheel of time revolves causing the destruction 
of all creatures. I tell you truly He is the Lord of time, of death, of this 
universe, and of movable and immovable objects. The Supreme Personality of 
Godhead has descended on earth in human form and is perplexing everyone with 
his internal potency. Those who are devoted to Him can know Him as He is and 
no one else."

Dhritarastra then called Duryodhana into his room and inquired again about 
Lord Krishna, "O Sanjaya, you say that the one we know as Keshava is the 
Lord of the Universe. How is it that I am unable to know Him as such?"

"O King," Sanjaya replied, "because you have no knowledge of the Absolute 
Truth, your are covered by the darkness of ignorance. Even though the 
Supreme Lord stands in front of you, you will not recognize Him. Aided only 
by my knowledge, O sire, can you know who this renowned entity really is. 
That same one who is known as Madhusudana is the cause of material creation. 
He is the beginning, the middle and the end of all that be. One who has 
become devoted to Him can never be vanquished by material existence."

Dhritarastra inquired, "How can one come to know Krishna as the Supreme 
Lord of this entire creation?

"One who has given up all worldly pleasures," Sanjaya replied, "and taken 
shelter of His lotus feet, can know Krishna as the universal Lord. One who 
has cleansed his heart of all impurities can see that same Lord Krishna 
seated in the heart of every living being as the Supersoul. One can only 
know that Supreme Being by controlling the senses and restraining from 
worldly temptations. Fixing the mind on His divine form, one can attain 
liberation from the imprisonment of birth and death."

Dhritarastra again questioned Sanjaya, "I request you, O Sanjaya, to tell 
me again of the lotus-eyed Krishna. Please tell me of His various names by 
which one may obtain that most exalted of beings."

"O King," Sanjaya replied, "I will tell you as many names of the Supreme 
Lord as I know. Keshava, however, is immeasurable and is above the power of 
speech to describe. He is called Vasudeva in consequence of his covering all 
creatures with the curtain of illusion, or of His glorious splendor, or of 
His being the support of the mighty creation. He is called Vishnu because of 
his all pervading nature. He is called Madhava because He is the husband of 
the goddess of fortune. O Bharata, He is called Madhusudana, because he once 
killed the powerful demon Madhu. He was born in the Satvata race and given 
the name Krishna. The word krish is the attractive feature of the Lord's 
existence, and na, means pleasure. When the verb krish is added to the affix 
na, it becomes Krishna, which indicates the Absolute Truth or the reservoir 
of all pleasure. He is called Pundarikaksha, meaning one who has lotus-like 
eyes. He is called Janardana, because he strikes fear into the heart of all 
atheistic persons. He is also known as Vrishabhakshana. Vrishabha means the 
Vedas and ikshana means the eye. The union of the two means through the eyes 
of the scripture He can be seen. The conqueror of hosts is called Aja which 
means that He is unborn. Krishna is like the sun. The sun appears to take 
birth on the horizon, but it always exists. Similarly, Krishna appears to 
take birth from the womb of Devaki, but in actuality He eternally exists. 
That Supreme Soul is known as Damodara, meaning one who was bound around the 
waist by His foster mother Yashoda. He is called Hrishikesha because He is 
the Lord of the senses, and only by His grace can the fleeting senses be 
controlled. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is called Mahavahu, because 
He holds up the Earth and the sky with His two arms. He is also known as 
Adhoksaja because He never falls down or suffers deterioration. He is called 
Narayana because He is the resting place of all living beings. That Supreme 
Lord is called Purushottama because he is the foremost of all living beings. 
He possesses knowledge of all things, and is therefore known as Sarva. Truth 
always resides in Krishna, and He is therefore known as Satya. He is called 
Ananta because He holds all the planets in their proper orbits. Krishna is 
the Divine Lord of all beings, and it is He who will come here tomorrow to 
prevent the slaughter of the Kurus."

Dhritarastra then pleaded with Duryodhana, "O my son, let us together seek 
Lord Krishna's protection and live happily in our kingdom. He is certainly 
our best friend and a worthy shelter of all."

"If the divine son of Devaki," Duryodhana replied, "united in friendship 
with Arjuna, were to kill all persons in the universe, I still would not 
take shelter of He who is my enemy."

Inflamed, Dhritarastra chastised his evil son, "This stupid son of mine has 
taken his vow to destroy our whole dynasty. Envious, wicked, and proud, he 
rejects the words of his superiors."

Gandhari then tried to correct her son, "You are a fool! You never listen 
to wisdom that is meant for your own interest. All the elders have spoken in 
favor of peace, but you alone desire war which will destroy our family. You 
will remember your father's words when struck dead by Bhimasena's mace."

Dhritarastra then spoke to Sanjaya, "I envy those, who, gifted with proper 
vision, are able to see Vasudeva as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We 
will soon be able to behold that Supreme Person when He comes here on behalf 
of the Pandavas. I will then put myself under the protection of Him who has 
created the whole cosmic manifestation. I can now understand that He is the 
primeval cause of all causes and the creator of the universe. Every living 
being sings his glories. He is the foremost learned person and has 
previously descended as the younger brother of Indra. O, when will I take 
shelter of Him?" Thus Sanjaya and Dhritarastra discussed the glories of the 
Lord, but Duryodhana could not bear to hear such praise. Due to his envy of 
Pandu's sons and his insubordination to the Supreme Lord, he was destined 
for death along with all his brothers, friends and followers.



Thus Ends the Second Chapter of the Udyoga Parva, Entitled, Discussions of 
Peace Between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.



Chapter Commentary



The Pandavas, obviously, were not interested in war. Yudhisthira requested 
his kingdom of Indraprastha, and he was willing to overlook all offenses. 
However, Duryodhana was not interested in peace. Even after he heard the 
glories of Lord Krishna, he was not willing for peace. He was a determined 
demon and headed for certain death. This shows that personal association 
with the Lord is not everything. Many demons had the association of Lord 
Krishna, but could not surrender to the will of the Lord. Personal 
association with the Lord is not as important as a pure heart. Those with 
pure hearts can see the Lord within, and thus they have the constant 
association of the Lord. This is confirmed in the Brahma Samhita, premanjana 
cchurita-bhakti-vilochanena, santah sadaiva hridayeshu viokayanti, yam 
shyamasundarm achintya-guna-svarupam, govindam adi purusham tam aham 
bhajami, "I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is Shyamasundar, Krishna 
Himself, with inconceivable, innumerable attributes, whom the pure devotee 
see with heart of hearts with the eye of devotion tinged with the salve of 
love." (B.S. 5.38)



Udyoga Parva



Chapter Three



Lord Krishna Instructs the Assembly of Kings



With the permission of King Yudhisthira, Lord Krishna set out for 
Hastinapura. He took with Him the messages from the Pandavas. The son of 
Devaki rode on His beautiful chariot drawn by His favorite horses, Saivya, 
Sugriva, Meghapuspa, and Balahaka. He was followed by ten mighty chariot 
warriors as well as a thousand horsemen and a thousand foot soldiers.

Understanding through spies that Lord Krishna had left Upaplavya for 
Hastinapura, Dhritarastra addressed Bhishma, Drona and Vidura in the 
following words, "O scions of the Kuru race, the news we hear is wonderful. 
Men, women and children are talking about it, and all are speaking 
respectfully. The citizens are congregating together and discussing it in 
the open market places. All are saying that Lord Krishna, the slayer of 
Madhu, is coming to Hastinapura. He is the Lord of all creatures, and on Him 
rests the creation, maintenance and destruction of this universe. Indeed, 
intelligence, prowess, wisdom and energy all reside in this best among men. 
If He is worshiped, he is sure to bestow happiness, and if He is not 
worshiped, He is sure to be the cause of our suffering. If He is pleased 
with us, then all our plans will fructify. Let us immediately make 
arrangements for His reception. Pavilions should be set up along the road, 
furnished with every object of enjoyment. O Duryodhana, carry out this 
order, and all our desires will be fulfilled." Following the instructions of 
the King, Duryodhana made arrangements for many pavilions to be erected 
along the road to Hastinapura. They were decorated with garlands, pictures, 
costly silks, and rugs of the finest quality. The finest foods were 
prepared, and the finest drinks were set aside for Lord Krishna. It was 
opulence on the level of the heavenly denizens and was meant to bring the 
Lord of the Universe to the Kaurava's side. However, the Supreme 
Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, did not even cast His glance upon the 
arrangements of Duryodhana. He stopped at intervals of His Own choosing, and 
very soon He arrived at Hastinapura.

Before the arrival of Lord Krishna, King Dhritarastra called for Vidura and 
said to him, "O Vidura, Janardana will soon be in Hastinapura. I propose to 
worship Him with all the opulence that I can afford. I will give Him 
sixteen golden chariots drawn by the finest horses. I will bestow upon Him 
eight elephants with large white tusks. I will give Him one hundred 
maidservants with golden complexions. I will offer Him eighteen thousand 
woolen blankets, soft to the touch and a thousand deerskins brought from 
China. Duhshasana's abode, which is more opulent than Duryodhana's, should 
be cleansed and prepared for His use. All the citizens of Hastinapura should 
go out of the city to greet Lord Krishna. Bhishma, Drona, as well as my sons 
may also go out of the city to offer greetings to the universal Lord."

"I do not think that you have adopted the path of sincerity," Vidura 
replied. "Do not, from stupidity, cause the destruction of your family 
members. You desire to give this small token of wealth to Krishna, but He 
deserves this and much more. I can understand that you don't wish to give 
this opulence out of a motive to please Him. Behind this gift is deception, 
falsehood and insincerity. These external acts have revealed your real 
intention. The Pandavas desire five villages, but you don't want to give 
them even that. You want to win over the Lord of the Yadu dynasty to your 
own side by means of wealth. You want to separate Krishna from the Pandavas. 
I will tell you, however, that you will be unable, by wealth, or attention, 
or worship, to separate Lord Krishna from Dhananjaya. Keshava will accept 
from you only a vessel of water for washing His feet and inquiries about His 
welfare. Other than this, He will not accept your hospitality, for it is 
saturated with deception. If you actually want to please Krishna, then you 
should give him what He has come for. After receiving the kingdom due to the 
Pandavas, He will accept all that you offer Him."

In the presence of Bhishma, Drona, Dhritarastra, Vidura and others, the 
wicked Duryodhana expressed his ill motivated desire, "I can by no means 
share my wealth with the Pandavas. This is my final decision. Tomorrow, I 
will imprison Krishna when He comes to our court. When He is confined within 
the walls of the palace, the Vrishnis and the Pandavas, as well as the whole 
world, will submit to me. We should carry out this plan in such a way that 
Krishna will not suspect our intentions."

Responding to the foolish son of Dhritarastra, the grandsire of the Kuru 
dynasty, Bhishma angrily addressed Dhritarastra, "Your wicked son, O 
Dhritarastra, will soon experience death. He disregards our advice and is 
paving his way toward hellish life. You are also following his path for you 
allow him to carry out these plans without restraining him. If out of 
stupidity this imbecile tries to capture Krishna, he will be destroyed in a 
moment. I will not listen anymore to the words of this foolish person who 
has abandoned all virtue." Bhishma then rose from his seat and left the 
assembly inflamed with rage.

It was then announced that Lord Krishna was nearing the city of elephants. 
All of Dhritarastra's sons except Duryodhana went out of the city to greet 
him. Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and others also went out to offer a fine 
reception. Citizens by the thousands came out of the city to glance upon the 
radiant features of the Supreme Person. There was not one citizen who 
remained inside his home when he heard that Lord Krishna had entered 
Hastinapura. The people bowed their heads unto the slayer of the Madhu 
demon, and those who could not see the Lord from the ground, ascended to the 
tops of the mansions to gaze upon the faultless features of the Lord of all 
creation. They ladies showered upon Him flowers of every description and 
embraced the transcendental form of the Lord within core of their hearts to 
their full satisfaction.

Lord Krishna then entered the ash colored palace of Dhritarastra and came 
into to the beautifully decorated imperial court where the numerous Kings 
and princes were assembled. The blind monarch stood up along with Bhishma, 
Drona, Kripa and Somadatta. Lord Krishna greeted the kings according to 
seniority in years. He was then offered a spacious golden seat, set with 
multicolored jewels, which, at the request of Dhritarastra, Lord Achyuta sat 
down. Lord Krishna remained there for sometime, laughing and joking with the 
Kurus, according to their relationship with Him.

After bestowing His association upon the Karuavas, Lord Krishna left their 
association and went to the abode of Vidura. Vidura was overwhelmed with 
ecstacy and worshiped Lord Krishna with every auspicious article he had in 
his possession. While massaging the lotus feet of the Lord, Vidura praised 
Lord Krishna, "I cannot express, O lotus-eyed one, the joy I feel since You 
have entered my home. You are the inner soul of all creatures and the Lord 
of all creations. My home has certainly become blessed by Your auspicious 
presence. Appearing in the Yadu dynasty like an ordinary person, You are 
bewildering everyone with Your internal potency. It is a great wonder, my 
Lord, that these fools do not recognize your exalted position. My Lord, I 
pray that I may always be engaged in Your pure devotional service, and that 
I may never forget You at any time." Lord Krishna smilingly accepted 
Vidura's prayers, and they then talked about the situation at hand. Later in 
the afternoon, Krishna visited Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. He offered 
His respects to His aunt who had suffered so much on account of Duryodhana's 
atrocities. He informed Kunti of her son's welfare and gave her all messages 
from them.

After pacifying His aunt, He went to Duryodhana's palace. The Supreme 
Personality of Godhead entered the palace of Dhritarastra's son and saw him 
seated on a throne surrounded by a thousand kings. He saw Duhshasana, Karna 
and Shakuni seated near the King, and as He approached, they all rose from 
their seats and greeted Him. They offered Him a opulent golden throne 
covered with the finest cloth. They offered the Supreme Personality of 
Godhead many auspicious gifts and a bounty of wealth. Then Duryodhana 
invited Lord Krishna to dine at his palace, but Krishna did not accept the 
invitation. The Kuru King inquired from Lord Krishna with sweet words, which 
were simply a front for deception and wickedness, "Why, O Janardana, have 
you not accepted the hospitality that is being offered You. You are kind to 
both the Pandavas and the Kurus. Therefore, please accept our worship."

"At the present moment, O King," Lord Krishna replied, "you have not 
inspired me with love. Without any reason you have, from the moment of your 
birth, been envious of the Pandavas, who are endowed with all magnificent 
qualities. Who, indeed, could do them the least injury? He who hates them, 
hates Me; he who loves them also loves Me. Know that the Pandavas and Myself 
are like a common soul. That wrathful, uncontrolled person who hates and 
seeks to injure those who are pious, can never enjoy prosperity in this 
life. He, however, who tries to win over, by good intentions, persons 
endowed with good qualities, even though he is adverse to them in his heart, 
enjoys prosperity in this life. All these offerings are contaminated by 
sinful intentions, and I will not accept them. The food supplied by Vidura 
is the only food fit to be eaten."

After saying this, Lord Krishna rose from His seat and left Duryodhana's 
Palace which was like unto a pit of snakes. He made His way to the abode of 
Vidura and took His meals there. While Lord Krishna was staying there, 
Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and Bahlika came and requested Him in the following 
words, "O best of the Vrishni race, we place at your disposal all our 
mansions, as well as the wealth in them." However, Lord Krishna did not 
accept their offers and sent them away with kind words. Lord Krishna and 
Vidura then spent the rest of the night, discussing about the future of the 
Pandavas and the chances of a peace proposal.

In the morning Lord Krishna mounted His chariot, and followed by Vidura, 
Satyaki, Kritavarman and others, made his way to the palace of King 
Dhritarastra. Upon entering the palace, he was greeted by the assembled 
kings and given an ornately opulent seat especially made for Him. When Lord 
Krishna was seated, the great rishis descended from the heavens and arrived 
at the palace gate. They were escorted into the palace and offered elegant 
sitting places and duly worshiped. The assembly consisted of King 
Dhritarastra, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Drona's son, Duryodhana, Duhshasana, 
and the other brothers, Salya, Karna, Shakuni and the other Kings who were 
to fight for the cause of Duryodhana. Vidura was given a special seat next 
to Lord Krishna. All the Kings and rishis in that assembly had their eyes 
fixed on the transcendental form of Lord Krishna, and so breath taking was 
that form, that they could not take their eyes away. Even though they drank 
Lord Krishna's divine form through their eyes, they were not satiated with 
their repeated gazing.

After Lord Krishna had taken His seat and glanced over all the assembled 
Princes and Kings, there was complete silence in the imperial court. Then 
Lord Krishna, whose voice was as deep as that of a drum, spoke to King 
Dhritarastra the following words, "In order that peace may be established in 
the world, O Bharata, I have come to this city. Your race, owing to its 
learning and behavior, is most distinguished among the royal dynasties. Joy 
in seeing others happy, unhappiness at the sight of other's sorrow, 
sincerity, forgiveness, and truthfulness,Åthese qualities, O Bharata, 
prevail amongst the Kurus. Since you are the chief of the Kuru dynasty, you 
should be the first to restrain one who does not show these virtues. You 
should know that those wicked sons of yours, headed by Duryodhana, have 
abandoned virtue, morality and religionÅfor they behave inimically towards 
their relatives, the Pandavas. If you are indifferent to your son's actions, 
it will cause the destruction, of not only your dynasty, but the destruction 
of all the warrior races of the world. The establishment of peace depends on 
our joint decision, O descendent of Bharata. If you correct your sons, then 
they must obey your commands, and if I give orders to the Pandavas, then 
they will obey My command. If you are backed by the mighty Pandavas, then 
who in the three worlds could defeat you. If Pandu's sons and your sons are 
united, then there is no power on this earth that can destroy them. There 
will be no profit if all the earthly kings are destroyed. There will be no 
profit if your sons lie prostrate on the battlefield, their life 
extinguished from their bodies. Yudhisthira has tolerated untold injustices 
from your sons. Duryodhana has tried to burn them to death in a house of 
lac. He has humiliated them and stolen their wealth at a deceitful gambling 
match. He has tried to unclothe their beloved queen, and this is all with 
your consent. Still, Yudhisthira is desiring a peaceful solution. It is your 
duty to give back to the Pandavas the kingdom that is theirs, and thus put a 
halt to the massacre of the world's population. The decision is yours. The 
sons of Pandu are ready to act as your obedient order carriers, or they are 
prepared to fight. Everything depends on you."

After Lord Krishna had spoken words conducive to the Kaurava's benefit, the 
great sage Parashurama also spoke words of wisdom for Duryodhana and his 
followers. The great sage Narada then spoke as well as the rishi Kanva. 
Bhishma, Drona and Vidura also spoke in favor of peace, and after hearing 
all the good council, Dhritarastra said, "O Keshava, the advice You have 
given is beneficial for the whole world. The great sages and the Kuru elders 
have spoken the same words of wisdom. I am not, however, independent. 
Duryodhana never follows the instructions I give to him. Please, therefore, 
persuade my son whose heart is full of sinful desires. Direct Your good 
counsel to him, so that his heart may change and our dynasty saved."

Lord Krishna, the Supreme Authority for all living beings, then glanced 
upon the unscrupulous son of Dhritarastra and advised him as follows, "O 
Duryodhana, listen to My counsel which is meant for your welfare and those 
that follow you. You are born in a superior dynasty which is known for its 
wisdom. Those who are born of wicked families have sons that are cruel and 
shameless. How is it that you are acting like a low born person? Persistence 
in such behavior is sinful, frightful, wicked and leads one to premature 
death. If you want to adopt a behavior that is worthy of your race, then 
make peace with the great and mighty sons of Pandu. This will please your 
father, as well as the Kuru elders headed by Bhishma. One who accepts the 
counsel of his elders, which is principled and virtuous, attains a higher 
destination after this life. One, who does not follow good counsel and 
follows the dictates of fools, never gains happiness in this world. You have 
persecuted the sons of Pandu from your birth, although they have never acted 
as aggressors toward you. All the kings present in this assembly are 
incapable of facing Bhima, when provoked, on the field of battle. You have 
in your following, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa, Bhurisrava, Somadatta, 
Ashvatthama, and Jayadratha. All these great warriors taken together are 
incapable of fighting against Dhananjaya. Indeed, Arjuna cannot be defeated 
by all the heavenly lords combined. Do not set your heart on battle. Do you 
remember at Khandavaprastha when Arjuna defeated in battle all the gods, 
asuras and Gandharvas? Do you not remember when Partha encountered the Kuru 
host at the city of Virata and the consequences? Arjuna has even satisfied 
Lord Shiva in battle. With Myself driving his chariot, who will be able to 
face him in battle? Therefore, do not extinguish the Bharata dynasty. Live 
in peace by making a lasting agreement with the Pandavas. Give them the half 
of the kingdom they deserve and live in peace with your relatives." 
Supporting Lord Krishna's counsel, Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and Dhritarastra 
gave instructions to Duryodhana requesting peace.

When silence fell on the imperial court, all eyes were focused on 
Duryodhana. All the advice offered was unpleasant to him, and he replied to 
Lord Krishna as follows, "You should not talk, O Keshava, until you have 
reflected on all circumstances. Indeed, you are uttering harsh words and 
finding fault in me alone without considering the faults of Pandu's sons. 
Yourself, Bhishma, Drona Vidura, and my father are chastising me, but I do 
not find the slightest fault in myself. All of you hate me without reason. O 
mighty armed Krishna, I do not, even after reflection, find any grave fault 
in myself. I can not even find any fault however small. The Pandavas 
joyfully accepted the gambling match, and according to the conditions, they 
went to the forest. For what reason do the Pandavas accept us as enemies? 
How will it be possible for them to kill in battle Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and 
Karna, whom even the demigods cannot defeat? O slayer of Madhu, if we are 
vanquished in battle, then the doors to the heavenly planets will be open to 
us. We will gladly accept a bed of flowers rather than bow down to the sons 
of Pandu. That share of the kingdom which was formerly given by my father 
shall never be given again as long as I live. I will not give unto the 
Pandavas as much land as to drive the point of a needle."

Hearing these portentous words from the irrational son of Dhritarastra, 
Lord Krishna calmly replied, "If it is your desire to die on a battlefield, 
then that desire shall be fulfilled. You will lay on the hard ground 
surrounded by your ministers, brothers and friends. For the injustices you 
have inflicted on the Pandavas, your whole dynasty will be decimated. You 
have tried to kill the Pandavas by poison, by fire, and by gambling. You 
have insulted their wife in an assembly of learned men, and you have 
attempted to insult them while in the forest. For these vile sins your whole 
family will be incinerated like trees in a forest fire."

Hearing the prophetic words of Lord Krishna, Duryodhana, who was wicked, 
cruel, sinful and arrogant, rose up from his seat and left the assembly 
hall. Lord Krishna then instructed the Kuru elders, "All the Kuru family 
members seem to possess the same mentality, or else why don't you bind this 
iniquitous person and kill him. I think the time has come for this. In order 
to save the Bhoja dynasty from the hands of the sinful Kamsa, I killed him, 
and again enthroned his father Ugrasena. By killing a single person, the 
whole dynasty has now prospered. To save the Kuru dynasty from extinction, 
you should seize Duryodhana, Karna, Shakuni and Duhshasana. Binding them 
with ropes, you should hand them over to the Pandavas. Do not allow the 
whole warrior race to be slaughtered on one person's account."

When Duryodhana left the assembly, he began to consult with the fiendish 
Shakuni, "The killer of Madhu seeks with Dhritarastra and Bhishma to bind 
us and turn us over to the Pandavas. We, however, shall seize Him first and 
throw Him in prison. When the Pandavas have heard that Keshava has been 
taken prisoner, they will lose their spirit, and in that condition, it will 
be easy to kill them. Therefore, disregarding my father's protests, let us 
capture Devaki's son in the presence of all."

When those unscrupulous demons had resolved to carry out their fool hearty 
plan, Satyaki came to know of it, for he can read the heart of any man. He 
ordered Kritavarman to array his troops outside the palace and be ready for 
action. Then, entering the court, he informed Lord Krishna, Dhritarastra 
and Vidura of the sinister plot. Duryodhana soon entered the court intending 
to carry out his foolish plan. Seeing him coming, Lord Krishna, the Supreme 
Master of all mystics, addressed him, "From illusion, O Duryodhana, you 
think Me alone, and therefore, desire to make Me a prisoner. Here, however, 
are all the Pandavas, the Vrishnis and the Andhakas. Here are all the 
Adityas, the Rudras and the Vasus." Saying this, Lord Krishna burst into a 
loud laughter. From His body came, like a river, the host of heavenly lords, 
each appearing like lightning. From His forehead appeared the four headed 
Brahma, and from His chest appeared Lord Shiva. From His arms appeared the 
great kings of the world. From His mouth, like fire, appeared Agni, the 
Adityas, the Sadhyas, the Vasus, the Asvins, the Marutas, with Indra and the 
Visvadevas. From Lord Krishna's two arms came Lord Balarama and Arjuna. 
Arjuna stood on His right, with Gandiva in hand and Balarama on His left 
with the club and plough in hand. Behind Him stood Yudhisthira, Nakula and 
Sahadeva. Before Lord Krishna stood the Yadus, headed by Pradyumna, all with 
upraised weapons. Lord Krishna manifested manifold arms, each with a weapon 
shining with great radiance. From His eyes, nose and ears came sparks of 
fire like the the rays of the sun. Duryodhana could not look upon this 
supremely effulgent form, and all the Kings closed their eyes out of fear. 
Only Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and the sages present were able to behold this 
divine manifestation of the universal form. From the firmament the heavenly 
denizens showered flowers, and the sounds of kettledrums and conches sounded 
in all directions. When all the earthly Kings had been bewildered, Lord 
Krishna withdrew His universal form. Then, accompanied by Satyaki and 
Kritavarman, He walked past the stupid Duryodhana and left Dhritarastra's 
palace. All the Kuru elders followed Him to His chariot, and upon ascending 
it, Lord Krishna again advised them, "You have witnessed how the uncivilized 
son of Dhritarastra has ignored the advice given to him. What is there left 
to say? Prepare yourselves for war. With your permission, I shall now return 
to Yudhisthira." Lord Krishna then left the palace grounds and headed for 
Vidura's residence.

That day Gandhari called for Duryodhana and requested him, "My dear son, 
since you will not change your mind and make peace, your death on the 
battlefield is certain. Tomorrow I want you to come here completely naked. 
By the power of my chastity, I will protect your body from the attack of any 
weapon."

The next day Duryodhana was walking toward his mother's quarters, when, 
suddenly, Lord Krishna appeared before him. "Why, O Duryodhana, are you 
naked?"

Somewhat embarrassed, Duryodhana replied, "My mother has asked me to come 
to her quarters completely naked."

"You should at least wear some loincloth while in public," Lord Krishna 
said.

Duryodhana then put on a loin cloth and entered his mother's apartments. 
"Mother, I have come as you have requested," Duryodhana announced. Gandhari 
then lifted her blindfold and for the first time since her marriage to 
Dhritarastra, she could see. However, when she saw the loincloth on 
Duryodhana, she exclaimed, "I have told you to come here naked. I could only 
protect that part of the body that was not clothed."

"On the way here," Duryodhana said, "I met Krishna, and He asked me to wear 
this loincloth." Gandhari could then understand that Lord Krishna's plan 
was supreme and nothing could change the destiny of her son.



Thus Ends the Third Chapter of the Udyoga Parva , entitled, Lord Krishna 
Instructs the Assembly of Kings.



Chapter Commentary



This chapter is very instructive on the quality of pure devotion. Lord 
Krishna went to Hastinapura to make peace. Duryodhana's plan was to induce 
Lord Krishna to take his side. He want to alure the Lord with material 
comforts. However, Lord Krishna is not attracted to material benefits for he 
already owns all material things. He, therefore, rejected Duryodhana's 
offers and went to the house of Vidura where there was pure devotion. This 
example should be instructive to us that we cannot buy Lord Krishna with 
material things. All we can do is saturate our offering with as much love 
and devotion as we have. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-gita, bhaktya mam 
abhijanati, yavan yas casmi tattvatah, tato mam tattvato jnatva, visate 
tad-anantaram, "One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of 
Godhead, only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness 
by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God." (B.g. 18.55)

Duryodhana was so foolish that even after seeing a display of the universal 
form, which was meant for his benefit, he still could not accept Lord 
Krishna's instructions. The nature of demons is that they will never accept 
good counsel. Duryodhana's mentality was leading him to a hellish condition. 
It is the duty of everyone to control lust, anger and greed. Lord Krishna 
advises this in Bhagavad-gita, tri-vidham narakasyedam, dvaram nasanam 
atmanah, kamahkrodhas tatha lobhas, tasmad etat trayam tyajet, "There are 
three gates leading to this hellÅlust, anger and greed. Every sane man 
should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul." (B.g. 
16.22)

One may ask why Bhishma, Drona or Kripa did not try to stop Duryodhana from 
his folly? Lord Krishna gave them direct instructions to bind Duryodhana 
and turn him over to the Pandavas or kill him. Bhishma was a great devotee, 
a mahajana, so why didn't he follow the Lord's instructions? Aren't pure 
devotees always subordinate to the will of the Lord? The answer is yes; pure 
devotees are always under yogamaya, and therefore, it must be seen that 
Bhishma and other Kuru elders, who were devotees, were bewildered and could 
not act because of yogamaya. In other words the Lord's mission was to reduce 
the military burden of the world, and if Bhishma and the others had acted, 
then the battle of Kurukshetra would have never taken place.





Udyoga Parva



Chapter Four



Karna is Offered Kingship of the World



Before leaving Hastinapura, Lord Krishna took Karna, the son of Radha, on 
His chariot and spoke with him concerning his birth. Lord Krishna revealed 
the truth to him, "O son of Radha, you have worshiped the brahmanas who have 
realized the truth of the Vedas. Therefore, you know what is the Vedic 
conclusion regarding the birth of a child. In the past you have not known 
who your real mother was. This remains a mystery to you. Actually you were 
born to Kunti before her marriage to Pandu. Your father is the sun god. The 
daughter of Surasena had received a benediction from Durvasa Muni that she 
could call any heavenly lord from the higher planets to conceive a child. In 
her youthful innocence, she called for the sun god, and because the mantra 
could not prove fruitless, a child was conceived. Out of fear that she would 
never be able to marry, she placed the child in a basket and cast it afloat 
on the Ganges. Thus, you are actually known as Kaunteya. The Pandavas are, 
in reality, your younger brothers. If you come to their side, they will bow 
at your feet, and you will become the emperor of the world. When you are 
coronated as King of the earth, Yudhisthira will stand behind you in your 
chariot. Bhimasena will hold the royal umbrella over your head, and Arjuna 
will hold the reins of the chariot. Nakula and Sahadeva, as well as 
Draupadi's five sons, will walk behind you. Let the Pandavas proclaim, 
§Victory to Vasusena.' Surrounded by the Pandavas, you will appear like your 
father, the sun god, followed by his many assistants."

Bewildered upon hearing the shocking facts from Lord Krishna, Karna did not 
reply, but contemplated the words spoken to him. After a few moments of 
silence, Karna said, "Without a doubt, O Keshava, I believe that your words 
are truth. From the moral and Vedic understanding, I am the son of Kunti by 
the Sun god, Vivasvan. I can understand that from the command of Surya, 
Kunti was forced to abandon me in the Ganges. This is certainly my past 
history. Why was she so cruel as to have abandoned me in the Ganges to die? 
What kind of mother is this? When I was found in the Ganges by Adiratha and 
Radha, they took me into their home and cared for me. Out of affection for 
me, Radha's breast filled with milk, and she cleaned the urine and stool 
from my body. My father, Adhiratha, caused all the purificatory performances 
to be performed by qualified brahmanas. Thus they bestowed upon me the name 
Vasusena. I have married wives according to his selection, and by them I now 
have sons and grandsons. O Krishna, my bonds of affection and love are fixed 
on them. O Govinda, I cannot destroy this affection by means of gold or the 
whole earth. Duryodhana has been kind to me all these years, and I have 
shared his kingdom for the last thirteen years. How can I give him up? If I 
become victorious in battle, then I shall hand over this kingdom to 
Duryodhana. Without doubt, O slayer of Madhu, You have given me good advice. 
With You on the chariot of Arjuna, there will be little chance of our 
victory. If Yudhisthira comes to know that I am the first born son of Kunti, 
he will not accept the throne. With You as his guide, he is fit to rule this 
world, assisted by Arjuna and Bhimasena. For the offense I committed in the 
gambling match to my younger brothers and their queen, I shall lay on the 
battlefield slain by Arjuna. I shall witness the second son of Pandu, 
Bhimasena, drink the blood of Duhshasana on the field of battle. Those great 
heroes of the Kuru race, Bhishma and Drona, shall fall from their chariots, 
slain by the sons of Drupada, Shikhandin and Dhristadyumna. Before the end 
of this great struggle for lordship of the earth, everyone will witness 
Duryodhana slain by Bhima's mace. All these calamities will surely take 
place in the subsequent clash of dynasties.

"I pray to you, O Hrishikesha, that the warriors of the royal dynasties 
perish honorably. Let them die on the most sacred of places, Kurukshetra. 
The achievements accomplished on this battlefield shall open the heavenly 
realms for those who die on this hallowed ground. As long as the rivers, 
hills and mountains last, so will the brahmanas recite this great warfare of 
the Bharatas. The fame achieved in this battle will be the only wealth that 
the kshatriyas will obtain. O Keshava, bring Kunti's son, Arjuna, before me 
in combat, and keep our discussion a secret forever."

Lord Krishna then instructed Karna, "When you return, say unto Bhishma, 
Drona and Kripa, that the present month is a pleasurable one. It is spring 
time, and there are ample fruits and vegetables. The roads are dry, and it 
is neither too hot nor too cold. Seven days after today is the new moon. Let 
the battle commence on that day. Speak unto all the kings who have sided 
with Duryodhana. Tell them that I will fulfill all their desires. When they 
obtain death by the Pandava's weapons, they will attain the heavenly realm."

"Without doubt, O Krishna," Karna replied, "a mammoth and ferocious war 
will take place which will bloody the entire earth. O slayer of Madhu, I see 
evil omens for the Kurus and auspicious ones for the Pandavas. O descendent 
of the Vrishni dynasty, that vindictive planet of great effulgence, Saturn, 
is afflicting the constellation Rohini. This will cause suffering to the 
living entities of this earth. The planet Mars is heading toward the 
constellations Anuradhas and Jeshthya, indicating a great slaughter of 
friends. The planet Mahapat is afflicting the constellation Chitra, and Rahu 
is attacking the sun. They say that the appearance of these evil portents 
produces a great carnage. All the auspicious birds like the swans, peacocks 
and cranes are following the Pandavas, while vultures, hawks and crows 
follow the chariot of Duryodhana. The gods are showering flesh and blood 
upon the followers of Duryodhana, and a black circle is appearing about the 
sun globe. The jackals are howling and fierce birds utter terrible cries. 
These omens indicate the downfall of the Kauravas and victory for the 
Pandavas.

"I have seen a vision of Yudhisthira ascending to a palace supported by a 
thousand columns. His brothers were accompanying him, and they were all 
dressed in white robes. I have also seen the sons of Dhritarastra, along 
with myself, headed for Yamaraja's abode. I have no doubt that the warriors 
aligned with Duryodhana shall have to enter the fire of the Gandiva bow."

"The destruction of the world is at hand, Lord Krishna prophesied, when My 
words do not become acceptable to the heart. When the destruction of human 
life approaches, men take right for wrong and wrong for right."

"If, O Krishna," Karna replied, "I live through this great battle, then we 
shall meet here again. Otherwise, O Hrishikesha, we shall certainly meet in 
mystical worlds above. O sinless one, I think this is the only way we shall 
meet again." Saying this much, Karna embraced Lord Krishna, and ascending 
his own chariot, he returned to the presence of Duryodhana, feeling 
exceedingly disheartened. Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, 
having finished his business on behalf of King Yudhisthira, then left 
Hastinapura and returned to the city of Upaplavya.

Upon the failing to obtain peace, Vidura, quite saddened by the attitude of 
Duryodhana, approached Kunti to tell her what had happened. He informed 
her, "Lord Krishna, as well as the Kuru elders, have failed to obtain peace. 
The wicked Duryodhana, Shakuni, Duhshasana and Karna are intoxicated with 
pride. When Krishna returns, without being able to effect peace, the 
Pandavas will certainly ready themselves for combat. Reflecting on all this, 
I cannot sleep day or night."

"Our grandsire, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, does not want war," Kunti 
replied. "I also know that the preceptor, Drona, shows more affection for 
the Pandavas than even his own son. The deceitful Duryodhana, Duhshasana, 
Shakuni and Karna are the only ones who despise my sons. Out of all of them, 
Karna is especially powerful. I shall go to him, today, and disclose the 
truth about his birth." Kunti the related to Vidura how Karna was born from 
her womb by the sun god, Vivasvan. She told him everything about the 
benediction from Durvasa; how she set the newborn child in a basket, and let 
the child float down the river Ganges. She then said, "Because he is my son, 
why should he not follow my orders?" Kunti then decided to go to the banks 
of the Ganges and petition her son with parental words.

Having reached the sacred Ganges, Kunti saw her son, Karna, sitting in 
meditation and performing his daily worship. She stayed behind him till he 
had completed his prayers. When Karna felt the warmth of the sun's rays, he 
turned around and saw Kunti standing between himself and the sun. He was 
surprised to see such a women, and he greeted her with joined palms. He 
said, "I am Karna, the son of Radha and Adhiratha. For what reason have you 
come here? Tell me what I can offer you, for I am a bestower of charity?"

Kunti then disclosed to Karna the truth of his birth, "You are not actually 
the son of Radha and Adhiratha. Your birth is divine. You are not a suta by 
birth. Your real father is the sun god whom you worship daily, and I am 
your mother." Kunti was standing in the rays of the sun and Karna could not 
distinguish who she was. He therefore questioned her, "Who are you?"

"I am Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas." Kunti replied. "You are my first 
born son before my marriage to Pandu. Because of the shame of begetting a 
son while still not married, I had set you afloat on the waters of the 
Ganges. Your brothers are the Pandavas. It is time to take your place next 
to your brothers, and conquering the Kurus, enthrone yourself as King. 
Today, you can embrace your younger brother Arjuna and become the best of 
friends. If you two are united, there is nothing in this world that you will 
not accomplish."

After Kunti had spoken, a celestial voice from the solar orb spoke, "The 
words spoken by Pritha are, indeed, true. O Karna, my son, act according to 
the instructions of your real mother. O tiger among men, you will benefit 
unlimitedly if you take your stand with the pious sons of Pandu."

 When Karna had heard the advice of his real mother and father, he did not 
 waver from his position and spoke to her, "O blessed lady, I cannot agree 
 with your statement that to obey your commands is the my highest duty. O 
 mother, I was abandoned by you as soon as I was born. This stain of my 
 birth, being recognized as the son of a suta, has darkened my achievements. 
 I could have died within the river after you set me afloat. If, indeed, I 
 am a kshatriya then I have been deprived of these rights by your neglect. 
 What enemy would have done me a greater injury? Without showing mercy to me 
 by performing my birth rites, you have abandoned me, and now, today, you 
 would have me follow your command? Before today you never sought my welfare 
 as a mother. Why are you now soliciting me except to benefit yourself. If I 
 go to the side of the Pandavas, everyone will think that I have gone 
 because of cowardice. If I take up the your son's cause, then all will 
 consider I have done so for my personal fame, leaving aside my friendship 
 with Duryodhana. Your instructions, however beneficial, I cannot obey. Your 
 request, however, will not prove to be fruitless. I will promise you, 
 though able to kill all your sons except Arjuna, I will not do so. Arjuna, 
 alone, I will fight with, and killing him or being killed by him, I will 
 achieve lasting fame. O blessed lady, the number of your sons will always 
 remain not less than five. Either I will be killed by Arjuna, or Arjuna 
 will be slain in battle."

Hearing these words, Kunti, who was trembling from grief, embraced her son 
who remained unmoved by the emotion of his real mother. She then requested, 
"O my son, you have granted to four of your brothers the assurance of 
safety. Please remember this promise at the time of the battle."

Karna replied, "Let it be so." Kunti then left her son at the bank of the 
Ganges and returned to her own apartments.



Thus Ends the Fourth Chapter of the Udyoga Parva, Entitled, Karna is 
offered Kingship of the World.



Udyoga Parva



Chapter Five



The Colossal Armies Moved to Kurukshetra



After Lord Krishna had left Hastinapura, Dhritarastra invited Vidura for 
consultation. "O pious Vidura, you always contemplate our family's welfare. 
Now that Duryodhana has defied Lord Krishna's orders, what should be our 
next course of action."

"Your dynasty is doomed!" Vidura replied, "Why do you inquire after already 
being instructed by the Lord of all creation, Lord Sri Krishna? O King, You 
must now return the legitimate share to King Yudhisthira, who has no 
enemies and who has been forbearing through untold sufferings due to your 
offenses. He is waiting with his younger brothers, among whom is the 
revengeful Bhima, breathing heavily like a snake. Surely you are afraid of 
him. Lord Krishna, the Personality of Godhead, has accepted the sons of 
Pritha as His kinsmen, and all the kings of the world are with Lord Sri 
Krishna. He is present in His home with all His family members, the Kings 
and princes of the Yadu dynasty, who have conquered a unlimited number of 
rulers, and He is their Lord. You are maintaining offense personified, 
Duryodhana, as your infallible son, but he is envious of Lord Krishna. And 
because you are thus maintaining a nondevotee of Krishna, you are devoid of 
all auspicious qualities. Relieve yourself of this ill fortune as soon as 
possible and do good to the whole family!"

While speaking thus, Vidura, whose personal character was esteemed by 
respectable persons, was insulted by Duryodhana, who was swollen with anger 
and whose lips were trembling. Duryodhana was in company with Karna, his 
younger brothers, and his maternal uncle Shakuni. The wicked son of 
Dhritarastra spoke harshly to the gentle Vidura, "Who asked him to come 
here, this son of a kept mistress? He is so crooked that he spies in the 
interest of the enemy against those on whose support he has grown up. Toss 
him out of the palace immediately and leave him with only his breath."

 Thus being pierced by arrows through his ears and afflicted to the core of 
 his heart, Vidura placed his bow on the door and quit his brother's 
 palace. He was not sorry, for he considered the act of the external energy 
 to be supreme. He left Hastinapura to travel on pilgrimage. He did not want 
 to see the outcome of the fratricidal war.

By his piety, Vidura achieved the advantages of the pious Kauravas. After 
leaving Hastinapura, he took shelter of many places of pilgrimages, which 
are the Lord's lotus feet. With a desire to gain a high order of pious life, 
he traveled to holy places where thousand of transcendental forms of the 
Lord are situated. He began to travel alone, thinking only of Krishna, 
through various holy places like Ayodhya, Dvaraka and Mathura. He traveled 
where the air, hill, orchard, river and lake are all pure and sinless and 
where the forms of the Unlimited decorate the temples. Thus he performed the 
pilgrim's progress. While so traversing the earth, he simply performed 
duties to please the Supreme Lord Hari. His occupation was pure and 
independent. He was constantly sanctified by taking his bath in holy places, 
although he was in the dress of a mendicant with hair matted and no bed on 
which to lie. Thus he was always unseen by his various relatives. On the 
bank of the River Sarasvati there are eleven places of pilgrimage, namely, 
Trita, Usana, Manu, Prithu, Agni, Asita, Vayu, Sudasa, Go, Guha and 
Sraddhadeva. Vidura visited all of them and duly performed rituals. There 
were also many other temples of various forms of the Supreme Personality of 
Godhead Vishnu, established by great sages and demigods. These temples were 
marked with the chief emblems of the Lord, and they reminded one always of 
the original Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna. While traveling on 
pilgrimage, Vidura met the great devotee, Maitreya and received 
transcendental knowledge from him. Thus he attained the lotus feet of the 
Lord, the aspiration of all liberated persons.

When Lord Krishna had returned to Upaplavya from Hastinapura, He gave to 
the Pandavas all messages. Lord Krishna related to them how Bhishma, Drona, 
Kripa, Vidura, and Dhritarastra had requested peace. He also informed them 
of Gandhari's plea for peace to her son Duryodhana. Krishna then explained 
how the foolish Duryodhana had rejected all peace proposals and walked out 
of the assembly. He also explained to the Pandavas how He revealed the 
divine manifestation of Visvarupa and still the sinful Duryodhana could not 
be brought to a peaceful settlement. Lord Krishna then informed them, "I 
asked for the minimum of five villages to settle the quarrel, but still that 
wicked soul would not part with that share. I can, therefore, see that 
chastisement, and nothing else, is the means to destroy their false pride. 
Indeed, all those kings followed by their massive armies are on the march to 
Kurukshetra. They will not, O son of Pandu, give back your kingdom without 
battle."

Hearing the ominous words of Lord Krishna, Maharaja Yudhisthira addressed 
his brothers, "You have heard what has taken place in the court of the 
assembled Kurus. O best of men, let us take our army to the Holy Kurukshetra 
field and arrange them in proper formation. We now have seven akshauhini 
divisions of troops assembled for victory. The names of the leaders of these 
seven divisions are Drupada, Virata, Dhristadyumna, Sikhandin, Satyaki, 
Chekitana and Bhimasena. All of them are seasoned veterans of war and mature 
in the use of weapons. Please tell us Sahadeva, who amongst the great 
warriors is fit to be the commander in chief of this vast army."

"That person who is closely related to us," Sahadeva replied, "and who is 
skilled in the use of weapons and irresistible in battle, should be our 
commander. I am referring to the King of the Matsyas, Virata. Relying on 
him, we will certainly regain our lost kingdom. He will be able to contend 
in battle the mighty Bhishma and the other great chariot fighters."

After Sahadeva had spoken, Nakula gave his opinion, "I think that person 
who is endowed with respectability, strength, prosperity, and knowledge of 
the scriptures should be our leader. There are many here who fit these 
qualifications. However, that bull among men, Drupada, our father in law, 
who seeks to challenge Drona and Bhishma, should be our leader."

After the two sons of Madri had given their opinion, Arjuna spoke to 
Yudhisthira as follows, "That person of celestial birth, who was born from 
the sacrificial fire along with weapons and chariot, and who was born to 
conquer Drona should be our leader. I am referring to Dhristadyumna, the son 
of Drupada. He is a experienced general of weapons, warfare and the 
different kinds of formations necessary to defeat the opposing enemy. He 
will surely conquer Bhishma and Drona in battle and bring us victory."

Bhima then gave his assessment, "In my opinion, the son of Drupada, 
Sikhandin, who was conceived for killing Bhishma, is the most qualified 
person to be our leader. While releasing weapons in battle, he resembles 
Lord Ramachandra Himself. I do not see any other person who can challenge 
grandfather Bhishma in battle and kill him. It is for this reason that he 
should be chosen as our commander in chief."

King Yudhisthira then gave his opinion, "O assembled heroes, the strength 
and weakness of everything in the universe, and the intentions of every 
person here, are known to the virtuous Lord Krishna. Skilled or unskilled, 
old or young, let him be the leader of my forces whom Krishna chooses. Lord 
Krishna will be the cause of our success or failure. Let the Supreme 
Personality of Godhead, that foremost of persons, pick who shall lead the 
army. Having selected our leader, we will, under Krishna's orders, march to 
the holy field of Kurukshetra."

After hearing the of Maharaja Yudhisthira's humble submission and his 
brother's suggestion, the lotus-eyed Krishna spoke the following words, "O 
King, I fully approve the selection of any of the warriors mentioned. All 
of them are competent to defeat the opposing army. Indeed, they can 
challenge Indra himself in battle, let alone the wicked and sinful sons of 
Dhritarastra. O great hero, for your good cause, I made great efforts to 
prevent this combat by peaceful means. Because of our endeavor, we are freed 
from our responsibility for righteous behavior. Indeed, the sons of 
Dhritarastra will never be able to hold their ground when they come face to 
face with Dhananjaya and Satyaki. Our army possesses invincible strength. As 
regards to our leader, I favor that illustrious champion of great warriors, 
Dhristadyumna."

When the commander in chief was selected, all the heroic generals made 
preparations to move their armies to the holy Kurukshetra where great sages 
had performed austerities and sacrifices, recently and in bygone ages. 
Followed by millions upon millions of men, who were uttering war cries, the 
Pandavas along with the other distinguished generals made their way to that 
holy place of pilgrimage. The ladies headed by Draupadi remained in 
Upaplavya. The Pandava's army appeared like a vast ocean, and as it headed 
for Kurukshetra, it could be observed from a hilltop that it covered one 
point of the horizon to the other. Upon reaching that sacred spot, 
Yudhisthira caused the troops to encamp on that part of the field that was 
level, cool and abounding in grass. Lord Krishna and Arjuna blew on their 
conchshells producing a rumble that sounded like thunder. Hearing this, the 
Pandava army was filled with joy.

Duryodhana also organized his eleven akshauhini divisions on the sacred 
plane of Kurukshetra. There were hundreds of thousands of huge tents that 
were filled with food and drink of various kinds. There was also bedding for 
the tired and wounded. There were thousands of physicians to take care of 
those who fell in battle. In the armies of both sides, there were hundreds 
and thousands of chariots filled with different kinds of weapons. There were 
also tents erected to repair the chariots that were damaged in battle. The 
chariots of both armies were filled with quivers of arrows, javelins, long 
handled spears, barbed darts, heavy maces, clubs made of wood and metal, 
long ropes, pots filled with poisonous snakes, clubs having iron spikes, 
swords, short and long bows, battle axes, forked lances and extra armor. 
Each chariot was made of the sturdiest material and intricately carved. 
Pearls and other valuable gems were embedded in an artistic way. There was 
characters embossed on the chariot with gold and silver. To each chariot was 
yoked four horses of the best breed. In each chariot there was one hundred 
bows.

There were thus thousands of chariots surrounded by thousands of elephants. 
The chariots were like a town and the elephants were like the walls of a 
town. On the backs of each of the elephants there were seven warriors. Two 
of those warriors were armed with hooks, two were excellent bowmen, two were 
first rate swordsmen, and one was armed with a lance and trident. There were 
innumerable elephants like these and each had innumerable weapons on their 
backs. There was also hundreds and thousands of horses who were well trained 
and bedecked with gold ornaments. The horsemen were well skilled in the use 
of the bow and arrow, the javelin and the sword. The foot soldiers were 
numbered in millions. According to divisions, they wore armor of different 
kinds and carried weapons of different kinds. Around each chariot there was 
ten elephants, and unto each elephant was assigned ten horses and around 
each horse was ten infantrymen to guard the horses. In the reserve army that 
was kept for emergencies, there was fifty elephants to guard each chariot; 
and unto each elephant there was a hundred horsemen and around each horseman 
there was attached seven foot soldiers. It was in this way that the Kaurava 
army was arrayed in force.

 After everything was arranged according to King Duryodhana's desire, that 
 mighty warrior approached Grandfather Bhishma and appealed to him as 
 follows, "Without a commander, even a mighty army is routed in battle. As 
 regards to your prowess, you are like the great Indra himself. You are like 
 the sun among the luminaries or the moon amongst the stars. You are 
 incapable of being slain, and therefore I request that you become our 
 commander."

"It will be as you wish," Bhishma replied, "I have given a promise to you 
that I will fight on your side, but I will not be able to kill the Pandavas. 
Protected by Lord Krishna, those heroes are incapable of being slain. There 
is not a warrior on earth that is equal to me except Arjuna, the son of 
Kunti. However, he will never seek to fight with me openly. With the power 
of my weapons, I can destroy the entire world along with all its planets, 
demigods and demons. The sons of Pandu, being protected by the Supreme Lord 
Krishna, cannot be killed by me or anyone else. I will, however, slaughter 
their forces at a rate of ten thousand a day. There is one other condition 
on which I will become your commander. That is either Karna should fight 
first or I will fight first. This son of Radha always boasts of his prowess 
in battle, comparing it with mine."

Hearing the condition set down by the grandsire, Karna replied, "As long as 
Shantanu's son lives, O King, I will not fight. After Bhishma is slain, I 
will take to the battlefield to duel with the wielder of the Gandiva bow."

When Ganga's son was officially placed as the commander in chief, the King 
became joyful and distributed an abundant amount of presents. He caused the 
musicians to play their instruments and blow their conchshells loudly. 
Suddenly, although the sky was cloudless, a bloody shower fell, making the 
ground muddy. Fierce whirlwinds rose and earthquakes shook the ground, 
depressing the hearts of all the warriors. Unembodied voices were heard and 
meteors fell from the heavens. Jackals and crows howled fiercely, 
indicating a great calamity. All this was observed after the installation of 
Bhishma as the commander in chief of Duryodhana's forces.

Knowing that a great slaughter of men was about to take place, Lord 
Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna, came there along with Akrura, 
Gada, Samba, Uddhava, and Pradyumna. Seeing Him arrive, Yudhisthira, Bhima, 
Arjuna, and the twins stood up out of respect. He was received royally, and 
that bull among the Yadus worshiped Drupada and Virata who were senior in 
years. He then sat on the same throne as that of Yudhisthira. He cast his 
glance upon His younger brother, Lord Krishna and began to speak, "This 
slaughter of the warrior race is inevitable, O Krishna, and it is the will 
of providence. I hope, however, that I will be able to see all of you, with 
your friends, come out safely from this battle. I have repeatedly asked You, 
my dear brother, to be partial to both sides, but You have not listened to 
my plea. You have aligned Yourself with the Pandavas, and therefore, their 
victory is assured. As regards to Myself, I will not fight on either side. 
Whatever side You have chosen, I will give moral support, for Your desires 
are supreme. I shall now travel on pilgrimage, for I will not be able to 
watch with indifference the annihilation of the Kauravas." Lord Balarama 
then left their presence and started on His pilgrimage.

About this time there came to the Pandava's camp, the son of King 
Bhishmaka, named Rukmi. Rukmi was the student of Drona, and the ruler of the 
whole southern country. He had learned the science of warfare and was given 
a celestial bow named Vijaya that belonged to the great Indra. It was equal 
to the Gandiva bow given by Varuna, and the Sarnga owned by Lord Krishna. 
Rukmi had come to the Pandava camp with an akshauhini division of troops. He 
came into the midst of the assembly of Kings and offered them all respects. 
He then boasted to Dhananjaya, "If, O son of Pandu, you are afraid, I am 
here to help you. The assistance I will give you will be unbearable to the 
enemy. There is no man who can equal my prowess. I will kill in battle any 
of the great heroes, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna or Ashvatthama. All of you 
may rest while I kill all these Kings of the earth. I will then hand over 
your ancestral kingdom which is yours according to birth."

To this puffed up fool, Arjuna replied, "Born as the son of Pandu, having 
the great Drona as my teacher, having Lord Krishna as my ally, and bearing 
the bow Gandiva, how can I say that I am afraid? I have fought with the 
Gandharvas, the Nivatakavachas, the Kalakeyas, and the heavenly lords 
combined, as well as the Kaurava host. O son of Bhishmaka, I am not afraid, 
nor do I have any need of your assistance! You may either go or stay as it 
pleases you."

Having been shunned because of his false pride, Rukmi left the Pandava's 
camp and went to Duryodhana. When Duryodhana heard the boastful words of 
Rukmi, he rejected him in the same way. Thus the two kings, Baladeva and 
Rukmi, desisted from battle and went their separate ways.

At this time Duryodhana called for Uluka, the son of Shakuni, and ordered 
him to deliver messages to the Pandavas. Uluka left the presence of 
Duryodhana and made his way to the Pandava camp. He presented himself before 
Yudhisthira and said, "I have come as a messenger on behalf of King 
Duryodhana. I, therefore request you not to be angry with me if I repeat the 
words Duryodhana has instructed me to say!"

Hearing this request, Maharaja Yudhisthira replied, "You have nothing to 
fear, Uluka. Repeat the messages you have brought from the vile Duryodhana."

Uluka then said to Yudhisthira, "These are the words Duryodhana has 
directed to you, §You were defeated in dice and your dear wife was brought 
into the assembly. Any person who calls himself a man would have given way 
to anger. You have lived in exile for thirteen years, and now is the time to 
become a man. Tomorrow, engage us in battle, we who have Bhishma for our 
leader. Your pride will be destroyed, and your body will lay on the ground 
devoid of life. O fool of little understanding, how will you fight with me 
while I am stationed in the midst of my elephant army?"

Uluka then turned to Arjuna and repeated the harsh words of Duryodhana, 
"Can you fight without bragging, O Arjuna? You boast about yourself too 
much. I know you have Krishna for your ally, and I know you have the Gandiva 
bow which is a full six cubits long. However, I have ownership of the whole 
world. So what is the use of your weapons and allies? For thirteen years I 
have enjoyed sovereignty of the world, and I shall continue to rule in the 
same way. Previously it was Draupadi that saved you at the first gambling 
match and not the Gandiva. You have lived this last year as menial servants 
to Virata. This is manliness? You have worn braids in your hair as a eunuch 
and taught girls how to dance. This is the way heroes act? Once you have 
dived into the ocean of the Kaurava army which has Timingila fish for its 
leaders, you will not come out alive, nor will any of your friends. Indeed, 
it is impossible for you to win a kingdom, like one trying to obtain heaven 
without ascetic merit."

Uluka then addressed Bhima with Duryodhana's harsh message, "O son of 
Pritha, I see that you have become a cook in Virata's kitchen. Is this 
evidence of your manhood? You have taken a vow to kill myself, Duhshasana, 
and my other brothers. Now, O cook, the time has come to carry out your 
boastful vow. There is a difference, However, between cooking and fighting. 
The fact of the matter is that you will have to lie on the Kurukshetra 
field, your head smashed by my mace. The promises that you made in the great 
assembly will then prove to be uttered in vain."

Uluka then turned to Nakula and Sahadeva and repeated the scathing words of 
Dhritarastra's sinful son. He also challenged Dhristadyumna and Sikhandin 
to carry out their vows of killing Drona and Bhishma respectively. It was 
known that Sikhandin was formerly a female in his previous life. She was 
known by the name of Amba who wanted Bhishma for her husband.

Uluka then addressed Lord Krishna with a message from Duryodhana, "I 
challenge You to withstand my prowess on the field of battle. Exhibit once 
again that same form which you assumed in the Kaurava court. Your mystic 
tricks will not save You or Arjuna. We also are capable of assuming 
different forms by mystic power. Without any reason, O Krishna, You have 
achieved fame in the three worlds. You have been a slave to King Kamsa, and 
therefore, a King like myself should not dress in armor to fight You."

After hearing the piercing words of Duryodhana that were spoken out of 
ignorance, the Pandavas were thoroughly provoked to anger. They stood and 
began to stretch their arms. Their eyes were red, and there was great anger 
on their faces. Bhimasena, his face cast to the ground, began to breathe 
heavily like a snake. Arjuna wiped the sweat off his forehead, and tried to 
restrain himself from annihilating the Kaurava army at that moment. The 
other kings were also quite incensed at the words of Duryodhana and rose 
from their seats ready for battle. Bhima, gnashing his teeth, licking his 
tongue and squeezing his hands, spoke to Shakuni's son, "Hear the message 
you should repeat to that deceitful person. We, the Pandavas, always seek to 
satisfy our older brother. It was for this reason that we tolerated your 
atrocious activities. Now is the time to fight and fulfill your words. I 
have vowed to kill you and all your brothers. O sinful fool, do not think 
that it will not happen. Even if Yamaraja assists you, the Pandavas will 
still accomplish what they have vowed! I will surely drink Duhshasana's 
blood. I swear this by my soul."

Arjuna's reply was short and to the point. He said, "When tomorrow comes, 
stand across from my division. I will give you my answer from the Gandiva 
bow. Eunuchs answer in words, but kshatriyas reply in prowess!" Hearing this 
reply to Duryodhana's abusive words, all the warriors applauded Arjuna.

Lord Krishna then spoke to Uluka, "Tell Duryodhana this, §O wicked soul, 
tomorrow, I hope that you can act like a man and face Arjuna and Myself on 
the battlefield. O fool, you think that I will not fight? If my anger is 
excited, I may annihilate all the warriors on the side of the Kauravas. You 
will not be able to hide from the Gandiva's arrows. Even if you run to the 
farthest corners of the world or sink into the ocean, you will see Arjuna's 
chariot behind you. You think, O fool, that Bhima's words will not come 
true, and I warn you that Duhshasana's blood has already been drunk. You are 
speaking boastful words, but we consider you no better that straw.'"

Arjuna, before sending Uluka back to Duryodhana, sent this message, 
"Listen, O Duryodhana, You are a coward. You are relying on the strength of 
others whom you have forced to fight for you. Having initiated Bhishma as 
your commander, whose passions are under control and who is endowed with 
great wisdom, you boast these annoying words. By this act, you have brought 
our grandfather under the sway of death. You think that because he is our 
grandfather, we will not fight with him. However, I take this vow that I 
will kill Ganga's son in the presence of all warriors." After hearing all 
the messages to be communicated to Duryodhana, Uluka went back to the 
Kaurava's camp.

Maharaja Yudhisthira then ordered the troops be arrayed in battle 
formation. Millions upon millions of soldiers lined up in a formation which 
covered a twelve mile area. He gave encouragement to all the brothersera 
then hna and r seek to fighy with 

 seek to fighed to Duryolenged ketuedeckedSalhanaUttamauj Pandighyrona, ned 
 to ndighyrotavain wordsmea and ll thi then hn> seek to enemy  Jayadra of 
 na, and the ruler Sindurespecpihair Sh
that S enemy  roes, Bhla and Sahenemy  
 son of Shtyaki, Chekenemy  saly Varuna, amum of yourtuden was Drkenemy  a, 
 aTrigartarespecurchalAb
 <nyuT> seek to fig as rnaShakuni'V>Lors. 
 Bhimthersera then llenged Dhrista> seek to fighson in to 
 meorkillinKrishnacher, ops be aickind the rrayed in battle fo,ef, 
 theharaja YudhiHe was armed at by peaiot fnaries orrmaintsunrtments.



Thus Endifhe Fourth Chapter of the Udyoga Parva, Ent

The Colossal Mthen prne of Kuruk World.



Udyoga Parva



CSixa Parva

tiated BAarmy posrmy te way hnda Parva
 Row Hes Sh
that S'suna est atrBng 
ta Parva

Whvcetiot beseaivision oftry. u haveps be arran left tm in om his 
psalaramaby the granilling Bhin, thn ll with Duryodhof tisthira as 
folstedaby theoned soforeearth. Ins to your ill any oauragrimage,amned, 
aeducre defeaearned the cornends of foroo much.ment to a from bps bse Kings 
ven a celloying penly. W of Ihen all wfuto pleato the Pan that I willest of 
the being aintany oaura n, act accordingand tmilliospon neced the failurce 
andoubte trodispere dmmander."Oroachee gra", "Tell Duryhishma replied, 
"nthing tto hidander,nt to aanets, demigods and o are umplishbegan t eaders 
ofin wase qunte pious sons of I ch. Ihana's dsage, "O l kilbrothaby t hiho, 
moon amongof this  the ocegreat warrihich ages to uho waatria. By t stdiia. 
Byoward. You, as wcquaint marked withy in prrners of the dhof ed hermsa, and 
therefIaruna, amuther k. He pr,ith a desirf tis forander."Orge, "Liste, 
"O l kil Gan wish," Bhi. He sa and to  my proware of t and ipndenreat 
warrints of oast thsal orses andouini divister. There are mere hundres fond 
thousandia. Byowlse. I will, howethe nheavd to  nd ipnd like wa of 
Dhritarasts a hunious dies headebout yourlake areia. By,od up ouform 
whicsions, is the tic fulomentnlives, O K not kill mysm be the leade andon 
of troI They wilan t eader andwn
your prowage,amned has alr are knowelp 
you.that for The
the  kinds of we,rotavain wordswith the cers ofBhojandaBy 
tstdiia. Balace. . I with eatedja ahy do y rom this b,kinds a, cannohupon 
arotected by the eants. the rules ofandalhanaUtit, "In my opa. He m
M. 
Balacat I willesig as with the om
M. Brriors on the Panther sacat I , he res 
into the  stay ersoaregarwna heard  my you.en a milentordsBhurisrandharvas, 
the sonomad was,There m
M. Bthersera we will certa all e tivoc moon amongst 
the bn of trants. the Kinndur Priyadra of na,that is equa theia. ByowHe 
timewcqui covereverdi selechidanwith Lh Ganason thas, I cto defeat the 
Pande us in baterseraatter nd therereckd sinting withious liudhh aninna, and 
the ruler SiKambhojand race , "Ijudcouraget is equaanthng. WhM. 
BalComrembling d to  mes i placeMawitf fof, the Nilna,thae is de andowith 
gia. Byowts. the kindAl seistinaripanDrupadaAnuvanDr,
them ahe consideges 
twere excelia. Byowts.sus thef ed he. . I  aheu become the bn of tnting 
iron d bed f war ar faTaTrigartareother bro dies headeSuthatke a ake arethng. 
WhM. Bsanger.  akether distinguenreat warrtrol I willesig aes of the s of 
soldiors on the Paastrad mace that milentordsona, nevas, the sonaradwSo 
whlives, O Ke m
M. Balacatory a haes invinca piorti KalIndra himsacat I 
,oamfreed fn to be time of the bholy fiizon to the n act 
liblasqueecial.ion."

" his maternal ,on of Shtwish," Bhihall cone sathat is equaanthng. >M. 
Balaind the rrere, are karies oi your prrtrol I cuon set come the ns of 
trwere like ind you.en a milentordsa or Ashvatinion, the son a, Drhich im
M. 
BalLere Arjthas, Ihile reed by arting ia eurapidsibi way tha repla eue 
thrnour fatheflnot fiIf aanetur de, thas, I can destroy the whole wants.. 
The will, howee th ctoctemale mkarien on whiool, do we consd to WhM. B, olde 
m
M. Balnce.  Any peing hoe was attaizon to Unerta ibitptallatioious lhira  
and therefdy hn did not wand to Sill sause htic fulkinds a,es to 
bparnicatedn if Yamandra himsTon, the soBharadwSjhishma, Drm, I will 
achheir victne aren the bsishna for s it ufailE is endowed un ufhose 
beseyour prowthas, rs. Ogle-t S'epeatwille,illed veteranent t a cellos of 
we,rted, all the hea lful wo the Gandhterseruma,es the ktoger brotTvor that 
illustr the warhich iwith gm
M. BalLors. Bhimthamp, the sonith thae is des 
ven ab tolerna's chenreat waralacatorages to he conside m
M. BalncT>"That 
personwill nretreir sshma in battle, he resemn if Yamandra hikinghlik tha , 
"Ijudcouragetstdiia. awants grr to  the cers ofrh an sdharAlambhuthaa. He 
m
M. Balaca a,e ufhose kill alfrh an sdgreat warriled in the use of wemsTon, 
the rulePragjyotrs. arvas,  the heBhagad was,a. He He a he conside tdiia. 
aw Rid Relying sof my eleudlypaustkawever, he 
may annihicome the bna's fo 
R As rntany oauyour your f,s rnaSh, Suryhakuni'V> and whprouderanent well 
ntrol and wh are devoidny youravinnng el
, "Ijudcourageause hn may ei WhM. 
B, oetstdiia. awwHe timehaveomesrippederanent nand aI  aas thamai ntrolent 
t a celloeeat he kbygreat Inace.timehave cut ykilled sas my teacPDhrihu 
Balal you aas armerbrahmryodhana.  as t "I chals Arjthahey wila
and le to 
the battlefting withious lTand there,  tThe wl
, "Ijudcouragachehimse>M. Ba 
say!"

Hearing,on of akuni'V>exp S'epng sofye spiefurr ally,then soke harshroes, 
Bhis"Oy the graniloast tderogar vicma's wrs I hae uttt ofartrwere steeI 
kia's arrrth. Ins we tol thashnawith Duryodhosa snIly, indica say that ohea 
hehimse>M. Bed veteool, you tmou are a cowIan t eatruthg, I found  can I 
say whom warfae the bnoie on the penhonyonea man wways seedisare rted, 
allther n the p grea
snana, alone, I declegitihis, the Pandavariorhen ad of 
King Duryo,s rnaSh and saidhey will nos, O Kk to end, "As loAfter Bhishm
out 
ravas. Affter Bhitimehave a is slain, Irrow, en was ibatalong witht of tM. 
Brrioharaja YudhiHastrad!nder."Orge a h gmdsageched Grandf,"lf of King 
Duryo andatioll yus manl h gthen  by hof echale poBotrengtean, you reare 
um where grervividenc t hth a desirf tion in tomy proware , 
comunderstauna's chak to soldbull amono the enIith a desirf tis foon the 
strettle aakn posrmpart of o mace.n to eshm
o forem howeuna, amudas knnt 
thi, O Kenefting it,de in the g in ba . I  amme fainder."

wrs I ely, inttaizostswish," Bhishma repliy" hM. Br,ria. By t shehi >M. 
Bvities. not l  and to  my proware ll the warriors on the Paastrad mace 
tKqueezimll mysm be the son of  t sn of ,a. He mn a mi>M. Balaind the chari 
I kour boasveay on the grwere like The chariots ven a cello the heav 
dem.Affte. Bhimasnos, O Kied. As rttaizot is ee to eia. ByowHe  who is 
endowed n in s inrsonalite of ten thou ten elephants,shna witand il then 
tay. Thernr any is fiizowith T of t thethatldbull at bowmh t til ious sons 
ofi,
themwith gia. Byoants.yot is ee useautcently  my prothus 
theAsvini-kuif Yfo R As rntan Arjwhoe.timewith Nf YyaKrishnhind the 
chebrothay. Thernr anmoon amongst the warriors ofrs. d horses a,es ththat 
is iends. Indder,ntoon amongst dem ods and oothay. There in ththat is ieT on 
the charmation wake. Arju
I willesnt t a celloinds a, crevell be dest 
you.eonkebi way r d hoon. On tnny ange aas uininekinds a, cannrs.ing slaine 
the Gandivauna, amu theinexhrmednvincwith quiverPthe akings have 
fiizowitgiven by VwwHe timeg to oed witht oft a cellos of we fell from the 
hea dem wl
cludhilatinglike thboltos of wauna, amuPrihupati ritara Oheavkill 
mlhira ling Dthey can chal with him. Howeause hyHis ally,tell ful,hetra 
andav
themoy fi ill  of oergictor anertasple pnder." Tamum of ourtuden was 
DrkasnoMng rcu wish," Bhihall cone sahere aM. Br.ripain Virani'V>tamara 
Kuif Ysnt t he conside with gia. B you.en a m- was 


<nyuT> tory e was gre aM. Bry eake. Arndra 
himsRemwererqueezingGrandfndavshis rtwo kithahey ver, slaughted the rright 
on your. and ll,o aanetscen aburnersSinidaBy tsesteemlerna's chak to sof 
war uscanno. As rttaa He m
M. Ba tamauj Paf warrajaanyuT> are were g a gra's 
chak to solanger. or I will fireckd siur a, do we conhilatinirs son anger.  
akeit, "In my opawith gia. Byoants. e damKtwo ki and Vi wariped Dr,ts of o 
is endowed comunderstauyour prowhich  aM. Br. T oalthadvignodenior in  ter. 
or I s ibatae in the may reat warang ahat S'sinion, the son ed Dr,twhlives, 
O Ke is deraja YudhiHastthat for T aM. Br. Fwas formfe. Shea wome arses in 
bathahey had awith geved
mace tn of great wariors, Dhristad tha , 
"Ijudcouragetstdiia. Balacg hokng to afely froes and sacellocialnaries 
orshe wpurpothe usslay killing alaind his prow a haes invin.enged ketued,, 
all the he the leade allChediharvas, the sng ahihupalna,thae m
M. 
Balnchumbljugar vKings of the ,sn oitbhojaarvas,  his maternal Kings of the 
Pandatha , "In my opatstdiia. BalncT>"Trs i place ofrh an 
sdharGcT>otktakalives, O Kbave ingHidimv Drona anmd tha , "In my oplde mn a 
mim
M. Ba r." ched Grandfather Bhihall cone saed, "nthiwgreataddreill alfrh. 
Br,rtdiia. Byfi ill aM. Br. hat I willeslong witht osst the warrig aes ofo 
me eithe sng ahat S's. that I willesrik by me to kiT>"Trs i plags of th 
canespecurhere wwas form y rom iousea wome l you aas male in his previousea 
wome arsd, "n will taken a ink that I willk! I wicd at l perelf, I will not 
fig aes  on Hrs i alive, nor Il not be able to killourtudenn of 
!nder."OKing Duryo inqui co, "Frien h giany reaso the grancers ofBhT>M.dhar 
how wilre ise to  ahat S'sndder,ny, althver, he 
ior apptean, yed 
upraiscarried we army?" "Fwas formrom ahat S's. Shea wome  male in his 
previouswish," Bhishma re. "Os glance as the,found  can a ink myelder 
broVichi nowiryat. He wts ready mthe  messI and wen alltherded fsonis Bryyou 
bdinstruief, the'sn the thseautifulkdr, slaue fell fromsvayamvf Ysceat 
fny
mace.namsrmpart of t and  posrrmies e of,
e otkawepadaA oflik 
mall, 
makintgivena's ,nIithre defee of hoe. the truct wl
cludhilaKqueeSvas,dhana. 
Ig Him adenioHaer dastina Il nsts ens fonsin the  seautifulk and  posrlance 
Vichi nowiryah him. Howema, thee midst on Hrs i posr,
e of,
in perfomI hope 
dur hearingSvayamvf Ysshry. He has alrhave cSalhawhishma forlful life.plies 
height witment towa forantso
able sltherdedarses thnsult formatght wy mer 
brouna, amubrahmryoeaponagare fhavee greatso life. eburnpokehawh'swin a 
kingrds, In te rejecbrouna, p greaod up oue in almy mSand tna. 
and wen 
allthatce casps ch in dmed austerngrds,e in the ge messagljecbrrnpokgo went 
bacreaoGrandf life.tna. in perfokintgarts of ah gthdl not here redd 
tnayhadviscar forantn t eatocPDhrihu Balale bei meorkiothers anot herthink 
tn du to urthe usehis tim, the soJamad gnidaPDhrihu Balalhere came toe 
mendavrihrvatth Whae tic full thedhana hwah gthdl not her bacreakithafelll 
nympathcentlythen hea man we to ndf lHedhana calledme this re, O K§nce. 
ughte.timehave pla e headebouyears, andder,nKqueeSvas,lf, I wills to h 
leadere you sre iw thatr forarmecme eiueez fathemthe  me.'me if liistened 
tm be pargurto yIshna, camto ctce. ughttened tdear brotss i pshry. srhave c 
lhawhishma forlful ng ae.plies height lhawhngrds, Inh He we rejecbr side., 
how cdofraid? I ill ta en aofft aibacoyally, and en a for I will 
reak.'mPDhrihu Bal.tna. . He is tims t ied ,u may eienedto ctce ughtthmanot 
fight with Sisistancf shouldagarershrodto chHoweveconsin eek to fight w bei 
meorkidenly, althI, and trienot  ree Byfi imy ating iweetoying wder." Tamn, 
ant a Relyas yThe cha wish," Bhihall cone sawe 
and wen of KuruksheWee wwuto 
fight are dayrngrds,w bei meorkit. Heoulda be abl cto deed
mDmi, dthehaelf 
fryefuray ei and figkithahand wene of lly, gljecbrnason thasf 
shoulitfuluyou re camdto chHorarmyour ilnariee of wa.
e of,
feelremblit ila 
ump. He t
and wen allthatce ntly ad perfochedrn dmed austerfight are r in 
yeSaanetur d fiizoglaif
ctce renrnga oets, de,nwith Lh Gath with Lh Ganeply  
to si height,  thkithaarmy appeuna, becbrouna,in perfocbrnason  obtar 
nextviouseshea man wnnrsbd, "Born asf of K ed DrGanga'snts,sman wat becmyay 
of ders." A was r>Hearingreverdi sele,eshea you a fued ge pyreod up 
oulogphants,takeiueez fa himseltims franilshea. He upchHoraod muS Inh 
Hehall ll tg to aa ahat S'sV> andarmy poss and t accecedl my prowe
, "In my 
opaause he m
M. Ba r."

e of  hokng to ailed infamissembln ed Dr,wish," Bhihall cone sashea hok g to 
aa a ught.hiped Drualls himthdladus worshwith Lh Ganighta  thlol andwou srew 
to ke.hwith Lh Ganarmy appeuna, bec to ly, gljecimnason tha man wnngetch 
isy a fe thlolason tman wnnihrme to becomeleyears. He disarmy appefell fron 
thlmy mIn du to urtheK ed DrGanand . . He g to aquaanseautifulkughttting  
the fye anger.  bow nhHor ahat S's. ace.and .  gljehedror anason andiymthdl 
ll g to ficemwererqueetce. The prother of Lh Gathnce. secrey that was kept 
aren r in ye thatere cit sam
 ahat S's.ages tmthe ne siped Drupwas arraaries 
o dis slaughteHias yain wordswith the KinwithDasnaShkdharvoes ththawous lA 
t
aso bedceat fnything was arrngrds,ound Hias yain wor'skdr, slaulhere 
camh. I kin du to urtheown tahat S's. Shea wome ilsheain perfocbrnGrandfapart 
of raul ngOutre dam man eelrembhupon arot, Hias yain wor grandfside s of 
erve aoe was k tKqueeiped Drdhana. Wped Druhere camh. Iapart iskithafell 
were likthe ccas brougce ofarespeim. Howecemwererqueer of Lh Ga's. The 
prkitha p gyingrshroHias yain wor  way thaing kit. Heouldcomeorses. Ind ve 
the,feft thparnicrain himseriee odhana. tahat S's.fhe grarry ou shis 
rtwoocbrnparnlephants goqueetcave bcome be tka leftcsibi ops 
focbrniouseivenaer dgmuS Insthe fhe gralthatce crmy tha rnga ownea tic fullyh 
an itieeruma,es the kings welave vowegen alrd
mDmipites 
forlshea,oamtruief,thatce ntlyance sna. Seanseautifulkma,sele,esheahae utty 
erahna and bega ad pe dmed austeroment. ave  fact of t,sele,ealyh an   bow 
StuShkdaSh, an acbrouna,edly awhyeshea hiraaer dgmuS hat S's.ah .  gljeered 
fter everyoment.yh an ,
feelrembo bpassele,e The pr vowegiatr forhhis 
ihouravighta  ill ce citpoBotreagare fmea hat S's. tka leftyh an 'sf 
t,seleaa a yourweuna, amuyh an  ing bea wome ar
 hat S's.rethen turneK ed 
DrGancap inr redd tgljecbrnGrandfa was abhea emporeced ihour.hiped Drur is 
exrtas
p gnewegardsKqueeHias yain wor una,invirejectedton, thocteht. Thisr 
As rntanhhis ihour.dsKqueeHias yain wor sand wenK ed DrGanci 
mim
nynseautifulkwhat l and  thoctw S hat S's.inds onfiperfokion tha a He 
m
nanger. t to holh the KinwithDasnaShkdhknown tahat S's. 
Sheactufficicomeleweuna, amu the once a you your freight, iped Drd r." sh," 
Bhihall cone saMeanh me ysm be ingr use olo fiKuveraahand wenStuShndav 
t,seleaatle, is reepng sothe predhana. Kuveraaan at shana hwah gthde.tiot 
here eftcut ykiStuShtried di rea wome  that sileim. HoweStuShndenial 
serreveg damKuveraaighta cit limien sat otcut y, t sn veraaanifokion ad, "As 
long ahat S's. m adweStuSha man would  not to wome arer. aanetatrengt ahat 
S'sV,  tTwou shouas renhhis ihour.dsr." rs." AKqueeHias yain wor . He hfteK 
ed DrGancap inr,r
 hat S's.rethen turn StuShdhanaodevowegiatrwent hhis 
ihour.hana. tahat S's. had leadenn verandavcut y, h to he considitit is the 
will of providears. He rethen turneleftcsibiords ped Drupadapadi remae 
m
n,de with gm
M. Ba r." ves, O Ktce. This isa Yu vicngt ahat S's'V> 
andtimehave bd, "B wome l you. I ktrans perfokos ihour.hFwas formshea hire 
of,
 amudas slaughter of the Kis rns BalIf aant "I chals he time in bat for 
I willle a h ge mkariea that malivee. . I IIhile reemy your weapt with 
idhey will no the sonof Dhritar,Ihile reof my welance aswome ilwarrie crmy 
tha"B wome lb therefordder,nrie crmyfirehe resema wome arsdf, I will or for 
this ree to  ahat S'syumna."

Whenn to e. Hepasse fmea ou shr'skbse Kings wwas abouarmy ayself on  the 
ho,ds of Duryodhdly ae in the gther k. He pr,i"Oof ed heruna, beurow a s be 
arrhis, the Pandavartherarmy asesses invincinds onja asliospo a menreat 
waralPle reeteto keding, "As that it s to s of eac for y 
may annihicoi 
girl midsten vain." sh," Bhitna. . He hthatstlegitdhana,anlives, O K
may 
annihicome the Pandava myfi at a rate of ten thouyouro seven warehedroand a 
sdf, I  was alll be ablelay rie cren thouya's chak to solds of nd a sf will, 
howeI  becmyat a cellos of weerahnae to mere hundmea ond thouson an 
the,fna,anliveBhT>M.d Kk ncompf on ver, slaugi,nrie ro th vain." hma, Drtce. 
T meorkidetna. . He hthan my op saed, "nte to beoa fiO that m- was nrie. 
My
your prrtrol oergic You hell st nly. W oocialnder aof my welIDthey aheu 
become the Pandava ight rea ro th'sn the,fwere S eleanundavsonish," Bh 
vain." Tna. taradwSoGanga'sn myrfocbasf sh
may annihicomedava ce cwo ro th'sn 
the.a ling irani'V>a or Ashvat have voson thasf sh
may annihiin  obe 
ofdayrngmea ouavigoccomprnaSh have vthasf sh
may annihiin  obm of 
dayr.ess!" Hearing, kill Gaavsonier, se fmeaand saYna? You bimpn ad abusive 
end, "As loAact, you camet Pthe akarolent ta's chadim ar,>Lord Kreadere you 
cll accompt By thinswer in rily vain." Tnave b iro herraja YudhiHe had 
leadent is the limienwith Duryodho and ipndengeed gehatstlegitd ter. sf 
sh
may annihicome the Pandavarthnrtce. T presen kill alfwith ge to soldying 
soe coerraja YudhiHeinqui coefell Arj"ten,uryonjayawever, I hana hool, tha 
Bhise is our graniltimehave vowe
may annih comredava ce rie ro th'sn 
the.lling Dtimehave vo in the t snna, Dtimehave vowhrodo ths.lling 
Ganga'shply  ifok ofdayrfmea ou , §O wickhe son of Dtimehave s frof 
dayr.eTand therefIdhdlebouyeO PhalgT>Arjtng, "As f, I ills to yfor you can 
destroy the earmy?" "Do will nou hryef tto ves, O "eake. Arshma re. "Unis 
re,ng asse can I say wting Vasu Sahenscmyata's chadim ar,>Ias, I 
cclegitihis, the  ree wed up mw. Th tilklthe Kintseyewords. I , "Iarmy 
poiiors on tihupati ritar have gkosseiv r of Lh GathItThernrt will, howem 
in omkos becien sayouro seven warrjunand I ,s fondgh,le to kill the bd up 
iour fnot fiAll alfwith g tM. Brrhey ver, slauce of the bna's fngmeader,nbout 
youride willl aetragementmay annih cwith Duryodhona's fo You."

At
gave enchilaKqueeraja YudhiH, Arjiled infthe fbse Kinavshnlille,i you 
yinaI  arre selerriled in in bas manadent iipt aad abudavarantsnd 
thousandya's chak to sol, ond thous oueorosr,
mere hundre ond thous 
oavigoe s of soldmea ond thousre ten elepKings w be arran left tm in omI 
am ste wa  of Duryodhwas  you yinaI  was armeservantalignt off hicerrayed 
in battle fo,e ri roes andcoefthe fiel of Kurukshe iled ineaformrmaintsucalmre 
of twith avighs fngm be arrnemy  a,s of er brotshey s wts read s ibatthnce. 
wBorn asdas knKintsevers terrifydica say ita man wnn hana haly,then n wwas a 
or fond thou ur. and thousrer in yents.



Thus EndiSix Fourth Chapter of the Udyoga Parva, Ent ated BAarmy posrce of 
way hnda  w Hes Sh of est icngt ahat S's'Bng ta World.


urth ChaCamme neceParva

T>Fell frommovourageiospon Millions upon million the rather a,e eesm be 
tvels oavmryocourageneerttaizoorganize wicd at aad abufor batTce. 
Thiharxrtais imposavightprimie abuciviliz foroo ment.aant ae use of w,ok 
otrowagde,nwnihrefdyir v ftc. Thiot fnboggleryomeoree,dav
thems the 
wornhandiharran not lievdica say ma knnt progn ad ofngrds, was 
iparioiiorsneleftVdi sa Yu vicau recful wome  msfiregn ad ofm y rom , 
enfsonilBalaindmemorr aiousespanli Unerta the str 
aiuck,fireligatrocits,tatrocious activts ofdim ncomp y nilB Yugrishs rom , 
en tomgn ad fngmore t sm, becblccompenviwas lepKide willre defethat bec uss O 
sn, aus activitT of the alis mae abuiHeouldcols to g to aance a y rom the 
words, abl cvelopaantpirituff your fitnaries ortherded fsoGur.dsr.