Somadatta Advises Duryodhana Not to Wage War Against Pandavas (Episode 64)

Kunti asks Bheema to be calm

Kunti, her sons and Drupada are discussing the next steps to be taken. Bheema would like to fight with the Kauravas and drive them out of the city. Kunti explains to Bheema that his father Pandu was so attached to his elder brother that he did not hesitate to abdicate the kingdom in his favor; that being the case, how could they drive the Kauravas to the forest? She expresses the belief that Dhritarashtra would have no role in the conspiracy against them, and even if he had any role, Kunti would never permit Bheema to be disrespectful to his uncle.

Arjuna is equally vexed by the suggestion of compromise and feels they should assert the kingdom as theirs and demand it to be handed over. Kunti says this would only lead to war, and unnecessary blood would be shed.

Sahadeva asserts that even if they write to an enemy, they mustn't forget to be polite. Even if they have to caution the enemy, the shastras say that it should be done without affecting the pride and self esteem of the enemy.

Drupada feels that Kunti, with her political acumen, should draft the letter to Dhritarashtra. Kunti tells Nakula to draft the letter. She begins the letter with Drupaa's paying respectful regards to Emperor Dhritarashtra. She further dictates, "As you might already be aware that Pandavas have married my daughter and have become my sons-in-law, and are currently under my refuge. Even though I consider this as enhancing my prestige, I am aware this would be ignominious to Hastinapur's prestige and I know that you will feel so too. I hope you will make suitable arrangements to take them to Hastinapur with all the royal grandeur. Panchala will always be ready to serve them"

Drupada is happy with the letter. Arjuna agrees the letter alludes to their stronger position without actually spelling it, and has all the message that he would have wished to convey. Drapaudi's all praise for Kunti's shrewdness of which she has already heard much.

Bahlika king Somadatta arrives at the camp where Duryodhana is camping along with Shakuni and Dushasana. He promises his support to Duryodhana, but cautions against jumping into war recklessly, without considering and carefully weighing enemy's military strength and fortresses, as this could pave way for failure. He advises that Kauravas seek peace. He says a more appropriate time would arrive in the future when Duryodhana would have an upper hand. Duryodhana is annoyed to receive such unsolicited advice, but finally sees reason.

Narada comes to see Balarama and tells him about Draupadi marrying all the Pandava brothers under Kunti's directive. The two of them then go to Krishna. Balarama asks Krishna if he purposely sent him away from Panchala after the swayamwara and then went to see Kunti. Krishna feigns innocence and indignation at Draupadi marrying all the five Pandavas and claims he has no part in Draupadi's marriage. Subhadra, who is standing near by, wants to know if Arjuna didn't object to this. Krishna teases his sister saying she is not as much happy and contented with Pandavas' survival and is only worried that Arjuna has married another woman. Subhadra says she is happy that Pandavas are alive.

Krishna tells Balarama that he went to see his aunt Kunti, as he had not seen her in a long time. He had some refreshments and then came away and wasn't present at the time of Draupadi's marriage. He then informs Balarama that the marriage took place under the supervision of Veda Vyasa. Balarama is relieved when Vyasa's name is mentioned, as he is now assured that Vyasa would have made sure no scriptural rule would have been contravened in the process.

Vidura has convened a meeting of all ministers with Dhritarashtra. Bhishma asks Vidura the reason and Vidura informs him that he has just learned from his spies that Drupada's messenger is coming to Hastinapur. Vidura wants the message to be read in the royal assembly. Bhishma is very happy with the developments. Vidura requests Bheeshma to support him in the assembly.