Krishna Advises Bhima and Arjuna to Undertake Penance : Episode 92

-

Recap of Previous Episode :

Bhima kills the demon Kirmira in a fierce confrontation in Kamyaka forest, saving the Pandavas from danger. Meanwhile in Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra reacts harshly to Vidura’s honest criticism and banishes him, to the delight of Duryodhana—but Shakuni fears Vidura may now strengthen the Pandavas. At Kamyaka, King Drupada visits and takes the young Upapandavas to Panchala for safety. Krishna arrives and consoles Draupadi and the Pandavas, explaining his absence during the dice game and expressing regret that he was unable to prevent the tragedy.

Krishna Explains Delay in Helping Draupadi

Draupadi thanks Krishna for protecting her honor but asks why he delayed helping her and let her be humiliated by Dushasana who tries to disrobe her in the Kuru assembly. Krishna asks Draupadi what she did when Dushasana dragged her by the hair. Draupadi recalls struggling to free and protect herself herself from Dushasana's grip and later asking the elders in the court to intervene. Krishna explains that as long as Draupadi believed that she could save herself with her own efforts, Krishna did not help her but when surrendered herself totally and called out to him he did appear protected her honor the next instant. Draupadi understands her folly and asks for Krishna's forgiveness. Krishna reminds Draupadi of the incident that took place at Indraprastha soon after Yudhishtra's Rajasuya Yagna when Krishna cuts his finger and blood starts to pour out of the wound. Draupadi instantly tears a piece of cloth from her upper garment and ties it around Krishna's finger to stop the bleeding. How could Krishna forget this kind act and let it go unrewarded at the opportune moment.

Balarama Arrives in Hastinapur

Balarama arrives in Hastinapur, furious about the deceitful dice match and the humiliation of Draupadi. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari welcome him with reverence. Acting on Shakuni’s cunning advice, Duryodhana falls at Balarama’s feet and refuses to rise until he is blessed. The dramatic gesture softens Balarama’s anger. Shakuni then suggests that Balarama should dine first. Duryodhana personally serves his Guru with devotion and later massages his feet. By the next morning, Balarama’s anger has cooled. Shakuni seizes the moment and argues that everything occurred according to the rules of the game: if the honorable Bhishma, Drona, Kripacharya and Vidura had not stopped the events, how could it be considered wrong? Balarama, convinced by this twisted logic, declares that the Kauravas are not at fault.

Duryodhana Requests a Royal Alliance

Pleased with Balarama’s softened stance, Duryodhana asks for his daughter Vatsala’s hand in marriage to his son Lakshmana. Balarama promises to grant the request at the proper time.

Krishna Consoles Draupadi and Guides the Pandavas

Krishna takes leave of the Pandavas. Arjuna asks Him to take Subhadra and their young son Abhimanyu to Dwaraka and train him in warfare. Bhima vents his frustration that Yudhishtra stopped him from retaliating in the court. Krishna explains that Yudhishtra’s restraint prevented their total destruction—had battle erupted inside Hastinapur, Karna would have defeated Arjuna and Duryodhana would have overpowered Bhima.

Krishna reveals deeper cosmic truth: Karna is the incarnation of Sahasrakavacha, whom He as Narayana and Arjuna as Nara have battled across ages (Reference: http://mahabharata-resources.org/variations/karna-sahasrakavaca.html and http://vipasana-vidushika.blogspot.in/2013/04/the-legend-of-krishna-nara-narayana.html)

Krishna instructs:
Bhima should meditate upon Lord Hanuman.
Arjuna should meditate upon Lord Shiva.

He tells them Sage Vyasa will soon initiate them spiritually.

Shikhandi Meets a Yaksha

Shikhandi wanders through the forest and collapses at the doorway of a Yaksha’s palace. The Yaksha revives him and feeds him as he performs puja to Lord Shiva.

Vidura Leaves Hastinapur

Vidura arrives at the Pandavas’ hermitage. They ask him to stay with them, and he agrees. Yudhishtra wonders aloud how Dhritarashtra will manage without Vidura. Meanwhile, in Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra is deeply distressed and weeps throughout the night.

Shakuni consoles the king and assures him that Vidura has probably gone to meet the Pandavas. He advises that Sanjaya be sent to bring Vidura back. Sanjaya reaches the forest and meets Vidura. Yudhishtra overhears Vidura telling Sanjaya that he does not want the Pandavas to know that Dhritarashtra has actually expelled him from the palace.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Duryodha's Fall in the Mayan Sabha and Draupadi's Laughter : Episode 80

-
Recap of Previous Episode : Episode 79 traces the widening paths of destiny as joy, rivalry, and ambition shape both Indraprastha and Hastinapura. Arjuna’s marriage to Subhadra brings celebration, even as Duryodhana’s jealousy deepens. Duryodhana wins Bhanumathi in the Kalinga swayamvara, aided by Karna, while a new generation of princes is born—Abhimanyu in Indraprastha and Lakshmana and Lakshmi in Hastinapura. Yudhishtra expresses his wish to perform the Rajasuya Yagna, but Krishna explains that Jarasandha’s downfall is essential for it to happen. Disguised as Brahmins, Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna visit Magadha, leading to the long duel in which Bhima finally kills Jarasandha by tearing his body apart and preventing it from rejoining. Shishupala vows revenge upon hearing of his godfather’s death. With Magadha freed, preparations for the Rajasuya begin. Amid debates and objections in the Kuru court, Bhishma firmly declares Krishna the most deserving of the highest honor. As Yudhish...
Continue »

166. Duryodhana's Death and Beyond

-
Image
Recap of Previous Episode : Gandhari blesses with dharma, not victory. Krishna reveals the six forces that doomed Karna. Shakuni mocks fate and plays dice with Krishna. Krishna warns the Pandavas about Shalya and assigns Yudhishtra to face him the next day. Gandhari Attempts to Save Her Son Gandhari resolves to protect Duryodhana with the spiritual power earned through unwavering pativrata dharma . She asks him to bathe and come before her unclothed, so that the divine radiance from her eyes may harden his body like diamond. Krishna learns of her plan. In disguise as Dushala, He warns Duryodhana that appearing naked before his mother is shameful and advises him to cover his loins with a banana leaf. Gandhari, who has kept her eyes blindfolded since marriage, opens them at last, and her fiery gaze strengthens every part of Duryodhana’s body — until she sees the covered area. Horrified, she realizes Krishna has intervened. Duryodhana shrugs it off, believing he is still safe: ...
Continue »

163. Karna Uses Nagastra But Krishna Saves Arjuna

-
Image
Recap of Previous Episode : Karna seeks blessings and joins forces with Ashwasena to kill Arjuna. Karna loses his son Vrishasena and vows revenge. Bhima kills Vikarna with sorrow, and Dushasana with ferocity, fulfilling Draupadi’s vow. Dhritarashtra collapses in grief. The stage is set for the decisive confrontation between Karna and Arjuna. Karna Rushes to Duryodhana Before Karna can recover from the shock of his son Vrishasena’s death, he learns that Dushasana has been slain. Setting aside his rage toward Arjuna, Karna hurries to console a shattered Duryodhana. Duryodhana’s Grief Duryodhana laments uncontrollably. Dushasana was his shadow, his most loyal supporter who never questioned an order. The mutilated body before him drives him into a frenzy of grief and rage. Gandhari breaks down and tells Kunti that she should have stopped Dushasana the very day he dragged and humiliated Draupadi. Her failure has cost them everything. Karna Confronts Yudhishtra Karna now faces Y...
Continue »