Yudhishtra Prefers Truce Over War and Krishna Agrees : Episode 119

Recap of Previous Episode :

Kunti vows that the Pandavas will reclaim Hastinapur; Yudhishtra deliberates before responding to Sanjaya’s message. Shakuni warns Duryodhana about Kunti’s strength, Draupadi defends Yudhishtra, and Bhishma and Vidura demand justice. A fierce confrontation erupts between Bhishma and Karna about loyalty and dharma.

Tensions Rise as Peace Appears Impossible

Pandavas sit with Drupada and the king of Virata, speaking with intensity. Now that the path of peaceful settlement is closed, war seems inevitable. They feel relief at the thought of reclaiming justice and settling old wounds long carried.

Krishna and Yudhishtra enter, having silently listened to their discussions. Everyone except Yudhishtra leans eagerly toward war. Krishna hesitates to speak, but on Yudhishtra’s insistence—and his assurance that his brothers will accept his decision—Krishna voices his belief. One must exhaust every possibility for peace before invoking battle. Since neither Virata nor Drupada is willing to travel to Hastinapura as an ambassador, Yudhishtra requests Krishna to undertake the mission.

Drupada and Shikhandi Fear a Lost Opportunity

Shikhandi hears of Krishna’s peace mission and feels deeply disappointed. Drupada shares the worry. If Krishna succeeds, war will be averted, and their lifelong vows of vengeance against Bhishma and Drona will remain unfulfilled. Drishtadyumna tries to reassure them, insisting Krishna understands Draupadi’s anguish and supports her quest for justice.

They approach Krishna directly. Shikhandi and Drupada declare that their purpose in life is to kill Bhishma and Drona, and this cannot happen if peace prevails. Krishna answers with calm firmness. Their vows are their own burden—not to be mixed with the greater cause. His mission is to restore Hastinapura to the Pandavas, and He will do everything possible to make it happen.

Kunti’s Fear and a Mother’s Helplessness

Meanwhile, Vidura and Sulabha find Kunti anxious and distressed. She shares what passed between her and Duryodhana—how in anger she declared that the Pandavas would soon seize their kingdom through war. Though spoken like a curse, her words now haunt her, for war would bring unbearable suffering.

Vidura tries to console her. Krishna is already on his way to negotiate peace, and perhaps He may soften Duryodhana’s stubborn heart. With hope trembling in her voice, Kunti requests Vidura to bring Krishna to her. She wishes to speak to Him alone.

Pandavas Torn Between Duty and Oath

Except for Yudhishtra, the Pandavas fear that their vows—made in rage and humiliation—will remain unfulfilled if peace succeeds. They prepare to speak to Krishna but find Him leaving to meet Abhimanyu before His departure.

Abhimanyu asks Krishna why He has chosen this mission. Are the Kauravas truly so formidable?

Krishna explains calmly.

Krishna Reveals the Kaurava Strength

Krishna speaks of the unmatched warriors who await them.

• Bhishma cannot be killed unless he wills his own death.
• Vidura, armed with the Vishnu Astra, would be unstoppable once war begins.
• Drona’s knowledge and discipline make him a deadly force.
• Duryodhana is unyielding in spirit.
• Karna—though he has surrendered his kavacha and kundala—still possesses the divine Nagastra.

Abhimanyu is eager to learn more. Krishna narrates the story of Ashwasena, son of the serpent Takshaka.

The Story of Ashwasena and the Nagastra

In earlier years, when Pandavas developed Khandavaprastha, Agni sought Arjuna’s aid to devour the forest. Encouraged by Krishna, Arjuna vowed that not a single creature would escape. During the inferno, Ashwasena’s mother swallowed her son to protect him. Krishna saw this and signaled Arjuna to sever her. Dying, she urged Ashwasena to avenge her.

Ashwasena sought his father’s guidance. Since Arjuna was blessed by Shiva, Takshaka directed him to worship Shiva. Shiva granted that Ashwasena would become an instrument of Arjuna’s doom—but only through an enemy. Unable to identify who this enemy would be, Ashwasena ultimately found Karna. Karna, reluctant but weakened by the loss of his armor and earrings, accepted Ashwasena as the divine weapon: the Nagastra.

Hastinapura Awaits Krishna

Bhishma and Vidura inform Dhritarashtra and Gandhari of Krishna’s imminent arrival. They warn the king that this is the last chance to restrain Duryodhana. Bhishma reminds them that Shishupala perished because of insolent disrespect—and Duryodhana must not repeat that mistake. This is the final chance to save himself.