Duryodhana Seeks Sahadeva's Help in Fixing Muhurat For The Kurukshetra War : Episode 125

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Recap of Previous Episode :

Duryodhana declares war against the Pandavas, dismissing all appeals for peace. Krishna returns to Virata and announces that war is now inevitable. Suspicion arises in the Kaurava camp over Kunti’s meeting with Karna. Sahadeva extracts a promise from Krishna that the Pandavas will not die in battle. Shakuni studies the balance of armies and plans to secure Shalya as a powerful ally.

Kunti Seeks a Promise from Drona

Drona stands in prayer before Shiva when Kunti arrives. She asks directly whether he intends to kill her sons in the coming war. Drona protests, saying the Pandavas are like his own children, but Kunti will not accept vague sentiment. She insists that if he truly loves them, he should abstain from war just as Vidura has done.

Drona explains that Vidura acted according to a personal promise to Pandu and that as the son of Vichitravirya, Vidura possessed his own royal stature. Drona, however, once sought refuge in Hastinapura during a time of desperate poverty, and Dhritarashtra gave him shelter. Gratitude binds him. Even if Dhritarashtra were not king, Drona says, he would still serve him faithfully. Kunti refuses to relent until Drona finally gives his word — he will not kill her sons.

Shalya Is Trapped by Deception

Shakuni contemplates how to bring Shalya to their side. Dushasana reports that Kunti urged Drona to avoid battle, reminding him of his debt to Dhritarashtra. This sparks an idea. Shakuni instructs Duryodhana to host Shalya lavishly as he travels toward Upaplavya to join the Pandavas. Duryodhana’s men receive Shalya with royal hospitality and announce that the feast has been arranged by his nephews. Believing it to be Yudhishtra’s generosity, Shalya accepts and pledges gratitude to the unseen host.

When Duryodhana and Shakuni appear, revealing they arranged the feast, they demand Shalya’s allegiance in return. Bound by honor, Shalya agrees to fight for the Kauravas, though he states he must first take leave of Yudhishtra before joining their camp.

The Great Assembly at Upaplavya

A grand assembly gathers at Upaplavya. Krishna and Bhishma preside, and the Pandavas and Kauravas sit facing each other with their allies. The assembly is to decide the venue, date, and rules of war.

Bhishma calls the meeting to order. Yudhishtra and Duryodhana both agree to accept whatever venue Bhishma chooses. Bhishma names Kurukshetra, and Krishna praises the land as karma-bhumi where justice unfolds without bias.

Krishna’s name is then proposed to select the date of commencement, but Shakuni objects. Duryodhana suggests Sahadeva, and the assembly agrees. Sahadeva chooses the 11th lunar day (ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the month of Margashirsha. All voices second the choice.

Aravan Arrives

After the assembly, Krishna and the Pandavas meet privately with their allied kings. A messenger announces the arrival of a young warrior — Aravan, son of Arjuna and Ulupi, born during Arjuna’s twelve-year exile. Yudhishtra embraces him warmly, and Krishna praises his valor. Aravan declares he has come to serve the Pandavas in the war.

Shalya Reveals the Betrayal

Shalya enters, downcast, and reveals the deception that forced him to join the Kauravas. He is deeply distressed at being tricked. Krishna comforts him and assures him that the situation can be turned to advantage. He whispers counsel into Shalya’s ear and instructs him to act accordingly. Hope dawns in Shalya’s face as he bows and departs.

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