Gandhari's Blessings — Let the Righteous Be Victorious : Episode 128

Recap of Previous Episode :

War rules are established at Upaplavya. Gandhari seeks reconciliation with Kunti, while Shakuni continues his manipulations. Shikhandi receives Krishna’s assurance to fight. Bhishma appoints the athirathis, publicly humiliates Karna, and assigns him only the rank of ardharathi. Humiliated, Karna vows not to fight while Bhishma leads.

Karna’s Anguish and Duryodhana’s Consolation

Karna storms into his palace, flings aside his bow and quiver, and collapses in despair. Bhanumathi is startled when he recounts how Bhishma publicly humiliated him by assigning him the low rank of ardharathi. Enraged, she demands to confront Duryodhana at once for remaining silent during the insult.

Duryodhana enters with Shakuni and allows Bhanumathi to express her fury. He then gently tells Karna that if Bhishma chooses to belittle him, he himself will raise Karna to the rank of maharathi. He vows they will lead the battle together, and others may join if they wish. Karna is deeply moved but responds that his own honor is insignificant compared to Duryodhana’s victory. He says he is accustomed to disgrace—but Duryodhana’s success is the only victory he desires.

Seeking Blessings Before the War

Duryodhana, Dushasana, Yuyutsu, and Vikarna visit Dhritarashtra and Gandhari for blessings. Dhritarashtra blesses them with victory. Gandhari’s voice trembles as she asks whether there is still time to avert war. She can bless only with the words, “Let the righteous be victorious.” Duryodhana argues passionately that justice is on his side: the Pandavas lost the dice game and accepted exile; they were discovered before the end of their incognito year; they should have returned to exile instead of declaring war. Since the Kauravas are just, victory must be theirs. Yuyutsu and Vikarna agree partially with Gandhari and suggest conciliation. Dushasana explodes with rage, but Vikarna stands firm—he will not desert his brothers but must speak truth.

Shakuni advises Duryodhana to also seek blessings from Kunti and Vidura.

Dhritarashtra’s Confession

Dhritarashtra scolds Gandhari for refusing to bless victory. He reveals long-hidden bitterness—he has been repeatedly reminded by Vidura, Bhishma, and even Kunti that the throne was gifted to him by Pandu. The war provides the opportunity to erase that humiliation forever.

If the Kauravas win, Dhritarashtra says, he will willingly give the Pandavas a share of the kingdom. Then he asks Gandhari again to bless their victory. She still repeats: “Victory belongs to the righteous.”

Duryodhana Faces Kunti and Vidura

Duryodhana seeks Kunti’s blessing. Like Gandhari, she declares, “Let dharma prevail. Let the righteous win.”

Duryodhana and Dushasana then plead with Vidura to forgive them and join the war. Vidura refuses, saying he will go on pilgrimage with Balarama. On request, he blesses: “Victory to Hastinapura.”

Krishna Confronts Karna

Krishna visits Karna privately. He tells him he is making a grave mistake by withdrawing from the war—a rare stage to prove his heroism and silence the insult of being called suta-putra. Every true warrior yearns for such an opportunity; even Rukmi sought to join the Kaurava army and, when rejected, asked to join the Pandavas—but was refused by both sides.

Karna admits he was wrong to react to Bhishma’s words, but repeats his vow: he will not fight while Bhishma stands at the front. Krishna reminds him that Bhishma has the boon of choosing the moment of death—and will not fall until Hastinapura feels safe.

The dilemma deepens.