Shakuni's Son Visits Hastinapura : Episode 127

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Sahadeva reveals the auspicious time for sacrifice, and Krishna alters time itself to protect the Pandavas. The ritual is completed successfully, enraging Duryodhana. Bhishma and Drishtadyumna are appointed commanders of opposing armies, and preparations for war accelerate.

Rules of War Are Established

Pandavas, Kauravas, Krishna, Bhishma, Shakuni, and their allies gather at Upaplavya in King Virata’s kingdom. Krishna requests Bhishma to announce the rules that will govern the battle.
Bhishma declares:

• A warrior invited to duel must accept the challenge.
• No attacks on physicians or healers tending to the wounded.
• All fighting must cease at sunset; if battle must continue, both sides must jointly agree and arrange illumination.
• After sunset, warriors may freely visit the opposing camp in peace.
• No one may attack an unarmed warrior.
• A warrior retreating from battle must not be pursued or forced to continue fighting.

Shakuni proposes an additional rule: women must not enter the battlefield. Bhishma includes it formally. Duryodhana questions why the obvious needed articulation. Shakuni replies that Shikhandi must be barred, for otherwise Shikhandi could kill Bhishma.

All present agree to abide by the rules.

Gandhari and Kunti Share Their Pain

Gandhari meets Kunti privately and apologizes for her son’s cruelty that has brought war upon them. She asks Kunti to preserve friendship regardless of the outcome. Kunti accepts with quiet dignity.

Shakuni’s Strategy and Uluka’s Arrival

Shakuni’s son Uluka arrives to take his father back to Gandhara. Shakuni’s objective—to destroy Hastinapura from within—has been set in motion. He refuses to leave. If he withdraws now, brothers might reconcile and the war might dissolve. He orders Uluka to declare publicly that he has come to support the Kauravas.

Bhishma witnesses the exchange and threatens to expose Shakuni’s true intention of destroying the Kuru race. Shakuni laughs bitterly, mocking Bhishma’s helpless morality—events have already rolled too far to be stopped.

Shikhandi Confronts Krishna

Shikhandi challenges Krishna, accusing Him of restricting women from war. After all, Devi Durga has equalled or surpassed every male warrior. Krishna clarifies that He has not laid such a rule; it belongs to Kshatriya dharma. Then He asks Shikhandi directly whether he is man or woman.

Shikhandi declares he is a man beyond doubt. Krishna assures him that the rule does not bind him and tells him to prepare for battle.

Choosing the Athirathis

Bhishma convenes a council to appoint the athirathis—the premier frontline commanders. He declares:

• Bhishma will lead from the North,
• Drona from the South,
• Ashwatthama from the West,
• Bhurisravas, son of Somadatta, from the East.

Karna erupts in anger and demands to know the criteria. Bhishma says as supreme commander he can appoint even a cripple if he chooses. He selected them based on clan lineage, family culture, and experience.

Karna retorts that if experience is the only measure, the army should be filled with frail old men rather than strong young warriors. Bhishma mocks him, saying he has brought only defeat to Duryodhana—whether against the Gandharvas or King Drupada—despite constant boasting.

Drona, Somadatta, and Bagadatta support Bhishma, urging that ego must yield to unity.

Karna Is Humiliated

Bhishma then appoints the maharathis and samarathis—and Karna does not appear in any category. Finally he assigns Karna only the rank of ardharathi, one who fights among groups of minor archers. Bhishma continues to insult him harshly, mocking his birth. Karna trembles with rage and heartbreak. Duryodhana, torn but counselled by Shakuni, remains silent to avoid alienating Bhishma. Burning with humiliation, Karna declares he will not fight while Bhishma leads. Bhishma orders him out of the assembly. Devastated, Karna walks out in agony.