166. Duryodhana's Death and Beyond
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: ...