Dhritarashtra heard about Krishna’s visit to talk peace with him and thought of pleasing him by all possible ways. He asked Duryodhana to build beautiful places all along the way for Krishna to rest. But, Krishna guessed the motive of the Kauravas and ignored the superficial hospitality. Instead, he chose to accept the treats offered by the common people to spend the night on the way. He reached Hastinapura the next morning and went straight to meet Dhritarashtra.
People thronged on both the sides of the passage through which Krishna travelled to the palace. They greeted the visiting Yadava prince by showering flowers all along his path.
Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra confided with the elders in the assembly of the Kauravas that he would offer valuable gifts to Krishna and thereby win his friendship on behalf of his sons. But, Vidura said that it was vain to think that Krishna could be won that way. He would come asking for the rightful share of the kingdom for the Pandavas. Nothing else would please him.
Krishna with Kunti
Krishna greeted Dhritarashtra with due respect. All except Duryodhana and his close associates were present in the hall at that time. Dhritarashtra offered a luxurious palace for Krishna to stay. But, Krishna ignored the offer and proceeded to the house of Vidura. He knew that the latter would be sincere in his dealings with him. Besides, Kunti, his aunt and the mother of the Pandavas , has been living there for the past thirteen years, ever since her sons went in exile.
Krishna greeted his aunt and received a warm welcome from her. Kunti said that it was time for her sons to act. The moment came for which royal mothers bore sons, the time to fight a just war. Krishna consoled her that her days of sorrow would soon end.
Krishna with Duryodhana
Krishna announced that he was going to meet Duryodhana next. Vidura warned him that the Kaurava would employ tricks to keep Krishna away from the Pandavas. But, Krishna said that trying for peace at all costs was his most important mission.
Krishna went to Duryodhana and greeted him cordially. After exchanging greetings Duryodhana invited Krishna for food with him. But, Krishna turned down the offer and returned to Vidura. He spent the night with his host and with his aunt.
In the Kaurava assembly
Dhritarashtra sent Duryodhana and Sakuni to invite Krishna to the assembly next morning. All stood up as Krishna entered he hall. Dhritarashtra offered a specially decorated throne for the Yadava prince to sit. When all had taken their seats after him Krishna spoke. He addressed Dhritarashtra and spoke calmly and directly on the issue.
Krishna said that he came to avoid the total destruction of the Pandavas and Kauravas. He did not hesitate to pin point the root cause of the problem, the unbridled greed of Duryodhana to covet for wealth that did not belong to him and his deceitful ways of acquiring that. There was still scope for negotiation and avoid the impending war. It was futile even to dream of victory against the formidable Pandavas led by the invincible Arjuna. War would cause the death of all his sons and the total destruction of his subjects. What was required on the part of the Kaurava king was to talk sense to his sons and make sure that they returned what was due for the Pandavas.
When Krishna stopped talking Parasurama appeared on the scene. He supported Krishna and told all who were present about the earlier (divine) birth of Krishna and Arjuna. In the process, he narrated the story of Dambhodbhava to drive the point that the pair, Krishna and Arjuna, would always remain invincible.
Sage Kanva was present in the hall at that time. He also supported Krishna and Parasurama on the importance of avoiding war and narrated the story of Matali’s (Indra’s charioteer) search for a groom for his daughter. The sage told the story to illustrate the point that restraint was better than hasty action. But, Duryodhana said, in reply, that he would act as per his own temperament.
Sage Narada who was present told the story of Galava to illustrate that adamant behavior could cause disaster.
(We continue with the peace talks in the next episode)
