Arjuna’s Chariot
The fall of Duryodhana meant the total defeat of the Kauravas. The Pandavas wanted to pay a visit to the camp of their enemies. Each travelled in his own chariot or on animal. Arjuna went with Krishna in his own chariot pulled by eight white horses.
When they reached the site of the camp Krishna asked Arjuna to get down first. The Pandava did as he was told. Krishna, then, alighted next. Immediately, as though by a miracle, the chariot went up in flames.
To the baffled Pandavas Krishna said. “You all look surprised. There is no mystery in this. So many divine weapons, sent by veterans like Bhishma and Drona, have struck this chariot. It is simply because of my presence that it did not burn up on those occasions. Arjuna, you have accomplished your task and this chariot has served the purpose. There is no need to keep the chariot going any more.”
Yudhishthira praises Krishna
Yudhishthira was overwhelmed. He said. “Only you could have protected us from the arrows of Bhishma and Drona. The words of sage Vyasa, “where there is righteousness there is Krishna and where Krishna is, success is sure to be there (yato dharma-statah krishNo yato KrishNa-stato jayah), have indeed come true.”
The Pandavas in the Kaurava camp
With those words Yudhishthira entered the tent. It was empty of all enemy warriors. Only the attendants stood bowing in front of their new masters. It is said that the Pandava soldiers returned carrying the wealth that was left behind by the fleeing Kauravas in the camps.
Krishna’s advice
When they were about to return Krishna told the Pandavas. “Let us stay away from our tent this night”. They decided to encamp near the shores of the river.
Yudhishthira’s anxiety
Yudhishthira had one great apprehension in his mind. He addressed Krishna. “I am scared of Gandhari. She has lost all her sons. She, certainly, would bear in mind that Bhima killed her eldest in an unpardonable way. How will she tolerate us? The lady has acquired immense power through chaste living and long years of meditation. If she sets her mind to curse us, all the Pandavas will be reduced to ashes within no time. Krishna, please save us from this impending calamity. Otherwise, all your efforts in winning the war for us would go waste”.
Krishna in Hastinapura
Krishna agreed to pay a visit to the elderly couple in Hastinapuram. He thought of his charioteer who immediately appeared with the chariot that was made ready for the journey.
The news of Krishna’s arrival was heralded to the blind king immediately. Krishna bowed in front of the elderly couple. Dhritarashtra was already shedding tears of deep sorrow.
Krishna addressed the king. “Sir, you know everything that has happened. You must realize that the Pandavas tried their best to avoid war. They did abide by all the conditioned imposed, unfairly, on them and suffered for thirteen years in forest. After that I came myself and begged just for five villages for the five Pandavas to live in. It was primarily because of your mistake that they were denied what was their legitimate share of the ancestral empire. All the wise men, including Bhishma, Drona and Vidura advised you to settle for a compromise. You did not listen to their words, carried away by your misplaced love for your son. You know that Yudhishthira holds you in high esteem. But, he is hesitant to come and see you in this situation. That is why he asked me to pay you a visit. Remember that the Pandavas are the ones left to perform your last rites . I have this request to make. Please do not find fault with the Pandavas now. Also, it is time that you stop tormenting yourself”.
Krishna, then, turned to Gandhari. “Good lady, you advised your son in the presence of all with the words, where there is Dharma success shall be there. Your prophetic words have come true. Think only that way and kindly do not keep any ill feelings towards the Pandavas!”
Gandhari replied. “Krishna, what you say is true. I am burning all inside my body. My mind wavered for a moment and it could have turned against the Pandavas. But, I am now trying to console myself after listening to your words. Now, for the blind old king and myself, you and the Pandavas are the only refuge”.
With those words, the blameless lady covered her face with her upper garment and started weeping. Krishna consoled her with his soothing words of wisdom.
Krishna bids farewell.
Sage Vyasa was present there at that time. Krishna bowed before him and said. “I am apprehensive of Dhrishtadyumna. He is hot tempered. He may make a rash move against the Pandavas any time. Let me go quickly”. Vyasa said. “Krishna, go and protect the Pandavas!”. Krishna made a hasty departure after his brief meeting with sage Vyasa.
Sage Vyasa, then, tried on his part to pacify further the blind king and his noble queen.
(To be continued)
