THE MAHABHARATAM: (in 18 Episodes) - PRELUDE to the Bhagavad Geeta : Episode 17 :

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Sunday, May 07, 2023. 07:00.

How the Writing Began :

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Episode 17:

The Choice – Krishna or His Army :

Duryodhana was very keen to get a larger army that Yudhishthira. He sought victory 

through numerical supremacy at all costs.

An example of how Duryodhana operated is given here :

King Shalva, the brother of Madri, had the largest army, fifteen miles long. He was 

taking his army to join the Pandavas. On the way, Duryodhana arranged for his entire army 

to be well fed and well served. Shalva thought that this help was coming from Yudhishthira 

and wanted to give some presents in return. Duryodhana came to meet him instead. Shalva 

was in a quandary. “What can I do for you?” Duryodhana said, “Well, if you are pleased with 

our hospitality, you can join us.” Shalva said, “Yes”, but he wanted to see the Pandavas.

When he met with Yudhishthira, he was told, “You have given your word. You can 

remain with Duryodhana. We will not need you.”

The above example illustrates the radical difference between the two leaders.

The same test came up again when the leaders Arjuna and Duryodhana went to Sri 

Krishna for His support. Duryodhana was anxious to get Krishna’s army, the Narayana Sena, 

for the war. He went in with Arjuna into Krishna’s chamber. Krishna was asleep. Duryodhana 

sat on the golden chair behind Sri Krishna’s head; Arjuna sat humbly at the feet of Sri 

Krishna, on the floor. When Krishna awoke, His eyes fell on Arjuna first.

Duryodhana spoke first, “Krishna, I came first. Kindly give me whatever I ask for.”

Sri Krishna, the all-knowing Lord of the Universe, replied, “But I saw Arjuna first. He 

shall have the first preference. You can choose either Myself unarmed, or My army. I shall 

not fight in this war.” 

Arjuna humbly asked for Sri Krishna. To him the Lord was all he wanted, He was 

more important than His army. Duryodhana was thrilled at this choice of Arjuna. He was 

overjoyed that he will now have the entire Narayana Sena on his side, and Arjuna will have a 

defenceless Krishna.

At that point Balaram told Duryodhana, “You are the idiot, Duryodhana. You do not knowat that wherever my Brother is, there will be victory.”

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To be continued
Next - Episode 18 - Karna & Kunti :

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