Drupada talks to Yudhistira

In the camp, Yudhistira said to Krishna - Bhishma is making a massacre of our soldiers.
Hearing this Drupada said - You are forgetting the past. When you were in Varnavrata in the house of Lac, you had been visited by a hunter woman and her five sons. Her husband had tried to kill a pregnant deer, but the deer had called out to Krishna for help, and the hunter had perished. Not knowing where to go, his wife and five sons had come to your house. When the house was set on fire by you, the hunter woman and her sons died. When you had escaped, Bhima had realized he had left his mace behind. He came to collect it and the flames of fire tried to make a meal of Bhima. Bhima had said he would give 100 princes as sacrifice and the fire had left Bhima. Krishna had taken the heat of the fire on him so that you could be saved. When Rukmini asked Krishna, the cause of the burn, Krishna had said this was for the welfare of mankind.
With Krishna with you, you cannot loose this battle. 

Day Four

Every one accumulated in their camps and began discussing. The night thus ended and the new day began.
Krishna took the chariot in front of Bhishma.
Bhima was fighting Susharma. Bhima killed many Kaurava soldiers. Susharma showered arrows at Bhima which Bhima dodged using his mace. Susharma started fleeing. Seeing this Duryodhana attacked Bhima. Duryodhana showered arrows which Bhima cut off. Bhima then shot arrows at Duryodhana. Duryodhana cut off Bhima's bow. Bhima took another bow and cut off Duryodhana's bow. Bhima cut that off. This happened many times with bows getting cut off. Bhishma seeing this asked some of the kings to go and help Duryodhana.
Bhima was attacked but he managed to cut off the weapons coming towards him. Bhagdatta attacked Bhima and managed to control him for sometime, till Bhima cut off his bow. Ghatotkacha saw this and came to Bhima's side. Bhagdatta's elephant was killed. Alambish came to fight. Both Ghatokacha and Ambalush used magic on each other.
Arjuna and Bhishma kept fighting.
The day ended.

Day Three

Having bathed and changed, Yudhistira sat in his camp. He was trying to console Virata who had lost 2 sons in a day.
The next day the Kaurava army created a Garuda formation with Bhishma at the tip. Drona and Kritavarma were the eyes.
The Pandavas formed a crescent formation.
When the two armies clashed, the noise was so great that it was very difficult to hear any other sound. Like rain, the sky was overcast with arrows flying around.
Arjuna along with Ghatotkacha and Abhimanyu killed many Kaurava warriors.
Bhima and Duryodhana fought with bow and arrows and at one time Duryodhana fainted.
Coming to his sense he asked Drona and Bhishma to concentrate on the battle. This angered them and they said - When we tried to talk to sense to you, you refused to listen. Now, let us handle things ourselves.As a king you need to be responsible for your people.
Bhishma started fighting again. It was difficult to stand his might.
Arjuna got showered by arrows from Bhishma. Using divine weapons, Arjuna cut off Bhishma's weapons. Arjuna cut off the flag staff on Bhishma's chariot and cut off his bow. Arjuna then killed Bhishma's charioteer. Bhishma took another bow. The sun was hidden with the arrows flying around.
The day's fight ended.

Day Two

In the camp, all changed from their armor into their regular clothes. All were talking about Bhishma having killed ten thousand soldiers. Yudhistira asked how Bhishma could be controlled. Krishna said make the son of Virata the commander. Arjuna will kill the Kaurava soldiers.
Krishna called Virata and said Make your son Sankha the commander of the Pandava army.
Virata was happy to hear this. He called Sankha and gave him the news. Sankha said he would gladly perform the duties but he did not have an able charioteer. Krishna asked Satyaki to become the charioteer of Sankha.

When dawn broke, armies marched forward. Seeing Sankha, Bhishma blew his conch shell. Sankha showered arrows on Bhishma who cut off the arrows and wounded Sankha. Sankha fainted and Satyaki carried the chariot away.
Arjuna killed many Kaurava soldiers. Seeing this, Duryodhana decided to face Arjuna but could not stand for long and had to flee. Seeing Arjuna kill the soldiers, Bhishma came to attack Arjuna. The two, equal in might, began showering arrows at each other.
Bhima also began attacking and killing the Kaurava soldiers. Seeing this, Karna decided to attack Bhima.
Seeing Salya, Uttar attacked him. Salya was furious seeing Uttar's skills, and with a weapon killed Uttar. Seeing his son fall, Virata attacked Salya.
Ghatotkacha and Ambulish were fighting.
Sankha attacked the Kaurava soldiers. Drona seeing him came to face Sankha. Drona showered ten arrows at Sankha, who cut those off. Sankha then cut off Drona's bow. When Drona tried to take another bow, Sankha cut that off too. Drona furious picked up a weapon of Brahma.
Satyaki asked Sankha to take refuge under Arjuna. Sankha decided to face Drona and not flee.
Satyaki decided to turn the chariot and seeing that Sankha decided to jump off and face the weapon. He tried cutting that off but was unable to. The weapon came and killed Sankha.

The second day of the battle came to an end. 

Day One

A great noise was created with the conch shells blowing. Krishna told Arjuna -Bhishma should be our target.
Arjuna approached Bhishma and took his blessings.
Arjuna said to Bhishma - Why are you decked up as a warrior at this age?
Bhishma said That was his duty.
Bhishma said Glory to Kunti and Pandu whose son has managed to get the Lord as his charioteer.

Bhishma then began showering arrows at Arjuna who cut those off.
Bhima was fighting Duryodhana and Satyaki was fighting Kritavarma. Somdutta fought Uttar and Dhristadyumna was fighting Drona. Abhimanyu was fighting Karna. Yudhistira was fighting Salya. Salya cut off his bow. Yudhistira took another bow and cut off Salya's bow.
Abhimanyu and Ghatotkacha together were killing off the Kaurava army. This angered Bhishma.

Abhimanyu stood like a wall. He cut off the flag post on Salya's chariot and then cut off the arrows of Kripa. Attacking Kritavarma, he cut off his chariot, killing the horses and the charioteer. He then cut off the flag post on Bhishma's chariot. Bhishma, angry started showering arrows, wounding Abhimanyu. Seeing this, some of the Pandava warriors rushed to his rescue. They started showering arrows on Bhishma who cut them off. Arjuna seeing this attacked Bhishma. Bhishma picked a weapon given by Parashurama and hurled that. Seeing that Krishna said, Use a powerful weapon. Arjuna used a weapon given by Indra, which cut off Bhishma's weapon.

Bhima on the meanwhile killed many Kaurava soldiers.

The first day's battle got over.

Gita

Bhishma said I will fight for ten days. In those ten days I will not leave anyone, even if Krishna and Arjuna come.
Duryodhana was happy.

At the start, Krishna, holding his conch shell, Panchajanya, in both hands, blew it loudly. Pandavas blew their own conch shells.
Arjuna asked Krishna, Whom should we attack first?
Krishna took the chariot in the middle of the ground. Arjuna saw all his relatives there. He was not sure how he would be able to kill them. Gandiva fell from his hands. He said to Krishna I see all my dear ones here. How will I fight them?  Saying this, Arjuna sat down.
Krishna said This is your duty to fight. Who can kill whom? All is my doing? I am the One who is doing this. You talk of death. What is death apart from the soul leaving an old vessel and taking a new one. Soul is invincible, body gets destroyed.
I am the principal among all. All are in Me and I am in all.

Krishna and Arjuna spoke a lot which became known as Bhagwad Gita. Krishna explained the different yogas and about the philosophy of life.

Arjuna said I want to see your true form.
Arjuna saw the Great form of Krishna with the entire Universe in Him.

Arjuna picked up his bow.

Yudhistira seeks blessings

Janmajeya asked the sage - Hearing Uluka's message, what did Duryodhana do? What did the Pandavas do?
Vaishampayana said -
Seeing a good date, the armies began marching towards the battle field, with Krishna leading. They were joined by Sahadeva, son of Jarasandha and other great warriors.
Duryodhana then asked Dushshana to also march forth. A strong wind started blowing and it started raining. Owls started hooting in the daylight.
Vidura told Dhritarashtra about this. The blind King said the days for the end of the clan had come.
Vyasa came there. Dhritarashtra said to the sage - My son did not listen to anyone and now the war is going to start.
Vyasa said Know for sure that Kurus will be destroyed. Your hundred sons will die.
Dhritarashtra said How will I know what is happening in the battle field.
Vyasa said Sanajaya will get the  vision. He will narrate to you what is happening in the battlefield. You will hear what is happening in the field. Comets are appearing in the day. Mountains are crashing down. The clan is doomed.
Saying this, Vyasa left.
Bhishma became the commander of the Kaurava army. He said he would not use unfair means. He would also not kill anyone who took his refuge.
When Yudhistira saw Bhishma as the commander, he was scared. He said to Krishna - Even Parashurama had to face defeat in front of Bhishma. Also warriors like Drona cannot be defeated. Who will defeat them?
Arjuna said Why do you fear? The lord of the world is my charioteer.
Yudhistira hearing this, calming down, went towards the Kaurava army.
Bhima and Arjuna wondered what was happening.
Krishna said Yudhistira is noble. He considers all his own. Do not worry.

Yudhistira went and bowed down before Bhishma, Drona and Kripa. They blessed him. They said Yudhistira had nothing to fear. With Krishna on his side, he would achieve victory.
Yudhistira then said If there is anyone in the Kaurava army who wants to join the Pandavas, he is most welcome.

Yuyutsu decided to join the Pandavas.

Duryodhana wanted to know, what was happening. Why was Yuyutsu joining the Pandavas?
Bhishma said Yudhistira asked for my blessings and asked if anyone wanted to join the Pandavas, hearing which Yuyutsu went there.
Duryodhana asked Please tell me about the great archers and their skills.
Bhishma said I can alone finish off the army in one day. Drona can do it three days, Karna can do it in five days and Arjuna can do this task in a moment.

Duryodhana then said How will we defeat Arjuna then?

Kunti meets Karna

Janmajeya asked the sage - Please tell me what was Kunti's reaction when she learnt that Karna was with Kaurava army?
The sage said -
Kunti heard that Karna was with Duryodhana. She decided to go and meet Karna. Kunti knew that Karna went for the banks of Yamuna. He went there alone and never took anyone with him. Kunti went there early morning.
Karna, when he came out of the river after praying to the Sun saw Kunti.
Kunti said Know that you are my son, born off the Sun when I was unmarried. I had a boon from Durvasa and when you were born, I had put you in the waters of Yamuna. You are not the son of Radha. Pandavas are your brothers. Join them.
Karna said I know what you told me, Duryodhana gave an identity and I cannot leave him  for that. My fight will be with Arjuna and either Arjuna will die in my hands or I will die in Arjuna's hands. I can promise you that you will have five sons after the war. I cannot give you anything else, Mother.

Kunti left after this. She went and told Vidura this.

Uluka goes to the Pandavas

Uluka went to the Pandava camp and gave his message. This angered the Pandavas. They said - Tell Duryodhana that he is like the wicked bird. There was a bird who was wicked. The other birds realizing that killed him. Duryodhana will meet a similar fate.
Bhima said I will break Duryodhana's thigh.
Arjuna twang his bow. The noise scared Uluka.
Krishna said Think what Arjuna can do with his bow.

Uluka went and told Duryodhana about the might of the Pandavas. Duryodhana told his army not to worry.

The False Ascetic

Duryodhana got the news of the Pandavas being in Kurukshetra. He too started for the battle field. Dhritarashtra was angry hearing this. He knew what would happen. Not knowing what to do, he blessed his son and let him go. Duryodhana took leave of Gandhari who told him to reconsider his decision.

When he started, the sky became red. Comets were seen. Ignoring these signs of ill omen he proceeded.

He then called Uluka and asked him to go to the Pandava camp and convey the details of theKaurava army to them. He said Tell them not to act like the holy cat.

Uluka asked about the holy cat.

Duryodhana said
There was a brahamana who had no children. When he became old, he and his wife retired to the Himalayas. One day when the brahamana had gone to look for food, he saw a kitten on the road. The kitten was weak and unable to move. Taking pity, the brahamana took the kitten with him. Having someone to look after, the brahamana and his wife returned back to the city.
The kitten, having grown up, began robbing houses for food. The people in the city were angry and started cursing the brahamana.
Angry the brahmana tied up the cat. The cat thought if he could free himself, he will become an ascetic. He cut off the bonds with his teeth. He ran off to the forest and began praying there. Soon he became famous as the ascetic cat.
The mice, seeing the cat, started fleeing but the cat said he had given up violence. The mice believed him and started going near him. Soon they began leaving their children with the cat when they went for food.
The cat unable to control his greed, soon began eating up the small mice.
The mice realized their children were vanishing. One old mouse, who was wise, said the cat was a false mendicant.  They dug a deep pit and pushed the cat there, where it died.

Finishing his tale, Duryodhana said Yudhistira is like the cat. He will soon loose his life in my hands. 

Nahusha cursed

Brihaspati said Let Sachi ask for sometime from Nahusha within which something could be done. Sachi, as per plan, went to Nahusha and said she would come to him later. Nahusha was smitten by lust seeing Sachi. He wanted her to accept him then, but Sachi asked for time again. She said she wanted to know where Indra was and wanted to find him. Once she was convinced that she would never find Indra, she would come to him.

Nahusha agreed to this. Sachi returned to Brihaspati. The Gods went to Vishnu. They said Indra was hiding because of the sin. Vishnu said - Let Indra offer me a sacrifice. I will liberate him from the sin. Indra will have to perform the horse sacrifice and this will also mark of end of Nahusha's rule. Be patient till then.

The Gods went and gave the message to Indra. Indra performed the sacrifice and was liberated. He then went to face Nahusha. Indra trembling the moment he saw Nahusha. He fled again and hid somewhere.

Sachi appealed to the Goddess of the night, Ratri, to help her. When Ratri appeared before her, Sachi said she wanted to know where Indra was hiding. Ratri agreed to help her. Ratri asked Sachi to follow her. They crossed many fields, many mountains and when they came to the sea, they stopped at an island in the middle of the sea. It was a beautiful island, where birds were nesting. Colorful lotus flowers blommed there. In the middle was a large white lotus with a thick stem. Ratri pierced the stem of the flower, and Sachi saw Indra there.

Seeing Indra in a minute form, Sachi too reduced her size and went to Indra. She told Indra all about Nahusha. Sachi asked Indra to come and fight Nahusha. Indra said at this moment, the battle had to fought with the mind and not weapons. He said he had a plan and told Sachi what to do.

Sachi returned. She then asked to meet Nahusha. When Nahusha came,  Sachi said - I had asked for time. Now my time is over. I want to you to come to me in an unique vehicle. Indra had horses and elephants. I want you to come in a palanquin borne by the great sages.

Nahusha was pleased. He agreed to this. He said would come to her in a palanquin borne by the seven great sages.

Brihaspati, in the meantime , started a fire and started chanting mantras to find out where Indra was. Agni appeared before Brihaspati and the priest said he wanted to know where Indra was.

Agni assumed the form of a maiden and went around and soon came back to Brihaspati. He said he had searched everywhere except in the waters and Indra was not found. Brihaspati gave Agni the power to travel in water. Agni went again and this time Indra was found in the lotus stem. Agni came and informed Brihaspati.

The Gods and Brihaspati then went to Indra and asked him to return.

While Indra was thinking what to do, Agastya appeared there. He said he had helped in getting rid of Nahusha. All asked him what he had done. Agastya said -

Nahusha had become proud and haughty. He argued with the sages bearing the palanquin and had in the process, kicked Agastya. Angry, Agastya had cursed Nahusha to be turned into a snake.

Indra then returned back to his kingdom and regained his throne.

End his tale, Shalya said - Even Indra had to suffer. Your enemies will soon be gone.

Yudhistira repeated his request of asking Shalya to become the charioteer of Karna. Shalya agreed to that.

Saying this, Shalya returned back.

Nahusha

Indra was happy having killed Vritra but was still sad as he had killed a brahman, the three headed son of Twasta. Full of guilt, he went into hiding.

As soon as Indra vanished, the earth went into turmoil. Trees began falling, rivers became dry and animals and people were in distress. The Gods and sages were afraid. The universe had no ruler. The great sages suggested that Nahusha be invited from earth and he be made king.


Nahusha, in all humility said he was not the right person for this. The sages and the Gods said they felt he was the best choice. They said they would guide Nahusha.  They said fear would be there when doing something different, but that would have to be overcome.

Nahusha became the king, but the heavenly pleasures took over him. He began enjoying the company of the apsaras. He enjoyed the beautiful breeze that blew and the songs that the bards sang.

One day Nahusha saw, Sachi, queen of Indra and wanted her for himself. He asked her to come and visit him. Sachi went the priest, Brihaspati, for advise. The priest asked her to stay with him, promising her that she would would soon be united with Indra.

When Nahusha heard that Sachi was with Brihaspati, he was enraged. How could Sachi refuse the king of heaven? Seeing him angry, the Gods and sages asked Nahusha to control his anger and be happy with what he had. Taking another's wife was a sin.
Nahusha said - If this is a sin, then why was Indra not prevented when he tried to rape Ahalya?

The Gods said they would bring Sachi to him.

They went to Brihaspati and asked him to help. Brihaspati said he would help the one who had sought his protection. The Gods then sat with Brihaspati and decided on the course of action.

Indra kills Vritra

Once Twasta, a great celestial, was engaged in austerities. He always hated Indra and wanted a son who was greater than Indra. He created a person with three heads. The heads were like the sun, moon and fire. From one head he recited the Vedas, from the second he drank nectar and the third he used to gain knowledge. He began performing austerities.

Indra was scared seeing this. He sent apsaras to entice the being. The person was unmoved. The apsaras went back to Indra. Indra then hurled his thunderbolt and killed the person.

On the other end, Indra saw that the dead person's head was like it had life. The eyes seems to follow Indra wherever he went. Indra saw a carpenter passing by. He asked the carpenter to cut off the heads from the body. The carpenter said his axe would break. Indra gave power to the axe. The carpentyer felt suspicios. Who are you, he asked, and why do you want me to do this?
Indra said - I am Indra. I have killed my enemy and I want you to cut off his head. Help me, and I will help you in return.
The carpenter said - You have killed a brahmana. You should be ashamed.
Indra said - I will perform some rites to wash off my sins.

The carpenter cut off the heads of the three headed person. From the cut heads, birds emerged and began flying.

Twasta was furious. How could his son, who had not committed any crime, be killed? He decided to create Vritra. Let Indra face Vritra. Saying this, he created a terrible asura called Vritra. Vritra was commanded to put an end to Indra.

Vritra went, picked up Indra and swallowed him whole. The Gods saw this. They made Vritra yawn. The moment Vritra opened his mouth, Indra escaped.

Fight began between Indra and Vritra. When Vritra got an upper hand in the fight, Indra left the battle and fled. The Gods went to Vishnu for help.

Indra joined the Gods. The Gods said to Vishnu - You have helped us previously in the time of need. We need your help now. Vritra is troubling us and qwe need your help to defeat him.
Vishnu said he would enter Indra's thunderbolt and with Vritra would be killed. Before that, a truce needed to be formed between Indra and Vritra. Then seeing a right time, he could be killed.
started talking.
The help of the sages was sought. They mediated and Indra and Vritra. Indra asked Vritra how he could be killed. Vritra said he could be killed by something that was not dry or wet; that was not a weapon for fighting; nor in the day nor night.
Indra kepting thinking of a loophole- how could he kill Vritra. Once evening, Indra saw Vritra standing on the sea coast. He took the name of Vishnu and hurled that at Vritra. The foam was neither dry nor wet, nor was it a conventional weapon and neither was it day or night. Vishnu entered the froth. Vritra was killed.

Armies march to Kurukshetra

The Pandavas were sitting and talking when Krishna arrived. The Pandavas asked him what had happened?
Krishna said You have a stubborn enemy. He refuses to part off any land. He refused even five villages. He said he would give even that land that lies at the tip of a needle.

This angered Yudhistira. Calming himself, he said The war will happen.
Saying this, he asked for the allies to be sent messages for the war. He asked Sahadeva when was the right time to start for Kurukshetra. Sahadeva looked at the almanac and said Today is the fifth day of the moon and is the best day for one to start.

People started arriving. Camp was set up in Kurukshetra.

Shalya, uncle of Pandavas and brother of Madri came with an intention of fighting for the Pandavas.  Duryodhana knew that Shalya was fond of entertainment and setup entertainment houses on the way. Shalya was happy but later realized this was a ruse of Duryodhana. He agreed reluctantly but said he wanted to meet Yudhistira once, before he moved to the Kaurava camp.

Duryodhana agreed. Shalya went and informed the Pandavas about what had happened.

Yudhistira said to Shalya - I am fine that you are sticking to your word. I need your help. When Arjuna and Karna fight, I need you to become the charioteer for Karna. Demotivate Karna as much as you can.

Shalya said he would what he could for the Pandavas. He said - For the good of you and Draupadi, I will take revenge for the words spoken by Karna during the game of dice. Suffering is there and even the great Indra had to suffer.

Yudhistira wanted to know about this. Shalya said - Let me tell you about the miseries that Indra had to face.

SanatSujat comes to Dhritarashtra

After Krishna left, everyone left the court. Only Vidura and Dhrtrarashtra were left in the court. Soon the sage SanatSujat came there. Vidura told Dhritarashtra, who bowed down to the sage.
Dhritarashtra said My son has become evil. He is trying to harm the Pandavas who had never harmed him. All tried to talk sense to him, but he does not listen.
The sage said Your son will not listen. Listen to me.
Long ago when the asuras ruled the world, all they did was kill and loot. The earth, scared went to Brahma and said I cannot bear the asuras anymore.
Brahma decided to approach Vishnu.
Vishnu said He would take incarnations to kill the asuras. Brahma told his to Earth.
First Vishnu was born as the Fish. He killed Hayagriva and rescued the Vedas.
As the Boar he rescued the Earth and killed Hiranyaksha.
As the half Man half Lion, he killed Hiranyakashipu.
As the tortoise, he held the mountain on his back and helped the churning of the ocean. Taking the form of Mohini, he helped the Gods get nectar.
He then took care of Bali.
These form were in the Satya Yuga.
In the next cycle, Treta Yuga, Vishnu as Parashurama, killed the vain Kshatriyas. As Rama, he killed Ravana.
As Krishna, he has killed Kamsa, Putana and Bakasura.
He will take care of the rest. Soon the Yadava clan will also be destroyed.
In the next Yuga of Kli, he will be born again.

Saying this, the sage left and Vidura also went back to his house.

Krishna

Krishna and Satyaki along with Vidura entered the court. Wanting to see Krishna, the celestial sages also came there.
Krishna said Listen all. I have come here as a messenger for the king Yudhistira. He wants to remind all that as per the previous condition, they have lived in the forests and spent a year in hiding. The pandavas are willing to forget all the insults.

Dhritarashtra said Duryodhana, did you hear what Krishna said? What they have asked for is justified. Give back what is theirs.

Duryodhana said I will return anything and if needed, there will be a war. If they have the strength, let them take it away.

All tried to talk to Duryodhana but he would not listen.

Krishna said Leave five villages. Forget the war. Nothing good will come from there. I am a well wisher of all.

Duryodhana said Even if the sun rises from west, I will not give anything to the Pandavas. Not even the land that is at the tip of a needle will be given to them. On the contrary, I am making you prisoner.

Krishna said I came as a messenger, Dhritarashtra, and your son wants to bind me. I can finish you all instantly. I will not do that.

Saying this Krishna started laughing. In his body was visible the three worlds. On his back one could all the Gods and the eleven Rudras. On his navel was Brahma. On his arm was Narada.

Afraid of this, all said Please forgive us. Please show us the form we are used to.

Krishna resumed his form. He tried to talk but Duryodhana walked out.

Krishna then came out. He went to Kunti. he told her what had happened. He then saw Karna. He went to him. He said I know who you are. You were born off Kunti, before she was married. You are well versed and known for your deeds of giving away whatever is asked from you. The Pandavas are your brothers. They will respect you and love you. You will become king instead of Yudhistira.

Karna said I respect you and your words. I was discarded at birth by Kunti. It was Radha who took care of me, fed her breast milk and brought me up. Do not tell the Pandavas what you said. If I win, I will give the kingdom to Duryodhana. He helped me get a position. While I know that the Pandavas will win, I will still fight. My fight will be with Arjuna only. I will spare the others. I know that Arjuna will kill me and the sons of Drupada will kill Bhishma and Drona. Victory will be theirs who have your blessings. I see comets in the sky which is not a good sign. Kauravas will not win. I dreamt of the victory of the Pandavas.

Karna left and with that Krishna also left Hastinapura. 

Krishna stays at Vidura's house

While Krishna was with Kunti, Vidura arrived. He said he was sorry he was not there to greet Krishna.
Krishna said You are a wise one, known all over the world. I am pleased with what little a devotee can offer.
Vidura said What can I do you for you Krishna.
Krishna said I am very hungry. Please feed me.
Vidura saw a few lotus stems and rice at home. He asked his wife to cook those. Krishna and Satyaki ate that with relish. Vidura was feeling ashamed. He said He was unable to feed the guest at his house.
Vidura said I know you have come as a messenger to talk sense to the sons of Gandhari. Be careful though. They are planning to make you prisoner.
Krishna said I hate the pride that the sons of Dhritarashtra have. I can finish them in an instant.
Vidura said Who can bind you? If a devotee comes, you yourself go and get bound.

Spending the night at Vidura's hut. Krishna then started for the court the next day. 

Kunti talks to Krishna

Krishna went to Vidura's house and called out to him. Vidura was not there. Kunti heard him and came running. Krishna, seeing his aunt, bowed down and touched her feet.
Kunti said I am not sure I know anyone more unfortunate than me. My husband left leaving small children. I brought them up and am unable to bear their hardships. Duryodhana is a sinner who has troubled my sons many times. With the help of Vidura, we were able to escape from the house of lac. My sons begged for food till we went to Panchala. For some days we had peace when Draupadi was won and Drupada accepted us. We got Indraprastha and that too went. Now I am not sure what will happen when the war starts.

Krishna said Do not grieve. In time, your sons will rule again soon. I have come as a messenger to talk to the Kururs. I will see what I can do. If they do not listen, it will be victory for your sons. Do not worry.

This consoled Kunti.

Krishna arrives

When Krishna entered Hastinapura, he was amazed to see the city decorated. He said to Satyaki who was with him - It seems to a city of Indra. It seems Dhritarashtra has come to his senses.
Krishna realized that all this was for show. He just smiled.
Dushshasana came and welcomed Krishna and Satyaki. He asked them to come with him, but Krishna said he wanted to stay the night with Vidura.
Duryodhana thought - Krishna has come for the Pandavas. He needs to be captured and bound.
He shared his thoughts with the people with him. Dushshana and Shakuni agreed to this.

Duryodhana then called his soldiers and said When Krishna comes tomorrow, make sure he is unable to leave the palace. Bind him and make him a prisoner. 

Dhritarashtra talks to Duryodhana

Vidura went to Dhritarashtra and said Krishna is coming to Hastinapura. All will be well if you listen to him.
Dhritrarashtra said I am blessed. Krishna is coming to me to save my clan. Fetch Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa and Duryodhana and ask them to meet me.
Vidura left and went to call the elders.
Dhritarashtra said This is my good fortune. Krishna is coming for the good of all. Decorate the city. Welcome him.
Duryodhana said Krishna is like any other and why should he be given special treatment. He killed Jarasandha only because Jarasandha had addressed Krishna as a cowherd. The husband of Rukmini is very shrewd. I will not listen to him.
Bhishma said Duryodhana has lost his senses. Krishna is the supreme being. Saying this he left.
Dhritarashtra said to Duryodhana - Krishna is coming for our welfare. Be sensible.

Duryodhana agreed to welcome Krishna. He ordered for the city to be decorated.  

Krishna talks to Yudhistira

Janmajeya asked I have heard that Krishna will go as a messenger of the Pandavas. Please tell me what Krishna and Yudhistira discussed.How did the war start?
The sage said - Listen to me.
Krishna sat with Yudhistira. Yudhistira said It seems the war is inevitable. Duryodhana's decision will be the end of the clan. I am not in favor of this. We are free of the condition that we had and are now homeless. We served as servants for a year. Now I will have to fight my dear ones and get my land back. What use is that? If you, I am willing to forgive all and go back in the forest for ever. If I fight and loose I will not be able to show my face anywhere. Kauravas have great warriors like Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Ashwatthama. How will this work?
Krishna smiled. He said What has happened in the past is not to be forgiven so fast. You need to fight. It will not be a sin to kill Duryodhana.
Yudhistira calmed down. Arjuna and Bhima said There is no sin in killing enemies. With Krishna with us, there is no way we will loose. We need to send a final messenger. No one better than Krishna for this. Let Krishna try to make Duryodhana and Dhritarashtra understand. If half the kingdom is given, there is no pint of a fight. If nothing else, even five villages are enough. if he still does not agree, then it will be war. Go quickly, Krishna, to the house of the Kurus and talk to them. Duryodhana is surrounded by the wicked Karna and Dushshana. Take an army with you.
Krishna said They cannot do anything to me. If they try to do anything to me, I will cut them off with my discus.

Saying this, Krishna left for Hastinpura. 

Krishna consoles Arjuna

Arjuna was sad that Krishna had given his army away to Duryodhana.
Seeing this Krishna said - Why are you sad? The army that I gave away is destined to be killed by you. Let me tell you something.
One day the departed ancestors said to me - You are the Ultimate being. The universe is but a hair on your body. Relieve us. We want to eat the meat of the boars in the kingdom of Magadha. Feed us that. Go alone and do not take anyone with you.
Hearing this, I climbed on my horse and rode towards Magadha.
Jarasandha hearing this came to attack with his army. I was alone and was not sure how many I could defeat. Not sure what to do, I made myself as big as a mountain. From my body was born a massive army which soon vanquished the Magadha army. I killed the boars and thanked the army. I asked the army to ask for something. They said If you are pleased then give us the boon that our death will be in the hands of one who is equal to you in strength.
I said So be it. You will die in the hands of Arjuna.
Arjuna was now pleased. He said I have Narayana with me and victory will be ours. He then said Yudhistira was anxious to meet him.

Hearing this, Krishna climbed up on his chariot and let to meet Yudhistira in the land of Virata.

Duryodhana and Arjuna meet Krishna

Uluka came and asked Duryodhana to go to Dwaraka and meet Krishna. Krishna said he would help one who would come first.
Duryodhana started for Dwaraka. He went and entered the room where Krishna was sleeping. He saw the throne and sat down on that.
Soon Atjuna arrived. He went and sat near Krishna's feet and slowly began pressing Krishna's feet that angered Duryodhana.

Soon Krishna woke up. He saw Arjuna first. he began talking to him when he saw Duryodhana. He asked Duryodhana why he had come. Duryodhana said he had come before Arjuna, but he was offended that Arjuna was greeted before him. He said he wanted Krishna as his charioteer.
He said When Shiva had gone to attack Tripura He had made Brahma his charioteer. I want you to be my charioteer.

Krishna said I have seen Arjuna and promised him first. I will not actively fight in the battle. I have given a promise to Balarama. My army of the Yadava warriors is there. They will fight. Take my army Duryodhana.

Duryodhana thought - Krishna's army is huge and will be a big benefit. He agreed to Krishna's proposal. He then left.

Arjuna was pleased. He said Now I know why they call you Jagannatha.

Arjuna looked a little sad. 

Uluka meets Krishna

Janmajeya asked - Who was sent to Dwaraka as the messenger?
The sage said -
Uluka, son of Shakuni, as the messenger. Uluka gave the note of Duryodhana to Krishna.
Krishna read the note and smiled. He said - Tell Duryodhana that I am impartial. Let Duryodhana remember that Arjuna had freed him from the Gandharvas. He had promised to return Pandavas their land, so why does he go back on his word? Go and give this message. I will come there later. I have no problems becoming a charioteer but Arjuna had asked me before. Arjuna has said he will come here in five days. Let Duryodhana also come. Let the one who comes to me first get me.

With that Uluka left.

Krishna then ordered for a bed to be made at the head of which was a wonderful throne studded with gems. There was some space kept at the end.

After five days, Krishna lay down on that bed.

Duryodhana sends a message to Krishna

Duryodhana sent a note to Krishna. He wrote - There will be a war between Kauravas and Pandavas. You are related to both. I want you to join the Kaurava team and guide us by becoming my charioteer.

After sending the note, he called for a meeting with the elders. He said he had sent a message for Krishna.

Bhishma said You should know that Krishna supports the Pandavas and will not side with you. If he does join you, it will be for your destruction.

Dhritarashtra said It is best if Duryodhana goes and meets Krishna himself.

Duryodhana said Let us wait and see what Krishna says.

Vidura said Duryodhana, you have lost your mind. Krishna, whom the Gods pray to, is a Supreme Being. Why should be stoop low and become your charioteer?

Kurukshetra

Duryodhana then sent messengers everywhere asking his allies to join him for battle. Kings from all over came to join the Kaurava army.
Pandavas heard that Duryodhana was getting his army ready. He said it was time to get ready and also view the holy place of Kurukshetra where the battle was to be fought.
Yudhistira said this was a holy place  where a body part of Sati had fallen, which had been established by their ancestor Kuru.

Hearing this Dhristadyumna said I am interested to hear this. Please tell me.

Arjuna said There was a noble king called Kuru. He had won over many kings with his might. He held many sacrifices. One day the departed ancestors came to him and asked him perform the a ceremony and feed them meat. The king agreed and went on a hunt. He killed many animals and sent the meat home. Thirsty he roamed the forest looking for water. He found an ashrama and a beautiful lake. There he saw a very beautiful woman, Seeing her he lost his thirst and started thinking about her.

The woman said she was Bahurupa, a dancer in the court of Indra. She said Listen to my story first. In a previous birth I was born asa bird. I used to live on a huge banyan tree. I lived a full life and later died on the tree of old age. My body remained there and dried up. Years passed. Once a strong wind blew and my body along with my nest flew and fell in the waters of the pilgrim site of Prabhasa. On touching the waters, all my sins were washed away and I became a beautiful dancer in the court of Indra. One day an evil thought struck me. A king called Khatanga, from the solar dynasty, happened to come to Indra's court after winning wars. I fell in love with the king.
Indra cursed me saying because I had lost my heart to a human I was cursed to go down to heart. Which why I am here, looking for a partner.

Kuru said I am a king from the Lunar dynasty and will accept you as my wife if you are willing. The woman said I agree on the condition that you will not stop me from doing what I wish. If you say anything harsh, I will leave you.
Kuru agreed and took her along with him to his kingdom.

One day Kuru was thirsty and asked his wife to give him some water. The woman said she was busy and it would take some time. The king lost his temper. The woman then said As agreed previously I am leaving you.

The king was sad after she left. He lost interest in his kingdom and always pined for the woman.
His ministers told him Bahurupa was a cursed apsara. With her curse gone, she is back in Indra's court. If you really want her, please Indra. They told him to worship Indra on the banks of river Saraswati, close by. The king started his meditation.
Surabhi, the divine cow appeared before him and asked what he wanted. The king said he wanted Bahurupa. Surabhi asked him to continue worshiping Indra.
Indra appeared and asked what he wanted.
Kuru said he wanted Bahurupa back.
Indra said So be it. He said Ask for something else.
Kuru said If you are pleased , let this place become a holy place.
Indra said This place will be known as Kurukshetra.
With the permission of Indra, Kuru took Bahurupa back with him. On the way, he did not thank Surabhi. Surabhi angry, cursed the king to be childless. The king did not hear this.

Years passed and the king was childless. He went to the sage Vashistha with his wife. The sage wanted to know why the king had come. The king said he was childless and wanted a child.
Vashistha said this was because of Surabhi's curse. He asked him not to worry. Surabhi's daughter was in his ahsrama. If the king served Surabhi's daughter, he would get a child.

The king and his wife began serving the cow, Nandini.

Soon the king had two sons. He named the first son as Syamavar. This is the son who carried forward the Kuru dynasty. Later, giving the kingdom over to his son, the king retired into the forest.

Ending his tale, Arjuna said It is time to prepare camps in Kurukshetra. We should not delay.

Dhristadyumna started his work. Soon messages were sent to the allies of the Pandavas to join them.

Salya, brother of Madri, was coming to join the Pandavas. He was stopped on the way by Duryodhana who greeted him and took care of him. Pleased, he said would join the Kauravas but before that he said he would meet the Pandavas and come.

When Salya met Yudhistira, Yudhistira said he was expecting him. Salya said he had given his word and would join the Kauravas. Being there, he would help by becoming the charioteer of Karna.

Vatapi

A sage called Khaga once did severe penance to please Vishnu. He got what he wanted and returned to the mountain Rishyamukha. On the mountain lived a king called Rishya with his wife, Roopavati. The king died childless. The queen was stricken with grief. She was crying in the forest when her cries were heard by Garuda. He took the form of a human and seeing the queen was in love with her. He asked her who she was. She said she and her husband had come to the forest to pray for a child and in the process the king had died and she was now all alone.
Garuda said he would have a child with her. The queen asked for  hundred children. Garuda lived with her for twelve years. The king Rishya had another wife, Sushila. When she heard about this, she too begged for a child.
Soon both queens were pregnant and they gave birth to eggs. Sushila gave birth to twins - the eldest was blind and called Andhaka and the younger was called Jatayu. The other queen gave birth to a son called Kubala and ninety nine others. Kubala was made the king of birds.
Once the nagas attacked and fought Kubala. Kubala and his ninety nine brothers were killed in the fight.
Andhaka seeing this took refuge with the Nagas. The Nagas made him the king.
When Garuda came to know this he began killing the Nagas and was stopped by Brahma.
Soon Jatayu, the peaceful one had two sons, Sukha and Sarana. Andhaka had thousand sons, the eldest of whom was called Vatapi.
Vatapi made friends with the Nagas. Seeing this Sukha and Sarana prayed to Shiva and got boons. They realized that Vatapi would bring an end to their clan. So with the boons, they and fought and killed Vatapi.

This is how Dhritarashtra is acting and he will then go the way of Vatapi.

Sanajaya goes to the Pandavas

Janmajeya asked What did Dhritarashtra then?
The sage said
Dhritarashtra seeing his son not listening called Sanajaya. He asked Sanajaya to go to the kingdom and meet the Pandavas. He said Give my blessings to the Pandavas. Give my blessings to Draupadi. Tell them what is in destiny will happen. My son has lost his mind. Tell Draupadi - He sent you to the forest and cheated you. Please forgive him. Tell the Pandavas that I have been worried when the Pandavas were away for thirteen years.

Sanjay went said to the Pandavas - All the elders tried to talk to Duryodhana but he would not listen. Dhritarashtra is anxious to see you.

Pandavas said What exactly did Karna and Duryodhana say?
Karna said He would kill Arjuna. Killing him, he would keep the rest of Pandavas as prisoners. War is inevitable and will happen.

Yudhistira said Sanajaya, Now go as my messenger and say that kingdom be divided as per the law else it will be a disaster. Bhima said - Remind Duryodhana that I have not forgotten my promise of breaking his thigh. Yudhistira said If Duryodhana comes to my refuge I grant him immunity. He and his brothers will not be harmed. Arjuna said - Tell the king that he should divide the kingdom equally. If he wants, I can go and fight and win it over. If not agreed to, the entire dynasty will be destroyed. Dhritarashtra is acting like the Vatapi bird.

Arjuna said Let me tell you the story.

Bali and the dwarf

Aditi prayed to Vishnu to help. Her penance was austere. She gave up food and water and survived on air, to get help from Vishnu.
The Gods came and greeted their mother and wanted to know why she was praying and asked her to leave. When Aditi was insistent, Vishnu finally appeared before her. Aditi was very pleased to see Him. Vishnu said he would try to fulfill her wishes.
Aditi asked for her sons to have their kingdoms returned.
Vishnu said I will born as your child. I will be a dwarf who will trick Bali to give back the land to the Gods.

Pleased Aditi returned home and told Kashyapa about this. Soon Vishnu was born as a dwarf son of Aditi. As soon he was born, the boy wanted his sacred thread ceremony performed. KAshyapa arranged for that.
After the ceremony, the dwarf said he had heard of the sacrifice that Bali was performing. He said he knew that Bali would giving away many gifts and thus he wanted to go and visit that and get something.

He went where the sacrifice was happening. When Shukracharya saw this, he knew this was Vishnu as a dwarf. He said to Bali - This is Vishnu, coming to cheat you.

Bali said Do not doubt this person. And even if this is Vishnu, he is most welcome to come and ask for what he needs. And I am blessed that the One who is tough to please is coming here on his own.

Angry Shukra cursed Bali saying his prosperity would be lost.

Bali welcomed the dwarf and said he would give what ever was desired.

The Dwarf said He needed land that could be covered by his three steps.

Bali agreed. He would would solemnize the process by taking holy water in his hand from the pitcher holding that. Shukra seeing this, took the form of a fly and blocked the path of the water flow.
When Bali tried to get some water in his hand, he was ashamed to see nothing coming out. The dwarf asked Bali to use a blade of the Kusha grass and poke the spout with that.
Bali did that, and the blade poked an eye of Shukra who became blind from that eye. Shukra fled from there. Bali then sprinkled the water and agreed to give the land away.

The dwarf then started increasing his size. Soon his head was touching the sky. With one foot the dwarf covered the earth and with the other he covered the heavens. With no place to put his third foot, he asked Bali where to put his foot. Bali asked the foot be placed on his head.

Bali was pushed into the nether world. The Gods came and greeted the dwarf. Blessing all the dwarf vanished.

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Ending his tale, Dhuamya said Control Duryodhana.

Dhaumya then left from there. He went to the Pandavas and said he had tried but Duryodhana did not listen.

Bali

Dhaumya said -

Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha were sons of Diti and were crule. They were defeated by Hari.
Prahlada was the son of Hrinayakashipu. Prahlada's son was called Vircohana. The Gods wanting to test Vircohana had asked for alms and Virochana had given up his body. Virochana's son was Bali. With his strength and might, Bali won over the three worlds. There was a fierce battle that had taken place between Bali and Indra. At one point Indra had fainted and seeing that Matali had run away with Indra. When he came to his sense, Indra asked Matali to turn back. Indra, with renewed vigor fought and Bali fell on his chariot. Seeing Bali fall, the Gods fled.
The Daityas then carried the body of Bali to the cosmic ocean. His Guru, Shukracharya, revived him.
Bali got a new life and was grateful to Shukracharya.
He learnt all the mantras from his Guru and then went to the Himalayas to meditate.

Brahma came to give him a boon. Bali asked to be immortal. Brahma granted him the boon.
Bali then went and attacked Indra again. A fierce battle took place and Indra was defeated.
After that Bali performed many sacrifices.

In the meantime, Aditi, mother of Gods wondered how her sons would get their kingdoms back.

Vidura advises Dhritarashtra

Vaishampayana said to Janmajeya - Listen King.
When Duryodhana left the court Bhishma, Drona and Kripa were quite then they too left.
Vidura then went to Dhritarashtra and said - Give half the kingdom to Pandavas else nothing will be left of the kingdom. Your son is cruel and there seems to be no one else like him. He is giving you a bad name also.Do not think of battle. Bhima, who can kill Hidimb, Jatasura and Baka with his bare hands is someone to be feared. Arjuna is a mighty warrior and a beloved of Indra. You know how Arjuna alone annihilated the enemy in the kingdom of Virata. Do as I say. Send messengers to the kingdom of Virata. Fetch the Pandavas and give back Indraprastha.

Dhritarashtra said You told me and I understand. Go and tell Duryodhana this.

Vidura said I have tried and he thinks ill off me, Saying this Vidura sat down.

Dhaumya said I know Duryodhana will not give up the land. They have tried to kill the Pandavas before using Virochana. Be aware that Krishna is with the Pandavas. This is the same Hari who was captured by Bali.

Dhritarashtra asked about the clash between Bali and Hari.

Dhaumya said This is a big story but let me summarize and tell you.

Story of Vrika

There was king in the solar dynasty called Vrika who was a noble and just king. He was married to Sumati and Kumati, daughters of the king of Kosala. The queens were childless. One day the sage VIbhandak happened to come there. The king greeted the sage along with his wives.

The sage asked the king to perform a Putreshti sacrifice through which he would have a strong son.
The king performed the sacrifice and soon Sumati gave birth to twins and Kumati to a handsome boy. The twins were names Taljangha and Hayyi. Kumati's son was called Bahu.

When it was time, the king divided his kingdom among his sons and retired into the forest with his wives.

Babu was a noble and just king. He got married to a princess called Satyavati. Soon Satyavati was pregnant and the priests said she would have a great son. One day Narada came to visit Bahu.
The king welcomed the sage and gave him a seat. When asked for the reason, the sage said Be careful of who your enemies are. Do not leave your enemies alive. If you are a divine word that your enemy is unborn, kill it in the womb itself. I have heard that son of Bahu will be a great king who will perform many sacrifices and rule over many. He will also be the cause of the downfall of your clan. Kill it before it is born.

The King was not sure what to do. He met with his courtiers and wanted their advice. The court decided that the queen be given poison that will kill the unborn child.

The queen was fed the poisoned food but nothing happened. It was two years and the queen had not yet delivered.

In the meantime, the brothers Taljangha and Hayyi taking the help of Kartavirya Arjuna, defeated Bahu and took over his kingdom. Bahu and his queen left the kingdom and moved into the forest.

In the forest they spotted an ashrama. There they saw a lake which was beautiful with water birds swimming in it, The king and his wife had a bath there. They set up a hut there and began living there. The king fell sick and died there. The queen then began gathering wood to burn her husband's body.

A sage was passing by and he saw a pregnant woman gathering sticks for a pyre. He asked her not to perform that. He said the child who was in the womb would be a great king. The sage helped the queen and after burning the body he took the pregnant queen with him to his hut. There the queen gave birth to a beautiful boy child. The child was named Sagar. Sagar began growing up there. The boy learnt all the arts and got the knowledge of the Vedas.

One day, the boy asked his mother about his birth and his lineage. With tears, the queen told the boy the history of his father and how the uncles had taken over the kingdom.

Hearing this Sagar acquired an army and with that defeated all his enemies. He then became the king of Ayodhya and had sixty thousand sons. The sons got killed later due to the curse of a sage.


Ending this, Dhritarashtra said - Do not make enemies of the Pandavas. What they deserve, give them.

Duryodhana said I will not give away anything without a fight. Along with KArna and Dusshasana, Duryodhana left the court.

Dhaumya comes to the court

The sage said to Janmajeya :

After this, the priest of the Pandavas, Dhaumya went to the court. He went to Dhritarashtra and said he had been sent by the sons of Pandu. He said - The eldest Pandava, son of Dharma, asked me to convey his greetings. He said he will be happy with whatever is given to them by you. He said he has suffered a lot in the forest and wants to return back. Being from the royal family, they served as servants with the aim of returning back. Bhima conveyed his greetings to all. He asked that Duryodhana should give back their lands, as previously agreed upon. Arjuna asked to convey his greeting and then said they had been humiliated by Duryodhana. Draupadi had to be dragged to the court by her hair. Their land should be returned back. The sons of Madri said the same.

Hearing this Dhritarashtra said I am ashamed of what my sons did. Let a messenger go and fetch the Pandavas. We will then sit and mutually decide what was correct.

Bhishma said It is correct to give half the land over to the Pandavas. If not given, the kingdom will be lost.

Hearing this Duryodhana was furious. To him, Dhritarashtra said Ill\ will is got good. Nothing good will come from this. Listen to me as I tell you about an old tale.

Indra and his curse

Aditi was the wife of the sage Kashyapa. She prayed to Shiva for sons. When Shiva appeared, she said she wanted a son who was revered by all. Shiva said said so be it.
Kashyapa said Your son will the king of all Gods.
Soon Aditi was expecting and gave birth to a boy. The boy was named Indra. He was given charge of the Devas.
Soon again, Aditi conceived . The child to be born was Pawana.
One day Narada came to Indra and said The child to be born of your mother will take over the world.
The jealous Indra thought of killing the unborn child. He entered the womb and cut the foetus into seven parts. Each part was again cut seven times. Soon Aditi gave birth to fourty nine children who were the Winds. This is what happens when you try to use violence. Trying to kill one, he created many others.

One day Indra went to the ashrama of the sage Goutama to study the vedas. There he was enamored by the beautiful wife of the sage and wanted her for himself. He waited for a chance. One day the sage went to have a bath. Seeing the dage left, Indra changed his appearance to become like the sage and went inside the hut.
The wife asked her husband - You went for a bath. How did you manage to come back so fast?
Indra did not say anything but made love to her.
When the husband returned, he figured out what had happened. He cursed Indra to have a thousand vaginas on his body. Indra thus became known as SahasraYoni.

Indra begged forgiveness and said he would not be able to show his face to anyone like that. Indra decided to go and pray in the forests.
With Indra not there, the heavens were attacked by asuras. When Kashyapa got to know this he asked Brahma to do something.

Brahma asked Goutama to forgive Indra. Goutama said The curse would not go away but the vaginas would become eyes and Indra will have thousand eyes on his body.
Kashyapa went where Indra was meditating in the forest. He had a thousand eyes on his body.
Kashyapa said - Son, You need to control your senses. Do not be jealous and do not practice violence.

This is what had happened earlier and what Bhishma had said is true. Give up your greed. Divide the kingdom with the Pandavas.