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War between the Pandavas and Kauravas started in this section of reading. The reading started out with the Pandavas, once again, wandering through the forests since they had lost possessions due to gambling. However, the time spent in the forest was worthwhile as Arjuna became more powerful while on a journey where he met Shiva amongst many other gods and received many gifts. Soon, the Pandavas' twelve years of exile were up, and they returned to wage war with the Kauravas. Krishna wanted the argument to be settled peacefully, and Krishna retreated to his kingdom peacefully and asked to be left out of the war. Then, Arjuna and Duryodhana set out to ask for Krishna's help. Duryodhana arrived slightly before Arjuna, but they arrived on the same day. When they arrived, Krishna was asleep. Both Arjuna and Duryodhana sat by Krishna's bed, and when Krishna awoke, he offered to grant one his army, and one himself. Arjuna got first choice because he was younger, and Arjuna chose to have Krishna, who was not allowed to fight, be on his side. Duryodhana was pleased to get the full army. Arjuna asks Krishna to drive his chariot, and Krishna agreed. While armies were being put together and getting ready for war, the Pandavas tried one last time for peace. When no immediate answer was given, Krishna went to the Kauravas to attempt to get the Kauravas to agree to peaceful negotiation. When Krishna became aware that the Kauravas were plotting to capture and harm him, Krishna showed his true form as Vishnu, in the All-Form that contained many other gods as well, all of the Kauravas and their men except Duryodhana trembled in fear. Krishna then tried to negotiate Karna to the Pandavas' side by telling Karna that he is the brother of the Pandavas and that the Pandavas would proudly elect him king as the eldest brother. However, Karna politely rejects by saying that he wants to stand by the Kauravas, his friends, even though it is certain to fail. Karna says Arjuna and he must meet on the battlefield as destiny intended. Kunti then tells Karna that he is her son, and begs for him to join the Pandavas. Once again, Karna declines. However, Karna promises to only do battle with Arjuna, and to spare the other four Pandavas. As the battle begins, the Kauravas and Pandavas trade-off with victories, eventually the Pandavas take the upper hand. Bhishma, the leader of the Kaurava forces, tells Duryodhana that they will surely lose, and Duryodhana wants Karna to take over as leader. However, Bhishma is not yet ready to relinquish his duty as leader of the forces.
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| Arjuna and Krishna ride in Krishna's chariot. Image from Wikipedia |
Bibliography
"The Story of the Great War". By Annie Besant
"Indian Myth and Legend" by Donald A. Mackenzie [Online]
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