PARTHASARATHI

During the Kurukshetra war the Kouravas, Bhishma, Drona, Asvathama, etc., were on one side and the Pandavas, Krishna, Drupada, etc., were on the other. Krishna did not actually fight. He was the charioteer of Arjuna and hence he is called Parthasarathy.

Duryodhana came to Dwaraka to seek the help of Sri Krishna, in person. He went straight to Krishna's place and found him sleeping. So he sat on the chair behind the head of Krishna. By a strange coincindence, Arjuna too arrived at the same time and he stood at the feet of Sri Krishna, in a prayerful mood. Duryodhana, who was already there pretended as if he did not notice the presence of Arjuna, and sat absorbed himself in a regal pose. The two rivals did not attempt at any apparent reconcilitation even for courtesy sake. After some time, Sri Krishna woke up and saw Arjuna first, as he was standing n the direct range of his gaze. As he was making a series of affectionate enquiries, he chanced to look at Duryodhana who was cajoling his moustaches, with his fingers, slightly bending his head. Sri Krishna dramatically turned to him and asked, "King of Kings, when did you come?" Duryodhana replied, "I have come first" and paused for a while. "Perhaps you have come to test my hospitality. You are equally welcome," said Sri Krshna. Duryodhana replied, "I have come to seek your help."

Sri Krishna embraced Duryodhana and after the customary hospitalities were completed, asked him to tell him what he wanted. Duryodhana said, "Omniscent almighty, you know why I have come to you. To be brief, have come to seek your help in the imminent Kuru-Pandava conflict. Sri Krishna replied, "Yes, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, as well as the peoples of the various kingdoms are in fact dear to me. I am an advocate of peace. Unilaterally I am announcing my decision before you and Arjuna – I swear not handle any weapon in the impending war and I want you to live in peace."


Duryodhana was extremely was happy at the announcement and Sri Krishna added peace is good but war has its own merits. Sri Krishna made it very clear, "I will be a mere civilian and any assistance can be extracted from me in that capacity only. On the other hand, I place my army consisting of ten thousand professional soldiers who will take part in the fighting with all their equipment and energies and now both of you can choose. Arjuna replied with folded hands, "Sri Krishna, I want you to be our friend, philosopher and guide. Unhesitatingly I chose you. We will conquer the enemies with your blessings. I request you to be my charioteer." Duryodhana's heart was filled with joy at the unexpected acquisition to his military might; and he was prepared to leave Arjuna to live in his paradise.

Duryodhana returned to Hastinapura and told Karna in a tone of self satisfaction, "I have isolated Krishna and his armies will fight on our side. He swore not to wield any weapon. It is a pleasant surprise for me that Arjuna chose Krishna, who abdicated the arms with superstitious adoration. Sri Krishna has an overbearing personality; he will not merely drive Arjuna's chariot but also dominate all the Pandavas; he can whip Arjuna's horses but cannot make the Pandavas win the war."

After Duryodhana's departure Sri Krishna was making fun, asking Arjuna, why did you choose me instead of my army. Arjuna replied, "You are at the perfect liberty to make fun of me and tease me; where Krishna is verily there, righteousness is there; where there is righteousness, verily victory is there. When you stand on the battle field you shine like mid- day sun in the sky and by contrast I look like a glow worm. Moreover, recognized authorities on military science say that the charioteer should be superior to the warrior in every respect; perhaps an impossible ideal elsewhere. How fortunate I am! The omniscient almighty has condescended to be my charioteer." Sri Krishna listened to Arjuna, with rapt attention, his face wreathed in smiles and said, "Great warrior, I appreciate your explanation and I will be your charioteer with pleasure; you have my benediction. May your valour be crowned with victory. May your heroic humility be elevated to the holy throne of historic glory and graciousness in the near future."