Udyogaparva

Of the eighteen parvas of the Mahabharata, Udyogaparva is the fifth

one. This has 10 adhyayas and 6682 verses.

1.Senodyogaparva

This upaparva of the Udyogaparva consists of 19 chapters. The

Pandavas and their associates felt happy as the marriage of Abhimanyu and
Uttara was celebrated. On the second day, the Pandavas were present in the
royal court. The old and honourable Virata and Drupada took their seats first in
the assembly. Following them, Vasudeva and his sons Krishna and Balarama
were seated. The other members included the sons of Drupada, Virata and
Draupadi, and other great chariot-warriors. Every one was eager to listen to the
words of wisdom of Krishna. The latter started by describing how Sakuni of
Sabala defeated Yudhishthira by deceit in the game of dice and grabbed his
kingdom. The condition put in the game was that the defeated should go to
woods for twelve years and live incognito for one year. The Pandavas who
were defeated in gambling stayed in the woods for twelve years and lived in
disguise in the kingdom of Virata for one year experiencing many hardships.
Because of the treachery of the Kauravas, the Pandavas had to face difficulties.
The Pandavas having completed the stay in the woods and the stay in disguise
then were asking for their wealth. The truthful Yudhishthira was present there
before them along with his brothers. If the Kauravas were to behave
offensively with them, the Pandavas would kill them. What was in the mind of
Duryodhana, they were not aware of so far. So a virtuous person should go
there as an emissary and advise Duryodhana to give half the kingdom to
Yudhishthira. Balarama appreciated the speech of Krishana and said that the
pious Yudhishthira was in fact asking for only half of the kingdom, foregoing
his right over his kingdom. And by offering half the kingdom to the Pandavas,
there would be peace to the Kauravas, and welfare to the public. Hence to bring
peace between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, it was a good suggestion to
send an emissary. The messenger should talk politely and convince them for
the sake of Yudhishthira. At no point should he annoy or irritate the Kauravas.
Even though his well-wishers advised him against gambling, Yudhishthira did
not heed their words. Indulged in gambling he lost his kingdom. Even though
there are other players, leaving them aside, Yudhishthira challenged Sakuni,
and lost to him. As Balarama was saying so, Satyaki got up angrily and
condemned his speech. He said that everyone would speak according to his
inner sense. Balarama also did so. Having been released from the bond of the
stay in the woods, the Pandavas had then become the rightful owners of their
property. To beg the enemies is itself a wrongful and blamable matter.
Yudhishthira should get his kingdom again. Otherwise all the Kauravas would
perish in the war. Drupada also supported him and said that he could not accept
Balarama’s words. It was very important to send an emissary to the Kauravas
as early as possible. He further said that there was a well-versed Brahmin in his
service. It would be appropriate to send him to Dhritarashtra as a messenger.
Lord Krishna gave his consent to that and went away to Dwaraka. Later, the
king of Panchala, with the permission of Dharmaraja, decided to send his priest
to the Kauravas as an emissary during the auspicious time of Jaya coinciding
with the Pushya star. At the command of king Drupada, a Brahmin priest, rich
in good customs started for Hastinapura.
After sending the Purohita to Hastinapura, the Pandavas decided to send
messengers to other kings also. Having done so, Arjuna himself set out for
Dwaraka. Duryodhana received information regarding the activities of the
Pandavas through his spies. On the same day on which Arjuna reached
Dwaraka, Duryodhana also reached there. Both of them went into the chambers
where Krishna was asleep. Duryodhana entered first and sat on the high seat at
the head side of the bed. Later Arjuna went in and stood at the other side
folding his hands in respect. On waking up, Krishna saw Arjuna first. He
welcomed both of them and then enquired the reason of their visit. Then
Duryodhana requested Krishna’s help in the forthcoming war. Then Krishna
said that even though Duryodhana had come first, he saw Arjuna first. So he
was prepared to help both of them. But according to the word of the scriptures,
the younger Arjuna would have the right to choose first his desired object. He
had with an army consisting of ten crore Gopa soldiers. They were always
prepared for war. On the other hand, he was there all alone. He would neither
participate in the war nor hold any weapon. He asked Arjuna to choose one of
the two. When Krishna thus offered a choice, Arjuna selected Krishna.
Duryodhana who was very much pleased inwardly, chose the whole army.
Having thus gained the troops, he went to Balarama and told him the reason for
his arrival. Balarama announced that he would support neither Duryodhana nor
Arjuna. He advised them to fight according to the rules of war. Duryodhana
was pleased within himself, and thought that they would win the battle as
Krishna was weakened. Then he went to Kritavarman, who presented him an
army of one akshauhini. Duryodhana returned to Hastina satisfied. At the
request of Arjuna, Krishna became his charioteer.
On receiving the message of the Pandavas, king Salya set out
accompanied by his son and a large army to meet Dharmaraja. Having come to
know of this, Duryodhana made preparations to receive him half the way. Salya
felt very happy and told Duryodhana to ask for a boon. The latter requested
him to be the commander of his whole army. Salya accepted it happily. Then
he went to Yudhishthira and reported to him about the boon given to Salya.
Then Yudhishthira praised him saying that he was equal to Krishna in driving a
chariot. And he requested him to help Arjuna if he wanted to do good to him.
When Karna and Arjuna would face each other, he should discourage Karna.
Salya agreed to it and said that he would do accordingly. As Fate is powerful,
even noble persons would face difficulties now and then. Having said so, he
narrated how Indra faced troubles. Then taking leave of him, Salya, the king of
the Madras went Duryodhana along with his army. All those kings who were
on the side of Duryodhana sent their armies to Duryodhana. Thus the total
strength of Duryodhana’s army became eleven akshauhinis.
2. Sanjayayanaparva

There are 13 chapters in this section. The priest of Drupada went to the
Kauravas as an emissary and was warmly received by Dhritarashtra, Bhishma
and Vidura. He described the strength and capabilities of the Pandavas and
asked the people around to give half of the kingdom to the Pandavas as it was
to be bestowed to them rightfully. Bhishma also supported him and started to
describe the valour of Arjuna. Interrupting him in the middle, ridiculing his
speech, Karna said that Duryodhana would never share, even one fourth of his
kingdom with any one out of fear, leave alone half of it. Foolishly Bhishma
was turning his mind towards the negative way. Rejecting the words of Karna,
Bhishma again eulogized the valour of Arjuna, and referred to the defeat of six
great warriors at the hands of Arjuna during the battle at the city of Virata.
Then Dhritarashtra reprimanded Karna and revered Bhishma. He said that the
advice of Bhishma was beneficial to all. Then he honoured the priest, and
having sent him away, decided to send Sanjaya to the Pandavas. At the
command of king Dhritarashtra, in order to enquire the welfare of the Pandavas
on behalf of the king, and to act in the interest of the family of Bharata, Sanjaya
went to Upaplavya to meet the Pandavas. Having met Yudhishthira he enquired
his well being. After that Yudhishthira questioned about the actions of the
Kauravas. Having answered him, Sanjaya conveyed the message of
Dhritarashtra. At that moment, Sri Krishna, Satyaki, king Virata, and all the
Pandavas were present there. Sanjaya said that Dhritarashtra wanted peace. He
wished that the Pandavas would accept the king’s advice, and a treaty could be
made between the two camps. Then Yudhishthira remarked that they also did
not raise the topic of war. He wondered why the Kauravas were getting
nervous. It was Dhritarashtra and his sons who took the path of adharma. The
uncouth behaviour of the Kauravas towards them could not be concealed. He
demanded that Duryodhana should return the Indraprastha kingdom of the
Pandavas. Sanjaya then again spoke about the demerits of the war, and advised
Yudhishthira to turn away from it. He further instructed him to distribute all his
wealth to his counselors, if at all he was thinking in terms of war at their
suggestion, and warned him not to move away from the path of dharma by
killing his family members. On hearing that Yudhishthira asked him to decide
first whether the Pandavas were in the path of dharma or adharma. Sri Krishna,
the lord of dharma, the master of polity was present there. He was a well
wisher to both the sides. So he should speak out his mind in that regard.
Then Krishna said that he indeed wished the good of both the sides. The
Pandavas should make peace with the Kauravas and live calmly. But that
would not happen without first appropriating the share of the Pandavas in the
ancestral property. The virtuous Pandavas were set for peace; nevertheless they
were well equipped for war also. So the facts must be told to Dhritarashtra after
proper deliberation. When Krishna said so, Sanjaya took permission to take
leave of them and go back to Hastinapura. Yudhishthira then asked Sanjaya to
enquire the welfare of all there and report theirs also to them. Then he wanted
him to convey the message that the Pandavas were capable of making both
peace and war. Sanjaya went to Dhritarashtra with the message and after
conveying the welfare of the Pandavas, criticized the deeds of Dhritarashtra.
He said that in the whole world that it was only Dhritarashtra who supported
his sons in gambling, and praised them. He could then witness the terrible
consequences of that. He punished the trustworthy by uniting the
untrustworthy. He then said that as he was exhausted, he would convey the
message of Yudhishthira in front of every one in the assembly the next day.
Dhritarashtra permitted him to go to his house.

3. Prajagaraparva

There are 8 chapters in this section. After Sanjaya left, Dhritarashtra

called Vidura. The latter met him as was ordered. The king mentioned the
arrival of Sanjaya and said that the latter carrued the message of Dharmaraja to
him and went home having criticized him. He would convey the message in the
assembly also the next day. The king’s heart burned as he did not know what
was in the mind of Dharmaraja. Agitated he was, he could not even sleep. He
was not tranquil also. He was very much disconcerted. So he requested Vidura
to advise him what was good for him. In reply to him Vidura said that sleep
will not visit a weak person who opposes a stronger one, or one who has lost all
his wealth, or a lustful one or a thief. He then queried whether the king found
himself in one of those kinds. Then Dhritarashtra beseeched him to speak some
the righteous and the beneficial words. Then Vidura explained about the
natures of the knowledgeable and the ignoramus, and advised him on the
greatness of the righteous way. At the end he remarked that the five sons of
Pandu were like five Indras in capabilities. He further advised him to give
kingdom to the Pandavas in the rightful manner, and be happy with his sons.
Then Dhritarashtra sought advice on what he should do. Then Vidura again
discoursed on the way of dharma. But Dhritarashtra said that he was not
satisfied with those words. Vidura then suggested acting amicably with both
the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Further, he narrated the argument occurred
between Sudhanvan and Virochana for possessing the extraordinarily beautiful
Kesini in the swayamavara. He queried how he could desire prosperity while
placing the burden of the kingdom on Duryodhana, Sakuni, the stupid
Dussasana, and Karna. The Pandavas treated him as a father. He also should
treat them as his children and behave accordingly. Asked by Dhritarashtra, he
gave an account of the characteristics of a noble born. On hearing it,
Dhritarashtra said that Yudhishthira was cheated. So the angry Pandavas would
fight with his sons and kill them. That was the reason why his mind was
restless. And he requested him to show him the tranquil way. Vidura again
advised him to make peace with the Pandavas and prevent Duryodhana from
misbehaviour. Dhritarashtra consented with him saying that he also thought so.
He had affectionate feelings towards the Pandavas. But his mind turns the other
way when he was under the influence of Duryodhana. Nobody can overcome
fate. He also considered fate unalterable. The efforts of man are in vain before
that.

4. Sanatsujataparva

There are 6 chapters in this sections. Dhritarashtra asked Vidura to tell

him if there was anything more to be told. Vidura answered that Sanatsujata,
the celebrated son of Brahma alone could clear all the doubts that were in the
mind of the king. Having said so, he thought of the sage. After welcoming the
sage, who appeared just by thinking about him, Vidura requested the sage, who
took rest, to clear the doubts of Dhritarashtra. Dhritarashtra asked the sage
whereas according to the latter’s theory that there was no death; he however
heard that the gods and the demons observed celibacy in order to escape from
death. Which of these two was true? Then the sage replied that both the
propositions were true. Carelessness is death and carefulness is immortality.
The demons were defeated because of their carelessness whereas the gods
became equal to the Brahma because they were vigilant. There is no form for
the death to see. After dying, man takes birth again to experience the results of
his deeds. He can not transcend death. Thus Sanatsujata explained to
Dhritarashtra. And this is called Sanatsujatiya.

5. Yanasandhiparva

This section contains 25 chapters. The next day many kings attended
eagerly the assembly to listen from the mouth of Sanjaya the message of the
Pandavas. Duryodhana, Dussasana and others were also present. Asked by
Dhritarashtra, Sanjaya started with the message of Arjuna. Whatever Arjuna
said, Duryodhana should hear. If Duryodhana would not leave the kingdom of
Yudhishthira, he would have to face the consequences. He had to fight with
warriors like Bhima, Arjuna etc. Then Duryodhana would repent. Lord Krishna
was on their side. Even if Krishna would not participate in the battle, still
whose victory the Lord desired in his mind, that person would defeat all his
enemies. And Arjuna would win the whole of the country of the Kurus by
killing all the sons of Dhritarashtra including Karna. He would not leave any
one of the sons of Dhritarashtra. But still, whatever Grandfather Bhishma,
Kripa, Drona, Aswatthama and Vidura said would prevail. Let all the Kauravas
live for long.
Bhishma told Duryodhana that Krishna and Arjuna were the
incarnations of Sages Nara and Narayana. For the welfare of the worlds,
whenever and wherever the necessity of war occurs, they will take their birth
then and there many a time. He warned Duryodhana that if the latter would not
listen to his words, then the destruction of the Kauravas was certain. He
condemned Duryodhana for agreeing with the ideas of Karna, the son of a
charioteer, Sakuni and the evil minded Dussasana. On listening to those words,
Karna abused Bhishma and said that he never indulged in anything unpleasant
to Duryodhana. Talking about peace with the Pandavas was improper. And he
further asserted that he was able to rout the Pandavas all alone. Bhishma
reviled the speech of Karna. Drona also supported him and advised to make
peace with the Pandavas. Even though the words of Bhishma and Drona were
meaningful, Dhritarashtra rejected them and asked again Sanjaya about the
Pandavas. Then Sanjaya spoke about them whom Yudhishthira was contacting
for help in the war. Dhritarashtra then became terrified on thinking about the
prowess of Bhima and Arjuna, and put forth before the Kauravas the matter of
making peace with the Pandavas. Sanjaya then recounted the mistakes of
Dhritarashtra and advised him to keep on tight leash the evil Duryodhana and
his accomplices. Then Duryodhana reassured his father by praising the valour
of Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Aswatthama, Karna and others who were on their
side. He said that the Pandavas had only seven akshauhinis. So there was no
question of his defeat. He asked his father not to get worried. Then he asked
Sanjaya about the preparations for war being done by Yudhishthira and
Sanjaya told him everything. Dhritarashtra advised Duryodhana to make peace
with the Pandavas. He asked his son to turn away from war. He further advised
him to give the rightful share of the kingdom to the Pandavas. Half the
kingdom was enough for him to lead his life along with his counsellors. In fact
it was Sakuni who was making them do that all. But Duryodhana did not accept
his words. He said that he did not invite the Pandavas for a fight placing his
confidence on Bhishma, Drona and others. Karna and he had taken the vow to
perform the sacrifice of war making Yudhishthira the sacrificial lamb. The
chariot would become the altar in that sacrifice. Sword and mace were the
sacrificial ladles sruk and sruva. The armour was the deer-skin. The four horses
were the four fires. Arrows were the holy grass kusa and fame was the oblation.
Karna, Sakuni and he, the three of them would annihilate the enemies. Living
with the Pandavas was never possible. He would not give up to the Pandavas
even that much of land on which the sharp end of a needle could stand. On
listening to those words Dhritarashtra spoke of abandoning his son and again
asked Sanjaya to tell about the messages of Arjuna and Krishna. Then Sanjaya
reported whatever Krishna had spoken about the valour of Arjuna. Having
heard all that Dhritarashtra remarked that the Pandavas were more powerful
than the Kauravas. Getting angry at that, Duryodhana boasted about himself.
Karna egoistically spoke that he could single handedly kill all the Pandavas.
When Bhishma condemned him, Karna left the assembly and went away.
Vidura referred to the story of the birds and said that family feud was harmful
and advised to make peace with the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra again tried to
convince his son. When Duryodhana rejected the proposal of Arjuna and
Krishna, then all the kings in the assembly walked out. In the meantime Sage
Vyasa arrived there. At his command, Sanjaya eulogized the greatness of
Krishna. He said that Krishna was coming to make treaty between the
Pandavas and the Kauravas. On hearing that Dhritarashtra felt happy.

6. Bhagavadagamanaparva
 This section has 79 chapters. After the departure of Sanjaya,
Yudhishthira went to Sri Krishna and sad that they were all safe under his
protection. They were challenging Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana and others for a
fight. Krishna must save them from the impending war. Because he never
coveted kingdom in full. He asked only for five towns. But the wicked
Duryodhana was not prepared to give even them also. According to the duties
of a Kshatriya, one should fight when there is a wrong doing. Having said so,
Yudhishthira sought Krishna’s advice on proper way of dealing with the
situation. Having listened to him, Sri Krishna spoke of the necessity to go to
the Kauravas for making peace for the sake of the welfare of both the Kauravas
and the Pandavas. Clearing the doubts of Yudhishthira, he further asserted that
he would burn to death all the Kauravas, if at all they misbehaved with him. He
must go there whether it would be fruitful or not, in order to escape from the
blame. Yudhishthira agreed with Krishna’s proposal.
Lord Krishna encouraged Yudhishthira for war saying that it was
obvious by what transpired so far that war was inevitable. When Bhima spoke
in terms of peace, Krishna ridiculed him and encouraged him for war. Bhima
explained that it was not out of fear that he put forth the topic of peace. He just
did not wish the obliteration of the family of the Bharats. Arjuna, Nakula and
Sahadeva also expressed their opinions in that regard. Draupadi articulated
before Krishna her mental agony and condemned the talk of peace. With eyes
filled with tears she said that if Bhima and Arjuna spoke of peace, becoming
cowards, then her aged father with his sons would fight the enemies. She would
not be happy and peaceful until she would look at the shoulder of Dussasana
cut and lying in the dust. Sri Krishna consoled her. Then in order to accomplish
the task of auspiciousness of the Kauravas and the Pandavas, he started for
Hastinapura in the favorable time of the star of Revathi named Maitra in the
month of Karthika. He explained the good and bad omens during the journey.
On his way he comfortably camped at Vrikasthala for the night.
Dhritarashtra, who received the news of the arrival of Sri Krishna
through his messengers, felt happy, and ordered Duryodhana to make
arrangements for welcoming Krishna, and also for constructing rest-houses on
the way. Duryodhana made all the arrangements accordingly. However,
Krishna did not even cast a glance at them, and directly went to Hastinapura.
Dhritarashtra made arrangements to present Krishna many invaluable gifts.
Vidura however told Dhritarashtra that Krishna would not accept anything else
except water to wash his feet and hands, and enquiries after health. He desired
peace between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Vidura advised Dhritarashtra to
obey the words of Krishna. Duryodhana rejected the idea of gifting gold,
precious gems etc. to Krishna and declared that he would make Krisna a
captive when the latter arrived. When he did so, the whole world would be
under his control. On listening to those words of treachery from Duryodhana,
Dhritarashtra and his ministers became sad and agitated in mind. Dhritarashtra
advised Duryodhana not to like that. Angry at the wickedness of Durodhana,
Bhishma walked out of the assembly.
 The next day Krishna arrived in Hastinapura from Vrikasthala. As he
entered the royal court, Dhritarashtra, Drona, Bhishma and others got up from
their seats and welcomed him. He then went to the house of Vidura from there.
Then he went to Kunti, who was sorrowful, and consoled her. Having taken
leave of her, he went to the palace of Duryodhana. Dussasana, Karna and
Sakuni were also present there. After welcoming his guest, Duryodhana invited
him for lunch. But Sri Krishna did not accept it. When asked about the reason
for his refusal, Krishna explained that a messenger can take meals or accept
any honour only after accomplishing the task. That is the rule. So he told
Duryodhana that he along with his ministers could honour him only after the
completion of his job. He told him that it was improper for him and his brothers
to fight with the Pandavas without any reason. Whoever hated the Pandavas,
hated him also. And whoever was favourable to them was favourable to him.
The food which was defiled by the wickedness of Duryodhana was not fit to be
eaten by him. Having said thus to Duryodhana, he went to the house of Vidura.
He and his followers ate and took rest there only for the night. Then Vidura
told Krishna that according to his opinion Krishna’s visit was not advisable.
Because Duryodhana was of the opinion that Karna alone could defeat all the
Pandavas. So he would not accept any treaty. On listening to the words of
Vidura, Sri Krishna explained to him the propriety in his efforts for an
agreement.
The next day Duryodhana and Sakuni came to Sri Krishna, and invited
him to the assembly. As soon as Krishna entered the assembly hall, led by the
king, Bhishma, Drona and others came forward to worship him. Sages like
Narada also came to meet him. After the sage-folk took their seats, Krishna and
other royal members took their seats. Later, Krishna looked at Dhritarashtra
and said that he came there to seek peace between the Pandavas and the
Kauravas so that there would be no killing of the royal warriors. The family of
the Kurus was the best among all the royal families. And if any member of that
family misbehaved Dhritarashtra should put him on the right track. His son was
behaving like a cruel person, abandoning dharma and artha. Making peace
between the two sides was in the hands of Dhritarashtra and Krishna.
Dhritarashtra should control his son. Krishna would control the Pandavas. Both
the sides would be benefited by that. The sons of Kunti were prepared to serve
the king. And if necessary, they were prepared for war also. Whatever the king
felt good, could be followed. On listening to the words of Krishna, the
members of the assembly were astonished, and none could utter a word in
answer. Then Parasurama told the story of an emperor Dhambhodbhava and
advised Dhritarashtra to make peace. And sage Kanva recounted the anecdote
of Matali, the charioteer of Indra, and advised Duryodhana to make peace with
the Pandavas. Sage Narada also tried to convince Duryodhana for securing
peace, by relating a number of episodes.
On the request of Dhritarashtra, Krishna again said explaining to
Duryodhana that he should make peace with the Pandavas, and live happily for
a long time, having listened to the friends. On hearing such unpalatable words
of Krishna, Duryodhana said that Krishna was partial towards the Pandavas. So
he was abusing him. All of them, including Dhritarashtra hated him for no
reason. But he did not commit any offence. He further declared that even an
iota of land would not be given to the Pandavas. That was his decision. Krishna
got angry on listening to those words of Duryodhana and having recounted the
offences of Duryodhana advised that Duryodhana, Dussasana, Sakuni and
Karna should be made captives and handed over to the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra
called Gandhari and asked her to convince Duryodhana. Gandhari also advised
Duryodhana to take resort to Sri Krishna and make peace with the Pandavas.
But Duryodhana did not consider his mother’s words also. Duryodhana,
Dussasana, Karna and Sakuni secretly conspired among themselves and
decided to take Sri Krishna as a prisoner. Satyaki who could understand the
mind of others through the gestures they made, grasped the evil plan of the
wicked four. He immediately alerted their soldiers at the main gate and gave
hint of the scheme of Duryodhana etc. to Sri Krishna. Then he revealed it to
Dhritarashtra and Vidura also. At the command of Dhritarashtra, Vidura
brought Duryodhana and his brothers to the assembly. Both Dhritarashtra and
Vidura again described the greatness of Sri Krishna, and advised him to take
the path of virtue. Then Sri Krishna scoffed at Duryodhana for the latter’s
ignorance in trying to seize him, and showed his Viswarupa. Dhritarashtra,
having requested received two invisible eyes from Lord Krishna to watch the
Viswarupa. Having known this the sage-folk was astonished and praised the
Lord. Later Sri Krishna went to meet his maternal mother Kunti.
Sri Krishna reported to Kunti whatever had happened in the court of the
Kauravas. Kunti gave her message to the Pandavas at this bidding. On that
occasion she narrated the dialogue between the great royal lady Vidula and her
son. Later, Krishna after bowing to Kunti, started from there. He took leave of
Bhishma and other elders, made Karna get into his chariot, and along with
Satyaki went towards the city of Upaplavya. After the departure of Sri Krishna,
Bhishma and Drona again tried to convince Duryodhana to make peace with
the Pandavas. After leaving Hastinapura along with Karna, Krishna asked him
to behave as a brother with the Pandavas. It would benefit him. But Karna
expressed his desire of staying on Duryodhana’s side. He said that if he gained
victory in the battle, they could meet again. Otherwise, they could meet in
heaven only. Having said so, he embraced Krishna, and taking leave of him,
got down from the backside of the chariot, and getting into his car, returned to
Hastinapura. Krishna went to Upaplavya along with Satyaki.
Vidura went to Kunti and told her of the impending terrible events
between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The disturbed Kunti met Karna and
revealed to him that he was her eldest son, and requested him to side with the
Pandavas. But he did not comply with her request and said that he would fight
with her sons. But he promised not to kill the other four brothers except Arjuna,
even if an opportunity arose to do so. Thus she would be left with five sons
even after the battle. They would be five, with Karna if Arjuna was killed and
with Arjuna if Karna was killed. Then Kunti and Karna went their way. Sri
Krishna on reaching Upaplavya reported verbatim to the Pandavas whatever
had happened in the court of the Kauravas and encouraged them for war.
7. Sainyaniryanaparva

There are 9 chapters in this section. Yudhishthira understood from the

words of Sri Krishna that the without making a fight Kauravas would not give
the Pandavas their share in the kingdom. War was imminent. In the presence of
Krishna only he told his brothers that they also heard everything. They had
seven akshauhinis of army. Drupada, Virata, Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandin,
Satyaki, Chekitana and Bhima would be the seven commanders for the seven
akshauhinis. They had to decide about the Commander in Chief. So they should
suggest who had the capabilities to become the chief of the army. On listening
to him Sahadeva suggested Virata, Nakula suggested Drupada, Arjuna
suggested Dhrishtadyumna, and Bhima recommended Sikhandin as having the
required qualifications. Asked by Yudhishthira, Sri Krishna said that
Dhrishtadyumna was worthy of becoming the chief of the army. The Pandavas
were happy with his suggestion. All the soldiers prepared themselves for war
with enthusiasm. Everywhere the sounds of conches and drums reverberated.
King Yudhishthira moved in the midst of the army. Along with him went the
expert medical team. Draupadi also followed him for a distance and then
returned to Upaplavya along with other ladies. Having planned the arrangement
of the troops, the army of the Pandavas reached Kurukshetra. There was a
pious river Hiranvathi of pure waters. On reaching it Sri Krishna got a trench
dug and put soldiers on duty to guard it. Thousands of tents were erected
separately for the kings to stay. Doctors also stayed there with their equipment.
All the material was put in the tents. On the other side, Duryodhana also made
his troops set, and ordered the erection of tents. He told the kings to make an
announcement that very day to the effect that the troops should march forward
for battle the next morning. There should be no delay. Asked by Yudhishthira
regarding the appropriate action, Sri Krishna said that the wicked Kauravas
were not behaving properly with them. The Pandavas did not want peace with
the Kauravas where they had to forego all their wealth. So war with them had
to happen. Then Yudhishthira ordered the kings to make preparations for war.
King Duryodhana divided his eleven akshauhini army into the best,
mediocre and lowly divisions, and placed them at the appropriate places. At
Kurukshetra a total of eighteen akshauhinis of army collected together. The
eleven commanders of the Kaurava army are Kripacharya, Dronacharya,
Aswatthama, Salya, Jayadratha, Sudakshina, Kritavarma, Karna, Bhurisravas,
Sakuni and Bahlika. Duryodhana requested Bhishma and made him the
commander in chief. Balarama met the Pandavas and having taken leave of
them went to worship in the pilgrim centres near the river Saraswati. He did not
want to see the annihilation of the family of the Kurus. Dhritarashtra asked
Sanjaya about the arrangements of the armies of the Kauravas and the
Pandavas. Sanjaya told him to listen to everything.

8. Ulukadutagamanaparva
 This section contains 5 chapters. Duryodhana consulted secretly with
Karna, Dussasana and Sakuni and decided to send Uluka, the son of Sakuni as
a messenger to the Pandavas. He called Uluka privately and asked him to
convey the message to the Pandavas in the presence of Sri Krishna only. The
message said that the terrific war between the Kurus and the Pandavas had
commenced. Whatever oaths the Pandavas took could be fulfilled. Why they
were engaging in a sinful action being themselves virtuous men. They asked
for only five villages. But Duryodhana knowingly rejected them. The reason
was that Duryodhana wanted to make the Pandavas angry somehow to get an
opportunity to fight with them. He challenged them to come with Sri Krishna
and fight. Then Uluka went to the camp of the Pandavas and met Yudhishthira.
He reported to him all that was told by Duryodhana. The irritated Pandavas
sent a reply to the message. Sri Krishna also sent a message on his behalf in
which he asked Duryodhana to come to the battle field the very next day and
give a demonstration of his prowess. Having received that message from
Uluka, Duryodhana ordered his army to begin the battle before dawn the next
day. Yudhishthira also prepared his troops for battle under the commandery of
Dhrishtadyumna.

9. Sthatisthasamkhyanaparva

In this section there are 8 chapters. Having been made the commander in
chief, Bhishma told Duryodhana that he had acquaintance with the military
arrays of the gods, Gandharvas and the humans. He would mesmerize the
Pandavas with that skill. He would fight with the Pandavas while protecting the
army of Duryodhana. Thus the mental anguish of Duryodhana should be gone.
Then Duryodhana wanted to know the details about the Rathis and Atirathas in
his army. Then having described them Bhishma gave an account of the
warriors on the side of the Pandavas. He said that Sikhandin was a woman first
who later became a man. So he would not fight him. He would kill all other
kings who participated in the war, but would never kill the sons of Kunti.

10. Ambopakhyanaparva

There are 24 chapters in this section. Duryodhana asked Bhishma the

reason why he would not kill the kings and let them off. Then Bhishma told
him the episode of Amba. After the death of his father Santanu, Bhishma
keeping his promise crowned his brother Chitrangada. When the latter died, he
made his brother Vichitravirya the king. Bhishma decided to bring a suitable
girl and marry Vichitravirya to her. He defeated all other kings and brought the
three daughters of the king of Kasi Amba, Ambika and Ambalika from the
swayamvara hall and sent them to his mother Satyavati to perform the marriage
of his brother with them. But Amba, who loved the king of Salva, took
permission of Bhishma and went to him. When the king of Salva rejected her,
she decided to take revenge on Bhishma who was the prime cause for her
misfortune and spent the night in the hermitage of some sages. An old sage
Saikhavatya comforted her. Guided by her maternal grandfather Hotravahana,
she took refuge with Parasurama. A great battle took place between Parasurama
and Bhishma. At the end, Bhishma wanted to use the Prasvapanastra. But at the
intervention of Narada, both of them stopped their fight. Princess Amba
performed severe penance. By the power of that she became with half of her
body a river called Amba, and was born as a girl in Vatsadesa with the other
half. Even in that birth also she performed great penance to kill Bhishma.
When Siva appeared before her, she asked for the death of Bhishma as a boon.
Siva said that her desire would be fulfilled. She was born as a woman, but
would become a man some time later. She burnt herself on the funeral pyre on
the banks of the river Yamuna in that birth. The childless king Drupada having
performed severe austerities sought a son from Siva to take revenge on
Bhishma. Then Siva said that the king would get a girl who would later become
a man. The queen of Drupada gave birth to a girl. But the king announced that
it was a boy. Only Bhishma came to know about Sikhandin through Narada. At
the appropriate age Sikhandin’s marriage was performed with the princess of
the Dasarnas. Having come to know the truth about Sikhandin, Hiranyavarma,
the king of the Dasarnas got angry. Sikhandini went into the woods and there
requested a yaksha name Sthunakarna a way out from her distress. The yaksha
then exchanged his masculinity with her feminity for sometime. Kubera who
was annoyed with that cursed the yaksha to continue to be a woman and
Sikhandini became a man by the name Sikhandin. As he was a female at first,
Bhishma resolved not to kill him in a battle. The armies of the Kauravas and
the Pandavas had set out for war.

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