Duryodhana came to Dvaraka seeking aid for the coming war, and by a turn of fate Arjuna also arrived there with the same purpose, his visit coinciding with that of his rival. When they entered the inner halls, they found Sri Krishna resting in sleep. As both were princes free to move within the royal chambers, each chose his place according to his nature. Duryodhana, led by pride and self-assertion, seated himself on a lofty couch near the Lord’s head, while Arjuna, guided by humility and reverence, stood silently at the feet. In that very posture their inner worlds were revealed, for to sit near the head is human presumption, while to seek refuge at the feet is a quiet appeal to the divine.
When Krishna awoke, his first glance fell upon Arjuna, and only thereafter did he notice Duryodhana. Yet he greeted both with equal warmth and asked the purpose of their visit. Duryodhana spoke first, declaring that the Kauravas and the Pandavas were equally related to Krishna and equally dear to him. He added that he himself had arrived first, and that by worldly custom the wish of the first seeker should be granted without condition, subtly pressing that Krishna must therefore favor him.
Krishna replied with gentle wisdom. He acknowledged that Duryodhana had indeed come first, yet observed that Arjuna was the one he had seen first. Seeking to honor both without violating either claim, he offered a choice. On one side stood his vast Narayana host, masters of warfare, mighty in strength and skill, each warrior equal to himself in valor. On the other side stood Krishna alone, unarmed, vowing not to lift a weapon and to remain merely a witness.
According to custom, the younger was to choose first. Arjuna, without hesitation, chose Krishna himself. This choice brought relief and satisfaction to Duryodhana, who gladly accepted the Narayana army and felt that his mission had been fulfilled.
Duryodhana then went to seek the blessing of Balarama, who declared his firm resolve to remain neutral in the coming conflict, neither aiding victor nor vanquished. This decision filled Duryodhana with quiet joy. Having also secured the support of Kratavarma with a full akshauhini of troops, Duryodhana returned to Hastinapura confident in his growing strength.
Krishna then asked Arjuna how he hoped to benefit from one who would not fight. Arjuna replied with deep devotion, saying that victory gained by Krishna’s weapon would belong to Krishna alone, and defeat inflicted by him would be inevitable. Yet the true fortune of the Pandavas lay in his mere presence, for he was the treasure of all virtues. Arjuna begged only that Krishna guide his chariot, a wish long cherished in his heart. Krishna consented, declaring it his duty, and went with Arjuna to meet Dharmaraja.
Meanwhile, Salya, summoned to aid the Pandavas, set out on his journey. Learning of this, Duryodhana arranged along the route splendid camps, abundant food and water, and generous care for men, horses, elephants, and chariots, so that Salya’s heart was won by the unseen benefactor. When Salya inquired who had made these arrangements, Duryodhana, who had concealed himself among the attendants, was brought before him, honored, and invited to claim a boon. Revealing himself, he requested Salya to guide his counsels and stand by him, pleading that both houses deserved equal affection.
Bound by his word and moved by the respect shown to him, Salya agreed. Yet he declared that he would first meet the Pandavas. Satisfied with this promise, Duryodhana returned. Salya then went to Upaplavya, where he was received with honor by the Pandavas. He embraced Dharmaraja, lamented their hardships during exile and concealment, praised their righteousness as the cause of their survival, and recounted Duryodhana’s stratagem and the promise he had given.
Dharmaraja approved Salya’s conduct and made a single request. Since Krishna would guide Arjuna’s chariot and Karna would surely seek glory against him, Salya alone was fit to match Krishna in guiding the steeds. Therefore, when bound to drive Karna’s chariot, he should by sharp words unsettle the unrighteous warrior and thus protect Arjuna.
Salya agreed, for he was kin to the Pandavas as the maternal uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva. He also judged Karna unworthy of royal honor, and thus his decision upheld both promise and principle. In this manner, through cunning, devotion, restraint, and resolve, the subtle law of righteousness revealed its intricate paths, offering enduring guidance to those who seek to understand how duty and commitment must be balanced in the trials of the world.
