Srikrishna, having completed his morning rites in honour of the Sun-God and Agni, reverently saluted the Brahmin scholars and bestowed upon them the prescribed charities before setting out on a momentous journey. He sought their blessings with humility and partook of the sanctified food offered by them. Thereafter, he summoned Satyaki and declared, “Let the elders of the Yadavas who wish to go to Hastina commence their journey, and you too shall accompany me.” He continued with grave resolve, saying that Duryodhana was evil-minded and all his allies were deceitful men. He ordered that the mace, the discus, and other weapons be placed upon the chariot, and instructed Daraka, the charioteer, to prepare the magnificent vehicle adorned with jewels, drawn by the noble steeds Saibhya, Sugriva, Meghapushpa, and Valahaka, and crowned with a banner bearing the emblem of Garuda.
Thus did Krishna set forth on his journey. As he departed, the people sent him off with showers of flowers, while sacred music played by skilled performers filled the air. Drums and trumpets resounded, Satyaki mounted his chariot, and the retinue followed in orderly array. The kings of Kekaya, Panchala, and Pandya, filled with the spirit of war, greeted him and wished success for his mission.
The son of Dharma then slowly approached Krishna’s chariot, stepping a little beyond the place where the army was stationed. Addressing Srihari, he spoke with deep emotion, saying that his mother Kunti was a divine power who sanctified the Kuru lineage, and that her heart would overflow with joy upon hearing of Krishna’s arrival. Her weariness would be dispelled, and he urged Krishna to go to their mother, embrace her, and convey the respects of her sons. He said that this would gather together her shattered mind, for she had walked long distances while sending them to the forests, her face helpless and her eyes filled with tears, an image that remained vivid before him. They had left her in Hastina without choice, and her radiance and strength must have faded under the weight of sorrow. Her condition, he said, was like that of a lizard fallen into boiling milk, for since the burning of the wax house she had endured relentless trials, bearing all hardships for the sake of her sons. Now, he declared, the time of sorrow was at an end. He entreated Krishna to convey his words to their mother, to console his maternal aunt, who had always proclaimed Krishna as her greatest support. On his behalf, he also asked that respects be offered to Vidura, who remained impartial and sought the welfare of both Kauravas and Pandavas.
In the presence of many, Dharmaraja openly declared that they sought half the kingdom, and that if Duryodhana, his brothers, and their followers agreed to grant it, the Pandavas would accept. Arjuna then said that if matters turned otherwise, they would bury all those who stood on the side of the Kauravas. Bhima, like a mighty tusker striding forth, spoke with blazing enthusiasm, while Arjuna’s words were marked by righteous clarity and sound reason. Nakula and Sahadeva urged that the matter be decided swiftly, whether by pact or by battle. Having placed their opinions before Krishna, the Pandavas surrounded him with folded hands and withdrew, while the Yadavas and Panchalas remained standing with Krishna’s permission.
Food and other necessities were loaded onto the vehicles, and Krishna addressed those who had arranged the provisions. Daraka then drove the chariot along the broad and open roads toward Hastina, and the smooth, spirited gait of the horses delighted and lightened the heart of Srikrishna. Along the way, the sages Jamadagni, Kanva, and Narada came to greet him. Govinda descended from his chariot, saluted them with folded hands, and inquired respectfully about the purpose of their visit, asking them to speak plainly and guide him in what ought to be done. Narada replied to Narayana that Vasudeva and the sages had come to behold him and to hear his discourse in the Kauravas assembly, where he would address Vidura, Bhishma, and others. Krishna welcomed them and resumed his journey, and they blessed him, saying that he should proceed to Hastina and that they would join him there.
Near a tranquil stream, he offered oblations to the Sun-God, and by dusk, he reached Kusasthala. There the Brahmins welcomed him with Vedic hymns and invited him to their homes. He instructed that tents be erected in an open place for the retinue, and himself went with a few companions to the Brahmins, accepting their honours. After some time, he returned to his camp, where all were engaged in their respective duties.
In Hastina, King Dhritarashtra heard of Krishna’s arrival and summoned Bhishma, Drona, Vidura, Duryodhana, Karna, Saindhava, and Shakuni. He addressed his son, saying that Srikrishna was coming as the representative of the Pandavas and was stationed at Kusasthala, and that he would arrive the next day. He called it a wonderful event, declaring that though the whole world longed to reach Krishna, he was coming to them, a sign of their great fortune. He proclaimed that those who pleased Krishna would meet with auspicious outcomes, while those who disregarded him would face ill omens. He ordered that arrangements befitting Krishna’s dignity be made, that palaces be decorated, and that sacred musicians and Vedic scholars welcome him along with his entourage, so that his mind might be pleased and accept their respect and affection. Drona, Kripa, and Bhishma rejoiced at this fitting resolve.
Duryodhana then summoned the servants and commanded that the assembly hall be adorned, the floors cleansed with fragrant substances, and designs traced with camphor. He ordered the walls to be anointed with sandal paste and kumkum, and all the gates to be decorated with garlands of gems and precious objects. He directed that his own palace and that of Dushasana be filled with works of art, that their skills be displayed, and that pavilions adorned with greenery be erected. He arranged for Krishna’s stay at Vakshasthala and instructed the maidservants to complete all tasks before Krishna’s arrival in the morning. He proclaimed a festival throughout Hastina and assigned teams to prepare garlands of varied flowers, perfumes, gems, jewellery, multicoloured fine garments, exquisite foods, sweet drinks, fruit preparations, and to deploy experts in every field.
Dhritarashtra declared that he would present chariots adorned with gems and jewels, the finest steeds, elephants, diamonds, gold, and many maidservants, and ordered these to be arranged at once. He further said to Vidura that, whether Krishna stayed in Vidura’s house or in the houses of Duryodhana and Dushasana, whatever object pleased Govinda should be given to him with honour. Vidura replied respectfully, asking what could be greater than pleasing divine Krishna, which alone would bless them with true prosperity. He questioned how such wealth could be offered to Krishna when they lacked the will to grant even five towns to the sons of Pandu. He declared that the king intended to offer gifts to Krishna while faltering in duty toward the Pandavas, hoping thereby to create division between Krishna and them. Vidura said that even if treasures equal to Mount Meru were offered, Krishna would never abandon Arjuna, for the devotion of the Pandavas and Krishna’s affection for Arjuna were well known, bound by a profound spiritual bond. Arjuna, he said, was dearer to Krishna than life itself, and Krishna sought nothing beyond sincere devotion, a vessel of sacred water, and genuine concern for well-being. Vidura urged the king to fulfill with sincerity whatever proposal Krishna would place before him, warning that deceit would prove ruinous and that actions beyond Krishna’s interest would be counterproductive.
Suyodhana then addressed his father, saying that Vidura had rightly described Krishna’s nature, and that Krishna would never abandon the Pandavas under any condition. He argued that offering gifts without understanding Krishna’s intent would make them appear fearful, that failure of the mission would invite ridicule, and that bestowing valuables would portray them as inferior and swell the pride of their enemies without removing hostility. Bhishma, looking at Dhritarashtra, declared that Krishna would treat the king with equal honour regardless of offerings, for he valued devotion and dedication alone. He affirmed that it was impossible to divert Narayana from his chosen path and that Krishna’s arrival as the Pandavas’ representative was proper. He urged them to abide by the command of this great soul, for Krishna’s virtuous counsel would bring mutual benefit, and by heeding it they would attain the desired fruits.
Thus, the Kauravas, each driven by a different motive, awaited Krishna’s arrival, seeking in their own ways to please him. Yet the malice of Duryodhana and his allies threatened to undermine every noble effort. How the divine Vasudeva would conduct himself in the Kuru assembly, and how events would unfold to draw the attention of the sages and the celestial seers, remained to be witnessed.
