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56.KRISHNA'S MISSION
SATYAKI accompanied Govinda
(Krishna) to Hastinapura. Before setting
out on his journey, Krishna had a lone
discussion with the Pandavas. Even the
mighty Bhima, rather surprisingly,
supported a peaceful settlement.
"Let not the race be destroyed. Peace is
very much to be preferred," said he. The
poet Vyasa makes Bhima speak thus in
order to show that truly great warriors
desire peace, and that to seek peace is not
a sign of fear.
But Draupadi could not forget her
humiliation. Holding her locks in her hand
she stood before Krishna, and in a voice
quivering with grief, she said:
"Madhusudana, look at these tresses of
mine and do what honor requires to be
done. There can be no peace with honor.
Even if Arjuna and Bhima are against
war, my father, old though he is, will go
to battle, supported by my children. Even
if my father can keep out, my children,
with Subhadra's son Abhimanyu, at their
head, will fight the Kauravas. I have, for
the sake of Dharmaputra, these thirteen
years, suppressed the burning flame of
anger within me. I can restrain myself no
longer." And she sobbed, remembering
the great outrage.
Krishna was moved and said: "Weep not.
Dhritarashtra's sons will not listen to my
words of peace. They are going to fall and
their bodies will be food for wild dogs and
jackals. You will live to see us victorious
and the insult to you will be fully
avenged, and that too, soon." Draupadi
was satisfied.
Madhava (Krishna) halted for the night
near the city of Kucasthala. When news of
Krishna's forthcoming visit came, the city
was in great excitement.
Dhritarashtra issued orders for decorating
the city and arrangements for receiving
Janardana (Krishna) were in full swing.
Dhritarashtra issued instructions that
Duhsasana's palace, being bigger and
more beautiful than Duryodhana's, should
be got ready and placed at the disposal of
Krishna and his entourage and large tents
were erected at several places outside the
city, along the route which Krishna's
chariot was to take.
Dhritarashtra consulted Vidura. He said to
him: "Make arrangements for presenting
Govinda with chariots and elephants.
Presents of other kinds should also be got
ready."
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