On mission impossible?

By Manju Gupta?

When Duryodhana refused to heed to the advice of his friends and well-wishers of both the Kauravas and the Pandavas who told him to desist from entering into a war, Sri Krishna decided to intervene and persuade Duryodhana to see sense. On behalf of the Pandavas,  Sri Krishna went to Duryodhana’s court where he was warmly welcomed.

After having a meal and resting for some time,  Sri Krishna said to Duryodhana, “I have a request to make on behalf of the Pandavas, who are a peaceful people and want to live in amity with you all. They are even willing to live in the five adjoining villages while you can rule over the entire kingdom of Hastinapur. What is the use of entering into a war which will bring only death and destruction upon the people?”

Duryodhana became red with anger, “Who are they to tell me what to do? The entire kingdom is now mine and so are all the villages. I will not give them an inch of the land which is mine. Why are you speaking on their behalf? I cannot tolerate this impertinence. It seems you are favouring the Pandavas, who are my enemies. As you are their friend, you will be my enemy. I will order my guards to throw you into the prison.”

Duryodhana called his soldiers and guards and when they went to catch Sri Krishna, many images of Sri Krishna appeared all around them and all they could do was to swing their swords in the air without hitting Sri Krishna. There were Sri Krishnas all around them. After troubling the soldiers for some time, Sri Krishna disappeared from the scene and Duryodhana was convinced that he could never overpower Sri  Krishna.