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This is the story of Krishna as Parthasarathy, the humble yet divine charioteer of Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War. It illustrates how Krishna's wisdom, guidance, and love became the cornerstone of victory for righteousness and justice.
Characters in the story:
Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is worshiped as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is known for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and for his role in the epic Mahabharata.
Arjuna: Arjuna is a skilled and virtuous warrior prince and one of the central characters in Mahabharata. He is renowned for his archery prowess and is a key figure in the Kurukshetra War, where he faces moral dilemmas on the battlefield, eventually receiving divine guidance from Lord Krishna.
When, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, two mighty forces stood ready to fight—the Kauravas and the Pandavas—it was a war not just for land or power but for righteousness and justice. Before this great battle began, both sides sought allies to strengthen their chances.
Among those approached was Krishna, the wise and powerful ruler of Dwarka and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Krishna was family to both the Kauravas and the Pandavas, but his heart was closest to Arjuna, the third Pandava.
The Choice
One morning, Krishna lay resting in his palace when two visitors arrived—Duryodhana, the leader of the Kauravas, and Arjuna. Both had come seeking Krishna’s help in the war. Duryodhana, full of pride, sat near Krishna’s head, feeling he was Krishna’s equal. Arjuna, on the other hand, humbly stood at Krishna’s feet, patiently waiting for him to wake.
When Krishna opened his eyes, the first person he saw was Arjuna. Smiling, Krishna turned to both men and asked why they had come. They explained their desire for his support. Krishna, fair and just, decided to offer both of them something valuable:
On one side, Krishna himself would join the war, but he would not fight or lift a weapon. On the other side, Krishna’s powerful army, the Narayani Sena, would fight with all its might.
Since Krishna had first seen Arjuna, he allowed him to choose. Without hesitation, Arjuna picked Krishna, even though he would not fight. For Arjuna, having Krishna’s wisdom and guidance was worth more than the strength of an army.
Duryodhana laughed at what he thought was a foolish decision. Happily, he chose Krishna’s army, confident it would secure his victory.
The Charioteer
As the war approached, Krishna joined Arjuna not as a warrior but as his charioteer. This was how Krishna earned the title Parthasarathy, which means “charioteer of Partha” (another name for Arjuna).
While driving Arjuna’s chariot, Krishna was more than a guide on the battlefield—he became Arjuna’s mentor, protector, and friend.
The Moment of Doubt
When the war finally began, Arjuna stood in his chariot, looking across the battlefield. There, he saw something that shook him to his core—his own family, beloved teachers, and dear friends standing in the enemy ranks. The thought of fighting and killing them filled him with sorrow. His hands trembled, and his bow fell to the ground.
“Krishna,” he said, his voice heavy with despair, “how can I fight against my own blood? How can this war be right? I cannot do this.”
Krishna’s Guidance
Krishna, calm and composed, looked at his friend and smiled. “Arjuna,” he said gently, “this is not just a war of weapons; it is a war of righteousness. You are a warrior. It is your duty to fight for justice and protect what is right. Life and death are not as final as they seem. The soul is eternal—it neither dies nor can be destroyed. Do your duty without attachment to the results.”
These words, part of what we now call the Bhagavad Gita, lit a fire in Arjuna’s heart. Krishna’s wisdom erased his doubts and gave him the strength to rise again. Picking up his bow, Arjuna stood ready to fight, guided by Krishna’s teachings.
A Guide on the Battlefield
Throughout the war, Krishna’s role as Parthasarathy was far more than steering Arjuna’s chariot. He guided Arjuna through every challenge, whether it was a tough decision or a fierce battle. Krishna’s advice and strategies helped the Pandavas face even the strongest warriors, ensuring their victory.
Though Krishna never lifted a weapon, his presence was the key to the Pandavas’ success. His wisdom shaped every critical moment of the war, and his support gave Arjuna the courage to fulfill his destiny.
Why Parthasarathy Matters
The title Parthasarathy is special because it shows Krishna’s humility and love. Even though he was the Supreme Being, Krishna chose to serve as Arjuna’s charioteer. This simple act teaches us important lessons:
Service: Even the greatest can serve with humility.
Guidance: Krishna showed how a true guide helps someone navigate both their inner struggles and outer challenges.
Protection: Krishna’s wisdom and presence protected Arjuna, ensuring he stayed on the path of righteousness.
A Lesson for All Time
The story of Krishna as Parthasarathy is more than a tale of war; it’s a reminder of the bond between the Divine and those who seek guidance. Arjuna chose Krishna not for his strength but for his wisdom and love. In doing so, he gained far more than any army could offer.
Through the ages, Krishna as Parthasarathy continues to inspire us. His teachings remind us that in the battles of life, what we truly need is faith, guidance, and the courage to do what is right.
