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In the midst of the Mahabharata battlefield, doubts about Bhishma's commitment arise as Duryodhana seeks to ignite his fervor, leading to a touching encounter with Draupadi and the divine intervention of Lord Krishna.
Characters in the story:
Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is worshipped 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.
Bhishma: Bhishma is a revered warrior in the Indian epic, Mahabharata, who is known for his oath of celibacy and unwavering loyalty to his kingdom.
Draupadi: Draupadi is a prominent female character in Mahabharata. She was the wife of the five Pandava brothers and is known for her beauty, intelligence, and strength of character.
Duryodhana: Duryodhana is a key character in the Indian epic Mahabharata, known as the eldest of the Kaurava brothers and the main antagonist of the Pandavas.
On the ninth day of the Mahabharata battle, Duryodhana made his way to Bhishma’s encampment. Doubts about the old warrior’s commitment had been gnawing at Duryodhana, suspecting that Bhishma’s loyalty was swayed by his affection for the Pandavas. Fearing the repercussions of Bhishma’s lackluster efforts, Duryodhana was determined to awaken his fighting spirit, even if it meant unsettling the elderly warrior.
Approaching Bhishma, Duryodhana vocalized his concerns, accusing Bhishma of fighting with half-hearted resolve. These words pricked Bhishma’s pride, compelling him to vow that he would annihilate the Pandava forces and bring an end to the Pandava princes.
This news alarmed Draupadi, who turned to her divine protector, Lord Krishna, in prayer.
In response to her plea, Krishna materialized before her. He beckoned her to follow him, leading her through the grim and chaotic battlefield, strewn with fallen bodies. Eventually, they reached a tent, where Krishna instructed Draupadi to remove her sandals to avoid making noise.
Having complied with Krishna’s instruction, Draupadi proceeded into the camp, guided by Krishna’s whispered advice to kneel before the pacing figure she could hear from inside.
With reverence, she followed this counsel. Bhishma was taken aback to find a lady prostrating at his feet. In response, he blessed her, saying, “Saubhagyavati bhava (may you have a long life with your husband). Could you please share your identity and explain how I may be of assistance to you? What brings you to this place at this hour?”
Rising to her feet, Draupadi implored Bhishma to guarantee the safety of her husbands.
Recognizing Draupadi, Bhishma was astonished. “Draupadi, is it truly you? How did you find yourself here?”
Draupadi revealed, “Krishna guided me to this place. I came to seek your blessings.”
Upon noticing Krishna at the entrance, Bhishma welcomed him in, his attention drawn to the pair of sandals Krishna carried. “Krishna, please come closer. What is it you carry? They seem to be sandals.”
Krishna responded with calm amusement, “Indeed, these belong to Panchali. They were causing a disturbance, so I took them along.”
Draupadi was deeply embarrassed by this revelation. She exclaimed, “Oh Lord! Your actions could bring calamity upon me.”
Maintaining a light tone, Krishna replied, “Is there harm in a brother assisting his sister by carrying her sandals? By the way, have you received his blessings?”
Bhishma chimed in, “She didn’t request them; I gave them willingly. Krishna, your concern for your devotees knows no bounds, extending even to carrying their footwear. Who can rival your dedication to safeguarding your devotees? With you on the Pandavas’ side, they have nothing to fear.”
Draupadi confessed, “Grandfather, your promise to Duryodhana left us terrified.”
Bhishma reassured, “What weight does the oath of a mere mortal carry before Krishna, the divine incarnation? He is on your side. I have already given my blessing to you. Therefore, you and Pandavas (Draupadi’s husbands) are safe from any harm.”
Having achieved their objective, Krishna and Draupadi took their leave from Bhishma’s presence.
In the shadow of war’s uncertainty, Draupadi’s unwavering faith in Krishna’s protection cast a glimmer of hope upon the battlefield, reminding all that even amidst chaos, divine intervention, and human resolve could shape destiny.
