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Read the story of Lord Krishna almost breaking his promise by picking up his Sudarshan Chakra during the Mahabharata war when Arjuna hesitated to strike back against the fierce attack of Bhishma Pitamaha.
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.
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.
Before the Kurukshetra war began, Lord Krishna, serving as the charioteer of Arjuna, took a solemn vow not to wield any weapons or actively fight in the war. His role was to guide, counsel, and protect the Pandavas with his divine wisdom, ensuring they stayed on the path of righteousness.
On the tenth day of the war, Bhishma Pitamaha, the grandsire of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas, unleashed his might upon the Pandava army. Bhishma, a warrior unparalleled in skill, fought with unrelenting vigor, causing devastation among the Pandavas’ forces. His loyalty to Hastinapura and his oath to protect the throne made him unstoppable.
Arjuna, the greatest warrior of the Pandavas, faced Bhishma but found himself hesitant to fully attack his grandsire. Arjuna’s respect and love for Bhishma made it difficult for him to strike with his full strength. Witnessing this, Krishna grew increasingly distressed. He knew that if Bhishma was not subdued, the war would be lost, and dharma would be defeated.
As the battle raged on, Krishna observed the slaughter of innocent soldiers and the crumbling morale of the Pandavas’ army. Despite Krishna’s encouragement, Arjuna remained unable to overpower Bhishma.
Krishna’s patience finally broke. His divine eyes burned with fury, and he leaped down from the chariot. Striding purposefully onto the battlefield, he invoked his Sudarshan Chakra—the ultimate weapon of destruction. His divine form radiated with celestial energy, and the chakra spun ominously in his hand.
The sight of Krishna, the preserver of the universe, stepping onto the battlefield struck terror into the hearts of everyone. Even the mighty Bhishma paused, astonished. Krishna declared, “If Arjuna cannot protect dharma, I will do so myself, even if it means breaking my vow.”
As Krishna advanced toward him, Bhishma dropped his weapons and folded his hands in prayer. With a serene smile, he said, “O Lord, it is my greatest fortune to die at your hands. Please grant me this boon. I surrender to you.”
These words and Bhishma’s humility brought Krishna to a halt. He looked back at Arjuna, who had dismounted the chariot and was running toward him, begging him to stop.
“Forgive me, Krishna,” Arjuna pleaded, “for my hesitation. I promise I will fulfill my duty. Please do not break your vow.”
Hearing Arjuna’s heartfelt plea, Krishna calmed his rage. Smiling faintly, he lowered the Sudarshan Chakra. He returned to his chariot, leaving the battlefield awash in awe and relief.
Krishna’s act, though momentary, was a reminder of his divine love for his devotees and his commitment to dharma. It was also a lesson for Arjuna—to shed all attachments and fulfill his duty as a warrior. This moment underscores Krishna’s role as both a divine guide and a protector of righteousness. While he was bound by his vow, his devotion to dharma transcended all promises, showing that his ultimate purpose was to uphold the cosmic balance.
