Krishna’s Peace Mission

When all efforts to avoid war had failed, and Sanjay’s attempts to mediate had been in vain, Krishna, the embodiment of wisdom and compassion, decided to go to Hastinapur himself. He hoped that his words might touch the heart of Duryodhana, the proud prince of the Kauravas, and avert the impending battle that threatened to devastate both the Kauravas and Pandavas.

As Krishna arrived at the royal court, he was welcomed warmly, his divine presence bringing a calmness to the tension in the air. Duryodhana, however, remained arrogant and unyielding, convinced of his rightful dominance over the entire kingdom. With a gentle yet resolute voice, Krishna addressed him, saying, “Duryodhana, I have come here not as a warrior but as a messenger of peace. The Pandavas do not desire the throne or the riches of the kingdom. They seek only harmony and are willing to accept five humble villages instead of their rightful half of the kingdom. They ask for so little, simply to prevent the suffering of their kin.”

But Duryodhana, blinded by his greed and pride, scornfully laughed at Krishna’s offer. “The entire kingdom belongs to me,” he declared. “I will not give the Pandavas even the land equivalent to the tip of a needle. You come here speaking on behalf of them, Krishna, yet you are always partial to them. If you were truly impartial, you would know that I am the rightful king.”

Seeing the futility of reason with Duryodhana, Krishna’s gaze grew compassionate but stern. He warned, “Pride leads only to ruin, Duryodhana. I have come to you with a hand of friendship, but if you reject peace, the consequences will be on your own head.”

In response, Duryodhana, in his anger, ordered his soldiers to seize Krishna and imprison him. But Krishna, the divine, smiled at their futile attempt. In that moment, he revealed his cosmic form, his *Virata Roopa*, a vision of immense power and glory. His form radiated light that filled the entire hall, his countless arms, faces, and eyes appearing in a dazzling display of divinity. Everyone in the court, including Duryodhana, was awestruck and terrified by the grandeur of Krishna’s true self.

Seeing this magnificent form, they realized they were in the presence of the Supreme Being. Filled with fear and awe, none dared to touch him. Krishna then returned to his normal form, his message clear—no mortal power could control him, and he had given Duryodhana one last chance for peace.

With a heavy heart, Krishna left Hastinapur, knowing that his mission of peace had been rejected. War was now inevitable, but Krishna had done everything he could to prevent it. His compassion for both the Pandavas and Kauravas was evident, for he sought peace for all, but he knew that sometimes, destiny is beyond even the gods to alter.

**Moral:** True strength lies in seeking peace, even in the face of pride and arrogance. Those who are blinded by greed and ego fail to see reason and invite their own downfall.