Part 2 - Summary of the drama (Dūtavākya)

(Dūtavākya, R. S. Vadhyar and sons, 1960)

“Śrīkṛṣṇa comes to Duryodhana as an Ambassador of Pāṇḍavas, to avert a calamitous war. However, Duryodhana decides not to give even an inch of space to the Pāṇḍavas and prepares for the inevitable war. He gathered an army of eleven divisions and camped with all his followers, near the battlefield. He consulted all his chiefs and allies regarding the appointment of a commander-in chief. Śakuni suggested the name of Bhīṣma and Duryodhana seconded it. Just then, the chamberlain announced the arrival of Śrīkṛṣṇa with a message from the Pāṇḍavas.

Duryodhana decided to insult Kṛṣṇa and take him as a prisoner. He thought that the Pāṇḍavas, deprived of the wisdom and strength of Kṛṣṇa, could be easily defeated. He told everyone not to get up from their seats when Kṛṣṇa enters and he himself sat looking at the picture wherein Draupadī was being dragged by Duḥśāsana by her hair and clothes. When, however, Kṛṣṇa entered all the councilors stood up in utter confusion. Duryodhana blamed all of them, but he himself fell from his seat when Kṛṣṇa addressed him. He thought that Kṛṣṇa has played magic on him.

However, Kṛṣṇa asked Duryodhana to take away the picture of Draupadī from the wall. Duryodhana obeyed the order of Kṛṣṇa and also enquired about the health of the Pāṇḍavas. Kṛṣṇa delivered the message of Yudhiṣṭhira to Duryodhana that he should return their due of inheritance to them. Duryodhana however, questioned about the inheritance-rights of the Pāṇḍavas and remarked that the kingdoms should not be obtained by begging and that they should not get it in charity. Kṛṣṇa requested

Duryodhana to show pity on his relatives. However, Duryodhana retorted that:

“What have you done with your uncle Kaṃsa?”

Kṛṣṇa again repeated his request to him to forget the wrongs and love the Pāṇḍavas.

However, Duryodhana asked Kṛṣṇa to:

“Stop talking about it”.

Kṛṣṇa changing his tone praises the valour of Arjunaand states that the Pāṇḍavas would take possession of the kingdom by force, if the inheritance is not parted with. However, Duryodhana remains unperturbed. Further, he says that he will not give even a bit of grass to the sons of Paṇḍu. The mention of the grass enrages Kṛṣṇa and he scolds Duryodhana. They exchanged hot words and Kṛṣṇa left the place. Duryodhana asked the councilors to bind him but they failed. Then Duryodhana himself took a rope and tried to put the noose on Kṛṣṇa who at once grew larger and larger. Then suddenly he became shorter, then disappearedand afterwards showed himself in many places. Duryodhana, though fooled, did not get disheartened and asked each one to bind one Kṛṣṇa. They tried to do so but found themselves bound up.

Calling this a magic, Duryodhana went out (to bring his bow and fight with Kṛṣṇa). Kṛṣṇa, however in his rage, summoned his divine Sudarśanacakra to kill Duryodhana. Sudarśana reminded him of the purpose of his incarnation and said that if Duryodhana was killed now, the other wicked men might escape. Kṛṣṇa controlled his anger and sent back Sudarśana. In the mean time, the other weapons of Kṛṣṇa, the bow, the club, the sword, the conch, etc.and his vehicle Garuḍa came and were sent back by Sudarśana. When Kṛṣṇa finally was leaving for the camp of the Pāṇḍavas, Dhṛtarāṣṭra came and fell at his feet to atone for offence of his son. Kṛṣṇa lifted him up and he assured him of his favour.