The Kings Choose Sides

As both sides prepare for war, Duryodhana personally goes to Dwaraka to ask Krsna for support, believing that Krsna and the Yadavas could decide the war.

After consulting Yudhisthira, Arjuna also goes to Dwaraka. He and Duryodhana enter Krsna's chamber together, with Duryodhana sitting near Krsna's head and Arjuna standing at His feet.

Krsna says Duryodhana arrived first but Arjuna was seen first, so He will help both. Arjuna may choose first between Krsna, unarmed and not fighting, and Krsna's million Narayana soldiers.

Arjuna immediately chooses Krsna Himself, and Duryodhana happily takes the army. Duryodhana thinks Arjuna has made a sentimental mistake by leaving him the military force.

Duryodhana asks Balarama for help, but Balarama says He cannot act apart from Krsna and will take no side in the war. He embraces Duryodhana and sends him away with good wishes.

Duryodhana next asks Krtavarma, who cannot refuse under ksatriya custom. Krtavarma agrees to fight for the Kauravas and leaves with Duryodhana and the Narayana army.

Krsna asks why Arjuna chose Him over the army, and Arjuna says victory is wherever Krsna stands and asks Him to become his charioteer. Krsna gladly accepts the role.

Salya, king of Madra and brother of Madri, hears of the war and marches with his army to support his nephews, the Pandavas.

Duryodhana secretly arranges a lavish reception for Salya, who assumes Yudhisthira provided it and offers a boon. Duryodhana reveals himself and asks Salya to become a leader in his army, which Salya must honor.

Salya continues to Virata, greets the Pandavas with affection, and tells Yudhisthira that he has promised to fight for Duryodhana. Yudhisthira accepts the point of honor without blaming him.

Yudhisthira asks Salya, if he is made Karna's charioteer, to discourage Karna and drain his fighting energy. Salya agrees and later leaves for Hastinapura after encouraging the Pandavas.

Satyaki returns from Dwaraka with an akshauhini, and Dhristaketu, Jayatsena, the Pandya king, Virata, and Drupada add major forces. Seven akshauhinis assemble at Virata for the Pandavas.

At Hastinapura, kings gather to support Duryodhana until eleven akshauhinis are assembled. Duryodhana prepares supplies and waits for the Pandavas or their emissaries without intending any agreement.

Drupada's priest arrives in Hastinapura and tells Dhrtarastra's court that the Pandavas have an equal claim, have endured every wrong without hatred, and now ask only that their rightful property be returned.

The priest warns that the Pandavas are ready with seven akshauhinis and Krsna on their side. Bhisma praises the priest's words and says the Pandavas are entitled to their father's wealth and that Arjuna can defeat the Kuru army.

Karna interrupts, insisting that Yudhisthira lost fairly and that the exile term may not be complete. Bhisma rebukes him by recalling Arjuna's victory at Matsya, and Dhrtarastra adjourns the assembly instead of deciding.

Alone afterward, Dhrtarastra fears Krsna, Arjuna, Yudhisthira, and the justice of the Pandavas' cause. He sends Sanjaya to Virata with affectionate words for the Pandavas, but without promising to restore the kingdom.