Dhrtarastra's Message

The Pandavas are sitting with Krsna when Sanjaya arrives. Yudhisthira receives him warmly, and Sanjaya conveys Dhrtarastra's inquiry after the Pandavas, Draupadi, and their relatives.

Yudhisthira asks whether the Kurus remember the Pandavas' strength and the rescue at Dwaitavana. He says he would live with them in peace but fears Duryodhana cannot be won over.

Sanjaya says the Kurus remember the Pandavas and that Dhrtarastra regrets their treatment, but Duryodhana takes inspiration from wicked advisers despite wise men around him.

Before the gathered kings, Sanjaya says Dhrtarastra desires peace and asks the Pandavas not to bring destruction on the dynasty. The message praises Yudhisthira's virtue but does not offer the kingdom back.

Sanjaya argues that a battle between the Pandavas, Krsna, Satyaki, Chekitana, and others against Drona, Bhisma, Krpa, Asvatthama, and the Kuru warriors would destroy both sides.

Yudhisthira asks why Sanjaya thinks he wants war and says no sane man would choose battle if peace were possible. He blames Dhrtarastra and Duryodhana for clinging to stolen wealth.

Yudhisthira says he forgives the Kurus and wants peace, but Dhrtarastra must return what is rightfully his. He asks that the Kauravas keep Hastinapura and return Indraprastha to him.

Speaking for himself, Sanjaya urges Yudhisthira to avoid destroying the Kurus and to choose begging or life with Krsna and the Yadavas over war for wealth.

Yudhisthira answers that virtue and vice must be judged carefully, and that ksatriyas may not live by begging. He says Krsna knows every facet of Vedic knowledge and he will follow Krsna's decision.

Krsna says He wants peace but that Yudhisthira has already shown unusual restraint. He argues that duties should be performed without attachment and that a king must check wrongdoing.

Krsna states that Dhrtarastra has robbed Yudhisthira and that stealing remains sinful whether done openly or secretly. If the kingdom is not returned, Krsna says it is Yudhisthira's duty to declare war.

Krsna reminds Sanjaya that the Kurus sinned in their own council hall when Draupadi was dragged and insulted while most elders stayed silent. He says those insults planted the seeds of the present calamity.

Krsna says He will go to Hastinapura to remind the Kurus of these wrongs and try for peace without injuring the Pandavas' interests. If the Kurus reject Him, they will lose everything in battle.

Sanjaya accepts Krsna's words, asks forgiveness if he has offended, and requests permission to return. Yudhisthira says Sanjaya remains a well-wisher and asks him to greet the elders, friends, Brahmins, and citizens.

Yudhisthira tells Sanjaya to say that the Pandavas are ready to forget even Draupadi's abuse to avoid slaughter. He asks Duryodhana to return Indraprastha or, at least, five villages so the brothers can perform their duty; otherwise they are ready for war.

After Yudhisthira's brothers also give their messages, Sanjaya promises to repeat them exactly. He bows before the assembly and leaves for Hastinapura.