Mahabharata Companion

The Pandavas Consult Krsna

Part 1 / Chapter 45 / 83 chapters

Chapter45 / 48
Part 1Chapter 45

The Pandavas Consult Krsna

At , asks to make one final peace effort, even though the Kurus have refused land and will not yield. agrees to go so the Pandavas cannot be blamed for failing to seek peace, but He also warns that 's crimes and obstinacy make war almost certain. briefly urges mildness, then reaffirms his strength when challenges him; accepts whatever decides; the twins and are ready for battle. , still burning over her humiliation, urges not to spare the Kauravas, and promises she will soon see justice.

Krishna Dharma Edition
Purchase Your Copy

This guide follows Krishna Dharma's retelling as the source of truth. This panel notes broad edition-level framing or compression that helps a reader orient themselves.

The chapter balances Yudhisthira's reluctance with Draupadi's demand for justice. Krishna Dharma presents Krsna's mission as morally necessary even though He already knows peace is unlikely.
Key Events
  1. 1

    The Pandavas hear the Kuru refusal

    At , the Pandavas learn that Dhrtarastra wants peace without returning land or wealth. asks to act as their only shelter.

  2. 2

    explains the duty crisis

    says begging is not a ksatriya's duty and that the Pandavas need a kingdom to rule and support others. He asks whether fighting the elders can be righteous.

  3. 3

    accepts the peace mission

    says He will go to for the good of both sides. If peace can be achieved, the armies will be freed from death.

  4. 4

    fears for

    worries that may try to harm . answers that no earthly rulers could stand against Him if He is angered.

  5. 5

    rejects peace at any price

    When says he would accept less, even another dice game, to avoid war, reminds him that 's crimes cannot be rewarded and that a ksatriya must not avoid righteous battle.

  6. 6

    's humiliation is recalled

    recalls the dice hall, dragging , and the elders' failure to act. He says and those who support him are already condemned by their own deeds.

  7. 7

    predicts war

    says He will expose 's goodwill and 's sinfulness, but He also states that war will certainly result because will return no territory.

  8. 8

    asks for mild words

    unexpectedly asks to try gentle speech and avoid provoking . challenges him, asking why the warrior who vowed to kill now speaks mildly.

  9. 9

    reaffirms his strength

    Stung by 's words, declares that he spoke from mercy, not fear, and that he will trample the Pandavas' enemies when battle comes.

  10. 10

    accepts 's decision

    says is the well-wisher of both sides and he will accept whatever decides. If peace is desired, he accepts peace; if war is desired, he is ready to fight.

  11. 11

    The twins and are ready

    , , and also express readiness for battle. The assembly understands that is unlikely to heed .

  12. 12

    demands justice

    asks why should seek peace with men who refused even five villages. Holding the hair seized, she asks to direct His wrath against Dhrtarastra's sons.

  13. 13

    consoles

    promises that the Kauravas are already doomed if they reject His advice. Pacified, she hears that her husbands will regain the kingdom after their enemies are killed.