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 Mahabharata: Preparation For War  

When Arjuna reached Dwaraka, he found to his surpriseDuryodhana was also camping to seek help from Sri

Krishna. His purpose was to ask for Sri Krishna's army tofight on his side. Next day, Duryodhana reached the palace

of Sri Krishna and was told to wait for a while as Sri

Krishna was asleep. Soon Arjuna also went. Duryodhana

took his seat at the head of the Lord, while Arjuna sat at theholy feet. In a while Sri Krishna opened his eyes to see his

dear friend and disciple at his feet. Said the lord, "O

Arjuna, what brings you here so early in the morning?"

But Duryodhana could not wait, he intervened and said, "O Krishna, I have come before Arjuna.

Therefore, please speak to me first." The lord jested, "But I saw Arjuna first. Let him talk to me

first." But the sober Arjuna himself told the lord, "No, Duryodhana is right. He has come before

me. " Thus given chance, Duryodhana asked of Sri Krishna to fight on his side. Sri Krishna said,

"But Duryodhana I have vowed not to pick up arms in this war. But army can be on your side.

Decide what do you want, me or my army."

The foolish Duryodhana thought : "There is no use of Sri Krishna if he is not fighting, I will ask for his huge army." Thus all army of Sri Krishna went to the side of Kauravas. Arjuna was

 pleased for all Pandavas wanted was gracious lord on their side. He thanked Duryodhana for hischoice. 

T he War of Mahabharata 

Books 5-10 recount the 18-day war between the

Pandavas and the Kauravas. The Kauravas have elevendivisions to stand against the seven of the Pandavas. The

two armies are described as two oceans, crashing againsteach other. Both sides agree to abide by certain rules of 

war: no fighting humans with celestial weapons, nofighting at night, do not strike someone who's retreating

or unarmed, or on the back or legs. All these rules will

eventually be broken.

On the side of Kauravas Bhishma was to lead the front. Besides, Dronacharya, Duryodhana,Jayadratha, and many more would fight against Pandavas. Karna would be out of picture till

Bhishma was alive and leading the Kauravas. On Pandavas side Sri Krishna became the charioteer of Arjuna. Besides five brothers, king Virata, Abhimanyu - son of Arjuna --, Ghatotkacha - son of 

Bhima from Hidambi, brother of Draupadi, and many more joined the forces.

 Birth of the Gita 

Just as the battle is about to start, Arjuna falters at the sight

of his relatives and teachers, now his sworn enemies. He breaks down and refuses to fight. O Krishna, I am unable to

decide my further plan of action. I surrender myself at your 

holy feet. O Lord, please guide me through this difficult

uncertainty as I am your disciple and you are my Teacher."

  S ri Krishna T ells T he Gita 

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MAHABHARATAMAINCHARACTERS ± MATCH&MIX

 

1 Ar- j  narrat r of t story and fat r of Pandu and

Dhr itarashtra

2 Bhi-ma l ader of the Pandavas, r i htful heir to the throne

3  Na-kula and Saha-de-vawife of Pandu and mother to the f ive Pandavas and

Karna4 Bhish-ma wife of Dhr itarashtra

5 Duh-sa-sa-na strongest of the Pandava brothers

6 Dhr i-ta-rash-tra wife to the f ive Pandavas

7 Gan-dhar i  teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas

8 Drau-pa-di half-uncle by marr iage of Pandu and Dhr itarashtra

9 Kun-ti warr ior, secret son of Kunti, ally of the Kauravas

10 Vyasa suppor ter of the Pandavas and avatar of Vishnu

11 Du-ry-odh-ana mightiest of warr iors

12 Kar-na Pandava twins

13 Yu-dhish-thira blind k ing, father of Duryodhana and the Kauravas

14 Dro-na leader of the Kauravas

15 Kr ish-na brother to Duryodhana

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