Krishna, this house is yours......

As a last attempt at peace, Krishna traveled to Hastinapur to persuade the Kauravas to embark upon a peaceful path with him. Krishna didn’t want the war so went as a messenger of peace.

When Dhritharashtra came to know of his arrival, he asked Vidur to make arrangements for Krishna’s stay at Dushasan’s palace. The blind king wanted to impress Krishna with the wealth and luxuries.

“Your wish is not going to be fulfilled, Maharaj. Krishna will not stay at an Adharmi's house. ”Saying this he left to receive Sri Krishna.

Pithamah Bhishma and Guru Dronacharya were already present there with other eminent people to receive Krishna.

When he saw his devotees waiting, Krishna stepped out of his Chariot and walked towards them.

Bhishma, Drona and Vidur too started walking with Krishna.

They reached the beautiful palace of Bhishma. Bhishma requested to Krishna, “Come inside, this is my house, take some rest and then we will proceed to Dhritharashtra’s palace.”

Krishna smiled and said, “Pithamah, I’ll surely accept your invitation”, but he continued to walk forward.

Then they saw another palacial house, that of Drona. “Please come in, Krishna, this is my house. May you take some rest here.” Drona said.

Krishna smiled and replied, “I’m glad that you invited me to your house.” But he didn’t stop. They all walked forward.

On the way they reached a humble dwelling. Sri Krishna asked, “Whose house is that?” Vidur came forward, bowed and said, “Krishna, that is your house.”

Krishna turned to others and said, “When I have my own home here, why should I stay as a guest in other houses?”

Vidura and his wife were ardent devotees who considered everything as God given and to them nothing was their’s.

Krishna stayed in the house of Vidura during his peace mission.

Krishna respected Vidura for his devotion to the people's welfare and his proficiency in every sphere of knowledge

Draupadi

With her hair untied,

Draupati stood firm, with an unbending will…

Nothing would suffice her,

But the end of Kauravas,

A virtuous woman she was

When dishonored in presence of her elders,

She wanted Duryodhana killed,

Vowed she would tie her hair washed in Dushassana’s blood

For the unpardonable offence he did.

The daughter of King Draupada and sister to Dhristadyumna

The crowned queen of the Pandavas,

Sri Krishna called her “Sakhi”,

A woman who had no equal in beauty and grandeur,

Draupadi is the symbol of woman’s strength and power,

She was the force behind the Kurushetra war,

She went through trouble and insult

She had spent long years in agony,

Her strength was her devotion for Krishna….

Who stood by her in all trials of life

Draupati got justice in the end,

Dharma won in the Kurukshetra battle,

She tied her hair smeared in Dushasana’s blood….

Some friendships…. from Hindu Puranas…

Vedavyasa has beautifully narrated some friendships in Hindu Puranas. “Drona & Drupad”, Karna & Duryodhan”, Krishna & Sudama” friendships are some of them. Their distinctive character is the reason of significance of their stories.

Drona was a Brahman boy and Drupad a Prince. At the Gurukul where they spent their childhood, they were great friends. Drona helped Drupad with all the work assigned by the Guru. Drupad seemed very grateful and used to promise Drona, “When I become the king, half my kingdom will be given to you.”

Many years later in the days of poverty Drona approached king Drupad for help. But Drupad insulted Drona mocking him of his poverty, in front of all people. The humiliation made Drona vow to take revenge. This enemity continued till their end in the Kurukshetra war.

Karna was a true friend who kept all the values of friendship. Duryodhana’s motives were selfish as he only wanted a warrior equal to Arjuna. When everyone teased Karna about his lineage and said he could in no way be equal to Arjuna, Duryodhana extended his hands of friendship and made Karna the king of Anga. His selfish intention was to defeat Arjuna. But Karna remained Duryodhana’s loyal friend till the end. He was faithful, righteous and brave and died in Kurukshetra war fighting on his friend’s side with courage, valor and honor.

The Krishna Sudama friendship is the most divine one which is quoted throughout ages. After leaving the Gurukul Krishna was ruling Dwaraka. Sudama was very poor and lived a simple life. One day his wife requested him to go and meet his childhood friend Krishna and ask for some help. Sudama started out to meet Krishna.

The reunion of these friends is described in words that touch anyone’s heart by many poets. Disregarding the poor and dirty appearance of Sudama, Krishna embraced him giving a warm welcome. He was seated on the throne and treated like a king. Sudama was overwhelmed by this love. He forgot to ask Krishna any help but when he returned home he was shocked to see the blessings Krishna had showered on him.

This friendship of Krishna and Sudama is the most divine….