Kurukshetra War Story – Chapter 1: Clouds of War

Clouds of War

The glory of Indraprastha was increasing day by day. The subjects were living in happiness and peace due to Yudhishthira's establishment as Dharmaraj. But this happiness was not to last, for the darkness of attachment and affection for his sons had cast a shadow over Dhritarashtra, who sat on the throne of Hastinapur, due to which the clouds of the Kurukshetra war began to gather.

Dhritarashtra's Inner Conflict

Dhritarashtra sat in his royal court, but his mind was stuck in Indraprastha. He was repeatedly remembering the words of Vidura, in which he had described Yudhishthira's righteousness and dedication to his subjects. He knew that Yudhishthira would never abandon the path of dharma, but his affection for his sons was blinding him. A flame of envy was burning in his heart, which he could not extinguish. Due to his blindness, he was also haunted by the fear that his kingdom might pass into the hands of the Pandavas.

Dhritarashtra said to himself, "Am I endangering the future of my sons? Is my attachment preventing me from making the right decision? No, I must think of my sons, protect their future. No matter what path I have to choose for it."

Draupadi's Insult and Duryodhana's Envy

Yudhishthira organized the Rajasuya Yajna, to which all kings and princes were invited. Duryodhana also came to Indraprastha with his uncle Shakuni. Duryodhana was astonished by the wondrous illusion of Indraprastha. He saw splendor and beauty everywhere, which was rare even in Hastinapur. Once, confused in the illusory palace, he fell into a pool of water, which he mistook for the floor. Draupadi and other maids mocked him upon seeing him. Draupadi sarcastically said, "The son of a blind man is also blind." Duryodhana was filled with anger by this insult.

The fire of envy in Duryodhana's heart flared up even more. He felt that the Pandavas were insulting him and belittling him. Just then, Krishna showed his divine play. He said in Duryodhana's ears, "This is not an insult, but a sign of destiny. Choose the path of dharma and establish peace." But revenge had already taken root in Duryodhana's heart. He could never forget this insult, and this insult became the cause of the Kurukshetra war. Shakuni further fueled this insult in Duryodhana's mind and incited him to take revenge.

Towards War

The feelings of envy and revenge had taken birth in Duryodhana's heart. He wanted to take revenge on the Pandavas at any cost. He conspired with Shakuni to defeat the Pandavas in a game of dice. Dhritarashtra, blinded by affection for his sons, also joined this conspiracy. Gradually, the clouds of the Kurukshetra war began to deepen. Now it remained to be seen what efforts Lord Krishna would make to stop this terrible war. The next chapter will focus on Krishna's peace proposal.