Exile comes to an end

Thus ended the exile of Pandavs. They could successfully fulfill all the conditions of banishment. Duryodhan and Shakuni had no excuse now, but to offer Pandavs their due portion of kingdom. But greed and hatred ruled the heart of Kauravas.

Their rule extended almost all over north India, a vast expanse of power and possession. To part with a part of land and wealth was not acceptable to Duryodhan (as is the case with almost every ruler)! Therefore, Shakuni insisted and Duryodhan concurred not to give anything to Pandavs.

As such, Kauravas were least afraid of five Pandavs.There was no army to support them in war. Kauravas were sure to win even if Arjun and Bhim convinced Yudhisthir for war. Here, Bhim and Arjun knew how ungrateful Duryodhan and Shakuni could be.

They had anticipated that Duryodhan would never agree to give Pandavs their rightful kingdom. They told Yudhisthir to prepare for war, indeed it was the only option left to regain their glory and wealth.

Accordingly Arjun was sent to Dwaraka to seek advice and help from Sri Krishna. Moreover, there were one hundred kings who were obliged by Sri Krishna in their release from the jail of demon king Jarasangha.

Preparations for war?

When Arjun reached Dwaraka, he found to his surprise Duryodhan was also camping to seek help from Sri Krishna. His purpose was to ask for Sri Krishna's army to fight on his side. Next day, Duryodhan reached the palace of Sri Krishna and was told to wait for a while as Sri Krishna was asleep.

Soon Arjun also went. Duryodhan took his seat at the head of the Lord, while Arjun sat at the holy feet. In a while, Sri Krishna opened his eyes to see his dear friend and disciple at his feet. Said the lord, "O Arjun, what brings you here so early in the morning?"

Duryodhan could not wait, he intervened and said, "O Krishna, I have come before Arjun. Therefore, please speak to me first."

The lord jested, "But I saw Arjun first. Let him talk to me first."

The sober Arjun himself told the lord, "No, Duryodhan is right. He has come before me. Let him put forward his purpose of visit."

Thus given a chance, Duryodhan asked Sri Krishna to fight on his side. Sri Krishna said, "But Duryodhan I have vowed not to pick up arms in this war. My army can be on your side. Decide what do you want, me or my army!!"

The foolish Duryodhan 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. Arjun was pleased, for all that the Pandavs wanted was the presence of the gracious lord on their side. He thanked Duryodhan for his choice.

Diplomacy fails

Yudhisthir sent message to Dhritarashtra to give them half of the kingdom which was their right. Dhritarashtra asked Duryodhan to consider the demand, but the proud and indiscreet Duryodhan refused to part with any portion of his kingdom.

Yudhisthir then requested to grant to give them five villages, one each to five Pandavs. But still, Duryodhan refused. Thus the clouds of war loomed large as Bhim and Arjun wanted to take their due even by force.

Sri Krishna was informed and requested to settle the matter. As a last appeal Sri Krishna accepted to act as their ambassador. He went to the court of Dhritarashtra and pleaded with the king to see reason.

"Be just, O king", said Sri Krishna, "Save the kingdom from annihilation. Your and Duryodhan's irresponsible behavior would bring calamity to the whole race. Pandavs must be given their right. Where has your sense of justice gone? Control your foolish son, otherwise this kingdom will see only widows as its inhabitants!"

But the helpless king was overpowered with his love for his son. He left the decision to Duryodhan. Duryodhan replied, "O Krishna, why are you wasting your time? What to talk of half the kingdom, I will not part with even that much of land that a needle could hold on its tip!"