Plan to Send a Peace Messenger to Dhritraashtra

Paandav's 12-year exile period was over, their one year period of Agyaatvaas was also completed successfully. So all sat down to talk about the future of Paandav after the marriage of Abhimanyu to Uttaraa. Krishn stated all the events since the time they lost everything in dice game till now. Then He said - "War is always the last resort for anything. If everything can be solved with peace it is always better, War is not just for one's own selfish interest. Vows are nothing in comparison to human values. So if we can get peace only by sending a peace messenger, it is very cheap." Although Duryodhan's intentions are not known to us, I would suggest that some high-born person should be sent to Hastinaapur and he should ask for their half kingdom on his behalf peacefully."

Balaraam stood and said - "You have heard my brother Krishn, He has said everything righteous. When Yudhishthir has sacrificed his half kingdom, then Duryodhan should also sacrifice his half kingdom. So some responsible person should go to Hastinaapur to do this job. He must plead the cause of Yudhishthir. He must first greet all elders, he must talk respectfully even to Shakuni and Karn. He must be very polite to Duryodhan and his brothers too. He must not oppose Duryodhan and he must not provoke the king."

All could sense some favor to Duryodhan in his talks. Saatyaki said - "There is no fault of Yudhishthir here, why should he ask for his rights humbly? Why should he beg for his rights? Your disciple is unrighteous by saying that he had seen Arjun before their exile period was over. Everybody knows this is wrong. I know Duryodhan very well. Let me go there, I will fight with that man. Is there anyone who can withstand Arjun, or Krishn or me? Who can fight with our team - Paandav, Abhimanyu, Dhrishtdyumn, etc. If they do not bow their heads at the feet of Yudhishthir, they should all go to Yam Lok. Either Dhritraashtra should return their kingdom immediately or face the consequences."

Everybody supported Saatyaki. Then Drupad got up and said - "Saatyaki said rightly. I also have my all doubts that Duryodhan is going to return Paandav's kingdom easily. If we used soft words then they will think that Paandav are weak and do not want to fight. We must gather our people and get ready for war. But at the same time, I will send my family priest as a messenger. He is a good noble man born from a good family. Only that he should be advised as how he will behave there."

Krishn approved Drupad's proposal and said - "It is good that he has given us his frank opinion. As for us, we are equally related to both Paandav and Kaurav. Here we had been invited to attend Abhimanyu's wedding, the wedding is over so now we should return to Dwaarakaa. The king Viraat has honored us, we feel happy. Drupad has taken charge of the situation. I am sure that Drupad's action will be approved by Bheeshm and Drone too. Let us all hope for peace but if it doesn't happen then Yudhishthir, you will send for all of us too along with others."

Krishn etc went away to Dwaarakaa, and Yudhishthir and Drupad got busy in making preparations for war. They sent messages to their friend kings to be ready for war which could break out any time. Duryodhan also came to know about this so he also started gathering people. Thus some kings were going to Hastinaapur, and some were going to Matsya Desh.

Drupad trained his priest very well to go to Hastinaapur. Since Dhritraashtra was under the control of his son, he was strictly instructed to address Dhritraashtra only. He said to him - "Your words  may not influence Dhritrashtra but at least they will affect Vidur, Bheeshm and Drone's minds. You are not going to plead for anything, just state the facts. They must consider their behavior as unjust that is my aim. Now you go as soon as possible to Hastinaapur. Time your departure under the Pushya Nakshatra (constellation) and Jaya part of the day." As Krishn and Balaraam left for Dwaarakaa, Arjun also set out to Dwaarakaa.