Krishna’s concern for the Devotees

[Guest guest]

Krishna's concern for the Devotees

Source:http://www.ramakrishnamath.com

 

On the ninth day of Mahabharata war, Duryodhana approached Bhisma in

his camp. He was suspicious of the grandsire's dedication to the

fight. Duryodana felt that Bhishma was not doing his best as he was

carried away by his affection to the Pandavas. Duryodhana felt

anxious of the result if Bhishma continued to fight half heartedly.

So Duryodhana wanted to rouse Bhishma to his full fury even if it

meant hurting the old man.

 

Approaching Bhishma, Duryodhana remarked that Bhishma was waging a

half hearted fight. Stung by these remarks Bhishma gave word that he

would rout the Pandava army and kill all the Pandavas.

 

When Draupadi heared this, she was afraid. She prayed to her Lord

Krishna.

 

As soon as she thought of Krishna he appeared before her. Krishna

asked her to follow him. He took her through the battlefield. The

battlefield was an awful sight with bodies scattered everywhere.

They finally reached a tent.

 

Suddenly, Krishna told Draupadi, " Sister, please remove your

sandals. They are making a lot of noise " .

 

Draupadi removed her sandals.

 

Just at the entrance to the camp, Krishna whispered to

Draupadi, " Please go in and fall at the feet of the old man whom you

can hear pacing up and down inside.

 

She did so accordingly. Bhishma was surprised to see a lady fall at

his feet and he blessed her, " May you live long with your husband.

Who are you? What can I do for you? Why are you here at this hour? "

 

Druapadi got up asking Bhishma to promise protection to her husbands.

 

When she got up, Bhishma recognized her. He was stunned, " Druapadi,

Is it you? How did you come here? "

 

Draupadi replied, " Krishna brought me here. I came here to seek your

blessings " . Bhishma recognized Krishna at the door. " Krishna, please

come in. What is it that is hanging on your shoulders? It looks like

Sandals "

 

Krishna replied quietly, " Oh yes, they are Panchali's foot wear.

They were making lot of noise. So I took them with me. "

 

Draupadi was mortified to see this. She said, " Oh Lord! Great

calamity will fall on me by this act of yours "

 

Krishna replied matter-of-factly, " What is wrong with brother

carrying his sister's sandals? By the way, did you take his

blessings? "

 

Bhishma replied, " She did not ask for it. I gave it on my own.

Krishna, what concern you have for your devotees, you did not mind

even carrying their footwear. Who can equal you in protecting the

devotees? When you are with the Pandavas what do they have to fear? "

 

Druapadi replied, " Grandpa, we were terrified to hear your promise. "

 

Bhishma said, " What can the oath of this insignificant person do

before Krishna, the God incarnate. He is on your side. No harm can

befall on you. Thus succeeding in their mission, Krishna and

Druapadi took leave of Bhishma.

 

GOMU<gokulmuthu