05.142
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
In the failed attempt at reconciliation, Krishna went to the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Approaching Kunti, the charioteer, as if lamenting, spoke slowly.
You are aware of my constant favor, O son of Jiva. Despite my pleas, Suyodhana does not heed my words.
This king is indeed endowed with the support of the Cedis, Panchalas, and Kekayas, along with Bhima, Arjuna, Krishna, and also Yuyudhana and others.
Even while settled in Upaplavya, Yudhishthira desires only righteousness for the sake of kinship harmony, treating the strong and the weak alike.
But King Dhritarashtra, though aged, does not calm down. He is intoxicated by the pride of his son and continues on the path of unrighteousness.
Mutual discord is occurring among Jayadratha, Karna, Duhshasana, and Saubala due to evil counsel.
Indeed, the righteous kingdom has been taken away by unrighteous means. For those people, this act of righteousness will have consequences.
When the Kauravas forcibly take away righteousness, who would not be disturbed? Without peace and with Keshava gone, the Pandavas will prepare for action.
Then, the destruction of the Kurus will lead to the downfall of heroes. While contemplating, I find no sleep either during the days or the nights.
Upon hearing those words spoken with intent, Kunti, filled with sorrow and lament, pondered deeply in her mind.
Shame on the purpose for which this great destruction in the slaughter of relatives will occur, indeed, the defeat of these friends in this battle.
The Pandavas, Chedis, Panchalas, and Yadavas have gathered together. If they engage in battle with the Bharatas, what sorrow could be greater than this?
One should see the certain fault in battle, as well as the inevitable defeat. For the poor, death is preferable, for victory does not lie in the destruction of one's relatives.
My fear increases because of the grandfather, the son of Śantanu, the teacher, and Karna, who are all supporting the sons of Dhritarashtra in battle.
The teacher Drona, who is desirous with his disciples, would never fight. How could he show affection towards the Pandavas, and not the grandfather?
This one, however, is alone in his vain vision, being a deluded follower of Dhritarashtra's evil-minded son, and he always sinfully hates the Pandavas.
In this great calamity, Karna, who is insistent and especially strong, always opposes the Pandavas, and that burns me now.
Today, I hope to influence Karna's mind towards the Pandavas by approaching and showing things as they truly are.
The Lord Durvasa, being pleased, granted me a boon where an invitation involving the gods is present in the ancestral home of Vasantya.
She, honored by Kuntibhoja, was in the inner chambers of the king, contemplating various matters with a troubled heart.
Reflecting repeatedly on the strengths and weaknesses of the mantras and the eloquence of the Brahmin, considering the nature of women and children.
She was then confidently protected by the nurse, surrounded by friends, avoiding any fault, and safeguarding her father's reputation.
Reflecting on how my actions could be virtuous and free from fault, I offer my respects to that Brahmin.
Out of curiosity, the chaste maiden, having obtained him and acting out of foolishness, then approached the sun god, and then I followed.
He who was born of an unmarried girl and whom I have treated like a son, why would he not follow the advice that is beneficial for his brother's welfare?
Thus, having made up her mind about the best course of action, Kunti set out with determination towards the river Bhagirathi.
Then, his son, known for his compassion and truthfulness, was on the bank of the Ganges, listening to the sound of Pṛthā's recitation.
The ascetic stood behind, facing east with her arms raised, waiting for the chanting to conclude for her purpose.
The wife of the Kaurava, who was the daughter of Vrishni, stood in Karna's upper garment, afflicted by the sun's heat, withering like a lotus garland.
He, having turned around after muttering towards the heat of the back, saw Kunti and approached her with folded hands, saluting her. He was greatly radiant, honorable, and the best among the upholders of dharma, acting according to justice.
