05.151
Pancharatra-core: Keshava urges Yudhisthira to fight the war against evil Duryodhana.
Vaishampayana spoke:
Yudhishthira, recalling Vasudeva's words, inquired once more to the Vrishni descendant about how the slow-witted one expressed this.
O Acyuta, at this time of arrival, what is appropriate for us? And how can we ensure that we do not deviate from our duties?
Vasudeva, you understand the thoughts of Duryodhana, Karna, Shakuni, and Saubala, as well as mine and my brothers'.
You have completely heard the words of Vidura and Bhishma, as well as the profound wisdom of Kunti.
O mighty-armed one, after surpassing and considering everything repeatedly, please tell us what is appropriate without any hesitation.
Upon hearing the righteous and meaningful words of Dharmaraja, Krishna, whose voice was as resonant as a thunderous cloud, responded.
I have spoken words that are righteous and purposeful, beneficial indeed. However, they do not hold ground with the deceitful-minded Kaurava.
The evil-minded person ignores the words of Bhishma, Vidura, and myself, disregarding everything completely.
He neither desires virtue nor fame. The wicked soul, relying on Karna, believes he has conquered all.
Suyodhana ordered my capture, but the wicked one, being disobedient, did not achieve his desire.
Neither Bhishma nor Drona found it appropriate to speak there. Everyone followed him except Vidura, O Acyuta.
Shakuni, the son of Subala, along with Karna and Duhshasana, spoke improperly to you, driven by foolish impatience.
What I have spoken, and what the Kauravas have said, in brief, that wicked soul does not suit you.
Among all the earthly beings, your soldiers are not the ones in whom all sins and inauspiciousness are established.
We do not wish for peace with the Kauravas at any cost; rather, we seek it after the war.
Upon hearing Vasudeva's words, all the kings turned their gaze towards the king's face, O Bharata.
Yudhishthira, realizing the intentions of the kings, commanded Bhima, Arjuna, and the twins to unite.
Then, the troops of the Pandava were filled with joy when the preparations were ordered, and the soldiers rejoiced.
Witnessing the slaughter of those who should not be killed, Yudhishthira, the king of righteousness, sighed and spoke to Bhimasena and Arjuna.
The purpose for which I endured the forest dwelling and suffering now indeed approaches us as another misfortune despite all efforts.
The effort we made was not lacking, but where effort was absent, the great Kali has come upon us.
How can a battle be fought with those who are invincible? How can we achieve victory by killing our teachers and elders?
Upon hearing this, Arjuna, the mighty warrior, conveyed the message spoken by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira.
The son of Devaki, Krishna, addressed the words of Kunti and Vidura, saying: O King, you have completely understood the message.
I firmly believe that they will not speak anything unrighteous. Moreover, O son of Kunti, it is not appropriate to retreat from the battle.
Upon hearing those words from Savyasaci, Vasudeva, with a smile, said to Partha, "Indeed, it is so," affirming thus.
Then, O great king, the sons of Pandu, firm in their resolve and accompanied by their soldiers, spent that night happily.
