Krishna Chooses Sides

Both sides began seeking help from kings. The greatest help of all could come from Krishna. Arjuna and Duryodhana both reached Dwarka on the same day. Krishna was asleep. Duryodhana arrived first and, in his royal way, sat on the seat at the head of the bed. Arjuna came later and stood with folded hands at Krishna's feet.

When Krishna woke, his eyes fell first on Arjuna standing at his feet. Then he saw Duryodhana. He welcomed them both and asked why they had come. Duryodhana said, 'Help us in the war. I came first, so the first claim is mine.'

Krishna said, 'You came first, but I saw Arjuna first. I will help you both. On one side will be my vast Narayani Sena, millions of brave cowherd warriors. On the other side will be me alone, and I will not take up weapons in the war. Arjuna is younger, so he will choose first.'

Arjuna did not hesitate for a moment. 'I want you, Keshava.' Duryodhana was secretly delighted: he had won an entire army, while Arjuna had chosen a single unarmed man. With the army in hand he also went to Balaram, but Balaram declared that he would take neither side.

Later Krishna asked Arjuna with a smile, 'Why did you choose me over an army?' Arjuna said, 'I want your company more than victory. Be my charioteer.' Krishna agreed. This was the choice that decided the outcome of the war, and that later made possible the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita at Kurukshetra.