Krishna's Peace Mission

Yudhishthira did not want war. He said, 'I do not want a kingdom won by shedding the blood of my own family. Give us just five villages and we will be content.' Krishna said, 'I will go to Hastinapur myself as envoy and make one last effort for peace.' Draupadi showed him her loose hair to remind him that her humiliation had not been forgotten.

Krishna arrived in Hastinapur. Duryodhana had prepared a grand feast and palace for him, but Krishna declined. He said, 'One eats at another's home either out of love or out of need. There is no love in your heart, and I am in no need.' He stayed in Vidura's simple home and ate there with love.

The next day in the royal court Krishna spoke with great calm and courtesy. 'This family is one. If there is war, both sides will be destroyed. Give the Pandavas their due, or at least give them five villages.' Bhishma, Drona, Vidura, even Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, all tried to make Duryodhana see sense. But he would not move: 'Without a war I will not give even as much land as the point of a needle covers.'

Worse, Duryodhana plotted to take Krishna prisoner. Krishna laughed when he learned of it. Before the whole court he revealed his Vishwaroop. Within his body appeared gods, sages, all the worlds, and the heroes of the Pandavas and Yadavas. The whole hall was dazzled and many shut their eyes. Only Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and a few sages could look upon that divine form.

Dhritarashtra prayed, and by Krishna's grace he was given sight for a few moments so that he could behold this form. Then Krishna withdrew the form and left the court. The last door to peace had closed. Now war was certain.