Lord Krishna knew that peace negotiations with the Kauravas would fail, in spite of Yudhishthira’s wish. However, by going for the peace talks, Lord Krishna cleverly put the ball in the Kauravas’ court. If the peace talks failed, Duryodhan would be blamed for it. If they succeeded, the Pandavas would get the credit for it. With Duryodhan refusing to part with the kingdom he had taken from the Pandavas, the Pandavas had no choice but to wage war. However, Lord Krishna made master preparations for Mahabharata war.
When Lord Krishna was in Hastinapur for peace talks, he took Karna aside and told him about Kunti being his mother. He requested Karna to help his brothers, Pandavas, but Karna turned down His request. Lord Krishna turned to Bhishma. He knew the truth of Karna’s birth, and did not wish for Karna to fight against his brothers. So, Bhishma insulted Karna in the war council. Karna swore not to enter the battlefield until Bhishma died.
Lord Krishna was fully aware of the capabilities of His army, Narayani Sena. He thought, ‘If the great Balarama enters the battlefield on Duryodhan’s side, the game will be over for the Pandavas.’
Lord Krishna convinced Balarama, “This Mahabharata war would be filled with unfair and unjust ways. A man of your accomplishments should not taint his soul by participating in it. You should instead go on a pilgrimage.” Thus, Balarama opted out of the war.
Duryodhan, on behalf of the Kauravas, and Arjun, on behalf of the Pandavas, went to Dwarka to seek Lord Krishna’s help for the oncoming war. Lord Krishna was sleeping when Duryodhan entered his room. So, he waited for Lord Krishna to wake up and sat near His head. Arjun also came but a little later and he sat at Lord Krishna’s feet. When Lord Krishna woke up, He saw Arjun first as he was at His feet and then Duryodhan. He heard both of them seeking His help and made a proposal.
Lord Krishna heard Duryodhan’s and Arjun’s pleas for His help for Mahabharata war. He proposed, “I will not fight in this war but I am willing to give my mighty army, Narayani Sena. You both will have to choose between me and my army.” Duryodhan chose Lord Krishna’s army and Arjun chose Lord Krishna.
When Duryodhan left, Krishna scolded Arjun, “You are so foolish. Duryodhan cleverly took my mighty army, and you are asking for me! I am going to sit idle in the war. I am as good as nothing.” Arjun replied, “But You are everything for me, my Lord.” Against the wishes of His counsellors, Lord Krishna gave His army to Duryodhan.
Then, He promised to fight on behalf of the Pandavas but He made it sound as innocent as possible. He said, “I will only be Arjun’s charioteer. I will not take up arms.” Duryodhan made a fatal mistake again. He underestimated Lord Krishna and agreed to His clever conditions.
