Originally posted by: CaptainSpark
See Panchali was his best friend, he obviously did feel when she got assaulted and it was important that her assault is avenged. But I do not think Krishna engaged in the war mainly because of this reason. This is not a small reason at all, but well Yudhishthir could be killed too. If you completely remove divine elements, then Bhishma or Drona could imprison Yudhishthir. The war's effect was unknown to him too then.
The war was important because it was needed for removing Duryodhan who had committed a no of crimes (even leaving out dice game). Yudhishthir may be a flawed human being and I do believe he was, but if he was Vidur's son and Vidur eldest I do believe he had main claim to the throne. He was elder to Duryodhan too.
Krishna is an enigmatic individual. I do not believe he was GOD or Vishnu's avatar. But I do believe he was above mere mortal beings. He had a greater aim than his personal avenging for his bestie's assault.
I also don't completely discard what he said about establishing of Dharma. He did explain clearly what his purpose was. In the eyes of LAW, as per your views too, Yudhishthir was better than Duryodhan. It's not impossible to believe Krishna wanted the correct man to ascend the throne.
Avenging is different from justice. What Panchali says needs to happen is justice. She earlier says to Yudhishtira it is their duty as rulers.
See her words below. What she is doing is recounting what should be done to criminals who do not repent. Then, she points out to Krishna what the Kauravas did. This is twisted by many by cutting the first part and focusing solely on the second. She is asking Krishna to do his duty, ie dharma
Also see his response in the same citation.
Pandavas were in it for their land and brother, not for dharma or Panchali.
Dhrishtadyumna was in it for his sister personally.
Krishna was working to establish dharma. But the biggest symbol of adharm at that point was the assault on her. So yeah, that was his primary aim, not land or power.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05082.htm
hose enemies, O Krishna, with whom peace cannot be established by either conciliation or presents, should be treated with severity by one desirous of saving his life. Therefore, O mighty-armed Achyuta, heavy should be the punishment that deserves to be speedily inflicted upon them by thyself aided by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas. Indeed, even this would become the son of Pritha, and add to thy glory, and if accomplished, will, O Krishna, be a source of great happiness to the whole Kshatriya race. He that is covetous, whether belonging to the Kshatriya or any other order, save of course a Brahmana, even if most sinful, ought surely to be slain by a Kshatriya, who is true to the duties of his own order. The exception in the case of a Brahmana, O sire, is due to a Brahmana's being the preceptor of all the other orders, as also the first sharer of everything. Persons conversant with the scriptures declare, O Janardana, that sin is incurred in slaying one that deserveth not to be slain. So there is equal sin in not slaying one that deserveth to be slain. Act thou, therefore, O Krishna, in such a way with the forces of the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, that sin may not touch thee. From excess of confidence in thee, O Janardana, I will repeat what hath been said again and again. Whatever woman, O Kesava, is there on earth like me? I am the daughter of king Drupada, risen from the sacrificial alter. I am the sister of Dhrishtadyumna, thy dear friend, O Krishna. I have by marriage become a lady of Ajamida's race,--the daughter-in-law of the illustrious Pandu. I am the queen of Pandu's sons, who resemble five Indras in splendour. I have, by these five heroes, five sons that are all mighty car-warriors, and that are morally bound to thee, O Krishna, as Abhimanyu himself. Being such, O Krishna, I was seized by the hair, dragged into the assembly and insulted in the very sight of the sons of Pandu and in thy life-time. O Kesava, the sons of Pandu, the Panchalas, and the Vrishnis being all alive, exposed to the
p. 170
gaze of the assembly I was treated as a slave by those sinful wretches. And when the Pandavas beholding it all sat silent without giving way to wrath, in my heart I called upon thee. O Govinda, saying,--Save me, O save me!
....
he mighty-armed Kesava then spoke, comforting her in these words, 'Soon wilt thou, O Krishna, behold the ladies of Bharata's race weep as thou dost. Even they, O timid one, will weep like thee, their kinsmen and friends being slain. They with whom, O lady, thou art angry, have their kinsmen and warriors already slain. With Bhima and Arjuna and the twins, at Yudhishthira's command, and agreeably to fate, and what hath been ordained by the Ordainer, I will accomplish all this. Their hour having arrived, the sons
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of Dhritarashtra, if they do not listen to my words, will surely lie down on the earth turned as morsels of dogs and jackals. The mountains of Himavat might shift their site, the Earth herself might spilt into a hundred fragments, the firmament itself with its myriads of stars might fall down, still my words can never be futile. Stop thy tears, I swear to thee, O Krishna, soon wilt thou see thy husbands, with their enemies slain, and with prosperity crowning them.'"
Edited by HearMeRoar - 5 years ago
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