Once, the Gandharva Gayan was travelling through the sky in his celestial chariot. By accident, some of his spittle fell upon Sage Galava, who was performing his prayers.
The sage was angered and went to Shri Krishna, who, upon hearing this, assured the sage : “Before the sun sets, Gayan shall pay for this.”
When Gayan learned that Shri Krishna himself had sworn to kill him, he was terrified. He reached the Pandavas’ palace, and begged Arjuna to protect him, but Arjuna hesitated to do so without knowing who he had to fight.
Gayan now terrified, became angry and mocked him for being cowardly and hesitating to fight. But Yudhistra having heard most of the conversation, insisted Arjuna to step forward and protect the Gandharva reminding him of a Kshatriya’s duty to protect those in need.
When Arjuna learned that he had to against his beloved friend, he was stuck speechless. He was stupefied and agonized at the prospect of fighting his beloved friend.
Even when Subhadra pleaded with him to reconsider, Arjuna refused to break his promise.
Shri Krishna refused to back down since it was the Gandharva’s fault and he didn’t even have the grace to apologize and fled the scene. Thus, neither could step back.
Now having no other choice and unable to back down from his words, Arjuna lifted his bow, to fight someone who he never he could have never imagined fighting against.
Lord Krishna, left with no other choice, unleashed powerful weapons. But Arjuna was a warrior of great skill, and he was prepared with weapons of his own, each one more powerful than the last. Whatever Krishna used against him, Arjuna had a counter. The battle remained evenly matched and continued for a long time.
Krishna, however, had grown increasingly angry. In the midst of the battle, He finally summoned His Sudarshana Chakra. But Arjuna remained undaunted and brought forth the Pashupatastra, the mighty weapon bestowed upon him by Lord Shiva Himself.
Both weapons possessed the power to destroy the entire world. Krishna and Arjuna were on the verge of releasing them when, suddenly, time seemed to stand still.
Lord Brahma, the Lord of Creation, appeared before them and commanded, “Krishna! Arjuna! Please put your weapons away. These weapons have the power to destroy the world. You cannot allow that to happen. Stop this battle now!”
Both Krishna and Arjuna bowed before Brahma and immediately withdrew their weapons.
Brahma then stepped forward and said, “I can resolve this matter.”
Turning to Arjuna, He said, “Arjuna, hand Gayan over to Lord Krishna now.”
Arjuna looked at Brahma hesitantly. Seeing his hesitation, Brahma said firmly, “I will ensure that both your promises are fulfilled. Now, give Gayan to Krishna.”
When Gayan was brought before Lord Krishna, Krishna killed him.
Arjuna watched in disbelief as Lord Brahma took water from His Kamandalam and sprinkled it over Gayan. Miraculously, Gayan rose again as though nothing had happened, looking first at his healed wound and then at Arjuna.
Krishna then instructed Gayan to seek forgiveness from Sage Galava. Gayan humbled himself before the sage, who forgave him.
Lord Krishna smiled as He embraced a relieved Arjuna. Looking into Arjuna’s sorrowful eyes, He spoke gently, “Arjuna, my friend, I fought this battle against you so that you might understand something important.”
Arjuna gazed at Krishna, waiting to hear what He had to say.
Krishna continued, “You must understand, my friend, that there are times when you must stand against even those you love when righteousness demands it.”
With a gentle smile, Krishna looked at Arjuna and said, “A great war is coming, my friend… a war unlike any you have ever known. Its outcome will depend upon you. It will depend upon whether you possess the strength to stand firm against anyone—even those closest to you—and choose what is right.”
It is said that Krishna fought this battle with Arjuna not out of enmity, but to prepare him mentally for the great war of the Mahabharata that lay ahead.
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