As King of the Yadu people, with his capital at Dvaraka, Krishna was called upon to perform the duties of rulership. He helped neighboring clans in battles, hunted game in the forest with his friend Arjuna who was a valiant warrior of the Pandava clan, and enjoyed the favors of his queens.

Just as the great battle of the war between the two sets of cousins descended from the legendary king of Bharata is about to begin, Arjuna, a great warrior of the Pandava clan, says to his friend and charioteer:

"Krishna, halt my chariot between the armies" He surveyed his elders and companions in both armies, all his kinsmen assembled together. Dejected and filled with strange pity he said: "My limbs sink, my mouth is parched, my body trembles…my mind reels…I see no good in killing my kinsmen in battle."

Krishna gave him counsel: "Banish this petty weakness from your heart. Rise to the fight, Arjuna!"

Arjuna told Krishna "I shall not fight," he fell silent.

Krishna then teaches Arjuna that he must rise above the personal and social values he holds sacred and see that all that happens is part of a larger order that one must view without attachment.

Continue the story of Krishna as warrior and leader

Back to Top