Parva 5 of 18 · 199 adhyayas
उद्योगपर्व
Book of Effort
Udyoga-parva
Setting: Embassies between Upaplavya, Hastinapura, Dwaraka and the gathering armies at Kurukshetra
Central figure: Krishna the peace-maker
Parva summary
Both sides muster eleven and seven akshauhinis. Krishna and Duryodhana both reach Dwaraka while Krishna sleeps; Arjuna asks for Krishna unarmed, Duryodhana for the Narayani sena. Sanjaya goes as peace envoy and returns empty-handed. Vidura-niti is delivered to Dhritarashtra by night. Krishna himself goes as the final ambassador; in the Krishna-vishti episode he displays his cosmic form in the sabha when Duryodhana attempts to bind him. Karna learns from Kunti and from Krishna that he is the elder Pandava, but refuses to switch sides. Bhishma is named Kaurava commander; Drupada and Dhrishtadyumna lead the Pandava forces. Both armies camp on Kurukshetra.
Key episodes
- ●Krishna and Duryodhana at the sleeping Krishna's feet
- ●Sanjaya's embassy
- ●Vidura-niti
- ●Krishna-vishti — peace mission and Vishvarupa in the sabha
- ●Kunti reveals Karna's parentage
- ●Bhishma accepts command
Central teaching
Peace once refused must be paid for in blood. Choose your loyalty knowing what it will cost you.