The Neutral Kings
When the spies reported to the Pandavas that Bhishma had been appointed commander of the enemy army, they made their first strategic decisions as a result of the news they received. Had it not been for the love Bhishma felt for his grandchildren, he might have been able to defeat an even stronger army than the one he would face in the following days. But Bhishma would not have fought with his heart as he knew that, on top of everything, the cause of the five brothers was just.
The generals who would lead the seven akshauhinis under the supreme guide of Dhristadyumna were Drupada, Virata, Satyaki, Dhristadyumna himself, Drishtaketu, Shikhandi, and Sahadeva.
That same day Krishna mounted his friend’s chariot and took the reins in his hand, while being cheered by His sincere devotees.
Balarama’s arrival was another reason for Yudhisthira to be sorry for. The latter, in fact, who wanted to speak to him in private, said:
“My brother and all of you know how much I have always been against this war. That is why I do not feel like fighting on either side. So, today I will leave on a pilgrimage from which I will return only when the hostilities are over.”
As soon as Balarama was gone, Rukmi, the king of Bhojakata, who was the brother of Rukmini, one of Krishna’s wives, arrived accompanied by an army of an akshauhini.
“I have come to offer you my help,” he told Arjuna. “Thanks to me you will be able to win this war which otherwise would be a total defeat for you.”
Rukmi’s tone was so arrogant that Arjuna did not accept the offer.
“We do not need you. If you want to stay and fight, you can do it; otherwise go to Duryodhana or return to your kingdom. For the upcoming battle your presence is by no means decisive.”
The king made the same speech to the Kurava, who responded in exactly the same way as the Pandava. Thus the king of Bhojakata was forced to return to his kingdom.
For the above reasons, that tremendous battle was fought by all the kings of the Earth except Balarama and Rukmi.
That same evening Duryodhana sent Uluka, Sakuni’s son, to the Pandavas with different messages for each of the brothers and their allies. He used such insolent tones that Bhima would have killed him instantly if Krishna had not intervened to save his life.
Uluka was sent back with harsh messages for Dhritarastra’s son.
That night Yudhisthira could not sleep; he spent it talking with Krishna and Arjuna.
This is a section of the book “Maha-bharata, Vol. 2”.
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