Krishna Katha
1. Krishna as the Problem-Solver in the Mahabharata
Krishna’s role as a problem-solver is of great importance. In the Mahabharata, Krishna emerges not only as the leader of the Yadavas and Arjuna’s charioteer but also as an omniscient advisor who provides quick and just solutions to every problem.
Major problems solved by Krishna. Krishna resolved numerous crises in the Mahabharata, some of the key ones are as follows:
The crisis of Draupadi’s disrobing: When Dushasana attempted to humiliate Draupadi in the assembly on Duryodhana’s orders, Krishna divinely intervened to protect her honor by providing infinite cloth. This solution not only safeguarded Draupadi but also established the victory of dharma.
Arjuna’s war dilemma: Before the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna hesitated to fight, troubled by the moral issue of killing his relatives. Krishna guided him through the Bhagavad Gita, explaining karma yoga and dharma, resolving his dilemma and preparing him for battle.
The problem of Jayadratha’s slaying: In the war, Jayadratha played a role in Abhimanyu’s death, and Arjuna vowed to kill him but had limited time until sunset. Krishna used his illusion to cover the sun, confusing Jayadratha, allowing Arjuna to fulfill his vow.
Efforts as a peace envoy: Before the war, Krishna went to the Kauravas with a peace proposal to avert the war, but despite Duryodhana’s stubbornness, he showed the Pandavas the path of justice. This solution made the war inevitable while establishing dharma.
The slaying of Jarasandha: Jarasandha was a major obstacle for the Pandavas’ Rajasuya Yajna. Krishna strategized for Bhima to kill Jarasandha, resolving the problem of the Pandavas’ empire expansion.
The secret of Karna’s identity: Krishna revealed to Karna his true identity (as Kunti’s son) before the war, offering him a chance to join the Pandava side, though Karna refused—this was an attempt at moral resolution.
These examples show that Krishna resolves problems at every level—personal, social, and martial—always prioritizing dharma.
### Principles of Krishna’s Solutions
Krishna’s solutions are always based on intellect, compassion, and divine power; the Mahabharata teaches us that a true problem-solver is one who provides light in crisis.
2. Krishna’s Solutions (Part 2)
Deep strategies of Krishna’s solutions. Krishna’s solutions are not only immediate but also have long-term effects, targeting the root of the problem and ensuring justice with compassion. For example, he intervenes through ‘leela’ (divine play), which seems superficial but imparts profound moral lessons.
Problems solved by Krishna. Defense of Uttara and the Virata war: When the Kauravas attacked Virata Nagar and the Pandavas were in exile incognito, Krishna indirectly encouraged Arjuna to fight as Brihannala. This kept the Pandavas’ identity secret and defeated the Kaurava army, resolving the problem of their incognito exile.
Duryodhana’s obstacle in the Rajasuya Yajna: Before the Rajasuya Yajna, Shishupala was a major problem, insulting Krishna. Krishna patiently endured 100 insults and then killed him with the Sudarshana Chakra, ensuring the yajna’s success and protecting the Pandavas’ prestige.
Kunti’s offspring problem: Kunti was pained by hiding Karna’s identity. Krishna attempted an emotional resolution by talking to Karna before the war and arranging a meeting with Kunti, though Karna refused—this was a moral solution to family discord.
Yudhishthira’s dilemma of royal dharma: After the war, Yudhishthira hesitated to take the throne. Krishna advised him based on the principles of the Bhagavad Gita, explaining royal dharma, preparing him for governance.
Facing Gandhari’s curse: At the end of the war, Gandhari cursed Krishna with the destruction of the Yadava clan. Krishna accepted it as part of the leela, which was a divine solution to his clan’s problem and illustrated the cycle of karma.
These examples demonstrate Krishna’s ability to provide solutions from personal to collective crises, often with minimal violence.
Establishment of Indraprastha and the burning of Khandava forest. When the Pandavas received their share of the kingdom but it was barren, Krishna suggested burning the Khandava forest, where Arjuna and he fought Indra. This solution led to the establishment of Indraprastha city, resolving the Pandavas’ kingdom problem and satisfying Agni deva. In the story, Krishna’s role is of divine cooperation, showing that he resolves problems by harmonizing with nature and gods. This strengthened the Pandavas’ empire and laid the foundation for the Mahabharata events.
### Philosophical Importance of Krishna’s Solutions
Krishna’s solutions make the Mahabharata a philosophical text, teaching us that true solutions come from inner strength and dharma. In today’s context, these examples are inspirations for leadership and crisis management.
#### 3. Krishna’s Solutions (Part 3)
Advanced strategies of Krishna’s solutions. Krishna’s solutions have a profound philosophical layer, where he uses ‘maya’ (illusion) to reveal truth and transform problems into opportunities. For example, he always ensures maximum benefit with minimal harm.
### Lesser-Known Major Problems Solved by Krishna
In addition to the examples described in previous parts, here are some less discussed crises that highlight Krishna’s subtle role:
– Child Krishna’s protection of the Yadavas: Although before the main Mahabharata, Krishna devised strategies to save the Yadavas from Kansa’s tyranny, such as swapping babies using Vasudeva-Anakadundubhi. This solution protected the Yadava lineage and prepared the background for the Mahabharata.
– Complexity of Draupadi’s swayamvara: In the swayamvara, when no prince could pierce the fish target, Krishna indirectly encouraged Arjuna to participate in Brahmin disguise. This led to Draupadi’s marriage to the Pandavas, resolving their political strength problem.
– Shalya’s dilemma in the Udyoga Parva: Shalya was forced to join the Kaurava side, but Krishna advised him to secretly help the Pandavas, such as by discouraging Karna. This solution changed the war’s momentum and prevented internal betrayal.
– Protection of Arjuna from Gandharvas: During exile, when Gandharvas captured Duryodhana, Krishna indirectly guided the Pandavas to avoid intervention, resolving the problem of unnecessary conflict.
– Yudhishthira’s despair after gambling loss: After losing in gambling, Yudhishthira was in moral agony. Krishna consoled him and suggested strategies for exile, laying the foundation for the Pandavas’ resurgence.
These examples show that Krishna’s role is subtle and extensive, where he resolves problems even from the background, always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
### An Inspirational Story: Narakaasura’s Slaying and Liberation of Women
Once, when Narakaasura captured 16,000 women and tyrannized the earth, Krishna, along with Satyabhama, slew him. In this solution, Krishna freed the women and honored them by making them his wives, resolving the problem of social stigma. The story shows that Krishna’s solutions are based on social justice, where he defeats demonic forces to establish balance—this event is part of the broader leela of the Mahabharata and highlights Krishna’s compassionate nature.
### Holistic Analysis of Krishna’s Solutions
Krishna’s solutions make the Mahabharata a moral guide, teaching that true resolution comes from inner strength, strategy, and divine assistance. In today’s era, these examples are relevant for crisis management, leadership, and ethical decision-making.
#### 4. Rare Major Problems Solved by Krishna
Satyabhama’s jealousy and family discord: When Satyabhama was jealous of Rukmini, Krishna explained through his leela that all wives are equal, resolving the problem of family harmony and teaching a lesson in devotion. This comes in the extended tales of the Mahabharata.
Internal conflicts in the Yadava clan: Krishna tried to pacify mutual quarrels among the Yadavas before Gandhari’s curse, but accepted it as leela, which was a divine solution to the clan’s destruction problem. This clarifies the principle of the karma cycle.
Security of Dwarka and the Syamantaka gem dispute: When the Syamantaka gem was stolen and Krishna was accused, he searched for the truth, fought Jambavan, and returned the gem, resolving the problem of reputation and security. This event ensured Dwarka’s stability.
Pandavas’ food problem during exile: During exile, when the Pandavas struggled with food shortage, Krishna provided the Akshaya Patra, resolving their sustenance issue, which was linked to Durvasa Rishi’s curse.
Establishment of Kurukshetra war rules: Before the war, Krishna helped set rules, such as on the use of weapons, controlling the problem of anarchy and making the war a dharmayuddha.
These examples demonstrate Krishna’s ability to resolve even the subtlest problems in a divine manner, often shaping future events.
### A Detailed Story: Shishupala’s Slaying and the Limit of Forgiveness
Shishupala was Krishna’s enemy from birth and kept insulting him at the Rajasuya Yajna. Krishna endured 100 insults as per the promise to his mother, but on the 101st, he slew him with the Sudarshana Chakra. In this solution, Krishna showed the limit of forgiveness, resolving the yajna’s problem and demonstrating when justice is necessary. The story progresses when Shishupala’s soul merges into Krishna, teaching the philosophical lesson of transforming enmity into devotion—this is part of the Mahabharata’s leela that connects Krishna’s compassion and justice.
### Spiritual Importance of Krishna’s Solutions
Krishna’s solutions teach us that every problem in life is a divine leela, providing an opportunity for self-improvement. In today’s context, these examples are inspirations for personal growth, conflict resolution, and spiritual leadership.