Narayan or Narayani Sena

I pick this story from the epic Mahabharata; this story is at that juncture where the war between Kaurava and Pandava is a certainty. Both sides had started their work on forming alliances and planning how they will win the war. Yadu vansh is a very powerful clan with 11 Akshohini sena, each akshohini sena consist of 21870 elephants, 21870 chariots, 65610 horses and 109350-foot soldier. To put in perspective 18 Akshohini fought the war (11 on Kurava side and 7 on Pandava side). Interestingly out of the 11 Akshohini, only two akshohini sena participated in the war. One was led by Satyaki, fought under the Pandava flag, and returned with minimal losses. Kritavarma led other one and fought under the Kurava flag, and was mostly wiped out. Nine Akshohini did not participate in the war. Sorry, for the deviation, a reason to share this is to emphasize the importance of this alliance. Why only two- Akshohini sena participated is a discussion for another day, in a way I say it was democracy at its best.  

Coincidentally both Kaurava and Pandava land on the drop step of Yadu Vansh/Lord Krishna at the same time. First, to reach Lord Krishna’s chamber was Duryodhana, Lord Krishna was sleeping and Duryodhana decides to sit on a chair next to where Lord Krishna is sleeping close to his head. Arjun reaches Lord Krishna’s chamber and decides to seat at his footstep. Both of them wait for Lord Krishna to wake up, he wakes up and looks at Arjuna first. He asks Arjuna what is the purpose of his visit, in more than one-way Lord Krishna knew the reason of visit. While Lord Krishna begin the conversation, Duryodhana interrupts and says he is also around and that he is also there for help and he was first to arrive and hence it was his right to be heard first. Lord Krishna says he saw Arjuna first and hence he will get the first chance to speak. Duryodhana is unhappy and protests however given that Arjuna is the younger between the two cousins, Lord Krishna insists that Arjuna speak first, Duryodhana is upset, insecure and very unhappy.  

Krishna says he understands the reason for the visit of the two cousins and offers two choices to Arjuna, pick up either “The Narayani Sena or Narayan”. Anybody who picks up Narayan/Krishna needs to know that he will not fight nor will he pick up any weapon. Arjuna says he is happy that Lord will be on his side, He will have a friend, Philosopher, Guide and above all someone very capable of riding his chariot and guiding him all through. Duryodhana is obviously happy and thinks that Pandava’s are setting up themselves for failure by not opting for Narayani Sena and opting for Krishna who will not fight or pick up any weapon. Duryodhana knew that Lord Krishna with his Sudarshan Chakra could single-handedly conclude the war, but if he is not gone to fight how will it serve any purpose. All know what happened in the war and there is no merit in spending time on that.  

 Reason to write this to share “what is in it for us?” There is a very important lesson that I learn and draw. Replace yourself with Duryodhana or Arjuna; replace war like situation with your life. Conversation with God or prayer to your god or your wishes that you may ask almighty to grant. Ask yourself the question are you Duryodhana asking for Narayani Sena or are you Arjuna asking the lord to be your guide, friend, Philosopher and someone who rides your Chariot. Chariot here symbolizes our life. Does this mean that we should not wish for anything or ask for anything? You should ask for it but think what is more important “Narayani Sena or Narayan”. On the other hand, does it mean if the Lord is our guide, friend, Philosopher and someone who rides our Chariot /Life we should just let it be? Remember Arjuna got tutelage and guidance but he had to fight his own war. He had to prepare for war, loose many dear possessions including his own sons and relatives. He submitted himself completely to the Lord, and did his Karma completely and leaving the results and fruits in the hands of almighty.

So next time when you are in doubt let Lord be whom you submit yourself too. Have a goal, work towards it and let lord – whoever you believe in – be your guide, friend, Philosopher and someone who rides your Chariot and runs your life.