As the great war is about to begin, Arjuna stands overwhelmed on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Seeing his own family, elders,teachers, and friends arrayed as enemies, he is torn with sorrow. "Do I kill all these for a mere piece of land?" he asks Krishna, laying down his bow and declaring he will not fight.

Krishna gently but firmly responds, revealing the deeper truths of existence. First, he explains that the soul is eternal—there is no real death or birth; just as we change clothes, thesoul takes new bodies. Second, as a Kshatriya, it is Arjuna's dharma to fight for justice. Third, Krishna emphasizes Nishkama Karma—to act without attachment to the results and surrender the outcome to the divine.

In a moment of divine revelation, Krishna declares that he alone is behind all actions, all beings, and all elements of the universe. To awaken Arjuna’s inner clarity, Krishna reveals his Vishwaroopa—his cosmic form—showing that everything in the universe is but a part of him.

As the clang of weapons draws closer, Duryodhana makes onefinal attempt—not at peace, but provocation. He sends his messenger Uluka to the Pandavas' camp, not with terms of truce, but words laced with mockery and insult. Each Pandava, however, answers not with anger but with fierce clarity, declaring their resolve and righteousness.

Meanwhile, far from this exchange of barbs, Bhishma prepares for a war he never wished for. Burdened by his dharma and loyalty, he insists that the battle, however bloody, must stillretain its moral compass. He lays down the rules of engagement—when to fight, whom to fight, and when to stop—guiding the greatest war with a code of conduct never before seen.

This episode captures the sharp contrast between petty provocation and principled preparation—where dignity stands tall even on the edge of destruction.

As the war becomes inevitable, both the Pandavas andKauravas begin massive preparations. The time has come to choose their commanders.

On the side of the Kauravas, Bhishma Pitamaha—venerable, wise, and unmatched in valor—is declared the Supreme Commander. Yet, he lays down clear conditions:
– He will not fight against Shikhandi.
– He will not kill any of the Pandavas.
– The rules of Dharma Yuddha must be followed: no fighting after sunset, no attacking an unarmed or retreatingwarrior, and no harming those not engaged in battle.
– Most importantly, Karna must stay awayfrom the battlefield as long as Bhishma is the commander, citing his disapproval and mistrust of Karna’s conduct.

The Pandavas appoint the fiery and determined Druṣṭadyumna, born to slay Drona, as their commander-in-chief.

Karna, though hurt by Bhishma’s words, agrees to stay away until Bhishma lays down arms. With everything in place,drums beat and conches blow. Two mighty armies—each with millions of warriors, elephants, chariots, and horses—marchtoward Kurukshetra, where destiny awaits. The battlefield is set for the greatest war in history.