On the ninth day of the Mahabharata war, Duryodhana approached Bhishma in his camp, suspicious of the grandsire’s dedication to the fight. Duryodhana felt that Bhishma was not doing his best, being carried away by his affection for the Pandavas. Anxious about the outcome if Bhishma continued to fight half-heartedly, Duryodhana decided to rouse Bhishma’s full fury, even if it meant hurting the old man.
Duryodhana’s Accusation
Approaching Bhishma, Duryodhana remarked that Bhishma was waging a half-hearted fight. Stung by these remarks, Bhishma gave his word that he would rout the Pandava army and kill all the Pandavas.
Draupadi’s Fear and Prayer
When Draupadi heard this, she was afraid. She prayed to her Lord Krishna. As soon as she thought of Krishna, he appeared before her. Krishna asked her to follow him, taking her through the battlefield, an awful sight with bodies scattered everywhere. They finally reached a tent.
The Visit to Bhishma
Suddenly, Krishna told Draupadi, “Sister, please remove your sandals. They are making a lot of noise.” Draupadi removed her sandals. At the entrance to the camp, Krishna whispered to Draupadi, “Please go in and fall at the feet of the old man whom you can hear pacing up and down inside.”
She did so accordingly. Bhishma was surprised to see a lady fall at his feet, and he blessed her, “May you live long with your husband. Who are you? What can I do for you? Why are you here at this hour?”
Draupadi Seeks Blessings
Draupadi got up and asked Bhishma to promise protection to her husbands. When she got up, Bhishma recognized her. He was stunned, “Draupadi, Is it you? How did you come here?”
Draupadi replied, “Krishna brought me here. I came here to seek your blessings.”
Krishna’s Humility
Bhishma recognized Krishna at the door and said, “Krishna, please come in. What is it that is hanging on your shoulders? It looks like sandals.” Krishna replied quietly, “Oh yes, they are Panchali’s footwear. They were making a lot of noise, so I took them with me.”
Draupadi was mortified to see this. She said, “Oh Lord! Great calamity will fall on me by this act of yours.”
Krishna replied, “What is wrong with the brother carrying his sister’s sandals? By the way, did you take his blessings?”
Bhishma’s Revelation
Bhishma replied, “She did not ask for it. I gave it on my own. Krishna, what concern you have for your devotees, you did not mind even carrying their footwear. Who can equal you in protecting the devotees? When you are with the Pandavas, what do they have to fear?”
Draupadi replied, “Grandpa, we were terrified to hear your promise.”
Bhishma said, “What can the oath of this insignificant person do before Krishna, the God incarnate? He is on your side. No harm can befall you.”
Thus succeeding in their mission, Krishna and Draupadi took leave of Bhishma.
Moral:
As soon as a devotee thinks of Krishna, He appears on the lotus of their heart. When invited by a devotee, Krishna is always ready to help, even if His help is not immediately apparent. By pleasing great personalities, we receive blessings even without asking for them, as Draupadi received the blessings of Pitamaha Bhishma.
PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral/instructive story so that everyone can benefit.
