Each Character of the Mahabharata, symbolize different characteristics of a human being. Some are complete in their own right, whereas for some, you need a contrast to see them for what they are. One example are our two warriors, Satyaki and Kritavarma.
Both are mirror images of each other, in terms of personalities, martial methods and fighting tactics. Satyaki is a hot headed, passionate and a brash warrior, who not only is a great devotee of Lord Krishna, but also a disciple of Arjuna.
In Contrast, Kritavarma is a calm, calculated commander of Krishna's Narayani army, who also happens to be the Abhimanyu's Guru.
Now, before the war begins, Lord Krishna offers himself to the Pandavas and to the Kauravas, his Narayani Army.
Now, before the war begins, Lord Krishna offers himself to the Pandavas and to the Kauravas, his Narayani Army.
Now, technically, as per the orders of their lord, Both Satyaki and Kritavarma have to fight for the Kauravas
Satyaki, values his association with Krishna and Arjuna and his belief in the Dharma of the Pandavas, more than the order of Lord Krishna, and jumps over to their side
Satyaki, values his association with Krishna and Arjuna and his belief in the Dharma of the Pandavas, more than the order of Lord Krishna, and jumps over to their side
Whereas, Kritavarma, believes his allegiance to the Narayani army and his duty to obey the order of his Lord, takes precedence over any personal relationships. As a result, he goes to fight under the command of Duryodhana.
Now, Both are great warriors. Kritavarma in different points in, Checks Bheema, Defends Jayadratha and engages in the killling of the irrepressible Abhimanyu.
Whereas, Satyaki defeats Karna, Almost defeats Drona, protects Yudhishtira and kills his arch enemy, Bhurisravas,
Whereas, Satyaki defeats Karna, Almost defeats Drona, protects Yudhishtira and kills his arch enemy, Bhurisravas,
Both leave distinct imprints in the war.
However, what separates them, is what happens on the last day. Kritavarma, obeying his commander Ashwatthama, is a party to the killing of all the other Pandava Warriors, in the way that went against the rules of war.
However, what separates them, is what happens on the last day. Kritavarma, obeying his commander Ashwatthama, is a party to the killing of all the other Pandava Warriors, in the way that went against the rules of war.
He knows what happened, was wrong but doesn't do anything about it. He simply obeys the order and joins in the killing. Kritavarma, values the order, more than what is, Dharma.
This obscures everything else that Kritavarma does in the war.
This obscures everything else that Kritavarma does in the war.
As a result, We all remember Satyaki, but none of us, remember Kritavarma.
In many ways, we have both Satyaki and Kritavarma in our lives.
In life, we face different situations, where our sense of justice is tangential to what is said to be our duty at that point in time.
In many ways, we have both Satyaki and Kritavarma in our lives.
In life, we face different situations, where our sense of justice is tangential to what is said to be our duty at that point in time.
It is very difficult to be a Satyaki then, and, most of us choose the easier way to become Kritavarmas
Whoever, in such circumstances, chooses to be a Satyaki, gets etched into history and wins the greater war
Kritavarmas, might win a battle or two, but nobody remembers them.
Whoever, in such circumstances, chooses to be a Satyaki, gets etched into history and wins the greater war
Kritavarmas, might win a battle or two, but nobody remembers them.
Slightly longish thread today, so sorry. 🙂
