Krishna and Arjuna, Best Friends

Told in English, Telugu.

Long, long ago, in the time of the Mahabharata, there lived two friends who loved each other very much. One was Krishna, clever and kind, with a peacock feather in his hair and a smile that made everyone feel happy. The other was Arjuna, the brave Pandava prince, the finest archer in all the land.

Krishna and Arjuna were cousins, and they were also the very best of friends. They laughed together, they walked by the river together, and they told each other everything. When Arjuna was worried, Krishna always knew just what to say. Wise people even said that the two of them were like Nara and Narayana, two friends who had been together for ages and ages.

Now, there was trouble in the kingdom. Arjuna and his four brothers, the Pandavas, had a cousin named Duryodhana. Duryodhana did not want to share the kingdom with them. He would not give back even a small piece of land. Many people tried to make peace, but Duryodhana would not listen. Slowly, everyone understood that a big war might come.

Both sides began to look for help. And who was the wisest and strongest helper of all? Krishna, of course!

So one morning, Duryodhana got into his chariot and hurried to Dwaraka, Krishna's beautiful city by the sea. And on that very same morning, Arjuna also set out for Dwaraka. Neither of them knew the other was coming.

Duryodhana reached the palace first. The guards said, "Our lord Krishna is resting. He is asleep."

Duryodhana walked softly into the room. There was Krishna, sleeping peacefully. Near the head of the bed was a fine chair. Duryodhana thought, "I am a great king. I will sit in the best place, near his head." And he sat down in that grand chair.

A little while later, Arjuna arrived. He came into the room very quietly so that he would not wake his friend. He saw Duryodhana near Krishna's head, but Arjuna did not mind. He simply stood near Krishna's feet, folded his hands, and waited with love in his heart.

The room was quiet. The sea breeze came in through the window. Then Krishna slowly opened his eyes.

And who do you think he saw first? Think about it. When you wake up lying in bed, where do your eyes look? Yes! Straight ahead, towards your feet. So the first person Krishna saw was Arjuna!

"Arjuna!" said Krishna, smiling. "My dear friend, welcome!" Then he turned his head and saw the other visitor. "Oh, Duryodhana, you are here too. Welcome. Tell me, why have you both come?"

Duryodhana spoke quickly. "Krishna, there may be a war. I have come to ask for your help. And I came first, so you must help me first!"

Krishna thought for a moment. "It is true that you came first, Duryodhana," he said gently. "But I saw Arjuna first when I opened my eyes. So I will help you both. And because Arjuna is younger, he shall choose first."

Duryodhana's face became worried. What would Arjuna take?

Krishna sat up and said, "Listen carefully. I have a great army, the Narayani army. Thousands and thousands of strong soldiers, with horses and chariots and elephants. That is one choice. The other choice is me, myself, all alone. But remember this. In this war, I will not pick up any weapon. I will not fight at all. Now, Arjuna, which do you want? My huge army, or just me?"

The room became very still. Duryodhana held his breath. He was thinking, "Please let him take the army. Please let him take the army!"

What would you choose, little one? A big, big army, or one friend who will not even fight?

Arjuna did not take long. He looked at Krishna with shining eyes and said, "Krishna, I want you. Only you."

Duryodhana almost jumped with joy. "Then the army is mine!" he cried. He thought Arjuna had made a very silly choice. He thanked Krishna and hurried away, feeling very pleased with himself.

When he had gone, Krishna laughed softly and asked, "Arjuna, my friend, why did you choose me? I told you I will not fight. Thousands of soldiers could have helped you. What will one person do?"

Arjuna sat down beside him. "Krishna," he said, "an army has many hands. But you have something much better. You have wisdom, and you have love. When I am with you, I feel brave. When I am confused, you show me the right path. I do not need thousands of soldiers. I need my friend."

Krishna's eyes filled with warmth. He put his hand on Arjuna's shoulder. "Then I will tell you what I will do," he said. "I will drive your chariot. I will hold the reins of your horses and take you wherever you need to go. I will be your charioteer, and I will stay beside you all the way."

And Krishna kept his promise. He drove Arjuna's chariot with its white horses. Later, when Arjuna felt sad and did not know what to do, it was Krishna who sat with him and spoke wise and gentle words to him. Those beautiful words are still remembered today. They are called the Bhagavad Gita.

So you see, Duryodhana got many soldiers, but Arjuna got something far more precious. He got a friend who loved him, guided him and never left his side.

And that is why, even now, when people talk about true friendship, they remember Krishna and Arjuna, the best friends of all.

Now close your eyes, and think of your own good friends. Sleep well, little one.