Mahabhara ta: Preparation For War When Arjuna reached Dwaraka, he found to his surprise Duryodhana was also camping to seek help from Sri Krishna. His purpose was to ask for Sri Krishna's a rmy to fight on his side. Next day, Duryodha na reached the palace of Sri Krishna and was told to wait for a while as Sri Krishna was asleep. Soon Arjuna also went. Duryodhana took his seat at the head of t he Lord, while Arjuna sat at the holy feet. In a while Sri Krishna opened his eyes to see his dear friend and disciple at his feet. Said the lord, "O Arjuna, what brings you here so early in the morning?" But Duryodhana could not wait, he intervened and said, "O Krishna, I have come before Arjuna. Therefore, please speak to me first." The lord jested, "But I saw Arjuna first. Let him talk to me first." But the sober Arjuna himself told the lord, "No, Duryodhana is right. He has come before me. " Thus given chanc e, Duryodhana asked of Sri Krishna t o fight on his side. Sri Krishna said, "But Duryodhana I have vowed not to pick up arms in this war. But army can b e on your side. Decide what do you want, me or my army." The foolish Duryodhana t hought : "There is no use of Sri Krishna if he is not fighting, I will ask for his huge army." Thus all army of Sri Krishna went to the side of Kauravas. Arjuna was pleased for all Pandavas wanted was gracious lord on their side. He thanked Duryodhana for his choice. T he War of Mahabharata Books 5-10 recount the 18 -day war between th e Pandavas and the Kauravas. The Kauravas have eleven divisions to stand against the seven of the Pandavas. The two armies are described as two oc eans, crashing against each other. Both sides agree to ab ide by certain rules of war: no fighting humans with celestial weapons, no fighting at night, do not strike someone who's retreating or unarmed, or on the bac k or legs. All these rules will eventually be broken. On the side of Kauravas Bhishma was to lead the front. Besides, Dronacharya, Dur yodhana, Jayadratha, and many more would fight aga inst Pandavas. Karna would be out of picture till Bhishma was alive and leadin g the Kauravas. On Pandavas side Sri Krishna beca me the charioteer of Arjuna. Besides five brothers, king Virata, Abhimanyu - son of Arjuna --, Ghatotkacha - son of Bhima from Hidambi, brother of Draupadi, and many more joined the forces. Birth of the Gita Just as the battle is about to start, Arjuna falters at the sight of his relatives and teachers, now his sworn enemies. He breaks down and refuses to fight. O Krishna, I am unable to decide my further plan of a ction. I surrender myself at your holy feet. O Lord, please guide me through this difficult uncertainty as I am your disciple and you are my Teacher." S ri Krishna T ells T he Gita