The Right Choice: A Story from Mahabharata

Story A long time ago, there lived five brave brothers called the Pandavas. They were good, kind, and always followed the path of truth. But one day, their cousins, the Kauravas, cheated them in a game and took away their kingdom, Indraprastha. The Pandavas were sent away for 13 years—12 years in exile and 1 year in hiding.

After this time, the Pandavas returned and asked for their kingdom back. But the eldest Kaurava, Duryodhana, proudly said, “I will not give even a needlepoint of land!” A big war was going to happen between the Pandavas and Kauravas.

To prepare, both sides wanted help from different kings. Arjuna, the great archer of the Pandavas, and Duryodhana, both decided to ask Bhagwan Krishna for help. Krishna was the wisest and most powerful of all.

They both went to Dwaraka, where Krishna lived. Duryodhana reached first and sat near Krishna’s head while He was sleeping. He didn’t want to sit near Krishna’s feet because he was too proud.

Later, Arjuna arrived quietly. He stood near Krishna’s feet with folded hands, waiting for Him to wake up. When Krishna opened His eyes, He first saw Arjuna standing humbly. Before Arjuna could speak, Duryodhana said, “I came first, I should choose first!”

Krishna smiled and said, “True, but I saw Arjuna first. So, he gets to choose first.”

Krishna gave them two options:

1. His Narayani army—strong and full of mighty warriors.

2. Krishna himself, but He would not fight or lift a weapon.

Arjuna immediately said, “I choose You, Krishna!” Duryodhana laughed. “Foolish Arjuna! I’ll take the army!”

After Duryodhana left, Krishna asked, “Why did you choose me, when I won’t fight?” Arjuna bowed and said, “Your presence is enough, Shri Krishna. Please be my charioteer and guide me.”

Krishna smiled and agreed. In the war that followed, Krishna guided Arjuna through every challenge. And with his wisdom, the Pandavas won.

From that day, Krishna was lovingly called Parthasarathi—the Charioteer of Arjuna (Partha).

Arjuna chose not what looked powerful but what was right. He was humble and devoted, and that made all the difference. Sometimes, the right choice may not look grand, but it brings true victory. On the other hand, Duryodhana, who was full of ego and pride, made the wrong choice and bore the consequences in the form of defeat.