The Pandavas had spent twelve years of exile living in forests. In the thirteenth year, they disguised themselves and lived in the kingdom of King Virat. Lord Krishna came to Virat’s court when the thirteenth year was over and the Pandavas revealed their identities. Lord Krishna said, “Now the exile is over. I have to help the Pandavas gain their kingdom back.”
Balarama was partial to Duryodhan because he was Duryodhan’s guru. However, Krishna still sent a Brahmin messenger to Duryodhan with a peace message, “Dear friend, give back the kingdom due to the Pandavas.” Duryodhan rudely replied, “We owe them nothing. Go back and tell them.”
Then Dhritrashtra sent Sanjay as a messenger, saying, “We shall not be threatened down by a show of your power, and war is the only solution.” Then another messenger needed to be sent from Yudhishthira’s side to the Kauravas. The Pandavas requested Lord Krishna to be the messenger.
Lord Krishna went to the court of the Kauravas, but refused the hospitality of Duryodhan. He went to the home of Vidur, a counsellor in the Kaurava court. Vidur was the only man who was neutral to both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. In fact, he truly wanted Lord Krishna to stay in his house because he loved Krishna.
It is said that Vidur was so happy that Lord Krishna was in his house. He offered Him a few bananas. His love and devotion towards Lord Krishna rose to such a height that he forgot what he was doing. He offered the banana peels and threw away the fruit. Krishna smilingly accepted the peels. He did not say anything and ate the peels.
When Vidur realised what had happened, he wept and offered the banana fruit. Lord Krishna said, “The peel was tastier than the fruit because the peel was offered with love, devotion and happiness.” Vidur smiled with relief.
Duryodhan was upset that Krishna had refused the Kauravas’ hospitality. He insisted that the Pandavas should return to another exile when Krishna asked to return the Pandavas’ kingdom.
“All right! Let five villages be given to the five Pandava brothers because they are peace-loving and want to avoid a war,” said Lord Krishna.
Duryodhan did not approve and threatened to arrest Krishna. Lord Krishna said, “King Dhritrashtra, I will not kill Duryodhan today as Bheem is going to do it in near future.” Lord Krishna was well aware of Duryodhan and Shakuni’s arrest plan but he wanted them wishfully to realise it.
Dhritrashtra and Karna advised Duryodhan not to arrest a peace messenger but he did not listen to them. With the help of Dushasan, Duryodhan chained Lord Krishna. However, he realised that he had chained Dushasan instead of Lord Krishna. Then Lord Krishna appeared in His Virat Roop. The whole court was terrified at this! Then He left the Kauravas’ court.
