Always Choose Her

Always Choose Her

On the eve of the Dharma Yudh, both Duryodhana and Arjuna set out to seek the support of Maa Krishna. They knew that even a single gesture of her presence could sway the balance of the war. Thus, with eagerness and anticipation, they arrived at her kaksh to invite her to their side.

Duryodhana, driven by pride and entitlement, entered first. With the arrogance that had long defined him, he positioned himself near Maa Krishna’s head as she lay resting. Arjuna, however, approached with humility and devotion, quietly standing near her feet with folded hands, waiting patiently.

When Maa Krishna opened her eyes, the first sight that greeted her was Arjuna, standing in reverence at her feet. Out of natural grace and fairness, she offered Arjuna the first choice, despite Duryodhana’s loud protest that he had arrived before Arjuna. Maa Krishna smiled and gently reminded them that it was not the order of arrival but the vision of the awakened one that determined the right of choice.

She then placed before them two options: on one side, her vast and mighty Narayani Sena; on the other, she herself, vowing not to lift a weapon or engage directly in battle. Without a moment’s hesitation, Arjuna bowed and chose Maa Krishna herself, valuing her presence alone over the strength of an army. Duryodhana, though briefly alarmed that Arjuna might take the Sena, was relieved and overjoyed. Pretending to mask his delight, he accepted the Narayani Sena, convinced that sheer numbers and force had secured him the advantage.

Although historically this moment was a turning point in the Dharma Yudh, since Arjuna’s decision ultimately led to the revelation of the Bhagavad Gita for the people of Kali Yuga, this small interaction also categorizes Maa’s Sadhakas into two groups.

The first category belongs to Duryodhana. They too worship Maa Krishna, but not to attain oneness with her; instead, they seek Siddhis and Shaktis through her Sadhana and Kripa. Maa does grant them such boons, just as she gave Duryodhana her Narayani Sena. Yet this can be likened to receiving the company of lower entities and their powers, which may be used for personal gain. Once Maa bestows such gifts, she withdraws her own presence, leaving the Sadhaka only with those powers, but not with her.

The second category belongs to Arjuna, who asks for nothing but Maa herself. For such Sadhakas, Maa grants the highest wisdom, as she gave Arjuna the eternal knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita, making him immortal across all realms and uniting him in oneness with her. Maa never leaves such Sadhakas; she keeps them forever close, holding them on her lap as her most precious Kaaliputras.

Another question that often arises is: if Duryodhana had been given the first choice, what would he have picked? The answer is clear, driven by greed for power and numbers, he would never have chosen Maa herself. No matter how many chances he received, his choice would always remain the same: the Narayani Sena, to strengthen his army.

So why did Maa Krishna give the first choice to Arjuna? Through this small Leela, she gave a timeless message: that true Sadhakas like Arjuna, even if presented with the option of choosing between her and her vast Narayani Sena, will always choose her presence above all else. This is the lesson of a true Bhakta, the one who will always find Maa’s presence in their life.

It is exactly this choice that separates ordinary devotees and Sadhakas of Maa from her true Putras and Putries. Regardless of circumstances, they seek only oneness with her and nothing else. To run after her endlessly, like one possessed in devotion, and to choose her above everything else, this alone is what makes a Sadhaka a true Kaaliputra.

Jai Maa Adya Maha Kaalika 🌺

Rohan Mathur