kurus

It is the eve of the great battle of Kurukshetra, when the whole Mahabharata epic is about to be resolved. Sitting on His bed, Krishna announces that He is not going to side with either opponent. He leaves them the choice as to whether to incorporate his powerful personal army into their ranks, or to have Him alone, unarmed and in a secondary role.

Duryodhana, chief of the Kurus, has no hesitation in picking Krishna’s army, where as the Panadavas only desire was to have their dear friend Govinda, Krishna on their side. They are fully convinced that His mere presence on their side will ensure them final victory.

So it is, that Krishna accepts the humble role of driver of Arjuna’s chariot, and thus comes to be known as Parthasarathi.