Dhrishtadyumna

After Arjuna's recitation, Krishna speaks directly to him. He declares that they are the rishis Nara and Narayana, that they are identical — "You are mine and I am yours" — and that no difference exists between them. The kings become agitated at this revelation, and Draupadi approaches to seek refuge.

Draupadi weeps and covers her face, declaring that her grief over Karna's laughter will never be pacified. Krishna swears that the wives of her enemies will weep as she has wept, and that she will be queen of kings — a promise that cannot be falsified even if the heavens fall. Dhrishtadyumna then declares the specific fates of Drona, Bhishma, Duryodhana, and Karna.

Krishna finishes his long narration and prepares to leave the Pandavas in the Kamyaka forest. He takes Subhadra and Abhimanyu onto his chariot and departs for Dvaraka, followed by Dhrishtadyumna, Dhrishtaketu, and the Kekayas taking their own leave. But the brahmanas and vaishyas who have been living with the Pandavas refuse to abandon Yudhishthira, no matter how many times he urges them to go.

Draupadi has spoken words that sound like atheism — questioning whether dharma bears any fruit at all. Yudhishthira responds not with anger but with a sustained argument: dharma must be followed for its own sake, not for its rewards. He cites the great rishis she has seen with her own eyes, warns her that doubting dharma is its own kind of hell, and commands her to destroy her doubt like mist.

Sanjaya reports to Dhritarashtra that after the Pandavas' defeat at dice, Krishna and their allies visited them in Kamyaka forest. Krishna vowed to kill Duryodhana and his allies, but Yudhishthira insisted on keeping his thirteen-year vow. The assembled warriors then pledged to Draupadi that her oppressors would be destroyed when the time came.