Yudhishthira consults with King Virata of Matsya and King Drupada of Panchala, his father-in-law, about the possibility of Duryodhana refusing to return their rightful kingdom of Indraprastha. To ascertain Duryodhana’s intentions, Drupada sends his priest as an envoy to King Dhritarashtra’s court. Dhritarashtra listens to the priest’s appeal for justice but is uncertain of his son’s compliance.

Dhritarashtra then dispatches his own envoy, Sanjaya, to the Pandavas. Yudhishthira expresses a desire for peace but insists on the return of their rightful share of the kingdom. Sanjaya reports back. Krishna decides to personally negotiate peace, so he travels to Hastinapura and appeals to Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana, urging them to avoid war and restore the Pandavas’ kingdom. Duryodhana stubbornly refuses and even plots to seize Krishna.

Sensing treachery, Krishna reveals his divine universal form (the Vishvarupa) in the Kuru court, displaying his supreme power. Despite witnessing this, Duryodhana remains obstinate. Bhishma, the wise elder and grandsire of both families, along with other elders, attempts to counsel Duryodhana, but to no avail. Even his mother, Queen Gandhari, implores him to choose peace, but he refuses.

Krishna departs, acknowledging that war is now inevitable. Before leaving, he meets Kunti, who urges him to tell her sons to uphold their kshatriya duty and reclaim their rightful kingdom, even if it means going to war.