When Salya, the king of Madra and brother of Madri, heard about the war preparations in Upaplavya, he at once set out with his army to offer his support to Yudhishthira. He had not only heard about Yudhishthira’s suffering during his exile but was also keen to meet his nephews, Nakula and Sahadeva. But when Duryodhana learnt from his spies that he was on his way to Upaplavya, he at once laid a trap to win him over to his side. In consultation with Sakuni, he set up camps on the way to entertain him and his soldiers. He made arrangements for lavish hospitality, pretending that all this was being done by Yudhishthira. However, when Salya came to know that his host was Duryodhana, and not Yudhishthira, he found himself in a difficult situation. Duryodhana then himself appeared on the scene, received Salya with folded hands and asked him if he had found the arrangements satisfactory.
‘Indeed, I am most pleased and grateful for your hospitality,’ responded Salya. ‘Never before have I been treated with such care and affection. In what way can I express my gratitude?’
‘It is not that I did all this to seek any favour of you,’ Duryodhana replied. ‘It was my duty to offer my humble services to an illustrious warrior like you. But since you are so gracious, may I ask a favour of you?’
‘I promise to do anything for you, O Duryodhana.’
‘Please let me have your support against the Pandavas, who are planning to attack my kingdom.’
Salya was aghast to hear Duryodhana’s plea.
‘Oh God!’ he exclaimed. ‘You have put me in a difficult situation. But since I must now honour my word to you, I shall have to fight against Nakula and Sahadeva, my sister Madri’s sons. What a strange quirk of destiny!’ It took Salya quite a while to regain his poise. ‘Still I must proceed to Upaplavya and share this with Yudhishthira.’
‘I do sympathize with you, O Lord,’ said Duryodhana. ‘It is but natural for you to go and visit your nephews.’
When Salya reached Upaplavya and told Yudhishthira how he had been trapped into offering his support to Duryodhana, he did not seem too upset.
‘Of course, I am bitterly disappointed to lose a strong ally,’ said Yudhishthira. ‘My brothers Nakula and Sahadeva would be very perturbed to find themselves pitted against their own uncle on the battlefield. Still, I must urge you to keep your word, for that is what dharma demands of every man.’ He smiled. ‘But you can still help me in one way, if you like.’
‘Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, except fight on your side.’
‘Don’t you know that Radheya, a close friend of Duryodhana, has sworn to kill Arjuna? Since he is a mighty archer, I fear for Arjuna’s life. Should Duryodhana ask you to be Radheya’s charioteer, could you let everyone know that Arjuna is far the greatest archer around? Say that he is unassailable in any single contest. This would dampen Radheya’s spirit when it comes to a straight fight between the two.’
Smiling, Salya raised his right hand to assure Yudhishthira that he would do his best to help Arjuna in every possible way.
‘But above all, dear Yudhishthira, you shall carry my blessings with you on the battlefield. You may find me on the wrong side, like Bheeshma, Drona and Kripa, but my heart will be with you. You will certainly triumph over your enemies because your cause is just.’
‘I am beholden to you for your help and your blessings,’ said Yudhishthira.
Meanwhile, both Hastinapur and Upaplavya now appeared to be like two enraged bulls, breathing fire at each other. Each side knew that the impending war would decide the future of all of Bharatavarsha.