As the war becomes inevitable, both the Pandavas andKauravas begin massive preparations. The time has come to choose their commanders.

On the side of the Kauravas, Bhishma Pitamaha—venerable, wise, and unmatched in valor—is declared the Supreme Commander. Yet, he lays down clear conditions:
– He will not fight against Shikhandi.
– He will not kill any of the Pandavas.
– The rules of Dharma Yuddha must be followed: no fighting after sunset, no attacking an unarmed or retreatingwarrior, and no harming those not engaged in battle.
– Most importantly, Karna must stay awayfrom the battlefield as long as Bhishma is the commander, citing his disapproval and mistrust of Karna’s conduct.

The Pandavas appoint the fiery and determined Druṣṭadyumna, born to slay Drona, as their commander-in-chief.

Karna, though hurt by Bhishma’s words, agrees to stay away until Bhishma lays down arms. With everything in place,drums beat and conches blow. Two mighty armies—each with millions of warriors, elephants, chariots, and horses—marchtoward Kurukshetra, where destiny awaits. The battlefield is set for the greatest war in history.

In this poignant episode, long-held secrets come to light as Kunti meets Karna on the banks of the Ganga. With trembling voice and teary eyes, she reveals the truth he never knew—that she is his mother, and he is the eldest of the Pandavas. The revelation shakes Karna, but his loyalty to Duryodhana remains unbroken. With dignity and pain, he refuses Kunti's plea to join the Pandavas, yet makes a solemn vow: he will not harm any of her sons—except Arjuna, his sworn rival.

As Kunti walks away, heart heavy, returning to Vidura’s house, the heavens prepare for another test of Karna's spirit. Indra, Arjuna's divine father, arrives in disguise as a brahmana. He asks Karna for the very things that protect his life—his divine armour and earrings. True to his nature, Karna does not hesitate. He cuts them from his body and gives them away, bleeding but proud. Moved by this ultimate act of charity, Indra blesses him with the Ekaastra—a divine weapon that can be used only once.

A tale of silent love, unwavering loyalty, and the nobility of sacrifice—this episode reveals the depth of Karna’s character and the tragedy that shadows him.

As the winds of war begin to howl louder, Yudhishthiramakes a final, desperate appeal to avoid the impending destruction. He turns to Shri Krishna and pleads with him to go to Hastinapura as a messenger of peace. Even Bhima and Nakula, despite their anger, voice their willingness to avert awar that threatens to annihilate their own clan.

But Draupadi, with eyes blazing with memory and pain, reminds Krishna—and all those present—of the humiliationshe endured in the Kuru court, the injustice of the dice game, and the silence of the elders. Her voice cuts through the air as she insists that the Kauravas must face the consequences of their deeds. The war, she says, is not a choice but a righteous necessity.

Krishna proceeds to Hastinapura, where he meets King Dhritarashtra and appeals to his wisdom and conscience. The blind king listens and even acknowledges Krishna’s words, butsorrowfully admits his helplessness in controlling his obstinate son, Duryodhana.Gandhari too pleads with her son, warning him of the ruin his pride will bring to their family.

But Duryodhana, blinded by arrogance, hears Krishna's firm statement—that one who endangers the existence of an entire lineage must be restrained, even imprisoned—and reacts with fury. He attempts to arrest Krishna.

In that tense moment, Krishna reveals his Vishwaroopa, a divine cosmic form that leaves the court trembling in awe and fear. The illusion of power shatters. The last hope for peacedissolves.

Before leaving Hastinapura, Krishna meets Kunti in private. In a moment of profound urgency and compassion, he urges her to speak to Karna—to reveal the truth of his birth and awaken thebond of brotherhood that could still change the course of fate.