Krishna gave Duryodhana sane advice. He said, "Listen, Kauraveshwara. Now my words may fall on your ears like molten lead. But later you will value them. Give back their kingdom to the Pandavas. They are after all your cousins. For the sake of Truth they have suffered in life. Make them your friends and live happily. A war means death and horrible suffering to millions. It will ruin all."

Duryodhana drew his hand over his burly moustache again and again. He laughed jarringly. Haughtily he said, "Krishna, you are after all a cowherd boy. The Pandavas are homeless beggars. You are naturally friends. Listen, listen to every word I say. I shall not give the Pandavas enough land to stick a pin in. We do not want an agreement. Let them fight as they boast and take their kingdom."

Bhishma was the grandfather of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He was a very old man. He had tried hard to check their mutual hatred. He said, "Duryodhana, listen, listen to Shri Krishna; give back their kingdom to the Pandavas. A war will do' no good to you or the people."

Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Parashurama all gave Duryodhana the same advice. But he was deaf to their words.