As the colossal armies mobilize for Kurukshetra, the Pandavas appoint Dhrishtadyumn as their Commander-in-Chief, while Bhishma assumes command of the Kaurava forces. Lord Balaram, refusing to choose between his brother Krishna and his student Duryodhan, declares his neutrality and departs for a pilgrimage, withdrawing from the war entirely. In Hastinnapur, Drithrashtra ask Sanjay to narrate the events happening in Kurukshetra.

Duryodhan’s arrogance reaches its peak when he attempts to imprison Lord Krishna, triggering the awe-inspiring Viswaroop Darshan (Cosmic Form), proving that Krishna is not a mere envoy but the universe itself. The narrative then shifts to the most emotional turning point of the epic: the revelation of Karna’s birth secret. Despite pleas from both Krishna and his mother Kunti to switch sides, Karna chooses friendship over lineage, promising Kunti that he will spare four of her sons, making the war a personal duel between him and Arjun.

As Krishna attempts to negotiate peace, the great sages narrate ancient tales to warn Duryodhan about the perils of arrogance. Sage Narada recounts the extensive saga of Rishi Galava’s impossible quest for 800 "moon-white" horses and the tragic sacrifice of Princess Madhavi to fulfill a Guru Dakshina. The episode culminates in the powerful lesson of King Yayati, who was cast down from heaven solely due to his pride, a direct mirror to Duryodhan’s stubbornness, which remains unshaken despite these divine warnings.

Before departing for Hastinapur, Krishna consults the Pandavas, leading to a surprising debate where even the volatile Bheem suggests peace, while Draupadi, weeping, demands war to avenge her humiliation. Krishna arrives in the enemy capital and makes a powerful political statement by rejecting Duryodhan’s lavish royal feast, declaring that one should only eat where there is love or hunger. Instead, he chooses the humble hospitality of Vidhur’s home.

The sun rises on the Kuru court as Sanjay finally delivers the Pandavas' official ultimatum: return the kingdom or face total annihilation by Arjun and Bheem. This message acts as a catalyst, instantly shattering the unity of the Kaurava camp. While elders like Bhishma and Drona urge Dhritarashtra to make peace to save the lineage, Karna and Duryodhan vehemently reject any compromise, leading to a heated verbal clash. The episode exposes the deep internal fractures (Phoot) in Hastinapur, proving that the war is being driven by Duryodhan's ego rather than the consensus of the court.

Sanjay has returned to Hastinapur but refuses to deliver the Pandavas' message until the next morning, leaving King Dhritarashtra in agonizing suspense. Tormented by guilt and Sanjaya’s harsh private rebuke, the sleepless King summons Vidhur for counsel. This episode covers the famous Vidhur Niti, where Vidhur outlines the path of virtue to calm the King's restless mind, followed by the arrival of Sage Sanatsujat, who reveals that death is merely negligence (Pramada) and teaches the secret of conquering death through spiritual wisdom.

Sanjay arrives at the Pandava camp in Upaplavya as an envoy, delivering a message from King Dhritarashtra. The blind king’s message is a masterclass in emotional manipulation; he praises the Pandavas' righteousness and pleads with them to avoid war "out of the goodness of their hearts," arguing that destroying their kin is a sin. This episode analyzes the diplomatic standoff where Dhritarashtra attempts to use the Pandavas' own virtue against them, asking for peace while remaining silent on returning their kingdom.

After Aggyatvas ends, top warriors and Kings like Drupad, Balram, Virat, Satyaki, Pandavas, and Shree Krishna himself gather at King Drupad's Kampilya. Tension starts brewing as the Kings and Warriors propose opposing views and Yudhishthir stands at the centre of this crossfire. King Drupad moderates the crowd and everyone decide to send Purohit as the Shanti Duut. Later, Duryodhan and Arjun approach Shree Krishna and ask him to pick sides between Pandavas and Kauravas. Shree Krishna agrees to paricipate, but with a condition....