Brothers Across Ages

There is something special about the bond between brothers. Historically, men have gotten together to hunt, explore new areas & conquer new territories. These pursuits develop a special relationship between them as they help each other in overcoming various challenges. Boys grow up together playing games and sharing dreams about their future. In course of time they grow up & look for a different kind of  companionship to share their softer feelings. However, there are certain aspects of their life which they can only share with their brothers. Being a husband doesn't allow them that freedom which they can enjoy with their brothers. 

Throughout history, there have been many brothers and their relationships were different & very interesting. The best of them is between Rama & his brothers. All of them were extremely dedicated to each other. Ram-Lakshaman and Bharat-Shatrughna were never separated and its said that Rama could tolerate the separation of Sita but couldn't stay on earth once he asked Lakshmana to go away. Then, we had Krishna and Balaram, they had tremendous love for each other and although they had disagreements but Balaram would never go against Krishna. We also had the Pandavas, where all the brothers were committed to each other and stayed together even in the most adverse of situations. Interestingly, even the Kauravas all 100 brothers fought together. The feeling of brotherhood runs strong even among other creatures. We have Sampaati, the elder brother of Jataayu, who saves his younger brother from getting   burnt when they both tried to go near the sun. Ravana and his brothers also had great love for each other(only his lust and ego, came in between). Both, Vibheeshan and Kumbhakarna wanted good for Ravana and even advised him to give away Janaki and have peace with Rama. Even Vaali and Sugriva had a very good relationship, till Vaali lost his sense due to pride and arrogance. Even the demons Hiranyaksha and Hirankashyapa were highly fond of each other and shared common hatred towards Naarayana. 

When brothers are of almost same age, then their relationship becomes more like friendship. As it was with Krishna and Arjuna. They become like one soul in two bodies. Their love for each other was even more than love for their families. When Arjuna takes the vow to kill Jayadrath or else kill himself, Krishna is extremely worried and says to his charioteer Daruka, I can live without Rukmini, my son Pradyumna or even Balarama but I can't see this earth without Arjuna. He asks Daruka to get his chariot ready with all the weapons, in case Arjuna fails to accomplish the mission, he would forget his oath  destroy the whole Kaurava army himself.  It was the same with Arjuna, once Krishna departs this earth, he lost all interest and immediately start his final journey. 

The relationship between brothers, if it is of love and friendship, then it leads to great heights but if ego, jealously comes into play, then it leads to downfall. 

Krishna hosts Durvaasa

The famous sage Durvaasa, known for his short temper openly challenged anyone to receive him as guest. Knowing his short temper and as his name suggests(difficult to reside), no one was brave enough to risk getting cursed in failing to please the great sage. Krishna invites Durvaasa to come and stay at his place. Now Durvaasasa, shows why he is so difficult to please and also why the ways of Rishis are impossible to understand. 

 On certain days he would eat the food sufficient for the needs of thousands of persons. On certain other days he would eat very little. On some days he would go out of the house and would not return. He would sometimes laugh without any ostensible reason and sometimes cry without reason. One day on entering the palace he burnt all the beds and covers and then told Krishna, that he wants to eat porridge without delay.  Krishna got hot porridge to be made available. Durvaasa ate some and then told Krishna to smear the porridge on all his body.  As told, Krishna smeared the porridge on his body and head. Now, Durvaasa saw Rukmani , and then laughingly smeared porridge all over her. Then he asked Krishna for a chariot and then instead of horses, yoked Rukmani there. He then rode that chariot and set out of the palace. If this was not enough, he kept striking at Rukmani with a whip (as if she was an animal) in Krishna's presence. Everyone in Dwaaraka, was amazed at this act of Durvaasa and also at the respect and reverence shown by Krishna to the Rishi, in-spite of all this cruel acts of the Rishi. Then suddenly Durvaasa jumped off the chariot and ran away. Krishna and Rukmani both ran behind the sage. After a while the sage stopped and then said the following to Krishna. You have subdued wrath by your nature and I'm very pleased with you. He further blessed Krishna by saying, as long as there is desire for food among humans and deities, till then people will like you as they like food. Further, your palace would be restored to its previous beauty or better.  He also blessed Rukmani  to be the best among among all women. Now, comes the surprise about the porridge!!

He says, as long as you live, you'll never have to fear from any injury to those parts of your body where you have smeared porridge and he's disappointed that Krishna didn't apply porridge to the sole of this feet.  The all knowing Krishna only smiles. The ways of saints and Krishna are unfathomable. 

Ref: This incident is from Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, and  narrated by Krishna to his son, Pradyumna to tell him how much Brahmanas are to be respected.