In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important discussion on the connection between performing our “Nitya-Anushtaanam” and exhibiting “Sharanaagathi” towards Bhagawan. There is a wrong perception amongst many of us today that if we’re exhibiting “Sharanaagati” towards Bhagawan, or if we’re trying to meticulously chant Bhagawan’s divine names, it is not required to perform our daily “Nitya-Anushtaanam”. Or, some of us might even think that by doing “Sharanaagati” towards Bhagwan, we’ve ascended several notches and levels up the spiritual ladder and at the state we’re in, things like “Nitya-Anushtaanam” are out of equation for us! These are extremely wrong perceptions that we’re having and we’ve to come out of all these. We’ve not ascended any level up the spiritual ladder. We’ve to understand that we’re still at a very low level – Perhaps at the lowest level! Hence, there is no question of compromising on our “Nitya-Anushtaanam” and we’re bound to perform it. Of course, “Sharanaagati” is important and of extreme significance, but Bhagawan never gives us the liberty to leave behind our “Nitya-Anushtaanam” for this. We’ve to have a firm understanding of this as we move on.
Moving on thus, as this conversation between Bhagawan Krishna and the Paandavas come to an end, Bhagawan Krishna leaves their place amidst a beautiful send-off from the Paandava brothers. Bhagawan Krishna assures them that henceforth if they encounter any issue while residing in the forest, He would immediately come to their rescue at all times. With this, the Paandavas too decide that they’ve had enough at this Kaamyaka Vanam area and they should also move on from here. The next place that they enter is called the “Dvaitha Vanam”. Yudishtra takes along all his brothers and Draupati and all of them enter into this area of the forest. Now we’re going to slowly start witnessing all the events that happened when the Paandavas were camping at the Dvaitha Vanam.
Now, as the Paandavas are starting their walk from the existing Kaamyaka Vanam area, they’ve to go into another forest area wherein there would be no people. The forest area should be completely lonely and this is where they decide that the “Dvaitha Vanam” would be the correct place for that. Thus, they start their journey towards “Dvaitha Vanam” and as they near the place, it looks extremely beautiful with enormous amounts of tall trees and shrubs everywhere. There is a beautiful river that is flowing in between all these natural resources, with clear and pure water in it. There are so many “Maharishis” sitting in various corners and performing intense “Tapas”. The entire place is full of spiritual vibrations along with the beauty of nature. It is a real paradise on earth! Upon looking around the place, Yudishtra decides that this is where they can camp for the next twelve years.
So far, we’ve witnessed all the previous events that happened at the “Kaamyaka Vanam”, which spanned only for a few months. Now that all of them came to know that the Paandavas were stationed there, Yudishtra decided that they would move away from the “Kaamyaka Vanam” to “Dvaitha Vanam”. Thus, the decision here is to spend the remaining twelve year period here in this place, without any disturbance from anyone. As Yudishtra and Co. enter the contours of the “Dvaitha Vanam”, the Maharishis who are residing there are extremely happy. All of them go together and offer a grand welcome to Yudishtra and Co.. In turn, Yudishtra too pays his respects to all the Maharishis who had gathered there. As Yudishtra bows down to all of them, the Maharishis tell him thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You are an epitome of “Dharma” and we are extremely fortunate to have you with all of us! We were indeed waiting for an opportunity to meet you at Indraprastha, but we’ve got that opportunity here itself! Do not worry about whatever had happened to you in the past. We’ve now got all the time in the world to discuss various aspects of “Dharma”. You can learn from our enormous “Tapas” experience and we shall impart you all the knowledge that we have gained over these years!”
As the Maharishis say thus, Yudishtra and Co. are extremely happy with their golden words of assurance! This is what Vidura had advised earlier as well. Now, Vidura’s advice is coming true! Yudishtra realizes that this is the greatest learning opportunity for him with regards to various aspects of “Dharma”! He acknowledges the Maharishis’ proposal and hospitality and the learning commences! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall witness the continuation of this discussion in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 