In the previous episode, we had witnessed the end of the “Viraata Parva” wherein the Paandavas had gone to the Viraata Desha as part of their “Agnyaata-Vaasam” for a one-year period. They were in a disguised form so that nobody would be able to spot their real identities. Finally towards the end, the identity had to be revealed as Arjuna had to wage a war against Duryodhana and Co. and with this, their “Agnyaata Vaasam” period also gets over. As the Paandavas reveal their identities to the Viraata King, he is extremely happy and in gratitude for defending his kingdom at a critical time, he gives Utthara Devi in marriage to Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu. A grand marriage function takes place under the leadership of Bhagawan Krishna (Uncle to Abhimanyu) and the entire kingdom is extremely proud and happy! This marks the end of the “Viraata Parva” and as we’re finishing this Parva on a happy note, the next Parva called “Udyoga Parva” commences, wherein we’re going to witness a lot of strategies that both the camps are going to make, to defeat each other. In fact, the seeds for the Kurukshetra war is sown in this Parva and it is going to be very interesting to witness. Sage Vyaasa has packed this Parva with a lot of important leadership and management lessons for all of us to learn as well. Hence, let us get into the “Udyoga Parva” right away!
Thus, as we move in, we’re first going to see the structure of the “Udyoga Parva”. This is one of the eighteen main “Parvas” of the Mahabharata story and this has 10 “Upa-Parvas” under it. The word “Udyoga” means “Prayathnam” (Effort). In short, the “Udyoga Parva” talks about the various efforts that were taken by the Paandava brothers to reclaim their lost kingdom. This is one side of the story, and on the other side, the effort was also taken to prepare for the Kurukshetra war as well. Various strategies to reclaim the kingdom were tried out, and because all these strategies ended up in failure, the only way now to reclaim the lost kingdom is by waging a huge war! A lot of effort was taken by people from both the camps to prevent a disastrous war, however, all those efforts ended up in a failure. Hence, the end of the Udyoga Parva signifies that there is no other option left, but to go for war!
So now, we shall witness what were those efforts taken by people from both the camps. One such important effort is to lower the tension between the two camps through “peace talks”. Messengers were sent from each other’s camps to conduct peace talks. Sanjaya went from Duryodhana’s side to the Paandava brothers to broker peace between the two camps. In return, Bhagawan Krishna Himself volunteered to go as a messenger to Duryodhana’s camp to broker peace. These two attempts are the most important aspects in the Udyoga Parva and with this note, let us commence the content of the “Udyoga Parva” one by one.
Now, after the marriage between Abhimanyu and Utthara Devi, the courtroom of Viraata Desha once again assembled together. Now, after the marriage is over, the Paandavas’ family has also become part of the Viraata family isn’t it? Hence, Bhagawan Krishna, Balarama, Saatyaki, King Drupata, etc. are also part of the courtroom discussion of Viraata Desha! The Viraata king is extremely happy that his courtroom is sparkling with all the big names for the first time ever! Thus, all of them sit together and talk. Bhagawan Krishna starts the proceedings thus, “Oh people! All of us know that the Paandava brothers have spent twelve years in the forest (Vana-Vaasam) and the thirteenth year (Agnyaata-Vaasam) in the Viraata Desha in the disguised form. With this, they have satisfied the instruction that came from King Dhritarashtra on that fateful day of gambling. Now, Yudishtra has every right to go and stake claim for his Indraprastha kingdom, for which, I’m also ready to support him in all possible ways. Let us now discuss how we should go about doing this! I’ve paid several visits to the Paandavas during their “Vana-Vaasam” time, and even during those challenging situations, Yudishtra never deviated from the path of “Dharma” even once! Hence, as elders and well-wishers of Yudishtra, we’ve to jointly take a decision as to how to go about helping him regain Indraprastha. Should we opt for a peace strategy or should we go for a war strategy? I’m open to both! As elders and as experienced people, let us discuss the way forward and guide Yudishtra accordingly! However, I’m clear on one point here – If Duryodhana is fine with giving back the Indraprastha kingdom with mere peace talks, I’m totally fine with it. However, if he is not ready to budge to our peace talks, there is no other option but to go for war! In whatever case, Yudishtra has to regain his kingdom – Either through peace or through war! Of course, I’m not saying that I want a war. But, if there is no other option left, we’ve to go for a war and it is inevitable!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna expresses his opinion firstup and opens up the discussion for the others to voice their views. So this fiery accord from Bhagawan Krishna nicely sets up the tone for our further discussion on the Udyoga Parva, isn’t it? For today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness what the others opined to Bhagawan Krishna’s words! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 