In the previous episode, we had witnessed a glimpse of the “Sanjaya-Yaana Parva”, which is one of the most important “Upa-Parvas” under the larger “Udyoga Parva” of the Mahabharata text. As we’ve witnessed earlier, this “Udyoga Parva” contains several important aspects of management and leadership as explained by several people including the likes of Vidura and Bhagawan Krishna Himself at various stages. Of course, we’re going to witness the Bhagawad Gita when we commence the discussion on the Kurukshetra war, but all these are preludes that lead to the main discussion. Hence, this “Udyoga Parva” assumes enormous significance. In this way, we’ve witnessed King Dhritarashtra pacifying Karna, Ducchaasana, Bhishmachaarya, etc. when an internal feud broke out in the Hastinapura courtroom over the issue of handing over the Indraprastha kingdom. Subsequently, King Dhritarashtra assures that he is sending Sanjaya as his messenger to broker peace between the Kaurava and Paandava camps. With this prelude, we shall move into the main discussion of this “Sanjaya-Yaana Parva” with all the details of whatever conversations, heated words of exchanges that took place at both places.
So as we move on, we shall slightly rewind a bit to see what the Purohita (Brahmana Rishi) conveyed at Hastinapura in front of King Dhritarashtra and Co. The Brahmana Rishi arrives and receives all the basic respects at the Hastinapura courtroom. As King Dhritrarastra asks the reason for his visit, the Purohita commences his accord thus, “Oh King! You might be aware that the Paandava brothers have finished their twelve years of “Vana-Vaasam” followed by the thirteenth year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam” successfully as per your instruction. Now, as per the rule, Yudishtra is eligible to rule Indraprastha once again. So, you should take steps to ensure that Yudishtra obtains his due share now. Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please do not differentiate between your sons and your brother’s sons. All are one and the same. Please do not encourage a feud between them. Instead, as a responsible king and a father, it is your duty to balance between both the camps. Moreover, as per the rule, Yudishtra is entitled to rule one half of the kingdom, which is Indraprastha. Hence, please ensure that you give Indraprastha back to Yudishtra and put an end to this entire episode immediately!”
As the Purohita communicates his message clearly without any blemish, Bhishmachaarya stands up and conveys his accord. Initially, Bhishmachaarya pays his respect to the Purohita and states thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Whatever the Purohita is saying is absolutely correct! Yudishtra has undergone enormous suffering and has been extremely patient with whatever has happened, although he knows that the gambling game episode was totally illegal in nature. Even then, he has given you and Duryodhana enormous amounts of respect and has waited patiently for his “Raajya”! Hence, it is only right at this point that you give back the Indraprastha kingdom to Yudishtra and this would put an end to the entire feud that is brewing up unnecessarily!”
As Bhishmachaarya says thus, Duryodhana and Karna start fuming with anger! Duryodhana immediately gets up and cuts Bhishmachaarya’s accord in the middle. He fumes thus, “Oh great Bhishmachaarya! Till today I’ve been having great respect towards you in terms of your valour and confidence. But what happened to you today? You are sounding like a coward! Why should I give my kingdom to Yudishtra? What is his qualification? Who on earth is Yudishtra to claim a share in my kingdom? Just because he is Paandu’s son, will he start claiming anything and everything in this world? Oh Bhishmachaarya! Let me tell you clearly – This unified Hastinapura kingdom (including Indraprastha) is mine and only mine! The way you are talking in favour of Yudishtra indicates to me that you’ve been sold out to the Paandavas! The way you are talking doesn’t suit your courage and confidence!”
As Duryodhana fumes thus, Bhishmachaarya becomes extremely angry! A huge ego clash erupts and both of them trade barbs at each other! This happens even as King Dhritarashtra is present in the courtroom! After a while, King Dhritarashtra intervenes and pacifies both of them and tells the Purohita thus, “Oh Purohita! This discussion is leading to a lot of clashes at this moment! Hence, let us wait for some time. You’ve heard the intent of Duryodhana and Bhishmachaarya. I shall communicate my intentions through my minister, Sanjaya very soon. I shall send him to Viraata Desha with my message in the coming days. Hence, you may return back peacefully and let us put an end to this here for now!” Pacifying everyone thus, King Dhritarashtra lets go of the Purohita and with this, we shall commence the “Sanjaya-Yaana Parva”. For today, let us understand this background and in the next episode, we shall eagerly await the arrival of Sanjaya at Viraata Desha! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 