In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra commencing his final accord on the entire discussion that happens between Sanjaya, Bhagawan Krishna and Saatyaki. Yudishtra is very clear in his communication as we’ve witnessed earlier as well – On the question of whether a war should happen or not, definitely Yudishtra’s answer is a resounding “No”! However, for that, someone should compromise from their stance isn’t it? Now this is where the catch comes – Till this point, we’ve witnessed enormous occasions wherein Yudishtra has sacrificed for the Kauravas – Be it from playing the gambling game, accepting a defeat in the game even if it is not Yudishtra’s fault, insult of Draupati, going on the “Vana-Vaasam” for thirteen long years, etc. Now again, the question of compromise arises and Yudishtra is firm in his decision this time – No compromise from his side! The message is loud and clear here – If Duryodhana doesn’t want a war from taking place, it is he who has to compromise! It is Duryodhana who has to return Indraprastha to Yudishtra, which he had earlier abducted!
As Yudishtra spells out in this way, Sanjaya replies back thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’re saying that you’ve compromised for all these years, which is a fair argument. All of us have seen the intense sacrifices you’ve made for Duryodhana till date and there’s no doubt about that. However, when it comes to war, this is the most crucial time wherein you’ve to show cause your “Dharma” isn’t it? Fighting a war is a grave “Adharma” which all of us would be doing to thousands and lakhs of families and animals! The destruction would be unimaginable! Moreover, you know what Duryodhana’s character is. He doesn’t even know an iota of “Dharma” and there is no use of talking about these things to him! You are an epitome of “Dharma”. I’m telling you all these because I’m sure that you will understand the gravity of the situation and make a decision accordingly. Moreover, you’ve also been in the forest for thirteen years. So maybe if you can spend some more time doing “Tapas”, this time lag might lower the intensity of the situation a bit and at a later stage we shall try to negotiate for a better deal! I feel that this kind of a “wait and watch” approach would definitely be binding towards the path of “Dharma” by saving more than a thousand lives!”
As Sanjaya proposes thus, Yudishtra replies back: “Oh great Sanjaya! You are a learned scholar and has extremely good knowledge about what is “Dharma” and “Adharma”. Of course, preventing a war is of paramount importance and there’s no second thought about it. But I’m somehow not getting convinced with the fact that I’ve to compromise and do “Tapas”, so that Duryodhana would benefit. This is something I will not be able to accept, for the very fact that I’m a “Kshatrya” prince. Now let me share my understanding about the “Raaja-Dharma” – As a “Kshatrya” (Warrior), isn’t it the duty of a king to protect his kingdom if it is in danger? Indraprastha is in danger for the past thirteen years and owing to an instruction, I’ve been compromising. However, now that the time period is over, isn’t it my duty as a “Kshatrya” king to administer my kingdom and people effectively according to the “Dharma”? Performing “Tapas” in the forest isn’t the duty of a “Kshatrya” prince. This is to be done by Brahmana Rishis who are extremely capable of realizing the “Brahman”! As a “Kshatrya”, my duty is to fight and what is wrong in this? By doing so, I don’t think I’m going against my “Dharma”. In fact, I would be failing in my “Dharma” if I’m not standing up for the cause of my kingdom and my people. If there is a war in this pursuit, there is no other option but to fight the war! Hence, your argument that I’ve to refrain from war to protect “Dharma” seems illogical to me!”
Saying thus, Yudishtra straightaway conveys his opinion and stance! It is now up to Sanjaya to do the needful! What is Sanjaya going to say and what is the next course of action? Stay tuned for the next episode to find out! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 