In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra taking a firm stance when it comes to Sanjaya’s request of sacrificing the kingdom for Duryodhana so as to avoid a disastrous war. Even though Yudishtra agrees with the intent that war should be avoided at any cost, he is not convinced with him being the scapegoat for it every time. For the past thirteen years or so, Yudishtra has been on the receiving end and clearly, Duryodhana is playing a ploy here. Hence, Yudishtra decides that he would now stand up for his “Dharma” of being a “Kshatrya” to somehow reclaim the Indraprastha kingdom. As Yudishtra conveys his decision crystal clearly, it is now up to Sanjaya to take a call. Let us see how Sanjaya reacts to this!
Moving on thus, as Yudishtra gives a firm reply in this manner, Sanjaya replies back: “Oh Yudishtra! I know that you would stick on to your “Dharma” no matter what! However, I’ve come here, not as an adviser to you, but as a messenger to King Dhritrarashtra. Today, I’m not in a position to talk anything further on this, and I shall convey your stance to the king as quickly as possible. Maybe at a later stage we shall have a discussion on what is right and what is wrong when the situation arises. But for now, your message seems to be making sense. Let us see how Duryodhana and Co. react to this!” As Sanjaya says thus, all the others including Bhagawan Krishna voice their opinion on Yudishtra’s stance. The collective narrative is as follows: “Oh Sanjaya! The Paandavas always stand for peace at any cost! There is no doubt about that, as war can have disastrous consequences for several generations to come. Hence, we are not interested in it. However, if this peace accord should succeed, the Indraprastha kingdom should be returned to Yudishtra and as per the agreement, Duryodhana has no right to claim it. We are very clear on this. If the peace accord has to succeed, at any cost, Yudishtra should be getting Indraprastha back! If this is not happening, the Paandavas are not shying away from a war and we are prepared to face it. This is our message to King Dhritarashtra and the others at Hastinapura!”
As Bhagawan Krishna spells out the final verdict thus, Sanjaya listens carefully to it and pays his respects towards Bhagawan Krishna. However, Sanjaya has one more argument to make here. He says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I totally agree with your statement and stance. However, please consider this argument too while taking a decision – You’re saying that you follow your “Dharma” of ruling the kingdom and defending it as a “Kshatrya prince”. It’s fair enough and I agree. However, think in this way – As a king, you’ve to take care of your people, don’t you? Now if a war takes place and your people are dying, how will that account to “Prajaa-Rakshanam”? You’re letting your own people die on the battlefield. How will this account to your “Dharma”? If you’re avoiding the war at any cost, you’re doing a great “Prajaa-Rakshanam”, aren’t you?”
As Sanjaya says thus, Yudishtra replies back politely: “Oh great Sanjaya! I feel that your argument doesn’t seem to make sense to me. As I’ve said earlier, my “Dharma” is to protect people – Fair enough! However, at what cost? I agree that if there’s no war, there will be no loss of lives. But, as a Kshatrya, it is my “Dharma” to fight as well. If the war happens in a just and a fair manner, those who leave their lives in the battlefield will attain “Veera-Gathi” (Sacrifice of their life for their kingdom). This itself is a way of taking care of my people isn’t it? As a patriotic king, I’m motivating my people to fight for the kingdom and while this happens, people will also realize that their “Dharma” is to fight the war, if it so happens. Even if I’ve to lose my life, I would be happy to attain the “Veera-Gathi” and this is my “Dharma”! Hence, I feel that avoiding a war at any cost might not be a good idea, and if it is required, I’ve to stand up and fight! This is my “Dharma” as a “Kshatrya”!”
Saying thus, Yudishtra conveys his decision firmly! The message is loud and clear now! It is now up to Sanjaya to carry it to the other side! Let us witness this accord in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 