In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura getting frustrated with King Dhritarashtra as he asks a provoking question. King Dhritarashtra had asked Vidura to pick a choice between “Dharma” and “Putra Vaatsalya” and what he should follow from here on. Listening to this seemingly stupid question from King Dhritarashtra, Vidura strongly asserts that it is “Dharma” that he should always follow. Vidura lambasts King Dhritarashtra that he should be ashamed of telling that he has a thought of giving importance and priority to “Putra-Vaatsalya” over “Dharma”. Vidura clearly explains that if King Dhritarashtra is getting carried away by the “Putra-Vaatsalya” (which he is currently getting carried away with), he is going to face disastrous consequences in the near future, wherein a huge threat is looming large for his entire Kaurava clan! King Dhritarashtra wants Yudishtra to sacrifice again and again, but does he have the guts to convince Duryodhana and make him compromise Indraprastha to Yudishtra? The answer is a big “No”! Thus, Vidura claims that if this stalemate continues, the entire administration would break down within no time!
Highlighting this point further, Vidura narrates a story about a woman by name Kesini. Because of this woman, two people got into a huge fight. One such person was Sudhanva and the other person was Virochana. We’ve witnessed earlier that Virochana was the son of Prahlaada. Thus, for this one woman called Kesini, both Sudhanva and Virochana got into a fight! Now let us witness what happens here and why this fight kicked up between the two of them. At one point in time, both Sudhanva and Virochana fell in love with Kesini and both of them wanted to marry her. However, as per the norm, only one person can be Kesini’s husband, isn’t it? Hence, a competition started brewing up between the two youngsters. Sudhanva goes up to Virochana and says thus, “Oh Virochana! You are a “Kshatrya” and I’m a “Brahmana”! In all possible ways, I’m of a higher plane of mind and intellect as compared to you. Going by whatever I’ve achieved in life, you are not even qualified to sit near me! Hence, how would you even talk and think about the one whom I’ve fallen in love? I’m someone who has complete control over my senses and my mind! You are not even closer to where I am in spiritual progress. Hence, please mind your business and go away from here. Kesini is only fit to be married to me and not to you!”
As Sudhanva says, Virochana gets angry! He replies thus, “Oh Sudhanva! Whatever you’re saying is utter nonsense! You say that you have complete control over your mind and senses and if that is true, why is your mind and senses running towards a woman? You should be able to win over this desire, shouldn’t you? Hence, this is a clear case of lying and greediness on your side! Oh Sudhanva! I’m a Kshatrya, and I’m invincible in warfare. You can’t even come close to me, given my infinite prowess! Hence, it is you who have to make your way out of this contest. Kesini will always be mine and I’m the one who is fit to marry her!”
As this debate started raging between the two of them, it was decided that both of them would approach Kesini and leave the decision to her! As both of them approached Kesini with their proposal, Kesini replies thus, Oh Sudhanva and Virochana! I do not have the authority to take a call on this matter! Maybe we shall call a mediator. This mediator can decide who is better suited to marry me!” Now the question comes – Who will be that mediator? Sudhanva is very particular that this person should neither be known to him nor to Virochana. It should be completely a third person who does not have any connection with both of them. After a long brainstorming, it was decided that Prahlaada himself will be that person who will mediate between the two! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further as to what was the mediator’s verdict on this issue! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 