In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the Vidura Neeti, wherein Vidura is lending a few important words of wisdom to King Dhritarashtra pertaining to the various aspects of “Raaja-Dharma”. Vidura explains to King Dhritarashtra about “decision-making” and how assertive a king should be when it comes to this important aspect. In this regard, Vidura lambasts King Dhritarashtra for his gross inaction during the infamous gambling episode and criticizes him for not taming Duryodhana’s atrocities with assertiveness. However, King Dhritarashtra accepts the fact that his “Putra-Vaatsalya” towards his son Duryodhana is blinding him completely and asks Vidura to explain whether he should go by his “Putra-Vaatsalya” or by the path of “Dharma”. For this, Vidura explains the story of Virochana and Sudhanva. This is a very important story wherein both of them fall in love with a woman called Kesini. As this happens, both Virochana and Sudhanva trade barbs at each other and try to establish why one is better than the other in terms of eligibility to marry Kesini. Let us continue this story from this point onwards.
Moving on further thus, as both of them go to Kesini to get her opinion, she says that it is better that a mediator talks on behalf of her. As per Sudhanva’s opinion, Prahlaada is called to be a mediator to solve this case. However, Virochana is sceptical – How can my father be a mediator in this case? Won’t he be biased towards me because he is my father? This is where Virochana replies back with an important answer – “Oh Sudhanva! This is the extent to which you know about your father. Prahlaada is a great scholar and a person who is engrossed in the devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu. He knows what is “Dharma” and what is not. Hence, even though he might be your father, he will always traverse the path of “Dharma”. This is why I suggested that Prahlaada should be the mediator for this!”
Thus, both of them go to Prahlaada who is seated in his “Aasana”. Prahlaada welcomes both of them and asks the details of the problem. Both Sudhanva and Virochana explain their stance to Prahlaada and explain why one should marry Kesini and the other should not. Sudhanva explains how he is a great Brahmana Rishi and he is extremely scholarly in nature and how he is the perfect fit to marry Kesini. As Sudhanva completes his accord, Virochana explains how he is a great “Kshatrya” prince and why he would be the best fit to marry Kesini. Listening to both these accords separately, Prahlaada thinks for a while and delivers his verdict thus, “Oh Sudhanva and Virochana! Going by the facts of this case, I think the person who is extremely scholarly and learned, should be the apt one to marry Kesini, as she is someone who hails from such a family. Hence, to understand Kesini and live along with her, a person who is learned would be more fit. Thus with this, I feel that Virochana is the right person to marry Kesini!”
Thus, as Prahlaada delivers his verdict, Virochana immediately stands in respect for him and worships him. Upon hearing this from his own father, Sudhanva too accepts his father, Prahlaada’s verdict and lets Virochana marry Kesini. Quoting this story thus, Vidura quips King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Look at how Prahlaada was assertive here with his decision. Prahlada stood for “Dharma” and even with his son’s life and future in question, Prahlaada decided not to support his son blindly and instead, decided to support the cause of “Dharma”. This is what is expected from you. Whereas on the other hand, look at what you are doing – Even though you are aware of the fact that Duryodhana is walking the path of gross “Adharma”, you are not able to ask him anything just because Duryodhana is your son! This is where you are getting blinded! As a king, you should always stand by the “Dharma”, no matter who is in question! Hence, King Dhritarashtra! Even now it is not too late. You may still take an assertive stance and deliver justice to Yudishtra, who is the one following the path of “Dharma” perfectly!”
Saying thus, Vidura tries to drive home the important point that a righteous king is the one who always stands by the “Dharma” without getting influenced by anything other than it! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 