In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Sanatkumara giving an important accord on the various aspects of the “Brahman”. He gives a literal meaning to the famous Upanishad verse of “Purnamadah.. Purnamidam..” which explains how “Brahman” pervades through all of creation. In fact, “Brahman” is the one which is responsible for the creation of all living beings, non-living beings, etc. in this world, protecting them well and destroying them. Thus, “Brahman” does three important activities – Creation, protection and destruction. Thus, as King Dhritarashtra asks for a detailed description about the “Brahman”, Sage Sanatkumara presents him with all these points in the august presence of the learned Vidura.
With this, King Dhritarashtra too gets satisfied with the answers given by Sage Sanatkumara, and we come to the end of the “Sanat-Sujaatha” Parva. Now we move into the next “Parva” by name “Gnyaana-Sandhi Parva”, wherein we’re going to see who is going to meet where. This is where Bhagawan Krishna is also going to plan His trip to Hastinapura to serve as a messenger to Yudishtra (Paandava-Dhoota). Now, readers might remember that we’re at a point wherein Sanjaya has come back from Viraata Desha after meeting Yudishtra and Co.. He had returned to Hastinapura the previous night and had informed King Dhritarashtra that he would submit his detailed report on his meeting with Yudishtra the next morning in the courtroom. This is the time wherein King Dhritarashtra was getting tensed and nervous and hence, he had called Vidura, seeking some advice from him. Thus, the entire night passes away with Vidura and Sage Sanatkumara giving their accords. Now, as the next morning arrives, Sanjaya is getting ready to depose everything from his side in the courtroom as everyone assembles. Sage Vyaasa surprisingly has kept this portion very short and brief, however, in the next “Parva”, there is a detailed accord wherein Sanjaya calls King Dhritarashtra for a one-on-one conversation and explains things in detail with some golden words of wisdom pertaining to “Raaja-Dharma”. Now, this is going to be very important and is also going to be a great learning experience for all of us. So with this introduction, let us now get into what happens the next morning in King Dhritarashtra’s courtroom.
As the morning dawns, the courtroom assembles. King Dhritarashtra takes up his position, along with the others like Duryodhana, Ducchaasana, Karna, Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Sage Kripachaarya, etc. Vidura also takes his seat adjacent to King Dhritarashtra’s throne and Sanjaya enters in. As everyone settles down, Sanjaya stands up with King Dhritarashtra’s permission. As King Dhritarashtra gives the green signal to proceed, Sanjaya begins his accord thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Oh ministers! Oh great Bhishmachaarya! Oh Guru Dhronachaarya! All of you might be eager to know what Yudishtra and Arjuna had spoken to me during my visit, aren’t you? Now let me present all the facts on the table and after that, we may discuss our way forward! As Arjuna and Yudishtra were talking with me, King Drupada, Bhagawan Krishna, King Viraata and the others were also present by their side. Thus, the discussion which happened between Yudishtra and myself were being heard by all these people as well. Moreover, the points that Yudishtra and Arjuna mentioned were completely acceptable to all of them, especially for Bhagawan Krishna!”
Sanjaya continues thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Following are the words that came from Arjuna’s mouth – You need not be answerable to my “Gaandeepa” bow if you are ready to broker peace and promote unity and harmony between the two camps. However, you will be not be able to answer to my “Gaandeepa” bow if you are not ready for peace!” These are extremely powerful words that Sanjaya uses here! It simply means this – If Duryodhana and Co. are ready for peace-making, they need not fight a war and the disaster can be averted. However, if Duryodhana and Co. aren’t ready for it, they will have to face the wrath of the “Gaandeepa” bow in the war. In other words, Arjuna explains that the Paandavas will always stand for peace if “Dharma” prevails. If not, the Paandavas are not afraid of fighting a war!
So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall continue this discussion with many other points in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 