In the previous episode, we had witnessed Abhimanyu’s sad and shocking demise in the midst of the “Chakra-Vyugam” at Kurukshetra. Thanks to Guru Dhronachaarya’s gross unethical idea, and thanks to the implementation of the idea by Karna, Ducchaasana and his son, Abhimanyu was killed in the most unethical way possible. As we’ve seen, Karna first attacked Abhimanyu from behind, which itself was grossly against “Yuddha-Neethi”. Secondly, even as Abhimanyu gave a valiant fight after that, Ducchaasana’s son orchestrated the most unethical thing by hitting Abhimanyu on his head, without even giving him time to compose himself and get up. This leads to a huge celebration from the Kaurava camp and their real intention of fighting this war is out in the open for all of them to see! Their intention is not to fight the war in the ethical way. Duryodhana’s only intention is to somehow win this by hook or crook and put Yudishtra to further turmoil.
Now moving on further thus, as Yudishtra comes to know of Abhimanyu’s demise, he understands the truth behind what had exactly happened! Abhimanyu was purposefully trapped by Guru Dhronachaarya and Duryodhana and he succumbed to it! Yudishtra also realizes that Jayatrada had played spoilsport by preventing the Paandava brothers to follow Abhimanyu! This leads Yudisthra to a huge frustration as he understands that he has been cheated grossly yet again! Yudishtra weeps bitterly thinking that he has lost a young warrior and more than that, how is he going to answer Arjuna and Subhadra Devi (Arjuna’s wife)? How is Arjuna going to digest this news of Abhimanyu’s death? How is he going to be emotionally strong from here on to fight this war? Yudishtra says to his brothers who are by his side thus, “Oh! It is all because I took this foolish decision of going ahead and fighting this war! Now look at the end result! We’ve lost our next generation child! Now who will rule the kingdom after me? Looking at this grave situation, I should give up fighting this war any further! I do not want this kingdom anymore! Without Abhimanyu, how am I going to rule this kingdom? Oh my God! What do I tell about Abhimanyu’s valour? On one hand, I feel like celebrating Abhimanyu’s exceptional talent, but on the other hand, the thought that he is no more, breaks my heart! Looking at all this…. Oh Bheemasena! Oh Nakula! I do not feel like living in this world any more! It is not worth it! This is the price that I’ve to pay for following the path of “Dharma” at all times! I do not want any happiness associated with being a king! I’m fed up with everything that is happening around me! I’m totally unfit to even live in this world!”
Lamenting thus, Yudisthra almost comes to the decision of committing a suicide! He is completely fed up with everything as he cries out loud! It is at this time, Sage Veda-Vyaasa suddenly makes his way into the Kurukshetra battlefield! All this is happening towards the end of Day Thirteen, wherein the war has been called off for the day after Abhimanyu’s demise. However, Yudishtra and the entire Paandava camp is still in the battlefield, mourning the heavy loss of Abhimanyu. Arjuna is still yet to come back and nobody has an idea about his whereabouts. As Sage Vyaasa comes, he addresses Yudishtra thus, “Oh great son of Kunthi Devi! You are a great Kshatrya prince! Why are you getting upset like this? This heartbreak that you’re experiencing isn’t a great sign of your courage and valour!”
As Sage Vyaasa says thus, Yudishtra replies back – “Oh Great Sage! Isn’t Abhimanyu’s demise a great loss for all of us? I did not know that Jayatrada would do such a thing! It was extremely unfortunate that I misjudged Jayatrada and his inhumane behavior!” As Yudishtra laments thus, Sage Vyaasa replies – “Do not think about Jayatrada’s inhumane behaviour! It is the boon that he has obtained from Bhagawan Shiva. It is bound to come true at some point in time! Oh Yudishtra! None of us can stop boons from fructifying! As in your case, aren’t you protected well by several boons given to you by Bhagawan Krishna? Why aren’t you thinking about all that? Just like how you’ve succeeded all this while with Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Anugraha”, Jayatrada has succeeded this time, thanks to Bhagawan Shiva’s boon! It’s as simple as that! In this world, both good and evil things will happen. It is up to you to be patient and tolerate all of them!”
Saying thus, Sage Vyaasa tries to console and motivate Yudishtra. But will this work? Or, is it too late to console Yudishtra any further after all that he has gone through in his life? We shall wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 