The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an unexpected meeting between Bhagawan Krishna and Arjuna at Praabhaasha Kshetra near Dwaraka. Arjuna had incidentally gone there as part of his “Vana-Vaasa” and he found Bhagawan Krishna being part of a glamorous function. Both of them were excited to see each other and in the same function, Arjuna spotted Shubadra, who was Bhagawan Krishna’s step-sister. We’ve witnessed this in yesterday’s episode and Arjuna immediately falls in love with Shubhadra. However, Bhagawan Krishna advises Arjuna that it is not so easy for him to marry Shubhadra because Yudishtra and Balarama had to give their permission for the same. Although Yudishtra might give his permission, Balarama is a tough nut to crack. Hence, Bhagawan Krishna made a plan. He called Arjuna to Dwaraka along with Him, and asked Arjuna to come in the form of a “Sanyasin”. Bhagawan Krishna also advised Arjuna not to straightaway come into His palace, but to take shelter under a huge tree at the entrance of the kingdom, where many other Sanyasins used to stay. However, Bhagawan Krishna also advised Arjuna not to strike any conversation with anyone there, and to just sit silently at the bottom of the tree. 

Thus, paying heed to Bhagawan Krishna’s advice thus, “Arjuna-Sanyaasi” came along with Him and proceeded towards that tree wherein he was asked to sit under. As this Arjuna-Sanyaasi was sitting, many people came to see him and seek his “blessings”! Eventually, Arjuna-Sanyaasi became quite famous amongst the people in the vicinity. Sensing this, one day Bhagawan Krishna wantedly asks Balarama thus, “Oh brother! Why is there so much crowd near that tree where Sanyaasins used to sit? Is there someone sitting there who is well known? Why is there so much commotion?” As Bhagawan Krishna asks thus, Balarama did not know that Bhagawan Krishna was playing a game! He replies to Bhagawan Krishna innocently thus, “Oh Krishna! It seems that there’s a Sanyasin who has arrived there and people are flocking towards him. Let us also go and see him and seek his blessings!” 

As Balarama replied thus, Bhagawan Krishna replied back to him: “Oh Balarama! I do not believe in “fake sanyasins”! I do not want to go and meet such people! If you want to go and meet him, you may feel free to do so!” Bhagawan Krishna knew that Balarama would do exactly the opposite of whatever He says, and hence, He wantedly uttered such a statement! As expected, Balarama got offended and replied back thus, “Oh Krishna! You have this bad habit of disobeying whatever I say! You’re disrespecting people even without knowing who they are! Let us go and check him out. If he is really a fake sanyasin, let us teach him a befitting lesson!” Saying thus, Balarama took Bhagawan Krishna along with him to meet Arjuna-Sanyaasi. Both of them went, fell on Arjuna-Sanyaasi’s feet, worshipped him and came back! Balarama was mightily impressed with Arjuna-Sanyaasi! 

Next morning, Balarama suggests to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! Now that both of us have worshipped that Sanyaasin, we should ask Shubadra to go and worship him as well. She should also obtain his divine “Anugraha”, isn’t it? Bhagawan Krishna was expecting Balarama to tell this, however, He was very careful in His moves! As usual – Bhagawan Krishna knew exactly what Balarama’s weak point was! He replied thus, “Oh Balarama! Let me tell you something – It is not advisable to let Shubadra go there. This Sanyaasin is a youngster, and anything might happen. Let us not take this risk of sending Shubadra there!” On expected lines, Balarama made sure that he disobeyed Bhagawan Krishna’s words, and immediately sent Shubadra to meet Arjuna-Sanyaasi! Thus, both of them met each other and Arjuna’s dream of marrying Shubadra was slowly starting to get realized! Both of them fell in love for each other immediately. 

However, the game was not over yet! Balarama wanted to go for a “Theertha-Yaatra” along with Bhagawan Krishna. Also, Balarama had an idea within him, which he expressed to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! Our Shubadra should get married to a nice boy, isn’t it? To obtain a nice groom for her, she should be of service to a Sanyaasin whole-heartedly. Hence, let us call this Sanyaasin whom we met yesterday, to our home. Let Shubadra be of service to him till we come back from out “Theertha-Yaatra”. Maybe, the Sanyaasin would provide his divine “Anugraha” to Shubadra, with which, she would get a good groom for her marriage!” As Bhagawan Krishna heard this from Balarama, He laughed within Himself! He was expecting such a move from Balarama and it exactly materalized! Now what is Bhagawan Krishna going to reply? Let’s wait for an interesting accord in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna voluntarily taking up a one-year “Vana-Vaasa” because he had allegedly entered into the chamber where Yudishtra and Draupati were together. As per Sage Naarada’s instruction, Arjuna had to undertake this so as to prevent unwanted “flexes” in the “Dharma”, which in future might cause fights between the brothers. After the one year period, we had witnessed yesterday that Arjuna ended up marrying three women at different times – Ulupi, Chitraangata and Shubadra. After the first two marriages were over, Arjuna was occasionally wandering along the dense forest route and spotted a grand function that was taking place. The place where this function was happening was none other than the “Praabhaasa Kshetra”, which is very close to Dwaaraka. Bhagawan Krishna had incidentally come there as well, to be part of that function, and this was an opportunity for both Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna to meet each other!

As Bhagawan Krishna spotted Arjuna amidst the gathering, He immediately ran towards Arjuna, hugged him and welcomed him to His Dwaaraka kingdom. It should be understood here that this “Praabhaasa Kshetra” was part of Bhagawan Krishna’s Dwaaraka kingdom, located in the present-day Indian state of Gujarat, near the town called Viraaval. Bhagawan Krishna asks Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! How come you’re here? You’re in the form of a tribal forester! Is everything fine with you? Where are the others? Where is Kunthi Devi? What is the reason for you to come all alone here?” As Bhagawan Krishna asks thus, Arjuna narrates the entire story and Bhagawan Krishna was indeed very happy with Arjuna’s decision. Bhagawan Krishna replies back to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! Today you’ve made me feel proud with your actions that pertain to “Dharma”. You’ve ensured that “Dharma” has to be protected. I’m very happy! I’m proceeding towards the Raivathaka Parvatha for a grand function. Why don’t you accompany me and we shall have a good time with each other?” As Bhagawan Krishna gives this invitation, Arjuna too accepted it and both of them went to the Raivathaka Parvatha. 

The function was itself known as “Raivathaka Utsava”, and it was full of dance, music, and other recreation activities. There were enormous food and drink varieties and both of them had a relishing time with each other amidst all these happenings! It is to this place wherein Shubadra comes. As we go into this “Charitra”, we should understand one important point here – Vasudeva (Bhagawan Krishna’s father) had eight wives, including Devaki Devi, who is the mother of Bhagawan Krishna. Devaki Devi was Vasudeva’s first wife. Next wife was Rohini. Rohini’s son was Balarama. Similarly, the daughter who was born to another wife of Vasudeva was none other than this Shubadra Devi. Hence, we can infer that Shubadra was one of Bhagawan Krishna’s sisters. In fact, we can worship Shubadra Devi today also – At a famous place called “Puri-Jangannaatha-Kshetra” in the Indian state of Odisha. As we worship Puri Jagannatha (Bhagawan Krishna Himself), we can worship Shubadra by the side of Him, as His sister. 

Thus, as Arjuna spots Shubadra, he immediately falls in love with her. He wanted to somehow marry Shubadra. Bhagawan Krishna too understands by Arjuna’s looks towards her that he is in love with her. Thus, Bhagawan Krishna calls Arjuna by His side and explains to him thus, “Oh Arjuna! I understand that you’re wanting to marry Shubhadra. However, it is not as easy as you think! You’ve to first obtain the permission of Yudishtra for this. That atleast is possible and I don’t think Yudishtra is going to oppose this. However, the major stumbling block would be my brother, Balarama. You’ve to somehow convince him for this marriage to happen!” As Bhagawan Krishna says this, Arjuna did not understand the real intention behind these words. He asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! What should I do now? How do I end up marrying Shubadra?” Bhagawan Krishna laughed and replied back, “Oh! Arjuna! I’ve got a plan for this! You come to Dwaaraka with me in this same “Sanyaasi” form. I shall make this happen! Don’t worry!” 

Now what was Bhagawan Krishna’s plan? What is He going to do? Let us wait till the next episode to witness the interesting set of events unfold! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna undertaking “Vana-Vaasa” because he had allegedly entered into the chamber wherein Yudishtra and Draupati were together. Arjuna was in a “Dharma-Sankata” state (Catch-22 situation) wherein on one hand, he had to go ahead and protect a cow from being slaughtered, and at the same time, for doing that, he needed his bow and arrow to kill that person who was trying to slaughter the cow. For this, he had to enter into Yudishtra’s chamber to get his weapons! This was the paradoxical dilemma that Arjuna had entered into, however, on the pretext of protecting Dharma, Arjuna volunteered to force himself into the “fault” of entering inside Yudishtra’s chamber and decided to sacrifice one year of his married life as per Sage Naarada’s earlier instruction. Thus, Arjuna tied a cloth around his eyes and entered into Yudishtra’s chamber and picked up his weapons to go for the kill. As he comes back, he accepts his guilt in front of Yudishtra, and voluntarily takes up the “Vana-Vaasa”. Even though Yudishtra denied Arjuna that he was in no fault, Arjuna was firm in his stance – If there is a “Dharma” or a rule, it is not to be flexed for personal reasons. A rule is a rule for everyone irrespective of who the person is and what the circumstance is. Hence, with a heavy heart, the Paandava brothers accepted Arjuna’s stance and he fled to the forest with shame written all over his face. 

Thus, Arjuna took up the “Vana-Vaasa” for a year, and at this time, he saw someone called “Ulupi” and fell in love with her. All this happened after the stipulated one year time period, and at a time when Arjuna was about to return back to Indraprastha. After falling in love with Ulupi, Arjuna married her and had a son with her. Subsequently, Arjuna met another woman by name Chitraangata. Again he fell in love with her and got married to her. Another child was born to this couple post their marriage. Subsequently, Arjuna met the third woman by name Subhadra. Thus, this was the third marriage now. Hence, we’re witnessing here that post his one-year “Vana-Vaasa” time period, Arjuna had married three women at different times – Ulupi, Chitraangata and Subhadra. We shall witness these details one by one. 

First, Arjuna met Ulupi amidst the deep forest area where he was roaming around. Ulupi was a “Naaga-Kannika” (A woman born to the snake community). Ulupi was the daughter of Kaurava, who was one of the leaders in the “Naaga-Lokha”. As Arjuna met Ulupi, both were interested in each other, which led to Kaurava marrying them off. The son who was born out of this marriage was named as “Iraavaan”. Before the couple went for the child, Arjuna was a bit concerned because he was scared if this would demean the “Brahmacharya Vratha” that he was undertaking. However, Ulupi convinced Arjuna that the one-year period was over and now he was in the forest beyond this time period. Hence, Ulupi asserted that there should not be any hindrance henceforth for his “Brahmacharya Vratha”. With this, Arjuna was satisfied and thus, Iraavaan was born to both of them. As Arjuna satisfied her with a son, Ulupi blessed Arjuna with a boon thus, “Oh Arjuna! From now onwards, you would not have any fear when you’re amidst water! You would not drown inside deep waters at any point in time! Thus, the “fear of water” from today is not applicable to you!” Arjuna too was happy to obtain this boon from Ulupi and he subsequently left that place. 

Next, Arjuna entered into a place called “Manipura”. There, he met the king of that place, whose daughter was Chitraangata. Subsequently, as Arjuna met Chitraangata, both of them fell for each other and eventually got married to each other as well. Post the marriage, the couple had a son by name Babruvaahana. Subsequently after a few months, Arjuna again leaves that place and moves on. Next, Arjuna moves to a place wherein there is a huge function going on. This place is also amidst the deep forest, however, the important catch point here is that, Bhagawan Krishna is also part of that function where Arjuna is also going to take part. This place was none other than the “Praabhaasa Kshetra”, from where Bhagawan Krishna eventually attained Vaikunta! This Praabhaasa Kshetra can be worshipped even today in the Indian state of Gujarat, near the town called Viraaval. This event of Bhagawan Krishna returning back to Vaikunta happened much later though, but at the moment, Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna meet each other again at the Praabhaasa Kshetra. 

Now this is going to be an important meeting between the two, and we shall witness the content of the meeting in the next episode. So for today, let us understand until this point and we shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Naarada rendering some important pieces of advice to the Paandava brothers with regards to leading their married life with Draupati. In order to ensure that no undue fight happens between the five brothers over Draupati, Sage Naarada formulated some “rules” and “regulations” to live with her. One important rule was that each person would have twelve months at a stretch to live with Draupati. Yudishtra would first live with her for the first twelve months, and subsequently the others would have their time with her as well. However, if anyone comes in the middle while the other is spending time with Draupati, he would have to go to the forest for a full-fledged “Vana-Vaasa” as a Brahmacharya. As Sage Naarada explains thus, the Paandava brothers accept it, and with this, the current Parva gets over. We’re now going to enter into the next “Parva” called “Arjuna-Vana-Vaasa-Parva”, wherein whatever Sage Naarada said, happened! Arjuna once came in the middle of Yudishtra and Draupati and hence, he had to go on a “Vana-Vaasa” for a year. However, when Arjuna went on the Vana-Vasa, even though the stipulated time was twelve months, he did not return back for the next twelve years! He was roaming around for the next twelve years here and there and in fact, Arjuna was a Brahmachari only for a year. However, within the next eleven years, Arjuna got married thrice and he was literally “enjoying” his life! Sage Vyaasa explains all this in detail in the subsequent Parvas. 

The event starts like this – One fine day, a Brahmana Rishi was crying aloud that someone had abducted his cow, which was faithfully giving milk to his family. As Arjuna was passing by that place, he heard the cries of this Brahmana Rishi and Arjuna’s heart melted. He wanted to somehow relieve the Brahmana Rishi of his problem, however, he did not have his weapons in his hand at that moment. All the weapons were in the room where Yudishtra and Draupati were living together! As Arjuna went for it, he suddenly remembered Sage Naarada’s advice that he shouldn’t be going in the middle when another person was living with Draupati. However, if he has to save the cow and the Brahmana Rishi, he has to take his bow and arrow from where Yudishtra was. Now this was a huge dilemma for Arjuna! What could he do? Arjuna sank into confusion for a moment, thinking which way to take – Either to go ahead and save the Brahmana Rishi, or to go into Vana-Vaasa because of barging into Yudishtra’s life! 

Thinking for a while thus, Arjuna came to a decision. The decision was quite straightforward – Preventing the killing of a cow in the kingdom was of paramount importance, rather than him going on a “Vana-Vaasa”. If Arjuna has to go on the “Vana-Vaasa”, it is only for one year and after that he can always come back and live with Draupati. However, if he did not stop the killing of the cow, it would bring a bad reputation on the whole clan of the Paandavas that they did not stop an “Adharma” taking place right in front of their eyes. Moreover, it would be on record that Arjuna acted on his “personal interests” rather than acting for the people and the kingdom’s interests. Hence, Arjuna decided to take the extreme step of barging into the chamber where Yudishtra and Draupati were living. He tied a cloth around his eyes, entered into the chamber, took his bow and arrow, went ahead and protected the cow from being killed! In fact, as Arjuna did this, Yudishtra never took Arjuna in the wrong sense, because he also knew that Arjuna was compelled to enter inside. Moreover, since Arjuna had tied his eyes with a cloth, Yudishtra never even thought that Arjuna should go on a Vana-Vaasa. 

However, Arjuna’s conscience pricked him when he came back. He straightaway went to Yudishtra and explained his stance thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I’m extremely sorry that I had to barge inside when you were living with Draupati. As per Sage Naarada’s instructions, I’ve to go on a one-year Vana-Vaasa! Please give me permission for the same!” As Arjuna said thus, Yudishtra was in tears! He did not want to let go of his dear brother to the forest for one full year. Yudishtra replied thus, “Oh Arjuna! You did not come inside wantedly to disturb us, isn’t it? You had come for a purpose and the purpose was extremely important! This is a special case, wherein you needn’t take up the Vana-Vaasa. Sage Naarada’s advice was that, if someone unnecessarily barges inside, he should enter into the Vana-Vaasa. You did not wantedly barge in. It was a circumstance that made you come inside. Hence, I do not approve of this as a mistake! You needn’t go anywhere!” 

Even as Yudishtra explains his stance clearly, Arjuna wasn’t convinced! He replied to Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Please let us not flex the “Dharma” to our whims and fancies. Let us take “Dharma” as it is. If we start flexing the “Dharma” today for just one person, everyone will start flexing “Dharma” to their own convenience and it would become a chaos! I shall take up the Vana-Vaasa for what I’ve done. Please do not stop me!” Saying thus, Arjuna walked away with shame written all over his face. He undertook the Vana-Vaasa immediately after that! So for today, let us understand until this point, and we shall wait till the next episode to continue further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna leaving for Dwaraka after spending almost close to six to seven months continuously with the Paandava brothers. Bhagawan Krishna, along with Balarama made sure that the Paandavas got married to Draupati and had settled down well in the new kingdom called “Indraprastha”. In fact, as we’ve witnessed earlier, the Paandavas were given a barren area of land called “Kaandava Prastham”, which was later transformed into a sprawling and a beautiful city by Vishwakarma on the behest of Indra and Bhagawan Krishna. Thus, as Bhagawan Krishna leaves for Dwaraka, he assures the Paandava brothers and Draupati that He was just a thought away from all of them and whenever they needed His divine intervention, He was always available for them at any point of time. Subsequently as Bhagawan Krishna leaves, Sage Naarada makes his way into Indraprastha to meet Yudishtra and Co. Sage Naarada had come there to render some important advice to the Paandava brothers pertaining mainly to their future married life with Draupati, as five people have married her. He quotes the story of Sundha and Upasundha and how both of them killed each other in a feud involving their wife, Tilothama. 

As Yudishtra asked Sage Naarada to detail this story, Sage Naarada explains it in brief: Sundha and Upasundha were two great people who were “Tapasvis” (Deeply involved in penance). Both of them performed intense Tapas towards Bhagawan Brahma and Bhagawan Shiva. Impressed by their immense Tapas, Bhagawan Shiva appeared in front of them and requested them to ask Him for a boon. Upon this offer, both of them requested Bhagawan Shiva for the greatest boon of “immortality”, which means, there shouldn’t be any death for both of them! However, Bhagawan Shiva wasn’t very convinced with this. He replied back to both of them that He can grant any other boon to them other than immortality, because, if such a thing is granted to two of them, it might become a precedent in the world and everyone will start asking for the same. Hearing thus from Bhagawan Shiva, Sundha and Upasundha modified their boon slightly thus, “Oh Bhagawan Shiva! If that is the case, we should not encounter death in any other form, except both of us killing each other!” 

Sundha and Upasundha were thinking that they were smart enough because both of them were so united that they never fought with each other even for small things. If such is the case, where is the question of killing each other? Hence, both of them thought that this was one way to counter Bhagawan Shiva and outsmart Him by indirectly getting the boon of “immortality”. Laughing out at their ignorance, Bhagawan Shiva too granted the boon, and along with that, He created a beautiful woman by name Tilothama. Both of them desired to marry this beautiful woman and they got married to her as well. However, during the course of their married life with Tilothama, both Sundha and Upasundha developed a feud between them as to who should spend more time with her. This feud slowly brewed up into a huge fight between the two, and subsequently, both of them were up in arms against each other! At the end of the fight, both killed each other and Bhagawan Shiva’s words came true! 

Thus, Sage Naarada quotes this story to Yudishtra and Co., to explain that since five of them have married one woman, the problem that happened between Sundha and Upasundha shouldn’t happen here as well. Thus, Sage Naarada suggests a way in which such a fight wouldn’t occur between the five brothers. Sage Naarada says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Now let me create a rule here – For the first year, Draupati would be living together with Yudishtra. For the second year, Draupati would live together with Bheemasena. Subsequently for the third year, Arjuna would live with her. Thus, for one full year, Draupati would be living together with each of the five brothers, and the cycle would repeat after the fifth year is over. However, if one interferes between Draupati “out of his turn” when she is living with the other, he would lose his opportunity to live with her when his turn comes. Also, for the next twelve months, the one who interferes would have to undertake “Brahmacharya Vratha” (Life as an unmarried person)! This is the rule that I’m creating for all of you, so as to ensure that you would have a peaceful and a happy married life with Draupati!” 

As Sage Naarada outlines the rule thus, Yudishtra accepted it readily. With this, the current Parva gets over, and we now move into the next “Parva” called “Arjuna-Vana-Vaasa Parva”. This is an interesting Parva as Sage Naarada’s rule was broken by Arjuna for some reason! We shall discuss this reason and witness what Arjuna did during this Vana-Vaasa time period in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the Kaandava-Prastham which was a barren land while being handed over to Yudishtra, becoming a unique city with all the luxurious palaces and a vibrant place within no time – Thanks to Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Anugraha”! Within the wink of an eye, Bhagawan Krishna and Indra depute Vishwakarma to build a beautiful city right from the scratch, and within just four months, the entire structure got ready! Thus, the baaren Kaandava-Prastham got transformed into Indra-Prastham, wherein if Yudishtra sat in the mighty throne, people had a doubt whether it is really Yudishtra or Indra sitting there! The Indraprastha city was built on similar lines of the “Deva-Lokha” and had all the facilities equipped. Thus, Indraprastha was in fact, a step wealthier than Hastinapura itself! 

As the construction activities get over, it was Bhagawan Krishna to leave back to Dwaraka. As Bhagawan Krishna decided to leave, the Paandava brothers and all the others who were present at Indraprastha were extremely sad. Till that time, for so many months together, Bhagawan Krishna was there with all of them in all whatever they did. It should be noted that right from the Svayamvara event at King Drupada’s place, Bhagawan Krishna was present with the Paandavas in all their endeavors – right from their marriage talks, to their marriage event at the Drupada Desha, then at Hastinapura wherein the debate of splitting the kingdom was happening and subsequently at Indraprastha wherein the city took shape. Now as Bhagawan Krishna decided to leave, He assures the Paandava brothers thus, “Oh Yudishtra and Co.! Please do not get dejected that I’m not there with you. I’ve got other commitments at Dwaraka wherein I’ve to also take care of my aged parents. Hence, I shall finish that and come. However, whenever you need my help at any point in time, I shall always be at your disposal! The moment you think about me, I shall make my presence felt amidst all of you!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Yudishtra and Arjuna weren’t really convinced. They were reluctant to let Bhagawan Krishna leave Indraprastha. 

Subsequently, Bhagawan Krishna went to Kunthi Devi and bids goodbye to her. He then goes to Draupati and assures her thus, “Oh Draupati! Please do not worry! Whenever you think of me, I shall be with you to protect you at all times! Please be rest-assured!” Saying thus to Draupati, Bhagawan Krishna met Sage Dhoumya. He expressed His gratitude to Sage Dhoumya thus, “Oh great Brahmana Rishi! It is only because of your timely guidance did these Paandava children get married to Drupada’s daughter! If you weren’t there in the picture, things would have been a lot different today! Hence, on behalf of my Paandava brothers, I express my heartfelt gratitude to you for the noble service you’ve done to our family!” Thus, with the divine “Anugraha” of Sage Dhoumya, and with the permission from all the Paandava Brothers, Draupati and Kunthi Devi, Bhagawan Krishna leaves for Dwaraka. This happened on one side at Indraprastha. 

Now moving on to the next event that took place – Immediately after Bhagawan Krishna left for Dwaraka, Sage Naarada came down to visit the Paandavas and to congratulate them on their marriage. In fact, Bhagawan Krishna had already mentioned to Yudishtra that Sage Naarada would come down to meet him and he would give some important pieces of advice. Bhagawan Krishna had instructed Yudishtra and Co. to follow all the advice that Sage Naarada is going to give them. As per Bhagawan’s words, Sage Naarada came down to Indraprastha to meet the Paandava brothers. Yudishtra received the great sage with all the required respects. As Sage Naarada blessed all of them with His divine “Anugraha”, he says to Yudishtra and Co. thus, “Oh Paandava brothers! First of all, congratulations on your marriage with Draupati and also for becoming the king of this beautiful city of Indraprastha! I’ve got something important to tell all of you – With regards to your marriage and your subsequent married life with Draupati. Please remember – All the five of you have married one woman. Because of this, there might be certain dangers that might daunt you in the future. Because of this, you might even get into a fight with each other. This happened to the two brothers of Sundha and Upasundha wherein they both killed each other as they were married to one woman by name Tilotthama! Such a thing should not happen to any of you!” 

As Sage Naarada explained thus, Yudishtra asked him back, “Oh Sage Naarada! You’re talking about someone called Sundha and Upasundha! I do not know of anybody like this. Who are they? Can you explain about them in detail?” As Yudishtra asks thus, Sage Naarada is going to explain a brief accord on who these two people are and why they married Tilothama. We shall witness this important event in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed King Dhirdiraashtra reluctantly announcing the kingdom split in front of everyone. The plan was made to call the Paandavas to Hastinapura and to hand over the “Kaandava-Prastham” portion of the kingdom for Yudishtra to rule. This “Kaandava Prastham” is just a barren piece of land without any human settlement or vegetation. King Dhirdiraashtra was “smart” enough to give such a piece of the kingdom, just to put a “tick mark” that he had obeyed the words of Bhishmaachaarya and Vidura. As Yudishtra was being handed over the Kaandava-Prastham, Drshtadhyumna opposed it vehemently saying that they were being cheated by King Dhirdiraashtra. However, Yudishtra remained silent and he was just watching the proceedings of the conversation between Vidura and Drshtadhyumna. Vidura clearly told Drshtadhyumna that the piece of land that a ruler is ruling isn’t important, but the ruler himself! If the ruler is an epitome of “Dharma”, even a barren piece of land can be transformed into a land of Dharma! Yudishtra too stood by Vidura’s words, and did not want to make a fuss out of this. He also knew that he was being cheated by King Dhirdiraashtra on the behest of his son Duryodhana. But still, he remained silent as war at that time was not an option. 

Moreover, Vidura explains one important point here. He says thus, “Oh Drshtadhyumna! Please understand one thing here – I can tell all these points pertaining to “Dharma” only to those who would listen to it with their ears open and who would take it in the right sense. I can tell all this only to Yudishtra, who knows what is “Dharma”. Yudishtra also knows that whatever I would tell would pertain to “Dharma” only, and this is the reason behind his silence. You might ask me this – Why is Vidura always telling the Paandava brothers to adjust and go? Why is Vidura not telling the same thing to Duryodhana and Co.? The answer is very simple – I can tell all this only to those people who would listen to my words. Yudishtra listens to me and hence I advise him based on “Dharma”. Duryodhana wouldn’t even care for my words, and hence, I cannot tell him such things. Even then, I do tell him things that he would understand, but still, most of my words go in vain. There will never be a day wherein “Dharma” would face downfall. Yudishtra would definitely see light at the end of the tunnel. Unless and until Bhagawan Krishna is siding by him, what is the problem? He would take care of everything. Just because Yudishtra doesn’t have a proper kingdom today, nothing is lost! If Bhagawan Krishna tomorrow walks off from the Paandavas, that is the greatest loss ever! Oh Drshtadhyumna! Duryodhana today boasts of having such a huge kingdom under him, but if Bhagawan Krishna doesn’t have a place there, what is the use of having such a huge kingdom? He thinks he’s smart by cheating the Paandava brothers today, but this is a short-lived enjoyment that he’s having!” 

As Vidura explains convincingly thus, Drshtadhyumna was satisfied. Yudishtra too accepted whatever was given to him. With this, Yudishtra and Co. leave Hastinapura and straightaway go back to the Drupada Desha. As Yudishtra and Co. were about to leave Drupada Desha, King Drupada showered them with gifts and other items and sent his daughter Draupati along with them with immense happiness. With this, the Paandavas decided to leave for the Kaandava-Prastham and asked Bhagawan Krishna for His approval for the same. As Arjuna asked Bhagawan Krishna, He immediately accepted the proposal of moving to the Kaandava-Prastham. Thus, all of them started with a big caravan surrounding them. It was the first time that the Paandavas were leaving Drupada Desha after the Svayamvara event and marriage. With the guidance and permission of Bhagawan Krishna, the Paandavas now proceed to the Kaandava-Prastham and the next step is Yudishtra’s coronation as the king of the Kaandava-Prastham. 

As the Paandavas reached the Kaandava-Prastham, there was nothing at all in that place! It was an empty barren land as Vidura and Drushtadhyumna had mentioned earlier. However, Bhagawan Krishna had His divine role to play here – Upon seeing that this is a mere barren land, Bhagawan Krishna immediately thinks of Indra in His mind! With this, Indra appeared in front of Bhagawan Krishna in no time! With the wink of an eye, Indra understood the message and immediately sent Vishwakarma to the Kaandava-Prastham. As we might be knowing, Vishwakarma was the “builder” of all the palaces, etc. for the Devas. It is this same Vishwakarma who was pressed into the job of transforming this barren land into a beautiful and a sprawling kingdom! Within the wink of an eye, with the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Krishna, the barren land was transformed into a beautiful kingdom with all the palaces and luxury homes! Bhagawan Krishna instructed Vishwakarma to build it in such a way that if Yudishtra sits in the middle of the palace, people should have a doubt whether it is Indra or Yudishtra who was sitting there! Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna’s role doesn’t end there. He made sure that He was staying put with the Paandavas to supervise the construction activities for the next four months or so! The construction was happening at a lightning quick pace under the close supervision of Bhagawan Krishna Himself. 

Thus, with all these vibrant happenings, the barren Kaandava Prastham got transformed into one of the best cities in the kingdom, and it came to be known as “Indraprastha”! This “Indraprastha” is nothing but today’s New Delhi, which is the present capital city of our Bhaarata Desha! Readers should understand here that the exact location of erstwhile Indraprastha is still unknown, but many ancient Sanaatana Dharma and Buddhist literature suggests that Indraprastha forms a part of today’s Delhi NCR region. The Hastinapura city could somewhere possibly be located around today’s Meerut, which is around 200 kilometers north-east of Delhi. So for today, let us understand up to this point and let us continue this discussion further in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important move of King Dhirdiraashtra, wherein he reluctantly decided to split the kingdom into two – One for his sons and the other for the Paandavas. As Bhishmaachaarya, Guru Dhronaachaarya and finally Vidura advise King Dhirdiraashtra to go for the split, there is no option but to go for it. Thus, King Dhirdiraashtra, after a bit of deliberation, decides that the portion called “Kaandava-Prastham” is to be given to the Paandavas and Yudishtra would be the ruler of that segment of the kingdom. Many of us might be wondering what is this “Kaandava-Prastham” all about. This is an interesting split here, as King Dhirdiraashtra played a “smart game” here – The “Kaandava-Prastham” is nothing but a barren land, full of bushes and nothing can be productively obtained out of it. There is very little or no human settlement in the “Kaandava-Prastham” and it is this portion of the kingdom, King Dhiridiraashtra wants to give to the Paandavas! This is how cunning King Dhirdiraashtra was! Anyways, the kingdom had to be split. Anyways, the words of all the seniors and Vidura had to be obeyed. Anyways, Yudishtra had to continue to be the king. Hence, King Dhirdiraashtra took a smart move to keep the most productive portion of the kingdom for his sons, and threw up the most unproductive segment of the kingdom to the Paandavas. 

Moreover, King Dhirdiraashtra explains the “significance” of the Kaandava-Prastham as he splits it to the Paandavas. He explains how “beautiful” the Kaandava Prastham is. It was like saying how beautiful a 100-year-old clock is, but the only thing is that it doesn’t show the time! 🙂 King Dhirdiraashtra now calls upon Yudishtra and Co. and explains thus, “Oh Yudishtra! As per the arrangement made by all of us, including Bhishmaachaarya, Guru Dhronaachaarya and Vidura, I’m hereby splitting the kingdom and giving off the Kaandava-Prastham area to you! This is the very place where all our ancestors like Puru, etc. were living a peaceful life! This is a very sacred place and I’m handing this place over to you!” Bhagawan Krishna was listening to all of this from the sidelines. He had accompanied the Paandavas to the Hastinapura kingdom to oversee what was happening. As King Dhirdiraashtra explains thus, Bhagawan Krishna laughed out a bit and quickly asked him back thus, “Oh King Dhirdiraashtra! If the Kaandava-Prastham is so significant and sacred, why aren’t you living there? Why is that you want only the Paandavas to go and live there?” Bhagawan Krishna purposefully asked this question because He knew that King Dhirdiraashtra was trying to play a “biased” game here. He knew that King Dhirdiraashtra was crookedly planning to retain the important city segment of the kingdom with himself and give away the useless barren land segment to the Paandavas. 

As this conversation is happening, Vidura enters the courtroom. As he enters, he was surprised to see Bhagawan Krishna sitting amidst the gathering. As Vidura saw Bhagawan, he straightaway goes to Him, falls on His divine lotus feet and pays his respect! Bhagawan Krishna was mighty pleased with Vidura’s respectful gesture and makes him sit by his side. The conversation continues as Vidura explains things here – “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! It is King Dhirdiraashtra’s instruction that this Kaandava-Prastham is to be handed over to the Paandavas. I’ve tried educating him as much as possible, but this was the final outcome that I could manage from him!” As Vidura explained thus, Drshtadhyumna fumed from the other end thus, “Oh respected Vidura! It is a well-known fact that the Kaandava Prastham is a mere forest area which is totally unproductive! How fair is it to give this segment to Yudishtra and claim that he has done something great? This is an act of cheating Yudishtra! What wrong did he do to all of you? Why are you playing this partial game with him?” 

As Drshtadhyumna fumed thus, Vidura immediately spoke to him and pacified him. Vidura explained thus, “Oh Drshtadhyumna! Why are you fuming? This is well-known to Yudishtra too, but he himself is not fuming, isn’t it? Look at him! How calm and composed he is sitting there without raising a single objection! If the ruler himself doesn’t have a problem, why are you bothered?” As Vidura explains calmly thus, Drshtadhyumna was puzzled! He did not understand why Yudishtra, even though he was being cheated, was keeping mum to what was happening. However, Drshtadhyumna replied back to Vidura thus, “Oh respected Vidura! Till today I was thinking that you were the most neutral person in this entire Hastinapura kingdom. But today, you’ve also proved to us that you’re falling back on to the side of King Dhirdiraashtra and Duryodhana! Just because Yudishtra is silent, does it mean that you can put whatever on his head and get away?” 

As the argument is firing up from both sides, Vidura is calmly replying back thus, “Oh Drshtadhyumna! Till today, nobody has told me that I’m a biased person, except for you, who had made such a sweeping statement now! I’m actually not biased in any way! I always stand by “Dharma”! Do you know why Yudishtra is keeping silent? He knows the “Dharma” that it is not about the place that a ruler rules. It is about who is ruling the place! The person who is ruling is important and not the place! Even though the Kaandava-Prastham is a barren land, the ruler who is going to rule that place is an epitome of “Dharma”! If “Dharma-Devata” is on your side, any barren land can be transformed within no time. Please understand this secret! You are too young to understand such things. Hence, Oh Drshtadhyumna! Please be patient! Things will fall into place!” 

Saying thus, Vidura pacified Drshtadhyumna and for today, let us understand this important point that Vidura has stressed! We shall wait till the next episode to continue this important discussion further and to witness the official handover of the Kaandava-Prastham to the Paandavas! Stay tuned! 🙂 

We’re at an important juncture wherein, Bhishmaachaarya had proposed an unprecedented idea of splitting the Hastinapura kingdom into two parts – One for the Paandavas and the other for the Kauravas. As King Dhirdiraashtra had already crowned Yudishtra as the “Yuvaraja” of the kingdom, it was inevitable that the kingdom could not be snatched away from him just like that. However, on the other hand, since Duryodhana also has a right to stake a claim in the kingdom, it was imperative that Bhishmaachaaya thought in these lines. This idea was widely welcomed by the others in the courtroom as well, including Guru Dhronaachaarya and the scholar Vidura. We’ve witnessed in the previous episode, Vidura’s accord on the whole dilemma. He explains clearly to King Dhirdiraashtra that he has to obey the words of his elders and not make a big fuss out of what Duryodhana creates. Vidura was also of the opinion that the kingdom has to be split and given to both the camps, so that the rivalry is somewhat doused down. 

Moreover, Vidura clearly explains what would the kingdom lose, if Yudishtra is not given the kingdom in hand to rule. Vidura explains thus, “Oh King! Please realize that if Yudishtra is not succeeding you as the king, this country would lose a great leader who is an embodiment of “Dharma”, compassion, bravery, valor and sacrifice. All the people in the kingdom want Yudishtra to be your next successor. Moreover, think about this – Yudishtra and the Paandavas are adorned by the great Balarama and Bhagawan Vaasudeva Krishna! Do you really think that your son Duryodhana is ever going to live a life by opposing them? It is never going to happen. Of course, Yudishtra wpouldn’t do anything to your sons. But the entire accounts of “Adharma” that Duryodhana is performing is maintained by that one person by name Bhagawan Krishna! Duryodhana can easily escape the wrath of Yudishtra, but would never be able to escape the eyes of Bhagawan Krishna! Please understand this!” 

As Vidura explains thus to King Dhirdiraashtra, he now has a word or two for Bhishmaachaarya too. Vidura tells Bhishmaachaarya thus, “Oh Devavrata! All what you’ve said pertains completely to “Dharma”! I do not have a second opinion on that. However, my mind refuses to accept one fact – You never spoke of Bhagawan Krishna being on the side of the Paandavas even once! Bhagawan Krishna is the embodiment of all the aspects of “Dharma”! If He is siding with the Paandavas, we can blindly understand that the “Dharma-Devata” would always be on the side of Yudishtra and Co. only and not on the side of Duryodhana! Can anybody defeat “Dharma-Devata” ever? You never mentioned this important point when you were talking! This is something that I expected you to talk, given your stature as one of the most senior pros in the kingdom!” 

Moreover, Vidura now turns towards Duryodhana and talks. We can see how Vidura systematically addresses everyone after being an ardent and a mute listener all this while. This is how a person should speak in a professional administrative setup. Vidura is a perfect example for all of us to follow. Vidura explains to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Please think about this point – Till yesterday, the Paandavas were all alone and were fending for themselves. Now that they’ve got an able father-in-law called King Drupada! All of us know what is the power that King Drupada possesses. Are you really thinking that you’re going to win over King Drupada and Co. easily?” As Duryodhana listens to these words from Vidura, he cuts Vidura’s conversation in the middle and fumes again thus, “Oh uncle! You’re always siding by the Paandavas. The way you’re talking clearly shows how you’re influenced by those stupid Paandava brothers! Who on earth is King Drupada? I shall take him down within minutes! King Drupada is never a threat for me!” As Duryodhana fumes thus, Vidura laughs at him and says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! All of us witnessed just now how you got yourself bruised completely by fighting King Drupada’s army! In fact, King Drupada did not even appear in front of you to fight. You did not even see him in the battlefield. Yet, you weren’t even able to take down his army! Oh Duryodhana! Talking is very easy! Execution is difficult! Please do not fume like this in public – It is only going to dent your image further in the minds of all the people around you. Please think practically as to what is feasible for you to live in peace. Please do not pick up fights with the Paandava brothers unnecessarily. Please stop plotting against them. Let them live in peace. This will also enable you to live in peace. I’m concerned about your peace of mind and your welfare more than anyone else. Hence, please pay heed to whatever I say!” 

As Vidura concludes his accord thus, King Dhirdiraashtra unwantedly and unwillingly accepts to split the kingdom into two halves. The decision was made and Vidura was sent to bring the Paandavas back to Hastinapura. King Dhirdiraashtra decided to give a portion of the kingdom by name “Kaandava Prastham” to the Paandavas. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and let us wait till the next episode to witness how this “Kaandava-Prastham” was and what was so significant about this place! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we were at an important juncture wherein Bhishmaachaarya came up with an unprecedented proposal of splitting the Hastinapura Kingdom into two halves – One half for the Paandavas and the other half for the Kauravas. Ideally, the entire Hastinapura kingdom should go into the hands of Yudishtra and the Paandavas only, because, King Dhidiraashtra had already crowned Yudishtra as the “Yuvaraja” (Official Successor) of the kingdom. However, since Duryodhana vehemently objected to it and was also going to the extent of sabotaging against Yudishtra and Co., Bhishmaachaarya came up with this idea to douse the tensions that were simmering between both the camps. If the kingdom is equally given to both the camps, perhaps the fight between both of them might come down and peace would reign in! Guru Dhronaachaarya also straightaway accepted this proposal and tried to convince King Dhirdiraashtra to accept it as well. However, Karna, who was already waiting for an opportunity to pull Guru Dhronaachaarya’s leg in public, made some sarcastic remarks at him! This infuriated Guru Dhronaachaarya and with this, a huge war of words broke out between the two of them! 

Going on thus, Guru Dhronaachaarya warns Karna by highlighting his unholy friendship with Duryodhana. Guru Dhronaachaarya says thus, “Oh Karna! You’re doing all this only on the behest of Duryodhana, isn’t it? Now let me tell you! The nexus that both of you have is completely unholy and is agenda-driven. It is only because of both of you, Hastinapura kingdom is facing enormous problems today. I’m warning both of you – Mend your ways and support the “Dharma” of the kingdom, rather than pushing through for your own agenda! Now that all of us have spoken our thoughts out, let Vidura give his opinion. He hasn’t spoken anything till now, and all of us know that Vidura is an embodiment of “Dharma”. He can guide all of us whether we’re walking the correct path or not. Now I request Vidura to stand up and talk!” 

Till that point, Vidura was completely silent because nobody asked him anything. He was silently watching and observing the conversations that were going on, along with the heated debate that happened between Karna and Guru Dhronaachaarya. Now Vidura gets up to talk. He folds his hands, pays his respect to the gathering and begins to talk thus, “Respected King Dhirdiraashtra! I was listening to what Bhishmaachaarya was saying. He has an extremely valid point in his argument. All of us know the amount of experience Bhishmaachaarya has in terms of administration. If he is saying something, it is our duty that we respect his words. Subsequently, Guru Dhronaachaarya also had opined the same thing as well. All of us know what Guru Dhronaachaarya brings to the table – His rich experience in terms of administration, expertise in warfare techniques, and moreover, he is our Guru! We should respect his words. Hence, King Dhirdiraashtra – More than the content that these two people have said, please understand that it is the bound duty of all of us to obey the words of our elders and seniors. Even if whatever they say might sound a bit odd, just go ahead and practice what they say. It would definitely take you in the right direction!”

This is an important advice not only for King Dhirdiraashtra, but also for each and everyone of us here. Sometimes, we might wonder whether our elders really make sense in what they say. We might even think that we’ve got more educational qualifications than our parents or grandparents, and we might also have a feeling that they are outdated to what is happening today! But we should always remember that they talk out of their experience, and not something in the air. Real-life experience is something which no academic education can give so easily! It comes with years and years of toiling hard on the ground, facing enormous challenges and moving ahead with time. Experience can never be futile, isn’t it? This is the reason why even in big organizations, people in the top management positions would all be those with truckloads of experience in their respective professions. It is the experience that would make them take informed decisions, more than the mere academic qualifications that they might have. 

This is exactly what Vidura is trying to advise King Dhirdiraashtra and Duryodhana here. Vidura is trying to acknowledge the rich experience that Bhishmaachaarya and Guru Dhronaachaarya bring to the table, and is trying to educate King Dhirdiraashtra that he has to take their words, irrespective of whether he likes it or not. Moreover, Vidura is also going to explain subsequently as to what are all the things that the kingdom is going loose, if King Dhirdiraashtra fails to make Yudishtra the king. We shall continue Vidura’s important accord in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂