The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra planning to disguise himself as Kanka, who is none other than the “best friend of Yudishtra’s Atman”! This is a very tricky way of introducing oneself and it might seem to be a lie outwardly, but if we deeply look into it, we shall be able to identify how truthful Yudishtra is, even at a time of great danger! Such is the path of “Dharma” that Yudishtra follows, and this is why Yudishtra is revered and respected a lot as “Dharma-Putra”. Thus, we’ve seen Yudishtra spelling out his plan of action for the next one year – He strategizes to lead a disguised life along with the king of Viraata Desha as a spectator of the gambling game that takes place there. Thus, Yudishtra decides to go as “Kanka”, who is the best friend of Yudishtra’s “Atman”! 

Now we shall look into how Bheemasena plans to disguise himself for the next one year. Bheemasena explains thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You keep going behind “Dharma” everytime. For you it might work, but for me, I have other plans! 🙂 I cannot go behind “Dharma” every second like how you do! For a long time now I’m not getting enough food to satisfy my appetite! I shall do one thing – I shall go to some place where I would get abundant food to eat! Or, maybe I can settle down in some place wherein I can cook and exhibit my cooking skills! 🙂 Hence, I shall go as a cook and work under someone. In this way, I can show my cooking talent, as well as eat some nice food! 🙂 I’m going to keep my name as “Vallabha”. If someone asks who my father is, I shall say his name as “Pourogava”!” We should understand here that “Puroga” is another name of Vaayu Bhagawan. All of us know that Bheemasena is the son of “Vaayu Bhagawan” and hence, this name is quite apt. The name “Vallabha” or “Vallabh” has two meanings in Sanskrit – One is “extremely talented to perform anything in this world”, and the other is “a good cook who can make delicious dishes”. As Bheemasena comes up with such a proposal, all of them including Yudishtra accept it gleefully. 

Now it is the turn of Arjuna. Arjuna is the one who had successfully destroyed the whole “Kaandava Vanam” with his “Gaandeepa” bow, which is one of its kind! Thus, Arjuna is extremely powerful in terms of handling the bow and arrow and if he goes and stands in front of someone, by looking at his broad shoulders, anybody would be able to easily identify him as none other than Arjuna! So how does Arjuna disguise himself now? We might remember that Arjuna had gone to the “Svarga Lokha” for a period of five years and while he was there, he got cursed by Urvashi, when he rejected her proposal to marry her. At that point in time, Urvashi had cursed him that he would be spending one year of his life amidst women. As Arjuna was shocked by this, Indra consoled him by saying that Urvashi had cursed him for the right reason. Her curse will come true during the “Agnyaata Vaasam” period. Thus, Arjuna explains that he would go to some place wherein he would spend his time amidst a group of women, as per Urvashi’s curse. On one hand, he would satisfy Urvashi’s curse and on the other, he would be able to successfully pass the “Agnyaata Vaasam”. As Arjuna proposes this idea, Yudishtra and the others accept it. 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue with what is the story behind Nakula and Sahadeva! Stay tuned for more updates! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the Paandava brothers choosing the Viraata Nagara for their “Agnyaata-Vaasam” amongst so many different places that they had considered. I had tried listing out their choices on the table and these places span across the length and breadth of our “Bhaarata Desha”, right from north to south to east to west. Finally after a lot of deliberations, Yudishtra narrowed down upon the “Viraata Nagara” and it was decided that they would proceed there as quickly as possible, without being noticed by anyone, especially Duryodhana and Co. On one hand, Duryodhana is waiting for some sort of “Adharma” to creep into Yudishtra, with which, he is trying to make an opportunity out of it to defeat him. On the other hand, Yudishtra is trying to make sure that he doesn’t slip off from the path of “Dharma” by uttering any unwanted lies to anybody. This is going to be a marquee “cold war” between the two camps now and with this note, we commence our discussion on the “Viraata Parva” of the Mahabharata text. 

Thus, as the Paandavas proceed further, Yudishtra makes it clear to all of them: “Oh brothers! Oh Draupati! We should make sure that we never slip off the path of “Dharma”. We should never lie to anyone, but at the same time, we should never disclose our identity. This is of course, quite tricky, but we need to be extremely careful. As per Yama-Dharma-Raja’s words, we should be extremely careful in this matter, and of course his divine “Anugraha” will protect all of us. Thus, I shall rename myself as “Kanka” and I shall be in a disguised form of a Brahmana Rishi!” We might wonder from where this name called “Kanka” strike Yudishtra’s mind. “Kanka” is the other name of Yama-Dharma-Raja himself. Yudishtra is none other than the human embodiment of Yama-Dharma-Raja and hence, the name suits him very well! Hence, even if someone asks him his name, and even if he answers “Kanka”, it would still count as being truthful only! This is where we’ve to understand how to be “smartly true: even while being in a disguised form. 

Yudishtra continues further thus, “Oh Brothers! Oh Draupati! I shall go to the king of Viraata Desha, make friends with him and tell him that I’m well-versed in playing the gambling game! It is also the fact that I like to play the gambling game, and with this, I’m genuinely expressing my interest to him. With this, I shall spend my time with the king of Viraata Desha, by just being a mute spectator while he plays the gambling game with someone else. Of course, I shall not be rolling the dice, but I shall just enjoy watching him play!” As Yudishtra says thus, Bheemasena and Arjuna look at each other and laugh! They reply to Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Even now you do not want to leave your interest in gambling, do you? 🙂 Already we’ve been harassed so much only by that stupid gambling game! Now, again, do you want to get into it?” As both of them jokingly ask thus, Yudishtra clarifies once again that he doesn’t want to get into it, but would just watch others play. Yudishtra continues thus, “Oh brothers! Now of course I can introduce myself as Kanka and express my interest to the king. But what if the king asks my background and where I’m coming from? I have an answer for that – I shall tell him that I’m Yudishtra’s “Atma-Samarthaka” (Best friend of Yudishtra’s Atman)!” 

This is where we’ve to understand things very carefully – Now what does Yudishtra mean by saying “Atma-Samarthaka”? There is a logic here – Normally we assign a name for a “Deham” or an “Atman”? We assign a name for our “Deham” only, isn’t it? For instance, if I’ve to introduce myself as Jayaram, this name called Jayaram is for my physical body and not for my Atman. Can the Atman have any name at all? All the Atmans are the same isn’t it? Hence, we cannot differentiate. But the “Deham” is where the differentiation comes and hence, we assign different names for different “Dehams”. Hence, when Kanka (Yudishtra’s disguised name) says that he is the best friend of Yudishtra’s Atman, now which is the best friend of an Atman? It is the “Deham”, isn’t it? It is because, the Atman is housed inside the Deham and it goes wherever the Deham takes it. Hence, both are very good friends! Now this is the logic and we should understand how Yudishtra is extremely careful in being truthful even while being in a disguised form! By introducing in this way, Kanka explains that he is the best friend of Yudishtra’s “Atman”, which also means that he is none other than Yudishtra himself!

So for today, let us understand Yudishtra’s strategy and let us wait till the next episode to continue this interesting discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the “Viraata Parva” with an introduction to what is the main event that is going to take place here. We’re going to discuss at length, the “Agnyaata Vaasam” and how the Paandava brothers spent their last year in the forest in the disguised and unnoticeable form. We’ve commenced the “Viraata Parva” with King Janame-Jaya asking Sage Vaishampayana a series of questions about the Paandavas and how they spent their time during the “Agnyaata Vaasam”. We are now going to witness Sage Vaishampayana’s detailed answer as to what happened to the Paandavas during this crucial juncture. As mentioned many times earlier, this “Agnyaata Vaasam” period is going to be a “make-or-break” one for both Duryodhana as well as Yudishtra. On one hand, Yudishtra is trying to fulfill the “Agnyaata Vaasam” without any hiccups, whereas on the other hand, Duryodhana is going to try and spot the Paandava brothers, so as to extend their “Vana-Vaasam” by another thirteen years, as per the earlier rule. If Duryodhana is successful in doing so, he would be able to rule the undivided Hastinapura territory all by himself without any interruption from anyone. However, if Yudishtra is able to finish his “Agnyaata Vaasam” successfully, he can rightly claim his Indraprastha once again from Duryodhana’s clutches. Let us see who wins this epic “cold war”! 

Moving on thus, as the Paandavas discuss and deliberate upon various choices of places to spend their thirteenth year, Sage Vaishampayana explains the strategy clearly. Yudishtra says thus, “Oh brothers! Let us go to an uncharted territory and let us perform some jobs that all of us are individually expert in! Out of all the cities that we’ve analyzed, I feel that the “Viraata Nagara” is the safest and the best place for all of us to live in. The choice is picked up from a series of territories that are put up for analysis on the table – “Janapadham”, “Paanchaalam”, “Chedi Desham”, “Matsya Desham”, “Viraata Desham”, “Soorasenam”, “Patacharam”, “Dashaarnam”, “Nava-Raashtram”, “Malla Desham”, “Shaalva Desham”, “Yugandhara Desham”, “Kunthi Raashtram”, “Sauraashtram”, etc. Of course, these are old names of various areas of our great Bhaarata Desham put together. Whenever we get free time, we shall research upon each of the above-mentioned names and we would get the exact present locations in today’s India. This would be a very interesting task and an assignment for all of us to perform. Listing out all these places thus, Yudishtra asks his brothers – “Out of all these places, which is that one place wherein you would like to go and live for the next one year?” The unanimous decision here is that all of them would proceed towards the “Viraata Desha” and lead their lives there. Yudishtra too agrees upon the decision and now the contemplation is how do they lead their lives at the “Viraata Desha”. In other words, as each of them should be in disguised forms, what are the forms that each of them would take? 

Now here is the trick which all of us need to understand – Once the Paandavas change their forms, they cannot lie. If they lie, they would be committing an “Adharma” (Sin of uttering a lie) , and Duryodhana is waiting eagerly to catch the Paandavas in this wrong foot! Thus, Duryodhana is very keen on finding the whereabouts of the Paandavas somehow, even if they are in a disguised form. Duryodhana somehow wants to make Yudishtra utter a lie, which would hinder his progress towards the path of “Dharma” and this would ultimately pave the way for “Adharma” to creep in, which might determine Yudishtra’s downfall! This is Duryodhana’s plan! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this interesting discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the end of the “Aaranya Parva”, wherein we’ve witnessed the “Yaksha-Prashnam” in a bit of a detail. Here, Yudishtra had answered various questions pertaining to “Dharma” which were posed by Yaksha, who was none other than Yama-Dharma-Raja himself. We’ve also witnessed the “Phala-Stuthi” at the end of this Upa-Parva and with this we’ve called it close! Subsequently, we’re going to commence the next important Parva, called the “Viraata Parva”. This is going to be yet another lengthy one, followed by the “Udyoga Parva”, wherein the main content is the “Vidura-Neeti”, which we shall be witnessing as time progresses. Of course, we’ve done a separate project on the “Vidura-Neeti” earlier, but we shall recall those discussions here as part of the “Udyoga Parva” in brief. But before that, we’ve to see a few instances that take place as part of the “Viraata Parva”, which would lead us to the “Vidura-Neeti” later on. So from today, we shall commence the “Viraata Parva” and we shall discuss important events pertaining to it. 

Commencing the “Viraata Parva” thus, the Paandava brothers are about to proceed with their “Agnyaata Vaasam”. We’ve to understand and recall that the Paandavas have by now, completed twelve years in the forest and they’re entering into the thirteenth. This thirteenth year is the “Agnyaata Vaasam” wherein they should not be spotted by anyone from Hastinapura. They should live in a disguised form, unable to be noticed by anyone for a full one year period and if they complete this, they shall be able to return back to Indraprastha once again. Now, Yudishtra and Co. are contemplating on how to go about the “Agnyaata-Vaasam” with his brothers and Draupati. This is where, Arjuna expresses his opinion and lists out the names of a few important territories wherein they can go and live without being noticed by anyone. This “Viraata Parva” has five main “Upa-Parvas” namely, the “Paandava Pravesha Parva”, “Samaya-Paalana Parva”, “Keechaka Vadha Parva”, “Go-Harana Parva” and “Vaivaahika Parva”. We’ve witnessed around 21 “Upa-Parvas” as part of the “Vana Parva”, which is perhaps one of the most lengthiest ones in the entire Mahabharata text. We’re now going to witness these five “Upa-Parvas” as part of the “Viraata Parva” and subsequently we will witness 10 “Upa-Parvas” as part of the upcoming “Udyoga Parva” and after this, we’re going to enter into the Kurukshetra war zone straightaway! I’m sure, readers are eagerly awaiting this section as we’re going to witness a lot of intricate details. But before that, we shall cross over the “Viraata Parva” and “Udyoga Parva” as quickly as possible. Of course, there are a lot of “Upadeshams” (Spiritual advice) given by various Maharishis and Vidura himself, just like how we had aplenty during the “Vana Parva”. We shall witness these “Upadeshams” in a bit more of a detail and keep the storyline shorter, as many of us might be knowing the storyline already. 

Commencing the “Viraata Parva” thus, we’re slipping into the conversation between Sage Vaishampayana and King Janame-Jaya. We’ve earlier witnessed that the entire Mahabharata story is being narrated by Sage Vaishampayana to King Janame-Jaya as the “Sarpa Yaagam” has been stopped by the Maharishis. Readers should remember and recall this discussion that we’ve had, some 200 episodes ago! 🙂 Now, King Janame-Jaya is asking Sage Vaishampayana thus, “Oh great Sage! You’ve explained the twelve years of my grandfathers’ “Vana Vaasam” in detail. Now during the thirteenth year, where did they go for their “Agnyaata Vaasam”? Which city did they live in? Were they able to successfully finish their “Agnyaata Vaasam” without any major hiccups? What are the various incidents that happened during this important phase? Did they live with their original forms or did they live in disguise?” 

All these questions are being raised by King Janame-Jaya to Sage Vaishampayana. With this, Sage Vaishampayana is going to give important replies, which forms the “Viraata Parva”. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness the commencement of Sage Vaishampayana’s important answers! Stay tuned for an important and an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Yama-Dharma-Raja granting various boons to Yudishtra. In these lines, Yudishtra’s first boon was the Brahmana Rishi to somehow regain his lost wooden piece, so that he would be able to continue his “Agnihotra Karma” without any hiccups. Secondly, Yudishtra asks for protection during his Agnyaata-Vaasam time where he and his brothers have to live in a disguised manner for a period of one year. Thirdly, Yudishtra prays to Yama-Dharma-Raja that at all times, his mind should never deviate even an inch from the path of “Dharma”, no matter whatever obstacles he would be facing in future. This is the most important boon that Yudishtra is requesting from Yama-Dharma-Raja. Normally, if we’re being granted boons, we would always be tempted to ask for luxuries, comforts, success, etc., don’t we? We’ve seen a trail of such things in the past wherein several Raakshasas have been granted all these by Bhagawan Brahma and the others. However, Yudishtra has other plans. He is not really into success through boons. If success comes by following the path of “Dharma”, he would gleefully accept. However, if the success comes through a shortcut by dumping others through “Adharma”, Yudishtra would be the last person to accept it. This is how Yudishtra proves once again to be an epitome of “Dharma” and with this, Yama-Dharma-Raja is mighty impressed and pleased with his approach. Yama-Dharma-Raja immediately grants all these boons to Yudishtra and leaves from there. 

Moving on thus, as we come to the end of this important Parva, we are now going to have a quick glance at the “Phala-Stuthi” that Sage Vyaasa is listing out. If one reads this “Aaraneya Parva” and the “Yaksha-Prashnam” with a lot of devotion, he / she will be able to lead a happy and a satisfied life for over a hundred years! Those of them who listen to this “Yaksha-Prashnam” section in this Parva will be able to overcome to fear of death. Such people will be blessed with a lot of children in their families. These people will have the opportunity to become fathers / mothers / grandparents during their lifetimes and all their children will be inclined towards the “Bhakti-Maarga”. Those of us who read this “Yaksha-Prashnam” will always have our minds deep-rooted in “Dharma” (“Sukrit-Bhaavam”). Even if there is any sort of temptation to slip from the path of “Dharma”, our minds will be steadfast and will never fall into that trap! Those of us who read this section will never have the intention to cheat anybody at any stage of life. Those of us who dedicatedly go through this Parva will never cultivate the desire to abduct others’ property at any cost. In fact, these people will be completely devoid of desire towards accumulating money or any form of property in their lives. They will also never look wrongly at other people’s wives. They will have a happy and a well-settled married life with all the necessary resources and support systems. When it comes to “Dhaanam”, these people who read the “Yaksha-Prashnam” will always be epitomes of it! They will never have the scarcity of resources, which might hinder their divine practice of “Dhaanam”. 

Thus, this “Yaksha-Prashnam” which is embedded into the “Aaraneya Parva” is one of the most important sections in the entire Mahabharata story and has such a lot of significance. Of course, I’ve explained this Parva only to a minimal extent, however, I request readers to take some time and go through the actual text and try to understand the meaning in-depth. We shall also do a separate project on the “Yaksha-Prashnam” once this Mahabharata project is over. So for now, we come to the end of this important Upa-Parva and with this, the subsequent Upa-Parvas talk about how Yudishtra and Co. plan their next course of action as part of their preparations to face the “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. Subsequently, we will enter into the next important Parva called the “Viraata Parva”, which also has enormous significance. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall mark the commencement of the important “Viraata Parva”. Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yama-Dharma-Raja getting mighty impressed with Yudishtra’s persistent effort to follow the path of “Dharma” in whatever he does. With this, Yama-Dharma-Raja grants Yudishtra a series of boons and in turn, Yudishtra was expected to ask something for himself or for his brothers. However, Yudishtra had other plans – His first boon was to ensure that the Brahmana Rishi duly obtains his wooden piece to perform his “Agnihotra Karma”. We should remember that this entire event of “Yaksha-Prashnam” which we’ve been witnessing for the past few episodes began with the Brahmana Rishi searching for the wooden log, and seeked help from Yudishtra and Co. to find it out. Hence, Yudishtra ensures that the Brahmana Rishi is duly taken care of, so that the “Agnihotra Karma” is not disturbed in any way. Yama-Dharma-Raja grants it immediately and gives Yudishtra one more chance to ask something for himself. Now Yudishtra requests complete protection of himself and his brothers during the next one year of “Agnyaata Vaasam” wherein they have to live in a disguised manner without being spotted by Duryodhana and Co. Yama-Dharma-Raja grants this one also readily. 

Now it is time for the third boon and Yama-Dharma-Raja gives one more chance to Yudishtra. Now Yudishtra asks the most important boon thus, “Oh great Yama-Dharma-Raja! You had told me earlier that we would be facing a lot of hurdles in the future as well. Even while we face such tough situations, my mind should never deviate even an inch from the path of “Dharma”! I should always be able to follow “Dharma” 24*7*365 without any blemish. Please grant me this boon! Of course, I’ve tried my best to follow “Dharma” till today. But in future too, if the hurdles get tougher to handle, I should not be tempted in any way to take shortcuts to succeed. Even if the path of “Dharma” might be tough to follow, I should never deviate from it even for a moment. My mind should not slip at all! My mind should always focus on “Dhaanam”, “Satyam” and “Tapas” and should be able to control “Krodham” (Anger), “Kaamam” (Desire) and “Lobham”!” As Yama-Dharma-Raja hears this from Yudishtra, he becomes extremely happy. He replies back to Yudishtra thus, “Oh my dear son! What is there in this for me to grant you? You’re already an embodiment of all the qualities pertaining to “Dharma” as you rightly listed out! Of course, since you’ve asked for it, I’m hereby granting you all whatever you’ve asked for! You will be even more stronger from now onwards in the path of “Dharma”! Irrespective of whatever hurdles / troubles you might face in the future, your mind will never deviate from “Dharma”! This is my assurance to you! You will be able to take care of Brahmins the way they have to be taken care of. With this, you will earn enormous “Punya-Karma” and with this, you will be able to withstand any hurdle that comes through in your life! You will emerge victorious! Moreover, you have Bhagawan Krishna rallying by you at all times. What more do you want? He will ensure that your “Dharma” is protected. He will take care of all the hurdles and ensure that you wouldn’t get entangled in them!” 

Saying thus, Yama-Dharma-Raja provides his divine “Anugraha” to Yudishtra and with this, we come to the end of this Parva. Finally, as the Parva comes to a close, Sage Vyaasa details the “Phala-Stuthi” (Benefits) for readers while they going through this Parva. We shall wait till the next episode to witness it in detail. Stay tuned for an important accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra completing the conversation with Yaksha, who is in the form of a swan. As the conversation comes to a close, Yaksha is extremely happy that Yudishtra stood by his “Dharma” even when posed with tricky questions pertaining to waking up his own brothers. Yudishtra highlighted the importance of a mother and how it is important for a son to perform his duties towards her, both when she is alive as well as after passing away. Moved by Yudishtra’s answers, Yaksha, who is none other than Yama-Dharma-Raja himself, appears in his true form in front of Yudishtra and provides his divine “Anugraha” to him. With this, all the four brothers wake up from their unconscious state and reunite with Yudishtra. Yama-Dharma-Raja blesses Yudishtra and motivates him to keep following the path of “Dharma”, no matter whatever happens in the future. Yama-Dharma-Raja warns Yudishtra that tough times are ahead and even during those tough times, he should be steadfast in his “Dharma”. 

Saying thus, Yama-Dharma-Raja asks Yudishtra next: “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve made me very happy by passing my test with flying colours! With this, I’m wanting to grant you something in the form of a boon. Anyway, you’ve got all your brothers back. In addition to that, I would like to gift you something else too. So please ask me whatever you wish to!” This is quite a tempting offer that Yudishtra has got. If we were in Yudishtra’s position, we would have asked anything and everything for ourselves, isn’t it? However, Yudishtra has other plans. He asks thus, “Oh Yama-Dharma-Raja! My only requirement here is that the Brahmana Rishi who had come in search of me should get his wooden piece for performing his “Agnihotra Karma”. He has been waiting for us for a long time as all of us were caught in this tangle. He should not get affected by our problem, isn’t it? Hence, my boon from you should be that he gets whatever is necessary so that his “Agnihotra Karma” doesn’t get hindered!” As Yudishtra asks thus, Yama-Dharma-Raja is extremely surprised! He replies thus, “Oh Yudishtra! When I granted you a boon, I thought you would ask something for yourself! However, you’re so genuine in your “Dharma” that you’ve asked something for someone else! Yes! I know that this entire episode started with the Brahmana Rishi and he came to you to obtain a wooden piece. By granting this boon, your “Dharma” as a “Kshatrya warrior” will be fulfilled and at the same time, the duties of the Brahmana Rishi will also be fulfilled! Right! That is done! Now ask me something else for yourself! I’m giving you one more chance!” 

As Yama-Dharma-Raja gives the second chance, Yudishtra asks thus, “Oh Yama-Dharma-Raja! With this day coming to an end, we’re going to complete twelve full years in the forest. Now we’re stepping into the thirteenth year of our “Vana-Vasam” and this is going to be the tough “Agnyaata-Vaasam” period. Here, we should live in a disguised form without being spotted by anybody from Hastinapura. We’re looking for a place to live in disguise for next year. Hence, please help us with that!” As Yudishtra asks thus, Yama-Dharma-Raja replies, “Oh Yudishtra! This makes sense! Yes. You’ve to live in disguise mode and my divine “Anugraha” will help you in it. I grant you this boon wholeheartedly! For the next one year, none of you would be spotted by Duryodhana and Co.! You will successfully pass through this one year period without any hiccups! Now, I give another chance. You may go ahead in asking for a third boon!”

As Yama-Dharma gives one more chance, Yudishtra is going to ask for the third boon! So for today, let us understand the first two boons that Yudishtra had asked for, and in the next episode, we shall witness the third boon in detail! Stay tuned for updates! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra giving a beautiful reply to Yaksha’s tricky questions pertaining to “Dharma”. When it came to waking up his own brothers, even then, Yudishtra stuck to his “Dharma”. When given an option of waking up one out of the four brothers, Yudishtra chose Nakula for it, as he was the eldest son of Maadri Devi. As Kunthi Devi’s eldest son, Yudishtra himself is alive, so there is no problem in that. However, Maadri Devi’s representative in this world should always be there to execute all the “Dharma” towards her. Hence, in order to ensure the continuity of the “Dharma Kaaryam” that is being executed towards Maadri Devi who had died along with King Paandu, Nakula had to be alive. Thus, Yudishtra is extremely firm on the fact that duties towards a mother and a father are very important and this is as per “Dharma”. Moreover, even when he was given an option of waking up Bheemasena or Arjuna, who would have been used to win over Duryodhana and Co. in the war, Yudishtra did not want that. More than winning wars against enemies, following “Dharma” is of paramount importance for Yudishtra and with his answers to Yaksha, Yudishtra proves his point very clearly! 

As this happens, Yaksha is in tears of joy! He is extremely happy with Yudishtra’s steadfast approach towards “Dharma” and he feels bad for whatever happened earlier. He should perhaps not have made Yudishtra’s brothers fall unconscious just because they did not seek his permission to consume the water from his pond. Realizing his mistake thus, and also with the thought that he should not be a stumbling block in Yudishtra’s pursuit towards “Dharma”, Yaksha replies to Yudishtra: “Oh Yudishtra! Today is an eye-opener for me! You’ve proved to be an epitome of “Dharma”! I should not be a stumbling block in your way of executing “Dharma” meticulously. You’re taking that effort which not many people are taking today. Hence, I repent for whatever happened earlier. Hereby, I grant the permission to wake up not just Nakula, but all your brothers as well! Within seconds, all your brothers will regain their consciousness and will unite with you! Please continue your pursuit towards “Dharma” without any blemish!” 

Saying thus, Yaksha provides his divine “Anugraha” and with this, Bheemasena, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva regain consciousness once again! As this happens, Yaksha, who was in the form of a swan till now, is taking its real form. This Yaksha is none other than the great Yama-Dharma-Raja himself! As we know already by now, Yudishtra is none other than the son of Yama-Dharma-Raja. We’ve seen this story earlier as to how Kunthi Devi prayed to each “Devata” to obtain each of her sons. The first Devata to provide his “Anugraha” to Kunthi Devi was Soorya Bhagawan in the form of Karna. However, since Kunthi Devi wasn’t married at that time, she was guilty of having a baby before marriage, and hence, she left the baby in a raft amidst a river. Next in the line after Kunthi’s marriage was Yama-Dharma-Raja, who blessed her with Yudishtra. Since Yudishtra is Yama-Dharma-Raja’s son, right from the beginning, he was an epitome of “Dharma” in all aspects. 

Thus here too, when Yama-Dharma-Raja himself wants to test his son, Yudishtra withstands his test successfully and this is what we’re witnessing here. Revealing his original form in front of Yudishtra, Yama-Dharma Raja speaks to him thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I’m none other than your own father, Yama-Dharma-Raja who came in the form of this swan to test you! You’ve successfully passed my test, quite as usual! I came here to provide my divine “Anugraha” to you and to all of your brothers! You’re going to enter into an important phase of your life and you’re going to endure a lot from here on. However, do not worry. Please continue following your path of “Dharma” and you will emerge successful. Moreover, you have Bhagawan Krishna with you always. If you follow “Dharma”, He will always rally behind you at all times. So please do not worry! Success is yours!” 

Saying thus, Yama-Dharma-Raja provides his divine “Anugraha” to Yudishtra and all his four brothers and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Yaksha’s questions to Yudishtra. Here, we’ve seen how Yudishtra had answered all of Yaksha’s questions pertaining to “Dharma” and we’ve come to a stage wherein Yaksha is giving an option to Yudishtra in choosing to waking up one out of the four brothers who had fallen unconscious. To this, Yudishra chooses Nakula to be waken up and this surprises Yaksha. Upon asking the reason for Yudishtra’s choice, Yudishtra replies that Nakula can be one representative of Maadri’s next generation, and as Kunthi’s representative, Yudishtra himself is there. Hence, a mother should not be left childless after she has given birth to children. This shows how much importance Yudishtra is giving for a mother and we should understand this point clearly. 

Moving on thus, as Yudishtra gives such an explanation, Yaksha follows it up with his next question – “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve given a very important reasoning for choosing Nakula to be woken up. However, I’m not very convinced with your answer yet. Why do you want Nakula to be specifically woken up? Sahadeva is also Maadri’s son isn’t he? So why not Sahadeva and why Nakula? Of course, I can understand the fact that Bheemasena and Arjuna are Kunthi’s sons and since you are alive as her representative, you do not want to choose them. But why Nakula instead of Sahadeva? Is there any reasoning for that?” Yudishtra replies to this question thus, “Oh Yaksha! Nakula is the eldest of the two. Only if the eldest son is alive, will he be able and eligible to perform all the aspects of “Dharma” for his mother and father. If the eldest son is not there, “Dharma” will come to a standstill isn’t it? Hence, in my case, this condition is satisfied, as I’m alive. However, for the “Dharma” that has to be performed for Maadri, Nakula is the one who should be alive. This is the reason behind me opting for Nakula, instead of Sahadeva!” 

Yudishtra continues thus, “Oh Yaksha! You had mentioned earlier that if I would have woken up Bheemasena or Arjuna, I would have won over my enemies in the battlefield. You may be right by saying that. However, I’m not a person who is an opportunist. I do not look up to my brothers to help me defeat my enemies. I want all of them to follow “Dharma”. For me, “Dharma” is more important than being a ruler of a country. Hence, I refrained from selecting Bheemasena and Arjuna from being woken up. Of course, I know very well that both of them are extremely powerful. But if I see only their power behind my decision, I’ll become an opportunist who is hungry for power. However, I’m someone who is more interested in “Dharma” rather than gaining power. Winning in a war is not important for me as compared to following “Dharma”. If I follow “Dharma”, victory in wars will automatically follow and I need not chase it. I’m not dependent on Bheemasena or Arjuna for my victory in wars. I’m only dependent on Bhagawan for all my requirements, and if Bhagawan has to help me, I’ve to follow my “Dharma” correctly. Thus, only if I bring back Nakula, will “Dharma” sustain. “Dharma” towards parents is the most important thing that any son should execute in his life, no matter whatever he does!” 

As Yudishtra answers confidently thus, tears of joy start rolling down Yaksha’s eyes! Yaksha replies thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I never anticipated that you would give such great replies pertaining to “Dharma” like this! You’ve once again proved to be an epitome of “Dharma” in all possible ways! Hence, I order hereby that all your four brothers would get up from their unconscious state immediately and all of you will rejoin each other as before!” Thus, with this, we come to the end of the great “Yaksha-Prashnam” and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall continue this interesting discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the conversation between Yudishtra and Yaksha as part of the “Yaksha-Prashnam”. We’ve seen that Yudishtra has accepted to answer Yaksha’s series of questions pertaining to “Dharma” as part of Yudishtra’s bid to save the lives of his four Paandava brothers who had fallen unconscious after consuming water from Yaksha’s pond. In this way, Yaksha asks one question after the other and we’ve discussed some of the most miraculous and ridiculous things that happen in this world. One of the most ridiculous things that Yudishtra talks about here is how living beings get carried away by the illusion surrounding death. Even as we keep seeing others dying in front of our eyes, we easily tend to think that our lives are permanent and their lives are temporary! 

We keep seeing this every passing day, don’t we? If someone from our family or friends’ circle passes away, our entire conversation behind it is structured around the point that the person passed away “unfortunately”! So what is the meaning of the word “unfortunately” here? Is it unfortunate to die and fortunate to keep living in this world? We also say that the person “suddenly” passed away “unexpectedly”! Don’t all these sentences signify that we are never prepared to face the reality of death? We want to keep living in this world permanently and this intention clearly comes out through these sentences, isn’t it? This is where the problem lies and this is exactly what Yudishtra points out! Of course, I’m not saying here that we should keep fearing death every passing day. In fact, we should not even think about it, but at the same time, we should be prepared to face the situation, rather than brooding over it. We should live the present moment happily and should be open to face anything in life. We should also understand that nothing is permanent in this world and whatever happens here is Bhagawan’s will and wish! This is the basic understanding that Yudishtra wants all of us to have. 

Moving further, Yaksha asks many other similar questions, for which Yudishtra gives clear answers. With this, Yaksha is quite happy with Yudishtra’s answers. Yaksha says to Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I’m extremely satisfied with all your answers pertaining to “Dharma”. I know that you are not an ordinary human being. Now I give you an option – Your four brothers are lying unconscious, aren’t they? If I tell you that you have a choice of waking up one amongst the four brothers, whom will you choose?” Now this is a tricky question that Yaksha is putting forth to Yudishtra. As Yaksha asks thus, Yudishtra quickly replies back: “Oh Yaksha! If given an option in this way, I would like to wake up Nakula!” As Yudishtra says spontaneously thus, Yaksha asks back: “Oh Yudishtra! Why Nakula? Is he going to help you in any way? Whereas if you wake up Bheemasena or Arjuna, they are going to be instrumental in helping you fight your enemies! What is Nakula going to do to you?” 

As Yaksha asks thus, Yudishtra further replies: “Oh Yaksha! I do not answer anything without giving it a thought. I always think twice before I answer, even though my answers might come spontaneously. I would prefer Nakula to be woken up because of this reason – As a representative of Kunthi’s sons with King Paandu, I’m there. I’m not going to be harmed in any way because I’ve answered all your questions. Hence, if not three, atleast one of us is alive. However, who will represent Maadri’s sons with King Paandu? Nakula and Sahadeva are Maadri’s sons, aren’t they? Atleast one should be alive to ensure that the tradition is kept going, isn’t it?” Readers should understand one thing here – Maadri is not even alive at this point. We’ve seen earlier that as King Paandu passed away, Maadri too jumped along with him into the pyre and killed herself. However, Yudishtra is making this statement very clear. This is where we can understand how much importance and respect Yudishtra is giving to a mother. If all the children of a mother are dead, how much pain and grief will she undergo? If atleast one of her children is alive, the mother will feel a bit relieved, won’t she? Of course, she will have the pain of losing the others, but the satisfaction that atleast one is alive to take care of her will comfort her. This is the inner significance of Yudishtra’s statement here – The importance of a mother in this world! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness the next tricky question that Yaksha is going to ask Yudishtra! Stay tuned! 🙂