| YUDHISHTRA |
| The exile period of the Pandavas was drawing to a close. One day a Brahmin came running to Yudhistra and requested him to get him back the deer skin which had got entangled in a deer’s horn. The Pandavas went in search of the deer but found it difficult to catch it. They were feeling thirsty after the chase and hence Yudhishtra asked his younger brother Shadev to fetch water from any nearby like.
Sahadev did not return even after a long time. The worried Yudishtra send Nakul after him. Nakul also did not return. Then he sends Bhima. But he too didn’t return. Arjuna also followed suit. So, Yudhishtra himself went in search of his brothers. After walking through a long distance, he was a crystal clear lake. Lotus flowers bloomed beautifully in the lake and presented a delightful scene. So, he thought that his brother would be somewhere around, admiring the scenery. But when he looked around, he was shocked to see his dear brothers dead by the banks of the lake. Yudhistra could not believe his own eyes. How could this have happened, he wondered. Tears welled up in his eyes at the thought that all his brothers were no longer alive. Actually, when the brothers went one by one to fetch water from the lake, a Yaksha had laid a condition that they could not fetch water till they could answer to his questions. But the thirsty brothers ignored him, drank the water and fell unconscious. Yudhishtra was not aware of this. He too could not contain his thirst. When he approached the lake to drink water, he heard an oracle. It belongs to this Yaksha.
“Answer my questions before drinking the water” Said the voice. Without loosing his cool Yudhishtra replied, You can ask me anything you want, I will answer them to the best of my ability.”
“Which has the fastest speed?”
“Speed of the mind”
“What is superior to earth?”
“Mother”
“What gives happiness to man?”
“To give up anger.”
“How can one be the richest?”
“By giving up desire”
“What causes man’s destruction”
“His haughtiness”
“What weapon do you need to face danger?” Bravery”
The Yaksha had many more such questions to ask and when Yudhishtra’s answered them promptly he was highly pleased.
“I can make one of your brothers alive, but who should it be?” said the Ayaksha. Yudhishtra loved all his brothers equally. But without hesitating he said, “ My brother Nakul.” Yaksha was surprised. “Instead of Bhima or Arjun, why do you ask for Nakul’s life.”
Yudhishtra said in a calm voice – “Sir I agree that Bhima and Arjun are my brothers. Nakul is my stepmother Madri’s son. I cannot sacrifice him for the sake of my own brothers.”
Appreciating Yudhishtra’s attitude the Yaksha brought back Nakula to life. “ I will give life to another brother of yours. Who should it be “ he asked? Yudhishtra asked for Sahadev. Astonished, the Yaksha said” Yudhishtra, at least now you could have asked for one of your valiant brothers.” Yudhistra had an apt reply “Sir, when my father died, my mother Madri also gave up her life. But she ordered me look after Nakul and Sahadev as my own children. How could I fail her?
Extremely pleased with Yudhishtra the Yaksha brought Bhima and Arjun back to life and blessed all of them. The yaksha was none other than Yama, father of Yudhishtra. He blessed his own son by saying. “Your exile ends now. One more year in incognito and your hardships will be over. So, you go to Matsya kingdom and live there in disguise under king Virata”.
Moral: always put others’ needs before you. Do not be selfish. |
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