Mahabharata Dice

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This episode is from [Maha:3.1-3.3]. After being defeated at dice and forced into exile, the Pandavas set out from Hastinapura. They passed through the Vardhamana Gate, the northern boundary of the city, clad in deer-skins and coarse garments, carrying their weapons proudly on their shoulders. Their priest Dhaumya led the way, and fourteen faithful servants followed closely behind. In addition, a large number of Brahmanas and citizens of Hastinapura, moved by their love and loyalty for the Pandavas, accompanied them, unwilling to live in a city ruled by the sinful Duryodhana.

The mood was somber, with heavy hearts burdening the travelers. For a long while, the Pandavas walked in silence, their eyes cast down. Eventually, Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, looked back and was surprised to see such a large crowd following them. The citizens noticed his perplexity and, sending forward their elders, they addressed Yudhishthira: “O prince, we cannot live under the evil rule of Duryodhana. Wherever you go, we will follow, for our salvation lies in living under righteous rulers like yourselves. Please allow us to accompany you into exile.”

Yudhishthira’s Compassion and Responsibility

Moved by their devotion, Yudhishthira, with tears in his eyes, responded, “Blessed are we to have citizens willing to forsake their homes and wealth out of love for us. However, we are bound by our exile and will live in the wilderness, subsisting on the fruits of the forest. We will not be ruling any kingdom. Furthermore, our elders—Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, and Vidura—remain in Hastinapura, and their grief will only deepen if you desert them. If you truly care for us, go back and support them in our absence.”

Reluctantly, the citizens heeded Yudhishthira’s plea and returned to Hastinapura, but the Brahmanas, who were not bound by citizenship, were resolute in their determination to accompany the Pandavas. These Brahmanas had shared Yudhishthira’s hospitality in Indraprastha, engaging in religious rites and philosophical discussions. Having no ties to Hastinapura, they were steadfast in their loyalty.

CharactersRole in the StoryConnection to Other Mythological Stories
YudhishthiraDemonstrates compassion and a sense of duty towards his citizensYudhishthira’s adherence to dharma mirrors the commitment of Rama in the Ramayana, as he too was bound by duty during exile
BrahmanasLoyal to the Pandavas, seeking righteousness and wisdomTheir devotion reflects the importance of guru-shishya relationships, as seen in other texts like the Mahabharata and Upanishads

Yudhishthira’s Appeal to the Brahmanas

The Pandavas continued their journey, reaching the banks of the Ganga, where they performed their evening rituals. As night fell, the sacred fires were lit, and the air was filled with Vedic chants, comforting the grieving Pandavas. The next day, Yudhishthira called the Brahmanas who had followed them and said, “When I was king in Indraprastha, I was able to honor you with the respect and resources you deserved. But now I am destitute. My cruel cousins have robbed me of my kingdom and liberty. I am about to enter the forest, where survival itself will be a challenge. I cannot bear to see you suffer for my sake. Please go to Panchala, where my father-in-law Drupada will honor you properly.”

The eldest of the Brahmanas, Saunaka, replied on behalf of the others: “O King, we are your dependents. We vowed to follow you in prosperity and adversity. It is not fitting that you abandon us now because you have become poor. Fear not for our sustenance, as we can live on fruits and roots in the forest. More importantly, you will need our wisdom and counsel in these difficult times.”

Yudhishthira, touched by their loyalty, reluctantly agreed to let them stay, though he worried about how to feed such a large group in the forest. Concerned, he approached his priest Dhaumya, seeking guidance.

Dhaumya’s Counsel and the Invocation of Surya

Yudhishthira asked Dhaumya, “Sir, how can I provide food for the hundreds of Brahmanas following me? The forest may not have enough fruit, roots, or game to feed them. Please find a solution.”

Dhaumya responded, “O prince, in ancient times, when all living beings were afflicted with hunger, Surya (the Sun God) took pity on them. By his heat, he caused the rains to fall and all manner of plants and animals to grow, thereby satisfying hunger. Surya is the supreme lord of all creation, and by his energy, the world lives. If you invoke him with devotion, he will provide you with a means to feed your followers.”

Yudhishthira, with great reverence, purified himself for the religious ceremony, and Dhaumya initiated him into the sacred chants. Seated on kusa grass and facing east, Yudhishthira invoked the many names of Surya with deep devotion.

Pleased by Yudhishthira’s austerities, Surya appeared before him and said, “I know what you desire, noble prince. Here, take this copper vessel. It will produce enough food to feed all your followers during your twelve-year exile. As long as Panchali (Draupadi) has not eaten, the vessel will continue to produce food. After she eats, it will stop until the next day. May your exile be successful.”

CharactersRole in the StoryConnection to Other Mythological Stories
SuryaProvides the magical copper vessel to feed the Pandavas’ followersSimilar to other deities like Indra and Varuna, who aid heroes in dire situations (e.g., Indra giving Karna his celestial armor)
DhaumyaSpiritual guide to the Pandavas, advising them in times of hardshipDhaumya mirrors Vashishta in the Ramayana, guiding kings with divine wisdom and foresight

The Pandavas Begin Their Exile

Yudhishthira, relieved of his chief worry, handed the vessel to Draupadi, who immediately prepared food for everyone. After consulting with his brothers and priest, Yudhishthira led the Pandavas and their followers deeper into the forest of Kamyaka, where they began their long exile.

This episode mirrors similar events in Hindu mythology, where kings and heroes are aided by divine intervention in times of hardship. Yudhishthira’s invocation of Surya and the appearance of the copper vessel are reminiscent of Rama being guided by the sage Agastya or Arjuna receiving the Pasupatastra from Shiva during his time of need.

Comparison to Other Exilic Narratives

The Pandavas’ journey into exile, accompanied by loyal followers and sustained by divine gifts, parallels Rama’s exile in the Ramayana. In both stories, the heroes, despite their royal lineage, are forced into the wilderness, where they must rely on their virtues and the support of divine beings to survive.

Exilic NarrativePandavas’ ExileRama’s Exile (Ramayana)
Divine AssistanceSurya provides the copper vessel to sustain themRama is guided by sages like Agastya and aided by divine weapons
Loyal CompanionsBrahmanas and followers accompany the PandavasLakshmana and Sita accompany Rama, and the Vanaras help
Hero’s DilemmaYudhishthira struggles with the consequences of dharmaRama adheres to dharma despite knowing the hardship of exile

Both stories illustrate the concept of dharma—the moral and ethical duties that one must follow, even in the face of adversity. Yudhishthira, like Rama, chooses to follow the path of righteousness, trusting in divine providence and the support of his family and followers.

Conclusion

As the Pandavas begin their exile, this episode sets the tone for their years in the wilderness, where they will face numerous trials but will be sustained by their adherence to dharma and divine assistance. The devotion of their followers, the loyalty of Draupadi, and the guidance of Surya all demonstrate the importance of faith, righteousness, and perseverance in Hindu mythology.

Just as Rama’s exile ultimately led to his triumph over Ravana, the Pandavas’ exile lays the foundation for their eventual victory over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. This period of suffering becomes a necessary part of their journey toward fulfilling their destiny.

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