Mahabharata & Yudhishtra

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This episode is from [Maha:3.24-3.36]. Yudhishthira, after bidding farewell to his allies, surveyed his retinue and realized that their current encampment near the edge of the Kamyaka forest would not be able to support their large contingent for long. He called his brothers and said, “Find a better spot where we may establish our camp. The location should be near water and abundant in fruits and game. There should also be ample space for the Brahmanas who accompany us to perform their religious rites.”

Following his command, his younger brothers scouted the forest and found a suitable location by the lake Dwaitavana, deeper into the woods. The new spot had abundant deer, boar, and fruit-bearing trees, particularly Sala trees. Once the new camp was established, word spread quickly that the Pandavas had settled in Dwaitavana, and soon many Brahmanas arrived to reside with them, drawn by the Pandavas’ piety.

During the day, Arjuna and Bheema would hunt for game, while the other brothers gathered fruits and roots for food. The sacred copper vessel gifted by Surya to Draupadi ensured that food was always plentiful. Although life in the forest was vastly different from the luxuries of their palace, the Pandavas adapted. Yudhishthira, being a philosopher, found solace in the company of learned men who visited their camp. Arjuna, with his discipline and self-control, patiently bore the exile, knowing that their time would come after thirteen years. The twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, outwardly cheerful, seemed content with their lot.

However, Draupadi and Bheema were not at peace. Draupadi, unable to forget the humiliation in Hastinapura, was consumed by anger and grief, while Bheema, known for his impetuous nature, chafed at the restraints imposed by their new life. The memories of the gambling hall and the events that had transpired there played on Draupadi’s mind repeatedly, causing her deep anguish.

One evening, after Yudhishthira had finished a discourse on morality with a scholar, Draupadi approached him, her eyes blazing with wrath. She could contain her frustration no longer. She said:

Draupadi’s Lament:

“How can you sit here, Yudhishthira, seemingly content, as if you had no care in the world? Does it not pain you to think that the wicked Duryodhana, who insulted me and spoke harsh words to you, is sitting on the throne that rightfully belongs to you? Only four men—Duryodhana, Dushasana, Shakuni, and Karna—rejoiced in our misfortunes. The rest of the Kurus shed tears when our exile was pronounced. I have seen you seated on a golden throne adorned with rubies and sapphires, and now you sit on the muddy floor with nothing but Kusa grass as your seat.

Seeing Bheema, who could vanquish all the Kurus in a day, living in sorrow in the woods—does that not ignite your anger? Does it not enrage you to see your god-like brothers, capable of conquering kingdoms, now toiling in the forest under the merciless sun? Does the sight of Arjuna, at whose feet innumerable kings once bowed, now forced to hunt for his own food, not fill your heart with righteous indignation?

You, Yudhishthira, are a Kshatriya king, and among the qualities of a Kshatriya, anger at injustice is paramount. A king who cannot feel anger is no better than a mindless animal. When wrong is done to a king’s subjects, the king must be angry; how much more so when the injustice has been done to the king himself? Your forbearance has reduced us to this pitiable plight, and I cannot bear it any longer!”

Yudhishthira’s Response:

Yudhishthira, calm and composed, responded, “It is true that righteous indignation is a virtue for kings. But it is also said that anger is the root of many evils. He who suppresses his anger and controls his rage gains prosperity. One who gives way to anger easily loses the respect of others. Anger leads to confusion, and confusion leads to destruction. I have striven to conquer my anger, for forgiveness is the glory of the glorious. Forgiveness is the highest virtue; it is the strength of the strong, the supreme sacrifice, and the path to eternal salvation. My forbearance is not a sign of weakness but a sign of inner peace. Do not let your anger consume you. Instead, strive for forgiveness.”

Draupadi’s Retort:

Draupadi, with a bitter smile, replied, “I have never heard scriptures twisted to justify something so unjustifiable. You are called Dharmaraja for your adherence to truth, but your senses are clouded now. You claim virtue is dearer to you than life itself, dearer than me and your brothers! How then could you have gambled, a vice condemned by the ancients? Now that the consequences of your folly have manifested, you hide behind virtue and refuse to act as a Kshatriya should. Do you believe that all actions are predestined and that nothing can alter our destiny? That is the only reason I see for your refusal to act and reclaim what is rightfully yours.”

Bheema’s Intervention:

As this conversation unfolded, Bheema overheard it and could not hold back his fury any longer. He interjected, “Yudhishthira, walk the path ordained for Kshatriyas. It is the duty of kings to conquer kingdoms and wage war to recover what has been unjustly taken. We do not lack strength. With Arjuna at our head, and my strength behind him, no army can stand against us.

When our kingdom was snatched away, we should have immediately marched to war and slain the hundred Kauravas before their father’s eyes. Instead, we are here, exiled in the forest, allowing our enemies to bask in victory. Your forgiveness has allowed the man who insulted Draupadi to live! The world now questions whether we are truly heroes—or even men!”

Bheema continued, “The scriptures say that one should balance virtue, wealth, and pleasure in proper proportions. This is the time for us to seek wealth and pleasure, not to sit idly under the pretense of virtue. Let me, Arjuna, and the twins, supported by our allies—the Panchalas, Srinjayas, and Kaikeyas—march against Duryodhana. Let us wage war right now!”

Yudhishthira’s Reflection:

Yudhishthira, listening patiently to Bheema’s passionate words, finally responded, “All that you and Draupadi have said is true. No one blames me more than I blame myself for our current situation. It was my folly that led to this exile. But I have given my word that I would live in exile for thirteen years, and I cannot break my oath.

At the end of thirteen years, it will be as you wish, and we shall wage war. We will face the might of Bhishma and Drona, but I have faith in your strength and Arjuna’s skill with the bow. However, there is one warrior that troubles me—Karna. He is Arjuna’s equal in archery and possesses celestial weapons. His friendship with Duryodhana is legendary, and his sole wish is to face Arjuna in battle. I fear the threat posed by Karna, the foremost of warriors, and that keeps me awake at night.”

Even Bheema, with all his bravado, paused at the mention of Karna. A shadow of worry passed over his face, and even Draupadi, who had been consumed with anger, frowned, acknowledging the formidable power of Karna, the only warrior capable of matching Arjuna.

Connection to Other Stories

Yudhishthira’s philosophy of forgiveness parallels the approach of other epic figures, such as Rama, who, despite suffering great personal losses, always upheld his commitment to dharma. Like Rama, Yudhishthira believes in the path of righteousness, even when his loved ones urge him to take a more aggressive stance. Similarly, Bheema’s impetuosity can be compared to Lakshmana’s anger in the Ramayana, both characters expressing a desire for immediate action when faced with injustice.

CharacterRoleConnection to Other Mythological Figures
YudhishthiraThe embodiment of dharma and patienceRama, who also followed the path of righteousness, even in the face of personal loss
DraupadiThe wronged wife, burning with indignationSita, who suffered in exile but never wavered in her dignity, though Draupadi is more vocal in her desire for vengeance
BheemaThe impetuous, action-oriented heroLakshmana, whose impulsive desire for action often contrasted with Rama’s composed demeanor
**K

arna** | The looming, powerful adversary | Like Ravana to Rama, Karna represents the formidable opponent that cannot be easily vanquished |

Themes of Dharma and Anger

This episode illustrates the tension between dharma (righteousness) and the natural impulse for revenge. Yudhishthira’s adherence to his oath and belief in the power of forgiveness stand in stark contrast to Draupadi’s and Bheema’s burning desire for immediate justice. Yudhishthira’s belief that forgiveness is the glory of the glorious is deeply rooted in the values espoused by Hindu texts, where forgiveness is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

However, Draupadi’s challenge to Yudhishthira raises an important counterpoint: when is enough enough? Her lament about the unfairness of relying solely on virtue while injustice festers resonates with the broader Mahabharata’s exploration of human complexity and the balance between virtue and pragmatism.

Ultimately, Yudhishthira’s commitment to his vow of exile underscores a fundamental Mahabharata theme: the importance of keeping one’s word, even in adversity. However, Bheema and Draupadi’s impatience sets the stage for the inevitable conflict that will erupt once the Pandavas’ exile is over, with Karna emerging as the pivotal figure whose power casts a long shadow over Yudhishthira’s resolve.

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