Draupadi's Anguish

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunaabhigamana parva XXVII

 Vaisampayana continues the story,

The sons of Pritha, Pandavas, are exiled unto woods and they spent their time there. They were sitting under a tree and conversed amongst themselves. Then Draupadi spoke the following words to Yudhishtir expressing her anguish,

"O King, Yudhishtira, Best among men, that wretched son of Dhritarashtra sent you to forest on exile by deceipt and he rejoices in your misery. Entire kuru clan was in tears when you set out to forest wearing deer skin except 4 people (Duryodhana, Shakuni, Karna, and Dussasana). The evil son of Dhritarashtra is full of hatred for you. Why do you forgive him, why dont you get anger on him.

I have seen you on the throne bedecked with jewels. I have seen you in a palace filled with jewels and ivory and all finer materials. I see you now in forest without any grandeur. I have seen you on the throne attended upon by many kings. Here I see you sitting on a seat made of Kusa grass under a tree without any retinue. I have seen your body adorned with many perfumes and sandal paste and glowing, I see now that your body is smeared with mud and dirt. I have seen you fed with choicest dishes made by best royal chefs. I see you now subsisting on what is found in forest. I have seen you feed thousands of brahmanas in golden plates everyday, I see you now without proper food. I have seen you wearing fine silk, now I see you in ragged clothes. Why do you forgive son of Dhritarashtra, why dont you get anger on him ?

Dont you see the mighty Bhima your brother, who can vanquish entire Kaurava army with his might alone, suffering in the woods. Dont you see Bhima, who has the power of a thousand elephants, living in forest just because he wants to honour your word. Why do you forgive son of Dhritarashtra ? why dont you get anger on him ?

Dont you see the skillful archer Arjuna, your brother, who cannot be defeated in a battle, is facing the difficulties of the forest, just because he is bound by your word. Arjuna is capable of discharging 500 arrows at the same time. He is equal in archery to the thousand armed Kartaviryarjuna of the yore. Why do you forgive son of Dhritarashtra ? Why dont you get anger on him ?

Dont you see Nakula and Sahadeva, your brothers , best of swordsmen, struggling in this forest, to honour your word. Why do you forgive son of Dhritarashtra ? why dont you get anger on him ?

Dont you see me, princess of Panchala, sister of Drishtadyumna, daughter of King of Panchala, who is suffering in the forest ? Why do you forgive son of Dhritarashtra ? why dont you get anger on him ?

Why are you suffering silently in this forest ? Does not your anger aroused ? 

You being a Kshatriya (warrior class), how can you be calm without getting anger aroused ? What kind of a Kshatriya are you ? "

Hari Om Tat Sat

Sri Gurubhyoh Namah

Brahmana's sight, Kshatriya's might

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunaabhigamanaparva XXVI

Vaisampayana continues the story : The sons of Pandu were living in the forest of dvaitavana, along with many brahmanas. Those brahmanas were performing many rituals as per their traditions. The recitation of Vedic hymns were resounding in that part of forest. The sounds of Vedas rik, yaju, sama were intermingled with the sounds of the twangs of the bows and swishing of swords by the sons of Pandu and giving the combined might of Brahma and Kshatriya and gave a beautiful union.

One evening, Yudishtir was sitting in the midst of Brahmanas along with his brothers, Rishi Baka of Dalvya family addressed him and spoke thus,

"O Just King Yudishtir, Behold, the time for homa oblation into fire has come, performed by the rishis of ascetic vows, and protected by you. The rishis who are descendents of  sages like Angiras, Bhrigu, Agastya, Vasishtha, Kashyapa, Atri , and many other rishis of ascetic vows are along with you. Listen O King along with your brothers, As fire is aided by wind and consumes a forest, similarly the Brahmana energy combines with Kshatriya energy, and consumes their enemies. A king should never be without the guidance of a learned Brahmana. The sight of Brahmana combined with the might of a Kshatriya will defeat their enemies easily. A king should take guidance from a Brahmana who is noble, well read in the religious matters and worldly affairs and who is without greed. King Bali in yonder times took the guidance of Brahmanas and won over all the three worlds, and met with his destruction when he disregarded Brahmanas advice. The earth will not bear the burden of a king for long who does not get guided by a Brahmana. A kshatriya should take counsel of a Brahmana to get what he has not got and increase what he has. O King, you also have a Brahmana as your guide. You have always been respectful towards Brahmanas and taken their counsel. For this reason your fame has spread far and wide in three worlds.Victory be yours."

All the rishis assembled there praised Baka and are pleased by his speech. They adored Yudhistir like the celestial King.

No one should act unrighteously

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunaabhigamanaparva XXV

The Pandavas began to stay in Dvaitavana. Yudhistir, the just king, even in that distressed state, was was performing his dharma and was serving the Yatis and Munis (ascetics) of the forest by offering them fruits and roots. While they were enjoying their exile in forest, there comes an exalted visitor, who is old rishi (sage) Markandeya, possessor of brahma tejas. Yudhistir recieves him and pays homage to rishi Markandeya and offers him fruits and flowers. The sage sees the plight of Pandavas and Draupadi, and remembers the similar plight of Sri Rama and smiles with amusement. Yudhistir gets distressed by this smile and asks the sage, "Sir, all the rishis, munis were sorry for my plight, but you seem to enjoy my distress, may I know why you smiled?". 

Sage Markandeya replies "Hey Raja, I did not smile in glee at your plight or with joy. I remembered seeing Lord Sri Rama, who was valiant and equal in prowess to Indra, who was like Yama (Lord of Death) to foes, who has unmatched energy, and was undefeatable in war but had to roam in jungles and was in exile like you for honouring the words of his father. Nobody should be proud and say I am mighty and do whatever they like. One has to adhere to Dharma, the truth, honour and has to be humble and undergo difficulties like you and Lord Rama to uphold the word given. O Child, King Nabhaga and King Bhagiratha also were bound to Dharma and suffered many difficulties, hence no one should act unrighteously / adharmic ways and say I am mighty and I can do whatever I can. Lot of illustrious men upholded Dharma in their lives and endured sufferings while upholding dharma, no one should act unrighteously and say I am mighty and do whatever I can. The seven rishis also upheld dharma and never transgressed dharma, so no one should act unrighteously and say I am mighty and do whatever I want. The huge elephants of the jungle, even though they are mighty, yet they do not transgress their boundaries, so no one should act unrighteously and say I am mighty and do whatever I want. All the creatures created by the creator act within their limitations, so no one should act unrigheously and say I am mighty and do what I want. You have been upholding your dharma and honouring your word and you are staying in jungle along with your valiant brothers and queen. You are a just king. You will pass this calamity and will endure this exile and after completing this exile will again regain your glory and kingdom, do not grieve".

Sage Marakandeya having said these kind words to Yudhistir took leave of Pandavas, their priest Dhaumya and other munis, and ascetics left them and continued his journey towards northern direction.

Dwaitavana

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunaabhigamanaparva XXIII & XXIV

SriKrishna leaves for Dvaraka. After he leaves, Pandavas along with Draupadi leave for the forest on chariots. They are greeted by the illustrious Brahmanas of Kurujangala. Yudhistira the just, feels for them with fatherly affection and they also feel like sons who are bidding farewell to their father. They cry out, "Alas, O King, where are you going leaving us as orphans. You are leaving the magnificent palace and the kingdom to stand on your word. You are Dharma personified. You are true to your word. Fie on the Kauravas, Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana and Karna who are bent upon doing evil towards you." . Vibhatsu, Arjuna, consoles them saying "Yudhistira is leaving to stay in the forest for 14 years true to his words, by doing so he will be robbing the good name of the evil doers Kauravas, He is intending to uphold Dharma and show the Adharma in true light. Please return to the kingdom and approach the Sadhus and ascetics and  appraise them of our situation and let them show us the true way". On hearing this, they return to the kingdom with a heavy heart.

Yudhistira who is truthful and unwavering in his word, said to his brothers "Find a suitable place in this forest for us to stay". Arjuna replies to him "Brother, you are a virtuous man and you stand on your word. You have always attended upon rishis, ascetics, sadhus, and you have attended upon Narada, Badarayana (vyasa) and other high souled rishis. You know what is right and wrong. If you think it is right path to leave kingdom and stay in forest, we will follow you unhesitatingly. You are the guide, and mentor for us. You decided that forest is the place for us. So be it. We will gladly follow you. There is a lake inside this forest called Dwaitavana. We will stay near that place if you wish so". Yudhistira agrees to that proposal. The Pandavas along with  Draupadi enter the forest and reach Dwaitavana and rest under a tree. The place is beautiful with many trees, plants, fresh water, birds, elephants, wild animals. The siddhas in the forest, who are wearing tree barks and with matted locks, who do severe penance come there to see the King who stood for his word, and salute him. Yudhistir on his part salute them in return. Few brahmanas accompany Pandavas and settle there too. Few were well versed in Vedas. Few were doing severe penances. That place looks like Kailas upon Pandavas arrival. Yudhistir along with his brothers and Draupadi stay in the forest  just like his father Pandu.

Hari OM

Can't contain water after dam is broken

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunabhigamana parva Section XX - XXII

Krishna returns from Rajasuya yaga performed by Yudishtira and finds city of Dwaraka shorn of its splendour after the attack of Salwa. There were no sounds of vedic recitation, gardens were destroyed, people were looking gloomy. Krishna asks son of Hridika what has happened, and he explains that Salwa has attacked Dwaraka. Krishna decides to slay Salwa and sets forth with an army towards the direction of Matrikavarta, the country of Salwa, and reaches it after crossing many mountains, rivers, and lands. Krishna finally finds Salwa in his car of precious metals. Salwa, on seeing Krishna, challenges him and shoots many arrows at him. There ensues a huge battle between the two of them and the two armies. The sky is filled with thousands of arrows, shafts and javellins, dust, fire, light and thunder. Many danavas and yadavas are killed in that battle. Then, Salwa creates an illusion. A person approaches Krishna and tells him that King of Dwaraka, Vasudeva was killed by Salwa. Krishna sees the body of Vasudeva thrown from the car of Salwa. This creates a confusion in the mind of Krishna. He thinks that while Balarama, Pradyumna are alive nobody could have touched Vasudeva. If Vasudeva is killed, then certainly Balarama, and Pradyumna might have been killed and all Yadava clan and Dwaraka city might have been destroyed. Disheartened thus, Krishna lays down Sarangya , his mighty bow and sits by the side of the car. Regaining senses and on not finding the body of Vasudeva nor the messenger, he understands that this is an illusion and confusion created by Salwa, and with renewed vigor, he attacks Salwa. The arrows shot by Salwa pierces the body of the charioteer and horses of Krishna. The charioteer says to Krishna to kill the enemy without delay as he is losing capacity to drive and horses also getting tired and exhausted. Krishna throws his mightiest weapon, the Sudarshana chakra at the enemy's car and it blazes forth and cuts the car into two pieces and comes back to him. Again Krishna throws the Sudarshana chakra at the enemy Salwa and it cuts him into two pieces. The danava army runs helter skelter in fright at the fall of Salwa. Krishna returns victoriously to Dwaraka. 

Krishna narrates this victorious battle to Yudishtir and tells him that because of this engagement, he was not able to come to Yudhistir's rescue at the game of dice. Krishna says 'What can I do now, we cannot contain water after the dam is broken'. 

Krishna takes leave of Yudhistir and pandavas and returns to Dwaraka.

Pradyumna defends Dwaraka

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunaabhigamana parva Section-XV to Section-XIV

Salwa attacks dwaraka with a huge disciplined army, which was capable of destroying any city. They had elephants, cavalry, foot soldiers, chariots in their army. Dwaraka was prepared for this fight, with all the warriors from the clan of andhakas and vrishnis ready. The defenders set out from the fort to meet the attackers. There ensued a terrible battle in which many were killed. Samba, Son of Jambavati fights with Kshemavriddhi (general of Salwa's army) and shoots many arrows at him. Kshemavriddhi becomes unconscious, and his charioteer takes him away to safety. Vegavat, a danava then attacks Samba, who hurls a mace at him and kills him. Meanwhile, Pradyumna, son of Rukmini, fights with Salwa. He shoots many arrows at Salwa, who becomes unconscious for sometime. Seeing this the danava army flees. Salwa regains consciousness and discharges many arrows at Pradyumna, one of which pierces his throat region, and Pradyumna falls unconscious. Son of Daruka, the charioteer of Pradyumna carries him off away from the battlefield. Pradyumna regains consciousness and asks Son of Daruka, why he carried him away from battlefield as that will bring dishonour to him. He replies that it is the duty of charioteer to protect the warrior. Now that Pradyumna regained consciousness, he again takes him to battlefield. Pradyumna then fights valiantly with Salwa and showers him with many arrows. Pradyuman takes an astra and takes aim at Salwa. The astra was a powerful weapon and it can kill anyone. The celestial beings come to Pradyumna and tell him that the death of Salwa was ordained at the hands of Krishna, so, please desist from shooting the astra. Pradyumna then refrains. Salwa and his army runs away from the battlefield.

Hari Om.

Salwa attacks Dwaraka

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunaabhigamana-parva Section-XIV

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Yudhistir asks Krishna, "Why were you not present at Dwaraka ? Where were you and what did you do?".

Krishna says, "In the rajasuya yaga that you performed, you have given me the highest honor. This was objected to by Sisupala, son of Damaghosha, and I have slain him, then and there. Hearing this, His brother Salwa was enraged and attacked Dwaraka, when I was not there. He came in his airborne car and hurled various weapons on Dwaraka. The Yadu warriors fought valiantly, but many of them were slain. Salwa was searching for me for a fight. He was saying , where is that coward Krishna, who has slain a child (Sisupala) who was not ready for a fight. I challenge him, and will kill him in the fight. After I returned from Indraprastha to Dwaraka, I enquired why there was so much destruction. On hearing that Lord of saubha, Salwa, has attacked Dwaraka and challenged me, I decided to slay him. I went in search of him and found him in an island in the midst of sea. I blew my conch Panchajanya and stood for fight. In that fight I slew many Danavas. After coming back from that fight, I heard about your plight and came here at once".

Vice that is dice

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunabhigamana parva section XIII

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Krishna says to Yudhistir, "I was not present at Dwaraka, when you were invited to play the game of dice by Dhritarashtra's sons. If I was there, I would have come to the court of Dhritarashtra, whether invited or uninvited and explained to the blind king about the evil nature of game of dice. I would have prevented the game of dice from taking place and prevented your misfortune. I would have explained to all how a man will continue to play dice in expectation of victory, and will meet his downfall. Women, dice, alcohol, and hunting are the four evils that a man has to be wary of. These four vices will rob the senses of a man. The scriptures talk about the evils that befall on those that are addicted to these vices. I would have pursuaded King Dhritarashtra to refrain from the game of dice. If he hadnt listened to my gentle words, I would have used force. If those that are present oppose me, I would have slain them all. Because I was not present at that time, you had to suffer this misfortune. Hearing your plight I came here at once."

Nara and Narayana

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunabhigamanaparva Section XII

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

The Royals of the clans of Bhojas, Vrishnis, Andhakas, Panchalas, Kaikeyas, King of Chedi (Dhrishtaketu) went to the forest to meet Yudhistir on hearing the injustice done to Pandavas and asked him what should they do ?

They sat around Yudhistir and reproached Dhritarashtra. Krishna says "The evil quartet Duryodhana, Karna, Dussasana, and Shakuni shall meet their death in the battlefield and justice will be done". Seeing Krishna's anger which can consume all the worlds, Arjuna starts placating him saying "O' Krishna, you are Vishnu of profound wisdom, you are the lord of creator, you are the eternal principle, immeasurable with infinite energy. In your earlier days you did penance on the mountains of Gandhamadana for ten thousand years as a wandering muni. You did penance for eleven thousand years living on water alone on the banks of lake Pushkara. You did penance on mount Badari, standing on one leg and with upraised hands for one hundred years living on air alone. You did penance on the banks of Saraswati for twelve years. Another thousand years you did penance on one leg in the plains of Prabhasa. Sage Vyasa told me that you are the cause of all things, beginning and end of all. You are cause of movement in minds of people. You are the goal of all sacrifices. You slayed Naraka the first born of Earth and became victorious over everyone. You have given Indra (King of Heaven) the soveriegnity over universe and taken birth among men as a mortal. You are Hari, Brahma, Rudra, Surya, Dharma, Yama, Vasus, Kala and the ten directions. You slayed demons Madhu and Kaitabha. Having born in Yadava race, you have slain many wrong-doers like Kamsa, Sisupala, Jarasandha, Ahvriti, Saibhya and Shatadhanwan. You defeated Rukmi in battle. You destroyed the city of Saubha along with its king Salva. You are at the beginning of creation, having created the creator. At the end , everything will contract within you. You are the supreme ruler of the universe. The feats done by you and Balarama are unmatched by anybody. You stay in Kailasa with Brahmanas." 

Krishna says to Arjuna "You and I are one. You are mine and I am yours. What is mine is yours and what is yours is mine. Who hates you hates me and who hates me hates you. Who is your friend is my friend. You are Nara and I am Narayana. We are rishis Nara and Narayana born in this world for a special purpose. I am born from you and you are born from me. Nobody can understand the difference between us."

When Krishna and Arjuna are conversing thus, Panchali (Draupadi) approaches Krishna with tears in her eyes and with quivering voice she narrates her plight to him "O' Kesava, I was humiliated in front of all Kuru elders in the court. I was dragged on the floor by Dussasana, when I was in season, and my clothes were stained in blood in full view of Kuru elders. Seeing me thus, Duryodhana and Karna laughed at me derisively. Pandavas who are great warriors didnt come to my rescue. Fie on the might of Pandavas. They were mute spectators to my humiliation. I have no friends, protectors, I seek refuge in you."

Krishna says to the distraught Draupadi "Do not grieve, the wives of your foes will weep just like you on the death of their husbands on the battlefield. Your foes will die by the arrows of Arjuna and mace of Bhima. Heavens may fall, earth may be rent, oceans may dry up but my words will never be false." Draupadi looks at Arjuna who says "It will be as Krishna says."

Drishtadhyumna says "I will slay Drona, Shikhandi will slay Bhishma, Bhima will slay Duryodhan, and Arjuna will slay Karna. We have the guidance of Krishna and Balarama and we will be invincible in the battle even against Indra, what are Dhritarashtra's sons against us?"

Hari Om 

Bhima Kills Kirmira

Mahabharata Vanaparva Kirmiravadha parva section XI

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Dhritarashtra asks Vidura to narrate the account of Kirmira's death at the hands of Bhima. Kshatta (Vidura) narrates in detail how the mighty armed Bhima vanquished the cannibal Kirmira.

Kirmira is a Rakshasa and brother of Bakasura the cannibal.Bhima has killed Bakasura while in Ekachakrapuram. Pandavas after losing their kingdom leave the Hastinapur kingdom and reach the forest Kamyaka at midnight after travelling for three days and three nights. The kamyaka forest is full of cannibals, rakshasas, and man eating demons. They encounter a fearful rakshasa, who has red eyes, and spiked hair. He spreads an illusion of dreadful winds, dust, fearful cries which disturbs the forest animals at the night. Draupadi closes her eyes out of fear. The Guru of Pandavas, Dhaumya, then dispels the demonaic illusion through powerful Vedic mantras. The Rakshasa appears before them in dreadful form. Yudhistir addresses him and asks him "Who are you ? what do you want from us ? what can we do for you ? Who's son are you ?". The rakshasa says "I am Kirmira, brother of Baka, I am a cannibal and will defeat you and eat you up".

Then Yudhistir says "I am Yudhistir, son of Pandu, I lost my kingdom and along with my brothers Bhima, Arjuna has come to this forest to spend time here". Kirmira says "It is a great good fortune that I come accross Bhima who killed my brother Baka. I will kill Bhima, and with this blood will take revenge for the death of my brother. I have been searching for Bhima for a long time.". 

At the command of Yudhistir, Bhima engages in a fight with Kirmira. Bhima tears up a tree and smashes it on the head of Kirmira which gets shattered but the rakshasa is unaffected. Kirmira and Bhima trade blows with each other and they fight with trees, stones, and mace. Bhima sees that Kirmira is getting tired and picks him up and twirls him till Kirmira faints and throws him down. Bhima catches hold of head and legs of Kirmira and breaks his body in the middle.

Pandavas praise Bhima, and they stay in that forest after ridding it of that rakshasa. 

The blind king Dhritarashtra listens to this account of Kirmira's death at the hand of Bhima from Vidura and sighs sorrowfully and sits silently in deep thought.

My thoughts : I think Dhritarastra has purposefully setup this encounter between Kirmira and Bhima hoping that Kirmira will kill Pandavas and eat them up.

Mahabharata Sabhaparva

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Sabhaparva is published as a freely downloadable ebook. You can download it from any of the online bookstores or logging in towww.smashwords.com and downloading the book from following link,
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/543408

Mahabharata Adiparva

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Adiparva (Book-1) is published as a freely downloadable ebook. You can download it from any of the online bookstores or logging in to www.smashwords.com and downloading the book from following link,
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/542183

Hari Om

Maitreya's curse to Duryodhan

Mahabharata Vanaparva Aranyakaparva Section X

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Dhritarashtra says to Vyasa " O exalted muni, what you adviced is known to be true by me and other kings here. I was adviced same by Bhishma, and Drona and Vidura and know it to be true. If you are kind enough can you advice my son Duryodhan". Vyasa says "sage Maitreya is coming from the woods after meeting with Yudhistir and he will admonish Duryodhan and advice him to change his ways in the benefit of Kuru race. If Duryodhan listens to Maitreya the Kuru race will be saved , otherwise the sage will curse your son out of anger" and leaves. Meanwhile, sage Maitreya visits the kingdom after meeting exiled king Yudhistir in kuru-jangala woods.

King Dhritarashtra recieves sage Maitreya with respect, gives him arghya to wash his feet and asks him "Tell me respected muni, are the Pandavas living happily? Has your travel been pleasant ? Are Pandavas going to complete their exile ? ".

Sage Maitreya said "O King, I was travelling and accidentally met exiled king Yudhistir the just in kuru-jangala woods. He was clad in deer skin as an ascetic and having matted hair. I came to know the grave mistake that your sons did to him by decieving him in a game of dice and came to warn you and your race for the calamity that is going to fall on you. O King, you are competent to punish or reward your subjects. Why then have you overlooked the heinous act committed in your court, for which you are not held in high regard among ascetics." Then the sage Maitreya turns to Duryodhan and gives him an advice in soft voice "O mighty-armed prince, heed my words, as I speak for the good of you. Dont quarrel with Pandavas, who are great warriors. Pandavas are mighty warriors, and they have slain many Rakshasas (demons) headed by Hidimba and Kirmira in the woods. Bhima slayed them as if he is swatting a fly. Ever ready for a fight, Bhima has also slain the mighty Jarasandha in battle. Pandavas have the mighty Drupada kingdom as relatives and who in their right mind would want to pick a fight with Pandavas. Make peace with Pandavas for the good of Kuru race."

Duryodhan smiling hung down his head without speaking a word and start to slap his thigh and ignored the words of sage.

Muni Maitreya gets angry at the behaviour of Duryodhan and curses him "Duryodhan, you are very arrogant, in the coming battle Bhima will break your thigh and slay you". King Dhritarashtra tries to pacify the Sage, and pleads with him to take back his curse. Muni Maitreya says "If Duryodhan makes peace with Pandavas, then this curse will not come true, otherwise what I said will come true in the battle". 

Desirous to know the might of Bhima, King Dhritarashtra asks Maitreya, "Please tell me about the death of Kirmira". Sage refuses to answer as his son Duryodhan did not heed to his advice and asks him to know the details from Vidura, and leaves the palace.

Duryodhan also leaves , worrying about Kirmira's death at the hands of Bhima.

Hari Om

Surabhi's lament

Mahabharata Vanparva Aranyakaparva Section VIII & IX

Sri SadGurubhyoh Namah

Vyasa says to blind king Dhritarashtra "O King, Hear to my words, what I am saying is for the good of all Kauravas. I am not pleased with Kauravas as they sent Pandavas to forest after defeating them in a game of dice dishonestly. After 13 years Pandavas may come back and remembering all the insults may slay the Kauravas in the battle. Why does your wicked son Duryodhan want to slay Pandavas and take their kingdom. Restrain your son, who is a fool. He will die if he goes to forest to slay Pandavas. Fighting with one's own kin is sinful and forbidden. If you do not interfere, Duryodhan will meet with great misfortune. Let your wicked son go to forest alone and stay with Pandavas, and with the association if they feel a little attachment to him, they may spare him. But it is unlikely that Duryodhan will change, for what has come with birth will stay till the end. I would like to know what do Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and you think on this. Do something beneficial while there is time."

Dhritarashtra said "O revered one, I did not like the idea of gambling, but I had to agree to it forced by fate. Nobody, Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and Gandhari liked the idea of game of dice. I know everything what you say, O holy one, but being attached to my son and due to my affection towards my senseless son, I am not able to castigate him away".

Vyasa said "O King, what you say is true. A son is dearest to anyone. I will relate a story to you. Once in the heaven, the celestial wish yielding cow, Surabhi, was crying. King of heaven, Indra, asked her why she is crying. Surabhi said "I am crying for my son on earth who is ploughing the field. Please look below, one of the bulls is very weak, and not able to bear the weight. It is being beaten by the farmer mercilessly. The other bull has taken the extra burden to help the weak bull, but this son of mine is falling down repeatedly unable to pull the plough. Please help him". Indra was surprised to hear this. He asked her "You have many sons on earth, why are you bothered about this one alone ?". Surabhi replied "Yes I have many sons, but this son of mine is in distress, and it is natural that the heart goes to the one who is in trouble". Indra then sent thunder and showers to the field, and the farmer has desisted from ploughing. O King, as my son Pandu is to me, so are you, and vidura to me. I am equal to all of you. But at this moment Pandu's sons are in distress. I constantly think about their plight and want them to survive. You have 101 children. Pandu has only five sons and they are in trouble now. Please ask your son to make peace with Pandavas".

Hari Om

Duryodhana's anguish

Mahabharata Vanparva Aranyakaparva Section VII

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Duryodhan, on hearing that Vidura has returned after meeting with Pandavas, was burning with hatred of Pandavas and apprehension that they may return. He asks his counsel, and his uncle, son of  Suvala (Shakuni), what should be his course of action if Pandavas return from forest. Shakuni says "Pandavas will not return as they have taken a vow that they will be in forest for 14 years. They will not break that promise. Even if King orders them to return and Pandavas return forgetting the promise, we should abide by the King's order and behave as if we are following the King's order and bide our time". Dussasana, brother of Duryodhan says "Sons of Pandu will not return breaking their promise, if they do return, you can again defeat them in game of dice". Duryodhan seethes with anger and disgust and turns his face away. Karna, friend of Duryodhan says "We are all servants of prince Duryodhan and we should at once march to the forest and slay the Pandavas in battle. Then, we can rest in peace. When Pandavas are in distress we can easily overpower them and slay them and stay peacefully". Everyone applaud Karna's advice and they all put on their mail, armour and mount their chariots and started to go towards the forest.

The all knowing sage Krishna dvaipayana (Veda vyasa), coming to know of their evil intentions, appear before them and commands them to desist from this mis-adventure to which they listen. Then the sage Vyasa proceed towards King Dhritarashtra's place to counsel him.

Hari Om

Dhritarastra asks Vidura to return

Mahabharata Vanparva Aranyakaparva Section VI

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

King Dhritarashtra repents for banishing his brother and minister Vidura and asks Sanjaya to go and bring back Vidura. Dhritarashtra says "Vidura is sinless and of great virtue. It is I who is in the wrong. Please go and bring him back".

Sanjaya goes to the woods of Kamyaka, and finds Yudhishtir and Pandavas clad in deer skin, sitting in the forest surrounded by many wise people and sages along with Vidura. Sanjaya after paying respects to Yudhistir, addresses Vidura telling him that King Dhritarastra wants him to return. After taking permission from Yudhistir, Vidura returns back to Hastinapur.

Dhritarastra apologises to Vidura, and Vidura says "Naturally one's heart goes for the people in distress. At this moment Pandavas are in distress , so I adviced you to support them. For me, your sons and Pandu's sons are same." Both the brothers unite happily.

Hari Om

Vidura advices Yudhistir

Mahabharata Vanparva - Aranyaka parva Section V

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Vidura having been abandoned by his King and brother Dhritarashtra, drives in a chariot to kamyaka woods to meet Yudhistir. Pandavas were residing in forest wearing deer skins and surrounded by their friends.

Yudhistir, on seeing Vidura approaching says to Bhima "Why is Vidura coming to meet us ? what does  the King Dhritarashtra want from us ? Are they going to invite for a game of dice again to win over our weapons ? If they invite me for a game of dice, I cannot refuse and by cheating they will win the mighty bow Gandiva also from us and without that we cannot win war."

Vidura was welcomed by Pandavas and after duly rested, Yudhistir enquires as to the reason of Vidura's visit. Vidura recounts what happened between him and Dhritarashtra, and how he has counselled the blind King to return the kingdom to Yudhistir, which was not relished by Dhritarashtra and that the King has banished Vidura from his kingdom. Vidura says "I adviced the King on how their actions will bring ruin to their race and to restore the kingdom back to Yudhistir. This was not liked by King and he banished me from his kingdom, so I come to you to give my counsel. Those who take care of their dependents in the times of prosperity, will have their help when in the time of need. So, take care of your dependents, and talk to them nicely, share your food with them. Just as a small fire needs to be protected so that it can become a large fire, similarly you need to bide time to gain in strength."

Yudhistir says "I will do as you counsel me to do, and whatever you counsel I will follow in future".

Vidura's advice

Mahabharata Vanaparva Section IV

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

 After Pandavas left for forest, Dhritarashtra, the blind king addressed Vidura his minister and his brother, "You are morally right and you know all dharma shastras. You look at all kauravas with equal eye. Things have taken a wrong turn and how can we ensure that the ill-will of citizens dont destroy us ?".

Vidura advices King Dhritarashtra and says "O King, The three purposes of life Artha (profit), Kama (pleasure), Moksha (salvation) have their basis as Dharma (righteousness). Treat your sons and sons of Pandu equally. You have been mis-guided by people headed by son of Suvala (Shakuni), the cunning, and your sons cheated the righteous and virtuous Yudhistir in the game of dice and sent them to forest. If you and your sons do the following , you may win back your position among good men. Give back to Yudhistir what you have given him earlier and dont covet their possessions. Your primary duty is to honour Pandavas and re-instate them in their kingdom and disgrace Shakuni. If you do not do like that, Kurus will definitely meet with destruction. Bhimasena and Arjuna, the mighty warriors with bow and mace , when angered will surely destroy your sons in a war. Nobody can face Arjuna and Bhima in war. When your son was born, I adviced you to forsake your son as he is an ill omen to the kingdom. You didnt listen to me then. Listen to me now, and if your son agrees to reign in peace along with Pandu's sons, there will be peace and prosperity everywhere. Let Duryodhana, Karna, Shakuni apologise to Yudhistir and Pandavas, Draupadi and let them attend upon them in alacrity. Re-instate Yudhistir on his throne with all due respect. "

Dhritarashtra doesnt like these words and says "O Vidura, your words are for the benefit of Pandavas and not for the benefit of Kauravas. You are partial to Pandavas. Duryodhan has come out of my own body, how can I forsake my own son for the sake of sons of Pandu ? What you say is crooked, although I hold you in high esteem. You can stay here or go wherever you like. However much she is humoured, an unchaste women will leave her husband". Saying this Dhritarashtra , the blind king rose and left for the inner chamber.

Vidura says to himself "This race is doomed" and leaves to meet Yudhistir and sons of Pandu in the forest.

Hari Om

Akshaya patra

Mahabharata Vanaparva Section-III

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Yudhistir, then approaches his Guru Dhaumya, and asks him how he can give sustenance and look after the brahmanas who followed him into the forest. Dhaumya asks him to propritiate the sun god Surya, and instructs him on how to do that, and gives him the 108 names of Surya. Dhaumya tells Yudhistir, when the world was created, all the creatures were hungry, and taking fatherly compassion on them, Sun God, using his rays drew up the water, and reduced his energy, so that lunar energy can make it into rain onto the lands. Thus vegetation was able to grow. Hence it is the energy of sun that is there in all vegetation, and it is this food that sustains all life on earth, and hence Sun is the father of all.
Yudhistir, purifies himself in ganga water, makes his mind stable, withdraws mind from all external influences, and prays to Sun god Surya, thus, "You are the eye of universe, maker of day, you are soul of all existence, you are the origin of all things, you sustain the world. The siddhas, charanas, yakshas, guhyakas follow you for boons. All the beings bow down to you. In you are the five elements, intelligence, lustre, knowledge, and ascetism. Vishnu chakra with which asuras are defeated is forged with your energy by vishwakarma. You illumine the earth with your rays and provide warmth to the people. You are the lord of manus, manwantara, manushyas (humans). During the pralaya (final dissolution), the fire samvartaka that burns the worlds are from you. You are called Indra, Vishnu, Brahma, Prajapati. You are fire and subtle mind. Food is grown with your rays, O Lord of food, grant me boon of abundance of food."
Lord Surya (Sun god) pleased with Dharamaraja's prayer, appeared before him and gives him a copper vessel and tells him 'this vessel will provide unlimited food for 12 years to your family and your guests as long as Draupadi serves to the guests without partaking of the food for the day. Once Draupadi takes food, the food is exhausted for the day. You will gain your kingdom in 14 years".
Yudhistir, having obtained the boon, bows down to his Guru dhaumya, and uses the copper vessel which is called 'Akshaya patra' to feed the guests daily and used to take food after that. Draupadi used to take food at the last.
They proceeded to woods of 'Kamyaka' along with the brahmanas.

Hari Om

Eight fold path

Mahabharata Vanaparva section 1-2 

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Pandavas were followed by the people of the kingdom hearing that pandavas will be leaving for forest and exile. The brahmanas praise the virtues of Yudhistir and refuse to go back to city. Yudhistir expresses his inability to take care of them. Brahmanas say 'We will take care of our food, and live with you in forest'. Yudhistir cannot accept that the people are put to hardships, he sits down weeping at his situation. As he was grieving, a rishi Saunaka well versed in vedas, and sankhya system addresses Yudhistir and says "countless fears and griefs are suffered by ignorant people every day, but not the wise. You are wise and you contain the knowledge that is capable of providing against all evils. Men like you should not grieve upon getting impoverished or any harm coming to their friends. Listen to the knowledge, this life is made up of bodily and mental agonies. Disease, contact with painful things, hard toil and desires of objects, these four constitute bodily suffering. Disease can be alleviated by medicine. Mental agony causes bodily disfunction also, hence doctors first address mental grief to treat a person. As mind attains peace, body follows suit. Raaga/Affection/Desire is the root cause of all mental sorrow, root of misery and fear. and it is from affection that springs desire for all worldly objects. If a small fire is kept at the hollow of a tree, the tree is destroyed. Similarly a small amount of affection (desires, raaga) can destroy all peace of mind. From raaga springs desire, and from desire springs the thirst for worldly possessions. from that sinful thirst, all anxieties spring forth and it is the same thirst that makes one do sinful acts. Wealth is the cause of miserliness, boastfullness, pride, anger, anxiety. One should not mind its loss. You should renounce your desire for worldly possessions and wealth".

Yudhistir replies " I am not having avarice for wealth. I require it to support my followers. those who cook for themselves are eating sin. A householder should provide seat, resting place, food, water and sweet words to guests, wayfarers, brahmacharis and yatis. A householder should scatter food on street morning and evening for animals and insects, and only after providing food to dependents, one should take part in the remaining food (known as vighasa). Such is the morality that is enjoined on a householder. What is your stand on acquiring wealth by such a householder who performs visvedeva sacrifice daily".

Saunaka says "It is by the desire of acquiring merit and a place in heaven after death, the ignorant also perform many meritorious deeds. The wise perform actions without 'Abhimana' (sense of doership) for emanicipation. The Vedas enjoin one to act, but to renounce the doership. Yajna(performing sacrifice), study of scriptures, charity, penance, adhering to truth (speech and act), kshama(forgiveness), mind and sense control, and renunciation of desires, these eight form the true path. All the gods like rudras, marutas, and adityas attained god-hood by performing actions without abhimana (sense of doership). So you also perform all actions without motive and strive to attain success in yoga."

Hari Om

Atmajyothi in guruseva