Section LVII - King Yudhishthira Visits Hastinapura with Brothers: Vidura's Message
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LVII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Vidura, at the command of King Dhritarashtra, reluctantly set out to invite the Pandavas to Hastinapura for a friendly match at dice. Yudhishthira, upon Vidura's arrival, expressed his reluctance to engage in gambling, knowing its potential for disputes and misery. Despite his reservations, Yudhishthira decided to heed the king's command and set out for Hastinapura with his brothers and Draupadi. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the Kauravas and visited Dhritarashtra in his palace, where Yudhishthira interacted with his family and the other Kuru leaders.
Yudhishthira, surrounded by his brothers and the Kuru leaders, exchanged pleasantries and embraced his relatives, fostering a sense of camaraderie. He also met Gandhari and received her blessings, demonstrating respect and courtesy towards Dhritarashtra's family. The Pandavas were housed in luxurious chambers, where they were visited by the women of the Kuru household, sparking envy due to Draupadi's beauty and prosperity. Despite the underlying tensions, the Pandavas maintained their daily routines and rituals, seeking blessings and engaging in physical exercises.
The Pandavas, after performing their daily devotions and receiving blessings from Brahmanas, adorned themselves with fragrant sandalwood paste for good luck. They dined on delicious food, retired to their chambers for the night, and were lulled to sleep by music. The next morning, they woke to sweet music and began their day with more rituals before entering the assembly house for the impending game of dice. Despite the impending challenge and potential for conflict, the Pandavas remained composed and prepared to face whatever fate had in store for them.
Full English translation:
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Section LVII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section LVII:
What was the reason for Vidura's visit to the Pandavas?
Vidura was commanded by Dhritarashtra to invite the Pandavas to Hastinapore for a friendly dice game.
Who were the skilled gamblers waiting for the Pandavas in Hastinapore?
Sakuni, king of Gandhara, along with Vivingati, Citrasena, Satyavrata, Purumitra, and Jaya.
Why did Yudhishthira hesitate to participate in the gambling match?
Yudhishthira knew gambling led to misery, but agreed to play if challenged.
How did the Pandavas spend their time in Hastinapore before the gambling match?
They were welcomed by the Kurus, met family members, and engaged in rituals and festivities.
Daily life: King Yudhishthira Visits Hastinapura with Brothers: Vidura's Message:
The story poignantly illustrates the perils of yielding to pressure against one's better judgment and the cascading effects of pursuing activities known to cause distress, such as gambling. In our daily lives, it's crucial to stand firm on our principles, especially when faced with temptations or peer pressure that can lead us astray. This narrative also underscores the importance of seeking wise counsel when faced with challenging decisions. Just like Vidura advised the Pandavas, having a trusted advisor or friend can provide clarity and guidance to navigate difficult situations.
The unraveling events in the story highlight the unpredictable nature of outcomes when engaging in risky behaviors, demonstrating that even with noble intentions, one can find themselves in undesirable situations. It's a reminder that we should carefully consider the potential consequences of our actions and decisions, aiming to make choices that align with our values and long-term well-being. Additionally, the story serves as a caution against envy and jealousy, as seen in the reaction of Dhritarashtra's daughters-in-law towards the Pandavas, emphasizing the importance of fostering contentment and appreciation for what we have.
By applying the lessons from this story to our daily lives, we can strive to make decisions that are in line with our principles, practice contentment, and remember that seeking advice from wise and trusted sources can help steer us in the right direction. Recognizing the value of these lessons helps in building a life that not only steers clear of unnecessary turmoil but also promotes harmony and well-being.