Passing of Vidura

Yudhistira returned home with his brothers and Draupadi. He was feeling devastated. All were sad. No one had food that day. They were missing the elders. After talking, they decided to go to the forest and go to them.
They all started. The Pandavas, Draupadi, Subhadra, Uttara, Parikshit, wives of the Kauravas, Dushala all started their journey. A big army of people followed them.
They reached the banks of Ganga and had a bath in the waters. They then proceeded to the Dwaipayana forest. They saw Dhritarashtra sitting in front of his hut with folded hands.
They went and bowed down to him.
Dhritarashtra, not able to see, asked who this was.
Yudhistira identified himself. Dhritarashtra hugged the Pandavas. He asked if all was well.
Yudhistira said How will things be well when you are here? I do not see our mothers. Where are Gandhari and Kaunti? Where is Vidura?
Dhritarashtra said Your mothers are in an adjoining hut. Vidura, I do not know where he is. He has given up on food and spends his days on the banks of the river. I barely meet him.
Hearing this, Yudhistira went towards the river bank. There they saw Vidura sitting below a banyan tree, meditating.
The Pandavas went and called out to him. There was no response from him.
They wondered if Vidura was angry and that is why he is not responding.
Suddenly Yudhistira Vidura looking at him. Vidura then blinked his eyes and Yudhistira saw the soul of Vidura slip away from his body. Vidura fell lifeless.  The Gods started showering flowers.
He felt something had entered his body. He felt doubly strong and wise.

Dhritarashtra prepares to leave

Dhritrarashtra stayed for five more years. He was constantly thinking of how to convince Yudhistira and leave the palace. He went to Gandhari and said - I am feeling imprisoned here. Every time I am here, I feel I could have done things differently and situations would have been different. What is the way in which I can be relieved?
Gandhari said A life away from family ties is what is needed. I want to retire to the forest and spend my life in meditation. This is a life that I want to lead and Yudhistira should not stop me.

The next day morning, Dhritarashtra sent for Vidura. He said he had decided to leave the palace and would not listen to Yudhistira anymore. Vidura said he would come along also.

Dhritarashtra and Vidura took off the royal robes and dressed in plain clothes. Gandhari did the same too. Sanjaya heard this and said he wanted to go with them too.

When Kunti heard this, she went to Dhritarashtra. She said she wanted to accompany them. Dhritarashtra accepted her. 

Dhritarashtra wants to leave the palace

Yudhistira thanked all who had participated in the sacrifice and gave them gifts.
Yudhistira began ruling the kingdom as a just and noble ruler. They took care of Dhritarashtra as their own father.
Dhritarashtra was constantly pained and hurt at the fact that he had lost all his sons in the hands of Bhima.
Gandhari tried to console the king. She said I know what you fell. Also remember, you were jealous of Bhima right from his childhood.
Dhritarashtra said Whenever I see Bhima, I think of my dead sons. I cannot fault Yudhistira.
When Dhritarashtra and Gandhari were talking, Vidura came there. He asked them the cause of their sorrow.
Dhritarashtra said I am regretting not listening to you, when you tried to advise me. I am pained when I see Bhima. His behavior towards me is different from the other brothers. He does not give the same respect as the others.
Vidura said Respect gets respect. If you treat Bhima with respect, you will get that from him. Yudhistira respects you a lot. He will do anything you say. If you tell him to leave the kingdom and retire, he will do that immediately.
Dhritarashtra said I like Yudhistira a lot. It is Bhima. I shudder when I think of him. He killed all my sons. I have seen a lot. I am planning to retire into the forest and lead the life of a mendicant, practicing yoga and meditation.
Vidura said How will you manage by yourself? You are old and blind. There are animals in the forest. Give gifts to the priests. Lead a cheerful life. You will feel happy. It is possible to meditate and practice an austere life while leading the life of a householder also.
Dhritarashtra said I trust you but I feel I will be at peace if I leave the palace. I am not afraid of the wild beasts. If that is my destiny, so be it.
Vidura said If you have made up your mind to leave, then allow me to come with you. I will be with you and serve you. We will need to take permission from Yudhistira.
Dhritarashtra asked Vidura to talk to Yudhistira.

Krishna stays at Vidura's house

While Krishna was with Kunti, Vidura arrived. He said he was sorry he was not there to greet Krishna.
Krishna said You are a wise one, known all over the world. I am pleased with what little a devotee can offer.
Vidura said What can I do you for you Krishna.
Krishna said I am very hungry. Please feed me.
Vidura saw a few lotus stems and rice at home. He asked his wife to cook those. Krishna and Satyaki ate that with relish. Vidura was feeling ashamed. He said He was unable to feed the guest at his house.
Vidura said I know you have come as a messenger to talk sense to the sons of Gandhari. Be careful though. They are planning to make you prisoner.
Krishna said I hate the pride that the sons of Dhritarashtra have. I can finish them in an instant.
Vidura said Who can bind you? If a devotee comes, you yourself go and get bound.

Spending the night at Vidura's hut. Krishna then started for the court the next day. 

Vidura advises Dhritarashtra

Vaishampayana said to Janmajeya - Listen King.
When Duryodhana left the court Bhishma, Drona and Kripa were quite then they too left.
Vidura then went to Dhritarashtra and said - Give half the kingdom to Pandavas else nothing will be left of the kingdom. Your son is cruel and there seems to be no one else like him. He is giving you a bad name also.Do not think of battle. Bhima, who can kill Hidimb, Jatasura and Baka with his bare hands is someone to be feared. Arjuna is a mighty warrior and a beloved of Indra. You know how Arjuna alone annihilated the enemy in the kingdom of Virata. Do as I say. Send messengers to the kingdom of Virata. Fetch the Pandavas and give back Indraprastha.

Dhritarashtra said You told me and I understand. Go and tell Duryodhana this.

Vidura said I have tried and he thinks ill off me, Saying this Vidura sat down.

Dhaumya said I know Duryodhana will not give up the land. They have tried to kill the Pandavas before using Virochana. Be aware that Krishna is with the Pandavas. This is the same Hari who was captured by Bali.

Dhritarashtra asked about the clash between Bali and Hari.

Dhaumya said This is a big story but let me summarize and tell you.

Dhritarashtra and Vidura talk

Dhritarashtra was anxious about the Pandavas leaving. He sent for Vidura. He asked Vidura with teh Pandavas not there, how would he be able to take full control over the people of Indraprastha and Hastinapura.
Vidura said - Stay on the path of truth. Think of the sons of your brother as your own. You kept quiet when the Pandavas were insulted by your son and Shakuni. You were quiet when your daughter in law was insulted. Now you want to make ammends, What can be done? But if you are really wanting to do something, bring the Pandavas back. Give back to them, what has been taken from them. Tell them that you are sorry for what had happened. Get Duryodhana and Karna to have a friendly relation with the Pandavas. If Duryodhana refuses to listen to you, jail him.
Dhritarashtra said - I do not agree with what you said. Why should I punish my son for the sake of other's sons. You are a well wisher of the Pandavas. Go and live where you want to.
Vidura got and while leaving he said - I see the end of the dynasty of Kuru.

Instead of going home, Vidura went to the forest where the Pandavas were. Yudhistira was in the Kamya forest, clad in bark, along with his brothers. Seeing Vidura they wondered why he was coming. Was it for another game of dice? There was nothing to loose now except their lives, and was that something that was needed.

Yudhistira asked Vidura what the king had said. Vidura said he had tried to advise the king but he had been insulted. Thus, leaving the king, he had come to stay with the Pandavas.

Hearing that Vidura had left saddened the king. He was sorry for his words. He went to court but collapsed on the ground. Sanjaya and the others helped the king on his feet. The king said - Vidura has joined the Pandavas. Tell him to come to me at the earliest. Tell him I am sorry for what I had said.

Sanjaya started for the forest to fetch Vidura. Reaching there he said - O Vidura quickly. The king will not live if Vidura does not come.

Vidura and Sanjaya took leave of the Pandavas and reached Hastinapura. On meeting the king, Vidura and Dhritarashtra hugged each other.

Dhritarashtra said he was begging for forgiveness.
Vidura said - Sons of Pandu are the same at me, like your sons.

Hearing Vidura and Dhritarashtra talk, Duryodhana went to Shakuni and said a way had to be made to get rid of the Pandavas, if the king sent for them.

Shakuni said, the Pandavas would not come as Yudhitira would not go against his word. If he even comes back, he will go back again based on the promise, for another thirteen years.

Karna said - The Pandavas would be suffering in the forest. I want to see how they are. I want to see their suffering. They being vulnerable, this may be the right time to get rid of them for ever.

Duryodhana agreed and ordered for the army to get ready.

Vyasa was sitting in his meditation. He realized what was happening. He left for Hastinapura. There he met Duryodhana and his army, and told them to stop. The sage went and met Dhritarashtra.

He said - You are blind by eyes, and now you have lost sight of justice. What are you doing? Your son, in greed, grabbed what was belonging to the Pandavas. Send your son to the Pandavas and let him let them he is sorry for his behavior. Then your hundred sons will be saved.

Dhritarashtra said - The problem is, Duryodhana does not listen to me.
Vyasa said - Let me tell you something. Once, Surabhi, the mother of cows was crying. Seeing this, Indra asked her the reason. She said she was sad for a son of hers who was old, and was made to make in the fields. The farmers who were using him, were beating him, when he could not walk.
Indra said - he would have rain fall, which would cool the earth and make it easy to till.

Vyasa said, One has to be just to all.

Dhritarashtra said I am unable to talk to my son, if you can, please talk to him.
Vyasa said, I will not do that. The sage Maitreya will come and he will talk to Duryodhana. And if Duryodhana refuses to comply, he may get cursed.

Soon Maitreya came and said he had met the Pandavas who were suffering because of the conduct of Duryodhana.

Talking to Duryodhana, he said - Pandavas are no less superior than you and they deserve that respect. When Duryodhana refused to listen, Maitreya said - the thigh that you had shown Draupadi will be broken by Bhima.

The king asked the sage to withdraw his curse, but he refused.

Vidura goes to fetch the Pandavas

Without delaying for a minute, Vidura started getting multiple gifts arranged. He reached Panchala. He sought audience with Kunti and gave her many gifts. Draupadi was blessed and gifted many precious gifts. He then went to the Pandavas and greeted all of them. The Pandavas took the blessings of Vidura. Pandavas then took Vidura to the place where Drupada was.

Vidura was greeted by Drupada and a great feast was organized. After the meal, Vidura started talking to Drupada. He said he had been sent as a representative from Hastinapur. Not having seen the Pandavas for years, the Kuru elders wanted the Pandavas to return home. They all wanted to see Draupadi.

Drupada agreed to what Vidura had said and he spoke to the Pandavas.

The Pandavas with their mother and Draupadi then left for Hastinapur.

They were welcomed in Hastinapura. There, Dhritarashtra said they should set their own city in Khandavaprastha. The Pandavas started the construction work in Khandavaprastha, seeing an auspicious day. When the city was setup, the Pandavas moved there with Draupadi. The city built was wonderful and Krishna advised them to name the city as Indraprastha.

Dhritarashtra agrees to bring back the Pandavas

Dhritarashtra called Bhishma and Drona. He sat with them and his ministers. He said he had come to know that Pandavas and Kunti were alive. He had no idea where and why they had been hiding. They have married the daughter of Drupada but did not inform me about that. He then wanted to know what was to be done in this case.

Bhishma said For you Pandavas should the same as your own sons. There was a time when you used to proud of the achievements of the Pandavas. Not sure what happened suddenly and you sent the Pandavas to Varnavrata. You should be glad that the Pandavas along with their mother are alive. Do as you used to do earlier. Send for the Pandavas immediately. For me Gandhari and Kunti are the same, and so are the sons of Pandu and your sons. If Pandu was alive today, this kind of a situation would not have arisen. What I suggest is, divide the kingdom into two and give one portion to the Pandavas.

Drona said he was in agreement with what Bhishma had said. He said  Send someone to Panchala to fetch the Pandavas. Also get ready to welcome the newly weds and greet Draupadi with jewels and gifts. To Kunti, ask her to forget the past. Send gifts for Drupada. Send someone who is loyal and truthful and someone whom the Pandavas can trust.

Karna said he did not agree of this and said the ideas of Bhishma and Drona were not to listened to.

Drona said he knew all about Karna and how he performed in the swayamvara in Panchala. Drona reminded Karna about how he had run and leave the field, when confronted by Arjuna.

Vidura then told Karna, Bhishma and Drona had wisdom and their words should be listened to. Krishna and Balrama were cousins of the Pandavas. Drupada was now their father-in-law and the Pandavas were now to be feared. He too asked Dhritarashtra to bring the Pandavas over.

Dhritarashtra agreed and Vidura to go and bring the Pandavas back.

Wedding of Draupadi

Invitations went all over for Draupadi's wedding.
The Pandavas were made to sit on five seats. Turmeric was rubbed on their bodies. Water was collected from five pilgrimage spots and the Pandavas were then bathed with that water. They were decked in wonderful clothes.
Draupadi came in, decked in the most wonderful attire and jewels. She sat on a pedestal and was lifted up by four bearers. They took her around the five Pandavas seven times.
Draupadi's five fingers had strings tied, the other end of each string was tied to the wrist of the Pandavas.
Draupadi, whose face had been hidden so far, showed her face gradually to the Pandavas.
Conch shells were blowing and the sounds of ululation filled the atmosphere.
The ceremonies over, the invited guests started leaving.
Krishna and Balarama also left for Dwaraka. On the way, they stopped and met Vidura. Vidura wanted to know how the Pandavas were. Krishna told of the news of the wedding of Pandavas with Draupadi.

Vidura went to Dhritarashtra and told him Draupadi was the daughter-in-law of Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra was very happy and asked Vidura to inform people to welcome Duryodhana and his bride. Vidura then said, it was not his son but the Pandavas who had wed Draupadi.

It was as if Dhritarashtra had been struck with with a spear. He was also glad to know that the Pandavas were alive. He asked Vidura to tell more. Vidura said he had heard from Krishna about Arjuna hitting the target and the wedding of Draupadi with the five brothers.. 

Marriage of the Kuru Princes and birth of Karna

When the three boys grew up they were sent for their education. Along with the scriptures they learnt the art of warfare. When they were of age, it was time to get them married.
In the clan of Yadavas there was a king called Subala who had a daughter called Gandhari. She had a boon that she would give birth to hundred sons of great strength.
Bhishma sent a proposal to Subala for the marriage of Gandhari with Dhritarashtra.
The king thought over the proposal. The only hitch was that Dhritarshatra was blind. Apart from that, the Kurus were a strong clan.
Agreeing to the proposal, Subala agreed to give Gandhari to Dhritarashtra. Along with Gandhari, many maids and a lot of wealth was sent. Gandhari's brother, Shakuni also came along with his sister.
When Gandhari heard that her husband was blind, she decided to follow her husband, Taking a clean white cloth, she tied it over her eyes thereby she also became blind.
Handing over his sister to Dhritarashtra, Shakuni returned back to his kingdom.

After the wedding of the elder prince, Bhishma started thinking of a bride for Pandu.
Shura was a Yadava king, the grandfather of Shri Krishna. Seeing that the king Kuntibhoja, his cousin,  was childless, he gave his daughter Pritha to her, for bringing her up as his own.He named her Kunti.

One day the sage Durvasa came visiting the land where Kuntibhoja lived. Seeing Durvasa, Kunti washed his feet with her own hands and welcomed him. She looked after the sage and was there to serve him, with folded hands.
Pleased with her devotion, Durvasa gave her a mantra. He told her whenever she uttered the mantra with any God in mind, that God would appear before her. Saying this and blessing her, the sage left.

Kunti wanted to try out the mantra. She uttered the mantra thinking of Surya.
Surya appeared and Kunti bowing down, said she was just testing the mantra. She said she had called him without any reason and she begged forgiveness.

Surya said the mantra is powerful and will not go futile. Surya said Kunti needed to sleep with with him.
Kunti said she was a virgin and all would be ashamed if she performed a act like that. Surya said, with his boon, her virginity would remain intact. A son was born of Kunti and Surya and Surya left.
The child was born with an armor on his body and earrings on his ears.

Kunti was not sure what to do and what people would say to her. Taking a large copper vessel, she placed the child in that. She carefully placed the vessel in the waters of Yamuna and watched it float away.

A Suta (charioteer) was bathing in the waters of Yamuna when he saw the floating vessel. Curious to know what was inside, he got the vessel to the shore. Seeing a beautiful boy inside, he called out to his wife Radha.

The couple was childless and they adopted the boy. They named the boy Vasusena. The boy grew up learning all he could. He would always give alms away to any brahmana who came his way. All that was asked off him, he gave. Such was the case that when later Indra asked for his armor and earrings, he cut them off his body and gave it away. As he had cut off his body to give away what was asked for, he was also known as Karna. In lieu of the armor, Indra had a given to Karna a ferocious weapon called Ekagni, which would mean sure death of the one on whom this was hurled.

Going back, Kunti's swayamvar was organized. All kings came there and among then was Pandu, looking regal like Indra himself. Kunti chose Pandu as her husband. Pandu came back to his land along with Kunti.

None of the princes had any children. Bhishma thought of marriage again.

Shalya, the king of Madra had a beautiful sister called Madri. Bhishma asked for Madri's hand for his brother's son. Shalya said in their land they had a custom of receiving dowry from the groom, to which Bhishma agreed. Bhishma came back with Madri and got her married to Pandu.

Pandu wanted to expand the kingdom and he went on an expedition towards the West. Pandu defeated many kings and made them his subordinates.

Pandu was greeted by Bhisma when he arrived. Pandu gave all the wealth that he had got, to Dhritarashtra.

There was a king called Sudeva who had a beautiful daughter called Parashari, who was known for her beauty. Bhishma got this princess married to Vidura.

Vidura born

Janmajeya wanted to know why Yama needed to born on earth.
The sage said:
There was a sage called Mandavya. He was meditating below a tree, observing a vow of silence.
Some robbers happened to be in the city and they were fleeing after robbing many houses. The chief of guards was chasing them.
The guards saw the sage meditating and asked him if he had seen the robbers. The sage remained silent.
They saw the loot which the robbers had hidden there. Thinking the sage was the chief of robbers, they caught him.They caught the robbers and along with the sage tied them and presented them in teh court.

The king ordered them to be impaled on spears. The sage was silent all through out.

Some other sages saw this and trying to free Mandavya but were unable to do so. They went to the king and told him that he had wrongfully impaled a sage.

The king ashamed came to the sage and begged his forgiveness. The king tried to take the spear out but was unable to do so.

The sage forgave the king.

The sage then wanted to know why he had to undergo through such a suffering. He approached Yama, who was also the God of Justice, Dharma.

Yama said as a child you used to impale innocent insects on needles, which is why this punishment.

The sage that act did not deserve such a big punishment. As a play of an innocent child, a lighter punishment would have been more apt.

The sage cursed Yama to be born as a human.

This is why Yama was born as a human, as a son of a Shudra woman. Thus was born Vidura.

The blind prince was Dhritarashtra and the pale prince was Pandu.