A tearful re-union

Introduction

It will be useful to be aware that various paths are followed in ascetic life. They may be considered to be stages in the step by step approach to complete renunciation. The highest among them is known as the path of a Yati. In that stage there is absolute control over all senses, including hunger and thirst. A Yati exists purely waiting for his time of death. He moves around without any cloths on (digambara) and sleeps on the bare ground. He does not bother about personal hygiene. He does not eat any food, or drink water to quench thirst. He has his teeth firmly holding the bark of a tree to facilitate breathing and to prevent the tongue slipping down the throat.

Meeting with Kunti, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari

The Pandavas went in the direction pointed out by the forest dwelling sages and found their parents at a distance. Sahadeva ran towards Kunti and fell at her feet with tears in eyes. Kunti lifted her (step) son up and stroked him with gentle hands. She, then, mentioned his arrival to the blind folded Gandhari and moved forward to meet others.

Yudhishthira and his other brothers fell at the feet of their mother first. The sorrow of separation and the joy of re-union came out as tears from all eyes. Kunti announced her sons to Dhritarashtra and Gandhari as each of them prostrated before them in turn. The Kaurava king embraced each and recognized them by the touch and by their voices. The blind pair pacified the Pandavas sensing the intensity of emotion in their hearts.

The sages who were present were touched by the emotional scene. They had heard much about the Pandavas, but, did not have the chance to meet them in person. They asked Sanjaya for the necessary introduction.

Sanjaya described each in the order of seniority. “Look at the one with a prominent nose, red tinged large eyes, shining with the glow of gold and appearing like a lion. He is the Pandava king, Yudhishthira. You can find the one with his skin like molten gold, with long, muscular arms and with the gait of a haughty elephant. Know him to be Bhima, reputed by the name of Vrikodara, one with an appetite of a wolf.”

Sanjaya continued. “See for yourself the young man standing next to Bhima, dark in complexion and appearing like the best of elephants. He has his shoulders held high like a lion and has lotus shaped eyes. He is Arjuna, the best among bowmen. Can you find a pair standing close to Kunti? You never find men who equal them in looks, strength and character. They are the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva.”

Sanjaya continued to describe Draupadi, Subhadra, Chitrangada and the wives of other Pandavas.

Dhritarashtra’s words

After the first round of greetings Dhritarashtra asked Yudhishthira. “Are you and your people not keeping well? Are not those who serve you, like your teachers, ministers and servants living in good health? Are you not reigning over your country following the rules set by your illustrious ancestors? Hope, your treasury is getting filled through righteous means. I assume that you are able to keep a well balanced stance between friends and enemies. I take that you are looking after the welfare of all your citizens, especially, of the Brahmins in your kingdom.”

Yudhishthira confirmed that he was following all the advices given by his uncle in the past and was ruling the country to his best abilities. He then, enquired how he, the pious Gandhari and his mother, Kunti managing their life in the forest. Was his uncle not managing to perform his austerities well in the forest, supported by his mother, aunt and the minister, Sanjaya?

Then, Yudhishthira remembered and enquired about the wise Vidura. “I did not find my uncle Vidura with you. Where is he?”

Dhritarashtra replied. “My son, Vidura has been getting into more and more severe forms of penance. He has become a mere skeleton with all the veins showing up beneath his skin. Finally, he has become a Yati and is roaming about. He has stopped eating and drinking altogether and survives purely by breathing air. The sages often spot him in such a condition moving here and there in the forest unconcerned of everything else.

Yudhishthira was very eager to meet his uncle who meant so much to him throughout his life in the palace and outside.

(To be continued)