In a profound episode within the Aranyaka or Vana Parva of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas face a trial that tests their virtue and wisdom. The ordeal begins with a seemingly mundane event-a deer, entangled with a kindling rod on its antler, leads the Pandavas on a fruitless chase, leaving them despondent and thirsty. Nakula, upon climbing a tree, spots cranes and deduces the presence of water nearby. However, a celestial voice warns him to answer a question before drinking. Overcome by thirst, Nakula disregards the warning, drinks, and dies, a fate soon shared by Sahadeva, Arjuna, and Bhima under similar circumstances.
Yudhishthira, the last to arrive, heeds the voice's warning and engages in a dialogue, answering questions posed by the mysterious voice. Upon being offered the revival of one brother as a boon, Yudhishthira chooses Nakula, showcasing his fairness and adherence to dharma. The voice reveals itself to be Yamadharma, the god of death and righteousness, and Yudhishthira's father. Impressed by Yudhishthira's answers and decisions, Yamadharma offers another boon. Yudhishthira humbly requests aid for the Brahmana, only to learn that the entire ordeal, including the deer, was a divine test orchestrated by Yamadharma.
As a blessing for passing this test, Yamadharma advises the Pandavas to journey to the Virata Kingdom, marking the end of their stay in the forest and setting the stage for the events of their 13th year in exile.
12 сен 2024
