Vedic Wisdom Talks

Bigger picture! Duryodhana’s army panicked & fled, but Karna did not waver & shot shower of arrows, checking onslaught of Gandharvas. Within a short time, mighty Karna killed many, but still Gandharvas held fast & rallied back at Kauravas. Being supported by Dhārtarāshtrās & Sakuni, Karna fought fiercely, and it soon appeared that he had gained upper hand Enraged Gandharva king, Chitrasena then entered battlefield and by utilizing his mystic powers he created the illusion that 10 Gandharvas are fighting with each enemy soldier. Because of this, the warriors of Kaurava army once again panicked and ran away Inspite of being wounded, Karna remained immovable, with Duryodhana & Sakuni by his sides. 1000’s of Gandharvas rushed at Karna & within a moment his chariot was destroyed & horses and driver was killed. Karna jumped to ground & mounting Vikarna’s chariot fled from battlefield At this time all Kauravas, except Duryodhana also turned their backs and ran,...

False Ego! Dhritrāshtra liked the idea of going to Dvaitavana, but he said: As Pāndavās are staying there, it would be better to send someone else. Otherwise, if you go there, Duryodhana will surely offend them. Just try to understand how powerful Pāndavās are, & any attempt to harm them will result in your own destruction Sakuni argued: We have no intention to see them, and actually we would avoid the vicinity where they stay, so there is no chance for any misconduct. At last, Dhritrāshtra granted permission to go to Dvaitvana Without delay Duryodhana happily set out, accompanied by Sakuni, Karna, Duhsāsana & many other brothers, 1000’s of ladies & a large army as well. Altogether, the party consisted of 8000 chariots, 9000 horses, innumerable foot soldiers, merchants, hunters and various classes of servants When they approached Dvaitvana, Duryodhana setup camp at a distance from the lake where Pāndavās were staying. From there counting of cattle was conducted. When this w...

  Envy!   As Dhritrāshtra was lamenting, Sakuni overheard him & then went to Duryodhana, who was sitting with Karna. Upon entering the room, the cunning Sakuni said: O King! The sovereignty of earth, with its rulers, and the unlimited opulence that Yudhisthira had formerly enjoyed are now yours without rival. After their kingdom was snatched away, the Pāndavās are living in impoverished condition on the shore of Dvaita Lake, along with numerous Brāhmanās   Let’s go there in full royal opulence, just to display ourselves before the Pāndavās, and make them burn with envy. The greatest joy for a Kshatriya is to see himself prosper while his enemies sink into adversity. It is just like looking down from the top of a hill & seeing rivals crawl upon the ground. It gives a king greater pleasure to see his enemies suffer than to simply enjoy his own wealth & prestige   My dear Duryodhana! you should take your wife & go to forest in royal style, just to see Pā...

  Destiny!   Draupadi gave very good instructions to Satyabhāma & she greatly appreciated them. At last Sri Krsna took permission to depart from Pāndavās & Brāhmanās headed by sage Mārkandeya. He then set out for Dvārka   Pāndavās returned to Dvaitvana & chose a secluded place to live, far away from human habitation and much of their time was spent roaming in the forest. Many sages came to visit Pāndavās & all of them were very respectfully received and worshipped. One day a Brāhmanā came and held discussions. He then departed for Hastināpur   The Brāhmanā was very expert in speaking & when he entered Dhritrāshtra’s court, the old king received him with great respect. After having him seated comfortably, King inquired about how Pāndavās were passing their days. In reply Brāhmanā explained in very pitiful words how they had become exceedingly emaciated due to being exposed to the elements & how along with Draupadi, they slept upon bare ground ...