Episode#84
The King went to River Ganga and offered traditional libations for the peace of the departed soul! After the ceremony was over, Yudhishtira stood in the bank and the entire bitter tragic events returned to his mind and overcome by intense grief, he fell unconscious on the ground as if an elephant had struck down by a vicious hunter.
Bhima went up to his brother, caressed him and spoke to him soothingly! Dhritarashtra came along and comforted Yudhishtira: "You should not grieve like this, arise and reign over the kingdom that awaits you - You will be assisted by your brothers and friends. Leave this anguish to Gandhari and me, you achieved victory in accordance with the righteousness of warriors.
A fool that I was, I did not give the slightest significance to the precious words of Vidura and ended up by committing the biggest blunder of my life! I listened to the foolish words of Duryodhana and deceived myself. Like a beautiful night-dream everything vanished into nothingness! All my precious sons have melted into the world of the unknown! But I have you as my son now dear Yudhishtira do not grieve. "
After days, Draupadi appeared to have been recovered from her trauma. She looked after Gandhari and Dhritarashtra and after about 15 years, when sage Vyasa suggested them to renounce, they gladly left! Kunti and Vidura also joined them. After 2 years, sage Narada informed King Yudhishtira that Dhritarashtra, along with Gandhari and Kunti were burnt to death in a forest fire. Vidura also breathed his last in the mountains.
Two rival queens Kunti and Gandhari at some point their lives ran dissimilar, their fortunes contrasted in a dramatic manner, one having good days and not good days to other. When one was comfortable and secure, other was miserable. It was towards the very end of their life they came closer. It was the empathy with each other's sorrows and suffering that forged bond between the two. In forest they shared common grief, became good friends and came to terms with the realities of life. And, both died together in forest fire.
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