Yudhishtira's mental anguish...!

Episode#83

Yudhishtira's mental anguish increased every day when he thought of all the kinsmen that had been killed. He was stricken with intense remorse and decided to renounce as a mark of emancipation from his sins!
"I see no joy or happiness - nor am I worthy to be the ruler of Hastinapur or indulge in worldly pleasure!" He said to his brothers and added "Do rule the land yourselves leaving me free to go to the forest."

Arjuna discussed nobility of family life and the righteousness one could continue without resorting to renunciation.

Bhima also tried to convince but a trifle harshly "You talk, alas - like an ill-witted person who has acquired the knowledge the religious shastras without understanding their underlying worth. Sanyasa is positively not the Dharma of us Kshatriya. The duty of Kshatriya, is to live an active life and remain committed to the subject of his kingdom to whom he has vowed to provide all the necessary amenities,  protection from enemies and resolve their problems rather going to forest and leaving your duties unattended.

Nakula also reiterated that it was not befitting for a Kshatriya to leave his subjects to the mercy of winds and setting aside his responsibilitiesand duties; beside he also added the path of sanyasa (renunciation) was beset with difficulties.

Sahadeva argued likewise and requested "You are my father, my mother, my teacher,  as well as brother. Do not leave us, bear with us."

Draupadi joined in too. She said "It was right to kill Duryodhana and his men! Why should we regret it? The duties of a king includes the inflicting of just punishment to the sinners! It is unavoidable and is an essential part of the rulers duty. You have meted appropriate punishment to the evil-doers. It is now your sacred duty to take up your dutiful governing of your kingdom as per the norms of Dharma and please cease grieving,  My Lord!"

Later Sage Vyasa spoke to Yudhishtira at length and explained where his duties lay, pointing out the precedents, and persuaded him to go immediately and take the reins in his hands! Thus Yudhishtira was duly crowned at Hastinapur.

Before taking up his Royal Duties of the state,  Yudhishtira went to meet Bhisma Pitamah who lay on his bed of arrows awaiting his death. Yudhishtira asked for his blessings and begged advice about Dharma. This valuable discourse of Bhisma Pitamah instructions to King Yudhishtira is what came to be known as the renowned 'Shantiparva' of Mahabharata. After the discourse was over, Bhisma soul passed out and joined the infinity.

+++