The Eternal Dharma🔊

In the distant era of ancient India ruled by valorous kings and spiritual sages, a benevolent leader was born to the realm of Kuru, named Yudhishthira. He was the first-born son of King Pandu and Queen Kunti and was known for his unwavering virtue, relentless dedication to righteousness, and unparalleled adherence to dharma. His story spelled the essence of eternal dharma that transcended territorial boundaries and timeframes.

King Pandu and his wife, Queen Kunti, sought blessings from Lord Dharma, the deity of justice, virtue, and law. Blessed by the deity's favor, Yudhishthira was imbibed with flawless virtue and righteousness. A protagonist of the great Indian epic 'Mahabharata,' Yudhishthira was often plunged into the abyss of perplexing moral dilemmas, but he invariably remained unscathed.

He was known to never utter an untruth, even in the face of dire consequences. Such was his purity that even during the epic battle of Kurukshetra, amidst the raucous clamor of clashing weapons and the vehement cries of adversaries, he stood tall, echoing the principles of dharma.

Despite his noble virtues, Yudhishthira's life was laden with trials and tribulations. He was affronted with deceit, exile, and the utter devastation that the war had brought upon his clan. Yet, he never wavered from the path of righteousness and, as he navigated his way through these trials, the principles of eternal dharma became more potent, manifesting in his very existence.

The pivotal chapter that illuminated the essence of his eternal dharma was his conversation with Yaksha, a celestial entity guarding a divine pond. The vulnerable Pandava brothers, exhausted and thirsty, had approached the pond. Overconfident, they disregarded Yaksha's words, only to fall lifeless. Yudhishthira arrived last to see his brothers' lifeless bodies, and he was faced with Yaksha's challenge - if he could answer his questions satisfactorily, his brothers would revive. Yaksha's questions ranged from ethics to spirituality, divulging profound, philosophical essence. Yudhishthira, with his profound wisdom, satisfied Yaksha, who revealed himself as Yudhishthira's divine father, Lord Dharma.

Years later, after they emerged victorious at Kurukshetra, Yudhishthira was crowned the King. Yet, the shadows of war still lingered in his heart, and he sought solace and redemption. Yudhishthira, guided by the celestial dog who was Lord Dharma in disguise, embarked on a journey to the Himalayas to ascend to Swarga or heaven, in his earthly body, a journey called Swargarohini.

Here's when Yudhishthira had to come face to face with the harsh realities of Karma. One by one, his brothers and his beloved Draupadi fell lifeless, unable to complete the voyage. Alone and devastated, Yudhishthira persevered. On reaching the heavenly abode, he only found himself in the company of his rivals, the Kauravas, rejoicing. Bewildered and anguished by the absence of his kin, Yudhishthira, realized that Swarga wasn’t rightfully his until he served his time in Naraka, the underworld.

Upon his return to Naraka, Yudhishthira was astonished to find his kin in an illusory scene of suffering. It was Lord Indra's final test – a test of his penance, humility, and dharma. He chose to stay with his kin forever, even in the throes of suffering – this decision showed he had grasped the profound meaning of eternal dharma that often masked itself in paradox, contradictions, and trials. Pleased with his choice, Lord Indra revealed the illusions – his loved ones were in Swarga, happily waiting for him.

As Yudhishthira embraced his loved ones in Swarga, he realized that the eternal dharma wasn't merely about adherence to righteousness in word and deed. It was about embracing the law of Karma consciously, serving the selfless duty towards others, even in suffering, implying the delicate balance between mortal life and immortality. That moment was a culmination of his spiritual journey – a journey that taught him and millions of followers the true meaning and realization of eternal dharma.

This tale about Yudhishthira and his realization of eternal dharma resonates across generations. It invokes the belief that steadfast upholding righteousness, selfless duty, and willingness to accept one's karma will ultimately lead to liberation, illuminating our path to salvation.