Yudhiṣṭhira’s Thirst and the Disappearance of His Brothers
While wandering in exile, the Pāṇḍavas grew extremely thirsty. One by one, Nakula, Sahadeva, Arjuna, and Bhīma went to fetch water from a nearby lake but never returned. Finally, Yudhiṣṭhira went to search for them and found their lifeless bodies lying beside a shimmering lake.
The Voice of the Yakṣa
As Yudhiṣṭhira approached the water, a celestial voice stopped him. It was a yakṣa guarding the lake. He warned that the others died because they drank without answering his questions. If Yudhiṣṭhira wished to drink, he must first answer.
The Wisdom of Yudhiṣṭhira
The yakṣa asked riddles and dharmic questions, to which Yudhiṣṭhira replied with profound insight. To “What is the greatest wonder?” he replied, “Day after day, countless beings die, yet those who remain live as though they are immortal. This is the greatest wonder.” The yakṣa, pleased, revealed himself as Dharmarāja—Yudhiṣṭhira’s divine father—and restored the lives of his brothers.
Lessons to Be Learned
1. Dharma Protects Those Who Protect Dharma
Yudhiṣṭhira’s adherence to truth, even in crisis, reflects the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam principle (6.1.17): dharma will always protect its protector. He didn’t act in haste or emotion but chose the path of wisdom.
2. Life Is Temporary—Prepare for Eternity
His answer about death and illusion is a central Bhāgavatam theme: we live in denial of impermanence. Wise souls turn to the eternal shelter of Kṛṣṇa, not this fading body.
3. The Supreme Lord Tests His Devotees for Their Elevation
Just as Kṛṣṇa tested the gopīs in separation and Arjuna in battle, the yakṣa’s trial purified Yudhiṣṭhira’s resolve and glorified his character for all time.
