Yudhishtira and Vidura

Yama and his spiritual sons

In the Mahabhaaratha, Kunti the wife of Pandu, invoked three gods to have three sons. The eldest Yudhishtira was born through the grace of Yama, the second, Bheemasena was born through the grace of Vayu, and the third, Arjuna was born through the grace of Indra.

But much before the birth of Yudhishtira, Yama had already donned an avataara, as Vidura, the brother of Dhritharashtra and Pandu.

Vidura

Vidura was born from the union of Veda Vyaasa and a maid. He was known for his balanced views, wise counsel and sense of justice.

Time and again, during instances of injustice, when the learned Kripaachaarya, venerable Bheeshmaachaarya and formidable Dronaachaarya remained silent, Vidura, the prime minister, always spoke up. Being Dharma personified, he abstained from fighting on the side of the adharmic Kauravas, in the battle at Kurukshetra and remained neutral.

In the very first chapter, the Adi Parva, Vidura saved the Pandavas and their mother from being burnt alive in a house of lac as part of a plot hatched by Duryodhana.

In the fifth chapter, Udyoga Parva of the Mahabhaaratha, the conversation between Vidura and Dhritharashtra regarding governance, conduct, leadership and so on has been termed ‘Vidura neethi.’

In the Udyoga Parva itself, when Krishna as an emissary of the Pandavas, chose to eat at Vidura’s house rather than the palace, it is said that Vidura and his wife overcome with joy, offered the Lord, the peel of the banana instead of the fruit.

Purandara Daasa has composed a song to describe the good fortune of Vidura...

Vidurana bhaagyavidu....

Avataaras/amshas

The difference between the principal devathe and his avataara/amsha is that while the devathe is aware of his avataara/amsha, the person who is an avataara (full incarnation) or is an amsha (partial incarnation), remains unaware of his true self.

In the episode of the ‘Yaksha Prashne’ while the heron/ Yaksha/ Yama was fully aware of who Yudhishtira was, Yudhishtira could not recognise Yama.

The only exceptions to this rule are Naarayana, Bramha and Vayu.

There is absolutely no difference between Naarayana and his various avataaras; and between the avataaras themselves. While Bramha has no avataara, there is a miniscule difference between Vayu and his avataaras, only as a mark of deference to Naarayana. The avataaras of Vayu are well aware of who they are. Amongst the three avataaras of Vayu devaru, Madhwaachaarya has emphatically declared that he is an avataara of Vayu devaru.

Concluded