Gandhari Advises Dritarashtra to Observe Silence and Take No Decision : Episode 71

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Kunti warns Yudhishtra not to yield his rightful claim during the elders' assembly. Drona clashes with Ashwathama over accepting tribute from Drupada, while Drupada secretly vows revenge. In the royal assembly, debates intensify as Kunti recounts her hardships and insists on justice. Shakuni provokes a bitter dispute about lineage, and Bhishma storms out, disgusted. Vidura seeks public opinion to guide Dhritarashtra, who, disturbed and restless, leaves at night to consult Sage Vyasa.

Dhritarashtra Seeks Counsel

Dhritarashtra reaches Vyasa’s ashram, heavy with confusion. He confesses that he is unable to make decisions.

Vyasa asks quietly, “Are you truly unable, or unwilling? You had already decided to crown Yudhishtra before the Pandavas left for Varanavata.”

Dhritarashtra admits that Duryodhana refuses to accept that decision.

Vyasa replies with painful clarity. Dhritarashtra should have told Duryodhana during his childhood that Yudhishtra, living in the forest, was the rightful heir. Instead, he allowed his own desire to make his son king to take root in Duryodhana’s mind. He sought Vyasa’s counsel only to shield his own choices behind the sage’s authority.

Vyasa advises him to lay aside the role of father and think like the king of Hastinapura. Only then will his confusion dissolve.

Krishna Delays the Alliance

In Dwaraka, Krishna plays dice with Rukmini and Subhadra. Balarama wants to leave for Hastinapura to seek Duryodhana’s alliance for Subhadra.

Krishna cleverly delays the plan, saying the time is inauspicious and may affect Subhadra’s future.

Subhadra protests — how long can they postpone? They have only gained four days.

Krishna smiles mysteriously: “Much can change in four days.”

The People’s Voice

Kanaka, Vidura’s trusted spy, brings him news. Most citizens of Hastinapura prefer Yudhishtra as king. Yet Duryodhana too has supporters. People fear that continued discord between the cousins will bring turmoil and endanger their own future.

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari Confront the Truth

Gandhari waits anxiously for Dhritarashtra’s return. Dhritarashtra tells her Vyasa holds him responsible for planting ambition in Duryodhana. He asks Gandhari to accompany him to speak to Duryodhana — to tell him the Pandavas must receive their due.

A Difficult Lunchtime Conversation

At lunch, Yudhishtra reprimands Arjuna and Bhima for insulting Dhritarashtra’s birth. They defend themselves: Duryodhana insulted Kunti by questioning their birth first.

Kunti intervenes. She says the poisonous arrow aimed at her turned upon Dhritarashtra, who remained silent while she was humiliated.

Draupadi, overhearing, feels guilty. She says her presence has intensified the enmity, and suggests returning to Panchala.

Kunti stops her. Being born from the fire, Draupadi must embody the strength of a kshatriya woman. The conflict is not about a throne—it concerns the future of all the lands under Hastinapura.

The Pandavas remind her of the injustices they have endured—the fire plot, the exile, and being driven into a life of wandering.

Duryodhana’s Moment of Weakness

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari meet Duryodhana. Dhritarashtra reminds him of Pandu’s sacrifice — only because of it could Dhritarashtra become king. For a brief moment, Duryodhana softens. Then he sees Bhima walking through the corridor with his powerful stride. Anger floods him again. He vows vengeance, rejecting all reasoning. Kanaka observes everything and immediately informs Vidura.

Bhishma’s Sorrow

Bhishma prays alone. He tells Vidura that his moroseness springs from his love for Hastinapura and his helplessness watching its decline.

Elsewhere, Drona, Ashwathama and Kripa discuss the growing bitterness between the cousins. Drona is surprised by Arjuna’s harsh words in the assembly.

Vidura tells Bhishma that he intends to visit Vyasa for guidance.

Gandhari’s Unexpected Strategy

Dhritarashtra again asks Gandhari what he should do.

Gandhari tells him to maintain silence and offer no direct solution.

She instructs him to go to the battlefield unarmed. She then explains her philosophy: A king should entrust decision-making to someone he completely trusts. Before doing so, he must think deeply. But after entrusting the responsibility, he must stop thinking and follow the chosen advisor’s word as if it were divine command.

Dhritarashtra feels relieved by her suggestion.