Dhritarashtra’s Partition and the Pandavas’ Acceptance : Episode 74

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Bhishma and Vidura struggle to secure a just settlement between the cousins, but Dhritarashtra—guided by Shakuni—twists the partition to favour Duryodhana. Both the Pandavas and Kauravas reluctantly accept division, though the seeds of future conflict are already sown.

Dhritarashtra’s Decision and Vidura’s Protest

Vidura firmly objects to Dhritarashtra’s plan to divide the kingdom, calling it unjust. But Dhritarashtra insists that Hastinapura itself was once a forest, cultivated by their ancestors, and the Pandavas could do the same with the barren land allocated to them. He reminds Vidura that partition was originally Vidura’s suggestion and now, as king, he has formalised it. Vidura worries the Pandavas will reject such unfairness, but Dhritarashtra expects Vidura to persuade them. When Vidura warns that Drupada may intervene, Dhritarashtra dismisses the threat, saying Bhishma can handle Panchala.

Bhishma accepts that, however flawed, the king’s order must be carried out. But the burden of conveying the decision to the Pandavas weighs heavily on him.

Kunti’s Command and the Pandavas’ Quiet Acceptance

Kunti gathers her sons and tells them to prepare themselves for whatever Bhishma decides. Bound by their vow to obey their mother, the Pandavas follow her to Bhishma’s chambers. To Bhishma’s astonishment, they accept the division without complaint. Vidura asks Kunti if she feels no unhappiness. She replies that only her acceptance is required, not her happiness. Bhishma is shaken; the silence of the Pandavas wounds him more than any argument could. He confesses his helplessness — he can only follow the king’s orders, even when they are wrong.

Arjuna’s Wish

Once alone, Arjuna expresses a simple desire: before leaving for Khandavaprastha, he wants to see Yudhishtra crowned in Hastinapura. Kunti agrees to speak to Bhishma, and Bhishma promises to make it happen.

Kunti’s Wisdom and Vidura’s Tribute

Vidura later tells Kunti he remembers her fiery defence of justice in the sabha, and is puzzled by her calm surrender now. Kunti explains that earlier she acted with intellect, but this time she listened to her soul. She praises Bhishma’s lifelong sacrifices, rewarded only with emptiness — “shoonya.” It made her realise that one never truly gains anything in this world. Therefore, she wants her sons to begin their new life from that same emptiness. Vidura bows to her insight.

Krishna and Balarama — A Bond Beyond Birth

Elsewhere, Krishna massages Balarama’s feet as he sleeps. Rukmini wonders if this is fitting for the Lord of the universe. Krishna recounts their eternal bond as Nara and Narayana. In the Ramavatara, Lakshmana served Rama tirelessly for fourteen years, never sitting, eating, or sleeping unless ordered. Rama wished to repay that devotion but could not, as Lakshmana was younger. So in this avatara, the roles reversed — Nara became the elder brother — allowing Krishna to serve Balarama freely.

Bhishma Confronts Dhritarashtra

Bhishma reports the Pandavas’ consent. Dhritarashtra is pleased, but Bhishma scolds him for taking comfort in others’ misfortune. Hurt but silent, Dhritarashtra listens as Bhishma mentions his promise to hold Yudhishtra’s coronation before their departure. Dhritarashtra questions the need for haste. Bhishma reminds him of the broken promise at Varanavata; trust must be earned, not requested.

Shakuni’s Influence

Overhearing everything, Shakuni presses Dhritarashtra to abandon all softness toward the Pandavas. If he truly cares for his sons, Shakuni says, he must act firmly and without hesitation.