Yudhishtra Plays Dice Despite Vidura's Warning : Episode 83

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Recap of the Previous Episode :

Krishna returns with Satyabhama, causing anger and despair in Rukmini. Vidura warns the Pandavas against the dangerous invitation to Hastinapur, but Yudhishtra must accept. Shalva attacks Mathura. The Kauravas rejoice at Yudhishtra’s acceptance. Shakuni recalls the dark past of Gandhara and prepares his enchanted dice for the game. Duryodhana forces Dhritarashtra to promise non-interference in tomorrow’s fateful encounter.

Vikarna’s Warning

(continued from previous episode)

Vikarna, the righteous son of Dhritarashtra born to a Vaishya woman, listens silently as Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana argue. When Dhritarashtra throws aside the cup of milk in helpless anguish, Vikarna steps forward. With folded hands, he begs his father not to allow the dice game to proceed.

He warns that Duryodhana may misuse the game for wrongful victory and that the consequences could destroy the entire Kuru dynasty. But Dhritarashtra remains torn between duty, affection and fear.

The Assembly of Kings

The royal court fills with hushed tension as Dhritarashtra orders the game to begin. Yudhishtra bows respectfully and seeks blessings from the elders.

Shakuni urges Duryodhana to seek Yudhishtra’s blessing as well, saying Yudhishtra’s words never fail because he embodies truth. Yudhishtra offers him the blessing of victory — a blessing Shakuni twists into a weapon.

Yudhishtra voices his discomfort: the game reveals neither the valor of a warrior nor honors those who win through deceit. Duryodhana mocks him, claiming that Yudhishtra has already lost before casting the first dice.

The Rules Declared

Bhishma announces the decorum to be followed:

  • A king may wager only what he truly owns
  • A player may withdraw before placing a wager
  • No woman except a dasi may enter the assembly

Shakuni adds his own rules:

  • Equal stakes must be pledged
  • A wager cannot be withdrawn once placed

The announced throw decides victory

Yudhishtra consents, saying he will never start the game but will never refuse when invited.

The First Wagers

Duryodhana declares that Shakuni will roll on his behalf. Though Bhima and Arjuna object, he refuses to play otherwise. Yudhishtra agrees.

The first wager is Duryodhana’s necklace. Vidura intervenes, reminding them that Duryodhana owns nothing — the necklace belongs to Dhritarashtra. But Shakuni cleverly manipulates the king into granting Duryodhana full authority. Arjuna objects again when Shakuni reaches for his personal dice, but Yudhishtra allows their use, saying he trusts him.

The first throw favors Yudhishtra.

Luck Turns

Vidura begs Dhritarashtra to end the game here, but Yudhishtra insists on giving Duryodhana a fair chance. From this moment, fortune abandons him.

He loses ten thousand cows. Bhishma urges the game to stop, since both sides have tasted victory once. Duryodhana sneers, calling Yudhishtra weak and afraid. Stung, Yudhishtra continues.

He wagers his entire treasury. Duryodhana wagers the treasury of Hastinapur. Vidura warns that public tax cannot be gambled — but Dhritarashtra overrules him.

Shakuni throws the dice. Yudhishtra loses everything.

Downward Spiral

Duryodhana’s taunts strike deeper each time. One by one, Yudhishtra wagers and loses:

  • The dasis and their ornaments
  • The golden-armored elephants
  • The army with its weapons

The court watches in horrified silence as the sacred duel of dice transforms into a descent without bottom.

The game continues…

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