The Pandava’s have successfully completed their twelve years
in exile and last year of masquerade in Virata with the help of god Yama. Yama disguised himself as a bird who forewarned
the brothers not to drink the enchanted waters of his. By dying thirst, Yudhistira’s brother all had
disobeyed Yama’s advice and fell to their deaths. One by one each brother stumbled
upon the dead body of another brother but saw the water as a way to regain their
strength before killing the bird that placed a curse upon the brother who drank
the water from before. It was not until Yudhistira
came near the waters, and listened to the words of god Yama. Yudhistira completed the task that Yama had
set for the brothers before him. He had
to ask a series of questions. While
reading, I pictured Yudhistira fading away because of his thirst, feeling weak
and breathing shallowly.
Yama tested Yudhistira on his character, knowledge of gods,
faith, and beliefs. After granting him a
drink from the pool of water, Yama told Yudhistira if he could choose one
brother to live who it would be. Yudhistira
showed selflessness in his decision and chose his younger brother Nakula.
Nakula was his half brother, given to his by his stepmother. Yudhistira felt that it would be proper to resurrect
a son who did not share the same bloodline as his self, in order to let their lineage
continue on. Yama felt moved by Yudhistira’s
decision and granted him the life of all of his brothers.
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