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needy. As a reaction to this, the assembly hall that Duryodhan constructed, was
something like a modern casino, where gambling was the only form of
entertainment. There could have been no spiritual discussions, no worship or praying,
and no exchange of higher thoughts and beliefs here. The only sport that could take
place was gambling. Before coming to Hastinapur, there has been an extensive
discussion between Vidur and Yudhishthir in Indraprastha, where Yudhishthir has
opposed gambling in the strongest terms. After reaching Hastinapur, an entire
chapter is dedicated to Yudhishthir’s argument with Shakuni, where Shakuni defends
gambling and Yudhisthira opposes it.
Yudhishtra says “Gambling causes quarrels and brawls. No intelligent person would
like to gamble. Gambling is a form of deception and a cause for sin. One can neither
demonstrate valiance suitable to a Kshatriya, nor are there any set rules for it. I have
no desire to gamble.”
One particular utterance of Yudhishthir is quoted over and over in many discussions.
Where he says, it is wrong to gamble, it causes complete destruction, but if he were
invited, he would not refuse. Yudhishthir was the kind of person who is willing to
endure the biggest tests in order to prove his smallest obligation to dharma. Thus
Yudhishthir sits down to gamble in accordance with respect for Dhritarashtra’s
invitation despite being fully opposed to it in his heart.
In Mahabharata, the word ‘uncle’ has been used nowhere for Dhritarashtra in
Pandava’s context. He has been called pita in the original verses. Yudhishthir’s
dharma was in his truth, and in fulfilling the wishes of elders. Therefore, knowing that
Dhritrashtra could rob him of his life, or knowing that Dhritarashtra wants Duryodhan
to be the ruler of Hastinapur, even if that requires killing the Pandavas, Yudhishthir
does not disobey any of Dhritarashtra’s commands. Yudhishthir seems bound by this
commitment to his dharma during the betting that took place in the gaming hall. He
is constantly opposing gambling, but never refuses to play. As that was
Dhritarashtra’s command.
After Vidur warns Yudhishtra in Indraprastha, he says in clear words, “On command
of King Dhritarashtra, I certainly wish to partake in the games. A father is always dear
to a son.” After arriving in front of Dhritarashtra, he again says, “Sire! You are our
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