|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 37 – The legend of Lord Krishna - Krishna's arrival to Dwaraka - Legend of Vidura

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, Krishna arrived in the city of Dwaraka was received with the people with great enthusiasm and cheers. Krishna greeted them with a pleasing and compassionate smile; people assembled were prostrated before him.  The Vrishnis considered Krishna as the supreme Lord who is the creator of the Universe and its living beings; they have considered him as Pitha, Matha, Suhrith, Pathi, Guru, Paramam and deity as well.  Thus, the majestic chariot of Krishna passed the marvelous pathways to the palace, pleasure gardens of several trees, shrubs, and creepers, attractive fortresses, palace gate, stunning architectural wonders, and flags, beautiful streams, flower gardens, ponds, etc.  Finally, Krishna stood before Vasudeva, Akroora, Ugrasena, Bala Rama, Pradhyumna, Charudheshna, and Samba, who were received with various auspicious things.  He met all the family members with the exchange of compassionate smiles, embraced, holding hands, and enquired about their welfare of the family members and even to the people of other Varnnas/chandala.  He reverentially greeted Vipra and preceptors, and finally returned to the inner side of the palace.”

Maharishi Vedavyasa conducted Puthrodhpadhanam at the instruction of Devi Sathyavathi, and provided three children to the Kuru clan, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura.  The three children have possessed the nature of their mothers at the time of physical relationship with Maharishi Vedavyasa, therefore Dhritharashtra became blind by birth due to his mother who was terrified at the sight of Maharishi Vedavyasa, Pandu born with increased interest in the amorous sport like his mother, and Vidura who was born to Dasi in the palace who reverentially received Maharishi Vedavyasa, therefore the child born to the Dasi became Bhagavathoththma.  Vidura, a member of the assembly of Kauravas, remained mentally strong watching all the atrocities of Kaurava and the pathetic state of Pandavas.  

Vidura made all efforts to stop Kauravas from their evil acts against Pandavas were fallen into deaf ears. Pandavas were trapped into the wax house and set to fire were protected by Vidura.  Lord Krishna went to Hastinapura as an emissary of Pandavas was treated disrespectfully, even though royal preparations were made by the Kauravas, but he refused to accept any of their treatment and went to stay with Vidura.

The war between Kauravas and Pandavas were declared, Dhrutharashtra who was in extreme distress spent several sleepless nights, requested Vidura to calm his anxiety about the upcoming war. Dhritarashtra requests Vidura to pacify Pandavas and put an end to this war proposal otherwise his entire clan would get destroyed.  He was well aware of the arrogance and pride of his own children, not going to follow any of his words. Dhritarashtra has thoroughly known the fact that as long as Krishna with the Pandavas, no one could do any harm to Pandavas.  Vidura retorted about his wickedness to save his own children, and destroy the sons of Pandu.  Further, Vidura advise Dhritharashtra that if his son Duryodhana is not willing to follow his orders should be thrown out of the palace, in this way he can protect his own clan, Dharma and the subjects as well. He advises Dhritharashtra to exile Dhuryodhana form the Kingdom, and give the throne to Yudhishtra, that would save his clan from destruction. At that moment Duryodhana, Dhusshasana, and Karna entered the chamber of Dhritarashtra, came to know about the advice of Vidura.  Duryodhana showered verbal abuses on Vidura that wounded him deeply, but Dhritharashtra kept quiet did not show the courtesy to stop him. In a second Vidura regained his confidence and felt that it was the grace of supreme Lord Hari, not to witness the crucial war of Kurukshetra, the supreme Lord must have plans to elevate his soul by providing nearness to the ascetics and Sadhus.  He left the palace immediately and conducted a spiritual journey, on his way met Udhdhava who was in a wretched state.