Dharmaraja - Epic Characters of Mahabharatha - E-book - ePub

Dharmaraja was true to his name- a person with fortitude, wisdom, courage, tolerance, kindness and righteousness. He was known to be a stickler to the dictates of dharma;thus, when he was invited to play a game of dice with the Kauravas, he didn't refuse. Infact, he played until he lost everything he had - his kingdom, wealth, brothers and even Draupadi. He could conquer hatred as can be seen when he sent Arjuna and Bhima to battle against the Gandharvas for the release of the Kauravas.
Jayadratha was spared at his behest even though the latter had dragged Draupadi in his chariot. Only after he answered all the questions posed by the deadly python, Nahusha, did the python release Bhima. He impressed the yaksha so much that instead of one, all his brothers were brought back to life. Later, when the Pandavas lived in cognito in Viratanagar he stopped his brothers from destroying Virata as he was grateful to him for giving them shelter and food.
Before the start of the Mahabharatha war, he took the blessings of all the elders though they were on the Kauravas' side. He was the chosen one to receive lessons in dharma and administration from Bhishma when he lay on his bed of arrows. Much against his wishes, he was forced to utter a lie to Drona , which he covered up by adding a truth though very softly. He was very moved by all the bloodshed and loss of life caused during the war.
Sage Dwaipayana had to convince him to taking on the responsibility of becoming the King. He then systematized the administration and gave responsibilities to able men. Kunti, the Pandavas and Draupadi served and respected Dhritarashtra and Gandhari - they hadn't received such treatment at their own children's hands. Yudhistira's reign as a king was a model one as he was virtue incarnate.