One in the forest the Pandav brothers were setting up camp
and trying to decide on how to spend their last year of exile. Draupadi, the
wife of all five of these brothers, got thirsty and wanted something to quench
her thirst. So Yudishthira, the oldest one of the five brothers, decided to
send the youngest brother with a bucket to get some water. The water was at a
nearby lake about a few hundred feet away. This lake was a very quiet and clean
lake, not one sign of a living animal was around the lake. The youngest brother
approached the lake and started to dip the bucket in the water when the wind
started blowing hard and the water became still. He stood there looking around
when he heard a voice. The voice belonged to Yama, the God of Death. The god of
death said to the youngest brother that if he answers his questions correctly
then he is free to get the water. The brother paid no heed and continued to
fill water. This made Yama mad so he took his life. Back at the camp
Yudishthira started to wonder where the youngest brother was, so he sent his
twin brother after him to see if he was safe. The twin brother saw him lay dead
at the shore, and decided to quickly fill the bucket and leave. Yama again came
and tried asking a question and the twin brother out of fear did not listen. The
twin brother’s life was also taken. Yudishthira now worried for sure, sent the
strong brother Bhima in. Bhima saw his two brothers lay dead on the camp and
decided to take revenge on whoever it was that killed his brothers. But Bhima
had no chance again Yama and he also died. Three brothers down and Arjun
decided to go check up on what they were up to. Arjun was smarter than the
other three and paid heed. But sadly, Arjun did not know the answer to the
question. It had been a while and none of the brother returned so now finally
Yudishthira goes to the lake. Yama is also Yudishthira’s divine father.
Yudishthira was asked the question and he answered after thinking a while. He was
correct. Yama as a reward revived all his brothers and also gave them a boon. This
boon gave them the choice to be disguised as anything they want for their last
year of exile. This solved their problem of what to do for their last year.
Author’s Note:
I decided to retell the lake story where the brothers go
fill water. I did not retell it exactly how it was in the Mahabharat, I made a
few changes to it. I also did not specify which question was asked because I could
not think of a good question to be asked.
Buck, William (1973). Mahabharata
Soham, you did a great retelling of this story. I actually really really enjoyed reading this story in our readings this week, so I was excited when I realized that you were retelling it. I like how change change it around a little bit, I think it made it quite interesting, but you stuck to the main storyline. You did a great job
ReplyDeleteSoham, I really enjoyed your version of the story of the lake this week. I found this section very interesting because of the dynamic between the brothers. I have two older brothers so I am always interested in how they react and work together in comparison with others (especially a little sis, like me). I really enjoyed the changes you made; they made for a more realistic story. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteHey good morning Soham. I truly enjoyed reading your week 13 storytelling. Your rendition of the story about the brothers dying after not obeying Yama was well written. The descriptive qualities you added greatly enhanced the story and really brought to life the sequence of events. The bewilderment of Yudishthira when he realized his brothers were dying was also really well portrayed. Keep up the great writing.
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