Post By: Vishwanath Iyer Published on: September 8, 2018 Reading time: 20 minutes
Acknowledgement – School of yoga is deeply grateful to the author of this article, Dr. H. S. Ram Mohan who is an Independent Academic and Indic Content Writer, for his permission to publish his work on this site.
The story is forms Chapter 297 in aranyaka-parva (forest chapter) of Mahabharata, the ancient Indian itihāsa, which means, thus verily happened.
1- https://dn790005.ca.archive.org/0/items/Sanskrit_EBooks_Assorted_Titles/Yakshaprasna%20Sanskrit%20English.pdf
2 – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307974324_Yaksha-Yudhisthira_Conversation_in_Mahabharata
To begin, at the end of their 12 years of exile in the forests, the time had come for the Pandavas to live incognito in Agnata-vasa. There, while they were discussing their course of action, the princes met a Brahmin who complained that a deer has taken on its antlers his arani— a pair of wooden blocks used to start fire by friction— so he couldn’t light the fire for Vedic rituals. So, the Pandavas set out to retrieve the Brahmin’s arani and followed the hoofprints of a deer who was presumed to have been the culprit.
While following the mysterious deer, Yudhishthira became exhausted and thirsty. So, his brother Nakula set out to fetch water and found a beautiful lake. However, the lake was devoid of any living creature, except for a crane standing in the water. When he attempted to take water from the lake, the crane spoke, “O Nakula! The water of this lake will turn into poison if you take it without satisfactorily answering my questions.” However, Nakula ignored the crane, hastily drank the poisonous water, and died.
Nakula’s twin Sahadeva came in search of his brother and found the same lake, saw Nakula dead, and was warned by the crane. But, Sahadeva too ignored the crane and died after drinking the water. Finally, the remaining two brothers Arjuna and Bhima also met the same fate when they ignored the crane and drank the water from the lake.
Lastly, when none of his brothers returned with water, Yudhishthira followed the trail to the lake and found them lying dead. However, before searching for his brothers’ killer, he decided to drink some water from the lake. But when the crane warned him, he realised that the crane held the answer to the turn of events, and agreed to answer its questions.
How the yakṣa-praśna or “questions of the yaksa” came into being.The crane then revealed itself as a yakṣa or natural spirit. The yakṣa asked Yudhishthira approximately 125 questions on gods, metaphysics, philosophy, and similar topics.
This is called yakṣa-praśna or “questions of the yaksa”, also known as the dharma-baka-upakhyana or the akshardhamānd is more that a question-answer session between Yudhishthira and a yakṣa. The conversation delves deep into the psyche and harmonies (dharma) of ancient Bhārat (India).
Let us now look at the yakṣa’s questions along with Yudhishthira’s brilliant answers from the great epic of Mahabharata with a translation in simple English. This praṣnotthari is like a modern-day rapid-fire quiz.
Who makes the Sun rise? As he moves, who travels with him?
Who leads him to set? Where is he firmly anchored? (26)
Yudhisthira replied.
It is Brahman which makes the Sun rise. Devas (deities) travel with him.
Dharma leads him to set and he is firmly anchored in Truth (Brahman). (27)
How does one become a srotriya (a purified soul)?
How does one attain the second state of perfection?
By what means does one become steady?
O King! By what means one becomes intelligent? (28)
Yudhisthira replied.
Firstly, one becomes a srotriya or purified soul by studying the Vedas.
Next, he achieves the second state of perfection by practicing austerity or tapas.
Importantly, he develops steadiness by practice of dharma and,
Lastly, he becomes intelligent by serving elderly people of wisdom.
First, what is the divinity in brāhmanās?
Next, what is the dharma of good brāhmanās?
Also, what is the humanly trait in them?
Lastly, what is the trait in them which makes them impious? (30)
Yudhisthira replied.
Svādhyāya (study of the Vedas) is the divinity in the brāhmanās.
Importantly, austerity (tapasya) is the good trait in them.
Unfortunately, their human trait is that they are subject to die.
Additionally, their impious quality is speaking ill of others. (31)
What is the divinity of the kṣatriya?
Also, what is the dharma of good people which they follow?
Next, what is the human-like trait in them?
Lastly, what trait in them is like that of the bad people? (32)
Yudhisthira replied.
Skill in warfare is the divinity in kṣatriya.
Additionally, performance of sacrificial rites is their trait like that of the sages.
Significantly, their human trait is fear (timidity).
Lastly, abandoning (those who seek protection) is their impiety. (33)
Firstly, what is Sāma in a sacrifice?
Secondly, what is Yajus in a sacrifice?
Thirdly, what does the sacrifice (yajña) invoke?
Fourthly, what is it that it does not transgress? (34)
Yudhisthira replied.
Firstly, prāna (motility) is the Sama in a sacrifice.
Secondly, manas (cognition) is the Yaju in it.
Also, it is rik which the sacrifice invokes.
Lastly, it is also rik which it (the sacrifice or yajña) does not transgress. (35)
ṛk (Rik) ऋक् – the word of illumination which lights up the cognition with the rays of knowledge; [a verse of the Ṛg-veda).
Firstly, what is the best thing for the tiller of the soil?
Secondly, what is the best thing for the one who sows?
Thirdly, what is the best thing for those who want a stable life?
Fourthly, what is the best thing for those who give birth? (36)
Yudhisthira replied.
Firstly, rain is the best thing for the tiller.
Additionally, seed is the best thing for the sower.
Importantly, cows are the best for men seeking a stable life.
Lastly, a son is the best thing for the progenitors. (37)
What is that person who enjoys all sense objects, is intelligent, is honoured by people, is accepted by all and breaths like a normal human being but lives like a person that is dead? (38)
Yudhisthira replied.
One who does not offer nourishment (bali, food) to these five – the gods, the guests, the servants, the ancestors and the self – is a dead person although alive (breathing). (39)
First, what is weightier than the Earth?
Second, which is taller than the sky?
Third, what is speedier than air?
Lastly, what is more abundant than grass? (40)
Yudhisthira replied.
To begin, Mother is weightier than Earth.
Next, Father is taller than the sky.
Additionally, manas (cognition) is speedier than air
Lastly, worries / thoughts are more abundant than grass. (41)
Which (creature) does not close the eyes while sleeping?
What does not move after being born?
Which has no heart?
What grows (swells) by its speed? (42)
Yudhisthira replied.
Fishes do not close the eyes while sleeping.
Also, the egg does not move after being laid.
The stone has no heart.
Lastly, the river swells with speed. (43)
Who is the friend of one away from home (travelling)?
Next, who is the friend at home?
Importantly, who is the friend when one is sick?
Lastly, who is the friend when one is dying? (44)
Yudhisthira replied.
Companion (co-traveller) is the friend of a traveller.
Next, one’s wife is the friend of a person at home.
Importantly, the physician is the friend when one is sick.
Lastly, charity (dāna) is the friend of the dying. (45)
Note – why is dāna the friend of the dying?
When we were living, if we have been charitable in word and deed, then, when we are dying people willingly let go those debts and others bless us (āśīrvāda). As a result, our ability to transcend māyā and achieve mokṣa is improved.
First, who is the guest for all beings?
Second, what is the ancient (or eternal) dharma?
Thirds, which is nectar, O King?
Lastly, what pervades all the world? (46)
Yudhisthira replied.
Agni is the guest for all beings.
Also, cowmilk and somarasa are nectar.
Importantly, adherence to truthfulness is the ancient (eternal) dharma.
Lastly, the whole of this world is pervaded by air. (47)
First, who moves about alone?
Next, who is reborn again and again?
Also, what is the remedy for biting cold?
Finally, which is the greatest of fields (where crops grow)? (48)
Yudhisthira replied.
The sun moves on its path alone.
Also, the moon is born again after waning out.
Fire is the remedy for biting cold.
Lastly, the earth is the biggest field. (49)
What is the basis of dharma?
Also, what is the basis of fame?
Additionally, what leads a person to svarga (greater astral plane)?
What is the ground of happiness? (50)
Yudhisthira replied.
Generosity is the basis of dharma.
Also, charity (dāna, gifting) is the cause of fame.
Next, truthfulness leads to svarga (greater astral plane).
Lastly, good conduct (morality / virtue / śīlam) is the foundation of happiness. (51)
What is the soul of man?
Who is his God-gifted friend?
Also, what is his means of livelihood?
Lastly, what is his ultimate refuge? (52)
Yudhisthira replied.
Son is the soul (atma) of man.
Importantly, wife is the friend gifted by the deities.
Clouds (Rain) are the means of livelihood.
Lastly, charity (dana) is his ultimate refuge. (53)
First, what is the best of all goodness?
Second, what is the best of all wealth?
Third, what is the best of all gains?
Four, what is the best of all happiness? (54)
Yudhisthira replied.
Capability is the best of all laudable things.
Next, knowledge is the best of all wealth.
Also, good health is the best of all gains.
Lastly, contentment is the best of all happiness. (55)
What is the highest dharma (virtue/ order / natural state) in the whole world?
Also, which dharma (action compliant with order) always yields fruit?
Importantly, what internalisation makes a person immune to sorrows?
Lastly, which form of alliance always wins? (56)
Yudhisthira replied.
First, kindness is the best virtue.
Importantly, compliance with the Vedic prescriptions always yields fruit.
Next, the controlled Self (Identity) cannot be overwhelmed with sorrow.
Treaty with team players never loses out. (57)
What, if abandoned, makes a man popular?
Also, what, if abandoned, makes a man invulnerable to grief?
What, if abandoned, makes a man wealthy?
Lastly, what, if abandoned, makes a man happy? (58)
Yudhisthira replied.
Firstly, absence of pride makes a man well-liked.
Secondly, absence of wrath makes a man shielded against grief.
Thirdly, absence of passion makes a man wealthy.
Finally, greed/ temptation, if renounced, makes a man happy.’ (59)
Why are gifts offered to Brahmins?
Also, why are gifts offered to actors and dancers?
Additionally, why are gifts offered to protégés?
Lastly, why are gifts offered to the kings? (60)
Yudhisthira replied.
First, gifts are offered to Brahmins for the sake of dharma.
Second, gifts are offered to actors and dancers to earn fame.
Third, gifts are offered to the protégés to maintain them.
Fourth, gifts are offered to the kings to secure protection. (61)
First, what overshadows the Earth?
Second, why do men remain obscure?
Third, why do men shun friends?
Fourth, why do men fail to be in heaven? (62)
Yudhisthira replied.
Ignorance of the nature of the Self / Identity covers the Earth (the minds of men).
Also, Tamas hinders a man’s blooming full.
Next, greed goads a man to shirk friends/ avarice results in friends abandoning a person.
Lastly, attachment frustrates a man’s prospect to achieve mokṣa. (63)
Why does a man live as if he is dead?
When is a kingdom called as being dead?
Additionally, when are the last rites considered incomplete?
Lastly, when is a sacrificial rite considered incomplete even after its formal completion? (64)
Yudhisthira replied.
First, a depraved person (one who is deprived within) lives like a dead person.
Second, a kingdom is called dead when there is no head (rāja).
Third, last rites are considered dead (incomplete) in the absence of erudite priests.
Finally, a sacrificial rite is called dead (fruitless; incomplete) if gifts are not offered to the Brahmins who preside. (65)
First, what is the way?
Second, what is source of water?
Third, what is source of food?
Four, what is the proper time of the last rites? (66)
Yudhisthira replied.
The way of the peaceful is the right path.
Additionally, the sky is the source of water.
Furthermore, the cow is the source of food.
Finally, the time of the last rites comes when Brahmins consenting to have meals are available. (67)
First, what is the sign of one who practices asceticism?
Second, what is considered true restraint (self-control)?
Third, what constitutes forgiveness?
Fourth, what is shameful? (68)
Yudhisthira replied.
Single-minded devotion to one’s personal way (svadharma) is the mark of asceticism.
Next, restraint of the cognition is considered true restraint.
Also, forgiveness is the endurance of duality (dvandva = like-dislike, good-bad, right-wrong).
Lastly, withdrawal from laudable acts is disgraceful. (69)
O King! What is said to be Knowledge?
Also, what is said to be control of the senses?
What is said to be mercy?
Furthermore, what is said to be forbearance? (70)
Yudhisthira replied.
Awareness of Brahman is Knowledge.
Importantly, tranquillity of consciousness is the sign of control of senses.
Also, mercy is wishing happiness to all.
Finally, forbearance (patience) means equanimity of the consciousness. (71)
First, which enemy is invincible?
Second, which disease is incurable?
Third, which men are righteous/ satvic?
Fourth, which men are wicked? (72)
Yudhisthira replied.
Anger is the most invincible enemy.
Additionally, covetousness is an incurable disease.
Also, righteous people are those who desire the well-being of all.
Finally, wicked people are those who are not merciful. (73)
O King! What is ignorance/ delusion/ confusion (moha)?
Also, what is honour (mAnaha)?
Next, what is considered as idleness?
Lastly, what is said to be sorrow / grief (shokam)? (74)
Yudhisthira replied.
First, ignorance means lack of awareness of duties (dharma).
Next, honour means being aware of ones self-respect (AtmAbhimAnam) all the time.
Also, abstention from performance of one’s duties (dharmanishkriyata) is idleness.
Finally, lack of knowledge oneself leads to grief. (75)
What has been called steadiness by the sages?
Also, what has been called fortitude (dhairyam)?
What is a real ablution?
Lastly, what is charity? (76)
Yudhisthira replied.
Firstly, steadiness is reflected in the adherence to one’s own dharma (duties).
Secondly, fortitude lies in the control of the senses.
Thirdly, ablution means cleaning the cognition of all impurities.
Finally, charity consists in safeguarding all creation. (77)
Who is a learned man/ scholar?
Also, who is called an nAsthik (one who does not accept the Vedas as the primary source of knowledge)?
Additionally, who is a stupid person (mUrkh)?
What is called desire/ passion (kAma)?
Lastly, what is envy (matsara)? (78)
Yudhisthira replied.
A man who is well-aware of the nuances of dharma is called a learned man.
Next, a stupid person (mUrkha) refutes the Vedas (nAsthika).
Also, attachment to rebirth and material world (samsAra) is desire.
Finally, envy arises from a burning heart. (79)
What is conceit/ pride (ahankAra)?
Next, what is hypocrisy?
What is the grace of the deities?
Lastly, what is wickedness? (80)
Yudhisthira replied.
Ignorance of the Absolute Truth gives birth to pride.
Setting up a religious standard is hypocrisy.
Furthermore, the deity is embedded in fruit of our selfless offering.
Importantly, wickedness comes from speaking ill of others. (81)
Righteousness (dharma), materiality (artha) and desire (kAma) are opposed to one another. Then, how can these ever -incongruous elements exist together? (82)
Yudhisthira replied.
Just as dharma and a mother / wife (bhArya) submit to each others will mutually, righteousness (dharma), materiality (artha) and desire (kAma) exist together. (83)
O Bharatarùabha (bull of Bharata)! Who is condemned to everlasting purgatory? Tell me promptly. (84)
Yudhisthira replied.
A person who invites a Brahmin to offer gifts but thereafter tells him that he has nothing to offer is condemned to everlasting purgatory. (85)
A person who vilifies the Vedas, the religious scriptures (DharmashAstrAs), twice borns (dvijA) who have studied the Vedas, the deities and rites for the forefathers (pitr-dharmeshu) is destined to be in perpetual purgatory. (86)
A person despite being rich neither does not offer any gifts nor does he enjoy himself owing to acquisitive habit (saying that he has no riches) goes to endless purgatory. (87)
O King! What makes a person a Brahmin? Is it birth, abstension (vrtam), wisdom (svAdhyayena), or learning? Tell me with conviction. (88)
Yudhisthira replied.
O Yaksha! Not family, nor wisdom nor learning determines who is a Brahmana. Doubtlessly, it is determined by the strength of his abstension – ability to abstain/ not be tempted/ self-control (vrtam). (89)
A Brahmana should make special efforts at abstension (vrtam). He who maintains his conduct zealously is never impaired. (90)
Whether teachers and pupils, all who study the scriptures, if addicted to wicked habits, are to be regarded as illiterate wretches. Learned is the person who performs prescribed duties. (91)
Even that person who has studied the four Vedas but is self-indulgent is regarded as no better than a Shudra. A Brahmin is one who performs agnihotra sacrifice is remembered as a Brahmana. (92)
First, what does a person who speaks agreeably gain?
Second, what does a prudent man gain?
Third, what does a man who has many friends gain?
Fourth, what does a virtuous man gain? (93)
Yudhisthira replied.
A person who speaks agreeably is loved by all.
Also, a prudent person gains success in all endeavours.
Imortantly, a person with many friends lives happily.
Finally, a virtuous person attains a happy state in the next life. (94)
First, what is the most delightful?
Second, what is the surprise?
Third, what is the path?
Fourth, who is truly happy?
Lastly, answer these questions and then drink. (95)
Yudhisthira replied.
Those who cook for for themselves in their own homes on the fifth & sixth day of the moon are truly happy. Also, a person who is not in debt and does not stir too far from home is truly happy. (96)
Day after day countless creatures are going to the abode of Yama, yet those that remain behind believe themselves to be immortal. What can be more surprising than this? (97)
Argument leads to no certain conclusion; the srutis are different from one another; there is not even one sage whose opinion is accepted by all; the truth about religion and duty is hid in caves; therefore, that path which the great have walked is best suited for the individual. (98)
This world of ignorance is like a pan. Sun is the fire, while day and night are the fuel. Time is the cook that is cooking all creation in that pan. (99)
Yudhisthira answers brilliantly all the questions posed by the Yaksha who brings back to life all the four Pandavas. This was not just an ordinary prashnotthari but an opportunity for us to learn valuable life lessons.
O repressor of foes! You have answered all my questions satisfactorily. Now tell me who is an ideal man and who owns all kinds of wealth. (100)
Yudhisthira replied.
The fame of a persons virtuous deeds (punyena-karmaNa or actions that conform to dharma) spreads over heaven and earth. As long as the fame lasts, that person is considered worthy. (101)
A person who is balanced in pleasant and the unpleasant circumstances, joy and sorrow, the past and the future is immensely rich. (102)
O King! you have correctly explained who is an ideal man and who is really rich. Now, let one of your brothers, in accordance with your choice, get back life. (103)
Yudhisthira replied.
O Yaksha! Let Nakula whose complexion is dark, whose eyes are red, who is tall like a Sala (shorea-robusta) tree, who is broad-chested and mighty-armed get up alive. (104)
Bhimasena is dear to you, and Arjuna also is one upon whom all of you depend. Why, then, O King, do you, wish a step-brother to get back his life! (105)
Why do you wish Nakula to be alive in preference to Bhima who is mightier than ten thousand elephants? (106)
People said that Bhimasena was dear to you. What is the purpose, then, of getting your step-brother Nakula alive? (107)
Why do you wish Nakula to be alive renouncing Arjuna whose muscle is admired by all the Pandavas?
Yudhisthira replied.
Natural law (dharma) if defiled ruins a person while protecting the person who abides in it. Therefore, I am not willing to forsake dharma as I do not want to be destroyed by it being spoilt by me. (108)
Also, abstension from injury is the highest virtue. Additionally, in my opinion, it is higher than the highest attainment. Consequently, as I wish to practice that virtue, O Yaksha, let Nakula be alive. (109)
Let men know that the king should always follow dharma. Also, I will never abstain from my duty (dharma). Therefore, lt Nakula be revived! (110)
My father had two wives – Kunti and Madri. It is my view that they both should live with their sons. (So, I desire Nakula, son of Madri to be alive.) (111)
Lastly, I see no difference between Kunti and Madri. To me, they are equal. So, O Yaksha, revive Nakula. (112)
O King of Bharata! Since you value kindness above wealth and pleasure, let all of your brothers be alive.
Here ends yaksha-prashna (Yaksha-Yudhisthira conversation) in Aranya-parva in Chapter 113 of the Mahabharata.
Yudhishthira answered all questions in a satisfactory manner, but the Yaksha only allowed him to choose one of his brothers to be restored to life. Importantly, Yudhishthira chose his younger half-brother, Nakula, the son of his stepmother Madri, reasoning that his own mother, Kunti, had a living son regardless, but his stepmother Madri did not.
Finally, the Yaksha was impressed by the way Yudhishthira followed dharma in every little thing he did. Also, the Yaksha revealed himself to be Yama-dharma, the god of death, and also Yudhishthira’s father. Furthermore, he revealed to that it was he who had disguised himself as a deer and stolen the arani sticks. Later, he blessed Yudishthira, and said that since he had adhered to dharma (righteousness), it would protect the Pandavas and no-one would recognise them during the Agnata-vasa (period of incognito). Finally, all the Pandavas were restored to life.
Importantly, Yudhisthira is also Dharmaraja for two reasons, first because he is the son of Dharma and another because of his intuitive grasp over the natural state of all entities (dharma).
What is dharma? It is the natural state of all beings.
How does dharma work? For humans, dharma is a practice, much of it is explained by Yudhishthira here.
Read about the fundamentals of dharma here.
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1- https://dn790005.ca.archive.org/0/items/Sanskrit_EBooks_Assorted_Titles/Yakshaprasna%20Sanskrit%20English.pdf
2 – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307974324_Yaksha-Yudhisthira_Conversation_in_Mahabharata
