Q.- Write a character sketch of Yudhisthira as seen in the book of Assembly Hall (Sabha Parv).
Ans : Yudhishthira, the eldest son of Pandu, is one of the most respected figures in the Mahabharata. Known as Dharmaraja (the king of righteousness), he is admired for his devotion to truth and justice. In the Sabha Parva (Assembly Hall), his qualities and weaknesses are both tested, making his character complex and human.
1. An Ideal King : In Indraprastha, Yudhishthira rules with fairness and compassion. He is portrayed as an ideal monarch who values his subjects’ welfare above everything. The grand Rajasuya sacrifice, which he organizes with the help of his brothers, shows his ability to bring together kings from all directions and win their respect. His Sabha (assembly hall) is a symbol of wisdom, culture, and justice.
2. Lover of Dharma : Yudhishthira is deeply devoted to dharma. Every action of his life is guided by principles of righteousness, honesty, and morality. He shows humility before elders and sages, respects truth even when it goes against him, and believes in forgiveness. His calm nature and patience reflect his spiritual strength.
3. Weakness for Dice : Yet, in the Sabha Parva, we also see his greatest weakness—his inability to resist gambling. When Duryodhana, through Shakuni, invites him to the game of dice, Yudhishthira knows it is dangerous. Still, he agrees, believing that refusal would mean dishonor to a Kshatriya king. This weakness becomes a turning point, leading to the loss of his kingdom, his brothers, himself, and even Draupadi.
4. Tragic Helplessness : Yudhishthira’s downfall during the game is not just political but also moral. His silence when Draupadi is humiliated in the court shows his helplessness. Many critics argue that this silence is his greatest failure because a king and husband should protect his queen. At the same time, it shows the human side of Yudhishthira—his confusion, fear, and inability to act in a moment of crisis.
5. Balance of Strength and Weakness : The Sabha Parva presents Yudhishthira as a man of contrasts. On the one hand, he is noble, just, and deeply religious. On the other hand, he is weak before temptation and indecisive when quick action is needed. His character reflects the truth that even great men can fall due to their flaws.
Conclusion : Thus, Yudhishthira in the Assembly Hall appears as a noble yet flawed human being. His devotion to dharma makes him respectable, but his weakness for dice brings tragedy to his family. The Sabha Parva highlights both the greatness and limitations of Yudhishthira, teaching us that self-control is as important as righteousness.
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