During their twelve-year exile, the Pandava brothers grew exhausted and thirsty in the forest of Kamyaka. Yudhishthira sent Sahadeva to find water, who discovered a beautiful lake. As he prepared to drink, a voice from a Crane perched nearby warned him: 'Answer my questions first, or you shall perish.' Sahadeva ignored the bird, drank, and fell dead. One by one, Nakula, Arjuna, and Bhima followed; all ignored the warning and collapsed. Finally, Yudhishthira arrived to find his brothers lifeless. Though heartbroken, when the Crane spoke, Yudhishthira listened with humility. The Crane, who was actually a Yaksha, asked many profound riddles: 'What is faster than the wind?' 'The mind,' Yudhishthira replied. 'What is more numerous than grass?' 'The thoughts in a man's heart.' Satisfied with his wisdom, the Yaksha offered to revive one brother. Yudhishthira chose Nakula, his step-brother, explaining that his own mother, Kunti, still had a son (himself), so his step-mother Madri should also have one. Impressed by this supreme sense of justice, the Yaksha revealed himself as Dharma, the God of Righteousness and Yudhishthira's father, and restored all the brothers to life.
True wisdom lies in humility and righteousness, and fairness toward others is the highest form of virtue.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of Yudhishthira and the Crane?
The moral is that righteousness and impartiality are the greatest virtues. Yudhishthira’s success shows that wisdom and patience succeed where brute force and arrogance fail.
Who was the Crane in the story?
The Crane was actually a Yaksha, a nature spirit, who was later revealed to be Lord Dharma (Yama), the god of justice and the biological father of Yudhishthira.
Why did Yudhishthira choose Nakula to be revived?
Yudhishthira chose Nakula to ensure that both of his father's wives, Kunti and Madri, would have a surviving son. This demonstrated his absolute commitment to fairness and Dharma.
What are some questions the Yaksha asked?
The Yaksha asked deep philosophical questions, such as what is the greatest wonder in the world, what is faster than the wind, and what is the best vessel for happiness.
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