This blogpost elucidates the beautiful and honest character of Vidur, a pivotal character in the epic of Mahabharat.
Image Source: Internet Archive
EARLY LIFE
Born by a Curse
Vidur was born due to a curse on Yamaraj by Rishi Mandavya. He was born to Rishi Ved Vyasa. The meaning of the name Vidhur is knowledgeable and highly skilled. He was related to both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. His honesty and impartiality played a pivotal role in the Mahabharat. He was played an important role in the Mahabharat by giving truthful and intelligent advice to both the sides of the war, the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
LIFE EVENTS AND CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY
The Dharmaraja
Due to his highly respected stature, integrity and honesty he was known as the Dharamraja in the kingdom. During every pivotal event in the story of Mahabharat, he played a key role by trying placate both the parties and taking a solid stand against any action that was immoral in nature. For instance, he opposed the Draupadi Vastraharan. Due to Duryodhana’s immoral actions against Draupadi, he took the stand to oppose the Kauravas in the war.
LIFE AFTER MAJOR EVENTS
The Prime Minister
Apart from being considered highly reliable, intelligent and an advisor to the Kauravas as well as the Pandavas, he also held official position of the Prime Minister for the Kuru Kingdom before and after the war. After the war got over, Vidur was again posted as the Prime Minister of the kingdom at the request of Yudhishtir.
LIFE LESSONS
Respected by God Krishna
Apart from being called the Dharamraja, one of the highest honors for Vidur was the immense respect Lord Krishna had for him. During one of the visits to Hastinapur, Krishna chose to stay at Vidur’s home because of his trust in Vidur’s integrity and honesty. Krishna had faith in his character and his hospitality which Vidur proved right. Krishna’s stay at Vidur’s home was respectful and Krishna could sense his affection and a great hospitality. This is one of the reasons why Vidur is a highly respected character in the epic. Krishna’s respect for Vidur’s conduct and character played a huge role in depicting how Vidur chose Dharma and Truth over everything else.
BOOKS/ LITERATURE PUBLISHED
Vidur Niti
Vidur Niti is a comprehensive text detailing the importance of leadership and the ideal form of leader that a kingdom needs. The text is basically a conversation or a detailed dialogue between Vidur and King Dhritarashtra on the topic of leadership. There is a theory that believes that the world renowned Chanakya Niti is based on the teachings of Vidur Niti. Vidur Niti emphasizes the need and process of character development of a wise individual. According to Vidur Niti, one should not get excessively angry or vain so as to develop into a wise individual. He suggests to refrain from cruelty and exploitation of wealth. He suggested that the leader of a kingdom should have a keen interest in the development of his subjects and must have compassion for everyone without any discrimination.
Vidur, the epitome of Honesty and Dharma
The character of Vidur is the most stellar personality in the epic of Mahabharat. He takes the stand for the right in every critical situation from Vastraharan to choosing not to fight against the Pandavas. His decisions are a reflection of his character and he continues to be one of the most respected characters of the epic.
To learn more about such exceptional characters of the Hindu mythology keep reading blogposts on Sameedh.
