Vidhura in the Mahabharata : A Character Sketch
Our lives are filled with interesting characters. They have virtues. They have vices. They can sometimes be inspirational, while at the same time ironical.
Beyond viewing them through the narrow lenses of heroes and villains, good or evil, characters in themselves are unique and come in different shades.
Unlike our popular imagination characters don’t perfectly fit in the “good” or “bad” category. Sometimes they can be idealistic, while at different scenarios, they can turn selfish and pragmatic.
Each character is a rainbow in themselves. There is the great, the good, the bad and the ugly all within the same heart and mind.
Mahabharata, is one such epic that is full of interesting characters. If we look religion beyond way of life and identity and more towards wellbeing and wisdom, even characters can turn lively and fascinating!
Apart from being the fountainhead of Bhagwat Geeta, Mahabharata is an epic that celebrates roles. The role of a King, the role of a teacher, the role of a friend, the role of a son, the role of an advisor, and much more.
As a kid, I enjoyed B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata series. Fortunately, I got to revisit them again, and this is when I thought of doing some character sketches.
As a disclaimer, these character sketches are done out of my own personal passion viewed through my lenses. I, do not hereby claim any sort of legitimacy from scriptural point of view. The character sketch is largely based on as portrayed in the series.
Mahatma Vidhura is one of the most fascinating, but under-rated characters of Mahabharata.
Mahatma Vidhura: Wise Statesman, Truthful Advisor, Justice Defender
1. Wise Statesman
Vidhura, one of the most under-rated characters of Mahabharata was a remarkable statesman in multiple aspects. The series portrays him as always being concerned about Hastinapur’s welfare.
Although not in a position of power, Vidhura as an advisor to the King communicates multiple times to Dhitarastrya that injustice was being done. He is also seen urging Dhronacharya and Kripacharya to act and prevent the war.
Even during the last moments of the war, Vidhura tries to save further destruction by urging King Dhitarastrya to take Sanjaya and go to the battlefield.
Additionally, Vidhura is also considered to one of the foremost visionaries who crafted the statecrafts in the early age.
Collectively known as the “Vidhura Neeti”, a rudimentary form of constitutional values, his ideals provide principles and guidelines to leaders to act in public welfare.
2. Truthful Advisor
Vidhura was someone who could speak his mind. The series shows how he never shies away from speaking the bitter truth. There is a scene where Dhitarastrya says “Sometimes speak something sweet too.”
He does not fear about the consequences. Neither is he drowned in the pool of personal interests. Vidhura has the qualities of a truthful and good advisor. He is unbiased, rational, objective and does not hesitate to articulate the truth both politely as well as boldly.
But alas, the King Dhitarastrya chose not to listen to his truthful advisor sowing the seeds of the destruction of the Kuru dynasty.
He tells Dhitarastrya, “Whenever I tried to speak the truth, you cut my tongue.”
Interestingly, Vidhura, however does not give up. Even when feels that his relationship with the King of Hastinapur was long dead, he tries to convince his elder brother Dhitarastrya.
Unfortunately, the truth advisor was heard, but never listened.
3. Justice Defender
Vidhura was one of most respected characters by both the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Unlike other family elders like Dhronacharya and Bhisma, Vidhura chose not to stay silent when it came to injustice.
He is seen trying whatever in his capacity to help prevent injustice and destruction.
He tried to warm Pandavas about Duryodhana’s evil plot to burn them alive in the house of wax. It is also widely believed that it was only Vidhura and the prince Vikarna, who protested against the humiliation of Draupadi in the Kaurava court.
After Shree Krishna perhaps it was Mahatma Vidhura, who always stood firm in the side of justice, righteousness and truth.