Gatekeeper

Ashtavakra, a ten-year-old boy with a twisted body, arrives at King Janaka's great sacrifice but is stopped at the gate. The gatekeeper bars him, citing Bandi's order: no child brahmanas may enter. Ashtavakra does not plead. He argues — that age is measured by learning and vows, not by years or limbs — and demands entry to face Bandi in debate.

Tormented by anxiety after Sanjaya's return from the Pandavas, Dhritarashtra orders the gatekeeper to bring Vidura. When Vidura arrives, the king confesses his sleeplessness and burning mind, asking for advice on dharma and artha — setting the stage for a lengthy philosophical teaching.