Vidura Delivers Dhritarashtra's Message in Panchala
Vidura arrives at King Drupada's court bearing gifts and a carefully crafted message from the Kouravas. He expresses delight in the new alliance and formally requests Drupada's permission for the Pandavas, Kunti, and Draupadi to return to Hastinapura.
On Dhritarashtra’s command, Vidura travelled to Panchala. His mission was delicate: to formally request the return of the Pandavas from the court of their new father-in-law, King Drupada, who had given them shelter and royal status after their exile.
Vidura, righteous and learned in all the shastras (scriptures), first paid his respects to Drupada. The Panchala king received him with appropriate honour, and they courteously asked after each other’s welfare. Then Vidura saw the Pandavas and Vasudeva (Krishna). He embraced them lovingly and asked about their welfare. One after another, Yudhishthira and his brothers worshipped Vidura, who was immensely wise. Following Dhritarashtra’s instructions, Vidura repeatedly and affectionately asked Pandu’s sons about their well-being.
He then presented the gifts. To the Pandavas, Kunti, Draupadi, and Drupada’s sons, he gave the many jewels and other riches sent by the Kouravas.
With the gifts bestowed, the supremely wise Vidura turned to the heart of his mission. In the presence of the Pandavas and Keshava (Krishna), he addressed Drupada in modest, affectionate words.
“O king! Listen to my words with your sons and ministers.” He began with elaborate greetings. “Dhritarashtra, his sons, his ministers and his relatives have repeatedly and happily enquired about your welfare. O lord of men! He is delighted with this alliance with you.” He named each senior Kuru: the immensely wise Bhishma, all the other Kouravas, and the great archer Drona — Drupada’s old friend — who had “enquired about your welfare, embracing you.”
He framed the alliance as a supreme blessing for Hastinapura. “O king of Panchala! Dhritarashtra and all the other Kouravas regard themselves as fortunate at this alliance with you. O Yajnasena! This alliance with you has given them greater pleasure than acquiring a new kingdom.”
Having established profound goodwill, he made his request.
“O lord! Knowing all this, you must allow the Pandavas to depart. The Kurus are extremely eager to see Pandu’s sons. These bulls among men have been away from home for a long time. They and Pritha must be eager to see their city.”
He included Draupadi in the appeal. “All the chief women of the Kuru lineage and all the inhabitants of the city and the country are waiting to see the Panchala princess, Krishna.”
His conclusion was a model of diplomatic efficiency. “O illustrious one! It is my view that without any more delay, you should issue instructions for the Pandavas to go there with their wife. O king! When the great-souled Pandavas have got your permission, I shall send word to Dhritarashtra through swift messengers, and the sons of Kunti can leave, with Kunti and Krishna.”
The message was delivered. The request for permission was now before Drupada.