Vidura Summons Yudhishthira to Hastinapura for Dice Game
King Dhritarashtra commands Vidura to summon Yudhishthira to Hastinapura to see the new sabha and play dice. Vidura delivers the summons, warning that gambling is the root of misery. Yudhishthira knows skilled rogues like Shakuni await, but feels bound by his father's command and his own vow never to refuse a challenge in the assembly.
Dhritarashtra’s command was forceful. Vidura had no choice. He mounted swift, well-trained horses and rode to the city of the Pandavas. The palace there was like Kubera’s abode, and Vidura, the immensely intelligent one, went straight to Yudhishthira.
The great-souled king, always devoted to truth, welcomed Vidura with homage and asked after the welfare of Dhritarashtra and his sons. But Yudhishthira saw something in Vidura’s face. “O Kshatta! I do not see your mind to be happy. I hope everything is well.”
Vidura delivered the message. The king of the Kurus was well, surrounded by obedient sons. He had built a sabha (assembly hall) that matched the Pandavas’ own. “O son! Please come with your brothers and see it. Assemble there with your brother and have a game of dice with your well-wishers.”
Then Vidura added the truth Dhritarashtra had omitted: “The great-souled King Dhritarashtra has assembled gamblers there. You will see the rogues assembled there. I have come here for this. O king! Agree.”
Yudhishthira understood the trap. “O Kshatta! Gambling can produce quarrels. Knowing this, which intelligent one will consent to gambling? What do you think is the right course of action for us? We are always obedient to your words.”
Vidura’s reply was bleak. “I know that gambling is the root of all misery. I made every effort to restrain him. However, the king has sent me to you. O wise one! Knowing this, do what is best.”
Yudhishthira asked for specifics. “Who are the other rogues who are there to play?”
“O lord of the earth! There is Shakuni, king of Gandhara. That king is eager to play, has a skilled hand and knows the nature of the dice.”
Yudhishthira saw the pieces aligning. “It seems that some of the most feared rogues have assembled there. They are sure to play with the powers of maya (illusion). However, everything is under the control of the creator.” He laid out his dilemma. He did not wish to gamble on his father’s command, for a father should have a son’s welfare in mind. He had no desire to gamble with Shakuni. But he had made an eternal vow. “If the confident one challenges me in the sabha, I will never refuse.”