Dharma as God in the Mahābhārata: The Trials of Yudhiṣṭhira

Abstract

The term “dharma” is used in documents in ancient India to mean “justice,” “law,” or “virtue.” In contrast to dharma as an idea, in the Mahābhārata Dharma is a god with a body and mind, embodying the concept of “Dharma as god.” Dharma acts as the father of Yudhiṣṭhira, the oldest of the five sons of King Pāṇḍu (the Pāṇḍava) in the main story of the Mahābhārata. Dharma subjects Yudhiṣṭhira to three trials.

This work focuses on trends evident in stories of the three trials of Yudhiṣṭhira. First, these stories have a common structure. Second, the stories relate the three trials in sequence. Third, ānṛśaṃsya (mercy) is described as the highest value. In stories of the three trials, ānṛśaṃsya is esteemed and described as specific behavior. Fourth, Yudhiṣṭhira chooses to act of his own will rather than following the recommendations of others. These trends are common to stories of the three trials.