What is Yaksha Prashna?

Ancient Wisdom from the Mahabharata: Yudhishthira’s Life-Changing Answers to Yaksha’s Riddles

The dialogue between Yaksha and Yudhishthira is one of the most profound episodes in the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, and offers timeless wisdom on life, dharma (righteousness), and the human condition. This conversation takes place during the Vana Parva (Book of the Forest) and has been admired for its philosophical depth and moral clarity. In this episode, Yudhishthira answers questions posed by a Yaksha, a divine being, which ultimately leads to the revival of his brothers who had fallen dead due to their failure to answer the Yaksha’s riddles.

This dialogue provides insight into the wisdom of Yudhishthira, his unwavering commitment to righteousness, and his deep understanding of human life. Let’s delve into this profound episode in detail.

Background: The Pandavas’ Exile

After losing their kingdom in a game of dice, the five Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—were exiled to the forest for 13 years, with the final year to be spent in disguise. During their time in the forest, the Pandavas faced many challenges, and one of the most significant was their encounter with the Yaksha.

After a long journey in the forest, the Pandavas became thirsty, and Yudhishthira asked his brothers to find water. Nakula was the first to locate a beautiful lake, but when he attempted to drink from it, a mysterious voice warned him to answer its questions before taking water. Disregarding the warning, Nakula drank the water and instantly fell dead. Similarly, Sahadeva, Bhima, and Arjuna met the same fate when they too ignored the voice.

Finally, Yudhishthira himself approached the lake and heard the voice of the Yaksha, who informed him that his brothers had died because they had not heeded his warnings. The Yaksha then posed a series of questions to Yudhishthira, which would determine whether his brothers would live again. This led to one of the most famous dialogues in Indian literature, known as the Yaksha Prashna or the Yaksha-Yudhishthira Samvada.

The Yaksha’s Questions

The Yaksha posed around 125 questions to Yudhishthira, testing his knowledge, wisdom, and sense of dharma. These questions span a wide range of topics, including morality, metaphysics, philosophy, human nature, and spirituality. Yudhishthira, known for his righteousness and wisdom, answered all the questions thoughtfully and accurately.

Below are some of the most significant questions and answers from the dialogue, along with their deeper meanings:

1. What is the greatest wonder?

The Yaksha asked, “What is the greatest wonder in the world?”
Yudhishthira replied:

“Day after day, countless beings die. Yet those who live believe they are immortal. What could be a greater wonder?”

This response reflects the deep philosophical understanding of life and death. Yudhishthira points out the irony that while death is inevitable, human beings live in a state of denial, rarely contemplating their own mortality. This highlights the importance of living with awareness and humility, acknowledging the transient nature of life.

2. What is the path to true happiness?

The Yaksha asked, “What is the true path to happiness?”
Yudhishthira answered:

“Happiness is attained by contentment.”

This answer underscores the principle of santosha (contentment), which is a core tenet of Indian philosophy. Yudhishthira emphasizes that true happiness does not come from material wealth or possessions, but from being content with what one has. Contentment allows a person to live peacefully without endless desires and cravings, which are often the root of suffering.

3. What is more valuable than the Earth?

The Yaksha asked, “What is more valuable than the Earth?”
Yudhishthira answered:

“A mother is more valuable than the Earth.”

In this response, Yudhishthira conveys the immense importance of the mother. The Earth is often referred to as Mother Earth in Indian tradition, as she sustains all life. However, Yudhishthira elevates the role of the biological mother, whose love, sacrifice, and nurturing are unmatched. This reflects the high reverence for mothers in Indian culture.

4. What is swifter than the wind?

The Yaksha asked, “What is swifter than the wind?”
Yudhishthira answered:

“The mind is swifter than the wind.”

Here, Yudhishthira acknowledges the incredible speed and power of the human mind. The mind can travel across great distances and through time within a moment. However, the mind can also be restless and difficult to control, which is why mastering one’s mind is considered essential for spiritual progress.

5. What is the greatest enemy of a person?

The Yaksha asked, “Who is a person’s greatest enemy?”
Yudhishthira answered:

“Anger is a person’s greatest enemy.”

In this answer, Yudhishthira identifies anger as the root of many evils. Anger clouds judgment, leads to destructive actions, and causes harm to oneself and others. Controlling anger and practicing patience are key virtues in achieving peace and harmony.

6. What is the greatest duty?

The Yaksha asked, “What is the greatest duty?”
Yudhishthira answered:

“The greatest duty is to refrain from causing injury to others.”

This response reflects the principle of ahimsa (non-violence), which is central to many Indian spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Yudhishthira emphasizes that the greatest moral obligation is to avoid harming others, whether through words, actions, or thoughts.

7. What is the greatest virtue?

The Yaksha asked, “What is the greatest virtue?”
Yudhishthira answered:

“The greatest virtue is compassion.”

Compassion, or karuna, is considered one of the highest virtues in Indian philosophy. It is the ability to empathize with the suffering of others and to act with kindness and care. Compassion fosters unity, love, and understanding, qualities essential for a harmonious society.

8. What is true wealth?

The Yaksha asked, “What is the true wealth of a person?”
Yudhishthira answered:

“The true wealth of a person is righteousness.”

Yudhishthira’s answer highlights that material wealth is fleeting, while dharma (righteousness) endures. A person who upholds righteousness, lives ethically, and fulfills their duties is truly wealthy in the eyes of society and the divine.

Yudhishthira’s Choice and the Revival of His Brothers

After answering all the questions, the Yaksha offered Yudhishthira a choice: he could revive one of his brothers. Yudhishthira, without hesitation, chose to revive Nakula, the son of his stepmother, Madri, rather than his own full-brother Bhima or Arjuna. When asked why he chose Nakula, Yudhishthira explained that he wanted to maintain justice and balance within the family, ensuring that both his mothers, Kunti and Madri, would each have one living son.

This selfless and just decision greatly pleased the Yaksha, who revealed himself to be Yama, the god of death and Yudhishthira’s father. Yama, impressed by Yudhishthira’s wisdom and commitment to righteousness, revived all his brothers.

Conclusion: The Timeless Wisdom of the Yaksha-Yudhishthira Dialogue

The dialogue between Yaksha and Yudhishthira is a treasure trove of ethical and philosophical teachings. It reinforces the importance of dharma, compassion, contentment, and self-control. Yudhishthira’s answers to the Yaksha’s questions reflect his deep understanding of life’s fundamental truths and his unwavering commitment to righteousness, even in the face of personal loss.

This episode in the Mahabharata serves as a reminder that the greatest wealth lies in wisdom, and the true path to happiness and fulfillment is found in living a life of virtue. The Yaksha-Yudhishthira dialogue continues to inspire readers and spiritual seekers, offering timeless guidance on how to navigate the complexities of life with grace and integrity.