VIDURA

A great man who shines even in the galaxy of the mighty characters of the 'Mahabharata'. Affection did not dim his wisdom. Fearlessly he walked the path of righteousness. He showed the same path to others. If Dhritharashtra and Duryodhana had heeded his advice the terrible bloodbath of Kurukshetra could have been averted.

Author:M.N.Choudappa

Vidura

"There are arms which, though they are not weapons, can destroy the body; an enemy cannot kill a person who understands such arms. That which can destroy snow and grass cannot burn an object, which is hiding in a hole in a big forest. A blind man cannot find his way or make out the direction; a timid man cannot acquire wealth. Understand this and be careful."

These words, which sound like riddles, were spoken by Vidura. He said these words to the Pandavas. The context: when the Pandavas with there mother Kunthi went on a pilgrimage to the holy place Varanavatha, and the citizens of   Hastinapura gathered on the outskirts of Hastinapura, the capital of the Kings of the Kuru dynasty, to bid good-bye to the Pandavas. Yudhishtira who understood Vidura's advice was silent. He only nodded to signify he understood.