The famous question answer session between the Yaksha and Yudhishthir takes place in the Aranya Parva in Book 3 of the Mahabharata. The Yaksha poses a series of questions to Yudhishthir, who answers them with all the wisdom at his command. These answers have become a benchmark for various issues relating to life and conduct and are as valid today as they were then.
Yudhishthir Sends Nakul
The Pandavas were in exile after losing the game of dice. They had been chasing an elusive deer and were fatigued and thirsty. Yudhishthir asked Nakul to climb a tree and locate any source or sign of water. Nakul climbed a tree and reported that he could see many trees that usually grow near water and could hear the cries of cranes as well. Yudhishthir then sent him to bring back water in the quivers of the five bothers. Nakul hurried in the direction of the trees and came upon a crystal clear lake. He decided to quench his thirst first and was about to drink from the lake when he heard a voice, “This is my lake and you will die if you attempt to drink water from this lake without answering my questions.”
The Death of Four Brothers
Nakul disregarded the warning and fell down dead as soon as his hands touched the water. When he did not return Yudhishthir sent Sahadeva. Sahadeva reached the lake and thought he saw his brother lying dead beside it. So great was his thirst that he reached out for the water. He heard the same voice and he too disregarded it. Like Nakul, Sahadeva too fell dead. Then Yudhishthir sent Arjun who met with the same fate. When Arjun also did not return, Yudhishthir spoke to Bhim. He said, “Some mishap has fallen on your brothers. They appear to be in some sort of trouble. Go rescue them and bring them back and also the water.”
When Bhim reached the lake he saw Nakul, Sahadeva and Arjun lying dead. He realized that some foe had slain his brothers. He decided to quench his thirst before setting of in search of the assailant. As he was about to drink the warning was repeated. Like his brothers he refused to pay heed to the warning and like them he fell down dead.
Yudhishthir Meets the Yaksha
Ultimately Yudhishthir himself decided to investigate. He was sure that there was no mortal who could overpower his brothers and wondered if they had fallen foul of some malign superpower. From a distance he saw the lake and was struck by its beauty. But when he came closer he saw the dead bodies of his brothers and was filled with sadness. His thirst was not letting him think clearly and so he decided to quench his thirst first.
As he was about to drink the water the voice said, “This is my lake and you will die if you attempt to drink water from this lake without answering my questions. Your brothers did not heed my warning and are therefore dead.” Yudhishthir looked up and saw that a crane was speaking these words. Yudhishthir replied. “A mere bird is incapable of such magic. Please reveal your true self to me.” The crane was transformed into a Yaksha, a creature with unusual eyes, and a body like a tall palm tree and looking like a huge ball of fire. The Yaksha asked Yudhishthir whether he would answer the questions. Yudhishthir consented and thus began the famous question answer session.
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