No Cult for Yudhiṣṭhira

The Mahabharata, being a humungous epic narrative and a significant Hindu scripture, has been studied intensely by western academics for more than a century. The various characters, scenes and doctrines have been subject to academic scrutiny, all seeking to establish the multi-dimensional and even paradoxical aspects and teachings of the epic. However, while characters such as Arjuna, Karna and Draupadi have been focused on by academics and Hindus to look for heroism and epic and moral paragons, the most viable candidate for the moral exemplar, Yudhisthira, remains largely ignored by both academics and Hindus. He is the dharma-raja and the royal heir, he is placed at the pith of the epic narrative. He plays a central role in most of the ethical dilemmas which enforce the story. Yet despite these factors Yudhisthira does not enjoy the same popularity as other characters. This thesis looks into why this is the case. It establishes that Yudhisthira is an epic character through which...Show moreThe Mahabharata, being a humungous epic narrative and a significant Hindu scripture, has been studied intensely by western academics for more than a century. The various characters, scenes and doctrines have been subject to academic scrutiny, all seeking to establish the multi-dimensional and even paradoxical aspects and teachings of the epic. However, while characters such as Arjuna, Karna and Draupadi have been focused on by academics and Hindus to look for heroism and epic and moral paragons, the most viable candidate for the moral exemplar, Yudhisthira, remains largely ignored by both academics and Hindus. He is the dharma-raja and the royal heir, he is placed at the pith of the epic narrative. He plays a central role in most of the ethical dilemmas which enforce the story. Yet despite these factors Yudhisthira does not enjoy the same popularity as other characters. This thesis looks into why this is the case. It establishes that Yudhisthira is an epic character through which the contradictory and significant philosophies which defined Epic, ancient Indian history, are explored. Being a didactic instrument in the narrative, Yudhisthira unifies, in confusing fashion, the multiple ideologies presented in the epic. Thus, in Yudhisthira, we find a significant aspec of the narrative which suggests a holistic reading of the entire Mahabharata, and suggests its cohesiveness despite apparent contradictions.Show less

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No Cult for Yudhiṣṭhira