After one month, the Pandu family embarked on their journey to Indraprastha, taking a brief stop at the borders of Hastinapur and Indraprastha.

Thirsty and in need of water, Nakula took it upon himself to fetch water from a nearby lake. They had not brought any soldiers or servants along with them.

As Nakula approached the lake in search of water, a heron perched on a tree by the lakeshore spoke, "Nakula! If you drink water from this lake without answering my questions, you shall meet your demise."

Unperturbed by the heron's warning, Nakula proceeded to drink water from the lake. However, as soon as he took a sip, he collapsed onto the ground.

Noticing Nakula's delay, Yudhishthira sent his other three brothers, Sahadeva, Arjuna, and Bhima, one after the other. Each of them met the same fate as Nakul.

Finally, Yudhishthira himself reached the reservoir, instructing the women to protect themselves and flee towards Hastinapur if he didn't return. To his astonishment, he found his brothers lying in a disheveled state.

Curious about the situation and the heron's presence, Yudhishthira heard the heron's voice emanating from the tree, "Oh Yudhishthira! I am the Yaksha. I warned your brothers to answer my questions before drinking the water, but they didn't comply. Hence, they met their fate. Now, if you attempt to drink without answering my questions, the same shall befall you."

Yudhishthira, upon hearing the Yaksha's words in the form of a heron, responded, "Oh Yaksha! I have no desire to challenge your authority. Please proceed with your questions."

The Yaksha began his interrogation, asking, "Who causes the sun to rise? Who revolves around it? Who sets it, and in whom does it reside?"

Yudhishthira confidently replied, "Oh Yaksha! Brahma causes the sun to rise. The gods revolve around it. Dharma sets it, and it resides in truth."

The Yaksha proceeded with another question, "How does a human become a woman? Who attains great stature? By whom is one considered the second (Brahmarupa), and with whom does one acquire wisdom?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Through listening, a man becomes a woman. Great stature is attained through memory. One becomes the second through meditation, and wisdom is acquired through serving the gurus."

The Yaksha's next question was, "What is the divinity inherent in Brahmins? What is the virtue resembling a Satpurusha within them? What is the essence of a human being, and what defines the behavior of an Asatpurusha?"

Yudhishthira responded, "The knowledge of the Vedas is the divinity within Brahmins. Their adherence to righteousness resembles that of a Satpurusha. Mortality defines a human being, and noble conduct characterizes an Asatpurusha."

The Yaksha then asked, "What is the sacrificial object? What is the sacrificial ritual? What is the object of the sacrificial fire, and what doesn't the sacrificial fire transcend?"

Yudhishthira answered, "The breath is the sacrificial object. The mind is the sacrificial ritual. Chanting the yajna is the object of the sacrificial fire, and it does not transcend the true purpose of sacrifice."

The Yaksha questioned further, "Who am I?"

Yudhishthira replied, "You are neither the body, nor the senses, nor the mind, nor the intellect. You are pure consciousness, the omniscient awareness."

Promptly, the Yaksha inquired, "What is the purpose of life?"

"The purpose of life is to realize the same consciousness that transcends the cycle of birth and death. Knowing that is liberation," Yudhishthira responded with grace.

The Yaksha continued with another question, "What is the cause of birth?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Unquenchable desires and their subsequent actions are the cause of birth."

The Yaksha pressed on, "Who is free from the cycle of birth and death?"

Yudhishthira answered, "One who has realized their true self, the soul, is liberated from the cycle of birth and death."

The Yaksha's next question was, "What is the relationship between desire and birth?"

Yudhishthira explained, "Desire begets birth. If desires are animalistic, one is born as an animal. If desires are human, one takes birth as a human."

The Yaksha inquired further, "Why does unhappiness exist in the world?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Greed, selfishness, and fear are the causes of misery in the world."

The Yaksha then questioned, "Why did God create sorrow?"

Yudhishthira responded, "God created the world, but it is through human thoughts and actions that sorrow and happiness are brought into existence."

Curiosity lingered as the Yaksha asked, "Does God exist? Who is God? Is God male or female?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Nothing exists without a purpose. This world is proof of that purpose. You are that reason, and in spirituality, that great cause is referred to as God. God transcends gender."

The Yaksha probed further, "What is the nature of God?"

Yudhishthira replied, "God is truth, consciousness, and bliss. God is formless yet expresses Himself through all forms."

The Yaksha continued, "What does God do?"

"He creates, sustains, and destroys the world," Yudhishthira said with joined hands.

The Yaksha questioned, "If God created the world, then who created God?"

Yudhishthira responded, "God is unborn, eternal, and self-existent."

The Yaksha's next question concerned fate, "What is fate?"

Yudhishthira explained, "Fate is the result of every action. It can be good or bad. It is the outcome of one's efforts today."

The Yaksha inquired, "What is the secret to happiness and peace?"

Yudhishthira shared, "Truth, righteousness, love, and forgiveness are the keys to happiness. Renouncing falsehood, animosity, hatred, and anger leads to inner peace."

The Yaksha asked, "How can one control the mind?"

Yudhishthira gracefully answered, "Desires and attachments agitate the mind. Triumph over desires is the key to conquering the mind."

The Yaksha's next question delved into love, "What is true love?"

Yudhishthira responded simply, "True love is to see oneself in all beings, to perceive the omnipresence of the self, and to embrace all with love."

The Yaksha questioned further, "Then why doesn't mankind love everyone?"

Yudhishthira explained, "Those who cannot see themselves in others cannot truly love everyone."

The Yaksha continued his inquiry, "What is attachment?"

Yudhishthira elucidated, "Attachment is born out of love, accompanied by

demands, expectations, and lustful desires."

The Yaksha's next question followed naturally, "What is addiction?"

Yudhishthira straightforwardly replied, "Attachment."

The Yaksha questioned further, "What is liberation?"

Yudhishthira explained, "Liberation is attained through detachment, free from attachment."

The Yaksha asked, "Who is considered intelligent?"

"One who possesses discernment," Yudhishthira answered simply.

The Yaksha proceeded, "Who is the thief?"

Yudhishthira responded, "The senses, which snatch away one's self-control, are the thieves."

The Yaksha inquired, "What is hell?"

Yudhishthira answered, "The slavery of one's senses is hell."

The Yaksha continued, "Who is asleep even while awake?"

"One who is unaware of their own soul remains asleep even in waking life," Yudhishthira replied.

The Yaksha asked, "What is as temporary as water on a lotus leaf?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Youth, wealth, and life."

The Yaksha questioned, "What causes misfortune?"

Yudhishthira explained, "Ego and attachment are the causes of misfortune."

The Yaksha inquired, "What brings good fortune?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Association with the virtuous and having friendship towards all."

The Yaksha asked, "Who can alleviate all sorrows?"

Yudhishthira replied gracefully, "Those who are ready to renounce."

The Yaksha questioned again, "Who tortures until death?"

"A secret sin committed by an individual," Yudhishthira replied.

The Yaksha inquired, "What should be considered day and night?"

"One should contemplate on the transience of worldly pleasures," Yudhishthira answered.

The Yaksha asked further, "Who conquers the world?"

Yudhishthira responded simply, "One who upholds truth and respect."

The Yaksha questioned, "How can one attain freedom from fear?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Through dispassion."

The Yaksha asked, "Who is truly free?"

Yudhishthira answered, "One who transcends ignorance."

The Yaksha continued, "What is ignorance?"

Yudhishthira explained, "Ignorance is the lack of self-knowledge."

The Yaksha asked, "Who is free from sorrow?"

"One who remains unaffected by anger," Yudhishthira answered.

The Yaksha's next question was, "What exists and yet doesn't exist?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Maya."

Curiosity sparked, as the Yaksha inquired, "What is Maya?"

Yudhishthira described Maya as, "The illusion of names and forms in the ever-changing world."

The Yaksha continued, "What is the ultimate truth?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Brahma..."

The Yaksha asked, "By whose command does the sun rise?"

Yudhishthira answered, "By the command of Brahma, the God."

The Yaksha inquired, "Does being a Brahmin depend on birth or character?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Brahminhood is not determined by lineage or knowledge alone. It is dependent on character and conduct. One without humility cannot be considered a true Brahmin. No matter how educated or knowledgeable someone is, if their character is flawed, they cannot be regarded as a Brahmin."

The Yaksha asked further, "Who supports human beings?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Patience is the companion of humanity."

The Yaksha questioned, "Yudhishthira, what is stability? What is patience? What is purification? And what is the true meaning of charity?"

Yudhishthira responded, "Stability is unwavering commitment to one's dharma. Patience is the control of one's senses. Purification is the sacrifice of ego and the spirit of protecting all living beings defines true charity."

The Yaksha inquired, "Which scripture, when studied, bestows intelligence upon a person?"

Yudhishthira clarified, "No scripture alone can confer intelligence. True wisdom comes through association with wise individuals."

The Yaksha asked, "What is heavier than the Earth?"

Yudhishthira answered, "A mother carrying her child in her womb is heavier than the Earth itself."

The Yaksha continued, "Who is higher than the sky?"

Yudhishthira responded, "The father."

The Yaksha's next question was, "Who runs faster than the wind?"

Yudhishthira replied, "The mind."

The Yaksha asked, "What is smaller than grass?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Concern."

The Yaksha's next question followed, "Who is the companion of a stranger?"

Yudhishthira responded, "Knowledge."

The Yaksha inquired, "Who is the companion of a householder?"

Yudhishthira answered, "A wife."

The Yaksha's next question came, "Who is the friend of a dying old man?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Generosity, as it accompanies a person even after death."

The Yaksha asked, "Which vessel is the largest?"

Yudhishthira answered, "The Earth, as it encompasses everything."

The Yaksha's next question was, "What is happiness?"

Yudhishthira explained, "Happiness is rooted in truthfulness and humility."

The Yaksha inquired, "Upon whom does a person rely to gain popularity?"

Yudhishthira replied, "A person becomes popular by being selfless."

The Yaksha asked, "What is mourned when lost?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Anger."

The Yaksha queried, "What does a person gain by losing?"

Yudhishthira responded, "By losing greed, one attains wealth."

The Yaksha continued with his questioning, "Yudhishthira, what should be considered day and what should be considered night?"

Yudhishthira replied, "The fleeting nature of worldly pleasures should be considered day, while the renunciation of desires should be considered night."

The Yaksha asked, "Who conquers the world?"

Yudhishthira replied simply, "One who embodies truth and reverence."

The Yaksha inquired, "How can one attain freedom from fear?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Through dispassion."

The Yaksha asked, "Who is truly free?"

Yudhishthira responded, "One who transcends ignorance."

Yudhishthira answered, "Brahminhood is not determined by birth or knowledge alone. It depends on character and conduct. Humility and virtuous nature define a true Brahmin. Even the most knowledgeable individual who lacks these qualities cannot be considered a Brahmin."

The Yaksha asked further, "Who supports human beings?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Patience is the companion of humanity."

The Yaksha questioned, "Yudhishthira, what is stability? What is patience? What is purification? And what is the true meaning of charity?"

Yudhishthira responded, "Stability is unwavering commitment to one's dharma. Patience is the control of one's senses. Purification is the sacrifice of ego, and true charity lies in protecting all living beings."

The Yaksha inquired, "Which scripture, when studied, bestows intelligence upon a person?"

Yudhishthira clarified, "No scripture alone can confer intelligence. True wisdom comes through association with wise individuals."

The Yaksha asked, "What is heavier than the Earth?"

Yudhishthira answered, "A mother carrying her child in her womb is heavier than the Earth itself."

The Yaksha continued, "Who is higher than the sky?"

Yudhishthira responded, "The father."

The Yaksha's next question was, "Who runs faster than the wind?"

Yudhishthira replied, "The mind."

The Yaksha asked, "What is smaller than grass?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Concern."

The Yaksha's next question followed, "Who is the companion of a stranger?"

Yudhishthira responded, "Knowledge."

The Yaksha's next question was, "What is happiness?"

Yudhishthira explained, "Happiness is rooted in truthfulness and humility."

The Yaksha inquired, "Upon whom does a person rely to gain popularity?"

Yudhishthira replied, "A person becomes popular by being selfless."

The Yaksha asked, "What is mourned when lost?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Anger."

The Yaksha queried, "What does a person gain by losing?"

Yudhishthira responded, "By losing greed, one attains wealth."

Thus, the Yaksha continued to ask Yudhishthira many more questions, and Yudhishthira eloquently provided suitable answers to each query.

Pleased with Yudhishthira's wisdom, the Yaksha spoke, "Oh Yudhishthira! You possess profound knowledge of all aspects of life. I am content with your answers. Therefore, I shall grant life to one of your brothers. Tell me, which of your brothers shall I revive?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Please revive Nakula."

The Yaksha questioned Yudhishthira's choice, "Yudhishthira! Why did you not choose Bhima, the mighty one, or Arjuna, the conqueror of the three worlds, to be revived? Why Nakula?"

Yudhishthira answered the Yaksha's inquiry, "O Yaksha! Our father, Pandu, had two queens, Kunti and Madri. Kunti was the mother of Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna, while Nakul and Sahadev were born to Madri. Therefore, since Mother Kunti has her other sons alive, it is only fair that I choose Nakul, as only one of Madri's sons should be revived."

Hearing Yudhishthira's explanation, the Yaksha was pleased and said, "Oh son! Your reasoning and righteousness have deeply impressed me. I hold great affection for all your brothers. In truth, I am Dharma, your father's essence, and I came here to test you."

With those words, the Yaksha vanished into the air. As soon as he did, all the Pandava brothers awakened as if from a deep slumber. Yudhishthira humbly touched the feet of his father's essence, Dharma, seeking his blessings.

Dharma spoke, "My son, I am immensely pleased with you. Ask for any boon you desire."

Yudhishthira replied, "Oh father! I request your protection for my family, safeguarding them from all dangers."

"I bestow my blessings upon you, my beloved son. There's no need to fear, for my brother Karna is watching over us." Having spoken these words, Yama Deva disappeared into the air.

Filled with relief and gratitude, the brothers gathered their wives and shared the tale of their encounter with the Yaksha. After a much-needed rest, they resumed their journey towards the magnificent palace of Indraprastha.

***

In the tranquil surroundings of Maharishi Vashistha's Ashram, Vrishasena yearned for an extraordinary meeting. His heart brimmed with admiration for Emperor Prithvi, a figure who stood as a hero in his eyes, alongside his beloved pitashree and matashree. With fervent determination, Vrishasena humbly approached his revered guru, Maharishi Vashistha, and beseeched, "Gurudev, I yearn for the auspicious opportunity to meet Emperor Prithvi. He embodies all that I hold dear and reverential. Please bestow upon me the chance to visit the majestic palace."

In the presence of ancient wisdom and divine serenity, Maharishi Vashistha, with a kind and knowing gaze, responded to his eager disciple, recognizing the fire that burned within him. "My dear son, the time shall come when you will have the privilege to meet Emperor Prithvi and his esteemed family. However, for now, focus your energies on the sacred path of knowledge and learning. Within you lies the potential to become a great ruler, just as your illustrious father has been. Embrace these teachings and nurture the seeds of greatness that reside within your noble spirit."

Vrishasena, his eyes bright with anticipation, bowed humbly before his guru and spoke with deep gratitude, "Yes, Gurudev. I shall immerse myself in the ocean of wisdom that you graciously offer. I shall dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the pursuit of knowledge, knowing that it shall guide me on the path to becoming a virtuous and enlightened leader, worthy of the legacy bestowed upon me."

And so, the young prince, fueled by an ardent desire to fulfill his destiny, embarked on a transformative journey of learning and self-discovery under the tutelage of Maharishi Vashistha. In the depths of the ashram, amidst the whispering trees and sacred chants, Vrishasena immersed himself in the profound teachings that would shape his character and prepare him for the remarkable encounters that awaited him in the vibrant realm beyond the ashram's tranquil borders.