One day, a man approached the Pandavas while they were in exile in the forest.
“I need your help, Yudhishthira!” he said, addressing the oldest of the five brothers.
“I had hung some arani from a tree branch next to my ashram,” he continued. “Suddenly, a deer came and started scratching its back on the tree. In the process, it shook the arani, which fell from the branch and got stuck in its horns. Startled, the deer took off at a high speed. I ran behind the deer but couldn’t catch up with it. I can’t start my yagna without the wood. Please, will you help me?”
The Pandavas knew that they could easily get the arani wood back for the man. It was their duty to care for their subjects, so they agreed to help him. The five brothers began to look for the deer. Soon, they saw the animal from a distance and tried to surround it, but it sprinted away. They tried again and again to capture the deer, but it proved too fast for them. Tired, the brothers finally sat down under a tree.
Yudhishthira said to his younger brother Nakula, “Brother, will you fetch some water for all of us?”
Nakula nodded and climbed up a tree so he could locate the nearest water body. He saw one not too far away from them so he got down and told his brother, “There is a pond nearby. I will bring some water for all of you.”
When Nakula reached the pond, he was mesmerised at the fabulous sight in front of him – the crystal-clear water was surrounded by beautiful trees, creepers and flowers. Then he remembered his thirst and stepped into the pond. He wanted to drink a little water before taking it back to his brothers.
Just as he was about to take a sip, there was a loud voice from the skies above. “Don’t drink this water, Nakula.”
Nakula stopped, stood up straight and looked around.
There was nobody in sight.
Denne historien er fra February 2017-utgaven av BBC Knowledge.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2017-utgaven av BBC Knowledge.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Are We Close To Making Our Home Away From Earth?
Our exploration of the cosmos is hampered by our bodies and minds, which struggle in space. So could we ever overcome our Biology and settle among the stars?
The Viruses That Made Us Human
Viruses give us infections, from the common cold to Ebola and Aids. But new research shows that they may also have played a key role in shaping the evolution of homo sapiens.
Can You Supercharge Your Brain?
Your brain is the finely-tuned machine that controls all your actions and emotions, so it makes sense to keep it well-oiled. But, asks Rita Carter, are there any scientifically proven methods to ensure it works better for longer?
The Yaksha's Quiz
One day, a man approached the Pandavas while they were in exile in the forest.
Are Dogs Making Us Healthy Too?
While we know our furry friends are brilliant companions, Dr John Bradshaw finds out if they could actually be making us healthier too.
Welcome to the Jungle
As our cities grow, animals are having to carve out a niche in this most human of habitats. Fredi Devas, producer of the urban episode of Planet Earth II, spent four years getting to know these metropolitan pioneers.
How Should History Remember Fidel Castro?
To many, he was a heroic champion of the disenfranchised; to others, a cruel tyrant. Following Fidel Castro’s death in November 2016, we asked five historians to offer their verdicts on the Cuban leader’s life and legacy.
Ismat Chughtai
Author and historian Urvashi Butalia details the life and words of a feminist powerhouse.
NASA's Compact Nuclear Reactors Could Power Colonies On Mars
IF humans are ever to build colonies on the Moon or on Mars, we are going to need a reliable way of powering essentials such as lighting, water and oxygen supply – not to mention a means of producing fuel for the long schlep home.
Acoustic Tractor Beam Breakthrough Could Lead To Levitating Humans
HERE’S an idea that is really gaining traction: for the first time, University of Bristol engineers have created an acoustic tractor beam capable of trapping objects larger than the wavelength of the sound being used.
