Vidura’s Pilgrimage

Chapter 1

The questions of Saunaka mirrored the questions of Maharaja Pariksit, and Suta Goswami thus narrated the answers of Sukadeva Goswami. Before he narrated the conversation between Vidura and Maitreya, Sukadeva Goswami explained how Vidura left the palace in Hastinapura and first met Uddhava.

When the Pandavas were repeatedly cheated and harassed by the Kauravas, Vidura advised Dhritarastra to return their legitimate share of the kingdom. The blind King and his defiant son, however, categorically refused to entertain that idea. After being sharply insulted by Duryodhana, Vidura concluded it was the apt time to leave Hastinapura and embark on pilgrimage.

While visiting numerous holy sites, Vidura heard the happy news that the Pandavas had emerged victorious in the fratricidal war and had now rightfully regained the kingdom. When Vidura reached the Yamuna, he met the great devotee Uddhava, who was Krishna’s cousin and constant companion. Vidura eagerly enquired about Krishna, His various family members and His dear devotees like the Pandavas.