Yudhishthir, the noble and just king of Indraprasth, was known for his truthfulness.  It was part of his very being.

A legend went around regarding his childhood days when he, along with other princes of the royal family, were trained by Guru Kripacharya. On the first day of training, Kripacharya asked all the students to learn by heart the first and foremost lesson namely, “Satyam Vada “, ie ‘ always speak the truth ”. The next day, all the students, except Yudhishthir, proclaimed that they had learnt the lesson. But not Yudhishthir! Guru allowed him one more day and then one more and one more……!

 After many days when Yudhishthir could still not claim to have learned the lesson, Guru was exasperated. He asked, “ People say you are the wisest among all the princes who have come to me for learning. How is it that you cannot get by heart such a small and simple lesson? Why do you need so many days for learning it?”  Yudhishthir replied, “ O revered Guru, you asked that I should get the lesson ‘ by heart’ ! It must go right and deep into my heart and stay there forever. Even when woken up from the deepest slumber, I should speak only the truth. Such is how I understand your order. Is that not what you expect?  And unless I have ascertained that even during my worst moments of weakness I would still be speaking the truth, how can I assure you that I have learned the lesson by heart ? O Guru, that would amount to telling you a lie. Nay, I must test myself in adverse circumstances before I could come and report to you that I have learned the lesson. The learning is complete only when one is fully practicing what one claims to have learned.”

These words proved an eye –opener to all other disciples and made Yudhishthir the favorite of Kripacharya. That is how truthfulness became a way of life for him. Soon people concluded that none could make him turn his back on truth. Even lord Indra would not dare to prove him wrong once he had stated some thing.

Such legendary person and the hero of our present story was eventually crowned as king of Indraprastha,  a part of the Empire, by his uncle Dhritarashtra, the emperor of Kuru dynasty, who ruled from Hastinapur. He thought this would avoid clashes between Yudhishthir who was the crown prince and his own son Duryodhan who desired and schemed to deny Yudhishthir his rights.

Yudhishthir himself, being obidient to the elders and a peace- loving person and a very astute ruler preferred this arrangement. He ruled Indraprastha very justly and wisely. Word spread soon that any person in any difficulty could approach him for redressing the difficulty.

One day, while Yudhishthir was relaxing with queen Draupadi, a brahmin came, bewailing his lot. He lived in a dilapidated house. It leaked heavily during the rainy season. The rains were round the corner, said the brhamin. He needed help to repair the house before the monsoon broke out.

 Feeling a little lazy, and sensing that the rains were still a few days off,  Yudhishthir assured the brahmin all  necessary help the next day. The brahmin left, feeling assured and telling himself that he would remind the king next day.

All along, Bheem, the younger brother of the king, was watching this encounter. He did not like how the king had avoided to give immediate relief. However trifling the help sought, however assured the brahmin might have felt by the king's words, still Bheem felt the king had failed in his duty. It was necessary to make him realize his mistake and make amends. How could he do that without appearing to be disrespectful to his elder brother?

 Bheem had great wit and a peculiar sense of humor. He quickly ordered the battle drums to be played. He instructed that the accompanying tune should signify a magnificent victory over a mighty enemy.

When Yudhishthir heard the victory tunes, he was very perplexed. He made enquiries. He learned that the drums were beaten at the behest of Bheem. Yudhishsthir summoned Bheem and asked, “My dear brother, please tell me what victory has been won? Who did we fight against and when? How did we vanquish the foe? Why have I, your elder brother and king, been kept in the dark?"

Bheem replied gleefully, “My respected brother, today is a day of great rejoicing. You have secured an unparalleled victory. You have conquered none other than Yamraj, the mighty God of Death himself.”

 “Why do you say so Bheem? I hardly fought any battle today. Pray, tell me, how can any mortal ever manage a victory over the God of Death? ? Do not speak in such enigmatic language. Have I committed some blunder? Tell me quickly, what is all this about.”

 “Did you not ask the brahmin to come tomorrow? Did you not promise to give him all the help tomorrow? O Yudhishthir, it is said that no words coming from your mouth can ever be a lie! By promising that needy man help tomorrow, have you not virtually announced that your life cannot be taken away today, not even by Yamraj? In effect, is it not a statement of victory over him, albeit for a small period, just a day?  Nevertheless, a victory is a victory and any person who secures a victory over the the Lord of Death must rejoice and celebrate!”

 Yudhishthir realized his mistake. He told himself, "Never defer a good deed because Death may overtake you before the good deed is done!"

He thanked Bheem for his wisdom and sense of duty. He immediately sent for the brahmin and extended to him all the help he needed to get his house repaired.