by Kotru, Umesh
Vidura, even though fully aware about Pandavas surviving the fire, decided that this was an opportune time to disclose the news to Dhritarashtra. He approached Dhritarashtra and said, “Rajan, I have come with good news from the Svayamvara of the daughter of king Drupada”. Dhritarashtra, assuming that his son Duryodhana had succeeded in the Svayamvara and married Draupadi, gleefully replied, “Vidura, I am delighted at this news. Please make all arrangements to bring back my son Duryodhana and his bride with full honours to Hastinapura”. Vidura interrupting the king said, “My Lord, it is your other son, Arjuna and not Duryodhana, who has succeeded in the Svayamvara.” Dhritarashtra could not conceal his dismay and retorted,” Vidura, how can this be possible when Kunti along with her sons perished in the fire at Varanavata? You must be joking.” After this outburst, he realised that he might have given himself away and immediately changed the tone of his voice by saying, “Vidura, you have made me immensely happy by bringing such welcome news, which confirms that the Pandavas and Kunti survived the fire at Varanavata”
Vidura was amused at this unwitting disclosure of the dissembling nature of his elder brother and the king. From Dhritarashtra’s disoriented behaviour it was not difficult to guess what was actually passing through his mind despite all his efforts to hide his real feelings. Vidura, being a very intelligent person, sensed an opportunity here and decided to press home his advantage. He continued, “Rajan, this is the best opportunity for you to wipe away the feeling of mistrust people hold against you on account of widespread suspicion of some nefarious plot behind the fire in Varanavata. I must tell you that people rightly felt that it was your responsibility to take care of the late Maharaja Pandu’s family after his death. Your prompt action will go a long way in restoring the faith of your subjects in their king. I, therefore, suggest that you should immediately send your emissary to Panchala and bring back Kunti, the Pandavas and their bride to Hastinapura.” After recovering sufficiently from the double shock, Dhritarashtra responded, “Dear Vidura, indeed this is very good news that you have brought today. I thank Mahadeva that wicked Purochana did not succeed in his evil design. The Pandavas are just like my own children and I am very happy to learn about their well being. Whatever you are saying is absolutely right and shall be done.” Saying this, Dhritarashtra dismissed Vidura from his presence and was soon immersed in deep thought about the implications of the new developments.
Soon Duryodhana also got the news and learnt about his father’s conversation with Vidura. The matter was urgently discussed in his friend circle and together with Karna and Shakuni, he immediately rushed to his father. “Baba, have I heard correctly that you have instructed Kaka Vidura to bring the Pandavas back to Hastinapura? How could you do this despite knowing well that they will soon stake their claim to the kingdom? You have to do something to stop this.” Dhritarashtra replied, “Dear Son, I understand what you are saying, but in front of the righteous Vidura I became nervous and could not express my real feelings. But the fact remains that I have to be mindful of public opinion and my responsibility towards my late brother’s family. However the news has created both internal as well as external turmoil for me. I am not able to think properly. You tell me what I should do.” Duryodhana replied, “I can suggest several ways to overcome the Pandavas. We can cause a discord among them on account of Draupadi being their common wife. We can bribe ministers in Drupada’s court and have them killed while they are still in Panchala. If we are able to kill only Bhima, that alone will reduce the Pandavas’ strength by half. These are some of the ideas that immediately come to my mind.”
Turning towards Karna, Duryodhana said, “What is your opinion my friend?” Karna replied, “I do not agree with any of your suggestions. They are both impractical and too transparently unjust. You have failed on several occasions in the past with similar machinations even while the Pandavas were small children and vulnerable. They are much stronger now. In my opinion, the enemy should be destroyed while he is weak and not allowed to become strong. We have to act quickly before the fresh bond between King Drupada and the Pandavas becomes strong and Sri Krishna with his strong army can come to their rescue. I suggest we mount a sudden fierce attack on Panchala and defeat them in war. Valour and not deceit is the only tool a Kshatriya should resort to in order to overcome an adversary.” Dhritarashtra was impressed at this suggestion and said, “Karna, what you say is truly the way of a real hero and I agree with you. However, I need to consult Pitamaha Bhishma, Guru Dronacharya and Vidura also. Without their consent it would not be possible for us to mount an attack on Panchala. We also need their support for the mission to succeed.” Dhritarashtra therefore called a meeting with the court elders to deliberate on the matter the next day.
Bhishma was very happy to hear the good news of the Pandavas’ survival; but had his reservations about the other proposal that was being deliberated. He said, “My son, you and Pandu are equal to me and so your children and Pandu’s children are also equal to me. How can I support this proposal? Since the day it was known that the Pandavas together with Kunti have perished in the fire at Varanavata, I have not had any peace of mind. The news of their survival is a big relief. But alas, my relief is short-lived. It pains me a great deal to note that after usurping the right of your brother’s progeny you are even thinking of eliminating them altogether. Duryodhana and his evil friends have clouded your reasoning power to such an extent that you are unable to think straight. How can you be so blind to public opinion which clearly holds you responsible for the abortive attempt to kill Kunti along with her sons at Varanavata? In your blind affection for your son you are letting go of this golden opportunity to redeem yourself. Let me remind you that every king of the Puru dynasty was exemplarily sensitive to public opinion. I feel ashamed today at your lack of scruples. If you really care for my advice, then I would recommend that Kunti, the Pandavas and their bride should be brought to Hastinapura, accorded due honour and given what should rightfully be theirs. I suggest that you offer half of the kingdom to Yudhishthira, even though, according to our custom of primogeniture, he is entitled to rule the entire kingdom.”
Guru Dronacharya agreed with Bhishma’s advice and said, “Maharaj, it is the duty of the friends and well-wishers of a king to offer sound advice, taking into account the overall good for the king and his subjects. I suggest that an emissary be dispatched to the royal court of King Drupada. He should carry expensive gifts for the king and convey your great pleasure at this matrimonial alliance between the two dynasties. The emissary should offer to bring the Pandavas back to Hastinapura with due honour and seek the king’s permission for the same.”
Vidura too agreed with Bhishma and Drona and informed King Dhritarashtra that besides what both of them had spoken, the entire population of the kingdom were delighted with the news about the Pandavas’ safety and were eager to welcome them back to Hastinapura. In case the king did not act in the manner as suggested by Bhishma and Guru Drona, there was possibility of a revolt breaking out among the subjects.
Duryodhana, Karna, Shakuni and Dhritarashtra himself could not say anything against the sound arguments presented by Bhishma, Guru Dronacharya and Vidura. Not having any other choice left with him, Dhritarashtra declared, “The Pandavas are as much my own sons as Duryodhana and his other brothers. I fully agree with the opinion expressed by all of you and request Vidura to proceed to the kingdom of Panchala with my greetings and suitable gifts and bring back the Pandavas along with Kunti and Draupadi to Hastinapura with full honours.”
Seeing their plans getting demolished by these deliberations in Dhritarashtra’s chamber, Duryodhana and Karna conducted urgent consultations on the side with Shakuni. Duryodhana said, “Mamaji, our carefully laid out plans have come to naught and we need to do something before it is too late. Please think hard and find some way out.” Shakuni, after a long pause and deep contemplation replied, “Son, I think we should lie low for some time. There is nothing we can do at the moment. I will work out a
plan to deal with the Pandavas and let you know at an appropriate time.” The group dispersed thereafter. That day the usual evening gathering was also given a rare go by.
Meanwhile, Vidura departed for Panchala along with a ceremonial band of soldiers carrying lots of gifts for the king and the Pandavas. King Drupada and the Pandavas, in their turn, received Vidura with deep respect and arranged for his comfortable stay in the palace. Shri Krishna, along with his elder brother Balrama, had also reached there before Vidura’s arrival and they also joined in welcoming Vidura. Vidura passed on King Dhritarashtra’s message to Drupada and the Pandavas. He explained the whole purpose of his visit to all of them and after due consultations everyone agreed that the Pandavas should return to Hastinapura along with Vidura. Thus Vidura, accompanied by Shri Krishna and Balrama, brought the Pandavas, Kunti and Draupadi back to Hastinapura. They were received with due honour and blessed by Bhishma, Dronacharya, Kripacharya and King Dhritarashtra himself. Almost the entire population of Hastinapura was on the streets to give them a rousing reception and shouted slogans in their honour. This public support was another contributory factor in forcing the Kaurava court to concede some ground to the Pandavas.
After long deliberations amongst them it was decided that the Pandavas should rule over the outlying territory of Khandavaprastha as their kingdom, while the Kauravas would retain the populated central part of the kingdom of Hastinapura. Khandavaprastha mainly consisted of a large forest surrounded by barren land. In the interest of harmony, the Pandavas accepted this unfair dispensation and started building their own capital which they named “Indraprastha”. Soon they built a grand palace, which surpassed in grandeur and beauty the palace of any king that existed at that time. With sincere efforts of the Pandavas and their newly settled citizens of Indraprastha, the once-barren territory was soon transformed into a prosperous and fertile land. Being thus satisfied at seeing the Pandavas getting well settled in their new kingdom, Shri Krishna and Balrama returned to Dvaraka.
As already mentioned, the kingdom of Indraprastha prospered well under the rule of Yudhishthira and the entire population of the kingdom lived happily and peacefully, well protected by the Pandava royalty. During a subsequent visit to Indraprastha, Shri Krishna along with Arjuna went to the banks of river Yamuna along the Khandava forest to spend a few days in pleasurable excursion. There one day a Brahmin, who looked very distressed, approached Arjuna and Shri Krishna. They welcomed the Brahmin with reverence and enquired about the reason for his apparent distress. The Brahmin informed them that he was actually the Fire-god Agni and needed their support to overcome his hardship. He then proceeded to narrate the background of his present difficulties.
A long time ago a pious king named Shvetaki had conducted Yajna incessantly for twelve long years to please the Gods and attain eternal bliss. The continuous offering of purified butter as libation in the sacrificial fire during that great Yajna had wrecked the Fire-god’s digestive system. Seeking remedy for this trouble, Agni had approached Lord Brahma who had then advised him to burn down the Khandava forest and devour the fat of its many animals, which would restore his digestive power. However, Agni could not succeed in this mission since the serpent Takshaka along with his family, whom Indra had promised to protect, lived in that forest.
Whenever Agni tried to burn the forest, Indra would bring down torrential rains and extinguish the fire. Agni therefore requested Arjuna and Shri Krishna to somehow stop Indra from doing so again.
Arjuna and Krishna agreed to help Agni but expressed difficulty in accomplishing the task for want of any suitable weapons with them. Therefore they suggested that if Agni would provide them the weapons and necessary other equipment they would surely stop Indra. Agni invoked Varuna, who immediately appeared at the spot and was requested by Agni to provide Arjuna with the Gandiva (the celestial bow) along with an inexhaustible quiver of arrows and the divine chariot driven by two white horses bearing a flag with the symbol of a monkey which were originally given to Varuna by king Soma. He also requested Varuna to provide the formidable Sudarshana Chakra to Sri Krishna. Varuna provided these weapons to Arjuna and Shri Krishna after which they asked Agni to proceed with his project of consuming the Khandava forest.
A huge fire engulfed the Khandava forest on all sides and large flames erupted, consuming all creatures of the forest. This news was swiftly carried to Indra by other gods and he reacted by rushing to the spot himself. As always, he brought down torrential rains and created huge gusts of winds to blow out the fire. However, Arjuna immediately fired a wall of arrows which did not allow any water to seep through and stopped the winds. Shri Krishna did not allow anyone to escape from the forest and killed anyone trying to do so with his Chakra. As fate would have it, the serpent Takshaka was not present in the forest at that time and was away in Hastinapura. However his son Ashvasena and his mother were there in the forest. In order to protect Ashvasena his mother swallowed him and tried to escape from the forest. However, Arjuna saw her and killed her by shooting an arrow at her. While the mother got killed, Ashvasena, who was inside the belly of her mother, survived. On the other hand Indra, despite his best efforts, was not able to put out the fire. Soon, however, an oracular voice informed Indra that he should give up his efforts since Takshaka whom he was trying to protect was not inside the forest. Indra therefore stopped opposing Arjuna and left for his heavenly abode. The fire raged for a fortnight and consumed almost everything that lived within the forest. No one other than Ashvasena, the demon Maya (Mayasura, who had prayed Arjuna to spare his life) and four birds (who had invoked Agni and sought his protection), could survive the fire. Thus having achieved his objective, Agni again appeared in front of Arjuna in the form of the Brahmin and expressing his gratitude, the deity promised to help Arjuna in the event of any future need. Meanwhile the grateful Mayasura requested Arjuna to ask for any kind of service that he would like him to render in return for saving his life. Arjuna did not think it appropriate to seek any quid pro quo for what he felt was his duty, which involved protecting someone who had sought his refuge. He therefore directed Mayasura to Shri Krishna. The latter, being aware that Mayasura was an accomplished architect of a calibre equal to that of Vishvakarma himself, asked the good demon to design and construct a grand palace for King Yudhishthira. Mayasura gladly agreed, and after obtaining necessary permission from Yudhishthira, he earnestly went to work on this project. In no time he constructed a fabulously beautiful Hall of illusions with features which would even surpass the grandeur of the abode of Indra and of which no parallel existed anywhere on earth.
In due course the kingdom of Indrapratstha under the lordship of King Yudhishthira reached the zenith of glory. One day Devarishi Narada urged Yudhishthira to perform the Rajasuya Yajna which was also the desire of his late father Pandu. The Yajna would entitle him to the title of the great Suzerain of the whole world. Yudhishthira sought the opinion of Shri Krishna in this regard. Shri Krishna, while agreeing to the proposal, informed Yudhishthira that he would first need to defeat King Jarasandha who was the powerful ruler of the kingdom of Magadha. Jarasandha had taken many kings as his prisoners and was treating them as his slaves. Shri Krishna and Bhimasena left for his capital where the latter challenged Jarasandha to a wrestling duel which he accepted. After a hard-fought duel with the subtle involvement of Shri Krishna, Bhimasena succeeded in killing Jarasandha, leading to the release of all the kings who were imprisoned by him.
There now being no opponent who could challenge him, Yudhishthira conducted the Rajasuya Yajna, wherein he invited kings from all over Bharatavarsha including his cousins, the Kauravas. Duryodhana was given the charge of receiving and safe keeping of gifts brought by the well wishers of Yudhishthira. As was the custom those days, all the kings and friends of Yudhishthira presented him with myriad expensive gifts. Huge amount of wealth and precious items thus accumulated in the palace of Yudhishthira, which overwhelmed Duryodhana with envy. He could not reconcile himself with the unparalleled
beauty and magical grandeur of the palace of Yudhishthira. In fact he would often get lost in the labyrinth of the palace, which was superbly designed with deceptive architecture. He often tripped and fell down at several places which invited ridicule from the Pandavas, particularly Bhima and Draupadi, who laughed and made fun of Duryodhana. On one such occasion Draupadi was heard to remark, “O such blindness is only to be expected from a blind man’s son.” The insult left a deep mark on Duryodhana’s psyche which would later on prove to be one of the main reasons for the future course of events culminating in the war of Mahabharata. For the time, he kept quiet and returned to Hastinapura, where he related his humiliation at Indraprastha to his maternal uncle Shakuni and to Karna.
Shakuni told Duryodhana not to worry since, as promised, he was working on a plan to checkmate the growing strength of the Pandavas. After some days Shakuni approached Duryodhana, who was engrossed in a chat with Karna, and took him away to a lonely place making sure that none other than the two of them were present at the spot. Duryodhana said, “Mamaji, what is it? Why have you got me here alone? How will Karna react? I have never left him aside like this before.” Shakuni replied, “Have patience and faith in me dear. I will take care of any hurt felt by Karna. Right now I have got you here because I have something very important to tell you. I could not disclose this to you in front of Karna since, as always, he would instinctively oppose what I have to suggest to you. I have devised a sureshot plan for you and demand your full attention. You are well aware about my expertise at the game of dice. I have also been working on refining my skills for a long time. I have indeed been busy testing my invention thoroughly for the last few weeks with excellent results.”
