The Homecoming

Duryodhana had posted spies at all vital points within his land and outside, as kings used to do. He took no chance and wanted to destroy the Pandavas, if they re-appeared anywhere, by chance .

Some of his spies came back from the Panchalas and reported the discovery of the Pandavas in Drupada’s palace. That news gave a big jolt to Duryodhana. Now the Pandavas have a powerful ally in Drupada and in his capable son, Dhrishtadyumna.

He consulted his supporters on the best course of immediate action. His uncle, the prince of Gandhara by name Sakuni, had come to live with them soon after Dhritarashtra married Gandhari. He, Karna and Dussasana advised Duryodhana that they should destroy the Pandavas before they established themselves in their new abode.

That was what Duryodhana wanted to hear. They marched with a huge army to the Panchalas and launched a powerful attack. They were met by the capable army of Drupada lead by his sons. Soon, Bheema and Arjuna apeared on the scene. Bheema wrecked havoc in the ranks of enemy forces with his super human strength. Arjuna did the rest of damage by the shower of arrows from him bow. The entire army of Duryodhana soon started to flee, in spite of all the efforts by himself and Karna to keep the array in tact. Karna, himself, was about to be struck by Arjuna’s arrows, but, was miraculously saved by the skill of his charioteer. Duryodhana could not hold any further and the defeated force soon returned to Hastinapura.

Krishna visits Panchala

Krishna got the news of the attack of Panchala by Duryodhana. He wasted no time and arrived at the palace with his brother and an army of four divisions (soldiers mounted on elephants, horseback and on foot and driving chariots). It was a goodwill mission to Drupada and to the Pandavas and a way to show his support to them. By then, the battle was already won by Drupada and the Pandavas.

Duryodhana on further course of action

Durydhana went to his father with Dussasana, Sakuni and Karna and wanted to brief him of all the events leading to Draupadi’s marriage. Vidura was seated next to the blind king. When Vidura heard of the story he exclaimed aloud that the land of Kurus would flourish even further with the new alliance. Somehow, Dhritarashtra misunderstood that it was his son who won Draupadi as wife, and expressed his joy . Vidura corrected him by saying that it was, indeed, Arjuna who won the test and the princess. The diplomat in Dhritarashtra did not want to reveal his double personality and repeated his earlier words expressing joy. Vidura was pleased thinking that the king was genuine in his feelings and left the assembly with words of blessings.

Duryodhana counsels

After Vidura left the place Duryodhana complained to his father for showing support to the Pandavas. Then, the king confessed that he was merely pretending in the presence of Vidura. He asked each of them what further course of action they all would suggest.

Duryodhana talked about various plans to destroy the Pandavas, most of them sounding childish. Karna corrected him saying that it was wishful thinking that any of Duryodhana’s plans would work. He could think of only one course, of waging a full scale war on them.

Bheeshma and Drona were consulted next on what they thought . Bheesham objected strongly even to the very thought of doing any harm to the Pandavas. He pointed out that the Pandavas, in any case, deserved half the kingdom. The king should give that back to them. Friendship with them would be paid back handsomely to all in the end. Keeping enmity would ultimately cause the destruction of the entire race of Kurus.

Drona was in full agreement with the wise words of Bheeshma. He further suggested that Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana should send friendly envoys with valuable gifts to Drupada and the Pandavas. Vidura was back in the assembly by then. He also agreed with Bheeshma and Drona and urged the king not to waste any time to invite the Pandavas back with the offer of half the kingdom.

Vidura as envoy

The three wise men of the assembly could finallyprevail on the king. Dhritarashtra suggested that Vidura, himself, should go as their emissary. Accordingly, Vidura set out to the palace of the Panchalas with many valuable gifts and a friendly army to honour the Pandavas. Drupada received Vidura cordially. Krishna was present in the hall. Vidura repeated the message of Dhritarashtra welcoming the Pandavas back with the offer of half the kingdom. Drupada was well pleased with that gesture and agreed that it was time for the Pandavas to return to their palace with their newly wed wife. Krishna also agreed to the move.

Accordingly, the five Pandavas marched to Hastinapura along with their mother, Kunti, and wife, Draupadi. Krishna also decided to accompany them.

They received a joyous welcome in their land by their subjects who were delighted to see their beloved princes, who were thought to be dead, back. Dhritarashtra was there to welcome them with his sons and elders like Bheeshma and Drona. The sons of Pandu lived with the other Kauravas in Hastinapura peacefully for a while.