In the pretext of inspecting cattle wealth

The Kaurava king, Dhritarashtra, had a Brahmin visitor one day who happened to meet the Pandavas in the forest. The Brahmin felt very sorry to find the Pandava princes suffering in exile. He reported their pitiable condition to the Kaurava seer. Dhritarashtra was moved hearing about his nephews. He lamented about the turn of events and was worried thinking of the impending danger ahead.

Sakuni happened to overhear the conversation. He thought of a plan that was sure to appeal to his nephew, Duryodhana. He took Karna into confidence and the two went to Duryodhana.

The joy of watching the enemies suffer

They spoke. “The Pandavas are currently in the Dwaita forest. Years of exile have reduced them into a pathetic condition. Why not pay them a visit and see for yourself how they live?”
What they hinted was that the Kauravas should go with a lot of fanfare and show off their wealth and luxurious life style to the Pandavas who were living like beggars. The idea found the immediate approval of the pompous Duryodhana. Nothing would boost his ego better than hurting the feelings of the Pandavas. But, he also knew that his father would turn the request down outright.

Karna thought of a way out. The Kauravas owned a lot of cattle which was looked after by cowherds in all parts of their vast kingdom. Why not plead to the king for a tour of inspection to the Dwaita forest and make sure that the cattle there were well looked after and properly accounted for?

Dhritarashtra could not refuse such a request. But, he warned his son. ”I understand that the Pandavas live in the Dwaita forest. Do not go anywhere near them at any cost”. Duryodhana agreed to that.

A march to show off

The Kauravas started in a big group. Most of the Kuru princes and their wives joined the party. Beautifully decorated chariots carried the princes and their spouses. Thousands of soldiers, armed for any eventuality, accompanied them. It was like the entire palace marching toward the forest.

The Kauravas made an appearance of inspecting their cattle first. Having done that, they got into their main business. The servants were asked to make beautiful shelters near the lake in the Dwaita forest. The Kauravas then started hunting in a big way in the forest.

Encounter with Gandharvas

That lake belonged to the demon (Gandharva) by name Chitrasena. The keepers of the lake objected to the entry of humans into their territory without approval. They first tried to reason with the Kaurava men.

But, the men of Duryodhana knew none superior to their king. They made fun of the Gandharvas and marched ahead. The Gandharvas stood firm blocking the Kaurava entry into their territory.

That led to skirmishes between the army of Duryodhana and the Gandharvas. Soon, it developed into a full blown war. The gandharvas were more than a match to the Kaurava army and those who escaped their wrath ran to Duryodhana to report the matter.

The proud Kaurava prince was angered by what he took to be an affront to his authority in his territory. He and his brothers rushed to the spot in their golden chariots with Karna and Sakuni to support. That brought Chitrasena into the scene. A fierce battle took place between the Kauravas and the Gandharvas. Karna had to flee from the scene unable to face the onslaught of the demons. Chitrasena, at the end, took Duryodhana and his brothers captive along with all the women in the group.

Pandavas for help

Some of Duryodhana’s ministers rushed to the Pandavas for help. Bhima was amused hearing about the misadventure of his arch rivals. He remarked that their work was made simple by the Gandharvas.

But, Yudhishthira thought otherwise. He said. “This is not the time for vengeance. They are, after all, our cousins. Besides, they have sought our help. It is the duty of a king to help those who took their refuge”. He asked his brothers to fight and get the release of the Kauravas.
Bhima and Arjuna could not disobey their brother. The two and their twin brothers drove to the scene riding the Kaurava chariots. The battle took a new turn with the valiant Pandavas facing the Gandharvas. Finally, it ended up being a dual between Arjuna and Chitrasena. None of the divine weapons of the Gandharva had any impact on the Pandava. The Gandharva, finally, had to accept defeat.

He spoke to Arjuna. “These evil Kauravas came to harm you. I was asked by Indra to help you by punishing your enemies. I am duty bound to take the Kauravas to the king of Gods. I fail to understand why you oppose me in this”. Arjuna told the Gandharva that he was merely following the command of his brother. The Gandharva could take the permission of Yudhishthira, if he wanted to take Duryodhana as prisoner.

But, Yudhishthira insisted that the Kauravas be released forthwith. Chitrasena did accordingly and took leave of the Pandavas.

Duryodhana ashamed

Duryodhana thanked the Pandavas profusely and returned to his camp with his brothers and supporters. But, his heart was sunk with shame. This was the worst that would have happened to the proud Kaurava.

We shall learn about his discomfiture in the next episode.