The Pilgrimage

Sage Brihadaswa concluded the story of Nala telling Yudhishthira that the Nishadha king , in comparison to the Pandavas, suffered a much worse tragedy as a result of gambling. Yudhishthira was fortunate to have his wife and brothers with him all along. Several learned Brahmins kept him constant company, too. So saying, sage Brihadaswa took leave of the Pandavas. The chapter on “the story of Nala or Nalopakhyana Parvam” ends here. Vyasa starts the next one here, titled “the chapter of pilgrimage or Teertha yaatra Parvam”.

Arjuna Missed

Draupadi badly missed Arjuna in the beautiful Kamyaka forest and lamented about it to Yudhishthira. Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva all supported Draupadi’s sentiments and suggested that they leave the forest and go elsewhere. It was at that moment that the celestial sage Narada appeared before them. Yudhishthira wanted to hear from the sage about various pilgrimage centres and their importance. So, Narada started talking about the holy places sage Pulasthya visited . Pulasthya was one of the ancient sages, one of the seven most famous ones. The sage had narrated his travel experiences to the Kaurava sire, Bhishma, earlier.

Centres of pilgrimage

The next seven hundred odd stanzas elaborately describe various pilgrimage centres visited by Pulasthya. They included holy places near the banks of rivers like Ganga and Yamuna and famous lakes and ponds visited by pilgrims all over. Sage Narada took leave of the Pandavas after advising them to visit those places.

Yudhishthira, then approached their priest, Dhaumya, for further guidance on visiting holy places. The Brahmin started describing the places he had visited. Vyasa records those in about one hundred more stanzas.

Sage Lomasa arrives

While Dhaumya was talking to Yudhishthira, sage Lomasa, who was sent by Indra, arrived. Yushishthira received the sage with reverence. The sage happened to visit Indra during his wanderings. He met Arjuna seated next to Indra in the palace at that time. Lomasa brought the news that Arjuna had succeeded in winning the Pasupata from Lord Siva. He also learnt the secret of various other divine weapons from Lord Siva, Varuna and Indra. The Pandavas were excited hearing the good news about their brother.

Lomasa also advised the Pandavas that the right thing for them to do during the remaining years in exile was to go visiting holy places.

The Pandavas were all mentally set to start in the company of Dhaumya and Lomasa. But, there were several Brahmins who stayed with them all along in the forest. It would be difficult for a large group to move around easily. So, Yudhishthira requested the Brahmins to return to their respective places. A few expressed keen interest to visit holy places along with the Pandavas. The others agreed to return.

Veda Vyasa appeared at that instant along with several other sages. The Pandavas bowed before the holy visitors sages and took their permission for starting the pilgrimage. The sages instructed the Pandavas on the codes of conduct to be followed during such a journey. The Pandavas promised that they would do accordingly and proceeded eastwards in the company of Lomasa, Dhaumya and some other Brahmins.

They reached the Naimisha forest and took bath in the holy lakes there. Sage Samatha who happened to arrive, told them of the great sacrifice rituals performed by a king by name Gaya there.

Story of Agasthya

They left the Naimisha forest and reached the hermitage of sage Agasthya. Yudhishthira asked sage Lomasa about Agasthya. The sage then narrated some very interesting stories. (Refer www.kunjunny.blogspot.com)

Story of Nala and Damayanti

Please read the story in a few episodes in www.kunjunny.blogspot.com

The slaying of Nivatakavaca and Kalakeya

(This story actually takes place while Arjuna was still in heaven. Arjuna, later narrates his experiences in heaven to his brothers. Vyasa tells the story in that context.)

Indra taught Arjuna the secret of several divine weapons after he reached heaven. This was on top of what he gave to the Pandava on earth. When he found his son competent to use his newly acquired skills the king of gods demanded a promise from his son by way of reward for his teaching (Guru Dakshina). Arjuna promised that he would do anything that was possible. Then, the god revealed the mission for which he invited his son to heaven.

The city under the sea

There was an entire clan of demons known collectively by name Nivatakavaca who frequently tormented the gods. The demons had acquired a boon that no god could kill them. They were so proud of their power that they did not bother to ask for immunity from men. Millions of those demons lived in a fortress beneath the sea. Indra wanted his son to kill all those powerful demons and assured the Pandava that he would succeed in the mission. He, then, sent him off in his chariot skillfully driven by Matali. Other gods and celestial sages blessed Arjuna with quick victory.

Matali drove the chariot through the sea to the city in which the demons lived. Arjuna found several ships sailing and huge whales swimming all around him on the way.

When the chariot reached the gates of the city Arjuna blew his conch shell, Devadatta, in challenge to the demons. Women and children were frightened by the noise and hid themselves within their abodes. But, the warrior demons came out in large numbers holding all type of weapons.

A fierce battle took place between Arjuna on one side and an entire army of demons on the other. Many showered arrows at the Pandava. Others threw huge rocks. The demons, expert in creating illusion, caused torrential rain, powerful enough to sweep out the Pandava with his chariot and horses. Others created fire and would have consumed him in flames. Arjuna knew the exact defense against each of those and frustrated the demons in their attempt. The demons would fly high up in the air and even disappear in the next moment making the Pandava wonder in which direction to send his arrows. But, Arjuna stood like a rock and used some of the special weapons he learnt from his father to destroy the delusions.

Meanwhile, arrows flew from his Gandiva in all directions causing his enemies to perish in large numbers all around. Matali was all in praise watching the Pandava facing the enemies with ease. He remarked that Arjuna excelled even his father in his skill in warfare. The charioteer found the passage of the chariot blocked by bodies strewn whichever way he took. But, he would make the horses fly in the air and would rein them in when required.

The whole army was thus wiped out by Arjuna at the end of a prolonged and intense battle. One could see only bodies of demons clutching on to their their weapons heaped on the ground as far as one’s eyes could reach.

The Kalakeyas

Arjuna asked Matali to turn the chariot back heavenward. On the way the charioteer said that there was another race of demons, the Kalakeyas, who posed perpetual threat to gods. It was Indra’s wish that Arjuna put an end to them also.

The Kalakeyas, also expert illusion makers, built a castle that floated in the air and would move like a flying saucer. Their mother, Kalaka, meditated on Lord Brahma and received a boon that her sons would not be killed by Gods. With that assurance the Kalakeyas harassed the gods at will and retired to their moving castle later.

Arjuna challenged the Kalakeyas for battle. An intense battle took place between the two warring parties. The Pandava not only killed all the demons at the end, but, he also destroyed their floating castle.

All the gods including the king was greatly pleased with Arjuna. They blessed the Pandava that he would soon destroy his enemies, the Kauravas, and attain glory. Arjuna took leave of the gods and his father, Indra, and returned to the forest where his brothers waited anxiously for his return.

This ends the chapter “the slaying of Nivata Kavaca and Kalakeya (Nivatakavaca Kalakeya Vadha Parvam)” .

Arjuna in the world above

Arjuna received gift of divine weapons from Siva and deities of the four horizons. Indra of the East, who was his own father and the king of heaven, then, invited Arjuna to his abode. The Pandava was expecting Indra’s chariot any moment.

The chariot from heaven

Soon he heard thunder like sound from the sky. He noticed a golden object piercing through the dark clouds. It was a chariot drawn by dark horses which, soon, descended on earth right in front of the Pandava. The man seated in it stepped out and bowed before Arjuna. He introduced himself as Matali, Indra’s charioteer and conveyed the message that he has been sent to take Arjuna back with him.

Arjuna was hesitant to enter a vehicle that carried divine personalities. But, he remembered that his father needed him in the world above. So, the Pandava bade farewell to his host, the mighty Himalaya. He, then, bathed himself afresh and climbed into the heavenly chariot with all reverence due to it.

The journey to the world of the divine was a memorable one. The chariot climbed high above the horizon where the rays of sun never reached. Hundreds of stars, each shining as bright as the sun, lighted the path. When asked, Matali said that they are the people who attained salvation at the end of their life and whom people see as stars from the world below.

In the hall of Indra

Matali took Arjuna to the assembly hall where Indra was seated on a golden chair. The king of gods embraced his son and seated him next to himself on the divine throne. All around were Brahmins chanting Vedic texts. Other gods occupied their own seats. The celestial dames were entertaining the assembly with beautiful dances. The Gandharvas sang and kept rhythm.

More weapons

Arjuna received gift of several more weapons from his father which included the Thunderbolt (Vajra) which was Indra’s own. Then, the divine father made a strange suggestion to Arjuna, that he should learn singing and even dancing from the expert Gandharva by name Chitrasena. It would come handy for the Pandava later.Chitrasena became Arjuna’s companion during his stay in heaven. The Pandava used the opportunity to learn music and dancing from his friend as told.

A tragic affair

One night Arjuna had a visitor in his abode. It was the celestial nymph, Urvasi, dressed to kill. Arjuna was hesitant to admit the divine lady to his place at such an hour. But, Urvasi came in sending side long glances to the handsome Pandava.

She made no secret of her mission. Her heart has been captivated by Arjuna right from the first day she set her eyes on him. She openly solicited love, that was what she came for.

Arjuna spoke with all due respect, but in clear words. “You entertain the residents of heaven, especially my father. I look at you only from that point of view. You are like a mother to me!”
Then, Urvasi revealed a secret. She has been sent by Indra, himself ! He conveyed his message to her through Arjuna’s teacher and friend, Chitrasena. She continued. “I am deeply in love with you. I have come discarding all self respect and shame to ask for your favours. You should not turn your back on a damsel in distress”.

But, Arjuna refused to look at her in any other way than with respect. The pangs of love in Urvasi turned to anger when she was turned down and thereby insulted. She cursed Arjuna. “You shall live as a eunuch and entertain people singing and dancing. Thus, you shall be the object of public ridicule.”

Indra consoles

The king of gods came to know what passed between the two. He consoled Arjuna. “With my blessing the curse will have effect only for one year. Besides, it would turn a blessing during the year you will have to spend in disguise. You will regain your manhood at the end”.

Sage Lomasa

One day sage Lomasa visited heaven. He had attained the highest level of sainthood through long penance. The sage was surprised to find a human seated along with the king of gods and asked Indra about it. How was it that a mere earthly being could sit with him, an honour that was denied even to most others in heaven? Indra introduced Arjuna as his son to the sage and explained the background of his visit. He requested the sage to pay a visit to the Pandavas and give proper guidance to them on the course of action for their remaining years in forest. Lomasa accepted the mission and went to the forest to meet Yudhishthira and his brothers.

Dhritarashtra in agony.

The blind king of Kurus heard about the visit of the sage to the Pandavas and of all the recent exploits of Arjuna. His agony thinking about the impending destruction of his sons in war grew further. He asked his minister, Sanjaya, how he saw the turn of events. Sanjaya could only confirm the fears of the king.

(This chapter, “Arjuna’s journey to the abode of Indra, Indraabhigamana Parvam”, ends here. But, Arjuna’s adventures in heaven continues in another chapter. Vyasa takes that up much later. We cover that next, sticking to the chronology of events.)

Arjuna and the Hunter

Arjuna went into deep meditation chanting the Mantra given by sage Vyasa. He stood alone in the wilderness of the Himalayan forest fixing his mind on the divine image of Lord Siva as known to him. Arjuna left all thoughts of food or his worldly comforts. He ate the bare minimum just to retain life within the frame of his meditating body. In the beginning he ate on alternate days whatever fruit he found within reach. Then, he reduced the frequency to one meal of fruit every week and later to every month. He gave up eating fruits altogether and sustained on leaves alone. Finally, he just drank water and abstained from eating completely. In the last stage he left drinking water, too and survived on air alone.

The sages in trouble

The very Sanskrit word for meditation is Tapas which means “heating up”. It is said that severe penance with deep meditation devoid of food and drinks cause the world around and above to be heated up. Arjuna’s penance was so intense that all sages around started feeling the heat from it. They knew with their divine powers what Arjuna was after. So, they went to Lord Siva with a request to bless Arjuna without delay.

Siva to test Arjuna

The Lord smiled hearing what the sages came to say. He replied. “I am aware of Arjuna’s Tapas. I also know what the Pandava is seeking. You may go in peace as I assure you of immediate action. But, before I grant weapons with such powers I need to make sure that he deserves them. The Pandava is too proud of his fighting skills. Divine weapons are safe only in the hands of men with pure minds devoid of all such emtions.”

Arjuna under attack

It so happened that a demon by name Mooka was passing by Arjuna at that time. The demon, by nature, took all humans as enemies. He wanted to kill Arjuna and transformed himself into the form of a boar.

The Pandava was in deep meditation and was awakened to find himself under attack. Arjuna wasted no time and was about to dispatch a sharp arrow from his powerful Gandiva. Then he heard a voice asking his to stop. He turned and found a hunter chasing the same boar. The hunter was accompanied by several others. One of them was a woman, apparently his wife. The others were presumably his helpers.

The hunter said. “I have been chasing this beast. I live by hunting and this animal is rightly mine.” Ignoring the warning Arjuna dispatched his arrow to the boar. The moment his arrow pierced the animal another one, sent by the hunter, struck it from the opposite side. The fat boar fell down dead and transformed itself into its original form of demon.

Then, the hunter came angrily charging that Arjuna wrongly claimed what was his game. He dared the Pandava to try his arrow on himself and see the consequences.


An open fight

This challenge provoked the fighting spirit in the meditating Pandava. He pulled a separate arrow from his Gandiva and sent it with great power to the hunter. But, the usually unfailing arrow seemed to miss the target this time. Meanwhile, an arrow from the hunter pierced Arjuna’s frail body, weak from months of hard penance.

Arjuna wasted no time and continued to dispatch arrows one after another in quick succession. Somehow, none of them appeared to have any effect on the stout body of the hunter. Besides, Arjuna’s quiver, believed to hold an unlimited supply of arrows, soon became empty!
So, the Pandava was never the one to give up so easily under any circumstance. He rushed to the hunter and struck his head with his powerful Gandiva. But, to the horror of Arjuna, he found his famous bow split into two pieces. Arjuna tried to cut down the hunter with his word with the same result.

Left with no arms, the Pandava served blows on the hunter with his bare fists. Even that seemed not to make an impact on the enemy. But, a couple of hard blows from the enemy’s hooks drained the Pandavas of all his strength. He fell down on the ground and found himself panting for breath.

In remorse

Arjuna was in total despair. This had never happened to him in the past. He has faced much more powerful enemies and always has won with ease. Now, he has been beaten to total surrender by an insignificant forest dweller. Lying on the ground with all pride in his powers vanquished, Arjuna thought about his dear Lord, Siva. He made an image of the Lord with mud and started worshipping him with leaves he picked up from the ground. The Pandava could not believe his eyes finding the leaves disappear in the next instant. Looking around in surprise he found them duly adorning the matted hair of his tormenting enemy. Then, realization came to Arjuna. All the strange events that took place meant only one thing, that his invader was not an ordinary hunter. He prostrated before the Lord disguised as hunter and begged for pardon. The Pandava immediately sensed that it was His divine spouse, Parvathy, who stood next to the Lord.

The god’s blessing

Lord Siva ran his hands over the wounds on Arjuna’s body. The Pandavas found, not only his wounds healed, but also his strength back by the divine touch. The Lord knew what Arjuna sought. So, revealed the secret of the powerful arrow, by name Pasupata. Its secret was unknown even to other gods, let alone to human beings. The Lord warned Arjuna that it should be used only on powerful enemies, that too as the last resort. Otherwise, it could burn the whole world down.

Arjuna bowed before the mighty Siva and received the gift in reverence. The Lord disappeared from the scene after that with his divine spouse and other companions.

Gifts from other gods

Arjuna had other divine visitors immediately after Lord Siva left. The presiding deities of the four directions, Indra, of the East, Yama or South, Varuna of West and Kubera of North descended on the scene. They all blessed Arjuna with many divine weapons and disappeared. Lord Indra extended an invitation to the Pandava to his abode in heaven. He promised to send his personal chariot to Arjuna on his return.

(We come to the end of the “Chapter of the Hunter or Kairata Parvam”, here. This story has inspired many in the past. An ancient Sanskrit poet by name Bharavi wrote a grand poem based on the story. Several temples have murals and sculptures on themes from this story. Kathakali has a famous episode woven around this event .of Mahabharatam)

An assembly in the forest

Several kings who were friendly to the Pandavas heard about their debacle. Leaders of the three Yadava tribes, Bhoja, Vrishni and Andhaka, lead by Krishna, were among them. The five princes of Panchala also came along.

Krishna spoke representing others. “I was away from Dwaraka fighting Salva when the ill fated game of dice took place. I would have put a stop to it otherwise”. Krishna became highly infuriated thinking of all the cheating in the game and the resulting injustice. He was all the more angry on account of his dear friend, Arjuna. The Pandava who knew Krishna so very well had to remind him of his usual composure. Arjuna went into all of Krishna’s accomplishments in this life and earlier, as other incarnations of Vishnu, to make Krishna cool down.

Draupadi, then, came to Krishna. She talked about all the insults done to her. She went into all the past victories of the Pandavas. But, she said, ‘the super human strength of Bhima’s arms could do nothing to save the situation”. She complained that even Arjuna’s bow, Gandiva, was helpless to save her. With a feeling of utter helplessness she said that she had none to help, not her brothers or other relations, not her five valiant husbands and not even Krishna himself.
Krishna swore that he would make sure that the Kauravas would all be killed in war and she installed as queen. Dhrishtadyumna, Draupdai’s brother, proclaimed that he would kill Drona. His brother, Sikhandi was born to kill Bhishma and he would accomplish that. There was no doubt that a thousand arrows from Arjuna’s Gandiva would pierce the body of Karna. And, Bhima with his super human strength would definitely crush Duryodhana to death.

The killing of Salva

Yudhishthira asked Krishna. “You said that you were not in Dwaraka when the game of dice was going on. What happened?” Krshna, in reply, told him about his fight with Salva, the king of Saubha.

Salva was the brother of Sisupala. He had built a city, called Saubha, which floated in the air and made that his capital. Salva was enraged when he heard that Krishna killed his brother. So, he attacked Dwaraka while Krishna was still at the Rajasooya.

Krishna’s grandfather, Ugrasena, ruled from Dwaraka. The king had elaborate defenses built in and around the city. But, Salva encircled Dwaraka with a huge force and closed all routes of escape for the Yadavas.

Pradyumna, who was Krishna’s son born to Rukmini, daringly faced Salva. After days of fight, salva had to flee from the place unable to bear the onslaught of Pradyumna. He then placed his floating city above the western ocean posing a perpetual threat to Dwaraka.

Krishna heard of what happened on his return. He thought that it was time that he removed the threat from Salva for ever. So, he reached the shores of the sea where Salva was and challenged him to war. The two fought bitterly for days and weeks. Krishna killed Salva at the end. He also destroyed the floating castle of Salva using his Sudarshana disc.

Krishna takes leave.

After consoling the Pandavas, Krishna wanted to take leave. He bowed before Yudhishthira and Bhima and embraced Arjuna. Nakula, Sahadeva and Draupadi prostrated before their mentor. Then, Krishna departed in his chariot in the company of other Yadava chiefs and the Panchala princes.

Move to the Dwaita forest

After Krishna left the Pandavas decided that they needed a place where they could live comfortably for their remaining years of exile. Arjuna suggested that the nearby Dwaita forest was a pleasant place to live. Accordingly, the Pandavas moved to that forest.

Draupadi pleads for action

Draupadi, one day, approached Yudhishthira. She compared their life in the palace to the condition in which they lived in the forest. Bhima and Arjuna were able to face and defeat all enemies in the past and would do so in the future, too, any situation. She argued with the Pandava that it was his patience that stood in their way to regain their past glory. She reasoned that there was a limit to patience. If they did not act even under extreme provocation, then the enemies would crush them.

Yudhishthira reasoned that anger would only cause destruction in the end. For him patience was right. He would never swerve from his oath to righteousness.

Bhima joined the discussion and supported Draupadi. Yudhishthira, then, spoke his mind out. Winning over Duryodhana would not be as easy as they thought. The four invincible warriors, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Karna, were being kept on his side by the wise Dhritarashtra. After exiling the Pandavas to forest, Duryodhana virtually ruled over the entire world. He won a wide support base as a result. Yudhishthira has been weighing their chances against this formidable opposition. He was of the impression that it would be difficult for them to face their enemies in this condition.

Vedavyasa arrives

Vyasa arrived at that very moment. He said. “I understood what is in your mind. That is why I came. Good times will definitely come for you. I shall teach you now the Mantra called Pratismruti. Let Arjuna meditate on Indra and Lord Siva with this. He shall get formidable weapons with divine powers as a result”. Vedavyasa, then, advised the Mantra to Yudhishthira and left.

Arjuna in the quest of weapons

Yudhishthira called Arjuna and narrated what Vyasa told him. He advised his younger brother that it was time that they acquired superior weapons to face the powerful Kauravas in their ultimate war. He taught Arjuna the special Mantra. Arjuna soon took leave of his brothers and Draupadi and travelled north, towards the Himalayas.

Arjuna encounters a strange sage

After days of travel, climbing various peaks of the Himalaya and keeping to the north all the time, Arjuna came across a sage seated under a tree. The Pandava was about to go past him when he heard the command, “stop!” The sage, then, asked Arjuna who he was. He further made fun of him with the words, “why have you come fully armed with a bow, arrows, sword and other weapons to this place where you only meet meditating sages?”

The sage, then, introduced himself. He was Indra who came down to meet his son. Indra asked the Pandava to choose any boon. Arjuna prayed the king of gods to grant him weapns of special power. Indra wanted to test Arjuna and asked. “Why do you want weapons? Ask for heaven and even for the worlds above”.

Arjuna replied. “I have left my brothers in the forest. I did not come in search of my salvation. What I need are weapons that would save them from bondage”. Indra was pleased with the reply. He asked Arjuna to meditate on Siva. The Lord would definitely be pleased and appear before him. Indra promised Arjuna special weapons after that.

With those words the king of gods disappeared from the scene. Arjuna, then, started meditating on Lord Siva keeping his single objective of getting weapons capable of destroying his powerful enemies in mind.

Here ends the chapter on “Arjuna’s start of journey (Arjunaabhigamana Parvam)”

The story of Amba

We have left one important character, Amba, behind. She was the eldest daughter of the king of Kasi. Let us recall that Bhsihma had forcefully carried the three daughters, Amba, Ambika and Ambalika, away to Hastinapura for his nephew, Vichitravirya to marry. If we recall the event, Amba had excused herself saying that she was already in love with king Salva. But, Salva refused to accept her as she was captured by Bhishma. The Kaurava seer would not take her back either as her mind was with Salva. Finally, in frustration, she left with only one aim in mind, to take revenge on Bhishma.

Penance with an aim

Amba went into forest and started meditating on Lord Subrahmanya, famous for many divine victories. After years of penance, the Lord appeared before the princess and asked what she wanted. Amba had only one wish, revenge on Bhishma who destroyed her life. The Lord, after some thought, gave her a garland of ever fresh lotus flowers. Whoever wore the garland would cause the death of Bhishma.

Bhishma was known never to face any woman in fight. So, Amba approached many princes, known for their valour and enmity to Bhishma with the garland. No one dared an open conflict with the formidable Bhishma, even with the divine garland. Amba finally went to king Drupada who was his arch rival . The Panchala king,too, refused to face Bhishma at any cost. Amba lost all hopes and hung the garland above the gates of Drupada’s palace and left the place in total frustration.

Parasurama for help

Some ascetics, whom she met on the way, advised Amba to approach Parasurama for help. The sage had destroyed seven generations of kings in revenge for the killing of his father. He was also the best known warrior who ever lived on the face of earth.

Parasurama listened to Amba with sympathy. How could he help her? Could he force Salva to accept her?

Amba had given up all interests in marriage. Revenge on Bhishma was her only mission left in life. Parasurama agreed to challenge Bhishma on her behalf. He fought a fierce battle for several days against the valiant Bhishma. Finally, the sage admitted that it was beyond him to defeat the Kaurava warrior. He advised Amba that her only hope would be to get the blessing of Lord Siva.

Blessing from Lord Siva

Amba, accordingly, started meditating on the Lord. After days of hard penance Lord Siva was pleased and appeared before her. The Lord blessed her that she would be able to kill Bhishma in her next birth. The princess of Kasi was so consumed with the passion for revenge that she immediately ended her life by jumping into fire.

Birth of Sikhandi

Amba soon took birth as daughter to king Drupada of Panchala. During her childhood days she used to play in the palace courtyard. One day the child found the garland hanging at the gate of the palace . Out of childhood curiosity, she picked it up and wore it around her neck. Suddenly, memories of her past life and her hatred for Bhishma rushed back to her mind. She retired to forest to do penance again with the hope of becoming a male to face Bhishma. Lord Siva came to her rescue again. With his blessing Amba became a male and came to be known by the name Sikhandi.

We shall learn in the final episodes of the Mahabharata war how Bhishma met his death at the hands of Sikhandi.

The Slaying of Kirmira

Dhritarashtra was anxious to hear details of how Bhima happened to kill the demon Kirmira. He heard the news from the sage Maitreya. But, the Maharshi left in a rage and refused to go into the details of the incident.
Vidura had just returned from visiting the Pandavas. So, the king asked him about it. Vidura told the king what he learnt while in the forest.
The Pandavas, defeated in the game of dice, reached the Kamyaka forest in three days. It was already late in the night. It was the time when demons moved about. The Pandavas found their way blocked by a horrible demon. They realized too late that that particular forest was normally avoided by meditating sages and even hunters for fear of demons.
The demon which stood in their way was so huge that it reached, as though, the sky. His red coloured eyes protruded and looked like two fire balls. He made such a horrifying sound that even birds flew away and animals ran hither and thither in fright. It appeared, as though, that even the creepers twined around nearby trees frightened by the air created by his movements. Draupadi was so frightened that she swooned into the hands of her husbands.
The demon had cast magic around the Pandavas and they could not see clearly. Dhaumya, their priest, managed to remove the magic through the power of his Mantra. It was only then that the Pandavas could see the huge figure in front. Yudhishthira did not lose courage and asked him. “Who are you and what is your mission?”
The demon replied. “I am the younger brother of the demon Baka. I live in this forest. I make a meal of humans who come my way. I am fortunate that I will have you for tonight. Tell me, who you are”.
Yudhishthira replied without fear. “I am Yudhishthira, the Pandava. These are my four brothers. The lady with us is our wife. We have come here to live as we have lost our kingdom”.
Kirmira was delighted to hear this reply. He said. “I am lucky that you have been brought to me. I have been waiting to avenge the death of my elder brother, Baka, at the hands of this Bhima. Hidimba whom Bhima killed was a good friend of mine. Today I shall offer Bhima’s blood in sacrifice to my brother.”
Bhima roared from behind that that was not going to happen. He uprooted a tree and used it as a baton to strike the demon on the head. Kirmira did the same and faced Bhima with a tree held in hand. The two fought for a while striking each other on the head with their improvised weapons. Then each picked a rock and threw it against the enemy. Next they wrestled with one another. The two matched each other in strength. Bhima noticed after a while that his enemy was showing signs of weakness. He held the demon with his strong arms around his waist and shook him with force. Then Bhima gave a huge blow to the demon in his stomach with his iron fist. Bhima knew that he had already weakened his enemy considerably. So, he wasted no time and throttled the demon to suffocation and threw him down dead.
Dhritarashtra heard the story from vidura and let out a sigh in desperation thinking about the strength of the Pandava.
Vyasa ends the chapter on “slaying of Kirmira (Kirmira Vadha Parvam)” here.

Pandavas go in exile

Janamejaya, the great grandson of Arjuna , has been listening with keen interest to the story so far of Mahabharata as told by Vaisampayana. When he heard that his forefathers had been sent in exile to forest he asked the sage. “How did they survive in the forest? How did Draupadi manage?”

So, Vaisampayana continued with the story. All the citizens cursed the Kauravas for the unfair deal. They all wanted to live in the forest along with their dear princes. It was with great effort that Yudhishthira managed to send them back. There were several Brahmins among them. They refused to turn back in spite of Yudhishthira’s repeated pleas.

Yudhishthira tried to argue. “Learned men, we have left everything behind. Our resolve is to eat whatever fruit and roots we find in the forest for our sustenance. I am duty bound to feed you properly, but, will be unable to do so where we go”.

The Brahmins said, “please do not worry on our account, we shall beg for our own food and continue entertaining you telling good stories with moral value”

A bottomless vessel

Yudhishthira could not argue any further on the point. But, he was very worried that the good Brahmins would starve on his account. One of the Brahmins, by name Saunaka, advised Yudhishthira to do penance to acquire whatever he waned desired. The Pandava went to his priest, Dhaumya, for guidance in the matter. Dhaumya asked Yudhishthira to meditate on the Sun God with the new Mantra he taught him then.

Accordingly, Yudhishthira started doing penance. The Sun God was pleased and soon appeared in person. He asked the Pandava what he wished to get. Yudhishthira said that he was worried how to feed the Brahmins who have chosen to stay with him in the forest.

So, the Sun God gave a utensil to Yudhishthira. Everyday the utensil would have fresh food ready with excellent dishes to feed any number of people until Draupadi ate. There would be nothing left in it afterwards until the next day.

The gift utensil came very handy for the Pandavas in the forest. They decided the order in which they served food. First Yudhishthira served the Brahmins and any other guests who came by. Next, his brothers took their meals and then, Yudhishthira ate himself. Draupadi always sat last to eat. In this manner they could survive any number of days and serve all the guests who visited or were with them.

Dhritarashtra quarrels with Vidura

Dhritarashtra was worried about the consequences of sending the Pandavas into exile. He called Vidura for advice. The wise Vidura spoke without fear. He said that the king made a serious mistake in allowing the wicked game, that too more than once. The Pandavas would definitely take revenge for the behaviour of his sons . The only way out was to call them back and return the kingdom that was due to them. Duryodhana and others should apologize for their misbehaviour to the Pandavas.

What Dhritarashtra wanted to hear was that his sons were now safe. What Vidura told him was the opposite, hurting his feelings to the depth. In frustration he told Vidura that he always spoke for the Pandavas. If Vidura’s heart was with the Pandavas, then he was welcome to go and stay with them.

Vidura to the forest

Vidura was very upset with this rebuke in spite of speaking what was good for his elder brother. This was virtually throwing him out for speaking truth. So, he thought it better that he went and lived with the Pandavas in the forest.

The Pandavas had first travelled north and reached the shores of the river Ganga. Then, they turned west and found a beautiful forest by name Kamyakam. It was where Vidura met them. Vidura apprised the Pandavas of what happened between him and Dhritarashtra.

Meanwhile, the blind Kaurava king was sorry that he threw out his younger brother who was always a solace for him in trouble. So, he sent his minister, Sanjaya, with words of apology to Vidura. Sanjaya found the Pandavas clad in deer skin and chatting with Vidura. He conveyed the request from his king to the gentle Vidura. Vidura’s heart was softened hearing the apologies from his brother. He decided to return with Sanjaya to the palace.

Duryodhana plans for an attack

The Kaurava princes were happy to hear that their uncle, Vidura, left them to live with the Pandavas. He always stood against them and favoured the Pandavas. So, they were angry to hear that he was called back by their father. One consolation was that the Pandavas had none to support them in the forest. They thought that it was the right time to strike and kill the Pandavas while they remained helpless in the forest.

Sage Vedavyasa came to know of their plan through his divine vision. He appeared before Dhritarashtra and warned him against any such move. He anticipated that the eminent sage Maitreya was on his way to Hastinapura after meeting the Pandavas in the forest. Vyasa left with the words that the sage would definitely agree with what he said.

Sage Maitreya

Maitreya arrived soon after Vysasa left, exactly as the sage foretold. He first addressed Dhritarashtra. “I happened to reach the Kamyaka forest during my pilgrimage. I met Yudhishthira by chance there. He and his brothers looked like ascetics with their hair matted and wearing deer skin. I was told there what happened between them and your sons. That is why I came here. This should not have happened while you and Bhishma were alive”.

Then, he turned to Duryodhana and spoke to him. “Duryodhana, you are a valorous prince. Do not harm the Pandavas. They are all extremely powerful and skilled in warfare. Remember, how Bhima killed the powerful king Jarasandha and demons Hidimba and Baka. Now, he has put to death the fearsome Kirmira. What you need is peace with them and not enmity.”

Duryodhana ignored the sage and slapped his thigh in a mocking gesture. The sage was highly enraged by the disrespect shown to him. He cursed Duryodhana with the words, “You have shown disrespect to me by keeping quiet. Bhima would break that thigh of yours which you slapped to insult me”.

Dhritarashtra was apologetic on behalf of his son. He also wanted to hear the story how the Pandavas killed the demon Kirmira. But, the sage was in no mood to spend more time with the Kauravas and left the way he came.

Vyasa thus ends the chapter on “life in the forest (Aranyaka Parvam)”.We shall learn about the killing of Kirmira in the next chapter.

The second sting

Duryodhana and his conspiring associates, Dussasana, Sakuni and Karna, were furious hearing about the gesture of the old king. They thought that all that was gained the hard way had gone waste. They rushed to Dhritarashtra to complain.

Duryodhana spoke to his father. “The Pandavas are our perpetual enemies, and enemies are to be destroyed at all costs. They have gone back with a grudge against us. Arjuna’s bow, Gandiva, is impatient to destroy us with the arrows from his swollen quiver. Bhima’s club is aching to crush us. None of the Pandavas would pardon us for what we did to Draupadi. The only way for us is to remove them through a second round at the table of dice”.

Duryodhana’s logic found the approval of Dhritarashtra. He, immediately, commanded that the Pandavas be invited again for a game of dice. All the elders, including Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and Kripa, objected and advised the king not to repeat the mistake. But, Dhritarashtra ignored their warning.

Gandhari takes exception

Gandhari was sorry to hear about the misguided decision of her husband. She complained to him. “My Lord! Do you remember what Vidura said when Duryodhana was born? He noticed the evil omens that appeared at the time and prophesied that he would be the cause for the destruction of the entire Kaurava race. Vidura had asked you to kill the boy right after birth. You did not listen to his words out of love for the son. The recent events indicate that our son is leading all of us to the predicted course of destruction”. Dhritarashtra’s only comment was, “if that is our fate, then nothing can prevent it”.

The second game of dice

Duryodhana immediately sent Pratikami to Yudhishthira. The Pandavas had hardly reached their palace. They were surprised by the invitation in spite of all that happened. Yet, Yudhishthira only repeated his earlier stand that he would not refuse a command from his uncle. Who could resist fate, reasoned the Pandava.

Sakuni was ready with the dice in the hall for gambling. He announced the terms for the new round. “There is no need to put stakes one by one. The loser should retire to forest with the family in the garb of ascetics for twelve years. Another year should be spent completely incognito. If their identity is revealed, then they should spend another twelve years in forest. After completing the term successfully they can return home and continue enjoying their half of the kingdom”.

The people who had assembled were shocked realizing what was happening. They wondered: “Should the Pandava engage in the game again even after going through defeat once?”

Dussasana torments

When everyone was watching in disbelief Sakuni threw the dice and announced that he won.
There was no escape for the Pandavas from their fate. The Pandavas abandoned their royal attire and changed to single cloths of hide.

Dussasa found pleasure in the plight of the Pandavas. He spoke in words meant to hurt his arch rivals. “Let the Pandavas go in exile. Now, it is time for us, Kauravas, to enjoy. How silly the Panchala king, Drupada, was to marry his daughter off to these impotent Pandavas. Now, Draupadi, you better accept one of us as your new husband”. So saying, he started dancing with delight in front of the Pandavas.

Pledge for revenge

Bhima retorted in response to those words from the Kaurava. “You speak with undeserving pride in victory by cheating us in the game. You speak words meant to pierce our hearts. I will have my revenge by breaking yours with my club. I shall also break your elder brother’s thigh for his indecent action and kill all your other brothers in war. This is my pledge”.

He, further, warned that Arjuna would kill Karna. Sahadeva would avenge Sakuni’s foul play by sending him to the abode of he dead.

Arjuna accepted the words of Bhima as his command to him and vowed that he would kill Karna. Sahadeva, similarly, promised to take revenge on Sakuni.

Bidding farewell

Yudhishthira and his brothers went to bid farewell to Dhritarahtra, Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and Kripa. Vidura told Yudhishthira. “Do not take your mother with you. Let her stay with me. I shall take good care of her”. They accepted that suggestion and left Kunti in the care of Vidura. Vidura consoled the Pandavas that they should not be disheartened with the turn of events. Good times would come to them.

Kunti was grief stricken to see her sons go in exile. She was all the more sorry for Draupadi. It was a tearful farewell that took place between the Pandavas who were leaving and those who were left behind.

The celestial sage Narada happened to arrive at the very moment the Pandavas were leaving. He consoled the Pandavas and prophesied that the Kauravas would perish after thirteen years.
Slowly, the Pandavas moved away leaving everything else behind. Dhaumya, their priest, walked ahead. Yudhishthira followed their priest with Bhima right behind him. Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva went after their elders in that order. Draupadi walked in the rear, following all others.

The citizens of Hastinapura and Indraprastha were distressed. They thronged both the side of streets to see their dear princes on their way out. Many tried to follow the Pandavas to the forest. It was with great effort that the Pandavas turned them back.

Vedavyasa ends the chapter on “the second game of dice (Anudyoota Parvam) and the second book with the title “the book of the assembly hall (Sabha Parvam)” here.

A gift for Draupadi

There was a temporary pause after Dussasana gave up his heinous crime of disrobing Draupadi. Bhima, forgetting his temporary bondage, thundered his terrible oath of revenge for all to hear.
Draupadi continued wailing about her misfortune. She shouted at Dussasana. “You are an insult to humanity for treating me the way you did. I have never been in public view after the day of my wedding. Making a chaste lady like me to appear in the noble hall of Kaurava assembly has never happened elsewhere before”. She, then, turned to the elder Kurus and repeated her question. “Am I a slave to the Kauravas? I deserve an answer to this question. Have I been won over by Duryodhana or not?”

Bhishma replied, avoiding a direct answer. “It is often difficult to say categorically what is right and what is wrong. Powerful men get verdicts in their favour. These Kaurava princes have become blind with greed. That is why they forget the path of righteousness. You have not erred in any way in what you said or acted. The elder statesmen like Drona and me are as good as living bodies with no will to act”.

Duryodhana’s offer

Duryodhana came up with a conceited offer to the Pandavas. He said, addressing Draupadi. “Leave that question of yours alone. Let Bhima and his younger brothers proclaim that they no longer consider Yudhishthira their leader. Let Yudhishthira also confess in public that he is no longer your lord. The very next moment you will be set free from bondage”.

All the princes on the Kaurava side welcomed that gesture of Duryodhana. All turned to Bhima and Arjuna to hear what they had to say.

But, Bhima announced in no uncertain terms. “We have tolerated all that took place today only out of respect for our elder brother. Let him say one word and I shall crush the entire Kaurava clan between my arms which are as strong as pillars of iron.”

Bhishma, Drona and Vidura passified Bhima with the words. “Be patient. You will accomplish all that in due course.”

Karna’s tirade

Karna continued harassing Draupadi saying, “these Pandavas are now pauper and bonded. You better chose someone else who is a proper king as husband.”

Duryodhana pressed on to Yudhishthira, “you must say if Draupadi has been won over or not”.
He was enjoying the predicament of the Pandavas and his own successes. Power made him make a vulgar movement by baring his thighs turning to Draupadi. Bhima could not stand that insult to his dear wife. He announced to the assembly, “I shall break this thigh of Duryodhana in fight with my club”. At that time all heard wolves howl and donkeys bray. The senior Kauravas realized that the evil omen foretold a horrible disaster to befall on the Kauravas.

Dhritarashtra’s change of heart

Dhritarashtra realized that his son went too far. The Kaurava king turned to Duryodhana and rebuked him for his demeaning behaviour, especially towards Draupadi. He then called the Pandava queen to his side and tried to pacify her. He made a conciliatory offer to her by way of a boon of her choice. Draupadi said. “Please set Yudhishthira free”. Dhritarashtra was pleased with her reply and made a second offer to her. This time she asked for setting her other husbands free. When asked for a third time she refused the offer. She said that it was improper for kings and queens to accept more than two boons.

Dhritarashtra, then, called Yudhishthira to his side and apologized on behalf of his son. He said, “I permitted the game of dice simply to please my sons who are the only props I have because of my blindness. Do not keep any enmity towards them. That does more harm than good. Take all the land and wealth that you lost through dice. Return to Indraprastha and live on happily as before.”

With these words Dhritarashtra sent the Pandavas back to their half of kingdom in beautifully decorated chariots.

Vedavyasa ends the chapter on “the game of dice (Dyoota Parvam)” here.

The plight of Draupadi

Yudhishthira had lost all he possessed as stake in the game of dice to Duryodhana. The Pandavas, themselves, became virtually the slaves of the Kauravas. Duryodhana claimed that Draupadi also belonged to him as Yudhishthira had wagered and lost her, too. Vidura had refused to fetch Draupadi for him. So, he sent his charioteer, by name Pratikami, to Draupadi.

An order to Draupadi

The daughter of Panchala had come adorned with rich clothes and priceless jewelry to the Kaurava palace. Pratikami found her wearing a single piece of cloth. Everything else was lost as stakes. Pratikami conveyed the message of the Kaurava prince to the Pandava queen. She was anticipating trouble and did not lose her courage even after hearing the shocking order from the Kaurava. She sent Pratikami back with a question addressed to Yudhishthira. Whom did he lose as stake first, himself or her? She wanted an answer to this question before she would obey the order from Duryodhana.

When Pratikami conveyed those words from Draupadi to Yudhishthira he simply kept quiet. Duryodhana demanded, by way of a reply, that Draupadi should come in person to the hall and ask that question herself.

Again went the charioteer back to the Pandava queen and conveyed the new message from his master. Draupadi, still, insisted that she wanted an answer to her question first. If Yudhishthira was unable to answer her, let the question be raised in the open assembly.

Pratikami did as he was asked to do. All the elderly statesmen like Bhishma, Vidura, Drona and Kripa heard the words of Draupadi repeated by Pratikami, but, kept quiet fearing the wrath of the Kaurava prince.

Dussasana to fetch Draupadi

Duryodhana was frustrated. He had won all the wealth of the Pandavas and the five of them had become his slaves. To treat their queen as his maid in public was his ultimate victory. That was being delayed. So, he ordered his brother, Dussasana, to fetch Draupadi. The brute Dussasana did not bother that the person whom he was approaching was the princess of Panchala and the queen of the Pandavas. She was, by status, the wife of his elder brothers and, hence, equal to his mother. Yet, he went straight and grabbed the Pandava queen by the hair and pulled her all the way to the assembly. Draupadi tried to plead with him that she was not properly dressed to appear before the public. Dussasana neither cared for the etiquettes nor for the sad plight of the helpless woman whom he was tormenting.

Draupadi, wailing all the way, pleaded with the senior Kauravas after reaching the hall, for justice. She asked whether the like of Bhishma were not watching what was happening. Was it right to treat her like a servant when Yudhishthira had become a slave before pledging her as stake?

Failing to evoke any response from them, she sent angry glances to her five heroic husbands who all stood with downcast looks.

Dussasana had no time to waste for the judgement of right and wrong. He called her as their “maid” and asked her to sweep the floor. Karna was upbeat with the turn of events and encouraged the young Kaurava on with his work.

Bhima’s anger

Bhima could not stand the sad plight of Draupadi resulting from the thoughtless action of his elder brother. He spoke in harsh words to him and shouted to Sahadeva to fetch fire for him to burn those hands of Yudhishthira that caused this humiliation to their dear wife. Arjuna was quick to rebuke Bhima for losing his normal balance.

There was one lone voice among the hundred Kaurava princes who tried to defend Draupadi. His name was Vikarna. He said that Draupadi’s question was relevant on moral grounds. He was of the view that the Pandava queen was not won over by Duryodhana, as Yudhishthira had become, himself, a slave before that.

Karna refuted Vikarna’s stand and justified the action of Dussasana. He went to the extent of questioning the very chastity of Draupadi who had wed five husbands.

Even the last piece of cloth

Karna, further, said that even the single piece of cloth worn by Draupadi belonged to the Kauravas. He encouraged Dussasana to take possession of that, too! Dussasana immediately grabbed the only clothe Draupadi was wearing with the intention of disrobing her.

Words would fail to describe the plight of the Pandava queen at that time. She had already been brutally humiliated in front of the public with her husbands and the senior Kauravas watching. Now she was going to be put to such shame that no woman would ever even dare to dream of. She could not think of anyone who could help her in her moment of agony.

Krishna to the rescue

Then, she thought of Krishna whom she loved dearly as god. She prayed to him with the words that she was sinking in the sea of the Kauravas. Only he could pull her out. A miracle happened at that time. Dussasana pulled off the cloth she was wearing and another piece appeared beneath. The Kaurava pulled that, too, out and to his surprise there was still another protecting the modesty of Draupadi. Piece by piece and layer by layer a heap of cloths was pulled out, but, Draupadi was still safe. Exhausted and frustrated, Dussasana abandoned his effort and returned to his seat.

Bhima’s pledge

Bhima was a helpless onlooker of the scene because of his bondage. But, watching the demeaning way Dussasana was trying to humiliate Draupadi he lost all his temper. He roared in fury that he would tear open the chest of Dussasana in fight and drink the blood with his hands. These words of revenge sworn in public by Bhima reverberated throughout the assembly hall. The common people who had gathered there blamed Dhritarashtra for letting the events to reach that extent.

We shall learn about the subsequent events resulting from the fateful game of dice in the next episode onwards.

The game of disaster

We left Vidura on his way to invite Yudhishthira, against his will, for a game of dice. He soon reached Indraprastha, the abode of the Pandavas, and greeted the Pandavas.

Yudhishthira foresees danger

The senior Pandava enquired about the welfare of the Kauravas. It was then that he noticed the pale face of Vidura. He asked whether the sons of Dhritarashtra were not keeping well. In reply Vidura conveyed the message from Dhritarashtra. The Kauravas have built a new assembly hall. They have sent an invitation to Yudhishthira to participate with his wife and brothers in a friendly game of dice there.

Yudhishthira expressed his misgivings to Vidura about the whole idea. Was not such a game, even if meant to be friendly, certain to invite trouble? Vidura was in full agreement with the Pandava on that point. He was only carrying out his orders. Yudhishthira could accept or reject the invitation as he thought right.

Yudhishthira wanted to know who all were going to play, besides the Kaurava brothers. Vidura listed all those who were present mentioning the name of Sakuni with special emphasis. Yudhishthira’s apprehension grew even further hearing the name of Sakuni. The Gandhara prince was famous for his skill in the game of dice and was known to play all the dirty tricks to win stakes.

Yet, even with the full knowledge of the dangers ahead, Yudhishthira announced that he accepted the invitation. He, on principle, would never refuse an invitation for a game of dice. It was not worthy of a king to refuse such a challenge. He accompanied Vidura to Hatinapura along with his wife and brothers.

Yudhishthira meets Sakuni

The Pandavas met their cousins at Hastinapura and exchanged greetings with them. Duryodhana was delighted that Yudhishthira had accepted his invitation. They all went to the place where Dhritarashtra lived with Gandhari and paid their respects to the elderly couple. The Pandavas later retired to the quarter earmarked for their stay that night.

They went to the newly built assembly hall next morning and found Sakuni there. Sakuni told Yudhishthira that his seat was ready at the game of dice. Yudhishthira tried to excuse himself by arguing that gambling often involved cheating and it hardly ever had a happy ending.

Sakuni defended his stand saying that a skillful player could win by fare means. Why was Yudhishthira afraid to place his stakes at the game? The Pandava, then, repeated his oath never to refuse an invitation for dice on principle, even though he anticipated trouble.

The game

With those words Yudhishthira sat at the game. Duryodhana announced that he supplied the stakes and Sakuni played for him. Yudhishthira objected to that arrangement. He had hoped that he would face Duryodhana in a straight contest. Against him he had hopes of winning. But, Sakuni was a different proposition. But, his objection was overruled by the Kaurava.

The stakes

Then, the fateful game started. The Pandava staked many of the precious jewels in his treasury. Duryodhana matched them with his stock of treasures and the dice was cast. Sakuni announced that he won the stakes. Yudhshthira knew that there was cheating and said so. But, Sakuni was too clever to give away his sleight of hands. Yudhshthira could not sustain his claim of unfair play.

The dice was thrown again and again, both the sides staking their valuables one by one. Each time Sakuni claimed victory and Yudhishthira complained of foul play. But, he could not prove anything. Each time Sakuni would prompt his opponent to play on. What the Pandava lost so far was nothing compared to what he owned. Why was he afraid to play on?

One by one and in big lots, too, the Pandava emperor staked all in his treasury and lost all. Sakuni would give no breathing time, but, prod him on for more stakes. Was he not the emperor in command over a large army? He could stake them and win back all that he lost so far. Yudhishthira would murmur that it was fate that was playing and that winning and losing was all decided by it. He continued with the game placing his entire army as stake and lost all. With Sakuni’s continued prompting he wagered his servants and lost them, too. By then his wits had become numb and he played on as though the dice cast a spell over him.

Sakuni taunted Yudhishthira for wearing expensive clothes and precious jewelry. They were worthy enough as stake for a round. Why was he holding on to them? So, the Pandava wagered with the clothes he and his brothers wore and lost all that. He was mesmerized to such an extent that in the next moment he wagered the ornaments and clothes worn by Draupadi and lost them, too.

Yudhishthira was totally in despair. It was not long ago that he was an emperor soaking in glory with all the victories and shining with all the wealth he gathered. Now he was reduced next to nothing. He was about to get up blaming his fate for the loss of all that he owned. But, Sakuni would not leave him even then.

The human stakes

The cunning Sakuni had cleverly chosen words to persuade Yudhishthira to play even further. He pointed out his brothers to Yudhishthira and asked him whether all his wealth was dearer to him than they were. Why was he not wagering them when he was left with such valiant princes as brothers? Yudhishthira was too stunned to say yes or no, perhaps even to think what was right and wrong. He offered Nakula as stake and lost him. Then, he staked Sahadeva and lost him, too.

Sakuni would not leave him alone even then. He made fun of Yudhishthira for not offering his real brothers, Bhima and Arjuna, as stakes for fear of losing them. He had no hesitation to wager his step brothers. The Pandava was pricked by those words and offered Arjuna as stake. In the next cast of Sakuni’s dice Yudhishthira lost Arjuna. He was compelled to offer Bhima next and lost him, too.

Finally, the Pandava offered himself as stake and played. He also ended up in the kitty of Sakuni, in essence as a slave to Duryodhana.

The most precious stake

Sakuni asked Yudhishthira, if that was all he possessed. It was a loaded question. He pointed out that the most precious possession, the princess Draupadi, still remained with him. So, Yudhishthira offered Draupadi as stake and lost her.

All the elder Kauravas, including Bhishma, Drona and Kripa, were watching in disbelief. With the final round of human stakes they all hung their head and became numb with shame. Many of the assembled kings spoke out the words “shame, shame”. Many turned their head away to hide their tears.

This was the moment Duryodhana was waiting to happen. He wasted no time to ask Vidura to bring Draupadi to the assembly as she was now at his command. It was her duty, as his servant, to sweep the floor of the hall!

Vidura did not hesitate to rebuke Duryodhana for his evil thoughts and words. Was he mad to think of such a course of action? He was, thereby, inviting the total ruin of not only himself, but also of his brothers and supporters. Vidura also pointed out that Yudhishthira had no right to stake his wife after he, himself, was lost to the opponent.

But, Duryodhana was too intoxicated with his total victory over his rivals to care for Vidura’s warning words. He accused Vidura for wrongly being on the side of the Pandavas. He, then, sent one of his assistants with the order to fetch Draupadi to the assembly hall.

We shall learn about the subsequent developments in the next episode.

The plot to cheat

When we left the scene of the Rajasooyam ritual Duryodhana and his uncle, Sakuni, had remained behind in the court of the Pandavas. Duryodhana wanted to inspect the newly built assembly hall of the Pandavas in detail. He went around with his uncle to its every nook and corner. He was amazed by the genius of its design and the quality of workmanship. Each piece of stone was appropriately selected and intricately laid.

A warning by Sage Vedavyasa

Yudhishthira wanted to know from Vyasa, when the sage bid farewell after the Rajasooyam, what the implication was of the slaying of Sisupala. Vyasa agreed that the event had serious consequences in the next thirteen years. Yudhishthira would be the centre of the disaster, Duryodhana the cause and the entire race of warrior kings would suffer as a result.

The Pandava emperor was greatly saddened with the prophecy, because of its gravity and also because it was on his account that the calamity would befall. He thought that he should better end his life rather than cause so much harm to the rest. Arjuna consoled him with the words that what was required was to make wise decisions.

Yudhishthira then announced that he would give no cause for any conflict for the next thirteen years. He would speak no harsh words and behave with no difference between friends and foes.

Duryodhana’s woes

Duryodhana was crest fallen with what he saw at the assembly hall. He also had made some blunders during his tour of inspection. He failed to notice a cleverly built pond inside the hall and fell into it. He was soaked to his top. Bheema could not contain his laughter. What was worse was that he even offered dry clothes for change to the fuming Kaurava.

He thought that he was clever enough to notice another one in time. He raised his clothes and stepped into it with a knowing smile. To his shame it was simply a mirage. He evoked peals of laughter even from Draupadi and her friends. There were other places, too, where he was tricked by the clever workmanship of the hall. On all those occasions he attracted mocking laughter even from the servants.

Duryodhana’s heart had already sunk after witnessing the splendour of the Rajasooya ceremony and how his arch rivals, the Pandavas, shined in glory throughout the affair. Worse still, he was made in charge of receiving all the gifts from the visiting kings. So, he had a clear idea of all the wealth that accumulated during the ceremony. The eldest Pandavas had become an emperor over all lands that one could reach by land or sea. The five brothers had become even more invincible. What Duryodhana owned was nothing in comparison with what the Pandavas came to possess.

Sakuni Consoles

Sakuni did not fail to notice the low morale of his nephew. He asked Duryodhana what was the matter with him. The Kaurava had to confess that he would rather commit suicide than witness the rising fortunes of his enemies. Sakuni instilled some courage in him. What was the use of brooding over other’s wealth earned through proper means? As a courageous prince Duryodhana should beat them through his own efforts. Those words brought the fighting spirit of Duryodhana back to him. He wanted to challenge the Pandavas immediately for a fight and make a quick victory over them. Sakuni told Duryodhana that the Pandavas, who were already invincible, had become even more powerful. It was wishful thinking that the Kauravas could pose any threat to them now. Instead, Sakuni’s plotting mind had already come up with a plan

The ploy

The prince of Gandhara was at his best in gambling. Yudhishthira was always tempted to accept any invitation, but, was not aware how weak a player he was. Sakuni could easily cheat him, if so required, and win all the stakes his opponent would place at the game. The Pandava must, somehow, be given such an invitation that he would find it difficult to refuse. The invitation should come from Dhritarashtra. That was the first trick. Sakuni would take care of the rest.

Dhritarashtra worried about his son

Sakuni , then, went to Dhritarashtra and reported that his son was in distress. The sire would find his son getting paler day by day and not caring to eat or sleep. Dhritarashtra felt great pain to learn about the malady that had afflicted his son.

He called Duryodhana to his side and asked him what the matter was. Then, Duryodhana told his father all that he witnessed in the palace of the Pandavas. He would rather die than suffer the ignominy of paling into insignificance as the star of the Pandavas shone brighter day by day. Dhritarashtra tried to console him to no avail.

The king wanted to know what he could do to remedy the situation. Duryodhana, then, unfolded the plan that his clever uncle proposed. Dhritarashtra was not happy to encourage gambling since he knew would always bring calamity. It would invite disaster both to the Pandavas and to themselves. Besides, Vidura would never agree to such an unwise move.

But, Duryodhana was adamant. It was either the game of dice or his end. Which one would his father choose?

Dhritarashtra relents

Dhritarashtra’s mind weighed the pros and cons. His heart told him that it was unwise to engage in gambling between the cousins. But, he loved his son too much to think about the right and wrong of the move. What mattered was the happiness of his beloved son.

To give some legitimacy to the proposal, Dhritarashtra ordered a new hall for gambling to be built in the most grandeur manner and in the quickest possible time. For once he did not consult Vidura on this.

When the hall was ready he asked Vidura to pay a visit to the Pandavas and invite Yudhishthira for a game of dice in the newly built hall. The matter was not open for discussion. Rather, it was an order from the king to his minister. Yet, Vidura tried his best to dissuade the king from the misadventure. Fate had already started playing its part and Vidura was asked to go on his errand against his will.