Part 13 | Drone

King Pandu went hunting, and a sage and his wife also decided to go the forest but were disguised as deer. Pandu, unaware of their disguise, shot at the male deer (not knowing it was the sage). The sage cursed him soon after. This curse made him heartbroken, so he retreated to the forest with his wives, entrusting his kingdom to Bhishma and Vidura. From then on, he lived a life of abstinence.

Kunti noticed Pandu's desire to have children, but the sage's curse prevented him from making his wish come true. She told him of the mantra she received from Durvasa. He urged Kunti and Madri to use the mantra, resulting in the birth of the five Pandavas. King Pandu lived in the forest with his children and wives for many years to come.

When springtime approached, Pandu and Madri forgot about the existence of the curse and became intimate with one another. However, due to the sage's curse, Pandu died. Madri, unable to contain her sorrow, ended her life, thinking she was responsible for King Pandu's death. She entrusted Kunti to be the mother to her orphaned children.

The forest sages took Kunti and the Pandavas to Hastinapura to entrust them to Bhishma. The whole kingdom became sad when they heard of Pandu's death. Vyasa said to Satyavati, "The past has gone by pleasantly, but the future has many sorrows in store. The world has passed its youth like a happy dream and it is now entering on disillusionment, sin, sorrow and suffering. Time is inexorable. Youneed not wait to see the miseries and misfortunes that will befall this race. It will be good for you to leave the city and spend the rest of your days in a hermitage in the forest."

And so, Satyavati agreed with Vyassa and went into the forest with Ambika and Ambalika, where they ascended to higher levels of bliss and spared themselves the sorrow of their children.

Part 14 | The Wax Palace

Duryodhana's jealousy ignited upon seeing Bhima's physical strength and Arjuna's dexterity. He counseled Karna and Sakuni while planning deceitful schemes. Dhritarashtra was a wise man, but he was weak when it came to his children. He would sometimes take the wrong path, all while being aware of it. Duryodhana sought to kill the Pandavas because the people of the city would praise them and declare that only Yudhishthira was fit to be king by arguing, "Dhritarashtra could never be king for he was born blind. It is not proper that he should now hold the kingdom in his hands. Bhishma cannot be king either, because he is devoted to truth and to his vow that he would not be a king. Hence Yudhishthira alone should be crowned as king. He alone can rule the Kuru race and the kingdom with justice." These words made him angry.

He approached Dhritarashtra and complained to him. "Father, the
citizens babble irrelevant nonsense. They have no respect even for such venerable persons as Bhishma and yourself. They say that Yudhishthira should be immediately crowned king. This would bring disaster on us. You were set aside because of your blindness, and your brother became the king. If Yudhishthira is to succeed his father, where do we come? What chance has our progeny? After Yudhishthira his son, and his son's son, and then his son will be the kings. We will sink into poor relations dependent on them even for our food. To live in hell would be better than that!"

Dhritarashtra replied, "Son, what you say is true. Still Yudhishthira will not stray from the path of virtue. He loves all. He has truly inherited all the excellent virtues of his deceased father. People praise him and will support him, and all the ministers of the State and commanders of armies, to whom Pandu had endeared himself by his nobility of character, will surely espouse his cause. As for the people, they idolise
the Pandavas. We cannot oppose them with any chance of success. If we do injustice, the citizens will rise in insurrection and either kill us or expel us. We shall only cover ourselves with ignominy."

Duryodhana answered, "Your fears are baseless. Bhishma will at worst be neutral, while Ashwatthama is devoted to me, which means that his father Drona and uncle Kripa will also be on our side. Vidura cannot openly oppose us, if for no other reason, because he has not the strength. Send the Pandavas immediately to Varanavata. I tell you the solemn truth that my cup of suffering is full and I can bear no more. It pierces my heart and renders me sleepless and makes my life a torment. After sending the Pandavas to Varanavata we shall try to strengthen our party."

Much later, some politicians joined and decided to advise the king. Kanika, who was Sakuni's minister, said, "O king. Guard yourselves against the sons of Pandu, for their goodness and influence are a menace to you and yours. The Pandavas are the sons of your brother, but the nearer the kin, the closer and deadlier the danger. They are very strong. Be not wroth with me if I say a king should be mighty in action as in name, for nobody will believe in strength which is never displayed. State affairs should be kept secret and the earliest indication to the public, of a wise plan, should be its execution. Also, evils must be eradicated promptly for a thorn which has been allowed to remain in the body may cause a festering wound. Powerful enemies should be destroyed and even a weak foe should not be neglected since a mere spark, if over looked, may cause a forest fire. A strong enemy should be destroyed by means of stratagem and it would be folly to show mercy to him. O king, guard yourself against the sons of Pandu. They are very powerful."

After garnering some supporters, Duryodhana spoke with Dhritarashtra and said, "I have bought the goodwill of the king's attendants with gifts of wealth and honor. I have won over his ministers to our cause. If you will adroitly prevail upon the Pandavas to go to Varanavata, the city and the whole kingdom will take our side. They will not have a friend left here. Once the kingdom has become ours, there will be no power for harm left in them, and it may even be possible to let them come back."

Dhritarashtra was shaken but yielded to the counsel his son received.

The ministers praised Varanavata's beauty during the hearing of the Pandavas and mentioned how that a festival in honor of Siva would be held. The unsuspecting Pandavas were persuaded, especially when Dhritarashtra encouraged them to go because the people wanted to welcome them. And so, the Pandavas went to Varanavata. Duryodhana was overjoyed and prepared a secret plan.

He provided secret instructions to another minister, Purochana. Before the Pandavas arrived in Varanavata, Purochana had a beautiful palace built for their reception. He used combustible materials like jute, lac, ghee, oil, and fat. The materials for the walls' plastering were also flammable. He filled various parts of the building with dry items that would ignite easily and placed seats and beds by the most combustible parts of the palace. When the Pandavas settled down in the wax palace, the palace would be set on fire at night while they were asleep. The love they received would eliminate all suspicion and everyone would perceive the fire as an accident.

Part 15 | The Escape of the Pandavas

After leaving, the Pandavas headed towards Varanavata. The people of the city accompanied them part of the way.

Vidura warned Yudhishthira so only the prince could understand, "He alone will escape from danger who forestalls the intentions of an astute enemy. There are weapons sharper than those made of steel. And the wise man who would escape destruction must know the means to guard against them. The conflagration that devastates a forest cannot hurt a rat which shelters itself in a hole or a porcupine which burrows in the earth. The wise man knows his bearings by looking at the stars."

Their journey may have began with joy, but it now became tainted with sorrow and anxiety. The Pandavas stayed in other houses while the palace was being prepared. Once it was ready, they moved in. It was named "Sivam" which meant prosperity. Unbeknownst to them, it was an ironic name since the palace was designed to be a deathtrap.

Yudhishthira thoroughly examined the palace and verified how it had been constructed with flammable materials. He told Bhima, "Though we know very well that the palace is a trap of death, we should not make Purochana suspect that we know his plot. We should get away at the right moment but escape would be difficult if we gave room for any suspicion."

They stayed in another house while Vidura sent an expert miner who met with them in secret. He said, "My password is the veiled warning Vidura gave you. I have been sent to help you for your protection."

His words were coded to insinuate Duryodhana's plot and a way to escape it. Yudhishthira communicated Vidura's warning to Kunti Devi.

The miner worked for many days in secret. Purochana remained unaware. A subterranean egress was completed under the wax palace and ran along the town. Purochana's quarters were located at the palace's gateway. During the night, the Pandavas remained vigilant and during the day, they would go hunting in the forest to make themselves familiar with the forest paths. Purochana waited one year before putting his plan into effect to avoid suspicion.

Yudhishthira sensed the moment had arrived so he called his brothers together to escape. Kunti Devi arranged a feast, her idea being to lull the attendants to sleep. At midnight, Bhima set the palace on fire in several places. Kunti Devi and the Pandavas hurried through the passageway while a fire swarmed the palace. The people of the town watched with loud lamentation, with some crying out, "Alas! Alas! This surely is Duryodhana's work, and he is killing the sinless Pandavas!"

Purochana's residence was engulfed in flames and he burned with the palace. The people of the town sent a message to Hastinapura and said, "The palace which was the abode of the Pandavas has burnt down and no one in it escaped alive."

When describing the mental state of Dhritarashtra, Vyasa said, "Just as the water of a deep pool is cool at the bottom and warm on the surface, so the heart of Dhritarashtra was at once warm with joy and chilled with sorrow."

Dhritarashtra and his sons mourned for the Pandavas they believed perished in the fire. Although some noticed how Vidura was not as overcome by sorrow as others. The real reason was because he knew the Pandavas had escaped to safety. His mind's eye followed the Pandavas' journey. He noticed Bhishma drowning in sorrow so he comforted him by revealing the Pandavas' escape.

Bhima carried his mother on his shoulders, took Nakula and Sahadeva on his hips, and supported Yudhishthira and Arjuna with his hands. He strode forward like a lordly elephant by pushing aside trees and bushes that obstructed his path. When they reach the Ganges, a boat waited for them, controlled by a boatman who knew their secret. They crossed the river in the darkness, troubled by thirst and fatigue.

Kunti Devi said, "I do not care even if the sons of Dhritarashtra are here to seize me, but I must stretch my legs." She laid down and fell asleep.

Bhima waded through the jungle in search of water. He found a pool and made cups of lotus leaves to bring water to his mother and brothers who were dying of thirst. Others slept while Bhima remained awake, thinking, "Do not the plants and the creepers of the forest mutually help each other and live in peace? Why should the wicked Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana try to injure us in these ways?" Being sinless, Bhima couldn't understand how others fell into sin and became lost in grief.

The Pandavas continued forward, suffering many other hardships and overcoming other dangers. During part of their journey, they'd take turns carrying their mother to increase their speed. Occasionally, they'd take a break and rest or race with each other. Along the way, they met Bhagavan Vyasa and received encouragement and advice from him.

Kunti told him what happened and Vyasa consoled her, "No virtuous man is strong enough to live in virtue at all times, nor is any sinner bad enough to exist in one welter of sin. Life is a tangled web and there is no one in the world who has not done both good and evil. Each and everyone has to bear the consequence of his actions. Do not give way to sorrow."

They wore the clothes of the brahmanas as Vyasa advised them and went to the city of Ekachakra and stayed at a brahmana's house while waiting for a better day to come.

Part 16 | The Slaying Of Bakasura

The Pandavas stayed in the city of Ekachakra under the disguise of brahmanas. They begged for food in the streets, bringing what they were able to obtain from their mother who would anxiously wait for their return every time they ventured out. If they didn't come back in a timely manner, she would worry evil befell them. Kunti divided the food into two equal portions: one half would go to Bhima and the other half would b shared by the other brothers and mother. They did this because Bhima, born of the Wind God, had great strength and a hearty appetite. One of Bhima's other names was Vrikodara, meaning wolf-bellied. A wolf always looks hungry. However, no matter how much it would eat, its hunger would never be quite satisfied.

The scarcity of food made him grow thinner by the day, bringing distress to their mother and brothers. At some point, he became acquainted with a potter for whom he helped. In return, the potter would present him with a pot that became an object of happiness.

One day, while the other brothers went to beg, Bhima stayed behind with his mother and heard noise coming from their landlord. They assumed by the sound of his lamentations, some great misfortune fell upon the family, so Kunti went to discover the truth.

The brahmana landlord said to his wife, "O unfortunate and foolish woman, though time and again I wished we should leave this city for good, you would not agree. You persisted in saying that you were born and bred here and here you would stay where your parents and relations had lived and died. How can I think of losing you who have been to me at once my life's mate, loving
mother, the wife who bore my children, nay, my all in all? I cannot send you to death while I keep myself alive. This little girl has been given to us by God as a trust to be handed over in time to a worthy man. It is unrighteous to sacrifice her who is a gift of God to perpetuate the race. It is equally impossible to allow this other, our son, to be killed. How can we live after consigning to death our only solace in life and our hope for the here after? If he is lost, who would pour libations for us and our ancestors? Alas! You did not pay heed to my words, and this is the deadly fruit of your perversity. If I give up my life, this girl and boy will surely die soon for want of a protector. What shall I do? It is best that all of us perish together." He cried soon after.

The wife answered, "I have been a good wife to you, and done my duty by bearing you a daughter and a son. You are able, and I am not, to bring up and protect your children. Just as cast out offal is pounced upon and seized by rapacious birds, a poor widowed woman is an easy prey to wicked and dishonest people. Dogs fight for a cloth wet with ghee, and in pulling it hither and thither in unclean greed, tear it into foul rags. It would be best if I am handed over to the Rakshasa. Blessed indeed is the woman who passes to the other world, while her husband is alive. This, as you know, is what the scriptures say. Bid me farewell. Take care of my children. I have been happy with you. I have performed many meritorious actions. By my faithful devotion to you, I am sure of heaven. Death has no terror for one who has been a good wife. After I am gone, take another wife. Gladden me with a brave smile, give me your blessing, and send me to the Rakshasa."

After hearing his wife say this, the brahmana landlord hugged her and wept like a child. Once he found his voice again, he said, "O beloved and noble one, what words are these? Can I bear to live without you? The first duty of a married man is to protect his wife. I should indeed be a pitiful sinner if I lived after giving you up to the Rakshasa, sacrificing both love and duty."

Their daughter, who had heard their conversation, interrupted while sobbing, "Listen to me, child though I be, and then do what is proper. It is me alone that you can spare to the Rakshasa. By  sacrificing one soul, that is, myself, you can save the others. Let me be the little boat to take you across this river of calamity. In like manner, a woman without a guardian becomes the sport of wicked people who drag her hither and thither. It is impossible for me to protect two fatherless orphans and they will perish miserably like fish in a waterless pond. If both of you pass away, both I and this little baby brother of mine will soon perish unprotected in this hard world. If this family of ours can be saved from destruction by my single death, what a good death mine would be! Even if you consider my welfare alone, you should send me to the Rakshasa."

Her parents cried at hearing their daughter's brave words. The boy in question, hardly older than a baby, said with a lisp, "Father, do not weep. Mother, do not weep. Sister, do not weep." He sat on each of their laps. When he rose, he picked up a stick of firewood and said, "I shall kill the Rakshasa with this stick." His actions made his family smile despite their tears but only added to their sadness.

Kunti, feeling this was a moment to intervene, entered and asked them about the cause of their sorrow and if there was anything she could do to assist.

The father said, "Mother, this is a sorrow far beyond your aid. There is a cave near the city, where lives a cruel and terribly strong Rakshasa named Bakasura. He forcibly seized this city and kingdom thirteen years ago. Since then he has held us in cruel thraldom. The kshatriya ruler of this country has fled to the city of Vetrakiya and is unable to protect us. This Rakshasa formerly used to issue from his cave whenever he liked and, mad with hunger, indiscriminately kill and eat men, women and children in this city. The citizens prayed to the Rakshasa to come to some sort of stipulation in place of this promiscuous slaughter. They prayed: 'Do not kill us wantonly at your whim and pleasure. Once a week we shall bring you sufficient meat, rice, curds and intoxicating liquors and many other delicacies. We will deliver these to you in a carriage drawn by two bullocks driven by a human being taken from each house in turn. You can make a repast of the rice, along with the bullocks and the man, but refrain from this mad orgy of slaughter.' The Rakshasa agreed to the proposal. From that day, this strong Rakshasa has been protecting this kingdom from foreign raids and wild beasts. This arrangement has been in force for many years. No hero has been found to free this country from this pest, for the Rakshasa has invariably defeated and killed all the brave men who tried. Mother, our legitimate sovereign is unable to protect us. The citizens of a country, whose king is weak, should not marry and beget children. A worthy family life, with culture and domestic happiness, is possible only under the rule of a good, strong king. Wife, wealth and other things are not safe, if there be no proper king ruling over us. And having long suffered with the sight of others' sorrow, our own turn has come now to send a person as prey to the Rakshasa. I have not the means to purchase a substitute. None of us can bear to live after sending one of us to a cruel death, and so I shall go with my whole family to him. Let the wicked glutton gorge himself with all of us. I have pained you with these things, but you wished to know. Only God can help us, but we have lost all hope even of that."

Kunti discussed the matter with Bhima, then returned to the landlord. She said to him, "Good man, do not despair. God is great. I have five sons. One of them will take the food to the Rakshasa."

The landlord jumped up in surprise then shook his head, unable to accept the suggestion.

Kunti said, "O brahmana, do not be afraid. My son is endowed with superhuman powers derived from mantras and will certainly kill this Rakshasa, as I have myself seen him kill many other such Rakshasas. But keep this a secret, for, if you reveal it, his power will come to naught."

Kunti feared that if the story spread, Duryodhana's men would discover the Pandavas had a hand in it and would discover where they were. Bhima was excited about the arrangement.

When the other brothers returned to the house when what they received from beggining, Dharmaputra saw Bhima's face lit with joy and determined he would embark on a dangerous quest. He asked Kunti and she told him everything.

Yudhishthira said, "What is this? Is not this rash and thoughtless? Relying on Bhima's strength we sleep without care or fear. It is not through Bhima's strength and daring that we hope to regain the kingdom that has been seized by our deceitful enemies? Was it not through the prowess of Bhima that we escaped from the wax palace? And you are risking the life of Bhima who is our present protection and future hope. I fear your many trials have clouded your judgment!"

Kunti answered, "Dear sons, we have lived happily for many years in the house of this brahmana. Duty, nay, man's highest virtue, is to repay the benefit he has enjoyed by doing good in his turn. I know the heroism of Bhima and have no fears. Remember who carried us from Varanavata and who killed the demon Hidimba. It is our duty to be of service to this brahmana family."

A fierce battle ensued and the Rakshasa known as Bakasura was slain by Bhima who pretended to bring him a cartload of food.

Part 17 | Draupadi's Swayamvaram

While the Pandavas lived disguised as brahmanas, the news of the swayamvara (translator note: a swayamvara is a matrimonial tradition in ancient Indian society where a bride, usually from the warrior caste, selects her husband from a group of assembled suitors either by her own choice or a public contest between her suitors) of Draupadi, the daughter of Drupada, King of Panchala, reached them. Many brahmanas planned to go to Panchala to receive customary gifts and see the royal wedding. Kunti knew her sons wanted to go.

Kunti told Yudhishthira, "We have been in this city so long that it is time to think of going somewhere else. We have seen these hills and dales till we are tired of them. The alms doled out to us are diminishing and it is not good to outstay your entertainment. Let us therefore go to Drupada's kingdom which is reputed to be fair and prosperous." 

The brahmanas went in groups to see the swayamvara, with the Pandavas hidden within. After the march, the celebration reached Drupada. Drupada and Drona were at peace (from an external view) but Drupada could never forget the humiliation he suffered at Drona's hands.

Drupada's one wish was to offer his daughter's hand in marriage to Arjuna. Drona loved Arjuna so much that he couldn't look at his pupil's father-in-law with hatred. If there ever was a war, Drupada would be stronger just for being Arjuna's father-in-law. When he heard of the Pandavas' destruction at Varanavata, he felt despair but later relieved when he heard of their rumored escape.

The marriage hall had been elaborately decorated, with guest-houses designed to accomodate the swayamvara suitors and guests. Celebrations persisted for 14 days.

In the marriage hall, there was a steel bow. A candidate who wished to marry the princess had to string the bow and shoot a steel arrow through the central aperture of a revolving disk at a high target. This required almost superhuman skills, and Drupada felt the person who would win his daughter should be able to perform this easily.

Many princes gathered, including the sons of Dhritarashtra, Karna, Krishna, Sisupala, Jarasandha, and Salya. Because there were so many guests, the noise resembled the ocean's roar. Dhrishtadyumna came in on horseback, while his sister Draupadi came in on an elephant. She wore flowing silk as she entered the hall. Her suitors admired her in silence when she ascended the dais. The brahmanas recited mantras and offered oblations in the fire. Once the chants stopped and the music halted, Dhrishtadyumna led Draupadi to the center of the hall.

He proclaimed, "Hear ye, O princes seated in state in this assembly, here is the bow. There is the target and here are the arrows. He who sends five arrows in succession through the hole of the wheel and unerringly hits the target, if he also be of good family and presence, shall win my sister." Then, he provided the name, ancestry, and description of the suitors there. Many rose trying to string the bow, but it was too heavy for them. Among the unsuccessful suitors were  Sisupala, Jarasandha, Salya, and Duryodhana.

Karna came forward. Everyone expected him to be successful, but he failed by just a hair and the string slid back, the bow jumping out of his hands like it was alive. Anger followed, as the guests found the task to be impossible.

Arjuna rose, disguised as a brahmana, causing the crowd to react loudly. Some of the brahmanas were happy that someone had enough courage to complete, while others said it was impudent for him to enter the list of suitors when heroes like Karna, Salya, and others failed.

Some noted the Arjuna's actions as noble, saying, "We feel from his appearance that he is going to win. He looks sure of himself and he certainly knows what he is about. The brahmana may be physically weaker, but is it all a matter of brute strength? What about the power of austerities? Why should he not try?" And they blessed him.

Arjuna approached the bow and asked Dhrishtadyumna if a brahmana could try to bend the bow.

Dhrishtadyumna replied, "O best of brahmanas, my sister will become the lifemate of any one of good family and presence, who bends the bow and shoots the target. My words stand and there will be no going back on them."

Arjuna meditated on Narayana, the Supreme God, then took the bow and strung it with ease. He placed the arrow on the string and looked around him with a smile on his face. The crowd watched in stunned silence. Without pause or hesitation, he shot five arrows through the revolving mechanism and hit the target. The target fell and the crowd let out a confused cry. Musical instruments blared.

The brahamas seated in large numbers shouted in joy, waiting their deerskins with enthusiasm as though their community had won Draupadi. Draupadi's eyes shone with happiness as she looked at Arjuna. She placed the garland on his head. Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva returned to the potter's house to share the good news with their mother.

Bhima stayed back in the hall, thinking Arjuna would encounter some kind of trouble from the kshatriyas.

The princes were angry and said, "The practice of swayamvara, the choosing of a bridegroom, is not prevalent among the brahmanas. If this maiden does not care to marry a prince, she should remain a virgin and burn herself on the pyre. How can a brahmana marry her? We should oppose this marriage and prevent it so as to protect righteousness and save the practice of swayamvara from the peril which threatens it." 

A fight seemed imminent.

Bhima plucked a tree by its roots and removed its leaves, standing tall beside Arjuna to prepare. Draupadi said nothing but held onto Arjuna. Krishna, Balarama, and others tried to appease those who created the ruckus.

Arjuna went to the potter's house with Draupadi. Dhrishtadyumna followed them from a distance and observed everything that took place there. He became delighted with what he saw and returned to tell King Drupada, "Father, I think they are the Pandavas. Draupadi accompanied them, holding to the skirts of the deer-skin of that youth and she was not at all abashed. I also followed and I saw all five and a venerable and august lady who, I have no doubt, is Kunti herself."

King Drupada invited Kunti and the Pandavas to the palace. There, Dharmaputra informed him of their decision to marry Draupadi. Drupada rejoiced at the knowledge of them being the Pandavas, with rest all his anxiety he had towards Drona. But he was surprised and disgusted when he heard the Pandavas planned to jointly marry Draupadi.

Drupada opposed this and said, "How unrighteous! How did this idea get into your head, this immoral idea that goes against the traditional usage?"

Yudhishthira replied, "O king, kindly excuse us. In a time of great peril we vowed that we would share all things in common and we cannot break that pledge. Our mother has commanded us so."

Drupada yielded and the marriage was celebrated.

Part 18 | Indraprastha

When the incidents of swayamvara reached Hastinapura, Vidura was happy and went to speak to Dhritarashtra. He said, "O King, our family has become stronger because the daughter of Drupada has become our daughter-in-law. Our stars are good."

Dhritarashtra assumed Duryodhana had won Draupadi, so he answered mistakenly, "It is indeed, as you say, a good time for us. Go at once and bring Draupadi. Let us give Panchali a joyous welcome."

Vidura immediately corrected him, "The blessed Pandavas are alive and it is Arjuna who has won the daughter of Drupada. The five Pandavas have married her jointly according to the rites enjoined by the sastras. With their mother Kuntidevi they are happy and well under the care of Drupada."

Dhritarashtra became frustrated, but he concealed his disappointment from Vidura by answering joyfully, "O Vidura, I am delighted at your words. Are the dear Pandavas really alive? We have been mourning them as dead! The news you have now brought is balm to my heart. So the daughter of Drupada has become our daughter-in-law. Well, well, very good."

Duryodhana's hatred for the Pandavas grew when he found out they escaped the Wax Palace and had spent a year living in hiding, becoming more powerful due to their alliance with the king of Panchala. Duryodhana and Duhsasana, his brother, went to Sakuni, and said, "Uncle, we are undone. We have been let down by relying on Purochana. Our enemies, the Pandavas, are cleverer than ourselves, and fortune also seems to favor them. Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandin have become their allies. What can we do?"

Then, Karna and Duryodhana went to Dhritarashtra. Duryodhana told his father, "You told
Vidura that better days were ahead of us. Is it good time for us that our natural enemies, the Pandavas, have so waxed in strength that they will certainly destroy us? We could not carry out our plot against them and the fact that they know about it is an added danger. It has now come to this, either we must destroy them here and now or we shall ourselves perish. Favor us with your counsel in this matter."

Dhritarashtra replied, "Dear son, what you say is true. We should not, however, let Vidura know our mind. That was why I spoke to him in that manner. Let me now hear your suggestions as to what we should do."

To which, Duryodhana said, "I feel so distracted that no plan occurs to me. Perhaps, we may take advantage of the fact that these Pandavas are not born of one and the same mother and create enmity between the sons of Madri and those of Kunti. We can also try to bribe Drupada into joining our side. That he has given away his daughter in marriage to the Pandavas will not stand in the way of our making him an ally. There is nothing that cannot be accomplished by the power of wealth."

Karna smiled, stating, "This is but futile talk."

Duryodhana continued his thoughts, "We should somehow make sure that the Pandavas do
not come here and demand of us the kingdom that is now in our possession. We may commission a few brahmanas to spread convenient rumours in Drupada's city and severally tell the Pandavas that they would meet with great danger if they were to go to Hastinapura. Then the Pandavas would fear to come here and we shall be safe, from them."

Karna said, "This too is idle talk. You cannot frighten them that way."

Duryodhana proposed something new. "Can we not create discord among the Pandavas by means of Draupadi? Her polyandrous marriage is very convenient for us. We shall arouse doubts and jealousies in their minds through the efforts of experts in the science of erotics. We shall certainly succeed. We can get a beautiful woman to beguile some of the sons of Kunti and thus make Draupadi turn against them. If Draupadi begins to suspect any of them, we can invite him to Hastinapura and use him so that our plan prospers."

Karna laughed. "None of your proposals is any good. You cannot conquer the Pandavas by stratagem. When they were here and were like immature birds with undeveloped wings, we found we could not deceive them, and you think we can deceive them now, when they have acquired experience and are moreover under the protection of Drupada. They have seen through your designs. Stratagems will not do hereafter. You cannot sow dissensions among them. You cannot bribe the wise and honorable Drupada. He will not give up the Pandavas on any account. Draupadi also can never be turned against them. Therefore, there is only one way left for us, and that is to attack them before they grow stronger and other friends join them. We should make a surprise attack on the Pandavas and Drupada before Krishna joins them with his Yadava army. We should take the heroic way out of our difficulty, as befits kshatriyas. Trickery
will prove useless." 

However, Dhritarashtra couldn't make up his mind. He asked for Bhishma and Drona to consult them. Bhishma was overjoyed when he heard the Pandavas were still alive and how they married the King of Panchala's daughter.

Bhishma advised, "The proper course will be to welcome them back and give them half the kingdom. The citizens of the state also desire such a settlement. This is the only way to maintain the dignity of our family. There is much loose talk not creditable to you about the fire incident at the wax house. All blame, even all suspicion, will be set at rest if you invite the Pandavas and hand over half kingdom to them. This is my advice."

Drona suggested the same advice and also advised sending a messenger to establish peace. Karna became infuriated by this as he was very devoted to Duryodhana and didn't want to give a portion of the kingdom to the Pandavas. He told Dhritarashtra, "I am surprised that Drona, who has received wealth and honors at your hands, has made such a suggestion. A king should examine critically the advice of his ministers before accepting or rejecting it." At these words of Karna, Drona, his old eyes full of anger, said: "O wicked man, you are advising the king to go on the wrong path. If Dhritarashtra does not do what Bhishma and myself have advised, the Kauravas will certainly meet with destruction in the near future."

Vidura replied, "The counsel given by Bhishma, the head of our race, and Drona, the master, is wise and just and should not be disregarded. The Pandavas are also your children like Duryodhana and his brothers. You should realise that those who advise you to injure the Pandavas are really bent upon the destruction of the race. Drupada and his sons as well as Krishna and the Yadavas are staunch allies of the Pandavas. It is impossible to defeat them in battle. Karna's advice is foolish and wrong. It is reported abroad that we tried to kill the Pandavas in the wax house, and we should first of all try to clear ourselves of the blame. The citizens and the whole country are delighted to know that the Pandavas are alive and they desire to see them once again. Do not listen to the words of Duryodhana. Karna and Sakuni are but raw youths, ignorant of statesmanship and incompetent to advise. Follow Bhishma's advice."

Dhritarashtra decided to establish peace by giving half of the kingdom to the Pandavas. He also sent Vidura to Panchala to bring back the Pandavas and Draupadi. And so, Vidura went to the city in a fast vehicle filled with jewels and other valuable presents for King Drupada. He requested on behalf of Dhritarashtra to send the Pandavas to Hastinapura.

Drupada didn't trust Dhritarashtra, but he said, "The Pandavas may do as they like."

Vidura saw Kuntidevi and prostrated before her.

She said, "Son of Vichitravirya, you saved my sons. They are, therefore, your children. I trust you. I shall do as you advise." She was also suspicious of Dhritarashtra's intentions.

Vidura reassured her, "Your children will never meet with destruction. They will inherit the kingdom and acquire great renown. Come, let us go." 

Drupada approved and Vidura returned to Hastinapura with the Pandavas, Kunti, and Draupadi. To welcome them after long years of exile, the streets of Hastinapura were decorated with flowers and sprinkled with water. Yudhishthira was crowned king of the gifted half of the kingdom.

Dhritarashtra blessed Yudhishthira and said goodbye, "My brother Pandu made this kingdom prosperous. May you prove a worthy heir to his renown! King Pandu delighted in abiding by my advice. Love me in the same manner. My sons are wicked and proud. I have made this settlement so that there may be no strife or hatred between you. Go to Khandavaprastha and make it your capital. Our ancestors Pururavas, Nahusha, and Yayati ruled the kingdom from there. That was our ancient capital. Re-establish that and be famous."

The Pandavas renovated the ruined city by building palaces and forts, renaming it Indraprastha. It became the admired beauty of the world, where the Pandavas ruled for thirty-six years with their mother and Draupadi, never straying from the path of dharma.

Part 19 | The Saranga Birds

In the Puranas, birds and beasts speak like humans and were known for giving advice and teaching spiritual wisdom. It is normal to tell children stories about talking animals, but the stories of Puranas are meant for the elderly. It's explained that the animals can talk because they were previously human in a former life and being reincarnated into an animal is due to a curse. For example, a fox could have been a king and we may see those wise characteristics  in the animal. These stories become interesting because of the hidden truths they contain.

Khandavaprastha was a forest full of uneven places, thorns, prickles, and the rubble of a long dead city when the Pandavas obtained it. It was infested with thieves and other forms of wickedness and rampant with beasts. Krishna and Arjuna set a fire with the hopes of constructing a new city on top of the ashes to start anew.

Most notably, a saranga bird lived there with four babies. The male bird roamed with another female bird, neglecting its mate and children. When the forest was set on fire as commanded by Krishna and Arjuna, the fire spread in all directions.

The mother bird lamented privately, 'The fire is coming nearer and nearer burning everything, and soon it will be here and destroy us. All forest creatures are in despair and the air is full of the agonising crash of falling trees. Poor wingless babies! You will become a prey to the fire. What shall I do? Your father has deserted us, and I am not strong enough to fly away carrying you with me."

The children replied upon hearing their mother cry, "Mother, do not torment yourself on our account. Leave us to our fate. If we die here, we shall attain a good birth in some future life. If you give up your life for our sake, our family will become extinct. Fly to a place of safety, take another mate and be happy. You will soon have other children and be able to forget us. Mother, reflect and do what is best for our race."

But the mother didn't want to leave her children behind. She said, "I shall remain here and perish in the flames with you."

***

A rishi (translator's note: accomplished and enlightened person) known as Mandapala stayed true to his vow of perfect brahmacharya (translator's note: on the path of Brahman). When he wanted to reach higher levels, the gatekeeper told him, "There is no place here for a childless man" and turned him away. He was reborn as a saranga bird and lived with a female companion known as Jarita. She later laid four eggs, but he left Jarita to wander the woods with another female companion, Lapita. The four eggs hatched and these hatchlings are the four children mentioned in the story of the birds above. Since they were children of a rishi, they could encourage their mother the way they did.

The mother bird told the children, "There is a rat-hole by the side of this tree. I shall put you there. You can get into the hole and escape the fire. I shall close the mouth of the hole with earth and the fire will not touch you. When the fire dies down I shall let you out."

But the children refused to agree. They retorted, "The rat in the hole will devour us. It is better to perish in the flames than to die ignobly by being eaten up by rats."

The mother bird tried to appease their fears, "I saw an eagle devour the rat. There is now no danger for you inside the hole."

The children persisted. "There are sure to be other rats in the hole. Our danger is not ended by the killing of one rat by the eagle. Kindly save your life by flying before the fire reaches us and this tree catches fire. We cannot get into the rat-hole. Why should you sacrifice your life for our sake? How have we merited it, who have done nothing for you? We have only brought you unhappiness since we came into the world. Take another mate and live happily."

While the fire burned, the male bird, anxious for the safety of his children, expressed his concerns to Lapita.

Lapita said, "Is it so? I know your mind, I know that you desire to go back to Jarita, having had enough of me. Why falsely bring in the fire and the children? You have yourself told me that the children of Jarita would never perish in fire since the Fire god has given you that boon. You may as well tell the truth and go away, if you like, to your beloved Jarita. I shall only be another of the many trusting females betrayed by unworthy males and cast out wandering in the forest. You may go."

Mandapala replied, "Your assumption is untrue. I took birth as a bird for obtaining children and I am naturally anxious about them. I shall just go and see them and then come back to you."

The fire destroyed the whole forest but the baby birds were uninjured. When the fire died down, the mother bird returned and saw with relief her children were safe.

Mandapala also went to the tree, but Jarita ignored him, focusing on her children. She turned to her husband and asked with a tone of indifference why he came.

He replied affectionately, "Are my children happy? Who is the eldest among them?"

Jarita replied sharply, "Do you greatly care? Go back to her for whom you abandoned me. Be happy with her."

Mandapala said, "A woman will not care for her husband after she has become a mother. Such is the way of the world. Even the blameless Vasishtha was thus ignored by Arundhati."

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