Chapter 19: Duryodhana and Dhṛtarāṣṭra conspire to remove the Pāṇḍavas; the plot at Vāraṇāvata is set in motion to burn them alive.

Duryodhana is tormented by the strength of the Pāṇḍavas, while public support grows for Yudhiṣṭhira’s succession.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_1] (Jaya)

Seeing that Bhimasena was dearer than life itself and that Dhananjaya had mastered his training, the wicked-minded Duryodhana was deeply distressed. (BORI: 1-129-1)

[PV-KDV:01_025_2] (Jaya)

Then Karṇa, son of Vikartana, and Śakuni, son of Subala, sought by many means to kill the Pāṇḍavas. (BORI: 1-129-2)

[PV-KDV:01_025_3] (Jaya)

The Pandavas, those subduers of foes, were fully aware of all this, but gave no sign of it and followed Vidura’s counsel. (BORI: 1-129-3)

[PV-KDV:01_025_4] (Jaya)

Seeing that the sons of Pandu were endowed with virtues, the townspeople gathered at crossroads and in assembly halls and spoke among themselves: (BORI: 1-129-4)

[PV-KDV:01_025_5] (Jaya)

Dhritarashtra, the lord of the people, though endowed with the eye of wisdom, did not obtain the kingdom before because he was blind. How, then, could he become king? (BORI: 1-129-5)

[PV-KDV:01_025_6] (Jaya)

Likewise Bhishma, son of Shantanu, true to his word and firm in his great vow, renounced the kingdom long ago and will never accept it now. (BORI: 1-129-6)

[PV-KDV:01_025_7] (Jaya)

Let us therefore duly consecrate today the eldest Pandava, young but mature in conduct, truthful and compassionate. (BORI: 1-129-7)

[PV-KDV:01_025_8] (Jaya)

For that knower of dharma will honor Bhishma, son of Shantanu, and Dhritarashtra with his sons, providing them with various enjoyments. (BORI: 1-129-8)

[PV-KDV:01_025_9] (Jaya)

When the foolish Duryodhana heard those words spoken by men devoted to Yudhishthira, he was deeply distressed. (BORI: 1-129-9)

[PV-KDV:01_025_10] (Jaya)

Duryodhana and Dhṛtarāṣṭra quietly secure the support of the wealthy, assess the loyalties of influential figures, and conspire to send the Pāṇḍavas to Vāraṇāvata until Duryodhana’s own rule is firmly established.

Tormented, the wicked-minded man could not bear their words. Burning with jealousy, he went to Dhritarashtra. (BORI: 1-129-10)

[PV-KDV:01_025_11] (Jaya)

Then, finding his father alone, he paid him due respect and, tormented by the citizens’ affection, afterward said this: (BORI: 1-129-11)

[PV-KDV:01_025_12] (Jaya)

Father, I have heard the ominous words of the townspeople as they talk: disregarding you and Bhishma, they want the Pandava as their lord. (BORI: 1-129-12)

[PV-KDV:01_025_13] (Jaya)

This is also Bhishma’s view, though he does not wish to be king. But the people in the city seek to inflict the utmost suffering on us. (BORI: 1-129-13)

[PV-KDV:01_025_14] (Jaya)

Pāṇḍu inherited the kingdom from his father long ago through his own virtues, while you, because of your lack of virtue, failed to obtain the kingdom that had come to you. (BORI: 1-129-14)

[PV-KDV:01_025_15] (Jaya)

If this son of Pandu obtains Pandu’s inheritance, his son will surely obtain it, and after him another of his line, and so on. (BORI: 1-129-15)

[PV-KDV:01_025_16] (Jaya)

Then we, together with our sons, will be deprived of the royal lineage and despised by the people, O lord of the earth. (BORI: 1-129-16)

[PV-KDV:01_025_17] (Jaya)

Act quickly, O king, so that we do not live in perpetual misery, dependent on others for our food. (BORI: 1-129-17)

[PV-KDV:01_025_18] (Jaya)

Had you stood firm in your rule before, O king, we too would certainly have gained the kingdom, even against the people’s will. (BORI: 1-129-18)

[PV-KDV:01_025_19] (Jaya)

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_22] (Jaya)

When Dhritarashtra heard these words from his son, he reflected for a moment and then said to Duryodhana: (BORI: 1-130-1)

[PV-KDV:01_025_23] (Jaya)

Pandu was ever devoted to righteousness, always doing what pleased and benefited me. He was likewise disposed toward all his kinsmen, but especially toward me. (BORI: 1-130-2)

[PV-KDV:01_025_24] (Jaya)

There is nothing he wishes to do—not even take a meal—that I do not know about; steadfast in his vows, he always places the kingdom at my disposal. (BORI: 1-130-3)

[PV-KDV:01_025_25] (Jaya)

His son Pandu is likewise devoted to righteousness, virtuous, renowned throughout the world, and highly esteemed by the citizens. (BORI: 1-130-4)

[PV-KDV:01_025_26] (Jaya)

How can we forcibly dispossess him of the kingdom inherited from his father and grandfather, especially when he has allies? (BORI: 1-130-5)

[PV-KDV:01_025_27] (Jaya)

For the ministers were supported by Pandu, and the army was constantly maintained; their sons and grandsons too were especially well provided for. (BORI: 1-130-6)

[PV-KDV:01_025_28] (Jaya)

Those Paurava people were honored in the past by Pandu, my son. Why would they not kill us and our kinsmen for Yudhishthira’s sake? (BORI: 1-130-7)

[PV-KDV:01_025_29] (Jaya)

Duryodhana said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_30] (Jaya)

Father, I too have considered this matter in just this way. Recognizing the danger to myself, I have won over all the leading citizens with wealth and honors. (BORI: 1-130-8)

[PV-KDV:01_025_31] (Jaya)

They will certainly be our principal allies. The treasury, together with the ministers, is now under my control, O king. (BORI: 1-130-9)

[PV-KDV:01_025_32] (Jaya)

You should therefore quickly send the Pandavas away to the city of Varanavata, using only gentle means. (BORI: 1-130-10)

[PV-KDV:01_025_33] (Jaya)

When the kingdom is securely established in my hands, O king, Kunti and her sons will return, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-130-11)

[PV-KDV:01_025_34] (Jaya)

Dhritarashtra said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_35] (Jaya)

Duryodhana, this too has been turning over in my mind. But because the intention is wicked, I do not disclose it. (BORI: 1-130-12)

[PV-KDV:01_025_36] (Jaya)

Neither Bhishma nor Drona nor Kshatta nor Gautama will ever consent to the sons of Kunti being banished. (BORI: 1-130-13)

[PV-KDV:01_025_37] (Jaya)

For, my son, in the eyes of the Kauravas, we and these men are equal. Righteous and high-minded, they would not wish for unequal treatment. (BORI: 1-130-14)

[PV-KDV:01_025_38] (Jaya)

How then, dear son, could we avoid becoming deserving of death at the hands of the Kauravas, these great-souled men, and likewise the world? (BORI: 1-130-15)

[PV-KDV:01_025_39] (Jaya)

Duryodhana said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_40] (Jaya)

Bhishma is always neutral, but Drona’s son stands with me. Wherever his son is, Drona will be too; there is no doubt of this. (BORI: 1-130-16)

[PV-KDV:01_025_41] (Jaya)

Kripa, son of Sharadvata, will likewise be wherever these three are. He will never abandon Drona and his nephew. (BORI: 1-130-17)

[PV-KDV:01_025_42] (Jaya)

The chamberlain is bound to us by material interests, though secretly devoted to the others; and alone he is not capable of thwarting us on behalf of the Pandavas. (BORI: 1-130-18)

[PV-KDV:01_025_43] (Jaya)

So, without misgivings, send the sons of Pandu away with their mother to Varanavata this very day. No blame will attach to this. (BORI: 1-130-19)

[PV-KDV:01_025_44] (Jaya)

Dhṛtarāṣṭra sends the Pāṇḍavas to Vāraṇāvata after gradually winning over the populace through gifts, wealth, and honours.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_46] (Jaya)

Then King Duryodhana, together with his younger brothers, gradually won over all the subjects by bestowing wealth and honors upon them. (BORI: 1-131-1)

[PV-KDV:01_025_47] (Jaya)

Meanwhile, some skillful advisers, prompted by Dhritarashtra, began to speak of the charms of the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-131-2)

[PV-KDV:01_025_48] (Jaya)

This great festival of Pashupati, the most delightful on earth, is now taking place in the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-131-3)

[PV-KDV:01_025_49] (Jaya)

“in that place, filled with every kind of treasure and delightful to men.” Thus, at Dhritarashtra’s bidding, they spoke in this way. (BORI: 1-131-4)

[PV-KDV:01_025_50] (Jaya)

O king, as the delightful city of Varanavata was being described in this way, the sons of Pandu conceived a desire to go there. (BORI: 1-131-5)

[PV-KDV:01_025_51] (Jaya)

When the king thought, “They have grown curious,” Ambikā’s son then said to the Pāṇḍavas: (BORI: 1-131-6)

[PV-KDV:01_025_52] (Jaya)

These men of mine constantly tell me, again and again, that the city of Varanavata is the most delightful place in the world. (BORI: 1-131-7)

[PV-KDV:01_025_53] (Jaya)

My sons, if you wish to attend the festival at Varanavata, enjoy yourselves there like the gods, together with your companions and retinues. (BORI: 1-131-8)

[PV-KDV:01_025_54] (Jaya)

After spending some time in this way and experiencing the greatest delight, you will return happily to Hastinapura. (BORI: 1-131-10)

[PV-KDV:01_025_56] (Jaya)

Realizing Dhritarashtra’s wish and his own lack of allies, Yudhishthira replied to him, “So be it.” (BORI: 1-131-11)

[PV-KDV:01_025_57] (Jaya)

Duryodhana secretly orders Purocana to build an inflammable house at Vāraṇāvata, intending to burn the Pāṇḍavas and Kuntī alive.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_71] (Jaya)

When the king had spoken thus to the noble Pandavas, the wicked Duryodhana was filled with supreme delight. (BORI: 1-132-1)

[PV-KDV:01_025_72] (Jaya)

Then Subala’s son, Karna, and Duryodhana resolved to burn Kunti together with her sons. After consulting with them, the wicked son of Dhritarashtra… (KUMB: 1-156-2)

[PV-KDV:01_025_73] (Jaya)

O best of the Bharatas, he took his counselor Purocana aside, grasped him by the right hand, and said: (BORI: 1-132-2)

[PV-KDV:01_025_74] (Jaya)

This earth, full of riches, is mine, Purocana. Just as it is mine, so it is yours; therefore you should protect it. (BORI: 1-132-3)

[PV-KDV:01_025_75] (Jaya)

For I have no other ally more trustworthy than you, with whom I could consult in confidence as I can with you. (BORI: 1-132-4)

[PV-KDV:01_025_76] (Jaya)

Keep this counsel secret, my dear, and eliminate my enemies by a skillful stratagem. Do as I tell you. (BORI: 1-132-5)

[PV-KDV:01_025_77] (Jaya)

Dhritarashtra has sent the Pandavas to Varanavata. At his command, they will enjoy the festival there. (BORI: 1-132-6)

[PV-KDV:01_025_78] (Jaya)

Therefore, arrange to go to Varanavata this very day in a swift chariot drawn by donkeys. (BORI: 1-132-7)

[PV-KDV:01_025_79] (Jaya)

Once there, have a very costly four-winged house built beside the arsenal, thoroughly enclosed. (BORI: 1-132-8)

[PV-KDV:01_025_80] (Jaya)

Have all the flammable materials available here—hemp, resin, and anything else of that kind—brought there. (BORI: 1-132-9)

[PV-KDV:01_025_81] (Jaya)

Mix clay with ghee, oil, and a large quantity of lac, and have the walls coated with it. (BORI: 1-132-10)

[PV-KDV:01_025_82] (Jaya)

You should place hemp, bamboo, ghee, timber, and various devices throughout that house. (BORI: 1-132-11)

[PV-KDV:01_025_83] (Jaya)

It must be made so that neither the Pandavas nor any other people, even upon examining it, suspect you or think that it is combustible. (BORI: 1-132-12)

[PV-KDV:01_025_84] (Jaya)

Once the house there has been prepared in this way, you should receive the sons of Pandu with the highest honors and lodge them there, along with Kunti and their friends. (BORI: 1-132-13)

[PV-KDV:01_025_85] (Jaya)

There you must provide the sons of Pandu with the finest seats, conveyances, and beds, so that my father may be pleased. (BORI: 1-132-14)

[PV-KDV:01_025_86] (Jaya)

Everything must be arranged so that they may enjoy themselves without suspicion in the city of Varanavata until the appointed time has elapsed. (BORI: 1-132-15)

[PV-KDV:01_025_87] (Jaya)

But once you know that they are sound asleep, fully trusting and free from fear, you must then set fire to the house at its door. (BORI: 1-132-16)

[PV-KDV:01_025_88] (Jaya)

Then, once they have thus been burned in their own house, the people—or even their relatives—will eventually say of the Pandavas, “They were burned to death.” (BORI: 1-132-17)

[PV-KDV:01_025_89] (Jaya)

Having promised the Kaurava, “It shall be so,” Purocana set out in a donkey-drawn carriage for the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-132-18)

[PV-KDV:01_025_90] (Jaya)

Having gone there swiftly, O king, Purochana, intent on carrying out Duryodhana’s plan, did everything as the prince had instructed. (BORI: 1-132-19)

[PV-KDV:01_025_91] (Jaya)

As the Pāṇḍavas depart, Vidura cryptically warns them of the danger and hints at the means of escape.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_97] (Jaya)

The Pandavas yoked their chariots with fine horses like the wind and, as they mounted, clasped Bhishma’s feet like men in distress… (BORI: 1-133-1)

[PV-KDV:01_025_98] (Jaya)

and those of King Dhritarashtra, the great-souled Drona, the other elders, Vidura, and Kripa. (BORI: 1-133-2)

[PV-KDV:01_025_99] (Jaya)

Thus, after saluting all the elder Kurus, those faithful to their vows embraced their peers and received the salutations of the younger ones... (BORI: 1-133-3)

[PV-KDV:01_025_100] (Jaya)

Having taken leave of all their mothers and all the citizens, and having circumambulated them, they departed for Varanavata. (BORI: 1-133-4)

[PV-KDV:01_025_101] (Jaya)

The exceedingly wise Vidura, the other foremost Kurus, and the citizens, worn down by grief, followed the tigers among men. (BORI: 1-133-5)

[PV-KDV:01_025_102] (Jaya)

Then some fearless Brahmins there, grieving deeply for the sons of Pandu, said, “O best of the Bharatas,” (BORI: 1-133-6)

[PV-KDV:01_025_103] (Jaya)

For Shantanu’s son, our lord, was formerly like a father to us, as were the royal sage Vichitravirya and Pandu, delight of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-133-10)

[PV-KDV:01_025_107] (Jaya)

Now that that tiger among men has met his appointed fate, Dhritarashtra cannot tolerate these young princes. (BORI: 1-133-11)

[PV-KDV:01_025_108] (Jaya)

Deeply distressed by the suffering citizens who spoke in this way, the righteous king Yudhishthira addressed them with great affection: (BORI: 1-133-13)

[PV-KDV:01_025_110] (Jaya)

You are our friends. Walk around us clockwise, bless us with your good wishes, and then return to your respective homes. (BORI: 1-133-15)

[PV-KDV:01_025_112] (Jaya)

When the townspeople had turned back, the wise Vidura, knower of every duty, skilled in discourse and discerning dharma and artha correctly, instructed the wise foremost of the Pandavas and spoke these words: (BORI: 1-133-18)

[PV-KDV:01_025_115] (Jaya)

A man accepts a weapon not made of iron when it is given by those he does not trust. By reaching a porcupine’s shelter, he may escape from a fire. (BORI: 1-133-22)

[PV-KDV:01_025_119] (Jaya)

By traveling, one comes to know the roads; by the stars, one finds the directions. By mastering one’s five senses through self-control, one is not afflicted. (BORI: 1-133-23)

[PV-KDV:01_025_120] (Jaya)

After instructing and accompanying the Pandavas, and circumambulating them, Vidura took his leave of them and departed for home. (BORI: 1-133-24)

[PV-KDV:01_025_121] (Jaya)

The Pāṇḍavas are received at Vāraṇāvata and lodged comfortably under Purocana’s care.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_134] (Jaya)

Then all the citizens of Varanavata, equipped with every auspicious object and diligently following the prescribed rites… (BORI: 1-134-1)

[PV-KDV:01_025_135] (Jaya)

On hearing that the sons of Pandu had arrived, they came by the thousands in various conveyances to meet those foremost of men, filled with supreme joy at the news. (BORI: 1-134-2)

[PV-KDV:01_025_136] (Jaya)

The people of Vāraṇāvata approached the sons of Kuntī, and after all had offered blessings for their victory, they gathered around them and stood in attendance. (BORI: 1-134-3)

[PV-KDV:01_025_137] (Jaya)

Surrounded by them, Yudhishthira, the king of dharma and tiger among men, shone like a god—like the wielder of the thunderbolt among the immortals. (BORI: 1-134-4)

[PV-KDV:01_025_138] (Jaya)

Honored by the townspeople, those blameless men in turn honored them and entered Varanavata, adorned and thronged with people. (BORI: 1-134-5)

[PV-KDV:01_025_139] (Jaya)

After entering the city, those heroes quickly went, O king, to the homes of Brahmins devoted to their own duties… (BORI: 1-134-6)

[PV-KDV:01_025_140] (Jaya)

Those best of men also visited the homes of the city officials and chariot warriors, as well as those of Vaishyas and Shudras. (BORI: 1-134-7)

[PV-KDV:01_025_141] (Jaya)

Honored by the townspeople, the Pandavas, bulls of the Bharata line, then went to their residence with Purochana leading the way. (BORI: 1-134-8)

[PV-KDV:01_025_142] (Jaya)

Purocana provided them with food and drink, fine beds, and the finest seats. (BORI: 1-134-9)

[PV-KDV:01_025_143] (Jaya)

There they were treated with honor by him and furnished with exceedingly costly amenities; attended by men of the city, they remained there. (BORI: 1-134-10)

[PV-KDV:01_025_144] (Jaya)

After ten nights, Purocana moves them into the dangerous house; Yudhiṣṭhira rejects immediate retreat and plans a concealed escape while keeping Purocana unsuspecting.

After they had stayed there for ten nights, Purochana told them of the inauspicious house called “Auspicious.” (BORI: 1-134-11)

[PV-KDV:01_025_145] (Jaya)

At Purocana’s bidding, those tiger-like men entered it with their retinue and belongings, like the Guhyakas entering Kailasa. (BORI: 1-134-12)

[PV-KDV:01_025_146] (Jaya)

After inspecting that house, Yudhishthira, well versed in every duty, smelled the odor of fat mixed with ghee and lac and said to Bhimasena, “My dear Bhima, this is combustible.” (BORI: 1-134-13)

[PV-KDV:01_025_147] (Jaya)

It is clear, scorcher of foes, that this house has been made highly combustible. Hemp and sarja resin have plainly been brought in for its construction, and all the materials—muñja grass, balvaja grass, bamboo, and the like—have been soaked in ghee. (BORI: 1-134-14)

[PV-KDV:01_025_148] (Jaya)

It was expertly built by trusted, obedient craftsmen skilled in house construction. This wicked Purocana intends to burn me when I am unsuspecting. (BORI: 1-134-15)

[PV-KDV:01_025_149] (Jaya)

But the highly intelligent Vidura had foreseen this danger, O Partha, and for that reason had warned me beforehand. (BORI: 1-134-16)

[PV-KDV:01_025_150] (Jaya)

Warned by him, we realized that the deadly house had been skillfully built by craftsmen secretly acting under Duryodhana’s orders. (BORI: 1-134-17)

[PV-KDV:01_025_151] (Jaya)

Bhima said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_152] (Jaya)

If you believe that this house was built to be set on fire, then we should go back to the very place where we stayed before. (BORI: 1-134-18)

[PV-KDV:01_025_153] (Jaya)

Yudhishthira said:

[PV-KDV:01_025_154] (Jaya)

I think they should remain here unrecognized, like men who are lost and searching for a safe and desirable way out of here. (BORI: 1-134-19)

[PV-KDV:01_025_155] (Jaya)

For if Purocana were to discover our whereabouts, he would act swiftly and burn us by force. (BORI: 1-134-20)

[PV-KDV:01_025_156] (Jaya)

Purocana fears neither public condemnation nor wrongdoing; for the fool acts in this way because he is devoted to Suyodhana’s designs. (BORI: 1-134-21)

[PV-KDV:01_025_157] (Jaya)

And even if we were burned to death here, why would our grandfather Bhishma become angry or provoke the Kauravas? He would be angry only for the sake of dharma, as would the other foremost Kurus. (BORI: 1-134-22)

[PV-KDV:01_025_158] (Jaya)

But if we fled for fear of being burned, Suyodhana, greedy for the kingdom, would have us all killed by his spies. (BORI: 1-134-23)

[PV-KDV:01_025_159] (Jaya)

Secure in power while we are dispossessed, supported by allies while we have none, and possessed of a vast treasury while ours is depleted, he would surely have us killed through stratagems. (BORI: 1-134-24)

[PV-KDV:01_025_160] (Jaya)

Therefore, we must live a hidden life, now here, now there, outwitting both this wicked man and the wicked Suyodhana. (BORI: 1-134-25)

[PV-KDV:01_025_161] (Jaya)

We are accustomed to hunting, so let us roam this land. In that way, the escape routes will become known to us. (BORI: 1-134-26)

[PV-KDV:01_025_162] (Jaya)

Let us make a well-concealed underground passage this very day. Because it has a hidden outlet, the fire will not burn us there. (BORI: 1-134-27)

[PV-KDV:01_025_163] (Jaya)

We must act vigilantly so that neither Purocana nor any of the townspeople realizes that we are living here. (BORI: 1-134-28)

[PV-KDV:01_025_164] (Jaya)