01.132
Core:Dhuryadhana sends Purochana to build a lac palace.
Vaiśampāyana said:
When the king thus spoke of the great-souled Pāṇḍavas, Duryodhana, wicked-souled, felt great joy.
He took Purocana by the right hand in private, O bull of the Bharatas, and spoke these words to his minister.
This earth, filled with wealth, O Purocana, is mine and, just as she is mine, she is yours too; therefore, you must protect her.
There is truly no one more trustworthy to me than you, with whom I might confer in counsel as I do with you.
Protect the secret, dear one, and destroy my enemies by skillful means; do just as I say.
The Pāṇḍavas have been sent by Dhṛtarāṣṭra to Vāraṇāvata; they will enjoy the festival there by his order.
So you go today itself to Vāraṇāvata in a fast-moving chariot yoked with donkeys, and act accordingly.
There, having gone, build a large and well-concealed four-halled house adjoining an armory.
Procure all inflammable substances such as flax, sarja resin, and others that are available here.
Mix clay with ghee, oil, and a large quantity of lac, and have this plaster applied to the walls.
You shall place flax, bamboo, ghee, wood, and various devices all around that house.
So that even if they examine, the Pāṇḍavas and others may not suspect you, thinking it is merely for fire-related purposes.
When the house is thus prepared, lodge there the greatly honored Pāṇḍavas and Kuntī with their friends.
Arrange the best seats, vehicles, and beds for the Pāṇḍavas there, so that my father may be pleased.
Arrange everything in such a way that they may freely enjoy themselves in the city of Vāraṇāvata until the time passes.
Then, when they are completely unsuspecting, asleep, and fearless, you shall set fire from the entrance of that house.
Thus, when they are burned in their own house, people or their relatives will say at some point it was for the sake of the Pāṇḍavas.
Having promised thus to the Kaurava, Purocana departed to the city of Vāraṇāvata in a donkey-cart.
Having quickly gone, O king, Purocana, acting under Duryodhana’s plan, did all as the prince had instructed.
