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Mahabharata
Jatugriha Parva
Jealousy of Duryodhana. Consultation of Duryodhana. Departure for Varanavata. Instructions to Purochana. Arrival at Varanavata. Colloquy of Bhima and Yudhisthira. Living in the lac house. Burning of the lac house. Crossing the Ganges. Pandavas enters in the forest. Fetching of water by Bhima.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon after consulting with one another the son of Subala (Sakuni) king Duryodhana, Dushasana and Kama formed and evil conspiracy. They resolved with the sanction of the descendant of Kuru the king Dhritarashtra to bum to death Kunti with her sons.
The wise and learned Vidura, capable of reading the heart (of men) by external signs, came to know from their demeanours the intention of those wicked-minded men.
Thereupon, the sinless Vidura, whose soul was enlightened with true knowledge and who was ever devoted to the good of the Pandavas, resolved that Kunti should escape with her
sons.
Thereupon he procured a boat with machinery and flats and which was strong enough to withstand wind and waves. He then spoke to Kunti thus.
Vidura said:
This Dhritarashtra is born to destroy the fame and offspring of your (Kuru) race. Being wicked-minded, he is going to cast off eternal virtue. O amiable lady, I have kept ready in the river a boat, capable of withstanding both wind and waves. By it escape with your sons from the net of death.
O best of the Bharata race, having heard this, Kunti became deeply grieved. She then with her sons got into the boat and went over the Ganges.
Then leaving the boat according to the advice of Vidura, the Pandavas entered a forest taking the wealth that was given to them.
For some reasons a Nishada woman came to the house of lac and though (she was) innocent, she was burnt to death with her five sons.
The worst of Mlecchas, the sinful Purochana, was also burnt to death. Thus were deceived the sons of Dhritarashtra with their counsellors.
Thus also were the illustrious sons of Kunti with their mother saved by the advice of Vidura; but the people did not know that they were alive.
Thereupon the citizens of Varanavata, seeing the house of lac burnt down, became exceedingly grieved.
They sent messenger to the king to tell him all that had happened and they said, "Your great end has been achieved, you have burnt to death the Pandavas. O descendant of Kuru, your desire is (now) fulfilled; enjoy the kingdom with your sons." Having heard this, Dhritarashtra with his sons expressed their sorrow.
He performed the last rites of the Pandavas with his friends and relatives, with Khattwa (Vidura) and that foremost of the Kurus, Bhishma.
Janamejaya said:
O best of the twice-born, I desire to hear in detail the account of the burning of the house of lac and the escape of the Pandavas.
That was a cruel act of theirs, acting under the counsel of the wicked. Recite the history to me, all as it happened. I am full of great curiosity.
Vaishampayana said:
O chastiser of foes, O king, listen to me, I shall describe to you the burning of the lac-house and the escape of the Pandavas.
Seeing Bhimasena exceedingly strong and Dhananjaya (Arjuna) highly accomplished, Duryodhana became pensive and sad.
Thereupon the son of the Sun, Karna and the son of Subala, Sakuni, tried by various means to cause the death of the Pandavas.
The Pandavas, however, counteracted them one after the other as they were made and in obedience to the counsel of Vidura, they never talked it afterwards.
O descendant of Bharata, seeing the sons of Pandu, endued with all accomplishments, the citizens began to speak to their accomplishments in every place of resort.
Assembling in court-yards and in other places of meeting, they talked of the eldest son of Pandu as the person fit for governing the kingdom.
(They said), "The king Dhritarashtra, though possessed of the eye of knowledge, did not obtain the kingdom, because he was blind. How can he be king (now)?
And the son of Shantanu, Bhishma, is of rigid vows and devoted to truth; having relinquished the kingdom before, he will never accept it now.
We shall therefore with all proper ceremonies, in all the eldest Pandava (Yudhisthira) endued with youth, accomplished in battle, versed in the Vedas and is truthful and kind.
Worshipping the son of Shantanu, Bhishma and virtuous Dhritarashtra, he (Yudhisthira) will certainly maintain Bhishma and Dhritarashtra with all his sons."
The wicked-minded Duryodhana, hearing these words of the men attached towards Yudhisthira, was exceedingly grieved.
The wicked-minded man was much afflicted and he could not bear their words. Being inflamed with jealousy, he went to Dhritarashtra.
Finding him alone, he duly saluted him with reverence and having been distressed by the partiality of the citizens (towards Yudhisthira), he spoke thus -
Duryodhana said:
O father, I have heard (the citizens) uttering words of ill-omen. Passing you and Bhishma by, they desire the son of Pandu to be their king.
Bhishma will give his consent to this, for he will not desire to rule the kingdom. It seems the citizens are desiring to inflict a great injury on us.
Pandu formerly obtained the ancestral kingdom by virtue of his own accomplishments. Because you were blind, you did not get the kingdom, though you have every accomplishment to obtain it.
If the son of Pandu now obtains the kingdom as his inheritance from Pandu, then his son will obtain it after him; that son's son also and so on, it will thus for ever descend on Pandu's line.
We shall then with all our sons be excluded from the royal line. O lord of the world, we shall be disregarded and hated by all the people.
Becoming defendants on others for our food, we shall suffer perpetual distress. O king, therefore, adopt such counsel that is consonant with statesmanship.
O king, however the people might be unfavourable towards us if you had obtained the kingdom before, we would have certainly succeeded to it.
Vaishampayana said:
Having heard these words of his son and also all that Kanika had said, the king possessed of the eye of knowledge. Dhritarashtra, became afflicted with sorrow and his mind was full of misgivings. Then Duryodhana, Kama, the son of Subala Sakuni. Dushasana, these four held a consultation together. Then Duryodhana spoke thus to the king Dhritarashtra.
"Send the Pandavas by some contrivance to the city ofVaranavata. Then we will have no fear of them."
Dhritarashtra having heard these words of his son, reflected for a moment and then spoke to Duryodhana thus -
Dhritarashtra said:
"Pandu was ever devoted to virtue; he always behaved dutifully towards all his relatives but particularly towards me.
He cared not for food or dress or the enjoyments of the world, he was devoted to me and gave me everything even the kingdom.
His son (Yudhisthira) is as much devoted to virtue as he was; he is possessed of every accomplishment; he is illustrious; he is the favourite of the people.
How can we exile him by force from the kingdom of his fore-fathers, specially as he possesses allies?
The counsellors and the soldiers and their sons and grandsons, all were specially cherished and maintained by Pandu.
They being thus formerly benefited by Pandu, O son, why should not the people of the city kill us all with our relatives and friends for the sake ofYudhisthira?
Duryodhana said:
O father, what you say is perfectly true. (But) on account of the evil that is likely in store for us in the future, we think we must conciliate the people by bestowing wealth and honours.
Thus they would surely side with us for this proof of our power. O king, the ministers and the treasury are now under our control.
Therefore, you should banish the Pandavas to the city of Varanavata by some gentle means.
O king, when I shall be installed as king, then, O descendant of Bharata, Kunti with her son may again come back.
Dhritarashtra said:
O Duryodhana, this is the very thought that exists in my mind, but from its sinfulness, I could not give it out.
Neither Bhishma, nor Drona, nor Khattwa (Vidura), nor Gautama, (Kripa) will ever sanction the banishment of the sons of Kunti.
O son, in their eyes we (Kurus) and the Pandavas are equal. Those wise and virtuous men will make no difference between us.
O son, (if we do this), why should we not deserve death at the hands of the Kurus and of those illustrious men (Bhishma and others), nay of the whole world?
Duryodhana said:
Bhishma is always neutral; the son of Drona (Ashvathama) is in my side. There is no doubt Drona will also be in that side in which his son will be.
The son of Sharadvan, Kripa, will surely be on the side in which these two will be. He will never abandon Drona and his nephew (sister's son, Ashvathama).
Khattwa (Vidura) is dependent on us for his livelihood, although he is covertly on the side of the enemy (the Pandavas). He alone can do us no harm, (even) if he sides the Pandavas.
(Therefore) without any fear, exile the sons of Pandu with their mother to Varanavata. Take such steps as they may go there this very day.
Extinguish by this act the grief that consumes me like a fire, that robs me of my sleep and that princes my heart like a terrible dart.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon King Duryodhana with his brothers began slowly to win over the people to his side by bestowing on them wealth and honours. One day in the (royal) Court, some clever ministers, as instructed by Dhritarashtra, described the city of Varanavata as a (most) charming place. (They said), "The festival of Pashupati (Siva) has begun in the city of Varanavata and the concourse of people there is now great.
The procession is the most grand in the world; and all gems and jewels (now) there delight the heart." Thus did they (counsellors) under instruction from Dhritarashtra, speak (of the city).
O king, while they were speaking of the charming city of Varanavata, the Pandavas desired in their mind to go there.
When the king Dhritarashtra knew that their (Pandavas) curiosity had been awakened, then the son of Ambika, (Dhritarashtra) spoke thus to the Pandavas.
Dhritarashtra said:
My men tell me daily again and again that the city of Varanavata is the most charming in the world.
O sons, if you desire to see the festival of Varanavata, go (there) with your friends and followers and enjoy yourselves like the celestial.
Bestow gems and jewels on all the Brahmanas and the musicians (there), sport there as the effulgent celestial. Enjoy there for sometime as much happiness as you like at pleasure and then return to Hastinapur.
Vaishampayana said:
Yudhisthira, understanding the motives of Dhritarashtra and knowing himself weak and friendless, said, "Be it so."
Then addressing the son of Shantanu, Bhishma, the wise Vidura, Drona, Valhika, the Kaurava Somadatta, Kripa, Ashvathama, Bhurisrava and other respected counsellors, Brahmanas, ascetics, priests, citizens and the illustrious Gandhari, Yudhisthira slowly and humbly spoke thus -
Yudhisthira said:
We go with our friends and followers to the charming and populous city of Varanavata at the command of Dhritarashtra.
Give us cheerfully your benedictions, so that acquiring prosperity with it, we may not be touched by sin.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by the son of Pandu, all the Kauravas cheerfully pronounced blessings on them, saying, "O sons of Pandu, let all the elements bless you on your way and let not the slightest evil befall you."
Having performed propitiatory rites for obtaining the kingdom and making all other preparations, the princes (the Pandavas) started for Varanavata.
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Bharata, when the king thus addressed the sons of Pandu, the wicked-minded Duryodhana became exceedingly happy. O best of the Bharata race, he summoned in private, Purochana and taking up his right hand, he thus spoke to that counsellor. O Purochana, this world, full of wealth, is mine. It is equally yours with me. (Therefore), you should protect it. I have no other more trustworthy supporter and counsellor than you with whom I can consult.
O sire, keep my counsel (a secret) and destroy my enemy by some clever device. Accomplish, what I ask you to do.
The Pandavas have been sent by Dhritarashtra to Varanavata. They will sport there in the festival at the command of Dhritarashtra.
Do that by with you can reach Varanavata this very day on a car drawn by swift asses.
Going there, erect a quadrangle palace at the outskirts of the city, (which should be) rich in materials and furniture. Guard it (also) well.
Use in it (in erecting that house,) hemp, resin and all other inflammable materials that are procurable.
Mixing a little earth with ghee, oil, fat and a large quantity of lac, plaster the wall with it.
Place carefully all over that house hemp, oil, ghee, lac and wood. In such a way that the Pandavas and other men may not even with scrutiny see them or conclude that it is made of inflammable materials. Erecting such a house and worshipping the Pandavas with great reverence, make them live in it with Kunti and all their friends.
Place there for the Pandavas seats, conveyances and beds of best workmanship, as ordered my father. Manage all this in a way so that none in the city of Varanavata may know it, till the end we have in view is accomplished.
Knowing that they are sleeping in that house in confidence and without fear, set fire to it, beginning from the gate.
The people will think that they have been burnt to death in that burning house; and therefore none will be able to blame us for the death of the Pandavas.
Purochana promised to that Kaurava (Duryodhana) to carry out all by saying, "Be it so" and he then went (away) on a swift car drawn by asses.
O king, ever obedient to Duryodhana, he went without loss of time. Purochana did all that the prince said, (asked him to do).
Vaishampayana said:
The Pandavas got on their cars yoked with fine horses having the speed like that of the wind, When ascending (the car), they touched in grief the feet of Bhishma, of the king Dliritarashtra, of the high-souled Drona, Kripa and Vidura and of all the other old men. Thus duly saluting all the elders of the Kuru race, embracing the equals, being saluted by even the boys.
Taking leave of all the mothers (elderly ladies), walking round them respectfully and bidding farewell to the citizens, they (the Pandavas) started for Varanavata.
The greatly intelligent Vidura and other best of the Kurus and also the citizens followed these best of men (for some distance) in sorrow. Seeing the sons ofPandu affected with sorrow and in grief, some of the men of the city spoke thus -
"The king (Dhritarashtra) sees not things with an equal eye. He is always wicked-minded. The Kuru Dhritarashtra dose not cast his eye on virtue.
The Pandava (Yudhisthira), the best of all strong men Bhima, or Dhananjaya (Arjuna) will never commit the sin of rebellion.
What these illustrious (princes) would do, the two sons of Madri will also do. They have inherited the kingdom from their father, but Dhritarashtra can not beat them.
How could Bhishma sanction such an act of great sin? How could he sanction their exile to that wretched city?
The son of Shantanu, Vichitravirya and the descendant of Kuru, the royal sage Pandu, were to us like our fathers.
Now that best of men (Pandu), having gone to heaven, Dhritarashtra can not bear these princes, his sons.
We can not sanction this, Therefore leaving this excellent city and our houses, we shall go to the place where Yudhisthira is going.
The king of virtue, Yudhisthira reflected for some time and then addressed in sorrow the citizens who were talking thus in grief.
'The king of the world (Dhritarashtra) is our father, (he is) worthy of our regard, (he is) our preceptor and our superior. It is our duty to accomplish with auspicious mind whatever he commands.
"You are our friends; walking round us and making us happy with your blessings, return to your homes. When the time comes for anything to be done for us by you, then accomplish all that is agreeable and beneficial to us."
Having been thus addressed, the citizens walked round the Pandavas and offered them their blessings. They then returned to the city.
When the citizens had left (the Pandavas), Vidura, learned in all the precepts of virtue, thus spoke to the eldest Pandava in order to want him (of his danger.)
The learned man (Vidura) conversant with the (Mlecha) Jargon, spoke thus to the learned man (Yudhisthira), also conversant with the (Mlecha) jargon (in that Mlecha jargon)."
He who knows the schemes of others (enemies) according to the dictates of political science, knowing it, should act in such a way as to avoid all dangers.
He, who knows that there are sharp weapons capable of cutting the body though not made of iron and understands also the means of warding them off, can never be injured by the enemy.
He lives who protects himself by the knowledge that neither the consumer of straw and wood not the drier of dews burns the inmates of a hole in the deep forest.
The blind man sees not his way, (for) the blind man has no knowledge of direction. He who has no firmness never acquires prosperity. Knowing this, keep yourself always alert.
The man, who takes a weapon (which is) not made of iron (and which is) given him by his enemy, can escape from fire by making his house like hole of a jackal.
By travelling a man may know the ways and by the star he can ascertain the direction. He that keeps his five (senses) under control can never be oppressed by his enemy."
Having been thus addressed, the king of virtue, the son of Pandu, Yudhishthira, thus replied to that foremost of learned men, the illustrious Vidura. "I have understood you."
Vidura, thus having instructed the Pandavas, walked round them and bidding them farewell, returned to his house.
Vidura, Bhishma and citizens having gone back, Kunti came to Ajatashatru (Yudhisthira) and spoke thus -
"What Khattwa (Vidura) said to you in the midst of many people, so indistinctly as if he said nothing and what you said similarly (in reply) is not understood by us.
"If it is not improper for us to know it, I desire to hear all that passed between you and him."
Yudhisthira said :
The virtuous Vidura said to me that I must know that the house (at Varanavata) is made of inflammable materials. (He further said) the way of escape will also be known to you."
He told me "The man who is self controlled wins (the sovereignty) of the whole world." I replied to Vidura. "I have understood you."
Vaishampayana said:
The Pandavas stared for Varanavata on the eighth day of the month of Falguni when the star Rohini was ascendant; and arriving there they saw the town and its people.
Hearing that the sons of Pandu were coming, all the citizens came speedily by thousands, out of the town of Varanavata with joy, on various conveyances, taking with them all the auspicious things as directed by the Shastras in order to receive those best of men.
Coming to the sons of Kunti, the citizens of Varanavata surrounded them and blessed them by uttering the word Jaya (victory).
Being thus surrounded by them, that best of men, the king of virtue, Yudhisthira, looked as effulgent as the thunderer (Indra) in the midst of the celestial.
Being welcomed by the citizens and welcoming them in return, those sinless ones (the Pandavas) entered the populous and ornamented Varanavata.
Entering the town, O king, those heroes first went to the houses of the Brahmanas engaged in their proper duties.
Then those best of men went to the houses of the officials in charge of the town; then they went to the houses of the car warriors, then to those of the Vaishyas and then even to those of the Shudras.
O best of the Bharata race, thus adored by the citizens, the Pandavas went to their house with Purochana walking at the head (of the possession).
Purochana gave them first class food and drink, beds and carpets and seats.
Being served by Purochana and adored by the citizens, they (the Pandavas,) attired in costly robes, lived there.
When they had lived there for ten nights, Purochana spoke to them about the house, called "Blessed," though really (it was) unblessed.
Thereupon those best of men, attired in (costly) garments, entered that house at the request of Purochana, as Guhyakas enter (those) in the Kailasa (mountain).
Inspecting that house, that foremost of all virtuous men, Yudhisthira, said to Bhimasena that the house was made of inflammable materials.
Yudhisthira said:
O chastiser of foes, from the smell of fat and ghee mixed with lac, it is event, his house is made of inflammable materials.
By the help of trusted and well skilled artisans, the enemies have nicely built this house with hemp, health, straw and Purochana desires to bum me after inspiring me with confidence. The wicked man, therefore, lives here, obedient to (the instruction of) Duryodhana. The greatly intelligent Vidura, knew this danger. Therefore, O son of Pritha, he told me of it beforehand. Knowing this, that well-wiser of ours. The younger brother of our father, out of affection for us, has told us about this house, so full of danger and constructed by the wretches under Duryodhana (who is) acting secretly (from behind).
Bhima said:
If this house is known to you as inflammable, then let us go to the place where we lived first.
Yudhisthira said:
I think we should rather live here, seeming unsuspicious, but we must remain very cautious and keep our senses wide awake and at the same time we must seek for some means of escape.
If Purochana finds from our demeanour that we have leamt his design, he may suddenly burn us to death by taking immediately steps.
Purochana cares very little for obloquy and sin. The wretch lives here in obedience to (the instructions) of Duryodhana.
If we are brunt, will grandfather Bhishma be angry? Why would he make the Kurus angry with him by showing his anger.
It may be that if we are brunt, our grandfather Bhishma and other best men of the Kuru race may be indignant for the sake of virtue.
If we fly from this place from the fear of being brunt, Duryodhana, covetous for kingdom, will surely bring about our death by means of spies.
The wicked Duryodhana has rank, power, friends, allies and wealth, but we have none. He can certainly destroy us by adopting many means. Deceiving this wretch and that wretch also, let us live in disguise for some time.
Let us lead a life of hunting, wandering over the earth. We shall then be aware of all the paths that exist for escape.
We shall dig in all secrecy, this very day a subterranean passage in our room. If we can keep it secret from others, fire will not able to consume us.
Therefore we shall live here (and act in such a way) as Purochana and the citizens of Varanavata may not know what we are doing.
Vaishampayana said:
O king, a friend of Vidura, a person well-skilled in mining, came and spoke thus to the Pandavas in private.
"I have been sent by Vidura; I am well-skilled in mining. Tell me what favourite works of the Pandavas I shall perform. He trusts me and has said to me in private, "Go to Pandavas and accomplish their good. what can I do for you?
Purochana will set fire to the door of your house on the night of the fourteenth day of the black fortnight.
The desire of the wicked-minded Dhritarashtra's son (Duryodhana) is to burn the best of men, the Pandavas, with their mother.
O Pandavas, something was told to you by Vidura in the Mlecha language and you too replied in that language. I tell you this as a credential."
Yudhisthira said:
Yudhisthira, the truthful son of Kunti, thus spoke to him. O amiable one, I now know you as a dear and trusted friend of Vidura, true and ever devoted to him. There is no necessity (of ours) which that learned man (Vidura) does not know.
As you are his, so you ours. Do not make any difference between him and us. We are as much yours as his. Protects us as that learned man (Vidura) protects us.
I know this inflammable house was built for me by Purochana at the command of the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana).
That sinful, vicious and wicked-minded man, commanding wealth and allies, pursues us always (with his persecutions).
Save us with exertion from the impending conflagration. If we are burnt to death, the desire of Duryodhana will be fulfilled.
Here is that wicked man's well stocked arsenal. This large house has been built abutting the high walls of the arsenal, without having any out let. This most curse device which was made (for our destruction) was known to Vidura and I was told of it by him.
The danger that Khattwa (Vidura) saw beforehand is now at our door. Save us from this without the knowledge of Purochana.
The miner promised to do it by saying "Be it so"; and he began with care the work of excavation and he (soon) made a subterranean passage.
He made that subterranean passage in the centre of the house. O descendant of Bharata, it was in a level with the floor and closed up by doors (planks).
For the fear of Purochana, its mouth was thus covered. He (Purochana) kept a constant watch at the gate of the house. O king, they the (Pandavas) lived in the night in it with arms ready for use; and in the day they hunted from forests to forests. Thus lived they very guardedly deceiving Purochana with a show of trustfulness and contentment while in reality they were trustless and discontented.
The people of the city also did not know anything of these plans (of the Pandavas). Except the friend of Vidura, that good miner, none else knew anything.
Vaishampayana said:
Having seen them living cheerfully and without suspicious for a full year, Purochana became exceedingly glad. Seeing Purochana in that state of mind, the virtuous son of Kunti, Yudhishthira, thus spoke to Bhima, Arjuna and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva).
Yudhisthira said:
The cruel hearted and sinful Purochana thinks us very trustful and he has thus been well deceived. I think (therefore) that the time for our escape has come.
Setting fire to the arsenal, burning Purochana to death and leaving six bodies here, let us escape from this place, unobserved by any.
On the occasion of an alms giving, Kunti fed on a certain night a large number of Brahmanas. There came also a number of ladies. O descendant of Bharata, they ate and drank and enjoyed themselves as much as they pleased. And they all returned home with the permissions of Madhvi (Kunti).
Impelled by fate, a Nishada woman with her five sons came there with the desire of obtaining food and she enjoyed herself there at pleasure. She drank wine and became drunk and incapable with her sons. O king, she with her sons slept in that house more dead than alive. O king, when all the people fell asleep, a violent storm began to blow on that night. Bhima then set fire to the house where Purochana was asleep; then the Pandava set fire to the door of that lac house.
Then he set fire to that house in several places. When the sons of Pandu were satisfied that the house had caught fire in all parts. Those chastisers of foes, then speedily entered the subterranean passage with their mother. Thereupon the intense heat and the great roar of the fire. Awakened the people of the city; and seeing the house ablaze, they said in sorrowful face.
The Citizens said:
The wicked minded (Purochana) built this house to destroy the relatives of his employer under the instructions of the Duryodhana and he has (now) set fire to it. Fire on Dhritarashtra, whose understanding is so partial! He has burnt to death the heirs of Pandu, as if they were his enemies?
The wicked minded and sinful (Purochana), who has brunt those best of men (the Pandavas) innocent and unsuspicious, has himself been (also) burnt to death as fate would have it.
Vaishampayana said:
Thus bewailed the citizens of Varanavata. Surrounding the house, they remained for the whole night there.
The Pandavas however with their sorrowful mother came out of the subterranean passage and fled unobserved in haste.
Those chastisers of foes, the Pandavas, on account of sleeplessness and fear, could not proceed with speed with their mother.
O king of kings, Bhimasena, educed with great speed and power, took upon his body his mother and all his brothers. The greatly strong and energetic Vrikodara took his mother on his shoulder, the twins on his sides and the two sons of Pritha, his brothers (Arjuna and Yudhisthira) on both his arms.
He broke the trees by his breast and pressed the earth with his feet. He thus marched on.
Vaishampayana said:
In the meanwhile, the learned Vidura sent to that forest a man of pure character whom he much trusted.
He went to the place where he was directed to go; and he was the descendants of Kuru, the son of Pandu, with their mother, measuring the depth of the water of a river in the forest.
The design of the wicked minded (Duryodhana) was made known by this spy to the high souled and greatly learned Vidura. Therefore that learned man was sent by Vidura and that person showed to the sons of Pritha a boat, as swift as mind or wind. With mechanism and flags, made by trusted artificers and capable of withstanding wind and waves. It was on the banks of the holy Bhagirathi.
He said these word to show that he was really sent (by Vidura). (He said), "O Yudhishthira, listen to what the learned Vidura said to you.
'Neither the consumer of straw and wood, nor the drier of the dews burns the inmates of a hole in the forest. He escapes from death who protects himself.'
By these credentials know me to have been sent by Vidura and also to be his trusted agent. Khattwa (Vidura), learned in the precepts of all religions, told me also. O son of Kunti, that you shall surely defeat in battle Karna, Duryodhana with his brothers and Sakuni.
"This boat is ready on the waters. It will glide pleasantly on. It will surely carry away from these regions."
Seeing those best of men with their mother pensive and sad, he made them get on the boat that was on the Ganges. Going with them himself, he again said -
"Vidura, having smelled your heads and embracing you, has said it again and again that in commencing your auspicious journey and going alone, you should never be careless."
O king, having said this, the man sent by Vidura took those heroes, those best of man, to the other side of the Ganges on his boat.
Having taken them over the waters and seen them all safe on the opposite bank, he uttered the word Jaya (Victory) and blessing them he went back to the place whence he
came.
The illustrious Pandavas also, sending some message to the learned (Vidura) and having crossed the Ganges, proceeded in haste and in great secrecy, being your observed by all.
Vaishampayana said:
When the night had passed away a large number of the people of the city came there to see the sons of Pandu.
Those men extinguished the fire and saw that the house was made of lac and that the counsellor Purochana had been burnt to death.
The Citizens said:
Indeed this sinful act was contrived by the wicked Duryodhana to destroy the sons of Pandu.
There is on doubt that the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana ) has burnt to death the heirs of Pandu, with the full knowledge of Dhritarashtra, else he would have been prevented (by his father).
Indeed, the son of Shantanu (Bhishma,) Drona, Vidura, Kripa and other Kurus have not followed the dictates of duty.
"Let us (now) send words to the wicked minded Dhritarashtra, (saying), "Your great desire is fulfilled; you have burnt to death the Pandavas."
Vaishampayana said:
They then began to extinguish the fire to find out the Pandavas. They saw the Nishada woman burnt to death with her five sons.
The miner, while removing the ashes, covered with it the hole he had dug in such a way that it remained unnoticed by all who had gone there.
The citizens then sent words to Dhritarashtra to inform that the Pandavas along with counsellor Purochana had been burnt to death.
Hearing the great evil news of the death of the sons of Pandu, the king Dhritarashtra bewailed in great sorrow.
Dhritarashtra said:
King Pandu, my illustrious brother, has (indeed) died to day, when those heroes (the Pandavas) with their mother have been burnt to death.
O man, go quickly to the city of Varanavata and perform the funeral rites of those heroes and of the daughter of the king of Kunti (Bhoja).
Let also the bones of the deceased be sanctified by the usual rites and let all the beneficial and great acts be performed. Let the friends and relatives of those that have been burnt to death also go there.
Let also all other beneficial acts that ought to be performed by us for the Pandavas and Kunti be accomplished by spending wealth. Having said this, the son of Ambika, Dhritarashtra, surrounded by his relatives, offered oblations of water to the manes of the sons ofPandu,
Being greatly afflicted with sorrow, he wept with all others! (saying,) "O Yudhisthira!" "O descendant of Kuru!" others cried, "O Bhima!"
Others again, "O Falguni!" some again, "O the twins !"O mother Kunti!" They thus bewailed and gave oblations of water.
The other citizens also bewailed for the Pandavas. But Vidura did not bewail much, for he knew the truth.
Leaving the city of Varanavata, the greatly strong Pandavas, altogether six in number with their mother, reached the river Ganges.
Aided by the strength of arms of the boatmen and by the rapidity of the current and favourable wind, they then speedily reached the opposite bank.
They then left the boat and proceeded towards the south, finding their way in the dark by the light of the stars.
O king, afternoon much suffering, they at last reached a dense forest. The sons of Pandu became tired, thirsty and sleepy. Yudhisthira thus spoke to the greatly energetic Bhimasena, "What could be more painful then our being in a dense forest! We do not know the directions; we are incapable of proceeding further.
We do not know whether the sinful Purochana has or has not been burnt to death. How shall we escape from the dangers unobserved by others!
"O descendant of Bharata, take us on you again and proceed as before. You alone amongst us are strong and (you are) as swift as wind."
Having been thus addressed by the king of virtue (Yudhisthira), the greatly strong Bhimasena took his brothers and Kunti (on his body) and walked on.
Vaishampayana said:
By the force of that mighty (heroes') breast, the forest with its trees and their branches appeared to tremble.
The motion of his thighs raised a wind like that of the month of Jyeshtha and Asharda. The greatly strong (Bhima) made a road for himself by treading down the trees and creepers.
He proceeded on, breaking the kings of the forest (big trees) and the plants with their flowers and fruits that stood on his way.
Thus breaking large trees angrily goes through the forest the leader of a hard of elephants of sixty years of age, the liquid juice (at the season of rut) trickling down the three parts of his body.
So great was the force with which Bhima, endued with the speed of Garuda or Maruta, proceeded that the Pandavas seemed to be fainted.
By the strength of his arms, he swam across many streams difficult to be crossed; and they (the Pandavas) disguised themselves from the fear of the sons of Dhritarashtra.
He carried his delicate and illustrious mother on his back over even and uneven grounds on the banks of rivers.
O best of the Bharata race, in the evening he reached a fearful forest where fruits and roots and water were scarce and (which was) full of terrible roars of birds and beasts.
The twilight became fearfully bark and (the roars of) birds and beasts (grew) fiercer. All sides became invisible, (being covered with darkness).
A strong wind began to blow. It broke and laid low many large and small trees and many creepers with fruits and dry leaves.
Those descendants of Kuru (the Pandavas), afflicted with fatigue and thirst and heavy with sleep, were unable to proceed further.
They then sat down in that great forest without food or water and Kunti, afflicted with thirst, then spoke thus to her sons -
"I am the mother of the five Pandavas though I am now in their midst, yet I am burning in thirst!" She repeatedly said this to her sons.
Having heard this, Bhimasena's heart was warmed with compassion from the affection (he bore) for his mother and he began to proceed again.
Then Bhima, entering a large fearful and terrible forest, saw a beautiful banian tree with wide spreading branches.
Placing them all there (under the tree) that best of the Bharata race, (Bhima) said, "O lord, rest here; I shall go to bring water.
I hear the sweet notes of the water fowl Sarashas. I think there must be a big lake (somewhere here)."
O descendant of Bharata, commanded by his eldest brother who said, "Go," he went there where the aquatic Sarasas were.
O best of the Bharata race, ever affectionate to his brothers he want for the sake of his bothers. He drank water and bathed there in that lake; he brought water for them by soaking his upper garment.
O descendant of Bharata, retracing his way with all speed, over four miles he came to his mother and began to sigh like a snake in sorrow and grief.
Seeing his mother and brothers asleep on the ground, Vrikodara was greatly afflicted with grief and lamented thus -
"Alas! what more painful sight can I see then what I see now, my brothers sleeping on the ground! O unfortunate am I!
They who could not formerly sleep at Varanavata on the softest and costliest bed are now asleep on the bare ground!
The sister of that chastiser of foes, Vasudeva, the daughter of the king of Kunti (Bhoja), Kunti, endued with all auspicious marks. The daughter-in-law of Vichitravirya and the wife of the illustrious Pandu and the mother of us (the Pandavas), resplendent as the filament of lotus. Delicate and tender, fit to sleep on the costliest beds, is now asleep as she could never do not the bare ground!.
She, who has given birth to these sons by Dharma, Indra, Maruta; and who has ever slept in palaces, is now asleep on the ground from fatigue!
What more painful sight shall I ever see than what I see (now) the best of men (the Pandavas) sleeping on the (bare) ground!
The ever virtuous (Yudhisthira) who deserves to be the king of the three worlds, now sleeps on the ground, fatigued and tired like on ordinary being.
(Arjuna) of the colour of the blue ocean who is matchless among men sleeps on the ground like ordinary mortals. What could be more painful then this!
The twins, who are handsome as the Asvinis among the celestial, are asleep on the ground like ordinary men!
He who has no jealous and wicked minded relatives lives like a single tree in a village.
Where there is only one tree full of leaves and fruits in a village, it became sacred and is worshipped and venerated by all.
They, who have many relatives, who are heroic and virtuous, live happily in this world without any sorrow of any kind.
Being powerful, growing in prosperity and making their friends and relatives happy, they live depending on one another like the trees of the forest.
We are banished by the wicked minded Dhritarashtra and his sons and we escaped for our good fortune from a fiery death.
Having escaped from that fire, we are now resting under this tree. Having suffering great afflictions, where are we now to go?
O fore sightless sons of Dhritarashtra, O wicked men, enjoy your success. The gods are certainly favourable to you. Because Yudhisthira does not order me, (to kill you) therefore, O wretched men, live till then. Else angry as I am, I would have even this very day sent you (Duryodhana) with your sons and ministers and with Kama and the son of Subala (Sakuni) to the land of the dead. What can I do, so long the king (Yudhisthira) is not angry.
O vicious men, the eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhisthira, is a virtuous minded man." Having said this, the mighty armed (Bhima), his mind inflamed with wrath. Squeezed his palms and sighed with a sorrowful mind. Like an extinguished fire blazed up, again in sorrowful mind. Vrikodara saw his brothers sleeping like ordinary men in trustfulness on the ground.
Then Bhima thought, "I think there are some towns not far off from this forest. We ought to remain awake here. But they are all asleep therefore, I myself will sit awake. When they will rise after having been refreshed by sleep, then they will quince their thirst." having resolved this, Bhima said awake.
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