Chapter 1: The Journey to Kailash

The air was filled with the sound of ceremonial music as the special presentation of "Times of Puran" began. A voice, full of scorn, echoed through the ancient halls, "I scorn your bravery. What will you say to Kubera? Free Kailash from foreign influence." The words carried the weight of countless battles fought against demons and monsters in the shadowy depths of ancient forests.

A king, defiant and determined, stood before the voice. "I cannot sit idle and wait like this," he declared boldly, but the voice boomed again, "King, you have disobeyed my command again. What could be your punishment?"

Amidst this tension, a different kind of story unfolded—a tale as old as time itself. The Mahabharata, an eternal epic crafted by the great sage Ved Vyasa, was being retold. Scholars like Haridas Siddhanta Bagish, Kaliprasanna Singha, and Rajshekhar Basu had translated it into Bengali, and now, Projoshonal Entertainment was presenting a simple version of the Mahabharata play just for you.

Despite Hanuman's warning, Bhima had angered the guards of the Kubera River. Sensing trouble, Yudhishthira set out to find him. During his search, Bhima discovered a demon in disguise among a group of Brahmins and swiftly vanquished it. With Arjuna's return from the heavenly realms imminent, Yudhishthira decided it was time to journey to Mount Kailash. It had been five long years since Arjuna left to gather divine weapons, and the Pandavas yearned for their brother's return.

Yudhishthira, bowing respectfully to the Brahmins, sought their blessings. "O wise ones," he said, "the time for Arjuna's return from heaven is near. He comes back to us with divine skills and powers. Before he left, Arjuna told us we would reunite at Kailash. We wish to go to the great Mount Kailash to welcome him. Please grant us your permission."

The Brahmins smiled, their eyes gleaming with approval. "The great hero Arjuna is returning. This is wonderful news. Surely, you will go to Kailash to welcome him. May good fortune be with you, King."

With their blessings, the Pandavas, along with Draupadi, sage Lomasa, priest Dhaumya, and other Brahmins, embarked on their journey northward from Badrikashram. Along the way, they paused at the ashram of the royal sage Vrishaparva, who welcomed them warmly. After a brief stay, Yudhishthira, accompanied by Lomasa Muni, priest Dhaumya, Draupadi, and his three brothers, continued on to Kailash.

The journey was arduous. In some places, they traveled on foot, while in others, demons carried them on their shoulders over difficult paths. They crossed the majestic mountains of Gandhamadana and Mainaka, and after traversing the hilly plains, they finally reached the enchanting land of Kailash.

The sight of the vast Kailash mountain left the Pandavas in awe. Glittering with mines of precious gems, gold, and silver, it was a wonder to behold. Guided by the secret path shared by Sage Parva, they encountered no obstacles on their way.

They found rest at the hermitage of a great sage, who welcomed them with open arms. "Welcome, Yudhishthira," he said kindly. "May you be blessed. Only those with immense virtue can travel to Mount Kailash, my child. You are on the path of righteousness and truth, so you are welcome here. But remember, my child, not all places on this mountain are for humans. Kailash is the playground of the gods. Yakshas and demons guard this place. Do not follow the sounds of drums, conch shells, or other noises. The top of the mountain is not for you. Keep these warnings in mind."

Yudhishthira nodded respectfully. "Respected sage, we will follow your advice. We will stay away from the paths you have forbidden." With a heart full of gratitude, they rested at the sage's hermitage before continuing their journey.

As they traveled, Yudhishthira marveled at the beauty of Kailash. The trees, animals, birds, fruits, and flowers seemed touched by magic. The sweet taste of the water in the lakes was unlike any other they had experienced. The Pandavas moved from one hermitage to another, enchanted by the delightful mountain paths that led them ever closer to their beloved Arjuna.

Chapter 2: The Call of the Mountain

Guided by the wise Sage Lomus, the Pandavas arrived at a serene and enchanting spot near a hermit’s cottage. As they rested, something extraordinary occurred. A gentle breeze brought with it a few divine garlands, which floated effortlessly to Draupadi. The flowers in these garlands were unlike any she had ever seen, even among the many wonders of Kailash. Her eyes widened with excitement as she wondered aloud, "Where are these flowers from? Could there be more wonders at the top of Kailash?"

But Draupadi remembered the sage's warning about the demons that guarded that sacred area, a place not meant for humans. She tried to calm her curious heart, but her patience soon waned. She approached Bhima with a plea in her eyes.

"Mighty Bhima," Draupadi began, her voice earnest, "I have a special request for you. If Arjuna were here, he would have rushed to fulfill my wish with his bow."

Bhima, ever attentive to Draupadi's needs, replied with a reassuring smile, "Tell me, Panchali, what do you want? What should I do to make you happy? Just give the order. You are not helpless, Draupadi. Bhima will fulfill all your wishes. Just command him. Arjuna, during the burning of the Khandava forest, held weapons and controlled all demons, animals, birds, and even the king of gods, Indra. Seeing his incredible power, even the gods of heaven were amazed. Bhima, you are just as powerful. Your two hands hold the greatest strength on earth. You can drive away the demons and spirits from the top of Mount Kailash too. What even the gods cannot do is a simple task for your strength and courage. Free Kailash from the influence of outsiders, Bhima. We want to reach the peak of this amazing mountain and see its wonderful beauty with our own eyes."

Bhima listened intently and nodded. "Be patient for a moment, Panchali. I am freeing Mount Kailash from the demons for your entertainment. Then you can enjoy the beauty of this mountain to your heart's content."

With Draupadi's wish firmly in his heart, Bhima grabbed his bow, arrows, sword, and mace, and rushed out with the speed of the wind. The sages, wise men, celestial musicians, and great serpents living on Mount Kailash watched in awe as Bhima's unstoppable speed carried him onward. He moved towards the top of Kailash like a fierce storm, undeterred by the dangerous path and harsh weather. Fearless and determined, Bhima climbed steadily, his sword in hand.

Ignoring the roars of wild animals, the trumpeting of elephants, and the powerful winds, Bhima reached near the peak of Kailash. There, before him, stood the magnificent palace of Kubera. The mountain, part of Kubera's kingdom, was a realm where no human had the right to tread without the lord's permission. Kubera's grand palace, surrounded by a massive golden wall, was adorned with crystals, pearls, and gems that shone brilliantly. Bhima gazed at this splendor, momentarily mesmerized.

Then, with a mighty roar, he drew his bow and struck the mountain surface with his mace, creating a sound so terrifying that it echoed through the skies. The noise summoned all the demons and creatures, who rushed towards him with great speed, ready for battle. Yet, the confrontation was more of a grand entrance for Bhima than a battle. With unmatched strength, he sent many demons to the land of the dead, causing the survivors to flee in terror. Bhima tore through their ranks, scattering limbs and heads with his powerful blows.

Amidst the chaos, the strongest demon among Kubera's soldiers, Maniman, stepped forward, his voice dripping with disdain. "Shame on you demons! I am disappointed in you. Your demon birth is wasted. There are so many of you, yet you couldn't defeat a single human. I scorn your bravery. What will you tell Kubera now?"

The battle raged on, with Bhima standing tall and unyielding, his strength a force of nature upon the sacred mountain.

Chapter 3: The Battle on the Sacred Mountain

Maniman, the leader of the demon army, stood tall amidst the chaos, his voice echoing with authority. "That human is no ordinary man," he declared, casting a stern glance at his defeated soldiers. "We've never seen such a strong person before. He's like the god of death himself. Foolish demons, never boast about your strength again."

Turning his gaze towards Bhima, he challenged, "Wait, human, don't be proud of fighting my soldiers. Come, fight me instead."

Bhima, undeterred by the taunts, gripped his mace tighter. "Demon, you boast against Bhima, but I'll send you where I sent your soldiers," he replied, his eyes blazing with determination.

The air crackled with tension as a fierce battle erupted between Bhima and Maniman. They hurled spears, maces, arrows, and swords at each other, each weapon clashing with a thunderous roar. Though Maniman's attacks injured Bhima, they only seemed to fuel his energy. With a mighty leap into the sky, Bhima swung his massive mace and hurled it with all his might. It struck Maniman like a thunderbolt from the god Indra, and with a scream, the demon leader fell to the ground.

Meanwhile, Yudhishthira was growing increasingly worried, unable to see Bhima anywhere. After hearing everything from Draupadi, he set out at once towards Kubera's palace, accompanied by Nakula, Sahadeva, the sage Dhaumya, and the sage Lomasa. He entrusted Panchali to the care of the sages for her safety.

Upon reaching Kubera's palace, Yudhishthira witnessed a scene of devastation. Bhima stood like a giant tree among heaps of slain demons and severed heads, holding his mace. Rushing to his brother, Yudhishthira embraced him tightly. "Brother," he chided gently, "you have made the same mistake again. After the incident at Kubera's lake, I told you not to kill these divine-protected demons. Bhima, angering the gods can have terrible consequences. Killing without reason is like killing a sage. If you want to do something for me, don't make enemies of the gods like this."

Bhima bowed his head, his voice filled with remorse. "I have disobeyed your orders. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

With Maniman's death, the remaining demons, terrified for their lives, fled to seek Kubera's protection. Their cries reached Kubera's ears, and he understood what had transpired. "Bhima, Bhima Sena has attacked my army again," he bellowed in disbelief. "Such audacity! I forgave him the first time because he is the son of the wind god, but he did not respect my forgiveness. Charioteer, bring my chariot."

As Kubera approached, one of his attendants pointed towards Bhima. "There, there, Master, look, look, that strange man is standing there."

Kubera addressed Bhima with a stern yet measured tone. "Bhima Sena, you have disobeyed my command again. Do you know what the punishment could be?"

Yudhishthira stepped forward, his voice calm and respectful. "We, we all have committed a crime, Lord Kubera. Please punish all of us."

But Kubera shook his head. "Yudhishthira, you have done nothing wrong. The fate of Maniman and the other demons was written by time itself. The great sage Agastya cursed Maniman to be completely destroyed. He also cursed me to endure the pain of my army's destruction. His curse has now come true. So, I knew about Maniman's fate beforehand. Do not be sad, Yudhishthira."

With gratitude, Yudhishthira bowed deeply. "Your immense kindness, O great soul, I bow to you."

Kubera continued, his voice filled with wisdom. "Yudhishthira, in his desire to fulfill Draupadi's wish, Bhima did not hesitate to risk his life. I am very pleased to see this. But even though your brother is a very brave warrior, his mind is still like a child's. You must guide him, Yudhishthira. For warriors, bravery and patience, punishment and justice must be equally practiced."

Yudhishthira nodded in understanding. "O god, we humbly accept your teachings. Please tell us when we will see Arjuna."

Kubera smiled, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "We are truly longing to see him. Spend this dark fortnight on Mount Kailash, and then you will meet Arjuna in the heavenly realm. His training is complete. The Yakshas, Rakshasas, gods, and Gandharvas all greet and honor him. The divine qualities Arjuna was born with have brought him heavenly joy."

"Yudhishthira, he will soon return to the mortal world. There is no warrior, righteous, brave, and divine like Arjuna in the three worlds. Do not grieve; you will not have to endure Arjuna's absence much longer. As long as you stay on Mount Kailash, I will protect you. My attendants will bring you delicious food and drinks."

With hope renewed and hearts lighter, the brothers prepared to await the joyous reunion with Arjuna.

Chapter 4: The Return of Arjuna

The Pandavas had settled on the sacred Mount Kailash, a place of divine beauty and serenity. Yet, despite the blessings and comforts bestowed upon them by Kubera, the god of wealth, their hearts remained heavy with longing for their brother, Arjuna. Draupadi, usually spirited and fiery, seemed subdued, as if her inner flame had dimmed. Even Yudhishthira, the eldest and most composed of the brothers, appeared indifferent, his usual calmness now tinged with melancholy.

One afternoon, as they sat beneath a sprawling tree, their conversation naturally turned to Arjuna. Suddenly, the sky was split by a flash of light, and a magnificent chariot descended like a bolt of lightning. Yudhishthira squinted against the brightness, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Isn't that Matali in the driver's seat?" he exclaimed, recognizing the celestial charioteer. "This is the chariot of Lord Indra! Could it be... Arjuna?"

Before they could fully grasp the situation, Arjuna emerged from the chariot, resplendent in a crown and jewelry that shimmered like the stars. His brothers and Draupadi rushed forward, their faces alight with joy.

"Greetings, Sage Dhaumya, greetings, Maharaj, greetings, elder brother Bhima," Arjuna called out, his voice warm and full of affection.

"Brother Arjuna!" Bhima shouted, his voice trembling with emotion. "Seeing you gives me chills, Partha. Elder brother, please accept our greetings. Nakula, Sahadeva, come, let me embrace you, brothers."

The Pandavas gathered around Arjuna, their hearts soaring with relief and happiness. Together, they circled the chariot to honor Matali, offering their respects and gratitude to the charioteer of the gods. Once their greetings were exchanged, Matali returned to Indralok, the heavenly realm, with the chariot.

Arjuna then turned to Draupadi, presenting her with exquisite jewelry gifted by Lord Indra. Her eyes sparkled as she accepted the precious tokens, and Arjuna began to recount his incredible journey in the heavens. He spoke of defeating the demon clan Niva-Kavacha in the golden city of Hiranyapura, the divine blessings he received, and the powerful weapons and armor bestowed upon him by Indra. As he shared his tales, the Pandavas listened with rapt attention, their spirits lifted by his triumphant return.

"Arjuna," Yudhishthira said eagerly, "I am very curious to know how you practiced with the divine weapons. Can you show us their use and control?"

Arjuna nodded, determination in his eyes. "Your wish is my command, Maharaj. I will now demonstrate the techniques of these divine weapons."

With that, Arjuna ascended a small hill, clad in the unbreakable armor given by Indra. Holding the mighty Gandiva bow and the Devadatta conch, he prepared to demonstrate his newfound skills. As the sound of the conch echoed through the sky, the world seemed to pause. The ocean's depths stirred, the winds ceased, and darkness blanketed the earth. The Brahmins began chanting sacred Vedic hymns, and the creatures of the underworld cried out in fear. In the heavens, the gods glowed with a radiant light, and the golden aura of Lord Indra spread across the sky.

Suddenly, the divine messenger Narada appeared before Arjuna. "Arjuna," he cautioned, "do not use divine weapons just for fun when there's no target. It's forbidden to use these weapons without a reason. If you do, it could cause great harm. These weapons can destroy the world. You'll see Arjuna use them in the great war to defeat enemies, but not before."

Arjuna bowed his head in respect. "Yes, Sage Narada. Please forgive our foolishness. Protect us, Sage."

Time passed swiftly in Kubera's kingdom, and four years went by in contentment. Yet, the call of duty weighed heavily on the Pandavas' minds. One day, Bhima and Arjuna approached Yudhishthira, their expressions earnest.

"Great King," Bhima began, "you deserve to rule the whole world. Yet, for eleven years, you've been wandering in the forest, living like a hermit. We have not sought revenge on Duryodhana because of your wishes. But now, our exile is nearly over. Arjuna has mastered divine skills, and I, Bhima, have defeated many demons in the forest. We can't wait any longer, King."

"King," Arjuna added, "my elder brother Bhima speaks the truth. During our time in hiding, we must go far away where no one knows us. After the thirteenth year, the war drums will sound. We need to prepare now, King. In Kubera's kingdom, we lack nothing. Here, our minds are always calm and happy. But if we stay here, your glory will fade. People will speak ill of you. We should leave now to prepare, King."

Their words hung in the air, a reminder of the challenges yet to come and the destiny that awaited them beyond the peaceful refuge of Mount Kailash.

Chapter 5: The Curse of Nahusha

"Let it be so, Anjaneya," Yudhishthira agreed, his voice carrying the weight of their decision. "It's time to leave this divine mountain. We will soon depart, saying farewell to this mountain and forest. After regaining our kingdom and fulfilling our duties, we will return to this divine place for peace and meditation."

With those words, the Pandavas bid farewell to Kubera's garden on Mount Gandhamadana. Their journey was fraught with danger as they traversed dense forests, crossed rolling hills, and climbed steep mountains. Each night, they found refuge in hidden caves, enduring the relentless hardships of exile. Their journey eventually led them to a forest known as Vishakha.

In the heart of Vishakha, the Pandavas hunted to sustain themselves. One day, while chasing wild buffalo and boars, Bhima stumbled upon a lonely cave. As he ventured inside, a giant python with colorful scales suddenly wrapped itself around him.

Bhima, known for his immense strength, felt his power draining away at the touch of the serpent. Puzzled, he demanded, "Who are you in the form of a python? I am the powerful Bhima. No demon or god can stop me. Yet, why did all my strength vanish at your touch for the first time?"

The python replied, its voice echoing within the cave, "Prince Bhima, I am your ancestor, King Nahusha. Because of a curse from Sage Agastya, I am in this state. I have been hungry for a long time. Today, by eating you, I will finally satisfy my hunger."

Bhima, though trapped, remained fearless. "I am not afraid to die, Python," he declared, "but without me, my brothers and mother Kunti will be very sad. Moreover, during the battle against our enemies, King Yudhishthira will be left without support. That sorrow is greater than the fear of my own death."

Meanwhile, Yudhishthira, unaware of Bhima's perilous hunting trip, began to feel uneasy. Bad omens clouded his mind, and though Sage Dhaumya, the other brothers, and Draupadi were with him, Bhima's absence was keenly felt. Concerned, Yudhishthira set out to find his brother. After crossing more forests and mountains, he arrived at the cave and heard Bhima's voice.

Rushing inside, Yudhishthira saw Bhima in distress and addressed the python with urgency. "O King of Snakes, please release my brother. I will offer you another meal."

"Never," the python hissed defiantly. "I have him right here, and today I will eat him. Leave now, or I will eat you tomorrow. But if you can correctly answer my questions, I will set you both free."

"You may ask any question with confidence," Yudhishthira replied calmly. "I will answer each one."

The python began, "Tell me, who is called a Brahmin, and what is worth knowing?"

"A person with qualities like truth, charity, forgiveness, good character, and non-violence is a Brahmin," Yudhishthira answered. "Knowing the Supreme Being, who is beyond happiness and sorrow, is worth knowing."

The python seemed thoughtful. "The qualities you mentioned can also be found in Shudras. Can anyone truly be beyond happiness and sorrow?"

"If these qualities are found in a Shudra, then they are not a Shudra, but a Brahmin. Conversely, if a Brahmin lacks these qualities, then they are not a Brahmin. However, there is a mix of qualities in all castes, making it very difficult to determine a person's true nature. But by knowing the Supreme Being, one can transcend happiness and sorrow."

The python's grip loosened. "I am pleased with your answers, King. I release your brother here and now. Go, Prince, you have nothing more to fear."

Grateful, Yudhishthira asked, "You seem wise yourself. How did you end up in this condition?"

The python sighed, "I am Nahusha, an ancient king of the Guru dynasty. Through my deeds and devotion, I..."

"I used to enjoy all the happiness and power of heaven. In heaven, the sages would carry my palanquin. One day, filled with pride, I stepped on the head of Sage Agastya, who was carrying my palanquin. In great anger, Sage Agastya cursed me to become a snake and fall to earth. However, he kindly told me that I could be freed from this curse only by meeting King Yudhishthira."

As Nahusha finished his tale, the cave felt lighter, as if the very air had changed. The Pandavas, now reunited, prepared to continue their journey, leaving behind the echoes of a curse broken and a lesson learned.

Chapter 6: The Day of Freedom

The forest was alive with a sense of anticipation. Nahusha, once a mighty king and now freed from his serpentine curse, looked towards Yudhishthira with gratitude shining in his eyes. "Today is the day of my freedom," he declared, his voice resonating with relief and joy. "King, I captured your brother just to meet you. Today, I will return to heaven."

With those words, Nahusha's snake form began to dissolve, revealing his divine body. He offered a blessing to Yudhishthira and Bhima, and then, like a beam of light, he ascended to the heavens. The Pandavas watched in awe, paying their respects to their ancestor before turning back to their path.

Reunited, Yudhishthira and Bhima joined their brothers. Together with the sage Dhaumya and the accompanying Brahmins, they spent some time in the forest, their hearts lightened by the recent events. Soon, they decided to move towards the Kamyaka forest as the dark fortnight approached.

Upon their arrival, the Brahmins and sages of Kamyaka welcomed the Pandavas with open arms. The forest rang with laughter and joy, the brothers feeling a sense of peace in the warm embrace of their companions. During these blissful days, a Brahmin brought exciting news: Krishna himself was coming to see them, accompanied by his wife, Satyabhama.

The Pandavas could scarcely contain their excitement, feeling as if a piece of heaven was descending to meet them. As the news spread, they soon saw Krishna approaching in a splendid chariot drawn by two magnificent horses named Saibya and Sugriva.

Krishna stepped down from the chariot, his presence commanding and kind. "King Yudhishthira, mighty Bhima," he greeted with a bow, his voice filled with warmth. "Great sage Dhaumya, please accept my respectful greetings. Come, Arjuna, come into my embrace." He turned to the younger Pandavas, "Vasudeva, accept the greetings of the younger Pandavas. May the eldest brother be blessed. Are you all well?"

Yudhishthira, his heart swelling with gratitude, spoke with reverence. "Righteous Yudhishthira, I have no doubt that you will soon regain your kingdom," Krishna continued. "But the Yadavas wish to repay the deceit done to you. King of Dharma, since you were unjustly exiled from your kingdom, they believe you are no longer bound by your vow. They wish to declare war on Hastinapura right away. Will you permit this?"

Krishna's words hung in the air, heavy with possibility. Yudhishthira, ever cautious and wise, replied, "Keshava, I will go with you myself. How can I give you permission, brother? We, along with Draupadi, seek your refuge. Your wish is our command. Do not ask us, Krishna, command us. You are unmatched in justice, ethics, and conscience. Truthful ones like you are very rare in the world. That's why we hold your decisions and wishes in the highest regard, King of Dharma. So, I humbly ask what your wish is. What should I tell the brave Yadavas? Please let me know."

Yudhishthira paused, his mind weighing the options. "I have found truth, Keshav, and that is why I have your companionship. I cannot lose this assurance at any cost. Krishna, please forgive me. You and I are firm in keeping our promises. The time for living in disguise is coming soon. This part will be the hardest. We are devoted to you. Please help us, Krishna."

Though Yudhishthira did not agree to the first proposal, Krishna, ever patient and wise, considered a second. What would he suggest next? Would the Yadavas agree?

Meanwhile, Satyabhama, Krishna’s wife, shared a moment of humility with Draupadi, admitting her defeat in a private matter. What was the nature of their discussion? That tale would unfold in the next chapter of the Mahabharata.