Hastinapur in Drona's Hands

A messenger came and stood before King Yudhishthira with folded hands.

"Victory to King Yudhishthira," he said. "I have come as a messenger from Dhritarashtra, the king of Hastinapur, because you are the eldest. He has sent word that many noble men have now gathered in his court. All of them are eager to see a game of dice again. Therefore, King Dhritarashtra has invited you to Hastinapur for a game of dice."

When the message was heard, a shadow fell over the hearts of the Pandavas.

It is true that no matter how great a person may think himself to be, he does not fully know what is good or bad for him. Whatever the Creator gives, whether joy or sorrow, seems to flow without end. A person's fate is stronger than his wishes.

Yudhishthira spoke gravely, "No, elder brother, I must answer your call. Even with the danger of ruin, I must play dice again. I cannot disobey the command of the old king."

One of his brothers said anxiously, "Forgive me, elder brother. What if that cunning Shakuni uses the same trick again?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Rama knew that no animal could have a golden body. Yet he still went to catch that golden deer. When danger comes near, a person's mind often becomes confused, younger brother. This is the rule of the world. City-guard, make arrangements for our journey to Hastinapur with the whole family."

"As you command, Maharaj," the guard answered.

Taking mother Kunti and Draupadi with them, the five Pandavas set out and came once more to the court of Dhritarashtra in Hastinapur.

In the royal court, Yudhishthira first bowed respectfully to the wise Bhishma, to teacher Dronacharya, to the family priest Kripacharya, and to King Dhritarashtra. Then he took his seat.

There sat Shakuni, Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Karna.

The moment Shakuni saw Yudhishthira, he smiled and said, "Here is Dharmaputra Yudhishthira, the great emperor of Bharat. I am truly very happy to see you again. O King, our old Maharaj has returned all your wealth and property, has he not?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Yes, yes, yes. He has done a most praiseworthy deed, O King."

Shakuni said, "We are all greatly delighted. In this joyful mood, we will play dice again. But this time the stake is different from before, you may say. This time there is a very great stake."

Yudhishthira looked at him steadily. "I want to hear from your own mouth what stake has been fixed, son of Subala."

Shakuni said, "If we lose, then wearing deerskin, we shall go to the forest for twelve years and spend one year in hiding. If during that hidden year we are recognized by our relatives, then we shall again spend the next twelve years in the forest. And if you lose, then the same rule will apply to your side as well. After the thirteenth year is over, one may again sit on the throne. Tell me, Yudhishthira, do you agree to this stake?"

It was a terrible condition. Alas, why did none of the well-wishers of the Pandavas rise and warn King Yudhishthira? Even the Pandavas themselves did not understand how fate was about to turn. Did they not know how much harm this game would bring them? In that moment, the cause of the destruction of the Kuru line could already be seen.

Yudhishthira said, "Shakuni, son of Subala, I had already said that if I am challenged to battle or to dice, I cannot refuse. Therefore, therefore, I agree to play on this stake."

Shakuni laughed softly. "Is that so, is that so? Very well, very well, very well. Then let the game begin. See, Yudhishthira, do you trust my throw? Are you truly willing to play with all your heart?"

"Once I speak, I do it," Yudhishthira replied. "No one can move me from the path of truth. Begin, prince of Gandhara. Cast the dice."

Shakuni cast.

"Here, Dharmaputra, if I get six, I win. See this, here comes six, six has come, six. Ha! I have won. I have won. Now remember the forest, Dharmaputra."

Yudhishthira said, "I remember everything, Shakuni, son of Subala. What I hear once, I do not forget."

From that day, the empire of the great Duryodhana began, and a great danger came upon the defeated Pandavas.

The wicked princes did not stop with victory. Their hearts became harder.

"Pandavas, let them go to endless hell," someone said. "Let them remain far from our sight for a long time. Proud of their wealth, they, they mocked you, Crown Prince."

Another voice said, "Yes, you. And today they, today they have become beggars. They have become beggars. Ah Draupadi, your father is a very wise king. But how will he know now that the five men into whose hands he gave his daughter are actually eunuchs! No, no, he certainly did not do the right thing. He should have thought more carefully. Well, let that be. Why should you suffer because of this ruin of the Pandavas, Yajnaseni? Leave those beggar husbands and choose again from among the Kauravas. You will be able to live in comfort. Think, Yajnaseni, is it fitting for you to spend your life in the forest? Nothing will come from serving the Pandavas anymore. Panchali, now come to us."

At these vile words, Bhima blazed like fire.

"Listen, sinner Dushasana," he thundered. "Today your sharp words have struck our hearts. If I do not tear open your vital place in the great war, then my name is not Bhima Sena. When the time comes to split your chest open, I will remind you of your own words. And those who follow you, I will send them also to the house of death. This is my vow."

Dushasana shouted back, "Go away, go away, hide yourself in the forest. How have you become fit to speak in the royal court?"

Bhima roared, "Coward, coward Dushasana, if this Bhima Sena does not tear open your chest and drink your blood, then may he never attain the higher world. Let all the nobles present in this court hear this: only after destroying every son of Dhritarashtra will I find peace."

Duryodhana said coldly, "There is no use in more words, brother Dushasana. Put deerskins into their hands. Keep their royal clothes stored in our palace."

Then another said, "Younger brother, there will be no need for that. The Pandavas will never return again."

And another voice added, "No, you have spoken truly, younger brother. With feet like Bhima's, they have now gone down the road of the unknown."

Bhima answered in fury, "Fool Duryodhana, your sin is not yet over. No, wait. I will send you and your followers to the house of death in truth. You will see. Follow me, Bhima. It is now time for us to depart."

"I am following you, elder brother," Bhima said. "But before leaving this royal court of the Kauravas, I, the second Pandava Bhima, declare that I will kill Duryodhana and Dushasana with blows of my mace. Arjuna will kill Karna and Sahadeva will kill Shakuni. May the gods help us. I ask for a terrible war, O gods. From today, after 14 years, open that road of war before us."

Then Arjuna spoke. "Let all the members of this court also hear Arjuna's vow. Karna always wishes harm to the Pandavas. I myself will send that Karna and his people to the house of death. Such is the command of my middle brother."

Karna's challenge stood in the air, but Arjuna went on, "This command I, I accept with my head bowed. If after 14 years Duryodhana does not return our kingdom, then all who raise weapons against us I will destroy completely. If this vow fails, then the Himalaya will move from its own place."

Sahadeva then said, "Shakuni, be ready. The things you think are only dice pieces, are in truth the letters of your death. With my arrows I will kill you and free the earth from sin. Such is the command of my elder brother."

Another answered, "You be patient, Shakuni. This Sahadeva will carry out that command."

Nakula too made his vow. "Those sons of Dhritarashtra who insulted Panchali in the royal court will go to the next world by the arrows of this Nakula. I say this with certainty."

And again came the vow, "By the command of Dharmaraja, walking on the path shown by Draupadi, I will destroy the sons of Dhritarashtra from this earth."

In the middle of the court, Yudhishthira stood still and listened to the burning words of his four brothers. Their anger burst out like blazing flames. But even the smallest spark of such wrath was not seen in Yudhishthira.

When Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and the sons of Dhritarashtra all fell silent for a moment, Yudhishthira stepped forward and stood before King Dhritarashtra. In a humble voice he said,

"Yudhishthira bows to all the members of the Bharata line. Grandfather, Bhishma, King Bahlika, King Somadatta, teacher Drona, family priest Kripa, honored Dhritarashtra, righteous Vidura, sons of Dhritarashtra, Ashwatthama, Yuyutsu, Sanjaya, and the other members of the court, I ask permission from all of you to go to the forest. After 14 years I will return and see you all again. For now, please give me leave."

A sorrowful voice answered, "The members of this court are greatly ashamed today, son. In shame they sit with sad faces and bowed heads. No, no one can clearly bid you farewell now, Yudhishthira. They are not in that state. But listen to one thing, son. You five Pandavas go to the forest with Panchali, Yudhishthira. But do not take your old mother with you. She is a queen. She will not be able to bear so much suffering."

Arjuna said, "She may forgive us. We cannot leave our mother here in this royal house of Hastinapur among enemies."

Vidura then spoke firmly, "No, Arjuna, no. Honored Kunti Devi will not stay in this royal house. She will stay in my house. I will keep her with great care and caution. I give you my word, there she will live with honor. Do not worry about mother, Arjuna. I am here."

Yudhishthira bowed. "As you command, righteous Vidura. You are our great guide. In this hard time we ask advice from you about how we shall live. What is now our duty? Please tell us, righteous one."

Vidura said, "Dharmaputra, know one thing. A person defeated by unrighteousness should not grieve, because, because that is not called defeat. Son, you know dharma, Arjuna knows war, Bhima is a killer of enemies, Nakula can gather wealth, and Sahadeva is skilled in all work. The sage Dhaumya knows the Vedas deeply, and Draupadi, she too is equally skilled in dharma and wealth. There is no division among you. Therefore, in this world you can have no enemy. Even a foe like Indra of old will be overcome by your power of forgiveness."

Yudhishthira asked, "O righteous one, in every condition there is something for a person to learn. But what lesson should we take from this condition? Please tell us."

Vidura replied, "Learn victory like Indra, control of anger like Yama, restraint like Varuna, and generosity like Kubera. Above all, these must be learned. Learn forgiveness from the earth, Yudhishthira. Take from the moon its gentle part. May the brightness of the sun and the life-giving power of water enter into you. And, and, let me say one more thing, son. Even in the face of a hundred dangers, do no act without thought, son. Do no act. May good come to you, son. Return in good health."

After bowing to Bhishma, Drona, and the other elders, Yudhishthira prepared to depart. He wept as he went to take leave of the women who were like mothers to him.

Yajnaseni entered the inner chambers of the royal palace of Hastinapur and bowed before Gandhari.

"Give me your blessing, elder mother," she said. "For a long time we shall now be deprived of seeing your feet. A terrible Rahu has come and surrounded the spotless Pandavas. Bearing this sorrow on my head, I now leave the royal house."

Gandhari answered with calm strength, "Rahu can never swallow dharma, Panchali. The path of dharma is very subtle. What seems to be the victory of unrighteousness is really a test of patience. Patience and strength, these two are truly the foundation of dharma. Be established in dharma, Panchali. May good come to you. May dharma triumph."

After taking leave of Gandhari, Draupadi went to bow before mother Kunti.

As Kunti tried to bid farewell to her dear Krishnaa, dearer than life itself, she broke down in tears. Mother and daughter embraced one another in deep sorrow. Kunti kissed Draupadi on the head and said in a voice choked with tears,

"Do not grieve, daughter. In dharma and in every virtue you are unmatched. You are the fortune of the Kuru line. You have blessed both your father's family and your mother's family, Panchali. The Kauravas are fortunate that they were not burned up under your pure and shining gaze. My loving thoughts and blessings will always surround you, daughter. During the forest life, keep a special eye on my, my Sahadeva, blessed one. Let him not lose heart before this great danger."

Draupadi bowed and said, "My respects to you, mother. Give us permission to go to the forest."

Kunti cried out in grief, "O Lord, O Lord! What has happened? What, what danger has come today upon the spotless, righteous, generous-hearted five Pandavas! By whose curse, by whose curse has this happened, Lord?"

Then she said, "No, it is the fault of my own fate. Because of me, because of me, such pure sons as you are suffering so much today. Son, if I had known such a day would come, I would never have returned to Hastinapur with you. Alas King Pandu, alas, alas! Sister Madri, this day was not for you, for you to see. I, I am so unfortunate that I am still alive to see this sight. How will you, how will you pass through this hard life of thirteen years? Krishna Madhusudana, where are you? Where are you? Why do you not save us, save us from this hard grief?"

One of her sons said gently, "Mother, mother, you taught us to keep patience in the face of danger. If you yourself now become so restless, then how can we go? Give us your farewell with a calm mind, mother. If your blessing stays with us, no danger will touch us."

Kunti said through tears, "Son, son, where just and noble Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa are present, how, how could such a danger appear there, son? How?"

The answer came, "Who can speak of fate, mother? Fate is truly very strong, but no one knows clearly what fate will bring and when."

Then Kunti clung especially to Sahadeva and cried, "Sahadeva, Sahadeva, no, Sahadeva, do not go, son. Let your other four brothers go and keep truth in the forest. You, you stay with me and save me, son. Even then you will gain merit. I tell you, son, I tell you, you have no fear, you have no fear. You, you stay with me, stay with me, son."

Another noble voice then said, "Princess, bid them farewell with a calm mind. By birth they all wear your brightness, dharma, purity, and truth as armor. No unrighteousness can destroy them. Your blessing is their, their only support on the road. Come, come, sweet queen, come inside. Please calm yourself. Please come, come."

The royal house of Hastinapur still stood in splendor, but there was no happiness in it.

Though Duryodhana and the princes had acted falsely toward the Pandavas, cries of sorrow began to rise from the inner chambers. When the news of Draupadi's insult reached there through the mouths of relatives, the royal women together condemned the deed. Worry appeared on their foreheads as they thought of their family and the future of their husbands and sons. When they heard that the Pandavas had gone to the forest with Draupadi, they were deeply distressed.

Meanwhile fear entered the mind of King Dhritarashtra also. As soon as the Pandavas had gone out on the road, he called Vidura, son of Vichitravirya.

"My respects, Maharaj. You called me? Give your command, O King."

Dhritarashtra said, "Vidura, Vidura, tell me in full exactly how Dharmaputra Yudhishthira, priest Dhaumya, the other four Pandavas, and the glorious Draupadi are going. Describe all their gestures to me in detail."

Vidura replied, "Maharaj, Dharmaputra Yudhishthira is walking with his face covered by his cloth. Bhima Sena has stretched both his arms out in front. Arjuna, Arjuna is following Dharmaputra while scattering sand. Sahadeva has covered his face with both his hands. And Nakula, the most beautiful man in the world, Nakula is following his brothers covered in the dust of the road, Maharaj. And Draupadi, Maharaj, the wonderfully beautiful lotus-eyed Krishnaa is walking on foot, crying, with her face covered by her hair, Maharaj."

Dhritarashtra asked, "Vidura, what is the priest of the Pandavas, Dhaumya, doing?"

Vidura answered, "The great sage Dhaumya is walking with the Pandavas, holding kusa grass in his hand and chanting terrible Sama Veda mantras, Maharaj."

The blind king trembled. "Vidura, do you know the meaning of the bodily gestures with which the Pandavas are walking? I want to hear that. Tell me at once, Vidura, why they are walking like this."

Vidura said, "Maharaj, no matter how much your sons have deceived them and taken away everything they had, King Yudhishthira is always forgiving. He never sees any fault in your sons. Therefore, if by fate the fire of anger were to come out from his eyes, your sons would be burned before that fire, Maharaj. For that reason Yudhishthira has covered his two eyes. Bhima is walking while showing his strength and pride, Maharaj. There is no warrior on earth equal to him in strength of arms. So he is giving a sign that he will conquer the enemy by the power of his arms, Maharaj. Arjuna's grains of sand are countless and scattered. By this he means that he will shower countless arrows from all sides upon the enemy. Sahadeva has covered his face out of shame. Nakula has covered himself with dust to hide his beauty from the eyes of other women, Maharaj."

Dhritarashtra asked in a lower voice, "And Draupadi? What is the meaning of Draupadi's manner, Vidura?"

Vidura replied, "With loose hair, one cloth, in her monthly state, and stained with blood, Draupadi is thinking that those who brought her to this condition today, after 14 years their own wives in their monthly state too will enter Hastinapur with loose hair and blood-stained clothes after offering water for their dead husbands, sons, and dear ones, Maharaj."

Dhritarashtra asked again, "Is priest Dhaumya cursing us, Vidura?"

Vidura answered, "Maharaj, priest Dhaumya is placing the kusa grass in his hand toward the south-western direction and chanting Sama Veda mantras. The meaning of this manner is surely that he is thinking that when the Kauravas are killed in war, their priests too will sing the Sama songs in just this way."

Dhritarashtra muttered, "No, it is all fate. Well, Vidura, what are the townspeople doing after seeing the Pandavas?"

Vidura said, "The townspeople too are overcome with grief, Maharaj. Seeing the Pandavas leave in such worn and sad clothing, they cry out in sorrow. Some even wish to go with the Pandavas. They cry aloud that the Pandavas are their true lords, Maharaj. They are wailing."

Suddenly the king was shaken. "What is this, what has happened, Vidura? This is not the season of rain. Then, then what is that sound, Vidura? Why has there been thunder? And, and how did that pack of jackals come here? What, what signs are these, Vidura? Signs of what, Vidura?"

Vidura answered with great seriousness, "Signs of downfall, Maharaj. Signs of disaster. The sin that you allowed Duryodhana and Shakuni to commit is now calling destruction upon the Kuru line, Maharaj. You will not be able to escape that blame, you will not. Since the Pandavas left this court, terrible bad signs have appeared all over Hastinapur. Somewhere there is lightning, somewhere an earthquake, somewhere thunder, and somewhere, somewhere the sunlight is fading without clouds. Along with that, flesh-eating animals are throwing scraps of meat upon sacred trees, palaces, and temples and making them impure, Maharaj. Making them impure."

Dhritarashtra sat stunned. No words came to his mouth. The silent joy that had appeared on his face when Yudhishthira lost the wager of forest exile was now completely gone. Even after hearing of the evil signs in the kingdom with his own ears, he could neither fully believe nor fully deny them. Even if he knew a way out, it was never truly possible for him. The old father of Duryodhana could never stand against his son.

He was still thinking over Vidura's words when suddenly the divine sage Narada appeared in the hall of the royal palace, with other great sages beside him.

"Narayana, Narayana."

Dhritarashtra bowed and said, "Divine sage Narada, accept my respects, divine sage. I welcome you to the city of Hastinapur. Please take a seat."

Narada said, "I have not come here to rest, Maharaj. I have come to give you a message."

"What message, divine sage?"

"King Dhritarashtra, because of Duryodhana's crime and because of the strength of Bhima and Arjuna, exactly 14 years from today the Kauravas will be destroyed."

Dhritarashtra cried out, "Divine sage, divine sage! The path for our rescue—"

But the divine sage disappeared at once.

After Narada vanished, Dhritarashtra told Shakuni and Duryodhana of the grave danger. Karna was also present. After consulting together, they decided to place the kingdom of Hastinapur in the hands of teacher Dronacharya. Drona wished well to both the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Therefore, if teacher Drona stood before them, perhaps the great danger to the Kuru line could be stopped. The Kauravas desired Dronacharya as their leader.

When he heard this, teacher Drona came into the assembly of the Bharata line and said, "Listen, Duryodhana. The Brahmins say that no one can kill the divine-born Pandavas. Therefore, no happiness can come from making enemies of them. On the other hand, you too have come to me along with other kings for protection. I do not turn away one who seeks refuge. According to my strength and power, I will remain with the Kauravas. This is my vow. Whatever victory or defeat my fate or destiny has written for me, I will accept it with bowed head."

Karna said, "Gurudev, why do you speak of defeat? Now is our time of happiness, a time of joy. The Pandavas have gone to the forest for 14 years. My friend Duryodhana can now enjoy the whole earth alone. We no longer have any fear of enemies. What greater happiness can there be than this, Gurudev?"

Drona looked at him sternly. "No fear of enemies? What are you saying, Karna? Fourteen years from today there will be a great war between Kuru and Pandava. I myself will have to take up weapons against Arjuna. What could be more terrible than that? I attacked and conquered the kingdom of Drupada. To take revenge for that, he performed a sacrifice fit for getting a son. From that sacrifice appeared a son wearing bow, arrows, and armor. His name is Dhrishtadyumna. That great hero Dhrishtadyumna will be my killer. Draupadi's brother will stand on the side of the Pandavas. So do you understand how I myself am inviting my own enemy? And yet, Karna, you say there is now no fear of enemies! Think of 14 years from now, Karna. Do you know what will happen after 14 years?"

Dhritarashtra, shaken by these words, cried out, "Vidura, Vidura, where is Vidura?"

Vidura came at once. "Give your command, Maharaj."

"Vidura, Vidura, all that Dronacharya has said is true. Go at once and bring them back, brother. Bring them, bring them back, bring them back."

But another voice quickly rose in opposition. "Maharaj, what are you saying? Your crown prince will now become lord of the whole earth. Do you not wish to see that happiness of Duryodhana, O King? The duty of a Kshatriya is war. Has any Kshatriya ever enjoyed a kingdom without war, Maharaj? And there is no glory in such enjoyment. What king has strength like Duryodhana? Like a shadow, I am always with him, Maharaj. Do you not have even the smallest trust in your own son's power, O King? If the Pandavas declare war, shall we also not die in silence, Maharaj? Duryodhana will send them to the world of death and rule the kingdom. I request you, please, please be calm now."

After losing the Pandavas, great fear settled in Dhritarashtra's heart. Day and night he grieved for them. Neither Duryodhana nor Karna, in spite of all their efforts, could free him from sorrow.

Meanwhile, after leaving Hastinapur, the Pandavas slowly went northward. Yudhishthira begged the Brahmins and sages not to follow them, but a great number of them still went along.

On the first night of forest exile, Yudhishthira sat down under a great banyan tree named Pramana on the bank of the Ganga. The Brahmins sat around him. In that place there was nothing except the water of the Ganga. To quiet their hunger, the Pandavas filled their stomachs with water. But Yudhishthira became deeply troubled in mind, because he could not properly serve the holy men who had come with them.

At last he said, "O great souls, here there is a complete lack of fruits and food. On top of that, we are without shelter and without wealth. In this condition we do not have the means to feed Brahmins and serve holy men. I do not know how I will care for you. Please return to your own homes. I beg you with folded hands."

The Brahmins answered, "King Yudhishthira, do not be troubled about us. Our seat, clothing, food, and life will not depend on you, Maharaj. In the forest, whatever fruits or other food may be found, we shall eat that. We shall seek out our own food ourselves, Maharaj. We do not wish to trouble you."

Yudhishthira bowed his head in pain. "Shame on me, and shame on the sons of Dhritarashtra. The Brahmins must search for their own food, and yet we five brothers together cannot serve them in any way. I had to live to see such a day. Fate is truly cruel!"

Then one sage came forward and spoke kindly, "Maharaj, do not be troubled. Such sorrow does not suit you. Maharaj, I am the sage Shaunaka. I assure you that we have no other purpose except to think of your good, speak of the scriptures, and give you support in mind. We wish to remain as your support so that during this long forest exile you do not become tired and without spirit. But if you suffer greatly because you cannot serve holy men, then I can tell you a way to remove that sorrow. But for that, you will have to do a difficult task. Will you be able to do it, Maharaj?"

At once Yudhishthira said, "Tell me, tell me, great sage. What must I do? Please, please tell me. For the service of holy men and Brahmins, I can do anything. No task is hard for me. Please, please command me, great sage."