The Pandavas’ Journey to Varanavata(Mahabharat Series 51)

“Duryodhana, Bhishma, Drona, Vidura, and Gautama regard both you and the Pandavas with equal consideration. They would never approve of any wrongdoing against the Pandavas or agree to their being banished from the kingdom,” Dhritarashtra replied.

Duryodhana answered, “Father, Bhishma bears equal affection for both sides. Therefore, if a dispute arises between us, he will remain neutral rather than openly support the Pandavas. Although Drona and Gautama are more affectionate toward the Pandavas, Drona’s son, Ashwatthama, stands with us. For this reason, they too will not openly take the Pandavas’ side.

“Vidura is the only one who remains. Even if he openly supports the Pandavas, we need not fear any serious danger from him. Therefore, do not hesitate. Send the Pandavas to Varanavata and relieve me of this distress.”

The king eventually agreed to his son’s proposal.

Delighted by his father’s consent, Duryodhana, accompanied by his younger brothers, began approaching influential citizens and state officials. He showered them with abundant wealth, gold, and royal honours, gradually winning them over to his side.

Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra summoned ministers whom he trusted and instructed them on what they were to do.

One day, while the Pandavas were seated in the royal assembly, ministers acting under Dhritarashtra’s direction began praising the splendour of Varanavata. They described the grandeur of the festival held there in honour of Pashupati, Lord Shiva, which continued for many days.

They spoke of the countless people who arrived from distant lands, adorned in magnificent garments and dazzling ornaments. They portrayed the festival as an extraordinary celebration, unparalleled in splendour anywhere in the world.

Hearing these descriptions repeatedly, the Pandavas too began to feel some curiosity about Varanavata.

This was precisely what Dhritarashtra had been waiting for.

Addressing the Pandavas, the son of Ambika said, “My messengers and ministers are constantly speaking of the beauty and splendour of Varanavata. If you wish to see that magnificent city, you may travel there and spend a few pleasant days.

“During the festival of Pashupati, distribute generous gifts of wealth, gold, and other offerings to the Brahmanas and performers. After enjoying the festivities, you may return to Hastinapura.”

From Dhritarashtra’s facial expressions and the tone of his voice, Yudhishthira perceived the deception concealed within his uncle’s heart.

Yet, what choice did he have? In the vast Kuru household, he and his four brothers stood together as a small and vulnerable family. After considering their circumstances, Yudhishthira forced a faint smile and replied, “As you wish, Uncle.”

He then bowed respectfully to Bhishma, Drona, and the other elders present in the assembly and sought their blessings for the journey.

All the eminent elders of the Kuru dynasty, their faces bright with apparent goodwill, blessed the Pandavas with one voice:

“O sons of Pandu, may your journey be auspicious! May the five elements protect you and ensure your safety wherever you go. May no misfortune befall you.”

Yudhishthira prostrated himself before the assembly. Accompanied by his younger brothers, he returned to his palace, performed the customary rites, and made the necessary preparations for departure.

Thus, accompanied by their mother, Kunti, and carrying all the provisions required for their journey, the Pandavas set out for Varanavata.

The Conspiracy of Duryodhana and Purochana

While the Pandavas were preparing for their journey, Duryodhana was secretly pursuing a sinister plan to destroy them once and for all.

He summoned a minister named Purochana, who was particularly skilled in carrying out wicked and treacherous deeds. Duryodhana received him privately, treated him with honour, and addressed him:

“O great minister, the Kuru Empire, with all its wealth and splendour, is as much yours as it is mine. You must help me protect it and secure it for the future.”

He continued, “My friend, there is no one I trust more than you. I entrust you with a vital responsibility. You must devise a clever means of eliminating our enemies, the Pandavas, without arousing suspicion.”

Duryodhana then explained the plan in detail.

“The Pandavas are leaving for Varanavata at Dhritarashtra’s command. You must reach the city before they arrive and welcome them on their arrival.

“First, arrange temporary accommodation for them. Then construct a magnificent palace for their residence. It must be situated outside the city, near a storehouse containing combustible materials and ammunition.

“You must build this palace using precisely the materials I specify.”

Duryodhana continued, revealing the cruel details of his scheme:

“Use highly inflammable substances such as jute and resin in its construction. Incorporate clay, ghee, wood shavings, and lac. Once the building is complete, cover its exterior with plaster so that no one will suspect the nature of the materials concealed within its walls.

“The palace must be flawless in appearance and furnished with the finest articles befitting royalty. This will satisfy Dhritarashtra and ensure that no one questions its construction.

“You must persuade the Pandavas to reside there with their mother, Kunti. The entire arrangement must remain a closely guarded secret. Since you are already acquainted with the Pandavas, they will have no reason to suspect you.”

Duryodhana then revealed the final and most horrifying part of the plan.

“Once you are certain that the Pandavas are sleeping peacefully and without the slightest suspicion in this palace built of lac, set fire to it from the entrance.

“Even if they awaken, they will be unable to escape the burning palace and will perish in the flames.

“The people, too, will believe that the palace caught fire accidentally and that the Pandavas were burned to death in the disaster. No one will suspect that their deaths were deliberately planned.”

Thus, under the guise of a royal invitation and a generous arrangement for their comfort, Duryodhana set in motion a treacherous plot to destroy the Pandavas. The journey to Varanavata, which appeared to be an innocent visit to a city celebrating a grand festival, was in truth the beginning of one of the most infamous conspiracies in the history of the Kuru dynasty.