Vidura’s Secret Warning and the Pandavas’ Arrival at Varanavata (Mahabharata Series 53)

“The house at Varanavata has been constructed with materials such as lac and other substances that can easily be consumed by fire. One who knows the appropriate means of protection against such a danger cannot easily be destroyed by his enemies.”

Through his cryptic words, Vidura warned Yudhishthira that the house at Varanavata had been constructed using highly inflammable materials such as dry grass, wood dust, lac, and similar substances. He subtly advised him to remain extremely vigilant while living there and, should a fire break out, to escape through an underground passage and save themselves.

Vidura illustrated his warning through the analogy of a serpent sheltered safely within its burrow even when a raging fire consumes the entire forest.

He further indicated that the very non-metallic weapons—fire and poison—that enemies might employ against them could also be used to defeat those enemies. In other words, Vidura subtly suggested that the Pandavas themselves might one day set fire to the House of Lac.

He also advised Yudhishthira that they should escape through an underground tunnel with openings at both ends, travel secretly from place to place, and eventually find a route to another land. The stars, he indicated, would help them determine the proper direction during their journey.

Significantly, Vidura advised Yudhishthira to leave for another country; he did not tell him to return to Hastinapura. He further instructed him to proceed without falling prey to desire or anger and to maintain complete control over the five senses.

Having understood Vidura’s coded counsel, Yudhishthira replied: “I have understood everything that you have said.” Greatly pleased by this response, Vidura circumambulated the Pandavas’ chariot, offered them his heartfelt blessings, and returned to Hastinapura.

Kunti, who was curious to know the meaning of the mysterious conversation between Vidura and Yudhishthira, asked her eldest son about it. Yudhishthira then briefly explained the essence of Vidura’s warning to her.

The Pandavas arrived at Varanavata on the eighth day of the month of Phalguna, under the Rohini constellation. The citizens of the city gave the royal princes a magnificent welcome. There was no limit to the joy of the people of Varanavata. The news that the mighty and virtuous Pandavas had come to their city filled them with delight. Not only the citizens of Varanavata but also people from the surrounding villages arrived in large groups, carrying auspicious articles and welcoming the Pandavas amidst resounding cries of victory.

Amidst the jubilant cheers of the vast crowd, Yudhishthira—radiant like Indra himself—entered the beautifully decorated city along with his family and attendants. He first visited the homes of learned and devout Brahmanas engaged in sacred observances, inquired about their welfare, and received their blessings. He then acquainted himself with the administrative officers of the city. At the request of the leaders of the people, Yudhishthira visited the homes of people belonging to various levels of the administration and inquired about their welfare and prosperity.

Thereafter, accompanied by Purochana, the Kuru minister who had been following them, the Pandavas proceeded to the residence prepared for their stay. Purochana had arranged every possible comfort in that palace—seats, food, delicacies, things to eat and drink, luxurious beds, and all other objects of enjoyment and convenience. Thus, the Pandavas’ stay in Varanavata appeared to begin in comfort and happiness.

Ten nights passed. Then Purochana, who had remained with the Pandavas, approached Yudhishthira and said: “Yudhishthira! A new and exceedingly beautiful palace named Shivagriha has been prepared for you. You must now enter it.” Although the house was destined to become a place of great misfortune, Purochana had given it the name Shivagriha—“the Auspicious House.”

Just as the Guhyakas enter the sacred abode of Shiva upon Mount Kailasa, the Pandavas entered this newly constructed palace. The palace was exceedingly beautiful. Yet Yudhishthira did not allow its splendour to deceive him.He began examining the residence with the keen and cautious eyes of one who had already understood Vidura’s secret warning.Soon, he noticed a peculiar smell lingering throughout the place and in that very instant, Yudhishthira understood the cause of that unmistakable scent.