On the eighth day of the month of Phalgun under the ascendancy of the star Rohini, the Pandavas took leave by touching the feet of their elders and bidding farewell to all the citizens of Hastinapur. Some people followed their chariots and many complained that this departure was due to the wicked machinations of Duryodhan. They also blamed Dhritarashtra and Bhishma for this. But Yudhishthir asked them to return saying - 'The king is like our father and should always be respected. His wishes are commands for us. Dear friends, give us your blessings and return to your homes.”
After the citizen departed, the wise Vidur who was still accompanying the Pandavas also sought leave from them. But before leaving he spoke to Yudhisthir in Mlechha (foreign) language which was known only to them and hence others could not understand.
Vidur said – “O, Yudhisthir, one who knows about the schemes that the political foes make should avoid all dangers.
One who knows that there are sharp weapons capable of cutting the body though not made of steel, and also knows the means of warding them off, can never be injured by enemy.
He continues to live who protects himself by knowing that neither the consumer of straw and wood nor the drier of the dew burns the inmates of a hole in the deep woods. The blind man can’t see his way and has no knowledge of direction.
He that has no firmness never acquires prosperity. Remembering this, be upon your guard. The man can escape from fire by making his abode like that of a jackal. By wandering a man may acquire the knowledge of ways, and by the stars he can ascertain the direction, and he that keeps his five (senses) under control can never be oppressed by his enemies.”
Hearing him Yudhisthir just replied, in the same language – “Uncle, I have understood you. “
When all were gone Kunti asked Yudhishthir about the discussion both had in a strange language in hushed tones. Yudhisthir replied to his mother that some dangerous plans to kill them by fire was afoot.
When they reached the town of Varnavat, the citizens were filled with joy at their arrival and came out in large numbers to greet them. After meeting them, the Pandavas were taken by Purochan, who was waiting there, to a palace that had been built for them. Purochan attended to all their needs from food, drink, beds and carpets, all of first-class quality. The continued to live there with full finery. After staying there for ten nights, Purochan spoke to them about the mansion he had built, praising it highly. At his instance they went there.
Yudhishthira, while inspecting the house, could sense that it was actually built of inflammable materials. Smelling the scent of fat mixed with clarified butter and preparations of lac, he confided this to his brothers. They realised that the wicked Purochan acting under the instruction of Duryodhan was staying with them with the object of burning them to death. Yudhisthir remembered how the intelligent Vidur had forewarned him of such danger.
Bhim wanted to return back to the previous dwelling but Yudhisthir planned that they should rather continue to live at the new place without indicating their suspicion to Purochan but with caution and seeking to escape from there unscathed. He was worried that if Purochan came to know of their suspicion then he could hasten their death by some other means. And if they fled from the place for the fear of being burnt then Duryodhan could engage spies to kill them.
#TALESFROMMAHABHARAT
(coming up next – the escape from the burning house)
