Chapter 14 Lakshagriha and Plan to Kill Pandavas
Duryodhana’s envious feelings grew as he observed Bhima’s physical prowess and Arjuna’s agility. Karna and Sakuni took on the role of Duryodhana’s malevolent advisors when devising cunning plans.
Poor Dhritarashtra was undoubtedly a knowledgeable man who also loved his brother’s boys, but he lacked willpower and was overly devoted to his own children. The worst case scenario became the best option because of concern for his children, and he occasionally even deliberately took the incorrect way.
In several methods, Duryodhana tried to slay the Pandavas. The Pandavas only managed to flee with their lives because to Vidura’s covert assistance, which he provided because he wished to spare the family from a serious transgression.
The fact that the city’s inhabitants used to openly acclaim the Pandavas and proclaim that Yudhishthira alone was qualified to rule was one of their unforgivable sins in Duryodhana’s view.
They would congregate and quarrel: “Dhritarashtra was born blind, making him unfit to rule. It is improper for him to now control the kingdom. Bhishma cannot rule either because he is committed to the truth and to keeping his promise that he would not. So, only Yudhishthira should be given the throne. The Kuru race and the kingdom can only be justly ruled by him.” Thus, conversation was commonplace. To hear these words was poison to Duryodhana, who writhed and burned with resentment.
He travelled to Dhritarashtra and vehemently denounced the discourse in public: “Father, the people say inane rubbish. Even such venerable people as Bhishma and you are not respected by them. They contend that Yudhishthira ought to be anointed king right now. A catastrophe would result from this. Because of your blindness, you were ignored, and your brother took over as king. Where do we go if Yudhishthira is to succeed his father? What chance do our offspring have? Following Yudhishthira, his son, his son’s son, and finally his son will rule. We shall become food-dependent, impoverished relationships. Better than that would be to spend eternity in hell!”
Dhritarashtra pondered these statements and then said: “What you say, son, is accurate. Still, Yudhishthira won’t veer from the righteous road. He adores everyone and everything. He has in fact inherited all of his late father’s great qualities.
People will laud and support him, and all the ministers of state and army commanders, to whom Pandu had won them over with his noble character, would undoubtedly back him. The populace reveres the Pandavas as gods. We are powerless to confront them and hope to prevail.
If we commit a wrong, the populace will revolt and either murder us or drive us out. We’ll simply use shame to conceal ourselves.”
Response from Duryodhana “Your worries are unfounded. Bhishma would, at most, remain impartial, but Ashwatthama is loyal to me, which implies that we will also have the support of his father Drona and uncle Kripa. Vidura lacks the strength to publicly oppose us, if for no other reason. Send the Pandavas to Varanavata right now. I must be frank with you—my cup of pain is overflowing, and I am unable to take on any more. It stabs my heart, keeps me awake, and makes my life a living hell. We’ll try to make improvements to our party after sending the Pandavas to Varanavata.”
Later, it was persuaded that certain politicians should join Duryodhana’s party and counsel the king on the issue. Their leader was Kanika, a Sakuni minister. “The sons of Pandu are a threat to you and your family because of their kindness and influence, the speaker advised the monarch. The Pandavas are your brother’s offspring, but the risk increases with proximity to kin. They have a lot of power.”
The minister for Sakuni continued: “Do not take offence if I remark that a monarch should be as powerful in deed as in words because no one would believe in strength that is never demonstrated. The public should be informed of a good plan as soon as it is put into action. State affairs should be kept confidential. Evils must also be removed quickly since if a thorn is allowed to remain inside the body, it may lead to a festering wound. Even a weak enemy should not be ignored because if ignored, a single spark might become a forest fire. Strong opponents should be eliminated. It would be foolish to offer pity to a powerful opponent; instead, one should use cunning to eliminate them. O king, be on your care against Pandu’s sons. They have a lot of strength.”
Duryodhana informed Dhritarashtra of his achievement in gaining followers: “I have used presents of money and dignity to gain the respect of the king’s servants. I’ve persuaded his ministers to support our cause. We will win the support of the city and the entire kingdom if you can skillfully persuade the Pandavas to travel to Varanavata. They won’t be leaving a friend behind here. They won’t have the ability to hurt us once the kingdom is under our control, and it might even be conceivable to allow them to return.”
Dhritarashtra’s mind was rattled when others started saying things that he himself wanted to believe, and he eventually listened to his sons’ advice. Only the plot’s effect needed to be included.
While the Pandavas were listening, the ministers started praising Varanavata’s beauty and mentioned that a significant celebration in honour of Siva would be held there with much fanfare and opulence.
The unwary Pandavas were easily convinced, especially when Dhritarashtra urged them to attend the celebrations in extremely affectionate tones, not only because they were worthwhile to attend but also because the locals were anxious to greet them. After saying goodbye to Bhishma and other wise men, the Pandavas travelled to Varanavata. Duryodhana rejoiced. He planned Kunti and her sons’ murder at Varanavata with Sakuni and Karna. They called for a minister named Purochana and gave him cryptic instructions, which he swore to diligently follow out.
Purochana, in accordance with his orders, arrived at the location well in advance and had a beautiful palace constructed for their arrival before the Pandavas travelled to Varanavata. The palace was built using flammable materials including jute, lac, ghee, oil, and fat. Additionally combustible were the plastering materials used on the walls. He expertly placed flammable, dry objects around the structure while strategically placing attractive seating and bedsteads near other, more combustible areas.
Up until the palace was finished, the Pandavas had access to every comfort so they could live in the city without worry. The plan was to set fire to the wax home after the Pandavas had made themselves comfortable there while they slept at night.
The extravagant affection and concern shown to the Pandavas would dispel any doubt, and the fire would be seen as a tragic example of an unavoidable accident. Nobody would ever think to blame the Kauravas.
Keep Mahabharat Book at Home and Read Daily – DO NOT FALL TO FAKE PROPAGANDA and Allow Enemies to Weaken our Dharma and Bharat
This historical epic Mahabharat is known as fifth Veda. It is a common misconception spread by mlecchas; muslims and christian missionaries, and secular Hindus that reading Mahabharat or keeping it at home will likely lead to arguments and fighting. All of this misinformation was spread by illiterate mlecchas and anti-Hindus, and it is completely incorrect. It is done to mentally weaken Hindus so that they avoid reading Mahabharat. Because Mahabharat invokes bravery, pride and sense of confidence in Hindus.
Keep a copy of Mahabharat at home and read it online at the HariBhakt website. Mahabharat is rightly called the fifth Veda for Kaliyuga people because it is a tool and guidance to invoke confidence and bravery in Sanatan Dharmi Hindus.
You can read complete Mahabharat by following Chapter links given below. You can check Glossary of Mahabharat here.
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