The Mahabharata/Book 1: Adi Parva/Section 148

Section CXLVIII. ( Jatu-griha Parva Continued. )

Vaisampayana said, "Then all the citizens (of Varanavata), hearing that the sons of Pandu had come, and filled with joy at the tidings, with great activity came out of Varanavata, on conveyances of various kinds by thousands, and taking with them every auspicious article, as directed by the Shastras, to receive those foremost of men. And the people of Varanavata having approached the sons of Kunti blessed them by uttering the word Jaya and stood surrounding them. That tiger among men—the virtuous Yudhish-thira—thus surrounded by them looked resplendent like him having the thunder-bolt in his hands (Indra) in the midst of the celestials. And those sinless ones welcomed by the citizens and welcoming the citizens in return then entered the populous town of Varanavata decked with every ornament. And entering the town, those heroes first went, O monarch, to the abodes of Brahmanas engaged in their proper duties. Those foremost of men then went to the abodes of the Sutas and of the Vaisyas and even of the Sudras. And, O thou bull of the Bharata race, thus adored by the citizens, the Pandavas at last went, with Purochana walking before them, to the palace that had been built for them. And Purochana then began to place before them food and drink and beds and carpets, all of the first and most handsome kind. And the Pandavas, dressed in costly attire, continued to live there, adored by Purochana and the people having their homes in Varanavata.

"After the Pandavas had thus lived for ten nights, Purochana spoke to them of the mansion (he had built) called 'The blessed home,' but in reality the cursed house. Then those tigers among men attired in costly dress, entered that mansion at Purochana's word, like Guhyakas entering the palace (of Shiva) on the Kylasa mount. The foremost of all virtuous men—Yudhish-thira—inspecting the house said unto Bhima that it was really built of inflammable materials. And scenting the smell of fat mixed with clarified butter and preparations of lac, he said unto Bhima, 'O thou oppressor of all enemies, this house is truly built of inflammable materials! Indeed, it is apparent that such is the case! The enemy, it is evident, by the aid of trusted artists well-skilled in the construction of houses have finely built this mansion, after procuring hemp, resin, health, straw, and bamboos all soaked in clarified butter. This wicked wretch, Purochana, acting under the instructions of Duryo-dhana, stayeth here with the object of burning me to death when he seeth me trustful. But, O son of Pritha, Vidura of great intelligence knew this danger and, therefore, hath apprised me of it beforehand. Knowing it all, that youngest uncle of ours, ever wishing our good, from affection hath told us that this house so full of danger hath been constructed by the wretches under Duryo-dhana acting in secrecy.'

"Hearing this, Bhima replied, 'If, sir, you know this house to be so inflammable, it would then be well for us to return thither where we had taken up our quarters first.' Yudhish-thira replied, 'It seemeth to me that we should rather continue to live here in seeming unsuspiciousness but all the while with caution and our senses wide awake, and seeking for some certain means of escape. If Purochana findeth from our countenances that we have fathomed his designs, acting with haste he may suddenly burn us to death. Indeed, Purochana careth little for obloquy or sin. The wretch stayeth here, acting under the instructions of Duryo-dhana. If we are burnt to death, will our grandfather Bhisma be angry? Why will he, by showing his wrath, make the Kauravas angry with him? Or, it may be that our grandfather Bhisma and the other bulls of the Kuru race, regarding indignation at such a sinful act to be virtuous, may become indignant. If, however, from fear of being burnt we fly hence, Duryo-dhana, ambitious of sovereignty, will certainly compass our deaths by means of spies. While we have no rank and power, Duryodhana hath both: while we have no friends and allies Duryo-dhana hath both: while we are without wealth, Duryodhana commandeth a full treasury. May he not, therefore, certainly destroy us by adopting adequate means? Let us, therefore, deceiving this wretch (Purochana) and that other wretch Duryo-dhana, pass our days, disguising ourselves at times. Let us also lead a hunting life, wandering over the earth. We shall then, if we have to escape our enemies, be familiar with all paths. We shall also, this very day, cause a sub-terranean passage to be dug in our chamber in great secrecy. If we act in this way, concealing what we do from all, fire shall never be able to consume us. We shall live here actively doing everything for our safety but with such secrecy that neither Purochana nor any of the citizens of Varanavata may know anything we do.'"

Thus ends the hundred and forty-eighth Section in the Jatu-griha of the Adi Parva.