Duryodhana’s Envy
Jatugriha Parva - Chapter 1
Introduction
Jatugriha Parva tells the story of the laq house and the Pandavas flight in anonymity before re-emerging at Draupadi’s svayamvara several years hence. Chronologically, Jatugriha Parva is right after Sambhava Parva and before Baka and Hidimba.
As It Rhymes
1.
Vaishampayana said,
Kings Duryodhana and Subala were thieves as thick.
Plus Duhshasana and Karna the four formed a core of brick.
2.
They hatched an evil conspiracy.
To burn Kunti with her sons.
3.
Vidura read intent to harm.
Vidura raised the alarm.
4.
Vidura was a Pandava stan.
Vidura tipped the Pandavas off to the Kurus murderous plan.
5-7.
Vidura procured a boat for the Pandavas to escape.
Vidura said to Kunti,
‘This one was born destined to destroy the family dynasty.
Dhritarashtra abandons dharma for artha is a travesty.
I’ve hidden a boat for you in the river canopy.’
8.
Kunti got into the boat with her sons.
The Pandavas floated the Ganges on the run.
9.
Thanks to Vidura the Pandavas escaped with their lives.
The Pandavas took all the wealth they had and entered the forest to survive.
10.
That very night the Pandavas left, a fisherwoman and her five sons entered the abandoned home and slept.
The fire burned all six to crisp.
11.
The sinful conspirator Purochana also fried.
So Dhritarashtra’s kin thought the Pandavas died.
12.
No one suspected the Pandavas were alive.
Vidura’s advice saved Kaunteya hides.
13.
The people of Varanavata grieved.
The people of Varanavata could not believe.
14-15.
The people said to the king,
‘The sun witnesses a murderous crime.
The Pandavas burned before their time.
Now you’ve obtained the kingdom.
What have the Kauravas become?’
16.
Kshatta and Bhishma chanted the Pandavas’ last rites.
The kurus gathered to grieve in delight.
17.
Janamejaya said,
‘How was the fire house built and occupied?
How did the Pandavas survive without being spied?’
18.
Vaishampayana said,
‘I will tell you all about the pride, my son.
Come sit by my side.’
…
Thus begins the Pandavas story…