8. Conspiracy hatched

In one evening, all princes returned to the palace except two senior Kaurava brothers. Duryodhan and Dushashan were seen in a desolate place under a banyan tree discussing something serious. It looked the matter was also secret one. They were hatching a plot to get rid of Bhim, if necessary, forever. They reckoned they would not be able to match up to the might of the middle Pandava in an open fight, even if all one hundred of them joined hands. As such they planned to host a feast and serve sweet poison to him. They knew Bhim had a soft corner for food and they wanted to silence him forever through his stomach. As they were discussing the finer points Jujutsu Raj, Dushaha, Dushal and Jalasandha – four other brothers – was seen heading towards the spot followed by a group of palace guards. Seeing Duryodhan so late in returning to palace, the anxious parents had sent the other princes to search him out. Duryodhan sent back the guards. Then he called his brothers in, narrated the plot, assigned specific responsibility to each one and cautioned them against disclosing it to others. By the time they set their foot on the path to the palace, evening was already subsumed by night. It was dark half of the lunar month. A badly truncated moon scarcely provided light. Few distant teeming stars hardly improved the matter. Walking more with the help of familiarity with the road than sight, they reached the palace. The princes tiptoed into their rooms to avoid giving any clue to their parents to the dangerous plan they had just hatched.   

7. Unhappy Kaurava brothers

Of all Kaurava royals, Duryodhan was the one most agitated – more so because these assaults were mostly one-sided. He had to see his brothers being beaten up but was not able to protect them. Another brother Dushashan shared his feelings. Dushashan was shrewd, cunning and cruel. He revelled in intrigues and conspiracies even as a child. He was daredevil type - many times committing acts of indiscretion.  But he loved his brothers, more particularly the eldest Duryodhan to whom he also showed profound loyalty. Duryodhan in turn had lots of appreciation for his brother’s advice and opinion. Two of them felt that ‘enough was enough’ and they must address the issue.

6. No bullying of my brothers, Bhim warns Duryodhan

The next day however brought in cloud and storm. As the five brothers were about to move out, Kunti asked Yudhisthir to take particular care of Sahadev. Yudhisthir, being sensible and mature, understood the mother’s concern well. In fact he was carefully monitoring relations between the cousins. But that day, despite his vigil and best efforts, a quarrel broke out between Bhim and many of the Kaurava brothers. It started with the teasing of Sahadev by his numerous Kaurava cousins prompting Bhim to come to his youngest brother’s rescue.  Soon he was surrounded by scores of Kaurava brothers. An enraged Bhim launched a fierce assault. His cousins did not expect such aggression, quickly fled and reported the tiff to Duryodhan who was some distance away. Duryodhan was greatly angered to hear the matter and arrived at the scene of the quarrel and shouted at Bhim:

‘How dare you lay hands on my brothers? You must remember you would be loitering in the forest but for us – we have given you shelter. You should behave that way, or else…’

The words were not finished when Bhim’s heavy hands fell on his shoulder pushing him hard. A scuffle ensued which almost turned bloody. Some of the scared princes went running to Bhisma and brought him to the scene.

The grandfather scolded both for the unbecoming conducts and said he would not like to see a repeat of it.

The matter was settled for the time being but the fire of revenge was lit in Duryodhan.

As days passed the quarrels became more frequent. Often these led to physical fights in which Bhim always won over the Kaurava brothers. Sometimes, he would catch two of his rival cousins by hair and hit one head against the other. While swimming in a lake, he would drown few of them forcibly and not allow them to resurface till they were fully exhausted. On a number of occasions the cousins were badly thrashed. Duryodhan would intervene at times but even he was beaten up.  These were not breaking out in open for fear of Bhisma but news regularly reached Gandhari, Dhritarashtra and Kunti. Dhritarashtra had earlier feared that the arrival of his nephews might have adverse impact on the bringing up of his sons. Now these reports were confirming his fears. At the same time, he could hardly do anything - these were children issues and the elders could not take sides. But anger kept building in his heart – particularly against Bhim. Both Gandhari and Kunti were more considerate and felt these would disappear on their own as the children grew up.

5. Five sons return home, console mother

These affectionate words reflecting both urgency and fatigue awoke Kunti from her reverie. She rose, opened the door to find her five sons standing right in front - eager to hug her and tell stories about how they spent the day. With their father no longer alive, the children had very strong bond with the mother. In later days of his life while wandering in the forest Pandu had a feeling that his immensely talented five sons were not getting the right environment to grow as true Khsatriya princes. At times he had expressed this concern to his wives Kunti and Madri. Before death suddenly and cruelly snatched him from this world, Pandu implored the queens several times to move to Hastinapuri with the children. Even if that meant absolute solitude for himself, the young princes could be brought up in the best of Kuru traditions. The bereavement of the husband was aggravated manifold by Madri’s giving up her life leaving her two sons Nakul and Sahadev to Kunti’s care. Before she could grieve enough, heavy responsibilities were thrust on her.

In spite of being a strong willed, intelligent and learned woman, Kunti was simply devastated by the rapid occurrence of these tragic events. Only her deeply spiritual life style saved her from sinking into deep depression. She decided to fight against odds and perils to restore the five children to their rightful place in Hastinapur.

She was a mother to all five brothers in equal measure – she loved them without any discrimination. However, the children felt she was more affectionate towards Sahadev, the youngest. At times they would ovingly tease her for being biased in favour of her youngest son. But was it a fact? Difficult to say because three sons of her own were so talented and good-natured that none could love them less. May be, special feeling for Sahadev could be because she had an extra responsibility towards Madri’s sons in her absence.

As Kunti sat, her five sons thronged her and narrated the day’s proceedings. She could make out that the children were happy and that Bhisma, the grandfather, was himself present to observe how they took the lessons and their special skills and abilities. Kunti was relieved. She was also relaxed that there was no quarrel or fight amongst the cousins. She stole a moment from the conversation, delved into own mind, prayed and thanked God.

4. Kunti in a reverie

The Kuntibhojas heaved a sigh of relief. Every one was in tenterhook all these days. The royal couple was gladder than all others and they grew more proud of the daughter. Gradually life returned to normalcy.

Since the saint left a childish curiosity kept tormenting Kunti to verify whether or not the mantra worked really. One morning while reclining in her bed she was looking at the sky through the huge windows of the room. At that time she chanced to see the magnificent Sun God ascending the sky. At that moment she suddenly remembered the mantra and felt an irresistible curiosity to test it.

The innocent princess chanted the mantra with a mix of disbelief and trepidation in heart. The power of mantra was however felt as soon as the chanting was complete. Its massive vibration filled her entire body sending her to a deep trance. In that she felt the presence of the immensely luminous Sun God with all his glory and magnificence. Kunti grew nervous and implored:

-‘Oh God, please forgive me! I had just tried to find out if the Mantra worked. I promise I shall never act such indiscreetly again in life.’

However, the words of the Saint could not fail. Kunti felt million of bright rays entered her body and she fell unconscious. By the time she woke up again, everything else was normal. But she carried a strange divine feeling in all her entity.

As days passed she started feeling the presence of another soul within. Fear and shame of becoming an unwed mother started engulfing her. Kunti stopped visiting her parents. Even when called, she avoided meeting them on some pretext or the other. None except her chief maid, an elderly lady, knew that she was carrying. As days progressed, Kunti got increasingly restless knowing not what to do. But the maid was an understanding motherly woman and she assured her that the child birth shall be kept a secret and they would float the new born in the nearby ‘Ashwa’ river in a secure casket so that some kind soul can pick it up and take home.

Kunti delivered a son in time. The newborn exuded aura like Sun, and in every measure looked like son of a God as if sent fresh from the heavens. The child was born with armour and earrings that declared to the world that growing up he would be invincible warrior. The more she saw him, Kunti was overpowered by tender motherly feelings. She was completely confused as to what she should do – on one hand was her divine child and on the other hand was the reputation of the Kuntibhojas. The maid who had more earthly wisdom hurried Kunti up lest any one else comes up and discovers the childbirth. Both of them went to the riverside. The maid had arranged a specially designed river-worthy box with its walls waxed for protection. Kunti decorated it with vermilion and tender grass to invoke divine blessings and dispel evils.  The newborn was placed on the bed inside the box, its door was shut and then it was placed on the swirling water of the river. While pushing the box to the mid-stream, Kunti sobbed inconsolably. As the box danced its way riding the strong current, Kunti prayed to the Sun God to protect their dear son from all perils and dangers. She kept looking at the river for a long time till the box reduced to a dot and thereafter completely went out of sight.

She held this as a top secret. None other than the maidservant knew about it. This grief was therefore very personal and visited her whenever alone. She hoped that God would hear her prayers, her son would reach safe hands and find his own place under the sun wherever he is. From her whole self she yearned for the day when she would meet her estranged son and hear the words ‘mother’ from him.

Suddenly, there was knocking on the door and she heard the words, ‘Mother! Mother! Open the door’.

3 Kunti's Reverie

With her sons away from home taking lessons from the masters, Kunti bathed, performed worship of her Ishto Devta and then had meals. Gandhari sent in message that she would visit her in the evening. As such she had no other work on hand. After a long time, she was in a secure physical surroundings unlike in the forest where threats could appear from anywhere anytime in unexpected ways.

Lying on bed, lots of thoughts kept crowding into the mind. Suddenly her childhood came alive before her eyes. The ebullient, lively, intelligent and beautiful daughter of the Vrishni King ‘Shur’ was the cynosure of the entire palace – her parents called her ‘Pritha’. Her sweet demeanour, melodious voice, intelligent words, pleased every one. Her parents could not spend moments without she being around. But destiny could not grant her so much of happiness.

One night when she was about to enter her parent’s room to say good-bye for that night, she stopped at the door overhearing an animated discussion that seemed to be concerning her. The queen was heard saying: -‘For God sake, how could you ever think of giving Pritha to your cousin in adoption? How could you be so heartless? Thought even for once, how hard shall it be on my little innocent child?’

‘Relax, Queen. My cousin Kuntibhoj has no child and he loves Pritha just as we do. He has been begging to me. And you know, he will bring Pritha up better than us. Kuntibhojas have so rich royal tradition. She will grow as a highly remarkable princess and make both Vrishnis and Kuntibhojas proud.’ Replied the King.

‘But I cannot live a day without her’.

‘Even I can’t. But daughters never remain permanently with parents. One day they leave for in-laws place. Queen, just remember the promise I made to Kuntibhoj that I will give my first child to him for adoption. How can I break that?’

At the end of a long discussion, the queen had to give in. Pritha did not enter the room. She made de-tour, reached her own room, bolted it, and jumped to the bed. Her heart was shattered and tears streamed down without relent. At the door her mother kept knocking, but she did not respond. Next morning, the little child woke up much matured. Last night was her first encounter with the impermanence of things and relationship in this mortal world. She brooded and brooded – finally decided not allow grief and emotion to over-power her intelligence and composure. She reckoned her father definitely loved her immensely but also tried to understand his compulsions.

Much of her sadness disappeared on the very day she stepped into the Kuntibhoja’s palace. Her new parents were craving for a child seemingly for ages. They outpoured world of love and affections on her. The footsteps of the princess now started reverberating in the Bhoja palace. Suddenly the place was lit up with hope and joy – the entire royalty, palace maids and servants seemed to smile after long time. Pritha could not anticipate she could give so much happiness to so many people. Soon she started forgetting her grief.

Nice time was back. Pritha was growing up in the shade of the love and affection of her new parents. All royal visitors including friends and relations of Kuntibhoj who had access to the palace were in all praise of the princess. What was particularly striking about Pritha was she combined in herself the best of both Vrishnis and the Kuntibhojas, two important royalties of Bharat. As time passed, Pritha came to be known as Kunti after the name of her new father.

And then that fateful day arrived. In the morning she heard Kuntibhoj talking in hushed but anxious tone to his wife:

‘Possibly this is the biggest challenge we have to meet. Maharishi Durvasha would stay with us for few days. You know his temperament. Even a slight omission or commission may bring us severe curse. Whoever looks after him must be very intelligent, pious and sincere. Do you have anyone in sight who can take this huge responsibility?’

‘I fully agree to what you say. And I find none other than our dear daughter who can do this.’- the queen said.

 ‘Are you serious? I agree she is full of many good qualities. But she is a tiny little child. Can she handle this enormous task?’

Kunti was unable to see her parents torn into anxieties. She assured them she would not give any opportunity to the saint to complain of any mistakes or faults. True to her words, Kunti served the fiery saint with extreme sincerity and devotion as long as he remained with the Kuntibhojas. Even Durvasha himself was surprised to see her sincerity, devotion, care and concern. Before parting he blessed her and said: -‘Mother Kunti, I am very pleased to see the way you took care of me. In fact I find no way to complain of anything. Kuntibhoj has been lucky to get a daughter like you. Now listen carefully:

 I grant you an important boon that may be help to you in life. I’m telling you a mantra. You can invoke any God from the high heavens by chanting it and get a son from him. Keep it a secret and never misuse it.’- the fiery saint left the palace after giving the young princess the mantra. The Kuntibhojas heaved a sigh of relief. Every one was in tenterhook all these days. The royal couple was gladder than all others and they grew more proud of the daughter. Gradually life returned to normalcy.

2 Co-existence begins

So astounding and shocking was the conduct of Duryodhan that none could speak for a while. Then a profound voice broke the silence. It was of Bhisma, the grand father. An admonishment, affectionate but firm, was distinctly heard:

‘Son, isn’t what you said unbecoming of a prince? Is that what your parents and us tried to teach you all these years? Try to be worthy of the glorious Kuru lineage and I’m sure you would know how to welcome your brothers.’
.
These words seemed to have some sobering effects. In the brief interlude that followed Bhisma’s utterances, Gandhari extended both her arms to reach for Duryodhan and Yudhisthir. Two cousins came closer and Duryodhan seemed to be preparing for co-existence in days ahead.

Dhritarashtra did not allow the moments of temporary truce go waste. He said:

‘Gandhari, Kunti and children must be very tired. Wouldn’t you take them to their mansion? It’s time they take food and relax for some time.’

Gandhari rose – a couple of palace maids came running. Taking leave of Bhisma and Dhritarashtra, Kunti followed her sister in law along with the children. They were ushered in to a mansion annexed to the main palace. The rooms were big, neat and clean – the beds were nicely done. After the family was settled, Gandhari left for the royal kitchen. Soon the food arrived. The children enjoyed the food and then jumped to their beds. They were exhausted and slept like dead. But their mother was not that fortunate. Even before they left Kurujangal for Hastinapur, she was a worried person. The initial encounter between the cousins made her more worried. She repeatedly prayed to the almighty for the welfare of both families. After some time, the tire and fatigue overtook and she too fell asleep.

On the following day, half a dozen sentries came to take the five princes to the study room. The road to it went through huge courtyards. After a mile or so, there were imperial flower gardens on both sides. At the end of the road stood a big building about six feet above the ground. There were two flights of stairs on the north and western sides converging on the marble floor of the portico. On reaching the stairs, the Pandava brothers could hear humming of children voices. On reaching the portico, the adjacent room came within their sight. As they stood at the main door waiting for permission to enter, they found it was a huge room, with lots of books stacked in shelves. One hundred and one Kaurava princes sat there facing a teacher. A highly learned scholar was giving them lessons on Vedic scriptures. As Yudhisthir and his brothers were ushered in, they saw grandfather Bhisma seated in another corner. They saluted both the teacher and the grandfather and received their blessings Then Bhisma introduced the cousins to each other and left the place telling that he would meet them again at the ‘arms lesson’ class.

As the teacher asked his pupils to recite from the scriptures one by one, the princes complied with varying degrees of proficiencies. As the Pandava brothers were new entrants, they were given the option to begin their presentations from the next day. But Yudhisthir sought the teacher’s permission to recite from the day’s lesson. Pleasantly surprised, he acquiesced. What followed pleased him immensely. The rendition – words, accent, pronunciation- was an embodiment of perfection. As soon as the class ended, there were curiosity and many of the Kaurava princes gathered around Yudhisthir with mixed feelings of appreciation and jealousy.

Before assembling for the arms class, the students had free time and they talked. Yudhisthir was the centre of attraction. Duryodhan however was not happy to notice the bonhomie. Dushashan too was not happy and gave his elder brother company. Both had some strange and hostile feelings towards their cousins and considered them as unwelcome addition to the palace.

The grandfather himself was present in the arms class. Kripacharya, the famous Guru of the land, was in the overall charge of the class. The princes were taught archery, handling of various other arms like narach, kshrupra, mace, spear, etc and also riding on horses and elephants. Bhisma keenly observed the orientations of the Pandava brothers in handling of arms. He was happy that despite not having any formal training till then, each of them showed promises. In particular, he was greatly impressed by Arjun and Bhim and decided to hold discussions with Kripacharya about prince-specific training schedules.