In the previous episode, we had witnessed the conclusion of the “Keechaka-Vadha Parva” wherein, Bheemasena successfully neutralized Keecahaka and the Upa-Keechakas. With this, there was both joy and panic in the Viraata Desha, which prompted the queen Sudehsna Devi to issue a “Diktat” to Sairandhri (Draupati) to leave the country immediately. However, Draupati requests a month’s time to leave Viraata Desha and without much of an option, the queen accepts Draupati’s proposal. With this, we come to the end of this Parva and now we move into the crucial “Go-Harana Parva”, wherein Duryodhana is planning a plot to find out the whereabouts of the Paandava brothers through hook or crook. This is because, Duryodhana wants to impose the rule that if Yudishtra’s whereabouts are found out during the one-year-”Agnyaata-Vaasam”, they’ve to once again go for the “Vana-Vaasam” for the next twelve years and followed by one more year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. So if Duryodhana is able to succeed now, he can once again rule the Hastinapura undivided kingdom for the next thirteen years as well. This would mark the end of Yudishtra’s ambitions to become a king of Indraprastha once again.
Thinking thus, Duryodhana quickly convenes a meeting with his think-tank composed of Sahuni, Ducchaasana, Karna, and the others! Meanwhile, Duryodhana had sent several spies to monitor the Paandavas’ movements. However, ever since the Paandavas began their “Agnyaata-Vaasam”, none of Duryodhana’s spies are able to trace their whereabouts for some strange reason. This is what Bhagawan’s divine “Anugraha” can do. As we’ve witnessed earlier, Yudishtra and Co. have the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Krishna, Goddess Kaali, and the Devas (Celestial Beings). Hence, wherever they go, Yudishtra and Co. would be marred of their reality, in such a way that none including the best of the spies in this world can trace them out! Thus, Duryodhana’s spies come back to Hastinapura empty-handed everytime for the first ten months or so. However, now that Keechaka has been killed, this news spread through one of the spies to Duryodhana. As Duryodhana hears this, he discusses with his think-tank thus, “Oh people! It is extremely surprising that we’re unable to trace the whereabouts of Yudishtra and Co. however, I’m hearing that Keechaka is no more! I know the strength of Keechaka and what kind of havoc he can create. I’ve seen his track records in the past too. He is one of the most invincible fellows I’ve ever come across. If Keechaka should have been killed by someone, then who is that someone? As far as I know, only my Guru Balarama or Saatyaki or Bheemasena can defeat Keechaka and kill him. I know where Balarama and Saatyaki are and I’m in constant touch with both of them. So, I’m sure that they haven’t killed Keechaka. Hence, the only possibility now is that Bheemasena should have killed Keechaka. I think so because, Bheemasena is the only other person who can neutralize such a heavy-weight person! Moreover, the way in which Keechaka has been killed suggests that only Bheemasena could have committed such a ghastly act using raw muscle power! I’ve earlier seen Bheemasena killing many people in this way. By looking at the way Keechaka was killed, I’m pretty sure that Bheemasena is the one who would have committed the act. Hence, the Paandava brothers might be seeking refuge at Viraata Desha only, or maybe in some nearby territories!”
As Duryodhana justifies his reasoning thus, he continues further: “Oh people! Now here is where we’ve to act a bit smart – From all evidence that we have till now, it is quite possible that Yudishtra and Co. are at Viraata Desha. Now, we’ve to take a decision and plan the next move. Should we send some more spies to the Viraata Desha and find out the real story from the ground? Or, should we openly announce that we’ve found out the whereabouts of the Paandavas with all that we know till now? What is your opinion on this? How do we proceed?”
As Duryodhana asks thus, the think-tank listens carefully and starts contemplating. Guru Dhronachaarya who is present amongst the thinking group is now consulting with the king of Thrigartha Desha, Sudhanva, who had incidentally come to visit Duryodhana and Co. Now, this Thrigartha Desha is one of the neighbouring territories of Viraata Desha, and Duryodhana sees this as a chance to grab some vital information from King Sudhanva. So what is King Sudhanva going to tell the gathering? How is the plan going to shape? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 