A story · Mahabharata — Stories

The House of Lac

Mahabharata, Adi Parva 148

The story · English

The citizens of Varanavata were filled with joy when they heard the sons of Pandu had arrived. Thousands of people came out of the city in various vehicles, carrying auspicious articles as prescribed by the Sastras to welcome the newcomers. They surrounded the sons of Kunti, offering blessings and chanting Jaya. Yudhishthira stood among them, resplendent and virtuous, appearing like Indra among the celestials. After exchanging welcomes with the citizens, the Pandavas entered the populous town. They first visited the homes of the Brahmanas who were engaged in their duties, then the officials of the town, and finally the Sutas, Vaisyas, and Sudras. Eventually, led by Purochana, the brothers went to the palace that had been specially built for their stay.

Purochana provided the Pandavas with the finest food, drink, beds, and carpets. For ten nights, the brothers lived there in costly robes, adored by Purochana and the local people. After this time, Purochana spoke to them of a new mansion he had built, calling it The Blessed Home, though in reality it was the cursed house. At his urging, the Pandavas entered the building. However, upon inspecting the house, Yudhishthira noticed something wrong. He smelled the scent of fat mixed with clarified butter and lac. He turned to Bhima and told him that the house was built of inflammable materials. He noted that the enemy had used skilled artists to construct the mansion using hemp, resin, heath, straw, and bamboo, all soaked in clarified butter.

Yudhishthira explained that Purochana was acting under the instructions of Duryodhana, waiting for the moment the Pandavas felt secure so he could burn them to death. He reminded Bhima that their uncle Vidura, a man of great intelligence, had warned them of this specific danger beforehand. Hearing this, Bhima suggested that they should simply return to the quarters where they had first stayed. Yudhishthira disagreed, arguing that they must continue to live there while appearing unsuspecting. He feared that if Purochana realized they had uncovered the plot, he would act with haste and burn the house down immediately, as the wretch cared nothing for sin or public disgrace.

Yudhishthira wondered whether, if they were burnt to death, grandfather Bhishma would be angry, or would avoid showing wrath to prevent conflict with the Kauravas; or perhaps Bhishma and the other Kuru elder, deeming indignation at such a sin righteous, might become wrathful. He concluded that fleeing out of fear would be useless, as Duryodhana possessed the wealth, power, and spies necessary to hunt them down. Since they lacked friends and allies, their best strategy was to deceive both Purochana and Duryodhana. Yudhishthira decided they would disguise themselves at times and lead a hunting life, wandering the earth to familiarize themselves with all the paths. Most importantly, he decided they must secretly dig a subterranean passage in their chamber to ensure fire could never consume them.

During this time, a man well-skilled in mining approached the Pandavas in secret. He identified himself as a friend of Vidura and stated that he had been sent to serve them. To prove his identity and credentials, the miner revealed that Purochana planned to set fire to the door of the house on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight. He further mentioned that the son of Dhritarashtra intended to burn the Pandavas and their mother to death. He also referenced a conversation Yudhishthira had shared with Vidura in the Mlechchha tongue. Yudhishthira accepted him as a trusted friend, noting that there is nothing the learned Vidura does not know.

Yudhishthira asked the miner to protect them, acknowledging that the wicked Duryodhana pursued them without intermission. He explained that the mansion was an unholy contrivance built abutting the high ramparts of the arsenal without any outlet. While Vidura had enlightened them of the danger, the threat was now at their door. He urged the miner to save them without alerting Purochana. The miner agreed and began the careful work of excavation. He created a large subterranean passage with an opening in the center of the house, which was kept level with the floor and concealed under planks to hide it from Purochana's constant watch.

The Pandavas lived very guardedly in the mansion. They slept in their chambers with their arms ready for use, and during the day, they went hunting from forest to forest. They maintained a show of trustfulness and contentment to deceive Purochana, though in reality, they remained distrustful and wary. The citizens of Varanavata were entirely unaware of the secret plans the brothers were implementing for their survival. Aside from the Pandavas themselves, no one knew of the hidden tunnel except for the good miner who had been sent by Vidura. Thus, they remained in the house, actively working for their safety while maintaining a mask of ignorance.

कथा · हिन्दी

In this book

• Before: Drupada Captured · Mahabharata, Adi Parva 140
• Next: Bhima and Hidimva · Mahabharata, Adi Parva 157
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