The enmity between the Pandavas and the Kauravas had been simmering ever since their childhood. Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, grew increasingly envious of the Pandavas’ popularity and prowess. When Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, was declared the crown prince of Hastinapura, Duryodhana’s jealousy reached its peak. Seeking to eliminate his rivals once and for all, Duryodhana conspired with his cunning uncle Shakuni to devise a sinister plan to kill the Pandavas.
To enact their plan, Duryodhana first approached his blind father, King Dhritarashtra, with a seemingly innocuous suggestion. He proposed sending the Pandavas to Varanavata under the pretext of attending a grand festival in honor of Lord Shiva. The true intent, however, was far more nefarious: to trap and kill the Pandavas in a deadly fire. Unaware of the real motives, Dhritarashtra reluctantly agreed to the plan.
The Construction
Following Duryodhana’s instructions, Purochana, a trusted ally of Duryodhana, traveled to Varanavata ahead of the Pandavas to prepare for their arrival. He constructed a grand palace for them, made primarily of lac (lacquer), a highly flammable material. The palace, though beautiful and lavish, was designed as a trap for the Pandavas.
Purochana meticulously ensured that the entire structure, including the walls, pillars, and roof, was coated with lac. Hidden beneath the grandeur was a deadly intention: to set the palace ablaze, trapping the Pandavas inside and ensuring their demise. “This palace is so magnificent that the Pandavas will never suspect its true purpose,” Purochana thought to himself.
Vidura’s Warning
Oblivious to the danger that awaited them, the Pandavas, accompanied by their mother Kunti, set out for Varanavata. They were warmly welcomed by the townspeople and were impressed by the beauty and opulence of the new palace. As they settled into their new residence, they remained unaware of the deadly plot woven around them.
However, Vidura, the wise and loyal uncle of the Pandavas, had an inkling of Duryodhana’s sinister intentions. Knowing that direct intervention might raise suspicion, he decided to communicate with Yudhishthira in a coded language. He sent a miner to Varanavata with a cryptic message for the Pandavas. During a seemingly casual conversation, Vidura’s agent conveyed the warning to Yudhishthira: “A weapon not made of metal can protect you from danger.”
Yudhishthira, wise beyond his years, understood the hidden message. He realized that their lives were in grave danger and that the palace was designed to kill them. “We must find a way to escape this treacherous trap,” he told his brothers.
The Night of the Escape
To devise a plan for their escape, the Pandavas secretly dug a tunnel beneath the palace with the help of the miner sent by Vidura. They worked tirelessly, ensuring that their activities remained hidden from Purochana and the spies stationed around the palace.
One fateful night, Kunti hosted a grand feast to honor their stay in Varanavata. They invited Purochana and ensured that he was well-fed and intoxicated. Late in the night, when everyone was asleep, the Pandavas set the palace on fire. The highly flammable lac quickly caught fire, and the entire palace was engulfed in flames.
The Pandavas, along with Kunti, escaped through the tunnel they had dug, emerging safely outside the palace. They watched from a distance as the palace burned to the ground, believing that their enemies would think they had perished in the fire.
The Aftermath
News of the fire at Varanavata and the supposed death of the Pandavas spread swiftly to Hastinapura. The city plunged into mourning, with the citizens grieving the loss of their beloved princes. Duryodhana and his allies, confident that their plan had succeeded, celebrated their apparent victory. They believed that their rivals had been eliminated, clearing the path for Duryodhana’s unchallenged rise to power.
The Pandavas decided to remain hidden, aware that any immediate return to Hastinapura would be fraught with danger. They needed time to gather their strength and plan their next move. “We must bide our time and grow stronger,” Yudhishthira reminded his brothers. Disguised and living incognito in the forest, they faced many challenges, but remained resilient and determined.
The wise Vidura, who had been suspicious of the plot all along, remained calm. He knew the Pandavas had escaped the deadly trap and discreetly ensured that their whereabouts were kept secret from Duryodhana and the Kauravas. “The time will come for you to reclaim your rightful place,” Vidura reminded the Pandavas, as he continued to seek a just solution to the situation.
Conclusion
The story of the House of Lac is a vivid illustration of the treachery and cunning that characterized the rivalry between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Despite the deadly conspiracy, the Pandavas’ wisdom, courage, and the timely intervention of Vidura ensured their survival. This event marked the first of many conflicts between the cousins, ultimately culminating in the epic war at Kurukshetra.