Bakasura's Atrocities at Ekachakrapura : Episode 43

Recap of the Previous Episode : Bhishma learns the Pandavas are alive and finds relief. Hidimbi gives birth to Ghatotkacha and, with his rapid growth, bids farewell as the Pandavas prepare to journey to Ekachakrapura. In Panchala, Drupada returns reassured yet uneasy about destiny. Krishna avoids confrontation with Jarasandha and commissions the construction of Dwaraka. The Pandavas head toward Ekachakrapura, where a new phase of their exile will unfold.

Terror in Ekachakrapura

At Ekachakrapura, guards drag away a young boy as his mother cries helplessly, begging the gods to end the torment inflicted by the demon Bakasura.

Nearby, the Brahmin Upaya plays with his son. Some guards inform him that his household will be the next to offer food—and a life—to Bakasura. A heavy silence falls upon his home.

Krishna is Crowned at Dwaraka

Far away in Dwaraka, Vishwakarma completes a magnificent city in the middle of the sea, fortified with towering stone walls. A grand assembly gathers as Balarama announces that Krishna will be crowned king.

Krishna bows before Vasudeva and Devaki, then suddenly notices Nanda and Yashoda in the audience. He steps down, embraces them, brings them forward, and insists that both mothers crown him. Yashoda asks a boon: that she may be his mother in his next birth as well. Krishna promises that she will be his mother when he incarnates in the hills of Tirumala.

Kunti Meets the Grieving Hosts

In Ekachakrapura, Upaya tells his wife about their turn next week to face Bakasura. She breaks down, but when Kunti and the Pandavas approach, he hides his despair and welcomes them warmly, offering them food and shelter.

Kunti insists that they have taken to eating only by alms, but Upaya asks them to rest first and begin begging the next day. Despite her sorrow, Upaya’s wife prepares a generous meal and serves it graciously. The Pandavas are moved and silently vow to repay their kindness when fate demands it.

Shakuni Suspects the Truth

At Hastinapura, Shakuni dines with Duryodhana and his brothers, celebrating the supposed death of the Pandavas. A minister rushes in announcing the death of Hidimba.

Shakuni immediately senses danger. He explains that Hidimba lived near Varanavata and could only be slain by a handful of warriors—among them Keechaka, Jarasandha, Bakasura, and Bhima.

Though unsure, he concludes that Bhima may still be alive. Duryodhana argues that Krishna himself performed the final rites. Shakuni recalls Krishna’s exact words—“Kunti devi pati Pandu”—and realizes that Krishna never confirmed the death of the Pandavas.