Scene 1
Bheeshma and Vidura go to Duryodhanaa's chamber where he is discussing the work that the sculptor has to do immediately and urgently. Duryodhana is surprised to see the two. Bheeshma asks Duryodhana what the matter is, since all the important ministers seem to have gone on some official mission. Duryodhana feigns surprise and asks if he was joking since he ought to have known what was going on. Then he leaves abruptly with Dushasana. Bheeshma tells Vidura that they ought to inform Dhritarashtra and find out what was going on.Bhishma asks Dhritarashtra and Gandhari whether they knew about the various activities Duryodhana was pursueing. Dhritarashtra is totally unaware of Duryodhana's activities. Bhishma gently warns him to find out for his own good.
Scene 2
Upaya's family is anguished at Ekachakrapura. Bheema and Kunti are witnessing as the family members vie with one another to be sent as food for Bakasura. On being enquired by Kunti, the Brahmana tells the tale of how their king is helpless against the might of Bakasura. Bakasura has overpowered the king and has ordered him to send one person each day from each family, along with huge mounds of food in a bullock-laden cart. And it is the turn of the Brahmana's family and each of the members wants to protect the rest of the family.
Kunti volunteers to send Bheema, but the Brahmana's is unwilling, as he is supposed to take good care of the guest and would earn demerit if he doesn't follow the code of ethics towards atithi. Kunti counters saying they are fortunate in being able to return the favor for receiving the hospitality from them for so long.
Scene 3
At Vidarbha, Rukmini has come to the temple along with her companions. A discourse is going on where the bhagavathar is describing the awesome beauty of Krishna and Rukmini is mesmerized.
Rukmini's father notices his daughter Rukmini sitting alone and brooding. On enquiry, Rukmini tells him about her love for the Krishna, the king of Dwaraka. Just then Rukmi rushes in excitedly with the news of proposal from Jarasandha for the marriage of his adopted son Sisupala with Rukmini. He then notices that both Rukmini and his father are not happy. The king reveals that Rukmini wants to marry Krishna. Rukmini scornfully refers to Krishna as a coward who could not face Jarasandha in a war, but Rukmini declares she would marry Krishna and none else. Rukmi stomps out shouting that would never happen. The king expresses his helplessness against Rukmi's stubbornness and requests Rukmini to change her mind.
Scene 4
As usual, Drupad is sitting forlorn when his wife Prishata reminds him of Shikhandini, their first daughter. Drupada doesn't want to remember about her, but Prishata persists and says they ought to find out about the whereabouts of their daughter when they have a hand in the miseries she experienced.
Drupada's flashback: Drupada rushes to his wife's side when he hears about the safe delivery of a child, but is disappointed to know it is a girl. Prishata wants to know why he is so bent on having a son, since girls were not permitted in the battle field. Drupada reveals that he wanted a son who could kill Bheeshma. Vichitraveerya had invaded Panchala and stolen the cattle and for this reason, Drupada had imprisoned him. Bheeshma then attacked Panchala and released Vichitraveerya, and this had further humiliated Drupada. He had worshipped Lord Shiva to grant him a son and had been blessed accordingly. But now the Lord's words came untrue. Drupada cries piteously and Lord Shiva appears. He tells Drupada to bring up the daughter like a boy and name her Shikhandin, and in due course, the girl will turn a man and be able to fulfill his ambition.
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