Yudhishtra’s Coronation and the Birth of Indraprastha : Episode 76

Recap of Previous Episode :

Dhritarashtra resolves to crown Yudhishtra despite Duryodhana’s objections, and preparations begin under Vyasa’s guidance. As the Pandavas prepare to leave for Khandavaprastha, they must part from Bhishma, Vidura, and Drona — each bound to Hastinapura by vows, duty, or gratitude. Subhadra grapples with troubling predictions, while Krishna quietly assures her that destiny is already at work.

Krishna Receives News from Hastinapura

Balarama reminds Krishna of his long-pending duty — to travel to Hastinapura and seek Duryodhana’s alliance for Subhadra. Krishna continues postponing the task, but a messenger arrives from Kunti with urgent news: Yudhishtra’s coronation has been fixed, after which the Pandavas will move to Khandavaprastha.

Balarama is troubled. Division of Hastinapura is nothing to celebrate, and this is hardly the time to discuss marriage alliances. He decides not to attend the coronation. But Krishna remembers the promise he made to Draupadi — he will come whenever she or her family faces difficulty. And so, he chooses to go.

Drupada’s Secret Joy

Far away in Panchala, King Drupada hears of Yudhishtra’s coronation. He is thrilled that his sons-in-law will soon be far away from Bhishma and Drona — the very men he wishes to destroy. Their departure brings him a step closer to his long-awaited revenge.

Vidura Decides to Leave — and Is Stopped

Vidura informs Dhritarashtra that he has resolved to leave Hastinapura and live with dignity in Khandavaprastha. When pressed for a reason, Vidura reveals that Duryodhana and Shakuni have asked him to go.

Dhritarashtra is shocked. He and Gandhari plead with Vidura to stay, reminding him of the king’s helplessness and the guidance he depends on. Dhritarashtra makes Vidura promise never to leave him, no matter the provocation. Vidura agrees.

Duryodhana Rejects Gandhari’s Suggestion

Duryodhana remains furious about the coronation. Trying to soothe her son, Gandhari proposes a simultaneous coronation for him — as King of Hastinapura.

The suggestion enrages him. Duryodhana insists he does not crave the throne; he only wants the kingdom to remain whole without giving any share to Yudhishtra. He vows never to take the title of king while his father is alive.

Blessings from the Ancestors

Before the coronation, Vyasa, Kunti, and the Pandavas gather before Pandu’s portrait. Kunti requests Vyasa to invoke the blessings of Satyavati, Ambika, and Ambalika — now living their final years in the forest. Vyasa replies that heartfelt remembrance is itself a powerful invocation.

In the forest, the three elderly women walk slowly, withdrawn from the world, unaware of the events unfolding in their lineage.

Yudhishtra Is Crowned King

Sage Vyasa performs the coronation and blesses Yudhishtra, declaring that he will one day rule the entire earth and perform the Rajasuya Yagna. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari bless him with the same hope.

Duryodhana cannot bring himself to join the festivities. Shakuni takes him aside and reveals the truth about Khandavaprastha — it is the land of the Nagas, especially the deadly Takshaka. The Nagas can burn intruders with their very breath. If the Pandavas attempt to fight them, Arjuna risks the wrath of Indra, who once gifted the region to the Nagas.

Duryodhana’s anger turns to dark satisfaction.

The Pandavas Arrive in Khandavaprastha

The Pandavas reach their new land — barren, silent, and crawling with serpents. Krishna advises them to begin with a bhoomi-puja. Sahadeva performs the rituals with precision.

The serpents quickly inform their elders. Vasuki and Aryaka arrive at the site. The Nagas warn the Pandavas to leave their territory. But Aryaka recognizes the Pandavas and reveals his identity — he is Kunti’s great-grandfather, the very Naga who once saved Bhima from poisoning.

He welcomes Krishna warmly and grants the Pandavas permission to build their city, with the condition that the deeper forest remains undisturbed. Krishna argues, but Kunti promises cooperation. Vasuki leaves angrily, unconvinced that humans and serpents can coexist.

The Birth of Indraprastha

Yudhishtra wonders how a great city can rise from barren land. Krishna calls upon Vishwakarma, the celestial architect. In moments, palaces, roads, halls, and gardens shimmer into existence.

Vyasa blesses the land and names it Indraprastha.

Drupada blesses Yudhishtra, wishing that his kingdom surpass both Hastinapura and Panchala. Yudhishtra tries to protest, but Draupadi gently reminds him that a true kshatriya must make his kingdom flourish.

Draupadi Promises to Krishna to Overcome Any Problem to Subhadra's Marriage

Before departing, Krishna says he must return to Subhadra and Balarama. Kunti asks him about Subhadra’s marriage. Krishna says she wants to marry the man of her choice. Arjuna, ever confident, offers to bring the suitor before her.

Krishna smiles and reveals that astrologers have predicted that a woman will oppose this marriage. Draupadi immediately offers to convince the girl. Krishna seizes the opportunity — he reminds her she must not withdraw this promise later. Draupadi nods, unaware of the twist hidden in her own future.

Indraprastha’s Beauty Reaches Hastinapura

A painter who has visited the new city brings sketches to Shakuni, Duryodhana, and Dushasana. He describes its celestial beauty — a city equal to Indraloka, crafted by Vishwakarma at Krishna’s request.

Duryodhana’s fury rises once again. Shakuni tries to comfort Duryodhana with yet another move to undermine Pandavas' strength.

End Note

The TV Episode omits showing that Khandavaprastha is burnt; the fire kills Takshaka's wife, thus incurring Takshaka's wrath. In this fire, a few lives were spared, including that of Mayan, who builds Indraprastha.