Duryodhana Cajoles Dritarashtra Into Inviting Yudhishtra For A Game of Dice : Episode 81

Recap for Previous Episode :

Shakuni convinces Duryodhana that only a dice game can bring down the Pandavas. Duryodhana forces Dhritarashtra to consent by threatening his own life. Vyasa warns Yudhishtra indirectly of a future fall. Shakuni and Duryodhana plan to build a rival stadium to invite the Pandavas. Vidura opposes the idea but is overruled. Rukmini is shocked when Krishna returns home garlanded alongside another woman.

Shakuni’s Strategy

Shakuni sits absorbed in a game of dice when Duryodhana and Dushshasana enter. Duryodhana mocks him for speaking loudly about revenge yet spending his days only with dice. Shakuni reminds him that the Pandavas cannot be defeated in battle, nor can any treachery be used while they live outside their reach.

Only one path remains — defeat them in a game of dice.

Duryodhana doubts whether Yudhishtra would accept such an invitation.

Shakuni assures him that Yudhishtra loves the game and would never refuse, especially if summoned by King Dhritarashtra. He advises Duryodhana to win the king over with affection — and, if needed, with the threat of self-harm.

Duryodhana Persuades Dhritarashtra

Duryodhana approaches Dhritarashtra and asks what he truly thinks of the Pandavas. The king reluctantly admits that their growing power troubles him.

Duryodhana openly confesses his envy.

A Brahmana may remain content with little, he says, but a Kshatriya must aim to conquer the world. To him, Indraprastha must become his own — and that begins with a game of dice.

Dhritarashtra fears public opinion, but Duryodhana urges him not to worry about the world’s judgment. Finally, he uses his harshest threat: if the king refuses, he will end his life. Shaken, Dhritarashtra yields.

Vyasa’s Warning at Indraprastha

At Yudhishtra’s Rajasuya Yagna, Vyasa prepares to leave. He asks Yudhishtra to ascend his throne, declaring that he has reached life’s highest point. From such a height, a single misstep can bring a disastrous fall.

Kunti senses an indirect warning and asks the sage to speak plainly. Vyasa replies that knowing the future serves no purpose — destiny cannot be altered. He only hints that the dharma Yudhishtra cherishes may one day turn against him, though dharma itself will ultimately prevail.

Outside, Vaishampayana asks Vyasa why he spoke so obscurely. Vyasa explains that Yudhishtra would not bear the weight of knowing that he himself would be the cause of a future war destroying countless Kshatriyas.

Debate in the Kuru Court

Dhritarashtra consults Bhishma and Shakuni. Shakuni suggests inviting the Pandavas for a royal feast, showering them with gifts, and then introducing a friendly game of dice.

Bhishma opposes the idea firmly — gambling brings only destruction. Gandhari supports him. Duryodhana dismisses their concerns, scoffing at the notion that a pair of dice could destroy mighty warriors.

Bhishma walks out in protest, but Dhritarashtra finally agrees to Duryodhana’s plan.

Draupadi’s Worry and Krishna’s Response

Draupadi and Bhima approach Krishna. Draupadi fears that her laughter at the magical hall may trigger consequences, as Sahadeva predicted. Krishna teases her, saying every action has a reaction — she should have sought his permission before laughing.

Bhima points to Krishna’s own role — his instruction to Mayan led to the magical sabha, Duryodhana’s fall, and consequently Draupadi’s laughter.

Krishna replies that he had warned Arjuna not to save Mayan from the fire; Arjuna chose otherwise.

Plans for a Rival Stadium

Shakuni and Duryodhana discuss constructing a new stadium at Hastinapur to rival Mayan’s hall. Only with such a pretext can they invite the Pandavas. Shakuni orders a minister to build a grand structure with a thousand pillars, a hundred gates, gem-studded doors, and never-before-seen marvels. Dhritarashtra expresses unease — ever since their visit to Indraprastha, his left eye twitches ominously. But Shakuni and Duryodhana soothe his fears.

Vidura’s Objection

Dhritarashtra summons Vidura and instructs him to invite the Pandavas to stay at the new stadium. When the king mentions the dice game, Vidura grows alarmed and pleads with him not to take that destructive step. Dhritarashtra silences him, issuing the command as a royal order.

Rukmini’s Shock

Elsewhere, Rukmini and Revati pray. Revati reassures Rukmini that Krishna will soon return, cleared of the accusation surrounding the Shyamantaka gem.

Balarama enters and announces Krishna’s arrival. Filled with relief, Rukmini rushes out — only to see Krishna standing with another woman, both garlanded.