Yudhishtra Obtains Akshaya Patra From Surya : Episode 89

Recap of the Previous Episode

: Yudhishtra accepts the second dice challenge despite warnings. The Pandavas lose and are exiled for twelve years and one year in incognito. Draupadi, shattered but resolute, leaves the palace with her husbands. The Kauravas mock them on their way out, while Bhima and Arjuna renew their terrible vows. The Pandavas disappear into the forest.
Balarama’s Fury Balarama burns with anger at Duryodhana’s malicious behaviour toward the Pandavas and the shameful treatment of Draupadi. He waits anxiously for the return of Krishna, who has gone to fight King Salwa, the attacker of Dwaraka seeking revenge for Shishupala’s death.

Krishna Returns to Dwaraka

Krishna arrives in Dwaraka and is welcomed warmly by Rukmini and Satyabhama, who quarrel light-heartedly about who should receive him first, each insisting she is dearer to him. Krishna smiles gently and settles the matter: “Both of you are like my two eyes. How can I choose?”

Revati narrates the shameful events at Hastinapura, and Balarama demands that they march against Duryodhana to avenge Draupadi’s dishonour. Krishna disagrees, reasoning that since Duryodhana has done no direct harm to the Yadavas, and since the Pandavas have accepted their exile without seeking his aid, he cannot justify war. Instead, he proposes that Balarama visit Hastinapura to admonish the prince, while he himself goes to meet the Pandavas and strengthen them with counsel. Balarama agrees.

The Pain of Exile

The Pandavas trek through the forest, weary and heartsick. Draupadi, walking barefoot across thorns and stones, staggers with exhaustion. Bhima, burning with rage and helplessness, smashes his fist against a tree repeatedly until bark splits.

When Yudhishtra asks why he is furious, Bhima unleashes all buried anguish and blames him for their suffering and Draupadi’s humiliation. Sage Dhaumya intervenes and questions Bhima and Arjuna:

• Why did they stay silent when Draupadi was insulted?
• Why did they not stop the outrage when they had the power?

He reminds them that if obedience to Yudhishtra was their dharma, then Yudhishtra seeing kshatriya duty in the game was his. He speaks of the power of Fate, which no man can resist. The brothers realize their error, apologize, and Dhaumya urges them to remain united — for that is what Kunti desires above all.

Drupada’s Secret Joy

In Panchala, King Drupada discusses the true intention behind the invitation to Hastinapura. Drishtadyumna rushes in with news of the humiliation and the vows of destruction sworn by Bhima and Arjuna. As he narrates the events, Drupada cannot hide a glimmer of satisfaction. His wife Prishata notices and reproaches him.

Later, Drishtadyumna confronts his father privately, and Drupada confesses his long-held wish: only division between the cousins can create an opportunity to defeat Bhishma and Drona. Now that unity is broken, the possibility is real.

Akshaya Patra: The Gift of the Sun God

On Dhaumya’s suggestion, Yudhishtra meditates upon Surya. The Sun God appears before him and grants the Akshaya Patra, an inexhaustible vessel that provides abundant food once a day for twelve years, provided it is cleansed after each use and placed upon the altar.

The Pandavas rejoice and eat a full meal for the first time since their exile began.

Ominous Premonitions

Gandhari offers prayers to Goddess Durga when an eerie sound of mocking laughter interrupts her devotion. Terrified, she confides her fear to Dhritarashtra, who is equally shaken by his son’s growing arrogance. They resolve to counsel Duryodhana — but Shakuni is already whispering caution and threats into his ear, urging him to stay vigilant against the Pandavas’ vows of vengeance.