90. The Curse of Sage Maitreya and the Shadow of Kirmira

Recap of Previous Episode:

Krishna returns to Dwaraka and learns of Draupadi’s humiliation. He chooses peace over retaliation and goes to support the Pandavas, while Balarama heads to Hastinapura. In the forest, grief turns to unity and strength. Yudhishtra receives the Akshaya Patra from Surya. Drupada secretly rejoices at the growing rift between Kauravas and Pandavas. In Hastinapura, Shakuni further fuels Duryodhana’s hostility.

Shakuni Stirs Duryodhana’s Paranoia

Shakuni refuses to let Duryodhana relax in his moment of victory. He warns him repeatedly to stay alert, reminding him that wounded tigers return to strike with fury. He advises constant surveillance of the Pandavas through spies and plans to destroy them when the opportunity arises.

Gandhari and Dhritarashtra arrive to advise peace and reconciliation, but they are stunned by the venomous rage driving their son. Heartbroken, they return silently. Dhritarashtra resolves to seek Sage Vyasa’s counsel.

Krishna Appears Before Kunti

Kunti receives a visiting sage. He watches her grief and consoles her, promising that the gods protect the Pandavas, who now possess the Akshaya Patra through Dhaumya’s blessings. Wondering who he is, Kunti asks his identity — and the sage reveals himself as Lord Krishna.

He tells her gently, “Do not fear. I am always with your sons.”

Kunti’s sorrow dissolves into relief. She turns to Vidura and Sulabha and announces joyfully that her worries have ended — and that she is hungry again.

Duryodhana Learns of the Pandavas’ Peace

A spy reports to Duryodhana that the Pandavas are thriving in Kamyaka Forest, where Draupadi cooks delicious meals using the Akshaya Patra and welcomes all who come to them. Duryodhana is furious that they are happy despite exile.

Shakuni then reveals that a fearsome cannibal named Kirmira lives in the forest and hunts for Bhima, who killed his brother Bakasura at Ekachakrapura. Shakuni decides to travel with Dushasana to meet Kirmira and direct him to Bhima.

The Curse of Sage Maitreya

Sage Vyasa arrives at Hastinapura with Sage Maitreya at Dhritarashtra’s request. Dhritarashtra expresses regret for his failures. Vyasa replies that Fate drives events beyond human control and declines to counsel Duryodhana personally, suggesting Sage Maitreya instead. He warns Dhritarashtra that the sage must be respected.

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari request Duryodhana to greet the sage with humility and listen sincerely. Instead, Duryodhana scoffs, rejects all advice, and strikes his thigh arrogantly in front of the sage.

Deeply offended, Sage Maitreya curses him: “The thigh you slap with pride will be shattered by Bhima.”

Terrified, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari beg him to withdraw the curse. Maitreya declares that the curse will not take effect only if Duryodhana repents and restores Indraprastha to the Pandavas. Otherwise, destiny will unfold.

Shakuni Meets Kirmira

Shakuni and Dushasana reach Kamyaka Forest where they are captured by cannibal tribes. Tied to a pole and dragged before their chief Kirmira, they are prepared for sacrifice. Just as the executioner raises his sword, Shakuni demands to speak.

Kirmira reveals that he intends to sacrifice Shakuni in a ritual to Smashana Kali, begging the goddess to help him find and kill Bhima. Shakuni explains who he is — the mastermind responsible for sending the Pandavas into exile — and promises to lead Kirmira to Bhima. He also reveals that Duryodhana has vowed to perform a Kanakabhishekam, a ritual consecration with gold coins, for whoever kills Bhima.

Kirmira’s eyes blaze with vengeance, and he prepares to hunt.