Vidura Suspects Conspiracy Against Pandavas : Episode 31 (22-09-13)

Scene 1

After the meeting with Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana barges angrily into Shakuni's chambers. He is frustrated with his father for not acting decisively, and with Shakuni for not insisting on permission for killing the Pandavas.

Shakuni assures Duryodhana he is always having his nephew's welfare in his mind. He explains the necessity for caution, because if Pandavas are killed in Hastinapura itself, all suspicion would fall on them. So it is important to get the Pandavas out of Hastinapura, and then plan their end. He would simply tell Dhritarashtra to send Pandavas to Varanavrata where consecration of an ancient Shiva temple is being organized. He has planned this with the help of Purochana, the Chief architect of the temple. He would instruct Dhritarashtra to send the Pandavas along with their mother Kunti under the pretext that he was too busy with the administrative affairs of the country. They then send for Purochana.

A spy is seen listening to the conversation, and he leaves hastily. He reports the matter to Vidura. Vidura calls for his trusted lieutenant Kanika. He gives him instructions to ensure Pandava's safety.

Scene 2

Arjuna is seen walking towards the chariot along with Drona, after receiving the guru-dakshina of Ekalavya's right thumb. Arjuna is pensive and Drona asks him the reason. Arjuna says though he wanted to be the world's best archer, he did not want to subjugate somebody and gain recognition at the cost of somebody. Drona says he did not demand Ekalavya's thumb to establish Arjuna's supremacy but to ensure that the strategic knowledge of archery should not rest with the destitute and the poor, because they could be exploited by the rich and the unscrupulous.

Scene 3

Shakuni Rewards Purochana

Purochana meets Shakuni, Duryodhana and Dushasana. Shakuni offers Purochana a money bag asking for his cooperation in installing Duryodhana on the throne. He instructs Purochana on what he had to do.

Scene 4

Vidura is standing on the balcony watching the sky. he sees many bad omens. His wife Sulabha asks why he worried so much. Vidura explains to her the growing feud between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the visit of the Kanika, the distrust of Dhritarashtra, etc.

The rest of the story:
Dhritarashtra announces the nomination of Yudhishtra as the crown king. Karna protests, but is asked to get out. Duryodhana is astonished by his Dad's announcement, but Shakuni whispers that it was all part of his plan.

Purochana arrives at the court and invites the king to attend the consecration ceremony and other festivities at the ancient Shiva temple at Varanavata. The king declines the invitation due to his heavy schedules, but offers to send Yudhishtra instead so that the newly appointed crown prince may receive God's blessings. Bhishma is elated and expresses his happiness over the king's impartial decision, but Vidura is not impressed.

Pandavas as well as Kunti sense some kind of conspiracy in sending them to Varanavata. They have noticed the brief exchange between Shakuni and Duryodhana following the announcement, which has led to the unusual quietness of the usually complaining Duryodhana and Dushasana. Kunti agrees that some conspiracy underlies the decision to pack them off to Varanavata, but is confident that her sons are brave enough to face any adverse situation.