Vidura Helps Build Tunnel Through the Lac House : Episode 34

Recap of the Previous Episode :

The Pandavas arrive in Varanavata and cautiously settle into the new palace, sensing hidden dangers—from suspicious attendants to walls lined with lac. Meanwhile, in Hastinapura, Duryodhana and Shakuni secretly plot, though they delay direct action. At the same time, Drupada begins seeking sages to perform a yagna that will grant him a son destined to defeat Drona, and Ashwatthama grows resentful that his father denies him the Brahmastra lessons he believes were already given to Arjuna.

Drupada Seeks a Way to Overcome Drona

Drupada seeks the help of Sage Upayaja, hoping to perform a yagna that would grant him a son capable of defeating Drona. Upayaja, disapproving of the king’s motive, rebukes him and refuses to assist in what he calls an ignoble pursuit.

Drupada, refusing to be dismissed, waits outside in the freezing weather, unwilling to abandon his purpose. Moved by compassion, Upayaja finally speaks again—suggesting that Drupada approach his brother, Sage Yaja, instead. Unlike Upayaja, Yaja is less bound by principle and more open to receiving the wealth Drupada is prepared to offer.

Kanaka's Message to Yudhishtra

Night falls in Varanavata. As the brothers prepare to sleep, Bhima stifles a sneeze, jokingly warned that even such a sneeze might tear through the flammable palace walls.

Suddenly, a shadowy figure slips in. Bhima seizes him, but the man identifies himself as Kanaka, a messenger sent by Vidura. Before he can speak further, Purochana rushes in, alarmed by the noise — but Yudhishtra calmly diverts suspicion, saying it was merely Bhima’s sneeze.

Once alone, Kanaka reveals Vidura’s secret plan: a tunnel will be dug beneath the palace, allowing the Pandavas to escape when the house is set ablaze.

Digging begins immediately, through the night. When the sound draws Purochana again, Nakula stands guard and the brothers loudly practice their weapons to mask the noise. They maintain a vigilant front, pretending all is normal.

Ashwatthama Meets the Archer Without a Thumb

Ashwatthama and Kripi travel through a forest when arrows narrowly graze past their chariot. They discover a tribal youth practicing archery—Ekalavya, prince of his forest tribe.

Curious how a young wanderer has mastered such skill without formal training, Ashwatthama asks about his learning. Ekalavya explains how Drona had refused to teach him, so he created a clay idol of the guru and trained relentlessly under its silent guidance.

Ashwatthama notices Ekalavya’s missing right thumb. The youth narrates how Drona had demanded his thumb as Guru Dakshina—and he had severed it himself in unwavering devotion. Ashwatthama and Kripi are deeply moved by such loyalty and sacrifice.

Drupada Turns to Yaja

Still determined, Drupada approaches Sage Yaja, who readily agrees to conduct the rituals—on the condition that Upayaja joins them. Drupada prepares to unite the brothers to begin the yagna that will one day change the course of destiny.