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An Anguished Drona Teaches Brahmastra to Aswaththama : Episode 35

Recap of Previous Episode : The Pandavas continue living cautiously in the flammable palace at Varanavata, hiding their suspicions while Purochana keeps watch. Vidura secretly sends Kanaka to build a tunnel for their escape. Meanwhile, Ashwatthama discovers Ekalavya’s devotion to Drona, and Drupada finds the sages who may help him obtain a son destined to defeat his old rival. Ashwatthama Confronts Drona Ashwatthama erupts in rage, hurling weapons to the ground and threatening to burn them. Drona stops him and asks for the cause of his fury. Ashwatthama accuses his father of denying him instruction in the Brahmastra while willingly teaching the divine weapon to Arjuna. He claims Drona values Arjuna above his own son and even crippled Ekalavya to preserve Arjuna’s supremacy. Drona reveals the truth: Arjuna once saved him from a crocodile while others watched, and out of gratitude he granted the knowledge of Brahmastra. He admits he despises seeking help from others, yet had begg...

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 ...

Pandavas Sense Danger at Varanavata : Episode 33

Recap of Episode 32 : Kunti and the Pandavas depart for Varanavata, receiving blessings from the elders. Vidura warns Yudhishtra through cryptic metaphors, alerting him to hidden danger. Meanwhile, Drupada seeks a way to destroy Drona and turns to sages capable of powerful rites. At Hastinapura, Vidura cautions Dhritarashtra that the people suspect foul intent in sending the Pandavas away, though Shakuni and Duryodhana deny any plot. On the road, Yudhishtra interprets Vidura’s hints as warnings of poison and the need for unity among the brothers. Ashwaththama’s Demand Drona performs his morning prayers when Ashwaththama asks to be taught the Brahmastra. Drona refuses, saying the time is not right. Ashwaththama argues it is an auspicious day and insists he is ready. Drona remains firm. Frustrated, Ashwaththama complains to his mother Kripi, claiming Drona is partial to Arjuna and has already taught him the divine weapon. When she asks how he knows, he reveals Arjuna once mentione...

Vidura Alludes to Yudhishtra the Danger at Varanavata : Episode 32

RECAP for Previous Episode : Shakuni persuades Dhritarashtra to send the Pandavas to Varanavata under a ceremonial pretext, secretly plotting their downfall with Purochana. Vidura gets wind of the scheme and prepares safeguards. Meanwhile Yudhishtra is announced crown prince, deepening the divide between the cousins. Farewell from Hastinapura Kunti and the Pandavas prepare to leave for Varanavata. They meet the elders one by one—Bhishma blesses them with affection, and Dhritarashtra offers formal wishes. Finally, they bow before Vidura. His blessing is indirect, layered with warnings only Yudhishtra can understand. “A warrior who anticipates the adversary’s move survives. Weapons need not be steel to kill. Fire saves some creatures yet spares others. The porcupine burrows and escapes. Control the five senses. Read the stars. Do you understand?” Yudhishtra nods, realizing the journey may hold hidden dangers. Drupada Seeks Revenge Far away, King Drupada, disheveled and humbled...

Vidura Suspects Conspiracy Against Pandavas : Episode 31

Recap of Previous Episode : Shakuni pushes Dhritarashtra toward removing the Pandavas, eventually advising him to consult Kanika, whose ruthless statecraft begins to influence the king. Meanwhile, Arjuna meets the gifted archer Ekalavya in the forest, whose dedication to Drona costs him his thumb as guru dakshina. By the end, Dhritarashtra agrees to a subtle first move—sending the Pandavas away from the capital. Vidura Learns about Shakuni's Plans Duryodhana storms into Shakuni’s chambers, furious that Dhritarashtra still refuses to act decisively. He accuses Shakuni of backing down instead of persuading the king to eliminate the Pandavas. Shakuni remains calm. Murdering the Pandavas within Hastinapura, he explains, would draw immediate suspicion. The first step must be to send them away. He proposes sending the Pandavas and Kunti to Varanavata under the pretext of attending the consecration of an ancient Shiva temple, while Dhritarashtra stays back citing administrative duties....

Drona Asks Ekalavya His Right Thumb as Guru Dakshina : Episode 30

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Recap of previous episode : The people of Hastinapura begin favouring Yudhishtra as the next king, leading to heated debate in court. Vidura defends the Pandavas’ claim, while Shakuni and Duryodhana argue for Duryodhana’s right to the throne. With no consensus, Dhritarashtra delays the decision. Meanwhile in Panchala, Drupada withdraws from public life, unable to bear the humiliation of defeat. In the royal chambers, Dushasana urges eliminating the Pandavas, and Shakuni privately persuades Dhritarashtra that the Pandavas must be removed for the Kauravas to retain power. Shakuni’s Counsel Shakuni presses Dhritarashtra to accept Dushasana’s idea: the Pandavas must be killed for Duryodhana to claim the throne. Dhritarashtra is shaken. He recalls Pandu’s love and sacrifice—how he relinquished the kingdom and withdrew to the forest so Dhritarashtra could rule without guilt. Murdering Pandu’s sons feels unthinkable. Shakuni changes strategy and advises Dhritarashtra to seek counsel fr...

Dhritarashtra's Dilemma Over Announcing His Successor : Episode 29

Recap of Previous episode Duryodhana’s attempt to capture Drupada ends in failure, but Arjuna succeeds and brings the king to Drona. In return, Drona divides Panchala—giving the northern half back to Drupada while retaining the southern portion for himself and Ashwatthama. Arjuna’s humility earns Drupada’s respect, while Drona proclaims him the world’s greatest archer, deepening Duryodhana’s resentment. Vidura reminds Dhritarashtra that the time has come to name the future heir to Hastinapura. Whispers of Succession After Arjuna’s triumph over Drupada, Hastinapura buzzes with anticipation. The public murmurs about the next heir, openly favouring Yudhishtra and Arjuna—much to the discomfort of Duryodhana and Karna. Vidura reminds Dhritarashtra that the time has come to announce the coronation. The king responds that he is already contemplating his decision, and before a name is spoken, the crowd erupts with cheers for the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra : Why such applause even before t...