O King, listen as I recount how the great division arose between the Kurus and the Pandavas—how the strife for the kingdom, born from the fateful game of dice, led to the exile of the Pandavas into the forest, and how, in time, this conflict culminated in a terrible war that brought devastation to the earth itself. As you have asked, I shall tell you all. After the death of their father, the heroic sons of Pandu returned from the forest to their ancestral home. In due course, they became well-versed in the Vedas and mastered the art of archery. The Pandavas, endowed with courage, strength, and boundless energy, soon won the esteem of the people and flourished in prosperity and fame. Witnessing this, the Kauravas grew restless, unable to tolerate the success and popularity of their cousins. Duryodhana, cruel by nature, joined hands with Karna and Shakuni, the son of Subala, and began to devise various schemes to restrain and exile the Pandavas. He, ever malicious and heeding Shakuni’s counsel, oppressed the sons of Pandu by many means, all for the sake of seizing the kingdom. In his wickedness, Duryodhana even resorted to poisoning Bhima, but Bhima, mighty as a wolf, digested the poison along with his food, unharmed. Not content, they bound Bhima one night as he slept on the riverbank and cast him into the waters of the Ganga, returning to the city, thinking their deed done. Yet, when Bhima awoke, he broke his bonds with ease and, unhurt, rose from the river. Even when they set venomous snakes and black serpents upon him while he slept, Bhima—slayer of foes—remained untouched by death. Throughout these many acts of wrongdoing, the wise Vidura was ever watchful, seeking ways to protect and free the Pandavas, countering the schemes of the Kauravas. Just as Indra brings happiness to the world of the living from his heavenly abode, so did Vidura bring solace and safety to the sons of Pandu. When all secret and open attempts failed—when those protected by destiny and virtue could not be destroyed—Duryodhana, after consulting his ministers, including Vrishasena and Duhshasana, and securing Dhritarashtra’s approval, ordered the construction of the house of lac, a deadly trap. The king, son of Ambika, seeking the welfare of his own sons, settled the Pandavas—possessors of immeasurable energy—in that house, but with the hidden intent of enjoying the kingdom himself, he exiled them. Thus, the noble Pandavas, along with their mother Kunti, departed from Hastinapura. The wise Vidura, ever their ally, accompanied them on their way. Through Vidura’s intervention, they escaped the burning house of lac at midnight, fleeing into the forest, and eventually reached the city of Varanavata. There, the mighty Pandavas, destroyers of their enemies, dwelt with their mother in the house made of lac, as commanded by Dhritarashtra. For a year, Purochana kept a watchful eye on them, but under Vidura’s guidance, the Pandavas had a tunnel secretly constructed. At the opportune moment, they set fire to the house, burning Purochana within, and, seized by fear, escaped with their mother into the forest. While wandering, they encountered the rakshasa Hidimba near a forest stream. Bhima, ever mighty, slew Hidimba, lord of the rakshasas, and the Pandavas, though frightened, pressed onward. Fearing the sons of Dhritarashtra, the sons of Pritha fled by night. In those woods, Bhima met Hidimba’s sister, and from their union, Ghatotkacha was born. Continuing their journey, the Pandavas came to the city of Ekachakra, where, steadfast in their vows and Vedic study, they lived as celibates in the house of a Brahmin. There, Bhima, called Vrikodara, encountered the ravenous man-eater Baka, possessed of great strength. With the might of his arms, Bhima swiftly slew Baka, bringing comfort and relief to the townspeople. In time, the Pandavas heard of Krishna’s self-choice ceremony among the Panchalas. They journeyed there and won Draupadi as their bride. Having obtained Draupadi, they lived there for a year, but soon their true identities were discovered, and they returned to Hastinapura. Upon their return, King Dhritarashtra and Bhishma, son of Shantanu, addressed them: “O sons, how can there be conflict among you brothers? We have arranged for your residence at Khandavaprastha, a city endowed with people and well-laid roads. Go, free from envy, and dwell there.” Thus instructed, the Pandavas departed with all their companions. Taking their wealth, the sons of Pritha went to Khandavaprastha and made it their home for many years. By the power of their arms, they brought many kings under their sway, remaining ever devoted to righteousness and steadfast in truthfulness. The illustrious Bhimasena, ever vigilant and patient, subdued many foes and conquered the eastern lands. Arjuna, heroic and skilled, conquered the north; Nakula subdued the west; and Sahadeva, slayer of enemy heroes, conquered the south. Thus, together, the Pandavas brought the entire earth under their sway, shining like five suns beside the radiant Sun himself. By their valor, the earth seemed adorned with six suns. Then, for a certain purpose, King Yudhishthira, glorious and truly valiant, sent his beloved brother Arjuna, dearer to him than life, into the forest. Arjuna, steadfast and virtuous, dwelled in the forest for a year and one month. During this time, he undertook a pilgrimage to holy places, where he obtained the Naga maiden, and, having also gained the daughter of the Pandya king, he dwelled with both of them.