Having fulfilled their duties and mastered every branch of knowledge, the sons of Pandu became the object of King Dhritarashtra’s constant concern. The king’s mind was ever occupied with thoughts of their safety, their conduct, and the enduring welfare of the kingdom. He often heard from his subjects that the city of Varanavata was the most delightful place in the world. Thus, Dhritarashtra addressed the Pandavas, saying, “My sons, if you wish, go to the grand festival at Varanavata with your followers and relatives. Enjoy yourselves there as the gods do. Bestow gifts of gems upon the Brahmanas and singers as you desire, just as the radiant deities themselves. After spending some time there, experiencing the highest joy, you will return happily to Hastinapura. While you are there, remain vigilant for your own protection; O subduers of foes, you will suffer no disadvantage in that city.” Understanding the king’s intention and his own helplessness, Yudhishthira replied simply, “So be it.” Then, with a heavy heart, he went to Bhishma, son of Shantanu, to wise Vidura, to Drona, Bahlika, and Somadatta of the Kaurava line. He honored Kripa, son of the teacher, Bhurishravas, and all the respected ministers and Brahmins renowned for their austerity. He paid his respects to the family priests, grandsons, and the illustrious Gandhari. Yudhishthira, sorrowful, touched the feet of all the mothers and Vidura’s wives, and then spoke slowly, “By the command of Dhritarashtra, we shall go, with our companions, to the beautiful and populous city of Varanavata. Let all of you, with cheerful hearts, utter auspicious words. With your blessings bestowed upon us, no evil will overpower us.” Thus addressed, all the Kauravas, their faces bright with joy, followed after the Pandavas, wishing them well. “May there always be well-being for you on your journey, from all beings everywhere. Let no misfortune befall you, O sons of Pandu.” After performing the necessary rites for auspiciousness and sovereignty, the kings, having completed all their tasks, set out for Varanavata. When the Pandavas, sent by Dhritarashtra, departed, Duryodhana, wicked of heart, rejoiced greatly. He conspired with Shakuni, son of Subala, and Karna. Together, they plotted the burning of Kunti and her sons. After conferring with them, Duryodhana, the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra, summoned Purochana in private. Taking Purochana by the right hand, he spoke confidentially: “This land is filled with wealth and belongs to me. As I desire it to be, so you must see to it. There is no one else in whom I place greater trust than you; you alone are my confidant. Protect this secret and me from my rivals. By skillful means, do as I instruct you. “The Pandavas, sent by Dhritarashtra, will go to Varanavata and enjoy the festival. You, with a chariot drawn by donkeys, swift in movement, must go to Varanavata today itself. Once there, build a great and well-concealed house with four halls, situated at the edge of the city, and make it rich in treasure. Bring all the flammable materials—hemp, resin, and others—and store them there. Mix together balvaja, honey residue, clarified butter, oil, animal fat, and a great quantity of lac; blend them with clay and plaster the walls with this mixture. Place flax, oil, ghee, resin, and wood throughout the house in every direction. Cover the heavy wooden mechanisms with lac, hemp, honey residue, and clay. Arrange it so that even the Pandavas, examining it, do not perceive its fiery nature, nor do others. After preparing the house in this way and honoring them greatly, you should lodge the Pandavas, Kunti, and their companions there. Provide them with splendid seats, vehicles, and beds, but ensure these are destructive for the Pandavas, so that my father will be pleased. Arrange everything so that neither the people of Varanavata nor the Pandavas themselves know, and so they live carefree in the city until the appointed time. Once you see them fully trusting, sleeping without fear, then you must set fire to the house from the door. When the Pandavas are burned in their own home in this way, people will say they were burned, and no one will ever blame us for the sake of the Pandavas.” Purochana, accepting Duryodhana’s instructions, departed at once in a swift-moving chariot drawn by mules. Arriving quickly in Varanavata, he carried out everything as ordered by the prince, preparing a dreadful house for the Pandavas. Meanwhile, the Pandavas, mounting chariots yoked with steeds swift as the wind, reverently touched Bhishma’s feet. They paid respects to King Dhritarashtra, the great-souled Drona, and to the elders, Kripa and Vidura. Having greeted all the elders of the Kurus with discipline, they embraced their equals and were greeted by the children as they set out on their fateful journey.