A skilled miner, sent by Vidura, approached the Pandavas and spoke humbly, “I have come at Vidura’s bidding. I am well-versed in my craft and ready to do whatever is dear to you. Tell me, what shall I do for you?” Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, replied with gentle trust, “It was what Vidura said in secret, in the language of the mlecchas, and what you affirmed as true, that has made me place my faith in you.” The miner then revealed the peril that awaited them: “On the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight, Purocana will set fire to the door of your house. The evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra has resolved that the Pandavas and their mother are to be burned alive.” Recognizing the miner as Vidura’s friend, Yudhishthira addressed him warmly, “Gentle one, I know you are dear to Vidura—pure, trustworthy, and steadfast in devotion. Nothing escapes your understanding, just as nothing is unknown to the poet. As Vidura is to you, so are we: without distinction. As he cares for you, so protect us as he would. I am certain that this fire-trap has been set for us by Purocana, on the command of Dhritarashtra’s son. That wicked man, with his wealth and accomplices, harasses us constantly and torments us without end. Please, with all your effort, save us from this fire. If we perish here, Suyodhana will have achieved his desire.” Yudhishthira continued, “This well-furnished arsenal belongs to our enemy. He has taken refuge at the edge of the rampart and devised this great, irresistible plot. Vidura foresaw this wicked deed and warned us beforehand. This is the danger the wise Kshatta anticipated. Now, without Purocana’s knowledge, you must deliver us.” The miner promised, “So be it,” and set to work with great care. He dug a large tunnel beneath the house, not too wide, but equipped with a hidden door level with the ground. Out of fear of Purocana, he sealed the tunnel’s entrance and kept watch at the house’s doorway, his mind always wary. Each night, the Pandavas and their mother stayed armed and alert. By day, the Pandavas wandered the forests nearby, hunting and feigning trust in Purocana, though remaining ever cautious. They acted as if content, hiding their disquiet, and dwelled in the house in constant amazement at their own predicament. Yet the people of the city suspected nothing, save for Vidura’s minister and the skilled miner. A year passed in this manner. Seeing the Pandavas cheerful and apparently unsuspecting, Purocana rejoiced, convinced the time for their destruction had come. But Yudhishthira, ever wise and discerning, sensed Purocana’s hidden resolve and gathered his brothers—Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the twins—to speak: “This wicked Purocana believes us completely unsuspecting. He is deceived, cruel-hearted. I believe it is time for our escape. After setting fire to the arsenal and burning Purocana, we shall leave six living beings here and flee unnoticed.” That night, under the pretext of charity, Kunti arranged a feast for Brahmanas, and many women attended. They enjoyed food and drink as they pleased and, after taking leave of Madhavi, returned home. Among the guests was a Nishadi woman, appointed by Purocana to serve Kunti. She, with her five sons, attended the feast, bringing honey, roots, and fruits, seeking food. Though her heart was malicious, she was known to Kunti and considered a friend. That night, she and her sons drank liquor and, overwhelmed by intoxication, fell asleep in the house. As a fierce wind swept through the night and all slept soundly, Bhima rose and set fire to the place where Purocana lay sleeping. He then set the entrance of the house of lac ablaze, and, after carefully inspecting the house, kindled fires all around and at the back. Leading Kunti and his brothers into the secret tunnel, Bhima acted swiftly, setting the house fully alight and taking with him whatever valuables they could carry. As the house was engulfed in flames, the Pandavas, with their mother, entered the tunnel and escaped. A great heat and tremendous noise arose from the fire, alerting the townspeople. Pale-faced, they gathered and cried, “By the wicked Duryodhana’s command, whose mind is unrighteous, this house was built for their destruction and now has been burned!” The people lamented, “Alas, shame on Dhritarashtra’s judgment, which is far from just, for he has caused the burning of the pure heirs of Pandu as if they were enemies.