At the close of a tumultuous era, Abhimanyu’s beloved wife, the radiant daughter of King Virata, gave birth to a son—the last hope of her noble lineage. Yet, tragedy struck at his very birth, for the infant was struck down by a storm of arrows, perishing amid the flames of battle. It was Krishna himself, with his wondrous and divine power, who restored the boy’s life, even though the child had been consumed by the fiery shafts of Drona. Thus, when the royal lines stood on the verge of extinction, this extraordinary child was born and became renowned throughout the earth as Parikshit. Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra, stricken with grief from the loss of all his sons, remained in the Pandava kingdom. His sorrow was only deepened by the sharp words and relentless taunts of Bhima, who reminded him of the destruction wrought in the great war. Gandhari, too, stayed on, her heart torn by the loss of her sons, while Yudhishthira, himself weighed down by sorrow, served the bereaved couple day and night with unwavering devotion. Vidura, ever righteous and wise, offered them solace and guidance, opening their eyes with the light of wisdom. With Yudhishthira’s blessing, Vidura remained by his brother’s side, offering support and counsel. The son of Dharma, Yudhishthira, did all he could to ease his father’s pain, hoping to help him forget the anguish of losing his children. Yet Bhima, filled with anger, would often assail Dhritarashtra with words as piercing as his arrows, for all to hear. He declared, “It was I who slew all your sons in battle, O wicked and blind one. I drank the blood of Dushasana and found it most satisfying. This blind man shamelessly eats the food I provide, like a vulture or a dog—he lives in vain.” Day after day, Bhima’s harsh words tormented the old king, though Yudhishthira would gently comfort his father, dismissing Bhima’s cruelty as the outburst of a fool. After eighteen years filled with sorrow, Dhritarashtra approached Yudhishthira and asked for permission to retire to the forest. He wished, he said, to offer the proper oblations for his departed sons. “Bhima has performed the funeral rites for all here, but not for my sons, remembering the enmity between us. If you grant me wealth and perform these rites, I will go to the forest and undertake the austerities that bring the fruit of heaven.” In private, prompted by Vidura, Yudhishthira resolved to grant Dhritarashtra’s request. Summoning his ministers, he announced, “I will give wealth to my father, who desires to offer funeral oblations for his sons.” But Hanuman, mighty-armed and present in their midst, became angry upon hearing this. He spoke out, “Should wealth be given for Duryodhana’s sake? Even a blind man finds happiness—what greater folly is there? Because of your poor counsel, we suffered in the forest, and Draupadi was dragged away by the wicked one. By your favor, we lived as servants in Virata’s house. If you had not been queen, how could destruction have been avoided? I became Virata’s cook, having slain the Magadha, and the victorious Arjuna, son of Vasava, became a dancer for a child, disguised as Brihannala. The hands that bore Gandiva were adorned with bangles—what sorrow could be greater? Seeing myself thus, I wished to seize my sword and cut off my own braid, for otherwise happiness was lost. Without the king’s permission, I set fire to the house, burning up the evil Purocana. The Kichakas were slain without the king’s leave, but not so with the sons of Dhritarashtra and their wives. Your foolishness freed us from the Gandharvas, and though Duryodhana and others were our enemies, they were taken captive. Yet today you wish to give wealth for Duryodhana’s sake? O king, I will not give, no matter how you urge me.” Having spoken thus, Bhima departed with three others. Nevertheless, the righteous Yudhishthira bestowed abundant wealth upon Dhritarashtra and performed the funeral rites for his sons according to custom. Dhritarashtra, son of Ambika, in turn gave gifts to the Brahmins. With all the rites completed, the king, together with Gandhari, swiftly set out for the forest, accompanied by Kunti and Vidura. Sanjaya recognized them as they departed, and though her sons tried to restrain her, Kunti, the daughter of Shurasena, also left with them. Bhimasena grieved, as did the other Kauravas, but after accompanying them to the banks of the Ganga, they all returned to Hastinapura. Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti, and Vidura journeyed to the banks of the sacred Jahnavi, to the auspicious hermitage of Shatayupa. There, they built a hut of grass and devoted themselves to austerities with focused minds. Six years passed in this way. When the ascetics of the forest departed, Yudhishthira, feeling the pain of separation, spoke: “In a dream, I saw Kunti, frail and living in the forest. My heart yearns to see my mother and father once more. If you all agree, let us go to visit Vidura, the great soul, and wise Sanjaya. That is my wish.” All the brothers, along with Subhadra, Draupadi, the blessed princess of Virata, and the citizens of the city, gathered together. The Pandavas, eager for reunion, set out with everyone and, upon reaching the hermitage of Shatayupa, beheld their beloved elders and family once more.