Day after day, Dhritarashtra, the blind and grieving king, was subjected to harsh words. Yet, the righteous Yudhishthira would quietly comfort him, thinking to himself, “He is a fool, he knows not what he says.” In this way, eighteen years passed in sorrow for Dhritarashtra. Finally, his heart heavy, Dhritarashtra approached Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, and sought permission to leave for the forest. He said to Yudhishthira, “Today I wish to offer the prescribed oblations for my sons. Bhima has performed the funeral rites for all here, but not for my sons, remembering the enmity of the past. If you grant me wealth and perform the funeral rites, I will go to the forest to practice austerities that will bear the fruit of heaven.” Privately, prompted by Vidura’s gentle urging, Yudhishthira, pure of heart, resolved to grant Dhritarashtra’s request. He called his ministers and declared, “O blessed ones, I will give wealth to my father, who wishes to offer the funeral oblation for his sons.” But as these words were spoken, Bhima, mighty-armed and of immeasurable energy, grew angry and spoke out in the assembly. “Wealth should be given for Duryodhana’s sake—what more is there to say? Even a blind man attains happiness; what greater foolishness could there be? Because of your ill counsel, we suffered hardships in the forest, and the noble Draupadi was carried away by the wicked one. “By your favor, O steadfast one, we lived in the house of Virata, and all of us became servants to mighty Matsya. If you had not been queen, how could destruction have been avoided? I had to become the cook for Virata, after slaying the Magadha. How could Brihannala, the victorious Arjuna, become a dancer for a child, taking on the guise of a woman, his mighty arms adorned with bangles instead of wielding Gandiva? What greater sorrow could there be than this? “Seeing the braid on his head and kohl in his eyes, I am filled with rage—I will seize my sword and end this misery, for otherwise there is no happiness. Without asking the king, I set fire in the house, and the evil-minded Purocana was burned up. All the Kichakas were slain without consulting the lord of men, but not so were all the sons of Dhritarashtra, along with their wives. “O king, your foolishness freed us from the Gandharvas, even though Duryodhana and others, our enemies, were taken captive. And now, today, you wish to give wealth for Duryodhana’s benefit? O king, I will not give, even if you urge me in every way.” Having spoken thus, Bhima departed, accompanied by three others. Yet the righteous Yudhishthira bestowed abundant wealth upon Dhritarashtra, fulfilling his request. He performed the funeral rites for the sons of Dhritarashtra according to tradition, and Dhritarashtra, son of Ambika, gave generous gifts to the Brahmins. With all the funeral rites completed, Dhritarashtra, together with Gandhari, quickly entered 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 went with them. Bhimasena lamented their departure, and so did the other Kauravas. Turning back from the banks of the Ganga, they all returned to Hastinapura. Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra and his companions went to the banks of the Jahnavi, to the auspicious hermitage of Shatayupa. There, they built a hut of grass and devoted themselves to concentrated austerities. Six years passed in this way. When the ascetics left that place, Yudhishthira, feeling the pain of separation, spoke to his brothers. “In a dream, I saw Kunti, weak and dwelling in the forest. My mind longs to see my mother and father as well. If you all desire, let us go to see Vidura, the great soul, and Sanjaya, the wise one. This is my wish.” All the brothers agreed, along with Subhadra, Draupadi, the blessed princess of Virata, and the citizens of the city. The Pandavas, eager for a reunion, set out with all the people and reached the hermitage of Shatayupa, where they found everyone gathered. Not seeing Vidura, Yudhishthira asked, “Where is Vidura, the wise one?” Dhritarashtra, son of Ambika, replied, “The charioteer wanders detached, indifferent, and without possessions; dwelling in solitude, he meditates inwardly upon the eternal.” On the second day, while going to the Ganga in the forest, Yudhishthira saw Vidura, emaciated and steadfast in his austerities. Seeing him, the king spoke, “I bow to you, Yudhishthira.” Hearing this, Vidura stood motionless, like a statue. In that moment, a wondrous radiance emerged from Vidura’s face and merged into Yudhishthira’s, for they shared the same essence of Dharma. Then Vidura, the charioteer, gave up his life. Yudhishthira grieved deeply and made preparations for the burning of Vidura’s body. As he did so, a bodiless voice was heard: “He is detached and not fit for burning; go as you wish, O king.” Hearing this, all the brothers bathed in the pure waters of the Ganga and went to Dhritarashtra, reporting everything in detail. The Pandavas and the citizens remained there in the hermitage. There, the son of Satyavati—Vyasa—and Narada also arrived, along with other great sages who came to the abode of Dharma. In their presence, Kunti spoke to Vyasa, who was radiant and auspicious in appearance.