Upon hearing that the Pandavas had arrived in Varanavat, the citizens were overjoyed. Thousands of people, riding in various kinds of vehicles and carrying auspicious items, went out to greet them, as prescribed by tradition. They approached the sons of Kunti, blessed them by chanting “Jaya” (victory), and surrounded them. Yudhishthira, standing among the people, looked as radiant as the god Indra among the celestials.
The Pandavas, honored by the citizens and greeting them in return, entered the elegantly decorated town of Varanavat. Their first stop was the homes of the Brahmins, where they offered their respects. They then visited the homes of town officials, merchants, and even common folk. Afterward, they followed Purochana, who led them to the palace built for them. Purochana provided them with food, drink, beds, and carpets of the highest quality. Dressed in fine robes, the Pandavas continued living in the palace, receiving care from Purochana and respect from the people of Varanavat.
After ten nights, Purochana introduced them to a mansion he called “The Blessed Home,” a trap meant to kill them. The Pandavas, unaware at first, entered the mansion at Purochana’s request. However, Yudhishthira, being wise, examined the mansion and informed Bhima that it was constructed from highly flammable materials. He could smell the scent of fat, butter, and lac and realized that the house was designed to burn. He suspected that Purochana, acting on Duryodhana’s orders, was planning to burn them alive.
Yudhishthira reminded Bhima that Vidura had warned them about this danger beforehand. Bhima suggested returning to their previous quarters, but Yudhishthira proposed they stay in the mansion and act as if they were unaware of the plot. He believed they should remain cautious and look for a way to escape without arousing Purochana’s suspicion.
Yudhishthira also suggested they prepare a secret underground passage for escape. He reasoned that fleeing now would only give Duryodhana another chance to kill them later. By pretending to trust Purochana while secretly preparing to escape, they could outsmart their enemies.
One day, a miner, sent by Vidura, arrived to help the Pandavas. He assured them he was loyal to Vidura and offered his help. Yudhishthira accepted the miner’s help and instructed him to dig a secret tunnel beneath the mansion. The miner meticulously covered the tunnel entrance with planks to keep it hidden from Purochana, who was keeping a close watch. While the Pandavas pretended to be content, they were actually preparing for their escape in secret.
A year later, the Pandavas decided the time had come to flee. Yudhishthira suggested they set fire to the mansion, allowing Purochana to burn inside and then escape unnoticed. One night, Kunti hosted a large feast for Brahmins and a good deal of townspeople. After the feast, an intoxicated Nishada woman and her five children remained in the mansion to sleep.
Later that night, Bhima set fire to the mansion, making sure it burned from all sides. As the fire grew, the Pandavas, along with their mother, fled through the underground passage. The fire alarmed the townspeople, who believed that Purochana had set the house ablaze and killed the Pandavas. They cursed Purochana and mourned the supposed deaths of the Pandavas.
Unnoticed, the Pandavas emerged from the passage and fled into the night. Although they were tired and afraid, Bhima carried his mother and brothers on his shoulders and sides, using his immense strength and speed to push through the forest and escape safely.
Lessons from the Lac house incident
This incident from the Mahabharata involving the Pandavas’ escape from the “House of Lac” offers several valuable lessons:
Be Cautious and Vigilant – Yudhishthira’s wisdom in inspecting the house and recognizing the danger of the trap teaches us to be alert and cautious, even in comfortable situations. Blind trust can be dangerous when enemies are plotting against you.
Strategic Thinking – Instead of reacting, Yudhishthira remained calm and planned a careful escape. His approach highlights the importance of strategic thinking and acting with patience in the face of adversity.
Trust in Loyal Allies – Vidura’s role in secretly helping the Pandavas shows the importance of having trusted friends and allies in difficult times. Building a network of loyal people can be crucial for survival.
Prepare for the Worst While Appearing Calm – The Pandavas lived peacefully while secretly planning their escape. This teaches us the value of being prepared for potential threats while not revealing our concerns to those who might betray us.
Teamwork and Leadership – The Pandavas worked together as a family, each contributing to the escape. Yudhishthira led with wisdom, Bhima with strength, and others followed their roles. This highlights the importance of teamwork and strong leadership in overcoming challenges.
Moral Restraint – Even though the Pandavas were under threat, they did not resort to immediate violence. Instead, they acted when necessary to save themselves. This illustrates the importance of using force only when it is the last resort and necessary for survival.
Adaptability – The Pandavas adapted to their dangerous circumstances, devising a plan to escape instead of fleeing immediately. Being adaptable to changing situations is key to navigating life’s challenges.
Outsmarting the Enemy – By pretending to trust Purochana while secretly preparing their escape, the Pandavas show that outsmarting your enemies can be more effective than confronting them head-on.
This story is a powerful reminder of the virtues of wisdom, patience, and preparation when dealing with deceit and danger.