The Lac Palace Conspiracy: Duryodhana's Plot Against the Pandavas

Bhima's immense physical strength and Arjuna's exceptional battle skills fueled Duryodhana's jealousy, which grew day by day. He started devising plans to destroy the Pandavas, with his uncle Shakuni and Karna serving as his advisors. Old Dhritarashtra, though wise, was deeply attached to his sons, despite his affection for his nephews, the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra lacked decisiveness and couldn't hold firm opinions. His inability to control his son Duryodhana led him to support Duryodhana even though he knew his son was treading the wrong path.

Meanwhile, the Pandavas' popularity kept growing. In marketplaces and assemblies, people frequently remarked that Yudhishthira was the rightful heir to the throne. They said, “Dhritarashtra was blind from birth, so his younger brother Pandu occupied the throne. After Pandu's untimely demise, Dhritarashtra managed the kingdom temporarily due to the Pandavas' young age. Now that Yudhishthira has grown up, what right does Dhritarashtra have to retain control? It is Bhishma's duty to ensure the throne is handed over to Yudhishthira. He would govern the people justly.”

The more Duryodhana witnessed the Pandavas' growing popularity, the more his envy consumed him. One day, he approached Dhritarashtra alone and said, “Father, the citizens speak ill of us. Due to your blindness, even as the elder brother, you were denied kingship, and power shifted to your younger brother. If Yudhishthira is crowned king, we will never have the chance to rule, not for generations. Father, this humiliation is unbearable for us.”

Hearing this, Dhritarashtra was troubled. He replied, “Son, you are correct. However, opposing Yudhishthira is no easy task. He follows dharma, treats everyone equally, and possesses virtues similar to his father. As a result, the people adore him deeply.”

To this, Duryodhana said, “Father, you don’t need to do much. Simply send the Pandavas to the fair at Varanavata on some pretext. I promise you this simple action will cause no harm.”

Determined to pressurize his father further, Duryodhana recruited several strategists to support him. They repeatedly visited Dhritarashtra, provoking him against the Pandavas. Among them was Karnik, a Brahmin who served as Shakuni's minister. Karnik presented various political maneuvers and examples to justify his arguments. He said, “O King! Those with wealth and power are considered superior in this world. Though the Pandavas are your nephews, they possess immense strength. Therefore, take precautions now to protect yourself from the Pandavas or regret later.”

While Dhritarashtra pondered Karnik's words, Duryodhana approached again and said, “Father, if you somehow persuade the Pandavas to go to Varanavata, our control over the city and kingdom will be assured. The Pandavas can return happily later, and we will face no threat from them.”

Duryodhana and his allies constantly pressured Dhritarashtra, speaking ill of the Pandavas and persuading him. Eventually, Dhritarashtra, weakened and helpless, gave in to his son's advice. Using enticing descriptions of Varanavata's beauty and charm, Duryodhana's supporters lured the Pandavas. They talked about an upcoming grand fair, claiming it to be a sight to behold. Hearing such praises, even the Pandavas grew eager to visit Varanavata and sought Dhritarashtra's permission.

Delighted to receive permission, the Pandavas bid farewell to Bhishma and others and set off for Varanavata with their mother Kunti. News of the Pandavas' departure brought immense joy to Duryodhana. He began plotting their demise with his confidants, Karna and Shakuni. Summoning his minister Purochana, Duryodhana devised a secret plan. Purochana promised to execute it successfully and immediately left for Varanavata.

Upon reaching Varanavata ahead of the Pandavas, Purochana prepared accommodations for them. He constructed a splendid palace using highly flammable materials like hemp, ghee, wax, oil, lac, and animal fat mixed with clay. Meanwhile, if the Pandavas arrived early, Purochana had arranged alternate lodging for them. Duryodhana’s plan was to let the Pandavas live comfortably in the lac palace for a few days until they felt secure. Then, one night, he would set the palace ablaze, burning the Pandavas to ashes, ensuring that the Kauravas would bear no blame for their demise.