Section 5: The House of Lac and the Narrow Escape of the Pāṇḍavas
As the princes matured, the rivalry between the Kauravas and Pāṇḍavas grew sharper. Duryodhana's jealousy, fueled by his uncle Śakuni's cunning, deepened into hatred. The people of Hastināpura admired the virtues of the Pāṇḍavas—their courage, honesty, and fairness—and began to look upon Yudhiṣṭhira as the rightful heir to the throne. This troubled Duryodhana, who saw his claim slipping away. Unable to accept the possibility of Yudhiṣṭhira becoming king, he resolved to eliminate the Pāṇḍavas altogether.
Under Śakuni's guidance, Duryodhana hatched a deadly plot. Pretending goodwill, he suggested that the Pāṇḍavas attend a festival in the city of Vāraṇāvata. There, he had a grand palace constructed for them, known as the Lakṣa Gṛha—the House of Lac. It was built of highly inflammable materials like lac, resin, and ghee. Duryodhana's plan was simple: once the Pāṇḍavas settled inside, the palace would be set ablaze, ensuring their fiery death.
Fortunately, the wise Vidura suspected foul play. Loyal to dharma, Vidura secretly warned the Pāṇḍavas of the danger, using subtle words that Yudhiṣṭhira alone could understand. Acting on this warning, the Pāṇḍavas quietly dug a hidden tunnel beneath the palace, preparing for a possible escape.
One fateful night, when the preparations were complete, the palace was set on fire. Flames engulfed the House of Lac, consuming everything in a terrifying blaze. Believing their rivals had perished, Duryodhana and his brothers rejoiced. But in reality, the Pāṇḍavas, along with Kuntī, had already fled through the secret passage. Their disappearance was so convincing that even Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and the people of Hastināpura mourned them as dead.
The Pāṇḍavas wandered in disguise through forests and villages, living a life of secrecy and hardship. They avoided drawing attention, for they knew Duryodhana would stop at nothing if he discovered they were alive. During this exile, they encountered dangers and adventures that further tested their resilience. Bhīma, in particular, became their protector, his immense strength shielding his family from threats.
The escape from the House of Lac marked a turning point. It revealed not only Duryodhana's ruthless intent but also the divine protection and cunning that guided the Pāṇḍavas. Their survival ensured that the struggle for Hastināpura's throne was far from over. From this point onward, their lives would be shaped by trials, disguises, and a growing awareness of their destiny.