Vana Parva: The exile of the Pandavas

The Pandavas move to the forest to undergo exile (Source: Personal Collection)

Wanaparwa tells the story of the plight of the Pandavas and Dewi Drupadi who were forced to undergo 12 years of exile in the wilderness due to Yudhistira's defeat in a game of dice. Their lives undergo a drastic change, from the luxury of the palace to the harshness of life in the wilderness. Yudhistira's defeat in the dice game is clear evidence that impulsive actions can bring very bitter consequences. Had Yudhistira been wiser and more careful, perhaps their fate would not have ended so tragically.

The Pandavas meet with Rsi Byasa (Source: Personal Collection)

In the solitude of the forest, the Pandavas met Resi Byasa, a wise master rishi. Humbly, they asked for spiritual guidance from the rishi. Resi Byasa, understanding their plight, taught them the noble teachings of Hinduism that gave them inner strength and peace of mind. On the advice of Resi Byasa, Arjuna, the great warrior, decided to perform asceticism at the top of the sacred Himalayas. He hoped that through this asceticism, he would acquire a magic weapon that would later help him in upholding the truth. Arjuna chose Mount Indrakila as his place of asceticism, a mountain that is said to be full of spiritual power.

However, Arjuna's spiritual journey was not easy. He was tested by the beautiful apsari led by Supraba. With all their seduction and charm, the apsari tried to shake Arjuna's determination. However, Arjuna firmly rejected all the temptations. He realized that true magic lies not in physical strength, but in solid spiritual strength.

Disguised as an old priest, Lord Indra went to Arjuna at his hermitage. He asked about the purpose of Arjuna's asceticism. With a steady voice, Arjuna replied that he wanted to gain strength to protect the people and avenge the crimes of the Kuravas. Touched by Arjuna's answer, Lord Indra revealed his majestic true form. In appreciation of his diligence and purity of heart, Lord Indra bestowed upon Arjuna various unrivaled magic weapons. Arjuna's spirit was even more blazing. He continued his tapa brata with determination. However, a tough test awaits. To test Arjuna's patience and determination, Lord Shiva sent a giant wild boar. With its powerful strength, the boar charged Mount Indrakila until it shook violently. The violent vibrations woke Arjuna from samadhi.

Arjuna prepares to shoot the giant boar (Source: Personal Collection)

Enraged at the disturbance to his hermitage, Arjuna immediately took a bow and aimed at the boar. With one breath, the arrow slid quickly through the boar's body. However, at the same time, Lord Shiva who was disguised as a hunter also released his arrow. The two arrows united to pierce the giant boar's body. A fierce battle ensued. Arjuna, with burning anger, showered the hunter with his magic arrows. However, every attack launched by Arjuna can always be avoided easily by the hunter. The two fought fiercely, showing off their respective expertise in the science of war.

When Arjuna felt exhausted and began to despair, the hunter suddenly disappeared. In an instant, the majestic figure of Lord Shiva appeared before Arjuna. Sparkling light filled their surroundings. Arjuna realized his mistake. Regretfully, he knelt before Lord Shiva and apologized for his actions. Lord Shiva smiled gently. "O Arjuna, do not grieve. I greatly admire your courage. You have shown that a true warrior will not flinch in the face of any challenge, even if it means fighting a god."

As a sign of recognition for his courage and loyalty, Lord Shiva bestowed upon Arjuna a magic arrow named Pasupati. "This bow," said Lord Shiva, "has great power. With this bow, you can conquer anyone and anything that stands in your way." Arjuna accepted the gift with gratitude. He realized that the battle with Lord Shiva was not just a physical fight, but a test to test his determination and patience.

The Kuravas who are at odds with the Gandharvas (Source: Personal Collection)

Once upon a time, the Koravas sneaked into the forest, intending to organize a festive feast solely to hurt the hearts of the Pandavas. However, fate had other plans. Instead, they clashed with the mighty Gandharvas, led by the graceful Citrasena. In the fierce battle, Duryodana, the Korawa commander, was caught in the snare of Citrasena's trickery.

Yudistira, the eldest of the Pandavas, who had a noble heart, ordered Bima and Arjuna to immediately free Duryodana. Firmly, he threatened to leave alone if his orders were ignored. Not wanting his brother to act rashly, Bima and Arjuna rushed to the battlefield. Thanks to their courage and intelligence, Duryodana was saved.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life in the forest, an event occurred that shook the hearts of the Pandavas. Drupadi, his beloved wife, was kidnapped by Jayadrata, Duryodana's cunning and vengeful brother-in-law. Burning anger burned the chests of Bima and Arjuna. With all their might, they chased and managed to capture Jayadrata. Justice was almost upheld, but Yudistira, the eldest, appeared and begged for Jayadrata's life to be saved. With a heavy heart, Bima and Arjuna abandoned their intention.

Once, while exploring the forest, Dropadi's heart was captivated by the fragrance of a rare flower. Expectantly, he asked Bima to find the flower. Bima, with his burning enthusiasm, immediately set off in search. After a long walk, he arrived at the foot of a towering mountain. There, an amazing sight awaited him: a giant ape, its body gleaming like gold, was fast asleep blocking his path.

Undaunted, Bima tried to wake the ape. With a booming voice, he shouted with all his might. However, the ape only opened one eye lazily, then said in a heavy voice, "O man, why do you disturb my peace? I am tired and want to rest. You should understand that every living creature deserves peace." "You are a wise being, while I am just an animal," the ape continued. "You, as a more intelligent human being, should be able to show compassion to other creatures. I fear you have forgotten the line between right and wrong. Who exactly are you, and what is your purpose in coming to this sacred place?" The giant ape then warned Bima, "This place is a path that can only be traveled by the gods. Humans are not allowed to set foot here. If you want flowers, just take the fruits that grow around here. After that, go in peace."

Anger burned in Bima's chest. He had never been treated like this. "Who are you, you arrogant ape!" he shouted loudly. "I am Bima, a knight from Kurusetra, the son of Kunti and Lord Bayu! How dare you stand in my way?". The giant ape just laughed lightly. "I am just an ordinary ape," he said casually, "but you will regret it if you force me." Bima became even more furious. "Don't try to underestimate me!" he snapped. "Move aside or I'll make you regret it!"

The ape gave a small smile. "You are indeed a valiant warrior," he praised. "However, remember that true strength is not only in the muscles, but also in the heart. Be gentle with weaker creatures. I can't move because I'm injured. If you want to continue traveling, just cut off my tail." Confidently, Bima pulled the monkey's tail with all his might. But to his surprise, the tail was completely immovable. It was as if it was firmly planted on the ground. With his face flushed with embarrassment, Bima asked, "Forgive me, O powerful being. Are you a Gandharva or even a God?"

The ape smiled mysteriously. "I am Hanuman, the brother you mentioned earlier," he replied. "This road you are traveling on is the road to the mortal world, where the Yakshas and Rakshasas dwell. It is very dangerous for humans to pass through this place. That is why I am blocking you." Hanuman continued, "No one can cross this path and stay alive. However, if you really want the Saugandhika flower, follow the stream that flows below. There, you will find the flower you seek."

At the end of a long exile, Yudistira and his four brothers, the Pandavas, were trekking through the wilderness. Their kindness was tested once again when they came across a grief-stricken brahmin. The brahmin's sacred ceremonial equipment was stuck on the horn of a wild deer. Without hesitation, the Pandavas immediately chased the deer. Thirst struck the five Pandavas after a grueling chase. Yudistira then told Sadewa to look for a water source. However, time passed quickly and Sadewa never returned. Fearing for his brother's safety, Yudistira then ordered Nakula, then Arjuna, and finally Bima to follow. However, none of them returned.

With a troubled heart, Yudistira wandered through the wilderness. Finally, he found his four brothers lying lifeless on the shore of a calm lake. Immediately, a giant appeared who claimed to be the ruler of the lake. With a booming voice, the giant told him that the Pandavas had been poisoned by the lake's water because they refused to answer difficult questions. Without hesitation, the thirsty Yudistira approached the lake. Calmly, he asked the giant for permission to answer his questions. Question after question was asked by the giant, but Yudistira managed to answer all of them wisely. Amazed by Yudistira's intelligence, the giant admitted his defeat. However, he could only bring one person back to life.

Faced with a difficult choice, Yudistira decided to revive Nakula. This decision shocked the giant, as Nakula was Yudistira's half-brother, born to a different queen. However, Yudistira explained, "I must be fair. My father, Pandu, had two consorts. Since I was born to Kunti, it is only fitting that I revive the son of Madri." The giant's gaze was fixed on Yudistira. It was as if he was considering the Pandavas' answer. Soon, the giant's body emitted a dazzling golden light. Slowly, his form changed. He was no longer a terrifying giant, but a majestic god with a gentle face.

The revived Pandavas (Source: Personal Collection)

"Yudistira," said the god in a melodious voice, "you have passed My test. Your justice and sincerity truly amaze Me." The god explained that he was the God of Dharma disguised as a wild deer and a giant to test the resolve of the Pandavas. "Thanks to your wisdom, Nakula is not the only one I will revive," continued Lord Dharma. "Bima, Arjuna and Sadewa will also revive." Instantly, the bodies of the four Pandavas radiated golden light and they came back to life.