Partitioning Hastinapura

Duryodhana and his assembly of his supporters were not happy of Pandavas’ returning of Hastinapura. He knew they would come back to reclaim their place in the assembly of Hastinapura’s court. Dhrtarastra understood this potential outbreak take place. As much as the wise ministers, Bhisma, Vidura, Dronacarya, and Krpacarya persuaded and explained to Duryodhana and Dhrtarastra that Yudhisthira is the rightful and most deserving heir apparent. As Dhrtarastra, being a foolish king, disregarded the opinions of the elders and the wise, Bhisma was forced to take the most extreme decision to partition the nation. Dhrtarastra decided to give Hastinapura to Duryodhana and a barren and deserted place called Khandavaprastha. Even though the four younger Pandava brothers felt cheated, Yudhisthira accepted this land as a token of love from his second father-figure. Even though he knew very well that this was injustice, for the sake of peace, he was willing to accept that much. Lord Krsna and His dear brother, Balarama, gave help to their cousins and friends, the Pandavas, in rebuiling Khandavaprastha to an amazing land known as Indraprastha. To establish new rule, Yudhisthira had to complete a special yajna, or a sacrificial fire ceremony, called the Rajasuya Yajna. Events such as killing the demoniac king, Jarasandha, took place. When the ceremony began, all kings from India came to Indraprastha to partake the event.

The Kauravas from Hastinapura visited Indraprastha, as a formality. Duryodhana could not stand to see the victory of Yudhisthira. In anger, he decided to blow off his steam by visiting The Palace of Illusions in Indraprastha, created by a demon named Maya, who was protected by Lord Krsna and the Pandavas. While visiting the Palace of Illusions, Duryodhana assumed a lake was the solid floor. While falling into the water, Draupadi was nearby and saw this event. She laughed and ridiculed him saying, “A blind man’s son is also blind.” That insult helped to fuel the anger, envy, and vengeful behavior of Duryodhana.