| THE jealousy of
Duryodhana began to grow at the sight of the physical strength of Bhima and the dexterity
of Arjuna. Karna and Sakuni became Duryodhana's evil counsellors in planning wily
stratagems. As for poor Dhritarashtra, he was a
wise man no doubt and he also loved his brother's sons, but lie was weak of will and
dotingly attached to his own children. For his children's sake the worse became the better
reason, and he would sometimes even knowingly follow the wrong path.
Duryodhana sought in various ways to kill the Pandavas. It was by means of the secret help
rendered by Vidura who wanted to save the family from a great sin, that the Pandavas
escaped with their lives.
One unforgivable offence of the Pandavas in the eyes of Duryodhana was that the people of
the city used to praise them openly and declare in season and out of season that
Yudhishthira alone was fit to be the king. |
