When many began to
say what he himself wished to believe, Dhritarashtra's mind was shaken and he yielded to
his sons'
counsels. It only remained to give effect to the plot. The ministers began to praise the beauty of Varanavata in the hearing of the
Pandavas and made mention of the fact that a great festival in honour of Siva would be
conducted there with all pomp and
splendour.
The unsuspecting Pandavas were easily persuaded, especially
when Dhritarashtra also told them in tones of great affection that they should certainly
go and witness the festivities, not only because they were worth seeing but because the
people of the place were eager to welcome them.
The Pandavas took leave of Bhishma and other elders and went to
Varanavata.
Duryodhana was elated. He plotted with Karna and Sakuni to kill Kunti and her sons at
Varanavata. They sent for Purochana,
minister, and gave him secret instructions which he bound himself to carry out faithfully.
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