Arshtishena

Seeing the beautiful region of Gandhamadana, Yudhishthira addresses Bhima in affectionate words, pointing out the trees, birds, elephants, lakes, waterfalls, minerals, gandharvas, kimpurushas, and the river Ganga. He expresses delight at having traversed a path no human has followed. They then see the hermitage of rajarshi Arshtishena and go to the sage.

The Pandavas settle on the slopes of the Himalayas, living on hermit food, fruits, deer meat, and honey. For five years they listen to Lomasha's words, witness marvels, and receive visits from hermits and charanas — a stable period of exile before the mountain's dangers stir.

The Pandavas hear noises from the mountain caves and do not see Bhimasena. Concerned, they leave Draupadi in Arshtishena's care and ascend the mountain armed with weapons. They find Bhima surrounded by slain rakshasas, radiant as Indra after slaying danavas. Yudhishthira rebukes him for acting against the king's wishes and offending the gods — then falls into reflection.

Vaishravana (Kubera) addresses Yudhishthira directly, critiquing Bhimasena's violent and undisciplined nature. He delivers a discourse on perseverance, place, time, and valour, ordering Yudhishthira to dwell at Arshtishena's hermitage for a lunar fortnight. He promises protection from gandharvas, yakshas, and rakshasas, and reveals that Shantanu is pleased with Arjuna in heaven.

At sunrise, the priest Dhoumya takes Yudhishthira's hand and turns him eastward. What follows is not a blessing but a map — of the four directions, the mountains that anchor them, the gods who guard them, and the sun's eternal circuit around Mount Meru that creates seasons, measures time, and sustains all life.

Having resolved to leave, Yudhishthira bids farewell to the houses, rivers, lakes, and rakshasas of Gandhamadana — and vows to return after victory. Ghatotkacha carries the Pandavas and their brahmanas across mountains and waterfalls as they depart, guided by Lomasha and instructed by the sage Arshtishena.