Indrasena

Defeated at dice by Duryodhana and his allies, the Pandavas leave Gajasahrya with Draupadi and their servants, heading north. But the citizens — grieving, furious at Bhishma and Vidura and Drona for allowing it — decide to follow them. Yudhishthira must turn them back, asking them to care for those left behind in Nagasahrya.

After the citizens turn back, the Pandavas ascend their chariots and travel to the great banyan tree Pramana on the banks of the Jahnavi. They touch the pure water and spend the night subsisting on nothing but water — the first night of their twelve-year exile, consoled only by the brahmanas who refused to leave them.

Krishna Vasudeva has left. The dice game is over. Yudhishthira, his brothers, and Draupadi prepare to leave Hastinapura for the forest — not as defeated men, but as warriors ascending expensive chariots. The citizens of Kurujangala gather around them, weeping, asking why their king would abandon them. Arjuna answers: the king will go to the forest to rob his enemies of their fame.

Keshini brings the twins to Bahuka. He recognizes them instantly — Indrasena and her brother. The king rushes to them, embraces them, places them on his lap, and weeps loudly, his grief and anguish pouring out. But then, abruptly, he sends Keshini away, fearing that her frequent visits may be misinterpreted.

Yudhishthira resolves to leave Kamyaka forest and begin the pilgrimage to the sacred tirthas. Before they can depart, Vyasa, Narada, and Parvata appear — three of the most powerful sages in existence — and give them instructions that go beyond mere travel: purify your minds, control your bodies, and go with friendship in your hearts. The Pandavas receive their blessings and, at the auspicious moment, set out eastward with their servants and chariots.

Having resolved their course, the Pandavas arrive at the prosperous kingdom of Subahu, lord of the kunindas. They are welcomed, hosted, and then — leaving their servants and retinue behind — they set out on foot toward the Himalayas, driven by the single hope of seeing Arjuna.

After a month in Badari, the Pandavas set out for the land of King Subahu of the Kiratas, crossing the lands of the Chinas, Tukharas, Daradas, Darvans, and Kunindas — territories full of jewels. They cross the difficult Himalayan terrain and are welcomed by Subahu himself, who comes out to greet them.

Yudhishthira tells his brothers about the deer's plea and proposes moving to Kamyaka forest. The Pandavas, together with the brahmanas and their servants, swiftly depart Dvaitavana and travel along an excellent road to the sacred hermitage of Kamyaka — a place populated by ascetics, where they will spend the remainder of their exile.

The Pandavas return from their hunt to find their hermitage empty and their maid weeping. A jackal howls on their left — an omen of disaster. When Indrasena questions the maid, she learns the truth: Jayadratha has abducted Draupadi while they were away, and the trail is still fresh.