Bhima and Lomasha

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.

Lomasha, their guide through the wilderness, becomes confused — and Yudhishthira immediately reads the danger. He orders everyone to guard Draupadi, maintain absolute cleanliness, and then gives Bhima a direct command: protect her. Finally, he goes to the twins Nakula and Sahadeva, embraces them, and tells them not to be afraid.

The group has resolved to travel together, but Mount Gandhamadana looms ahead — a barrier that cannot be crossed by strength alone. Lomasha, the sage guiding them, reveals the only way through: not with chariots or even Bhima's arms, but with austerities.

A fragrant sougandhika lotus drifts on the wind and lands before Draupadi. She shows it to Bhima and asks him to bring more if he finds them. By the time Yudhishthira notices the omens of battle gathering around them, Bhima is already gone — headed north-east, into the territory of the yakshas.

When the Pandava party finally reaches the sougandhika pond, they find Bhima standing on its banks with his club raised, surrounded by the bodies of the yakshas he has already slain. Yudhishthira embraces him — then warns him never to do such a thing again.

Yudhishthira sets out north with his brothers, Draupadi, the brahmanas, Lomasha, and the rakshasas including Hidimba's son. They travel partly on foot and partly carried by the rakshasas, crossing mountains and difficult terrain, until on the seventeenth day they reach the sacred hermitage of the rajarshi Vrishaparva near Gandhamadana.

After leaving Vrishaparva, the Pandavas proceed on foot through a region teeming with animals, reaching Mount Shveta on the fourth day and then Mount Malyavan. They climb higher into Gandhamadana, a mountain so beautiful it resembles the pleasure garden of the gods, filled with every kind of tree, flower, bird, and pond.

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.

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.