Duryodhana Plots Against the Pandavas Out of Jealousy

The torment began with what Duryodhana saw and heard. He saw Bhimasena — his cousin, his rival — whose physical strength had become extraordinary. He saw Dhananjaya, Arjuna, whose skill with weapons was unmatched. Their excellence was a living reproach. Then he heard the talk. In the city squares and assemblies, the citizens of Hastinapura spoke openly. "Lord of men, Dhritarashtra, though possessing the sight of wisdom, could not inherit the kingdom then because he was blind. How can he be king now? Shantanu’s son, Bhishma, is rigid in his vows. Having given up the kingdom earlier, he will never accept it now." Their logic was merciless. Their conclusion was clear: "The eldest Pandava is young, but has the conduct of the old, is truthful and compassionate and has knowledge of the Vedas. With due ceremonies, it is up to us to crown him. Since he follows the path of dharma, he will certainly worship Bhishma and Dhritarashtra and his sons and give them objects for sustenance." They were not speaking treason. They were speaking succession. They were planning Yudhishthira’s coronation as a matter of practical and righteous necessity. Duryodhana heard these words of affection for his cousin and burned. The grief was a physical fire. Burning thus, the evil-souled one could not condone such talk. He turned to his two constant allies: Vaikartana Karna, the gifted archer who shared his enmity, and Subala’s son Shakuni, his cunning maternal uncle. Together, they began to devise means. Not challenges or open contests, but secret plots — various methods to kill the Pandavas. The Pandavas, slayers of enemies, discovered every one of these attempts. But on the advice of Vidura, their wise uncle who saw the deeper currents of the court, they refrained from revealing the plots. They held their knowledge close, a silent understanding of the danger now living within the walls of their own home.