Duryodhana and Brothers Return to Hastinapura in Despair
After witnessing Arjuna win Draupadi and learning the Pandavas are alive and allied with King Drupada, Duryodhana and his brothers retreat from Panchala. They travel home in a state of shame and fear, their previous schemes unraveled and their resolve shattered.
Duryodhana had seen it happen. He watched as Arjuna, borne by white horses, was chosen by Draupadi at her svayamvara (self-choice ceremony). The sight filled him with a profound depression. There was nothing left to do but return home.
He left with his brothers, along with his allies Ashvatthama, his maternal uncle Shakuni, Karna, and Kripa. The journey back to Hastinapura was shrouded in shame. His brother Duhshasana spoke to him softly, voicing the collective bitterness. "O king! If Dhananjaya had not been disguised as a Brahmana, he would never have succeeded in obtaining Draupadi. No one recognized him because of that."
Duhshasana's words turned to a lament about fate. "I think destiny is supreme and human endeavours are fruitless. O brother! Cursed be our human endeavours when the Pandavas are still alive."
As they traveled, talking to one another, they laid blame for their predicament. They cursed Purochana, the agent they had sent to orchestrate the Pandavas' death in the house of lac. That scheme had failed spectacularly.
They entered Hastinapura miserable and downcast. Their fear was palpable; all their previous resolutions and confidence had disappeared. The reason was now undeniable: the immensely powerful sons of Pritha had not only escaped the fire but had forged a formidable new alliance with Drupada, the king of Panchala. Their minds filled with thoughts of Drupada's warlike sons — Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, and the others — all skilled in the art of war. The Pandavas were no longer exiled survivors; they were a resurrected and strengthened power.