Nakula and Sahadeva Slain by the Yaksha

The Pandavas had been wandering the forest for a long time. The deer they had been hunting had eluded them. They were exhausted, their throats parched, their limbs heavy. Yudhishthira, seeing his brothers' condition, spoke to Nakula. "Climb a tree and look in the ten directions. Look for water that is nearby, or trees that grow near water. Your brothers are exhausted and thirsty." Nakula climbed swiftly. From the treetop he scanned the forest. He saw trees that grow near water — the kind that mark hidden streams and ponds. He heard the cries of cranes. He told his eldest brother: there is water somewhere here. Yudhishthira, steadfast in his truth, sent him: "Swiftly go and fetch some water." Nakula rushed toward the sound. He found a lake — crystal clear water, surrounded by cranes. He knelt to drink. A voice spoke from heaven. "Do not be foolish enough to do this. I have obtained possession of this earlier. O Madri's son! Answer my question. You can then drink it and take it." Nakula was very thirsty. He ignored the words. He drank the cool water. He collapsed and fell down dead. When Nakula did not return for a long time, Yudhishthira turned to Sahadeva. "Your brother has been gone for a long time. He is your immediate elder. Go and fetch your brother. Bring water too." Sahadeva went. He found Nakula lying dead on the ground. He was sorely tormented at the sight. But he was oppressed by thirst. He rushed toward the water. The voice spoke again: "Do not be foolish enough to do this. I have obtained possession of this earlier. Answer my question. You can then drink it and take it, as you wish." Sahadeva was very thirsty. He ignored the words. He drank the cool water. He collapsed and fell down dead beside his brother.