Chapter 17 : Indraprastha - The New Pandava Land
The news of the Pandavas' marriage to Draupadi spread far and wide, reaching even the court of Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra, though somewhat disheartened that his own sons had not won Draupadi’s hand, was genuinely pleased for the Pandavas. He promptly made arrangements to welcome them and their new bride. Seeking to maintain peace, he consulted with Bheeshma and Dronacharya about dividing the kingdom to ensure fairness. Both agreed, recognizing it as the just course of action.
When the Pandavas arrived at Hastinapur, they were given a grand reception. After paying their respects to the elders, Dhritarashtra, Bheeshma, and Drona confirmed that the kingdom would be split, granting the Pandavas their rightful share, which they gladly accepted.
To establish their new capital, the Pandavas turned to their cousin Krishna for assistance. Their allotted land, Khadavaprastha, was surrounded by the Khandava forest—a place cursed by Lord Indra to remain barren and inhabited by formidable creatures like Nagas and Rakshasas. The forest was under the dominion of Takshaka, the Naga ruler.
Seizing the opportunity, Krishna and Arjuna agreed to help Lord Agni, who sought to consume the forest to satiate his hunger. Knowing that Indra would likely attempt to protect the cursed land, Arjuna requested powerful weapons for the task. In response, Agni enlisted Varuna, the Water-God, who bestowed upon Arjuna the mighty Gandiva bow, an inexhaustible quiver of arrows, and a chariot that never faltered in speed.
With these divine gifts, Agni set the Khandava forest ablaze. The conflagration claimed most of its inhabitants, including the Nagas and Rakshasas. Takshaka managed to escape to Takshila, where he would later seek revenge during the great war—a tale that will unfold in future chapters.
Indra, enraged by the destruction of the Khandava forest, confronted Arjuna and Krishna. He unleashed a barrage of weapons and illusions in an attempt to overpower them. Despite Indra's formidable arsenal, Arjuna, armed with the Gandiva bow, proved to be more than a match. The battle raged fiercely, but in the end, Indra was impressed by Arjuna’s skill and strength.
Acknowledging Arjuna’s valor, Indra granted him the entire forest as the Pandavas' new capital. This land was transformed into a magnificent city, aptly named Indraprastha, in honor of the celestial blessing. Following this legendary duel, Arjuna earned the title Gandivadhari, meaning “the Wielder of the Gandiva Bow,” a name that celebrated his triumph and the divine favor he had received.
Krishna summoned Vishwakarma, the divine architect, to help the Pandavas build Indraprastha. Vishwakarma, also known as Maya, worked tirelessly to create a city of splendor. The royal palace he constructed was renowned for its opulence and magical illusions. The palace floor was designed with mesmerizing illusions, and its walls were adorned with glittering precious stones.
Under the guidance of Yudhishtra, the Pandavas governed their new kingdom with wisdom and fairness. Indraprastha thrived in peace and prosperity, and the citizens flourished under the just and benevolent rule of the Pandavas.
Previous:- Chapter 16 – Draupadi’s Swayamvara
Next:- Chapter 18 – The Rajasuya Yagna
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