Mahabharata Companion

The Pandavas Exiled

Part 1 / Chapter 21 / 83 chapters

Chapter21 / 48
Part 1Chapter 21

The Pandavas Exiled

, , , and fear that has undone their victory by restoring the Pandavas. proposes a second dice game with exile as the stake, and agrees despite warnings from the elders and . accepts the summons because it comes from , loses again, and the Pandavas are sent to the forest for twelve years plus a thirteenth year incognito; if discovered during that final year, they must return to the forest for another twelve years. Before leaving, , , , and make vows of revenge, remains with , and the Pandavas depart with and Dhaumya.

Krishna Dharma Edition
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This guide follows Krishna Dharma's retelling as the source of truth. This panel notes broad edition-level framing or compression that helps a reader orient themselves.

Krishna Dharma presents the second dice game as the deliberate conversion of insult into exile. The chapter keeps the focus on Dhrtarastra's failure to stop Duryodhana, while the Pandavas' vows turn the exile into a countdown.
Key Events
  1. 1

    proposes a second dice game.

    asks to recall the Pandavas for one final game: twelve years in the forest and a thirteenth year incognito, with another twelve forest years if the losing side is discovered during that final year.

  2. 2

    yields despite warnings.

    The elders object and warns the king that supporting will destroy the Kurus, but sends messengers anyway.

  3. 3

    accepts the recall.

    reaches the Pandavas on the road, and returns because he will not ignore 's summons.

  4. 4

    wins the exile stake.

    accepts the terms and loses the final throw; the elders cry that the Kuru house is doomed.

  5. 5

    The Pandavas put on deerskins.

    orders ascetic garb brought, and mocks the Pandavas and as they prepare for exile.

  6. 6

    renews his vows.

    vows to kill , , and 's sons, and to place his foot on 's head.

  7. 7

    , , and vow revenge.

    vows to kill , vows to kill , and vows to destroy 's followers.

  8. 8

    keeps in .

    says should not go to the forest, and agrees to leave her in his care.

  9. 9

    and part in grief.

    blesses , asks her to care for , laments for her sons, and is led away by as the Pandavas leave.