Sanjaya said, “O King Dhritarashtra, the victorious Pandavas, raising a thunderous clamour, advanced in search of your son Duryodhana. Perceiving their purpose, Kripacharya, Krithavarma, and Ashwatthama quietly withdrew from the spot. The Pandavas searched every grove, thicket, and hidden corner, yet failed to discover him. Disappointed, they turned back. As they departed, Yudhishthira glanced toward your camp and declared, ‘Do not fear.’ After they had gone, I, with anxiety concealed within my heart, proceeded to the lake accompanied by our surviving warriors.”
Sanjaya continued, “Kripacharya, Ashwatthama, and Krithavarma informed your son of our arrival and addressed him with earnest devotion. ‘O King of the Kurus,’ they said, ‘rise from these waters. With the strength of the three of us beside you, prepare once more to destroy the Pandavas. Under your command, the hostile army shall perish. Hesitate no longer. Either conquer the earth and rule as a victorious monarch, or fall in battle with the courage worthy of a Kshatriya. The path of concealment does not become a warrior of your greatness.’”
Duryodhana replied in a weary voice, “My body is shattered by countless wounds inflicted by arrows and swords. I am tormented by thirst, and my mind is overwhelmed by exhaustion. You too are fatigued, and we have none to attend upon us. Let this day pass. If strength returns with the dawn, we shall march forth tomorrow with renewed resolve.”
Hearing these words, Ashwatthama’s eyes blazed with determination. “Why should you entertain even the slightest doubt?” he proclaimed. “Before this very day ends, I shall slay the Panchalas with my arrows and extinguish this ancient enmity. Only after satisfying both my father’s honour and your cause shall I remove this armour from my body.”
Meanwhile, the hunters employed by Bhima, exhausted after wandering through the forests, approached the lake in search of water. Earlier, Yudhishthira had instructed them, “The enemy Duryodhana has escaped. He may be concealed among bushes, hollow trees, or lonely retreats. Be vigilant wherever you travel.” As the hunters neared the lake, they overheard the conversation between the three warriors and the hidden king. Instantly, they realised that Duryodhana was concealed beneath the waters. Whispering among themselves, they said, “If this news is carried to Yudhishthira, he will surely reward us. Let us first inform Bhima, for he will know how to act.” Leaving behind their hunting gear, they hastened towards the Pandava camp.
At that very moment, the Pandavas had already dispatched spies in every direction to trace the missing Kuru prince. Bhima’s guards met the hunters, listened carefully to their account, and hurriedly conveyed the information to Bhima. Delighted by this unexpected discovery, Bhima rewarded the hunters generously with heavy gifts of gold. He immediately escorted them before Yudhishthira and announced, “O King, Duryodhana lies concealed within the sacred Dwaipayana Lake. By his extraordinary mystical skill, he remains hidden comfortably beneath its waters. These hunters have brought us this invaluable news.”
Yudhishthira received the hunters with honour and gratitude. He immediately informed Krishna and Arjuna. Without delay, the Pandavas, accompanied by their surviving relatives, friends, and the fourfold army, marched towards the lake. The earth trembled beneath the advancing hosts, while the resounding blasts of conches, drums, and martial instruments filled the skies with echoes of impending destiny.
Observing the approaching army, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and Krithavarma, who had been striving to rekindle Duryodhana’s martial spirit, spoke anxiously. “O King,” they said, “the Pandavas, intoxicated by victory, are advancing towards this place. Should we confront them now, or withdraw for the present and assemble again at a more favourable hour? This is not the moment for battle. Hide yourself elsewhere until nightfall. The Pandavas will surely return to Hastinapura. Even if they come this way, it will be by mere chance.”
Duryodhana answered with quiet confidence. “They cannot discover me in these waters. By a unique art known only to me, I can remain concealed beneath this lake without fear.” Though unconvinced, the three warriors departed with heavy hearts.
Sanjaya continued, “Although the trio moved away, I knew well of Duryodhana’s remarkable mastery of remaining submerged beneath deep waters. My mind was restless. After travelling some distance, I descended from my chariot, concealed myself behind a dense bush, and carefully observed the movements of both armies. The three surviving Kaurava heroes halted beneath a great banyan tree, speaking sorrowfully of your son and deliberating upon their next course of action.”
Soon the sons of Panchala arrived cheerfully, conversing among themselves, while the sons of Pandu approached the lake with loud voices proclaiming victory. After carefully examining the waters, Yudhishthira turned to Krishna and said, “These waters appear unnaturally still, fortified by an unseen power beyond human comprehension. Some mysterious force protects him within; therefore he remains fearless beneath the depths.”
Then Yudhishthira proclaimed in a voice that echoed across the lake, “Even if Duryodhana were sheltered by Indra himself, he cannot escape me while hiding in these waters.”
Krishna quietly counselled him, “Those who practise deceit can be overcome only through superior wisdom and strategy. This enemy cannot be defeated by ordinary means. Have you not heard how Indra and Vishnu subdued mighty demons through skilful stratagem? Hiranyakashipu, Vritra, and many others fell through divine wisdom rather than brute force alone. Ravana perished because Sri Rama destroyed the illusion that sustained his strength. You also know how Narakasura was slain through carefully chosen means. Therefore, adopt the course that will compel Duryodhana to emerge.”
Strengthened by Krishna’s counsel, Yudhishthira addressed the hidden monarch. “Duryodhana, you have embraced a path unworthy of a Kshatriya. For your ambition, innumerable kings and countless warriors have laid down their lives. They embraced death upon the battlefield, while you conceal yourself to preserve your own life. How will you escape the inevitable hand of death? How will you free yourself from the dreadful burden of fratricide and the slaughter of so many noble heroes?”
Thus Sanjaya unfolded before the grief-stricken Dhritarashtra the extraordinary and fateful events unfolding beside the silent waters of the Dwaipayana Lake, where hope, despair, destiny, and justice converged. As he listened, the old king’s heart surged like the restless waves of a storm-tossed ocean, trembling in fearful anticipation of the final chapter of the great war.
