Dronacharya, after bestowing upon Arjuna the supreme Brahmasironamakastra, enriched him with divine grace and mortal strength. As a preceptor, he laid down solemn injunctions, commanding his disciple never to use that weapon against mankind. If unleashed upon lesser beings, it would consume the world in flames; if directed against a foe deemed dangerous, it would utterly destroy him. In the presence of his kinsmen and elders, Arjuna pledged obedience to his master and vowed never to turn his arms against him in battle.
Meanwhile, Duryodhana, burning with jealousy at the growing fame and excellence of the Pandavas, could not endure their praise nor the affection they received from the elders and King Dhritarashtra. Surrounded by Shakuni, Karna, and Dushasana, he lamented his own inferiority in the mastery of arms and in the renown that followed the sons of Pandu. Their bravery, chivalry, and royal grace had won them the admiration of the kingdom, while Dharmaraja Yudhishthira had been declared heir-apparent without his consent. In despair he turned to counsel, even if it meant breaking the bounds of propriety.
Shakuni’s favourite minister, Kanika, skilled in ethics and versed in statecraft, offered him grim wisdom. He declared that a king must uphold strict penal policy without discrimination, punishing even father, guru, or kinsman if they strayed from the path of duty. A ruler, he said, should strike fear by chastising the great in public, conceal his own weaknesses while discerning the flaws of others, and never allow an enemy to gather strength. Hypocrites, flatterers, and deceivers often wear the mask of humility while harbouring venom in their hearts; therefore, a king must trust no man and protect both his life and his secrets, for once a secret is betrayed not even Brihaspati himself can restore it. Enemies, however small, must not be tolerated, for a thorn may cripple the foot and a spark reduce the forest to ashes. Conciliation, gifts, dissension, and force must all be employed, yet when the time arrives, destruction must be swift. Even kinsmen who turn mischievous are to be slain without hesitation.
These harsh counsels sank deep into Duryodhana’s heart. Devising schemes of discontent, he went privately to King Dhritarashtra and poured his poisoned words. He reminded the blind monarch of his decision to crown Yudhishthira, accusing him of boundless affection towards the Pandavas. “The people,” he whispered, “have forsaken you and Bhishma. They believe you unfit, for though Bhishma has strength, his vow forbids him the throne. Thus, their hope rests on the young, virtuous, and valiant prince, whose chivalry and piety win every heart. Such talk pierces my ears like a trident. I cannot endure their praises of Pandu’s sons. Command them to depart.”
Dhritarashtra, troubled yet cautious, replied that a king’s lot was threefold: to die in battle, to yield the throne to his heirs, or to renounce the world in pursuit of spiritual truth. He confessed his blindness made him unfit for war or rule, and recalled with gratitude how noble Pandu had borne the burden of the kingdom and enriched the treasury through conquest. His sons, the Pandavas, were no less worthy. How then could their rightful claim be denied?
But Duryodhana pressed on with fervent insistence. “If Dharmaraja ascends the throne, his descendants will inherit in perpetuity, and our line shall be cast aside. We must prevent his coronation; else we shall serve as vassals forever. Do not let kindness towards them undo us. This kingdom was yours from the beginning, and the counsel of elders can be bent to our will. Send the Pandavas to Varanavata under a pretext, until we have secured our power.”
The king hesitated, fearing the rebuke of Bhishma, Vidura, Kripa, and Drona. Yet Duryodhana argued craftily that each of them, bound by loyalty, restraint, or affection, would not oppose. With oratory sharp as a blade, he soothed the king’s doubts, won his wavering consent, and planted within his heart the seed of conspiracy.
Thus, by Kanika’s dark counsel and Duryodhana’s poisoned resolve, was Dhritarashtra ensnared. What was hidden yet to unfold remained uncertain, but the path was set. The skill of counsel, turned to wicked cause, prepared the flood that would sweep away lineage, culture, and kingdom alike.
