News soon reached Hastinapura that the Pandavas were alive and were friends of the powerful King Drupada.Duryodhana,Shakuni and the other Kauravas wondered how the Pandavas managed to escape from the fire in the house of wax.

At Shakuni's suggestion,they attacked the Pandavas while they were still at Drupada's place.The Kauravas became under heavy attack from Drupada's army and had to retreat.

Vidura was disappointed to hear of this attack and so he went to Dhritarashtra and told him that the Pandavas were alive.He also told him that they were now married to Draupadi the daughter of King Drupada and that he should welcome them back to Hastinapura and make Yudhishtira the King.

While Vidura as the Prime Minister was advising the King,Duryodhana and Karna entered the chamber.Duryodhana was furious and told his father not to allow the Pandavas back into Hastinapura.

He told his father about plans by Shakuni to bribe Drupada and to cause strife amongst the five brothers.Karna thought these schemes were not suited for a Kshatriya like Duryodhana and suggested another military attack.

An assembly of all the stalwarts was called to discuss the newest developments.Bhishma,Drona,Kripa and many of the elders assembled in the assembly hall.Bhishma suggested that the Pandavas get fair treatment.

He also suggested that the Pandavas get half of the kingdom and he had the full support of Drona archarya.He reminded Dhritarashtra that it was his duty to look after his younger brother's children.Karna was of the impression that the matter should be settled by war.

Vidura advised that war was not a solution to the problem and supported Bhishma's idea of giving the Pandavas half of the kingdom. Dhritarashtra under heavy pressure,agreed with both Bhishma and Vidura.

Vidura was chosen to bring the Pandavas,their bride Draupadi and mother Kunti back to Hastinapura.He was dispatched with gifts for all including Draupadi and her father Drupada Vidura told them that Dhritarashtra has invited them back to Hastinapura and that they should bring their wife along.

Yudhishtira along with his brothers,his mother and Draupadi left for Hastinapura.Krishna accompanied them.When they arrived there,they were welcomed by Dhritarashtra who bestowed them with many gifts.Gandhari, the mother of Duryodhana was happy to see the Pandavas and Draupadi was well honoured.

A great function was arranged in the palace and then Dhritarashtra the blind king addressed the Pandavas.Reminding them of their ancestry and the place of their early development,he gave them the territory known as Khandava Prastha.This was the capital where their ancestors once ruled.He asked them to forget the events of the past and to move on with their lives.

Yudhishtira as humble as he was accepted the King's offer with great humility.Bhishma,Drona,Kripa and even Vidura was a bit happy knowing that the enmity might now be over.They all agreed to the offer even though they knew that Khandava Prastha was in total ruin and all deserted.

A coronation ceremony was held amidst great celebration and Yudhishtira was crowned King.The sage Vyasa once more gave his blessings.When all the celebrations were over,Dhritarashtra suggested that Yudhishtira leave for Khandava Prastha and begin his work.

Yudhishtira obdient as ever,proceeded to Khandava Prastha and Krishna went with him.When they got there and saw the ruins unfit for inhabitation,Krishna summoned the Lord of the Devatas,Indra himself. When Indra got there,the all powerful Krishna asked him to arrange that place so that it can be fit for a King.

Lord Indra was more than happy to serve Krishna,having recognised him as being the all mercyful Lord and Master of the universe.Indra then called upon Vishwakarma,the architect of the Gods,and gave him instructtions to make that place fit for an Emperor to reside.

Vishwakarma reconstructed that entire place and rebuilt it with such beauty that it left everyone in absolute awe when they saw it.Krishna renamed it as Indraprastha in tribute to Lord Indra.Being now the most beautiful capital in the world,many people chose to come there and settle down.

Krishna stayed there for a few more days .Yudhishtira was filled with gratitude and love for Krishna.Krishna pledged his support for the Pandavas and told them that he was at their service at anytime.Then he bade farewell to them and returned to his capital of Dwaraka.

Pandit Bhadase Maharaj.

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