3. In Mahabharatha, the Pandavas lost everything in the game of dice to
the Kauravas
and had to live in the forest for tweleve years. During this period they
had to constantly more from place to place for safety and to meet their
daily needs.
One day in the twelfth year, the Pandava brothers wandered
deep into the forest in pursuit of a deer.
4. The Sun was hot over head and the five brothers grew
more and more weary and thirsty. Yudhistira sank down
under a tree to rest and said to Nakul, “Brother, climb
that tree and see whether there is any pool or river
nearby.”
Nakula climbed the tree, look around and said, “At
a little distance I see water plants and cranes. There
must certainly be water there.”
5. •Yudhistira sent him to fetch some water to drink.
Nakula was glad when he got to the place and
saw there was pool. He was very thirsty him self
thought of quenching his thirst first before taking
water quiver for his brothers: but no sooner did
he dip his hand in the transparent water than he
heard a voice said: “Stop! Nakula! Do not drink.
This pool belongs to me. O Son of Madri, answer
my questions and drink the water”
6. •Nakula was surprised, but carried away by his intense thirst
and heedless of the warning, he knelt down and began to
drink water. At once he began to feel terrible drowsy and he
fell down; to all appearance dead.
When Nakula did not return for a long time, Yudhistira sent
Sahadeva to see what the matter was. Sahadeva also ignored
the warning. He drank the water and at once dropped down.
When Sahadeva too failed to return, Yudhistira sent Arjuna to
see whether the brothers had met with any danger.
7. •Arjuna went swiftly. He saw his brothers lying dead near
the pool. Heart-broken with grief, he wanted to avenge
their deaths. However he too was overwhelmd by a
monstrous thirst, which compelled him towards the
fatal pool.
Again the warming voice was heard, “Answer my
questions before you drink the water.This pool is mine. If
you disobey me, you’ll follow your brothers.” Arjuna
became very angry. He cried,” who are you? Come and
stand up to me and I will kill you.” He shot sharp arrows in
the direction of the voice.
