Duryodhana, advised by Shakuni, convinces Dhritarashtra to send the Pandavas to Varanavata for a festival. They build the Lakshagriha—a palace made of lac, wax, and flammable materials. The plan is to burn them alive. However, Vidura warns the Pandavas through a secret tunnel. On the night of the fire, they escape, leaving behind five corpses to fake their deaths. The episode ends with Bhima vowing to destroy all Kauravas.
The Star Plus television adaptation of the Mahabharat (2013–2014), produced by Swastik Productions and directed by Siddharth Kumar Tewary, retells the Hindu epic’s epic sweep—family rivalry, duty (dharma), destiny, and the moral dilemmas that culminate in the Kurukshetra war. Episodes 1–94 cover the narrative from the origins of the Kuru dynasty through the lead-up to the great conflict, establishing characters, relationships, and themes that drive the saga.
Episode 1-5: The Curse & The Heirs
Episodes 6-10: The Poisoned Beginnings
Episodes 11-15: Growing Up & The Public Test
Episodes 16-20: The Lakshagriha (House of Lac)
The Kauravas attack King Virat to steal his cattle. Arjun, as Brihannala, reveals his identity and, using the Uttariya (garment) from his Gandiva bow, single-handedly defeats the Kaurava army. The Pandavas reveal themselves. The 13-year exile is complete. Yudhishthir demands their half of the kingdom back.
Episodes 81-85: The Armies Gather
Episodes 86-90: The Tragic Truths Emerge
Episodes 91-94: The Night Before the War
Kings from across the Aryavarta fail—including Karna (who is disqualified because Draupadi refuses a Suta-putra, a charioteer’s son). Disguised as a Brahmin, Arjun steps up. Episode 48 shows him effortlessly lifting the bow and piercing the target. The crowd erupts. But when the Pandavas take Draupadi to their hut, Kunti, without looking, famously says, “Whatever you have earned, share equally among yourselves.” Thus, Draupadi becomes the common wife of all five Pandavas—a divine decree that will cause endless conflict.
