Indraprastha!

(Adi Parva and Shabha Parva of Vyasa Mahabharata)

After Draupadi Swayamvara, the news of five Pandavas marriage to Yangaseni spread like a wildf fire! Hearing this news, Pitamah Bhishma advised King Dhritarastra to bring them back to Hastinapur with their beautiful wife Draupadi and mother Kunti! But, wicked minded Duryodhana didn't approve this idea of his grandsire. Addressing to Duryodhana, Bhishma said,'O son of Gandhari, know that as long as those heroes live, no one in this universe can do any harm or can deprive them of ancestral share in the kingdom! Give them half of the kingdom.'

Guru Dronacharya rightly supported the words of illustrious Bhishma and said, 'Let a share of the kingdom be given to the Pandavas. This is beneficial to all of us!'

King Janmejaya was too curious to know what had happened to the Pandavas after the learned Vidura gave his opinion to King Dhritarashtra. He asked, ‘O noble Rishi, tell me in detail what was the final decision of King Dhritarashtra after hearing everybody's opinion.’

Rishi Vaishampayan narrated the opinion of Vidura and King Dhritarashtra———

When both Grandsire Bhishma and Dronacharya finished their talk, Vidura said, ‘O best of kings! I think whatever your friends (Bhishma and Drona) have spoken to you is good for you! These two are old in age, wisdom, and shastras. 

O descendant of Bharata, O king, they are certainly not inferior to Lord Ram, son of King Dasharatha, in the virtue or truthfulness. O king, they have never given you any evil advice. And you have never injured them. Why should these two best of men, who are ever truthful, give you any evil advice? These two noble hearts certainly have no intention of grabbing your wealth or seeking any partnership in your property. Why then would they give you wrong advice? 

Both Pandavas and Kauravas are equal to them. O king, what they have said is highly beneficial to you. Karna and Duryodhana are both immature and are inciting you to follow the wrong path. Do not listen to them. O noble king! What these excellent men said regarding the invincibility of the Pandavas is absolutely true! 

O King, just think! Is there anyone who can vanquish the third Pandava, Arjun, in battle, even if it is Lord Indra?

Can the powerful Bhimsen, with mighty arms possessing the might of ten thousand elephants be vanquished in battle even by immortals? Or can the twins who are well-skilled in arms be vanquished by anyone?

How can the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira, in whom mercy, patience, forgiveness, truth and prowess are always present, ever be vanquished?

O best of kings, do remember that Balaram is their ally, Lord Krishna is their counsellor and Satyaki is their supporter.  Not only that, mighty King Drupada is their father-in-law and Dhrishtadyumna is their brother-in-law. And O king, victory is where Krishna is!

Your right decision can only protect all of us- the whole Kuru race! O king, therefore, think wisely before taking a final decision. Having heard the news that the Pandavas and Pritha are alive, the people of Hastinapur have become extremely happy. They are eagerly waiting to see the virtuous Pandavas. Now, do whatever is agreeable to them. And being learned you are, if you follow the words of Duryodhana, Karna or Shakuni, then undoubtedly, the subjects of this kingdom will be perished.’

At last, having heard everyone's opinions, King Dhritarashtra said, ‘O wise Vidura! The best of men- learned Bhishma, illustrious Rishi Guru Drona and you yourself—have spoken the truth and what is good for me. There is no doubt that the great car-warriors, sons of Pandu, are my sons according to the ordinance! If my sons are entitled to this kingdom, then they too are entitled to this kingdom. 

So, O Vidura! Go to Panchala and, with due love and affection, bring the illustrious Pandavas with Kunti and the celestial beauty Krishna- our beloved daughter-in-law! We are fortunate to obtain King Drupada as our friend! O Vidura, convey my message to King Drupada that we all are exceedingly happy and waiting for all of them.’

Thus, Vidura at the command of King Dhritarashtra, went to Panchala and both King Drupada and Vidura duly exchanged their well wishes. After offering the gifts, valuable ornaments and kingly attire for everyone, Vidura very politely revealed the noble wish of King Dhritarashtra. He said, ‘O mighty-armed King Drupada, this is the message given by my elder brother King Dhritarashtra—-With your permission, let the Pandavas with mother Kunti and their wife, Draupadi, come to Hastinapur. King Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana and all the people of Hastinapur are exceedingly happy for what has happened here. They all are waiting to see their beloved Pandavas with Krishnaa and Kunti.’ 

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At last, with King Drupada’s command, Vidura brought them all back to Hastinapur.

Rishi Vaishampayan said, ‘O descendant of Bharata, surrounded by these illustrious men- the foremost of bowmen Drona, Vikarna, and the son of Gautam, Kripacharya—the Pandavas entered the city of Hastinapur. The city became radiant with the curious sightseers. Out of joy, they shouted, ‘O Lord, if we have ever given away in charity, if we have ever poured the libation of ghee in the sacred fire, if we have ever done any Dharma, then let the Pandavas live in this city for a hundred years! Let our beloved Yudhishthira be the king of our city.’

Slowly entering the palace, virtuous Yudhishthira with all his brothers worshipped the feet of their elders. They bowed their heads with proper respect on the feet of Pitamaha Bhishma, Guru Dronacharya, Guru Kripa, and King Dhritarashtra. The noble men of the Kuru race became very happy. Then they entered the palace assigned to them at the command of King Dhritarashtra. 

After a little while, they were summoned by King Dhritarashtra and the son of Shantanu- Bhishma. King Dhritarashtra, in an affectionate voice said, ‘O virtuous, noble son of Pandu! Be blessed forever! Listen to me, my son! Go to Khandavaprastha taking half of the kingdom, and live there like celestials with your brothers, wife and mother Kunti! No one will injure you if you live there. And no difference will arise again!’

Vaishampayan said: Agreeing to the words of King Dhritarashtra, all of them worshiped the king and started for that fearful forest. Lord Krishna being at the head of the procession, the Pandavas entered Khandavaprastha. With the assistance of Vyasadev, they selected an auspicious and sacred place, performed the necessary ceremonies and built the city. The city grew up fast with  prosperity! And in due course of time, the city Khandavaprastha looked like Amaravati- the dwelling place of Lord Indra! Later, that was called- the Indraprastha!