Chapter 16: Bonds and Betrayals in Hastinapur

                                    

                                          
The bond between their sister and the Pandavas greatly improved, much to the Kauravas' dismay. The Kauravas often tried to interrupt their bonding, citing Maharani Gandhari's requests or claiming her as their own sister. Despite these interruptions, the Pandavas continued to play with her, laughing at the Kauravas' childish jealousy. The days in Hastinapur were good for the Pandavas, except for the animosity from the hundred brothers and Mamashree Shakuni. The others treated them well, making them feel happy.
However, the peace didn't last long. Mamashree Shakuni fanned the flames of jealousy in the Kauravas, convincing Duryodhana to poison Bheem. Shakuni told Duryodhana that Bheem was the strongest of the Pandavas, and if he was eliminated while young, there would be no obstacle to Duryodhana becoming king. Following Shakuni's plan, the Kauravas and Pandavas were taken to Pramana Koti Palace, surrounded by water bodies, for a two-week vacation. The children enjoyed playing in the water and their stay at the palace.
During lunch, Duryodhana personally served Bheem food laced with kalakuta poison, on the advice of his Mamashree. After Bheem fainted from the poison, Duryodhana threw him into the river. The Pandavas noticed Bheem's absence, but the others convinced them he was around. Hours later, when they started searching for him, they couldn't find him. A week passed, and they announced Bheem was gone, arranging Annadana for Brahmins in the palace.On the eighth day of his disappearance, Bheem returned and told Kunti and the Pandavas about the incident at Pramana Koti, his encounter with the Nagas, and the divine nectar that gave him the strength of a thousand elephants. Rajamata Kunti realized her sons were not welcomed by Maharani Gandhari's sons. To ensure their safety, she decided to leave Hastinapur but was stopped by Pitamah and Kakashree Vidur, who promised to safeguard Pandu's sons.When the King learned of Duryodhana's actions, he dismissed it, saying Duryodhana was only a child and would let him go. Mahamamin Bhishma insisted that if Maharaj Dhritarashtra wanted to let the matter slide, he must permit all 106 children to attend Guru Drona's ashram for training, with no visits during their learning period, only letters allowed, and Gandhar Raj Shakuni should leave Hastinapur Palace. This decision caused a rift in Hastinapur's peace.It was decided that all princes would go to Gurukul under Guru Dronacharya's guidance. Before their departure, Guru Drona showcased his skill by retrieving a ball from a well during a game. Arjun, impressed, asked Drona who he was and if he could teach him. Drona replied that Arjun should first show this to his Pitamah and then learn from him. Arjun agreed and showed the ball to his Pitamah as requested. Later, Drona was called into Raj Sabha, where he expressed his desire to teach the princes, with the condition they stay with him, live without riches, and include his son Ashwatthama in the training.
Maharaj Dhritarashtra wanted Guru Drona to teach the princes while living in Hastinapur Palace, but Drona refused. He said he would wait for an answer while searching for other princes to teach. Eventually, it was decided that all 106 children, including Yuyutsu, would go to Guru Drona's place to learn advanced military arts, how to invoke divine weapons (astras), and master all arts.
At the ages of nine and a half, Yudhishthira, Bheema, and the other Kauravas, at eight and a half, Arjun at seven, and Nakul and Sahadev at six, departed from Hastinapur Palace to "Guru Gram," the Village of the Guru. A year passed at Gurukul, where each chose a primary weapon: Yudhishthira chose the spear, Bheema and Duryodhana the mace, Arjun archery, Nakul the sword, and Sahadev the axe.