Varanavata – Where Deception Went Up in Flames

Narrated by the personified city of Varanavata, this story recounts Duryodhana’s sinister plot to assassinate the Pandavas in a highly flammable palace of lac built during a sacred festival. While the city fears for their safety, Lord Shiva provides divine assurance that the Pandavas are protected by Vidura’s warnings and impending divine intervention. Ultimately, the Pandavas arrive at the location fully aware of the trap, choosing to play along with the deception.