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years. During this period they had to constantly move 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……
Not to be republished

1. The sun was hot overhead and the five brothers grew more
and more weary and thirsty. Yudhistira sank down under a tree
to rest and said to Nakula, “Brother, climb that tree and see
©KTBS
whether there is any pool or river nearby.” Nakula climbed the
tree, looked around and said, “At a little distance I see water
plants and cranes. There must certainly be water there.”

2. Yudhistira sent him to fetch some water to drink. Nakula was
glad when he got to the place and saw there was a pool. He was
very thirsty himself and so thought of quenching his thirst first

before taking water in the quiver for his brothers; but no sooner
did he dip his hand in the transparent water than he heard a
voice which said: “Stop! Nakula! Do not drink. This pool belongs
to me. O son of Madri, answer my questions and then drink the
water.” Nakula was surprised, but carried away by his intense
thirst and heedless of the warning, he knelt down and began to
drink the water. At once he began to feel terribly drowsy and he
fell down; to all appearance dead.

3. 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 . Arjuna went
swiftly. He saw his brothers lying dead near the pool. Heart-bro-
ken with grief, he wanted to avenge their deaths. However he too

was overwhelmed by a monstrous thirst, which compelled him
towards the fatal pool.

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