The Struggle for Succession

After he finished telling this story to Dhritarashtra, Kanik said, "You are a king; you have great resources at your disposal. But the Pandavas are warriors. Make sure you protect yourself from them. Try to safeguard your and your children's interests from the Pandavas. Plan carefully right from the beginning, so that you don't repent later."

The men and women of Hastinapur were impressed by the Pandavas' behavior and openly praised their virtues. They regarded Yudhishthir as the most qualified heir to the throne. Many felt that, since Dhritarashtra hadn't initially been crowned king on account of his blindness, he shouldn't be allowed to rule any longer. A strong alternative was Bheeshma, who was honest and upstanding, but he was bound by his oath. So the only option was the eldest Pandav.

The citizens loved Yudhishthir and wanted him to be coronated. He was young, virtuous, and popular. However, when Duryodhan learned that the people wished to enthrone Yudhishthir, he was distressed. Filled with jealousy, he went straight to King Dhritarashtra and said, "Father, the citizens have set you and Grandsire Bheeshma aside and have vowed to crown Yudhishthir king. Grandsire Bheeshma is bound by his pledge and will therefore support them. Even earlier, you were deprived of the throne because you were blind, and Uncle Pandu was crowned king. You, me, and our future descendants will always remain lower in the lineage. We will never obtain the throne. If Yudhishthir is made Pandu's successor, his descendants will inherit the throne in the future. The citizens want to give us a tough time. If power were completely in your hands, I would be your successor, regardless of whether the citizens were on my side."

Duryodhan was supported by three confidants—Shakuni, Karn, and Dushasan—who incited him to plot against the Pandavas whenever they got the chance. After entrapping the Emperor in a net of emotions, Duryodhan consulted with his three confidants, who always echoed his ideas. Together, the four hatched a diabolical conspiracy—to murder the Pandavas by burning them alive.