Duhsasana laments that the Pandavas have survived the assassination attempt. Moreover, the Pandavas’ alliance through marriage to Draupadi, the daughter of King Drupada of Panchala, strengthens their position, causing alarm among the Kauravas.

The wise Vidura, uncle to both the Pandavas and Kauravas, informs the blind King Dhritarashtra about the Pandavas’ well-being and their powerful new alliances. While Dhritarashtra publicly expresses joy, he privately conspires with Duryodhana and Karna to undermine the Pandavas. Karna suggests aggressive tactics to eliminate them, but elder statesmen Bhishma and Drona advise Dhritarashtra to reconcile and share the kingdom to prevent bloodshed.

Agreeing, Dhritarashtra grants the Pandavas half the kingdom, assigning them the undeveloped region of Khandavaprastha. Demonstrating their prowess, the Pandavas transform it into the splendid city of Indraprastha, rivaling celestial realms.

The celestial sage Narada visits and warns the Pandavas about potential discord arising from sharing Draupadi as their common wife. He narrates the tale of Sunda and Upasunda, two demon brothers who, after receiving boons from Brahma (the creator god), become invincible except to each other. The gods create Tilottama, an extraordinarily beautiful apsara, whose allure leads the brothers to kill each other in jealousy.