The sairandhri was feared by everyone in Matsya after it was learnt that her gandharva husband killed Kichaka. She requested Sudeshna to let her stay a month more which would complete the thirteenth year. Sudeshna was too scared to refuse. Duryodhana sent spies to find out where the Pandavas were hiding. So far they had been unsuccessful. Then, hearing the news of Kichaka being killed by a gandharva, he thought it might be Bhima. If Matsya was attacked, the Pandavas would repay the King’s kindness by fighting on his side. Thus their disguise would be known and they would have to go into exile again. King Susarma of Trigarta, Duryodhana’s friend, was an enemy of Virata. He agreed to attack Matsya. When Susarma attacked Matsya, Yudhishthira told the King that he, the cook, the horse trainer and the cattle keeper were great warriors. Virata was very happy to have their help.
Duryodhana’s Spies
