Chat with Astrologer 
Talk to Astrologer 
In Mahabharata, after losing the game of dice, the Kauravas forced Pandavas to leave their kingdom of Hastinapur for a journey of exile (Vanvaas). They went to various places where they struggled and overcame challenges. Let’s learn about the different forests and places the Pandavas visited.
Places the Pandavas Visited During Exile
There are some forests where the Pandavas went for exile. Their exile helped them gain strength and spiritual growth. They met some sages who helped them learn the true purpose of life.
Also Read: The Story Of Barbarika: The Hero Who Didn’t Fight The War!
The forests where the Pandavas visited for exile were the Kamyaka, Dwaitavana, Matsya, Panchmarhi, and Badrikashrama. Let us know about their journey in detail:
1. The Kamayaka Forest
The Kamyakavana is situated on the banks of the Saraswati River, west of Kurukshetra Plain. This was a sacred place where they spent their first few years of exile. Here, they performed certain rituals that helped them grow spiritually before the great Mahabharata war. Many sages performed penance in this forest.
- Arrival of Kauravas at Kamyaka Forest
The Kauravas visited the Pandavas in the Kamyaka forest, making fun of their poor living condition. However, this didn’t stop the Pandavas from maintaining their calm, and they continued to focus on their spiritual practices.
- Abduction of Draupadi and Other Events
There were certain incidents in this forest, such as the marriage of Bhima and Hidimba and the abduction of Draupadi by Jayadratha. Rishi Durvasa went to meet the Pandavas at the Kamyaka forest to get some food.
The Pandavas, for some reason, couldn’t provide him a meal but managed to please him, serving generosity and avoiding any curse. Also, the Pandavas felt heartbroken at this place when Arjuna went away. The Kamyaka forest lacked the cheerfulness after his departure.
2. Places the Pandavas Visited: The Dvaitavana
The Dvaitavana is the south portion of the Kamyaka forest. After the Pandavas left the Kamyaka forest, they entered this forest, where they encountered several events. Sage Dhaumya guided the Pandavas to the Dvaitavana forest, giving them peace in this Vanvaas period.
- Sage Markandeya and Vyasa’s Visit
During this harsh and challenging period of their exile in this first, the sage Markandeya visited the Pandavas and relieved them from the cycle of destruction and creation of the world. Also, Sage Vyasa visits the Pandas in the Dvaitavana forest to give them advice and guidance.
- The Curse of Pandavas
An important story of the Dvaitavana forest was about the killing of the deer of a Brahmana by the Pandavas, who cursed the Pandavas and said that they would have to face challenges in their lives. The Pandavas lost all their weapons in this forest, which were found to be taken by Gods.
3. The Matsya Kingdom
The Matsya Kingdom was founded by the ruler Upachira Vasu. The ruler of the Kingdom was Virata. This kingdom became a part of the Mahajanapadas. The Kingdom became a part of their exile for the Pandavas.
- Change of Identities by Pandavas
The Matsya Kingdom was among the other places the Pandavas visited for exile. In this place, they changed identities to take shelter in the Kingdom. Every Pandava was given a duty in the kingdom.
Yudhisthira became the advisor at the King’s court, Bhima was appointed as a cook, Nakula as a stable keeper, Sahadeva as a caretaker, and Draupadi as a female maidservant. Arjuna changed his identity as a music teacher at the court of the king.
- The Attack by Kauravas
The Kauravas came to know about their hidden exile and launched an attack in the Matsya Kingdom, to which Arjuna defeated the warriors of the Kuru dynasty. After the end of their exile, they informed about their true identities, and listening to this, Virata allied with them for the Kurukshetra War and married his daughter Uttara to Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna.
4. The Panchmarhi Forest
The Panchmarhi forest is located in Madhya Pradesh, now a beautiful place for tourist attraction. The Pandavas spent some time in their exile in the Panchmarhi forest. During their exile in this forest, they took shelter in the caves.
- The Pandava Caves
The Pandavas took shelter in Panchmarhi caves, now called the ‘Pandava Caves’. The cave of Draupadi was the biggest of all the caves and had enough air circulation inside. The Bhima cave is the most congested one and was too dark.
The Pandavas meditated in these caves. The place where Arjuna mediated is the ‘Bee Falls’, which is now a popular tourist attraction. The place where Draupadi bathed is the ‘Draupadi Kund’. Here, she prayed for the exile to end, and her prayers were answered.
Also Read: Vidur in Mahabharata: The Forgotten Hero
- The Battle Between Bhima and Jatasura
Here, the battle between Bhima and Jatasura happened in this forest when Jatasura disguised himself as the Brahmin to capture Draupadi and the weapons of the Pandavas.
One day, when the five brothers went out, Jatasura came and revealed his true form to Draupadi. A battle occurred, where Bhima killed the demon, Jatasur, and protected Draupadi.
5. Places the Pandavas Visited: The Badrikashrama
The Pandavas spent their final days of exile at Badrikashrama (Badrinath). People come here to get Liberation (moksha) from life and death. Sage Lomasa visited the Pandavas here and said that Arjuna must go to heaven to take the divine weapons from the Gods.
- Arjuna’s Meet with Lord Shiva
The Himalayas surround Badrikashrama, where sages practice deep penance. In this place, Arjuna also performed penance to please Shiva. To test his devotion, Shiva took the form of a hunter and battled Arjuna. However, in the end, Arjuna realized that the hunter was the Supreme Lord Shiva and surrendered himself to him.
His devotion pleased Lord Shiva, and he returned the weapons of the Pandavas from Indraloka. Lord Shiva also taught Arjuna Pashupatashastra. Yudhisthira, who’s known for his wisdom, discussed the importance of religion and practice practised at this place.
Following him, the other Pandavas also practised penance. This place, Draupadi asked Bhima, questioning their suffering. However, Yudhisthira believed that only Dharma could get them victory.
Frequently Answered Questions
1. How many times did the Pandavas go to the forests?
2. What was the first forest where the Pandavas performed penance?
3. What were the places that the Pandavas visited for exile?
4. Where is the Kamyaka forest now?
5. Where are the Pandava Caves?
6. Which place did the Pandavas go for liberation?
Also Read: City Of Indraprastha In Mahabharat And Role Of Lord Krishna
For interesting Astrological Facts and Videos, follow us on Instagram and read your daily horoscope.
