After a year of staying in the Palace of Lakshagriha, the Pandavas and their mother escaped through a tunnel, but were presumed to be dead by everyone, as the bodies of a Nishadha woman and her children were found in the burnt palace.
In Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra mourned their death, but secretly rejoiced, as Duryodhana would be crowned as the prince.
The Pandavas realised that Duryodhana and Shakuni would not stop at one failed attempt. They knew that going back to Hastinapur and presenting themselves in front of Dhritarashtra would expose them to more danger.
After escaping from the palace, the tunnel exit was located in a dense forest on the banks of the River Ganga. Bhima carried his mother Kunti and all his four other brothers, as everyone was tired from exhaustion. This highlights Bhima’s immense strength and his love for his brothers and mother.
The Pandavas, after travelling through the night, were tired and rested under a banyan tree near the banks of the Ganga.
The brothers fell asleep, while Bhima stayed awake, guarding his brothers and his mother, Kunti.