The journey of the Pandavas in the forests continues. The second-longest chapter in the Mahabharata, Vana Parva is possibly also the most important. Politically, this is the chapter where the Pandavas come close to the people of Aryavarta.  Interspaced between the stories of pilgrimages and travels are tales of valour and violence, love and labour. The story of how Lopamudra marries sage Agastya but desires a comfortable bed for intercourse is among other things, an amazing tale of women’s equality.