Shakuni chose Varanavat because he knew that the place was quite familiar to Vidur. Shakuni’s actual plan was to pass this information to Vidur by some means so that he could take proper measures to protect Kunti and her sons. It would be easier for Vidur to make such arrangements at Varanavat than any other place. Duryodhana and Karna cheered gleefully, taken in by his pretence. Shakuni’s crookedness was well beyond their reach.
