The brahman Dhaumya was the purohit (royal priest) of the Pandavs in Mbh, who was a minor character in the text. The word ‘Dhaumya’ means smoky, and the purohit was all smoke, with little fire, in Mbh! The wicked Ajatashatru hardly listened to anyone, and the wise brahman too could not bring him upon the right path, and was left disappointed with him at last!
Dhaumya was introduced in Vyas' Bharat in an interpolated chapter ‘Chaitrarath’ (Adi), covering Pauranic stories on sage Vasishth, purohit of Kaurav king Samvaran and Ikshvaku king Vishvāmitra. The gandharv who told these stories, while bathing in a river with his women, also asked the Pandavs to hire a learned Purohit in the form of Dhaumya, to guide their conduct (and prevent such blunders such as disturbing and provoking a mighty Gandharv at night, in his forest, at a time of pleasure). In this interpolated chapter, Dhaumya was mentioned to be ‘foremost in the knowledge of Veds’, the younger brother of Deval (Asit Deval fame), who resided in a place called Utkochak, in that forest.
Yudhishthir became a king after the Partition of Kurujāngal, following Varañavat and Draupadī Svayamvar. He would have employed a purohit thereafter in Khandavaprasth, as all kings did, and not before his marriage. All mentions of Dhaumya in Adi Parv thus were interpolations. In this unit, his main contribution was to conduct the serial marriage of the five Pandavs with Draupadi, in an interpolated section, in long meter stanzas.
Dhaumya would have become the purohit, while the Pandavs ruled Indraprasth, in Sabha Parv. However, Vyas covered him sparingly in the unit, mostly mentioning him in interpolations, such as giving advice to Ajatashatru on Rajasooya (he only took Krishn's advice) and making a sign of holding kusha grass in his hand, and chanting mantras, when the Pandavs were leaving for exile in their chariots after the Gamble. Dhaumya performed the consecration of Yudhishthir as the emperor during Rajasooya, along with Vyas, as part of his job.
Dhaumya came into prominence only during the exile of the Pandavs, being one of the seven people who left for the woods. He was mentioned in a statement of Bheeshm, when the Pandavs were departing to forest exile –
Sahadev is the one who restrains, Dhaumya is supreme knower of brahm, and the righteous Draupadi is skilled in dharm and arth. You all should be affectionate to each other and speak pleasant words. Who amongst you would not long for indivisibility by others and contentment?
(Bheeshm to Yudhishthir; BORI CE, Chapter 294)
Dhaumya bore the responsibility of initiating the Pandavs in the ways of forest life (Vyas did this for Dhritarashtra after the war). The day after the Pandavs left from Hastinapur, several brahmans came to Yudhishthir, eager to join him in the forest, making the king worried (for his brothers and wife). However, Dhaumya pacified him by asking to worship the Sun, to get further direction (and the magical Akshayyapātra in Sauti’s interpolations). The long exile of 12 years was not covered in Bharat, but Dhaumya would have kept the Pandavs entertained, with his stories and sermons, during the twelve years of their stay in Dvaitavan (the seven of them were staying isolated, without any other brahmans). He would also be closely observing the conduct of Ajatashatru with Draupadi (and vice versa), all this while.
On the final day of exile, before the Incognito, Yudhishthir became anxious and miserable, and Dhaumya reassured him in an interpolated subsection, telling how the Gods too (Indra in Nishadh, Vishnu in vajra, Agni in ocean, etc) had to remain in hiding, to fulfill their missions. All seven of them then shifted to another spot for the night, and Dhaumya was thus present with them on the first day of incognito, when they discussed the place to live and jobs to do. Once the Pandavs left for Matsya, Dhaumya went to Panchal (he might have been sent by Drupad only for his appointment), and never returned, taking a leave from the Pandavs and the text! But before leaving, he gave a shameful and taunting farewell to Ajatashatru –
O Kauravs! It is indeed difficult for a learned person, highly worthy of respect, to live in a royal palace, remaining unrecognized by the dishonourable ones (other servants) for a whole year.
Thinking ‘I am esteemed’, one should not ascend his vehicle, couch, seat, elephant or chariot, while living in a king’s abode.
One should never preach a king, unless asked for. Attending upon the king quietly, one should honour him at the right time.
A wise one, should never cultivate friendship with their wives (queens), who roam in the inner quarters, and with those who are hostile or despicable (to the king).
(BORI CE, Chapter 600)
However, these statements were buried in layers of interpolations by Vyas, Sauti and Bhargav redactors, converting the section into a book on the policy to be followed, while living under a king (or working under a big boss).
The entry of Pandavs into the kingdom of Virat for their incognito is covered in the chapter ‘Matsyapravesh’ (first chapter of ‘Virat Parv’ in current editions of Mbh). I am posting the first subchapter in this answer, which covers the discussions between the Pandavs before they left for Matsya, from my upcoming book ‘Mahabharat Uninterpolated' –
Section One
The Pandavs sat together on the final day of exile, thinking of the difficult Incognito. Yudhishthir spoke miserably that they would regain their kingdom after that one year of incognito, which they should carefully spend, as their dreaded enemies, Suyodhan, Karn and Shakuni, would try hard to make their lives hell.
Vyas clarified here that the goal of Pandavs was to peacefully get back their kingdom, fulfilling the exile agreement. And there had been no mending of peace between Pandavs and Dhartarashtras in these 12 years, the latter still being called as dreaded enemies by Ajatashatru.
There is in an interpolated subsection next in which Dhaumya consoles Dharmaraj telling him how even the Gods had to spend difficult times in hiding, to conquer the foes, giving examples of Indra (in a hermitage in Nishadh mountains – no such story is known), Vishnu (hiding in Indra’s vajra to kill Vritra), of Agni (hiding in the ocean, from a curse). Sauti and later redactors added further examples of Vishnu avatars such as Vaman, Ram, Bhargav Aurv hiding in his mother's thigh and Yam killing everyone in the world from hiding 😅.
The mighty Bheem then reassured Ajatashatru that they would follow his command during Incognito, and complete it successfully. All of them, along with Draupadi and Dhaumya, then left the place where they had been living (it was known to everyone, including Vyas), and shifted to some hidden place (e.g. a forest cave) for the night, at a distance of 3 kms. Ajatashatru would have asked them to think about the jobs they would undertake in Matsya, in the night. Next morning, they got ready for the Incognito (wearing their disguises/dresses). Dhaumya was privy to all their plans.
Though the narration shifted to the first day of Incognito in this section, this section has been shifted in Van Parv in current editions, not making it clear to the readers when the Incognito exactly begun (the same has been done for the end of Incognito too).
Wishing to spend the thirteenth year staying incognito (agyātavās), in disguise, the learned ones (Pandavs), rigid in their vows, seated themselves. Hands joined in salutation, those great and polite ones spoke to the ascetics, who lived with them in the forest out of devotion —
(Yudhishthir said) “All of you know how the Dhartarashtras deceitfully seized our kingdom and have injured us in many other ways. We have endured hardship living in the forest for twelve years. The duration of incognito remains – the thirteenth year.
We must spend that time in disguise and we seek your permission. And our dreaded enemies, Suyodhan and the evil Karn, along with Saubal, will inflict severe harm upon us (making us repeat the exile), if they would come to know (our whereabouts). (Therefore) We must be of proper conduct and vigilant with regard to both the citizens and our own people (relatives).
Will there be such a time when may all of us be established in our own rule and our kingdom, together with all the brahmans?” Thus spoke the pious Dharmaputra, oppressed by grief and sorrow. (And) King Yudhishthir lost his senses, his voice choking with tears.
Then all the brahmans and his brothers comforted him. Dhaumya spoke these words, full of grave import, to the king – “O king! You are learned, self-controlled, committed to the truth, and a conqueror of senses. Such men are not confounded when they confront a calamity.
In times of difficulty, even the great gods have disguised at many places, to subdue their enemies. Indra went to the Nishadh mountains, and stayed hidden in a hermitage on the mountain plateau then, having done the act to overpower the enemies.
O knower of dharm! You have heard how Hari (Vishnu) too hid himself in Shakra’s vajra so that Vritra might be killed. You have heard everything about how Agni entered and concealed himself in the water to accomplish the task of the gods.
Remaining hidden here and there, thus did the great ones conquered their enemies in battle and you will also triumph in that way.” Yudhishthir, knower of dharm, was thus comforted by the words of Dhaumya, and being firm in both scriptural knowledge and his own intelligence, no longer wavered.
The mighty-armed mighty Bhimasen, foremost among strong ones, spoke to the king and raised his spirits — “Nakul and Sahadev, terrible in their valour, capable of slaying the enemies, have always been restrained by me.
We will not deviate from whatever task you assign to us. You must tell us what we should do and we will swiftly carry it out and vanquish our enemies (not letting them break the Incognito).” When Bhimasen spoke these words, the brahmans pronounced supreme benedictions on them, and taking leave of the Bharats, each of them returned to his own home.
All those who were foremost in knowledge of the Veds, ascetics and sages, having duly offered their blessings, desired to see them again. O Bharat! Then the five heroic and learned Pandavs arose with Dhaumya, and departed, taking Krishna with them (for the incognito).
After purposely traversing just a distance of a krosh (around 2 miles) from that spot, those tigers among men got ready (disguising themselves) to begin their sojourn of concealment next day (first day of incognito). All of them, who were learned in different scriptures, and skilled in consultations, regarding the (right) time for peace and war, sat down to consult each other.
(BORI CE, Chapter 596)
Section Two
Yudhishthir then again spoke to his brothers, regarding the kingdom they should live for that year. He chose the beautiful Matsya (it would be near to Kamyak), where they could live happily and fearlessly, in the rule of the rich and generous Virat. He then asked the other five to tell what tasks they have decided to perform during the Incognito, when Arjun asked him to tell first (only Arjun could interrupt him like this, and call him a saint 😅). Ajatashatru then told that he would become a brahman courtier Kank in Virat’s assembly, and play dice with him and his men.
There were interpolations in the section to depict that Yudhishthir consulted the intelligent Arjun regarding the place for their stay, and Jishnu enlisted all the kingdoms surrounding Kurujāngal. Vyas has also revealed here that Yudhishthir was fond of gambling, and thus chose that job. He chose the most respectable job among the six, becoming a courtier, and not a servant.
O Bharat! Then the great-minded King Dharmaputra Yudhishthir gathered all his younger brothers and spoke to them – “Dislodged from our kingdom, we have lived for twelve years and now this thirteenth year, which is extremely difficult to endure, has arrived!
O Kaunteya Arjun! Therefore, think of a desirable dwelling place for all of us, where we may live unknown to our enemies.” “I shall name some delightful and secure kingdoms for our residence. From among them, please choose one.
Around the Kauravs, there are many beautiful and prosperous kingdoms, rich in food – Panchals, Chedis, Matsyas, Shoorasens, Paṭachcharās, Dashārñs, Navarāshtra, Mallas, Shālvs, Yugandharās, and the vast kingdom of Kunti, Surāshtra and Avanti.
O king! Which of these residences is agreeable to you? O king! We will reside for this year wherever that may be.” “We should certainly consult together and decide a beautiful and auspicious place, where all of us can live comfortably and without any fear.
The mighty Matsya Virāt will protect us Pandavs, as he is aged, righteous, generous and filthy rich. O son! O Bharat! Let us happily spend this year in the city of Virat, performing tasks for him there.
O Kauravs! Let each one of you describe the tasks that he will perform, the kind of duties that we will undertake for him.” (Arjun said) “O king! O saintly one! What duty will you undertake in the kingdom of King Virat? What shall you do for a living?
You are gentle, generous, modest, religious and truly valorous. O king! O Pandav! Confronted by this calamity, what will you do? O king! You are not familiar with the hardships faced by (ordinary) people. How will you pass through this calamity that has come over you? “
“O Kauravs! Listen to the duties that I will undertake, when I arrive before King Virat, bull among men. I will become a courtier of that great king, as a brahman named Kank, skilled in dice and fond of gambling.
I shall play with the king, along with his courtiers and friends. And while I shall thus delight that king, nobody will succeed in discovering me. I will use beautiful dice made out of lapis lazuli, gold, ivory and lustrous fruit, with black and red dots.
If asked, I will tell the king that in earlier times I used to be Yudhishthir’s friend, as dear to him as life itself. I have now told you how I wish to spend my time. O Vrikodar! What task will you perform in Virat?”
(BORI CE, Chapter 597)
Section Three
Yudhishthir then asked Bheem regarding his job. He told that he would become the head chef (Ballav), and even tame bulls and elephants, on occasions, Vyas hinting that both eating and fighting were his passions.
It was mentioned in interpolations that all of Yudhishthir, Bheem and Arjun would introduce themselves as friends or employees of Yudhishthir! This was too absurd, and the Pandavs would take extreme care in hiding their identities, and would never name themselves! The word would have spread in all the kingdoms that the Pandavs had been exiled with Panchali, with a subclause of one year incognito. Virat would easily recognise them, if they came together or mentioned about the Pandavs.
Yudhishthir then asked (checked upon) the dear Arjun. He promised to be a eunuch (only), Vyas hinting that he had already been told by his senior what he had to do. He would dress like a woman, sporting a braid and bangles, and would entertain the king and the women with his singing, strange dances and musical instruments. He will thus magically disguise as one of third gender (Brihannada), and live happily!
It should be noted that Arjun was the only one happy and excited for the Incognito, taking it as a fancy dress, that too for becoming a eunuch! Yudhishthir was worried of the safety of Jishnu, and hence decided to keep him away from nasty men, in the inner quarters. He had to be made a eunuch for that, as he could not become a woman (if there was any boon of magical disguise from Dharm, he would simply become a woman, and not a disgraceful eunuch). He sang, danced and entertained, like eunuchs do, and didn't ‘teach’ anybody, including Uttara, as mentioned in an interpolation. Urvashi’s curse has not even been mentioned in interpolations here (the later redactors were not diligent enough), and has been thus rejected as an interpolation in the text of Mbh, even by BORI scholars. Arjun becoming a eunuch, not a woman, completely exposed the Dharm’s boon of magical disguise.
Arjun was thoroughly exposed in this section. To divert the attention of the readers, Sauti interpolated a subsection on Yudhishthir highly praising Arjun before asking him his job, mentioning his interpolated deeds of gratifying Agni and defeating Indra (he has officially declared it as a defeat here 😅) in Khandav, and getting celestial weapons from heaven. Later redactors then made it totally weird, mentioning Arjun as ninth Vasu, twelfth Rudra, thirteenth Aditya and tenth planet! 😂 They make the readers go high on such dose of dope, and the gullible readers then start thinking Arjun as the greatest power in the universe, getting in awe of such obvious interpolations!
(Bheem replied) “I think I will present myself before King Virat as a head chef and give my name as Ballav. I will surpass all the skilled ones (chefs) who have prepared dishes for him earlier and thus generate affection in his mind.
And I will also fetch large piles of wood (for fuel). The king will be pleased on witnessing my great deed. The servants of the royal household will thus honour me as a king, and I shall have control over all kinds of viands and drinks.
O king! If there are powerful elephants, or mighty bulls, that need to be tamed by me, I will tame them too. If there are wrestlers who need to be fought in gatherings, I will vanquish them also and increase his affection towards me.
If asked, I will say that I was elephant-tender, cattle-tender, chef and wrestler to Yudhishthir. O king! I will act so as to protect myself on my own. I thus declare the way I will carry myself.”
“What duty will the mighty-armed, undefeated, mighty Kaurav Kaunteya Dhananjay undertake?” “O king! I take a vow that I will be a eunuch. O king! The two prominent marks of the bowstrings are difficult to hide.
I will cover these two arms with bangles and wear radiant earrings on my ears. O king! I will wear a braid on my head and conch-bangles on my wrists, becoming one of the third type (gender) named Brihannada.
O king! I will entertain the king and the others who live in the inner quarters (women), by songs, strange dances and various musical instruments, and teach these to the women in Virat’s abode. I will recount the conducts and many deeds of people.
O Kaunteya! I will disguise myself with my Illusions. O Bharat! If asked by the king, I will say that I was Draupadi’s attendant in Yudhishthir’s house. O king! I will live happily in Virat’s abode.”
(BORI CE, Chapter 598)
Section Four
Nakul then told that he would be a horsekeeper Granthik, and Sahadev cow counter (what a job!) Tantipal, they being interested in horses and cattle respectively (these were regular servants and not the chief horsekeeper or the head cowkeeper). Yudhishthir then taunted Draupadi that what would she do, having been spoiled with expensive garments and ornaments, not knowing anything ‘like women’ (only fighting like men!). Krishna then answered that she would become a hairdresser Sairandhri (Malini was not her name). Queen Sudhesna would protect her, and Ajatashatru need not bother!
This was a critical section to disclose the chemistry between Draupadī and her husbands after the feared separation during Gamble. Vyas clarified here that not much had changed in these 12 years! Yudhishthir was still upset with Draupadi, and vice versa, the two not having mended peace! Draupadi thus could never forgive Ajatashatru for staking her in Mbh. However, there are interpolations here by Sauti to depict that Yudhishthir greatly cared for Draupadī, like his mother and elder sister 😅!
“O son Nakul! What will you do and how will you act? What task will you perform for the king when you live there? ” “I will become a horsekeeper for King Virat. I find pleasure in that work and will give myself the name of Granthik.
I am skilled in training horses and also in treating horses. O Kururaj! I have always loved horses, just as much as you have. I will speak thus, explaining how I intend to reside there. O king! I will thus roam in disguise in the city of Virat.
“O Sahadev! How will you live next to him? O son! What will you do while roaming in disguise there?” “I will become the cow accountant (counter) of King Virat. Let it be known that I will be known by the name of Tantipāl.
O king! The traits and conduct of cattle and the auspicious marks – all of that, and other things too, are very well known to me. I will conduct myself in this way, for this always brings pleasure to me. O king! No one will be able to recognize me. May this please you.”
“Krishna Draupadi will roam around with what duty? She does not know to do any work like women! For ever since birth, this beautiful one has known garlands, perfumes, ornaments and various garments and such.”
“The way you ask me, I will call myself Sairandhrī, a skilled hairdresser, and conduct myself in secrecy. I shall present myself to the illustrious queen Sudeshnā. On obtaining me, she will protect me. Do not be pained for me!”
(BORI CE, Chapter 599)
Section Five
Yudhishthir then approved all their jobs (his approval was mandatory for everything!). Dhaumya then decided to part ways with the Pandavs, and give a final word to the emperor! He begun by asking Ajatashatru to protect Arjun and Draupadi, knowing the history (of Gamble) well! He then said that well-wishers should speak ‘affectionately’ to even the the learned ones, and he too would speak then, asking Yudhishthir to understand the crux of his message.
Dhaumya then said that it was indeed difficult for honourable ones to stay unrecognised in a palace with dishonorable ones (taunting his own stay with the Pandavs). One should not try to take a king's position, thinking oneself to be more esteemed (taunting him on Varañavat scandal). One should not preach the king, but rather honour him (taunting him on his conduct with Kurupati after Rajasooya). He ended saying one should not get close to the king's women or ill-wishers (censuring his decision of sending Arjun into inner quarters, this being the reason he had decided to part ways)!
It should be noted that Dhaumya mentioned to protect Arjun, along with Draupadi, exposing his condition. Dhaumya was never honoured by Dharmaraj and he vented out all his frustration in his final words, summing up all his misdeeds, having decided to part ways with the Pandavs! This was greatly shameful for Yudhishthir, and was thus hidden by layers of interpolations, making it a full chapter on conduct under a king.
The intelligent Yudhishthir understood his message and intention, and warned him softly that he would not bear such words from anyone other than his mother or Mahatma Vidur! He then permitted him to leave, asking him to perform the rites for their departure and letting them succeed (warning not to disclose their secrets to anyone). The Pandavs and Draupadi then left towards Matsya, and Dhaumya returned to Panchal (where he came from), with his sacred fires.
It should be noted that there were no servants, cooks or soldiers with the Pandavs during the exile, and the servants (headed by Indrasen) going to Dvaraka, with the chariots, and the cooks going to Panchal, with Dhaumya, on foot, were interpolations in the text. The Pandavs did leave on chariots for their exile, but not charioteers. The twins and Arjun would have driven the chariots for Yudhishthir, Bheem and Draupadi-Dhaumya. The chariots would have been left where they stayed in Dvaitavan, and they would have travelled on foot to stay overnight in the forest cave, which was within walking distance.
“You will perform the duties that you have told. These are certainly agreeable to me too, thinking in my mind. Let this purohit of ours protect the sacred fires (agnihotra) in Drupad's dwelling, accompanied by the superintendents of the kitchen and the cooks.
Let these men (servants), led by Indrasen, take only the chariots and go quickly to Dvaravati in my opinion. Having thus consulted with each other, and told their duties individually, they consulted with Dhaumya, who thus gave his counsel –
(Dhaumya said) “O Pandavs! O Bharat! Everything pertaining to the brahmans, friends, travel, war and fire is known to you. You must duly protect Krishna and Phalgun. All the history of this world of yours is known to you (taunting on Gamble)!
Even if it is known, well-wishers should speak affectionately, about eternal dharm, kam and arth. Therefore, I too will speak; understand the crux of it. O princes! I will tell you about life in a king’s abode.
You will thus cross all the faults having went to the royal family. O Kauravs! It is indeed difficult for a learned person, highly worthy of respect, to live in a royal palace, remaining unrecognized by the dishonourable ones (other servants) for a whole year. Thereafter, you shall wander about happily in the fourteenth year (having got back your kingdom).
Seeing and finding the destined door (direction), one should not distrust the royalty and seek a seat (position), displacing another (taunting on Varañavat scandal). Thinking ‘I am esteemed’, one should not ascend his vehicle, couch, seat, elephant or chariot, while living in a king’s abode.
One should not sit wherever those sit, under suspicion of evil conduct, while living in a king’s abode. One should never preach a king, unless asked for. Attending upon the king quietly, one should honour him at the right time.
Kings censure those who speak untruth and censure the minister who speaks in vain (out of turn). A wise one, should never cultivate friendship with their wives (queens), who roam in the inner quarters, and with those who are hostile or despised (by the king).
Whatever conveyance, clothing, ornament, and anything else the king bestows, one should always bear only that. In this way, one will become dearer to him (the king). O sons! Strive to maintain such conduct for this one year. You will then regain your own subjects (kingdom) and roam as you please.”
(Yudhishthir replied) “Be blessed! You have instructed us, as no one else can speak, but for our mother Kunti and the great-minded Vidur. Do what must be done now, necessary for our departure, so that we can overcome our suffering and achieve victory.”
Having been thus addressed by the king, Dhaumya, supreme among brahmans, did everything as prescribed for the departure. Then the six of them, with Yagyaseni at the forefront, departed after circumambulating the fire and the brahmans, rich in austerities.
When those heroes had departed, Dhaumya, best of chanters, took up the agnihotras and went to the Panchals. Indrasen and others reached the Yadavs, as instructed, and lived happily, well-covered (hidden), protecting the chariots and the horses.
(BORI CE, Chapter 600)
With the Pandavs and Draupadi departing to Matsya for their Incognito, the subchapter ends here. This subchapter didn't have any interpolated sections, though had surprises! The next subchapter covering the entry of Pandavs into Matsya, is full of surprises, the entry of the Yudhishthir and Bheem into the kingdom itself being covered in interstitial interpolations, in long meter stanzas. Virat always knew about the Pandavs, but was intimidated to keep it secret! The second subchapter can be accessed from the following answer –
(Link coming soon)
Vyas conveys the real events in the text cryptically, which have to be thought over and worked out. Dhaumya abandoning the wicked Pandavs was hidden by Vyas in the text. If Pandavs had planned to go on Incognito without Dhaumya, why did they not leave Dhaumya in Dvait lake itself? Why did Dhaumya come with them, and was a part of the secret discussions, on the first day of incognito? This was because Dhaumya too was instructed by Yudhishthir to join them to Matsya. Yudhishthir would have thought that it would be handy to keep a subordinate with him in Matsya, who could prove handy in case of any exigency (e.g. to send an urgent message to Krishn). If six people could have stayed secretly, a seventh too could have joined them. Dhaumya didn't need any disguise, and could have stayed as a regular brahman, near the palace (like the Pandavs did in Ekachakra). If Dhaumya was not supposed to join them, the wise Dharmaraj would not unnecessarily include Dhaumya in the important discussion on their new identities and location, and would have seen him off at Dvait lake only.
However, Dhaumya decided not to join the Pandavs during incognito, probably not willing to be a part of the adharm of letting a man live with women. He thus decided to abandon the evil Ajatashatru and conveyed his decision indirectly, harshly taunting the king! He expressed his affection for Arjun and Draupadi before departing, who were the unspotted ones among the Pandavs. The taunts of Dhaumya and warnings of Yudhishthir in their final conversation said it all! Dhaumya then never returned to the Pandavs, either before, during or after the war.
Unless one understands all these events, one would never understand what broke Yudhishthir so much, that he committed suicide! He was revolted by all the kings of the country during Rajasooya. He was then abandoned by his wife Draupadi during the Gamble He was then abandoned by his family, including his mother, who never came to meet him during the exile. He was censured and abandoned by the citizens at the beginning of exile. He was then abandoned by his purohit before Incognito. And finally, he was abandoned by his great friend Krishn too before the war, who opted only to protect his brother-in-law Arjun, letting the Pandavs win their fight on their own! But he kept his patience and resilience all through, facing all the odds against him. However, the cracks were accumulating, and he finally broke after the war, when Kunti revealed the secret of Karn, eventually committing suicide.
It should be noted that had Suyodhan stationed spies in the forest to track the Pandavs, it would be easy for them to track them to the forest cave and then catch hold of Dhaumya next day, on his way to Panchal. The brahman would spill the beans under pressure, having been as such disappointed with the Pandavs. Thus, Suyodhan never tried to track the Pandavs or break the Incognito in Mbh, his brothers having received too harsh a punishment already.
To summarise, Dhaumya was a learned brahman and the purohit of the Pandavs in Mbh, who was never respected much by Ajatashatru, and fed up of the king's misdeeds, refused to accompany the Pandavs to Matsya during the incognito, and abandoned them. Most of his statements and sermons in the text were interpolations by Vyas and Sauti.