This article looks at the symbolism of 14 year exile in Hinduism especially in the most popular epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. Patanjali has laid down three conditions for getting established in the practice of self control: ‘It must be done for a long time without break and with dedication.’ Once having attained stability or perfection in practice with these three conditions, the yogi does not get unsettled even unknowingly. It is quite understandable that one has to practice a task, be it meditation, singing, dancing or even playing cricket for a long time to become an expert, to get established. Here Patanjali has not mentioned any specific time, but it is generally understood that unless practice is done for at least 12 years, one cannot get established in it. It is significant in this context to note that Rama was banished for 14 years and the Pandavas were asked to live in the forest for 12 years. The idea was that if they did so, they would no more remain in essenc