Mahabharata – Maha:2.66-2.72

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This episode is from [Maha:2.66-2.72]. As her robe was being peeled off her body, Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, cried aloud to Hari (Krishna), seeking his divine intervention. She prayed, “O Govinda, O thou who dwells in Dwaraka, O Krishna, are you not seeing that the Kauravas are humiliating me? O Lord, the husband of Lakshmi, O grinder of foes, rescue me! Save my honor! I have five husbands, rivalling the prowess of the celestials, but they are powerless to prevent my humiliation.” Her cry echoed across the assembly, filled with men of renown, but none came to her aid. Draupadi, the daughter-in-law of the Kurus, lamented her fate as she was insulted in a public court, and cried out to Narayana, for he alone could save her.

Through his divine insight, Krishna heard the heartfelt plea of the Panchala princess. Moved by her distress, Krishna intervened. As Dushasana pulled at her sole garment, miraculously, a new garment appeared in its place, covering her body. Stunned but relentless, Dushasana continued pulling at the new cloth, only to find another garment covering Draupadi’s form. The more he tried, the more garments appeared, each of a different color and brilliance. The assembly was amazed at this divine miracle, applauding Draupadi’s dignity and the intervention that saved the honor of the Kurus. At last, exhausted, Dushasana collapsed in a swoon.

At that moment, Bheema, the second Pandava, could contain his rage no longer. With lips quivering in fury, he strode to the center of the court and took a terrible oath: “Hear these words of mine, O Kshatriyas of the world. I swear that I will tear open the breast of this wicked Dushasana and drink his life-blood. If I fail, let me not attain the blessed regions of my deceased ancestors.” The assembly fell silent in shock as Bheema’s vow echoed throughout the hall. This moment, filled with the gravity of oaths, reminded the onlookers of the dangers of violating Dharma (righteousness).

The Assembly’s Silence and Vidura’s Appeal

After Bheema’s fierce declaration, Vidura, always the voice of reason, rose and spoke to the assembly, “Draupadi has asked a question, and only Vikarna, one of the younger Kauravas, has spoken, declaring her a free woman. It is time for the rest of you to speak. You know the laws of morality, and by remaining silent, you incur a sin.” Despite Vidura’s plea, fear of Duryodhana held the assembly in silence. Seeing this, Karna, eager to humiliate Draupadi further, ordered Dushasana to drag her away to the slave quarters.

As Dushasana began to drag Draupadi out of the assembly, she cried out, “Wait! I have not saluted the Kuru elders, for I was too occupied with saving my honor. I, who was once displayed only at my Swayamvara (husband selection ceremony), am now exposed to the entire court. How is it that the illustrious Kurus allow this to happen?” Draupadi’s words echoed through the assembly, but still, none answered her plea.

Bhishma’s Dilemma and Duryodhana’s Mockery

Bhishma, the grand patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, addressed Draupadi’s question with sorrow. “The path of morality is subtle, O blessed one. Even the wise struggle to understand it fully. I cannot answer your question with certainty. Yet, I sense that the destruction of this house is not far off, for the Kurus have become slaves to greed and folly.”

Duryodhana, growing bolder with each passing moment, addressed Draupadi mockingly. “Your question can only be answered by your husbands. If they declare that Yudhishthira is not their master, you will be free. Or let Yudhishthira himself deny that he had the right to stake you. If he does, you shall be free.” A murmur spread through the court, and all eyes turned to the Pandavas.

Bheema finally spoke, “If Yudhishthira were not our lord, we would not have stayed silent while Draupadi was insulted. He is our master, and we are bound to his will. But give me the word, and I will slay these sons of Dhritarashtra like a lion tearing apart its prey.” Despite his rage, Bheema stayed his hand, bound by his elder brother’s restraint.

Karna’s Cruel Words and Bheema’s Vow

Karna rose again, deriding the Pandavas. “The sons of Pandu are now slaves. Draupadi, go to the inner apartments of King Dhritarashtra and serve as a maid.” His words cut deeply into the hearts of the Pandavas. Incensed by this, Bheema turned to Yudhishthira and, choking with anger, asked how he could have wagered Draupadi in the game of dice.

At this point, Duryodhana, sensing an opportunity to insult Draupadi further, uncovered his thigh and displayed it disrespectfully to her. Enraged beyond measure, Bheema made another terrible vow: “I swear that I will break this thigh of Duryodhana in battle.” His body burned with fury, and flames seemed to emanate from his very pores.

Ill Omens and Dhritarashtra’s Intervention

As the tension in the court reached its peak, ominous signs filled the air. A jackal howled in the sacrificial chamber, and asses brayed in the city. These ill omens terrified Dhritarashtra, who had been wavering in his resolve. Afraid for his own safety and the future of the Kuru dynasty, he intervened, scolding Duryodhana for his actions.

Dhritarashtra turned to Draupadi, trying to console her, and offered her a boon. Draupadi, with dignity and restraint, asked for the freedom of Yudhishthira, stating that she did not want her son, Prativindhya, to be known as the son of a slave. Dhritarashtra granted her request and offered her another boon. Draupadi, showing great wisdom, asked for the freedom of all the Pandavas. When Dhritarashtra offered a third boon, she declined, saying that two boons were sufficient.

The Pandavas’ Departure and Karna’s Scorn

Karna, frustrated by the turn of events, muttered that the Pandavas had been saved by their wife’s intervention. His words were meant to insult, but Arjuna calmed Bheema, reminding him that the insult was not Draupadi’s fault. Draupadi’s purity and virtue were intact, despite the humiliations she had faced.

In the end, Yudhishthira, showing his respect for Dhritarashtra, pledged his loyalty to the king. Dhritarashtra, in turn, urged the Pandavas to return to their kingdom and rule with justice, advising them to forgive and forget the injustices done to them. Yudhishthira saluted the elders, and the Pandavas, accompanied by Draupadi, left the court of Hastinapura.

EventSignificanceConnections in Hindu Mythology
Draupadi’s Prayer to KrishnaDivine intervention by Krishna during her humiliationKrishna’s role as protector of Dharma, as seen in other instances like saving Arjuna in the Mahabharata.
Bheema’s VowBheema swears to kill Dushasana and Duryodhana for their insultsReflects the concept of Kshatriya Dharma, similar to Arjuna’s vow to slay Jayadratha in the Mahabharata.
Vidura’s Plea for JusticeVidura appeals for morality, but his words fall on deaf earsVidura is often a voice of reason and righteousness, similar to Narada in his attempts to counsel the gods and demons.

This powerful episode in the Mahabharata illustrates themes of divine intervention, justice, and the enduring consequences of adharma (unrighteousness). The events set the stage for the eventual Kurukshetra War, a conflict in which the vows made on this day would be fulfilled. The humiliation of Draupadi, coupled with the unchecked ambition of the Kauravas, brings about the downfall of the Kuru dynasty, as foretold by Vidura and Bhishma.

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