In the previous episode, we’ve witnessed Yudishtra replying to a visibly shaken and frustrated Draupati. She has lost all her sons to Ashwatthama’s wrath, and is in deep desperation to seek revenge against this ghastly act. In a bid to calm her down, Yudishtra tries to explain how one needs to be patient and calm in these testing times. He says that going behind Ashwatthama merely to seek revenge is not “Dharma” by any means. Moreover, if people die, it is the resultant of their own “Karma” and fulfilment of the purpose of their lives. In the case of Drishtadhyumna, it is very clear that he took birth in this world with the sole purpose of killing Guru Dhronachaarya. Once this purpose is achieved, there’s no point in Drishtadhyumna living in this world. Same is the case with Shikhandi as well, with regards to Bhishmachaarya. Thus, the causes of death in this world are “Karma” that a person accumulates over time, and also the fulfilment of one’s purpose of life in this world. Also, Yudishtra says that after Ashwatthama has performed this heinous crime, he along with the two others have disappeared swiftly into the nearby woods. It is difficult to go in search of them at the moment.
With all these narratives, Yudishtra tries to calm Draupati down. But will this work this time around? Draupati replies back thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I’ve been listening to all your stories for almost two decades now. All these are not the characteristics of a brave “Kshatrya” warrior. If someone attacks us, we should counterattack. As far as I know, this is the “Kshatrya-Dharma”. It is not appropriate for a “Kshatrya” warrior to keep talking of “Dharma” and “Adharma” every time, followed by gross inaction!” Saying thus, Draupati once again recalls all what Yudishtra had done in the earlier times. Draupati continues thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Oh Bhagawan Krishna! This is the same narrative that you had given me thirteen years ago when I was molested and insulted in the centre of the courtroom by Duryodhana and Co. Had Duryodhana been killed on that day itself, all these wouldn’t have happened today! It is only because of Yudishtra’s and your gross inaction, we’re facing this wrath today! Hence, I want you to go after Ashwatthama, no matter what! I want you to kill him!”
Saying thus, Draupati doesn’t have the trust on Yudishtra that he would kill Ashwatthama even after she has said several things now. She continues to tell Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I have my own doubts on you – As per your “Dharma”, you will come back and tell me that one should not kill the son of his “Guru” and this is “Gross Adharma”. You may even lie to me that you’ve killed Ashwatthama, but in reality, you might not have! You can go to any extent, in the name of “Dharma”. Hence, I want you to do this for me – You’ve to kill Ashwatthama and bring the small bell that is always tied to his forehead. Only if you bring this bell to me, I will believe that you’ve killed Ashwatthama! Now do not stand in front of me even for a single minute and waste time! Go for the kill and come back with the bell!”
It is to be noted here that Ashwatthama had a small bell (A bead-like object) tied to his “Kireetam” (Cap) and this bell will hang in front of his forehead at all times. Ashwatthama wears this since the day he was born. This is the ornament that Draupati is referring to here. So, Draupati wants evidence of this particular bell as a token of killing Ashwatthama. As Draupati fumes in anger thus, Bheemasena could not resist his urge to go after Ashwatthama. He immediately calls for his charioteer and his horse, quickly gets on to it, and without talking a word to anybody, sets off in pursuit of Ashwatthama! Upon seeing this, Draupati on one hand is quite happy and satisfied – Atleast one of her husbands is ready to obey her words and go after Ashwatthama, even as the others are reluctant! However, on the other hand, Bhagawan Krishna has a worried look on His face. He looks at Arjuna and says thus, “Oh Arjuna! I think Bheemasena is hurrying here! Just because Draupati has said these enticing words, Bheemasena has fallen into a trap! Bheemasena doesn’t know who Ashwatthama really is. Ashwatthama is such a ferocious person that he can go to any extent to accomplish anything! He is not a good person by heart, and he doesn’t follow any rules anywhere! If Bheemasena goes in front of him, I’m sure Ashwatthama will take over him. Chances are very high that Bheemasena might even be killed by him in a very unethical way!”
Saying this to Arjuna, Bhagawan Krishna thinks of a way to stop Bheemasena’s pursuit. Meanwhile, He also narrates His personal incident in the past with Ashwatthama to prove His point. So what did Bhagawan Krishna experience with Ashwatthama? This is a small story, which we shall witness in the next episode! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 