The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra making a “U-turn” towards Hastinapura as he gets a second invite from King Dhridiraashtra for a second round of gambling. Even as Bheemasena and the others oppose it, Yudishtra analyzes the situation and takes a decision pertaining to the “Raaja-Dharma” and according to the “Shabadhams” that he and his brothers had taken earlier. This is the most important aspect that one must appreciate in Yudishtra. Outwardly if we look at the storyline, it might sound as if Yudishtra played the gambling game with Duryodhana because he was addicted to it. We might be tempted to come to a conclusion that Yudishtra doesn’t care about what his brothers opine and he is autocratic in his decision-making. This is actually not true. Yudishtra is never an autocratic leader, but he sticks to the path of “Dharma” at all times, which might be a difficult pill for many to chew. By going for a second round of gambling, Yudishtra knows very well that a disaster is in the making. However, he still went ahead because of his confidence that “Dharma” would never fail him at any point. There might be a few setbacks initially, but ultimately, “Dharma” would always have the last laugh. 

Moreover, Yudishtra had the full confidence that in whatever actions that he does, Bhagawan Krishna is always by his side to support him. How does Yudishtra exude such high confidence levels? It is only because he meticulously follows the path of “Dharma”. As all of us know, Bhagawan Krishna would always stand by those who follow the path of “Dharma”, irrespective of whatever sufferings they would have to undergo. In fact, Yudishtra could have easily taken a decision to discard King Dhridiraashtra’s offer for a second round of gambling. Even now it wasn’t too late. But, this would have created a situation wherein Yudishtra was “running away” from the path of “Dharma”. Thus, readers should understand very clearly here that of course, gambling is an illegal affiar and there is no doubt about it. However, if the offer for gambling comes from a king, it is another king’s “Dharma” not to reject it. Winning or losing is anybody’s game. Of course, in this case, it was all staged by Duryodhana and Sahuni, but Yudishtra did not know the intricacies of the ploy that these two have created. Thus, to safeguard the path of “Dharma”, Yudishtra takes an important decision to turn around and go back to Hastinapura to participate in the gambing game for a second time. 

Moving on thus, as Yudishtra reaches the Hastinapura courtroom, the stage is set yet again for the gambling game to commence. As people take their respective seats, the rules of the game are briefed by none other than Duryodhana himself. As all of us know by now, the rules are very simple – Whoever loses, would go on a twelve-year exile to the forest, followed by the thirteenth year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”, wherein they should live in a disguised form without being traceable by anyone at Hastinapura. If at all they are traced and their whereabouts were found out, they’ve to go on another twelve years of exile plus the thirteenth year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. Yudishtra has no choice but to accept the rules and regulations of the game. However, Duryodhana convinces Yudishtra that this time there would be no insult or assault on anybody, and it would be a decent affair between the two camps! 

Thus, the game begins and the dice are being rolled! Sahuni uncle, being an expert in the dice, gets on to his business as usual in favour of Duryodhana. As fate would have it, Sahuni’s expertise in the dice works wonders and the dice throws up all the numbers that Duryodhana wanted! Even as Yudishtra was onlooking with utter dismay, there is not even a single time when the number that he wanted is turning up! The Paandavas couldn’t believe their eyes and luck! Doubts start creeping inside their minds as to whether this is a genuine and a neutral game or is it being staged completely in favour of Duryodhana? However, it is too late to question anyone now, and even if Bheemasena and the others have to do it, Yudishtra is not going to allow them to! 

Thus, the final move comes and yet again, as usual, Yudishtra gets it wrong! Sahuni uncle rolls the dice and it shows up in Duryodhana’s favour! The entire courtroom is in raptures and applause as Duryodhana wins! The game is over! Yudishtra has completely lost the plot and is blinded totally by Sahuni’s brutal expertise with the dice! As per the rule now, Yudishtra and Co. have to take up the exile for the next twelve years! Duryodhana roars with laughter, which sounds like a great victory! The ploy has worked perfectly! Yudishtra has been “outsmarted” completely, as he couldn’t believe his eyes! However, rule is a rule – The one who loses should go on exile and Yudishtra prepares himself mentally and physically for the same! The kingdom is lost! The wealth is lost! 

This was a huge insult and one might easily think whether this was a brutal punishment for following the path of “Dharma”! Is the path of “Dharma” extremely treacherous to traverse through? Is the path of “Dharma” virtually unthinkable for people like us? If Yudishtra himself has to undergo so many ordeals, what about normal people like us? Let us wait to answer all these questions in the next upcoming episode. So for today, let us understand and let us try to digest the hard fact that Yudishtra has lost once again! We shall continue this discussion in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the Duryodhana-Sahuni duo coming up with their next “master plan” to outsmart Yudishtra. Now the rules of the gambling game are different – Whoever loses the game would have to go on an exile for the next twelve years, followed by one year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. As this doesn’t involve any insult to anybody physically or mentally, King Dhridiraashtra had no other option but to accept it. However, Gaandhaari tried her bit to somehow stop this from happening. She tried her best to convince Duryodhana and King Dhridiraashtra that if this illegal gambling game continued any further, there would be an inevitable disaster that they would face in the near future. Now the onus is on King Dhridiraashtra to take the final decision. On one side, his wife is pleading with him that this game should not happen, which is extremely valid. It is just now that one huge disaster has been dosed down, but not completely. Even before things could settle down, why should one step into another disaster? However, on the other hand, is Duryodhana who is emotionally blackmailing him every now and then by saying that if Yudishtra becomes a great king, he would enslave the entire Kaurava clan! Now King Dhridiraashtra has to tread the fine balance! How is he going to do it? Let us witness today! 

As fate would have its last laugh, King Dhridiraashtra weighs both the sides and finally takes a call on Duryodhana’s favour! This leaves Gaandhaari stunned! King Dhridiraashtra declares thus, “Oh Gaandhaari! My son’s future is important for me. Of course, “Raaja-Dharma” needs to be protected, but this plan of Duryodhana doesn’t seem to affect anyone now. I think Duryodhana has learnt his lessons not to insult anyone publicly and I’m sure he wouldn’t do it. Let this be a friendly game with both the camps, and through the game let us cool down the anger and tension within them! Oh servants! Please go immediately and call Yudishtra back!” 

As King Dhridiraashtra had his final say thus, Sahuni and Duryodhana are extremely happy! Their plan is working as per their calculations! The servants rush towards Indraprastha and convey the news to Yudishtra. Upon receiving a second call from King Dhridiraashtra for the gambling game, Yudishtra is perplexed and confused! What decision should he take now? Should he go back once again to bear more and more insults in the name of “protecting his Dharma”? Or, should he reject the king’s offer, which might be against the rule of “Raaja-Dharma”? On one hand, Bheemasena, Arjuna, etc. advise Yudishtra against going back. Arjuna once again explains to Yudishtra thus, “Oh brother! Please understand – This is yet another ploy hatched by that wicked Sahuni-Duryodhana combine to outsmart us. Everytime they do such things, we are going and voluntarily falling into their trap and getting our nose bloodied! Let us not do it this time. Please refuse this dubious offer politely and finish it off then and there! Let us not go and fight with them one more time. I hope you would remember what happened to Draupati just now!” 

Saying thus, Arjuna plays the “emotional card” with Yudishtra and tries to convince him. Draupati on her part tries to convince Yudishtra not to go again. But again – As fate would have it, Yudishtra weighs both the sides and takes a decision that would favour “Dharma”. Yudishtra says thus, “Oh brothers and Draupati! Of course I totally understand the humiliation that all of us went through at Hastinapura just now. Those events are fresh in my mind as well. I totally validate Arjuna’s and Draupati’s claims that if we go there yet again, we would encounter more disasters. However, we should understand one thing very clearly – No matter whether we face happiness or sorrow in our life, our path should never keep fluctuating between “Dharma” and “Adharma”. We should be steady in our approach. Just because today I’m facing disaster, can I walk the path of “Adharma” and protect myself against it for the time-being? It is not the right approach, isn’t it? Here in this case, King Dhridiraashtra is the senior most person in our kingdom and family as well. He is like our father. If a father calls us for something, shouldn’t we honour his words? Isn’t it our duty to obey our father’s words, no matter whether they are right or wrong? Also, as per the “Raaja-Dharma”, is it right on our part to reject a king’s offer just because we are not in favour of it? This is wrong isn’t it? Thirdly, remember our resolves that we’ve taken the other day – We would not hurt anyone through words or actions. Now if we reject this offer, it would end up hurting King Dhridiraashtra and Duryodhana. If they want to abduct our kingdom, so be it! Let them do that and I’m not someone who is extremely possessive about the kingdom. If you have an attachment towards the kingdom, it would only lead us to a disaster. Also, even if we’ve to face a disaster of any other kind, why should we bother? Bhagawan Krishna is always by our side to protect us, isn’t He? Hence, let us put the onus on the “Dharma” that we’re following, and go ahead in participating in the gambling game!” 

As Yudishtra explains his stance clearly, the Paandava brothers and Draupati aren’t able to talk a single word against him. On one hand, they are happy that Yudishtra is doing the right thing, but on the other hand, they are scared of Duryodhana’s wrath and how are they going to handle him. Of course, all of them know that Bhagawan Krishna is always by their side, and of course, their valour and strengths know no bounds! Hence, the caravan makes a “U-turn” and proceeds once again towards Hastinapura! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall witness in the next episode, what happened at Hastinapura again! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a set of turning points that is taking place at Hastinapura, wherein Duryodhana is steadfast in abducting Indraprastha from Yudishtra. Even though King Dhridiraashtra had sent back Yudishtra and Co. with their kingdom as a measure of dosing down the tension between the two camps, Duryodhana is completely unwilling to give up. His ego hurt him very badly when his father took a decision against his will amidst the public. He thus strategizes with Sahuni uncle to come up with a revised agenda – To once again play the gambling game with Yudishtra, but with a different set of rules. If one loses the game, he would go on a twelve year exile, followed by one year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. As the plan is made, both Sahuni and Duryodhana rush to King Dhridiraashtra once again and propose this to him. 

As King Dhridiraashtra listens, Duryodhana explains thus, “Oh father! I deeply apologize for all that happened in the courtroom a while ago. Now I’ve come up with a different plan – Let us call Yudishtra back for another round of gambling. If he wins, I would go to the forest for a twelve-year exile, followed by the thirteenth year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. Whereas, if I win, Yudishtra and Co. have to do this same exercise for the next thirteen years. This seems like a decent plan, isn’t it? Here we would not go to any extent of insulting anyone personally. We shall just play the game, announce the winner and the action will be immediately executed by the loser!” As Duryodhana says thus, Sahuni is quick enough to intervene in the middle to emphasise an important point – “Oh Duryodhana! Oh King Dhridiraashtra! Please remember one more thing as well – The one who loses would go on a twelve-year exile and the thirteenth year on “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. But as per the rule, if he is spotted somewhere during the thirteenth year by the winner of the game, the loser should again go on a twelve year exile and one year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. This is actually very little and a simple one to execute. I just thought I would add it and make myself clear!” 

Thus, as the Sahuni-Duryodhana duo propose this plan, King Dhridiraashtra did not have any other option. On one hand, he knows that Duryodhana is paving the road for another round of disaster, but on the other hand, Duryodhana is blackmailing him emotionally that if this chance is lost, he would have to become a servant to Yudishtra. King Dhridiraashtra doesn’t want his son to be a servant to anyone! Hence, he favours Duryodhana’s proposal and immediately calls for Yudishtra and Co. to reassemble at Hastinapura. As King Dhridiraashtra is about to pass the orders, Gaandhaari tries to intervene in the middle. Till now she had been a mute spectator to all what was unfolding at Hastinapura and now she is agitated beyond words. Gaandhaari sees this as an opportunity to express herself thus, “Oh King! We’ve somehow made a “patch-work” just now, haven’t we? Already tensions are simmering between both the camps. Duryodhana’s behaviour towards the Paandavas and Draupati was implorable and disgusting. Today as a mother, I feel extremely bad and sorry for having such a son who dared to insult a woman in the public. What does he think about himself? Just because he is a prince, can he do anything and everything? If he has so much arrogance in him, how will he be an able and efficient king in the future? How will he administer the kingdom and his subjects? As a father, you are a mute spectator to whatever Duryodhana is doing! You never ask him anything and you’re giving him a free hand to do whatever he wants! This is totally absurd! Hence, please stop this second round of gambing from happening. I see a huge disaster in front of us if this takes place another time. Already, we’ve ignited a huge fire in the first round and this would only flare up in the future if the second round happens! Hence, King Dhridiraashtra! I request and plead to you that we should stop this from happening!” 

As Gaandhaari requests thus, Duryodhana tries to pacify his mother. He tries to convince her that this time, the game is neutral – Whoever wins would rule the kingdom and whoever loses would proceed to the forest. The rule is very simple! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall witness how Duryodhana convinced his mother in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an intense argument between King Dhridiraashtra and Duryodhana, wherein King Dhridiraashtra finally showed some spine against his son. He tries to make it clear to Duryodhana that he could not be taken for a ride every time, and that Duryodhana should obey the rules of the “Raaja-Dharma”. King Dhridiraashtra angrily blasts at Duryodhana for his misconduct towards Draupati and emphasizes that he has no rights to talk further on this! Fueled by this outburst from his father, Duryodhana walks out angrily and straightaway goes to Sahuni uncle again! As Duryodhana explains the stance that his father has taken “against” him, he asks Sahuni for the next course of action to be taken. Duryodhana is steadfast in his stance that Yudishtra should somehow be shown the door out of Indraprastha. He is very firm that he would somehow abduct all of Yudishtra’s wealth. There is no going back on this at any cost! 

It is at this point, Sahuni comes up with a new idea. Sahuni proposes his thought process to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! This is the point wherein you should have a check on your anger and think deeply as to what your father said – He never said a “No” for the gambling game (Dyutham) isn’t it? If that is the context, we shall again call Yudishtra for another round of gambling. But this time, the rules would be different – Whoever loses this gamble, would have to go on an exile for a period of twelve years, plus one year of “Agnyaatavaasam” (Living secretly at a place wherein nobody would be able to spot you). There is no need to involve anybody else in this. Draupati would never be part of this gamble. If things go this way, your father might accept. Ultimately what is important here? Your future and making Yudishtra a popper without shedding a single drop of blood, isn’t it? Let us stick to our agenda and let us not deviate from it here and there. This was the mistake that you did last time. Had you not insulted Draupati, things would have been much smoother. Nevertheless, let us not waste this opportunity!” 

As Sahuni says thus, Duryodhana is confused a bit. He asks back to his uncle thus, “Oh Sahuni uncle! What are you trying to tell me now? Should I call Yudishtra once again for another round of the game? Should I go and convince my father once again for this? Even if my father agrees, will Yudishtra come back? He has been insulted once already. Moreover, during the previous round of the game, he never won even once! So what would be the guarantee that he would come again?” This is a legitimate question that Duryodhana has, and even for this, Sahuni uncle has an answer readymade! Sahuni uncle is now going to give Duryodhana some important lessons on human psychology and how one should target the “weakness” of the other to succeed! Of course, this is on a wrong note, but the idea behind this might be an important input for modern-day leaders and managers! He says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! This is where you’ve to understand the psychology of people! Please understand two important things here – Firstly, Yudishtra has taken a firm pledge of not hurting anybody through words or action. If you go and call him, he would not turn your request down, because he thinks that you would be hurt if he turns you down! So he would definitely come. Secondly, and most importantly, Yudishtra has an addiction towards gambling. No matter how many times he loses, he would still opt to participate in the game! This is where you’ve to capture – Until what I’ve observed in Yudishtra, he would definitely not turn down your request! Hence, firstly, go and convince your father with regards to the second round of gambling, and secondly, send an invite to Yudishtra again!” 

Sahuni continues further as Duryodhana listens to him keenly thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Please remember one more thing – You should act swiftly here. Now it is only an hour or so since Yudishtra and Co. have started making their way towards Indraprastha. Before they reach their kingdom, you’ve to extend the invitation, so that they would turn back and come to Hastinapura. The moment they reach Indraprastha, it might not be a guarantee that Yudishtra will opt to come back! Hence, your swift action is the need of the hour!” 

As Sahuni says decisively thus, the plan is made! Duryodhana would now go and quickly convince his father for another round of gambling and with this, he would call upon Yudishtra immediately to turn back and head towards Hastinapura. This time, the rules of the game are different. So now, the important question that needs to be clarified here is, will Yudishtra come back. Will the wounded Yudishtra accept Duryodhana’s proposal? Even if Yudishtra accepts, will Bheemasena and the others let him go back? An important accord awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed King Dhridiraashtra taking a drastic decision to sideline Duryodhana and giving back the Indraprastha kingdom to Yudishtra. As Draupati was insulted in the public courtroom and after this unprecedented “Adharma” that took place, King Dhridiraashtra was under extreme pressure from all corners. Vidura on one hand was trying his best to highlight this plight into which Duryodhana was getting into, and at the same time, Bhishmachaarya and Dhronachaarya, even though they were silent, were expecting King Dhridiraashtra to make a decisive move so as to stop this nonsense from happening. Thus, Yudishtra obtained back all his wealth, kingdom, army, etc. and his slavery to Duryodhana too was nullified. However, anger was still simmering amongst the other Paandava brothers – Bheemasena and Arjuna vowed to kill Duchaasana, Duryodhana and Karna for all what they’ve done. Draupati on her part took an unprecedented pledge that her hair would be untied till the day she washes her hair with Duchaasana’s blood. As the situation was dozed down a bit by King Dhridiraashtra, Yudishtra and Co. got into their chariot and left for Indraprastha. Even though they might have got their kingdom and wealth, the mental agony that they had to face was still fresh in their minds! 

As Yudishtra leaves thus, Duryodhana is in all fury and directly storms into Sahuni uncle’s chamber! Their plans worked so well until the last moment when King Dhridiraashtra spoiled the entire plot with one decision! Duryodhana fumes in anger, as Sahuni says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Why are you fuming in front of me? I’ve given you a clear plan of action, and we’ve executed it well so far. If your father has a problem with it, go and ask him! Why are you coming to me?” As Sahuni says thus, Duryodhana fumes further! Sahuni makes this irritating statement on purpose, so that Duryodhana’s anger will increase! With this, he straightaway goes to King Dhridiraashtra and says thus, “Oh father! What kind of a king are you? Just because Vidura said some nonsense, would you change your mind just like that? Did you even think for a second about your son? How much of an effort have I put in, to plan this gambling game and execute? You said to me that there should be no war and bloodshed, didn’t you? You said to me that I can abduct Yudishtra’s kingdom without going to the battlefield. That is exactly what I did. So what is Vidura’s problem here? Why can’t he keep quiet and mind his own business? With your decision to send Yudishtra back to Indraprastha, you’ve ruined your son’s life completely! All my efforts have gone in vain! Yudishtra will now become even more arrogant and will enslave me and my brothers very soon. Bheemasena is in a savage resolution to kill me and Duchaasana. If he does so, who will be responsible? Do you want to see your son dying in that worthless Bheemasena’s hands? Do you want to see your son to be a slave of that Yudishtra who is so cunning and dumb? Hence, when Bheemasena and Arjuna took vows, you should have stepped in and stopped them from doing so! Instead of doing that, you acted in support of them! By doing so, everything is doomed for me! You’ve single handedly spoilt your son’s life!”

As Duryodhana comes up with the same emotional blackmail, King Dhridiraashtra gets angry. He replies furiously to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Do you even understand what you’re talking? Whatever you and Duchaasana did amidst the courtroom was blatant “Adharma”! Hastinapura has never seen such unprecedented heights of “Adharma” ever! Do you even realize the extent of damage that you’ve done to the kingdom by your actions and behaviour? When the mistake is on your side, why blaming Yudishtra for it? You were the one who called him for the gambling game. The idea was to just win over his wealth and kingdom. You should have stopped with that and sent him back. Instead, you chose to go several steps forward by insulting Draupati in public! This was something that is unwarranted! If you have a grudge against someone, you should deal with that person directly, rather than targeting someone else! Don’t you know this basic aspect of “Raaja-Dharma”? If there is any sort of trouble that comes to the Paandavas and Draupati, I would not tolerate it. This is my firm stance! I shall not dance to your tunes everytime! Yes, of course you’re my son. But that doesn’t guarantee that you would take me for a ride!” 

Saying thus, King Dhridiraashtra blasts Duryodhana for his wrongdoing and tries to correct his course of action. However, as all of us know, Duryodhana is not going to listen to anything of this sort! His agenda is firm and clear – To somehow dethrone Yudishtra at any cost! He is least bothered whether the path that he is taking towards it is legitimate or illegitimate! He would go “all out” to fulfil his agenda! Thus, as King Dhridiraashtra tries to advise, Duryodhana walks out of the chamber in anger and frustration! He doesn’t reply a word back to his father! Duryodhana now directly goes to Sahuni uncle and explains all what had happened with his father! He explains to Sahuni how King Dhridiraashtra justified his stance of giving back the Indraprastha kingdom to Yudishtra.

Now the ball is in Sahuni’s court once again! As Duryodhana narrates his father’s mindset, Sahuni also concludes that this strategy doesn’t work henceforth. Something has to be tweaked! Now what does Sahuni tweak? What is Sahuni’s new strategy going to be? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed King Dhridiraashtra finally breaking the ice amidst enormous pressure from Vidura and the others. As Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya preferred to remain silent, the onus was completely on King Dhridiraashtra to doze down the quickly developing disastrous events. Drauapti was physically assaulted by Duchaasana – An act that was celebrated widely by the Duryodhana camp, which was a blatant “Adharma” that was happening right in front of everybody’s eyes! However, Draupati was saved, thanks to Bhagawan Krishna’s divine intervention and “Anugraha”. Now, it was time for the Paandavas to take pledges one after the other. Bheemasena took a fierce pledge that he would plunder Duryodhana’s thighs, which wanted Draupati to come and sit upon! Similarly, he took a vow to amputate Duchaasana’s hands, which were instrumental in physically assaulting Draupati in public. Similarly, Arjuna took a vow that he would put an end to Karna in the battlefield with his sharp arrows. Thus, as the situation was getting out of hand, King Dhridiraashtra intervenes and grants Draupati a set of three boons. In return, Draupati asks for two of them – Firstly to release herself from the clutches of Duryodhana’s slavery, and secondly to release her husbands from the same. Even though she refrained from requesting the third boon, King Dhridiraashtra himself grants it – He gives back the Indraprastha kingdom to Yudishtra, along with the wealth, army, etc. that he had lost in the gambling game. However, Draupati vowed to avenge Duryodhana and Duchaasana for their heinous act of insulting her. She declared openly that she would leave her hair untied till the day that Duchaasana’s blood would bathe her hair! 

As Draupati thunders loudly thus, Duchaasana is stunned beyond words! He knows that he has fallen into the trap of “Adharma”, and there is no way that he could escape from this! At the same time, Bheemasena once again gets up and thunders thus, “Oh Duchaasana! Draupati is right! I shall ensure that I chop off your hands, take the blood from it and would personally rinse her hair with your blood! This is surely going to happen some day in the near future! Until I fulfil my vow, I would never sleep peacefully! No matter what King Dhridiraashtra does to doze down the feud, my pledge is a pledge until I execute it! I’m repeating it again – Duryodhana would meet a ghastly end only in my hands! I shall plunder his thighs upon which he wanted my wife to go and sit upon! This would certainly happen!” As Bheemasena thunders thus for the second time, the entire courtroom is stunned beyond words! Duryodhana himself is stunned, but he doesn’t show it outside! He knows within himself that a disaster is on the way for him! 

However, at the right time, Vidura again intervenes and sends the Paandava brothers back to Indraprastha. Yudishtra gets on to his chariot along with his brothers and Draupati and start their way back to Indraprastha. With this, the “Dyuta-Parva” comes to an end. Now, as we commence the next “Parva”, everything turns upside down once again! Now what happens at Hastinapura after Yudishtra leaves? Duryodhana is furious and biting his teeth with extreme anger! He had planned all the events sequentially and things also went on according to his plans. He had successfully abducted all of Yudishtra’s wealth, kingdom, army, etc. however, his father played spoilsport at the last moment! As King Dhridiraashtra took a firm decision of nullifying all the results of the gambling game, Duryodhana could not digest it. Hence, he quickly makes his way to Sahuni uncle to discuss the next step forward! 

As Duryodhana storms into Sahuni uncle’s chamber, Sahuni clearly understood Duroydhana’s state of mind. All his plans went for a toss. Even Sahuni was not very happy that such a “U-turn” of events had happened after a lot of strenuous efforts. Duryodhana wants to plan the next sequence of events and talks to Sahuni uncle thus: “Oh Uncle! What a waste of effort! I’m totally ashamed to call this King Dhridiraashtra as my father! He doesn’t have a spine of his own to stick to his decisions! The moment Vidura says something, his mind would automatically change. It was Vidura who created the stumbling block yet again in front of the courtroom, when things were going on favourably for us! With the anger that I currently have in me, I’m going to throttle Vidura and put him to death immediately! How dare he influence the king and make him dance to his tunes every time? Vidura never understands my difficulty even for a single day! Oh Sahuni uncle! Now what do we do? I somehow want the entire situation to be reversed immediately without any further delay! Suggest me the way forward!” 

Saying thus,  Duryodhana is waiting for Sahuni uncle to reply. Sahuni too thinks about what to do and how to plan the way forward! So for today, let us also wait along with Duryodhana to witness what is Sahuni’s next plan of action! Stay tuned for an absorbing accord tomorrow! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed King Dhridiraashtra finally breaking his silence on the blatant “Adharma” that was going on in front of everyone in the courtroom. As Draupati’s saree miraculously starts extending itself in a way of protecting her chastity, and as Duchaasana falls on the ground tired, all of them in the courtroom realize that something is happening which is beyond the purview and imagination of normal people. This is the opportunity that Bheemasena was waiting for till now. As Bheemasena and the other Paandava brothers (Except Yudishtra) thunder aloud with their individual pledges of finishing off Duryodhana and Co. in the battlefield, King Dhridiraashtra realizes finally that things are slipping out of hands rather too quickly now. He tries to doze down the simmering anger between the two camps by granting three boons to Draupati. King Dhridiraashtra first starts by seeking an unconditional apology to Draupati for what had happened to her just now. Further to it, he requests Draupati to ask him a set of three boons as to whatever she wanted. Now the ball is on Draupati’s court. What is she going to ask? Let us witness today. 

Moving on thus, as King Dhridiraashtra grants the three boons, Draupati’s reply was thus: “Oh King Dhridiraashtra! Before I go on to ask the three boons, let me tell you something – Today marks the start of a huge disaster for Duryodhana and Co. and it is very evident from their ruthless and indecent behavior that they have exhibited today. If there is a feud, it should either be solved with dialogue or on the battlefield. Whatever Duryodhana has orchestrated today is nothing short of a foul game and a blatant “Adharma”. He has shown his cowardliness of not being able to take on my husbands on the battlefield. Hence, we do not want to wish to be the slaves of a coward! Thus, my first boon would be this – Declare openly that Yudishtra is not Duryodhana’s slave! My second boon would be this – Declare openly that all my other four husbands are also not Duryodhana’s slaves anymore! Please grant these two boons immediately!” 

As Draupati asks thus, King Dhridiraashtra is more than happy to grant the two boons to Draupati. King Dhridiraashtra declares thus, “Oh Draupati! From this moment onwards, neither Yudishtra nor the other four Paandava brothers would be Duryodhana’s slaves! I openly announce this in front of everyone in this Hastinapura courtroom! Enough is enough! This game has proved to be extremely disastrous for the kingdom and I hope things will settle down back to normalcy with this! However, Draupati! You’ve asked for only two boons. A third one is remaining isn’t it? Feel free to ask me!” As King Dhridiraashtra requests thus, Draupati replies back: “Oh King! If I would have been a male, I would have asked the third one. However, since I’m a female, I’m limiting myself with just two! I do not want anything more from you! Thank you for your concern!” From this reply, it is evident that if one is a female, only two boons can be asked to a king, and if one is a male, three boons can be asked. This is according to the “Raaja-Dharma” that prevailed in those days. Of course, we should not take this as any sort of discrimination between men and women. We should just accept the rule and move on. 

Even as Draupati says thus, King Dhridiraashtra is extremely concerned and he voluntarily comes forward to grant the third boon, even without Draupati asking! King Dhridiraashtra says thus, “Oh Draupati! It is really nice of you to limit yourself with just the two boons. Today you’ve clearly shown us the difference between those who follow “Dharma” and those who are “Greedy” behind power and wealth! I hereby declare this in front of everyone – This game of gambling is completely nullified! I hereby give back the Indraprastha kingdom to Yudishtra and all of you! You may go back to your kingdom with all your wealth, army, servants, etc. If Duryodhana creates a ruckus, I shall manage him. Please do not worry! I request Yudishtra and the others to leave Hastinapura with happiness and just forget this unholy episode that took place today!” As King Dhridiraashtra dozes down the anger thus, the Paandavas are about to leave the courtroom when Draupati replies back: “Oh King Dhridiraashtra! You’ve taken a wise decision today and I really appreciate this! However, there is a great sin that your son has committed, which will be avenged by my husbands some day in the near future! Now let me take a pledge in front of Duryodhana and Co. today – Today my hair is untied! My hair would remain open till Bheemasena plunders Duchaasana and I shall tie my hair again only after I rub my hair with his blood!” 

As Draupati takes this “Shabadham” in front of everyone, the entire courtroom is stunned! Everyone clearly knows that a huge disaster awaits Hastinapura! So for today, let us understand this important segment of the “Paanchaali Sabadham” and let us wait till the next episode to witness what happened next! Stay tuned! 🙂

We’re at an extremely critical juncture wherein an unprecedented level of enmity sets in between the Paandavas and the Kauravas. This extreme level of enmity is because of the way in which Draupati was insulted by Duryodhana and Duchaasana amidst the public courtroom. Thanks to Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Anugraha”, Draupati was saved from being molested in public. As this goes on, Bheemasena and the others from the Paandava camp decide that enough is enough. The moment they realize that a miracle has saved Draupati, the Paandava brothers gain some much needed courage to atleast verbally take on the Duryodhana camp. Bheemasena starts the proceedings by verbally thundering that he would have the last laugh by plundering Duryodhana’s thighs which wanted Draupati to be seated on them! Bheemasena takes an extreme and an unprecedented vow in front of everyone that he would ensure that Duryodhana pays a heavy price for what he has done today. Bheemasena thunders that he would amputate Duchaasana’s hands which had the arrogance to pull Draupati’s saree amidst the public! This stuns the entire courtroom and there is pin-drop silence from all sides! In similar lines, taking cues from Bheemasena’s vows, Arjuna stands up and takes a pledge that he would have the last laugh over Karna for calling Draupati as a “Daasi” and encouraging Duryodhana to act against her. He pledges in front of everyone that his sharp arrows would make Karna pay a heavy price for what he has done today! Similarly, Nakula and Sahadeva take similar pledges of killing Sahuni and the others in the battlefield very soon! 

Thus with this, the feud between the camps increased to unprecedented levels. It is now an open war of words between them! Till now, atleast the Paandavas were keeping quiet to Duryodhana’s atrocities, but now, they’ve had enough of this foul play. As this happens, the entire Hastinapura courtroom is silent and shocked – Mainly because something has happened to Draupati which they did not expect! In other words, nobody expected Draupati’s saree to keep growing to infinite lengths! People understood that there is an “invisible hand” behind this and it is nothing short of a miracle. This instils some amount of fear in the minds of Duchaasana who was the chief architect of this anarchy. Duryodhana too did not expect such a thing to happen and he became thoughtful. It is at this time Vidura again gets up and tries to doze down the situation. Readers should understand the level of sincere effort that Vidura is taking time and again to protect Duryodhana and Co., but sadly they never realized it till the end. Vidura says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Oh King Dhridiraashtra! Now see what has happened to Draupati – You tried to insult her, but she was “invisibly” protected through some miraculous super-human force, which is not under our control! Till now, you were thinking that everything is under your control, but today with whatever has happened, there is solid proof that there are things that could unfold, which might be beyond human control. Please stop this blatant “Adharma” atleast now. Oh King Dhridiraashtra! If a Draupati can be saved by a miraculous force, imagine the plight of your sons tomorrow! This same miraculous invisible force is itself enough to ruin your son’s future! Please stop this nonsense atleast now, and please seek unconditional apology to Draupati and the Paandavas. Please understand that “Dharma” is by the side of Yudishtra, and is extremely powerful. “Dharma” would always have the last laugh! You might think that today Duryodhana has won this stupid game and has “smartly” abducted everything from Yudishtra. But please understand – This so-called victory is extremely short-lived! Duryodhana has to pay a heavy price for what he has done today. Please remember this and do the needful immediately atleast now!” 

Saying thus, Vidura took a clear stand on the favor of “Dharma” and this makes King Dhridiraashtra thoughtful. A small amount of fear also creeps into his mind – Till this moment he hasn’t seen such an invisible hand playing a role in protecting someone. Vidura’s words slowly start making sense to King Dhridiraashtra. With this, he finally opens his mouth and says, “Oh Draupati! First of all, I’m extremely sorry on behalf of my sons and my kingdom for this blatant insult that has happened to you today! You are our daughter-in-law and we respect you duly in all aspects. Please do not take these instances to heart. It is my humble request to you, even though I know that you’ve been hurt very badly both emotionally and physically. I know that this is going to create a long-lasting devastating backlash. However, I would want to doze this down to the maximum extent possible. Thus, as the highest authority of the kingdom of Hastinaupra, I would like to hereby grant you a set of three boons. You may feel free to ask me anything that you want! Please consider me as your own father while you ask me your boons!”

As King Dhridiraashtra says thus, Draupati breaks down into tears, and so is Yudishtra! On the other side, Vidura heaves a huge sigh of relief! Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya take a deep breath and have a feeling that finally this brutal act of Duryodhana has finally been ended. So for today, let us also heave a sigh of relief along with these senior people of Hastinapura! In the next episode, we shall witness the boons that Draupati asks King Dhridiraashtra, in response to his kind words. Stay tuned for the interesting accord! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important phase of the entire Mahabharata story wherein Draupati is being insulted amidst the public courtroom by Duchaasana, who is stripping her saree off! However, Draupati’s steadfast “Bhakti” towards Bhagawan Krishna saves her at the right time, as Bhagawan Krishna ensures that her saree length becomes infinite. As Duchaasana pulls out the saree from one end, the saree keeps on growing in length! Thus, Bhagawan Krishna ensures that Draupati is completely draped with the saree at all times, and her chastity is intact. We’ve also witnessed yesterday that as this heinous crime is taking place, Bhagawan Krishna is not there physically at Hastinapura. He had gone somewhere to Shaalva Desha for fighting a war. However, true devotion melts Bhagawan’s heart from wherever He is! Draupati is the biggest example of pure “Bhakti” and unconditional surrender towards Bhagawan. Also, we had a small note on the significance of “Naamasankeerthanam”. More than Bhagawan protecting all of us, His divine names are more powerful than Him! We’ve witnessed the perfect example in Draupati for this point. Even though Bhagawan isn’t physically around, it was His divine name “Govinda” that protects Draupati at the critical point, isn’t it? Thus, we’ve to understand here that Sage Veda-Vyaasa has indirectly explained the significance of “Naamasankeertanam” through this instance. 

Moving on further thus, as Duchaasana is continuously pulling Draupati’s saree, it just keeps growing and growing in length! At one point in time, Duchaasana becomes tired and almost falls on the ground unconscious. Nobody could believe what had just happened! How can a saree grow like this to an infinite length? Bhishmachaarya and Vidura understood what had happened! It was Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Anugraha” at work! Vidura thanks Bhagawan Krishna whole-heartedly within himself and so is Bhishmachaarya, even though he couldn’t open his mouth and speak against Duryodhana’s and Duchaasana’s actions. As Duchaasana falls on the floor, Bheemasena stands up with all his might! As Bheemasena stands up, his anger and aggression is clearly visible on his face! The entire place shakes up for a moment with his enormous raw muscle power. He has had enough! Yudishtra’s pledge that he and his Paandava brothers shouldn’t hurt others by using harsh words has only resulted in such a disastrous consequence, and Bheemasena decides that enough is enough! 

Now it is time for Bheemasena to storm the audience! Just like how Yudishtra took “Shabadhams”, Bheemasena decides that he too can – But not in the way as his brother took! Bheemasena decides to “go for the kill” here! He thunders thus, “Oh King Dhridiraashtra! Oh Bhishmachaarya! Oh Guru Dhronachaarya! Thank you for the wonderful treatment that all of you have meted out to us and our wife Draupati! Take it from me today – I shall avenge this insult in every way possible! I shall make sure that your son Duryodhana pays a heavy price for this very soon! Saying thus, Bheemasena turns towards Duryodhana now and thunders aloud: “Oh wicked Duryodhana! You’ve shown us today, the heights of your wicked behaviour. Now let me tell you something – You called Draupati to come and sit on your lap didn’t you? Take this from me – I would plunder your lap with my muscle power and squeeze you to death with these powerful arms of mine! Take this as a pledge of mine in front of everyone! You would definitely pay a very heavy price for what you’ve done to us and Paanchaali!” 

Saying thus, Bheemasena turns towards Duchaasana and roars thus: “Oh wicked Duchaasana! How dare you keep your nasty hands on my wife? How dare you even go ahead and physically assault her in public? I’ve been patient till this moment only because of Yudishtra’s pledge. Else things would have been different by now! But let me tell you one thing very clearly – The very same hands that pulled Draupati’s saree today – Would be twisted and chopped off from your body by my raw muscle power! I shall amputate your hands from your body with all my might! Your hands do not deserve to be part of your body anymore! Now here’s my pledge amidst the entire courtroom – Duryodhana’s and Duchaasana’s death will only be in my hands in the near future! Time will come and this will definitely happen!” 

These words from Bheemasena stuns the audience and all of them start freezing at their places! King Dhridiraashtra is stunned beyond words! He did not expect such a disaster to take place. Duchaasana himself is extremely stunned and starts getting scared of Bheemasena’s might and brute power! Perhaps he started repenting for the heinous crime that he had just committed? Upon seeing Bheemasena fuming with anger, Arjuna gets up now! He takes cue from his brother’s angry pledge and thunders amidst the entire courtroom thus, “Oh King Dhridiraashtra! Till now I had great respect for you and your family. Now with whatever happened today, all that respect is completely gone! Now let me tell you something – I shall ensure that Duryodhana has a tough time in the battlefield very soon. I shall ensure that he can’t even see my arrows striking him! Oh Karna! What did you say about my wife? She is a “Daasi” and she should obey Duryodhana’s words, isn’t it? Now let me tell you something – Your end is in my hands! If you have the guts, come to the battlefield and utter the same words! I shall show who this Arjuna really is! Today let me take this pledge in front of everyone – Karna’s death is going to be in my hands only! I shall pound him with all my arrows and ensure that he has a painful death for all that he has done today!” 

In similar lines, Nakula and Sahadeva take pledges too – To kill Sahuni and the others at Hastinapura during the war! As the Paandava brothers start taking pledges one after the other, the entire courtroom is left baffled! King Dhridiraashtra doesn’t know what to talk. Clearly, Duryodhana’s plan has backfired very badly. Sahuni has rubbed the wrong side of the Paandava brothers. Now he has to do something to firefight and doze down the simmering anger between the two camps! What is he going to do? Let us wait and witness an important accord in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂

We’re again at a critical juncture wherein Draupati is being physically humiliated and tortured by Duchaasana, who is stripping off her saree amidst the public courtroom with all people seeing this anarchy that is unfolding! Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya are also mute spectators to the blatant “Adharma” that was happening right in front of their eyes. As this is unfolding, Yudishtra too isn’t responding, even though he wanted to, and so is Bheemasena and the others! Finally, left with no other option and with nobody coming forward to fight for Draupati, she remembers Bhagawan Krishna’s assurance and Sage Vasishtaachaarya’s teachings at the right time. Thus, she starts fervently praying towards Bhagawan Krishna – The Saviour of the world. Readers should remember the fact that Bhagawan Krishna isn’t physically present at Hastinapura courtroom when this “Adharma” is unfolding, however, Draupati has the sincere faith and effort by her side to ardently call Bhagawan Krishna by her side. We’ve witnessed how she sincerely prays to Bhagawan, so that He rushes towards her. But does Bhagawan come to Draupati’s rescue? Let’s continue witnessing what is happening at the Hastinapura courtroom. 

Moving on thus, as Draupati is fervently calling out to Bhagawan Krishna, a huge miracle takes place! Her saree starts growing mysteriously in length! As Duchaasana tries to pull out her saree, the more he pulls it out, the more it grows! As this happens, everybody in the courtroom look at Draupati in awe! People are in utter shock and dismay! Draupati’s true devotion is answered by Bhagawan Krishna! How can Bhagawan keep quiet when His ardent devotee is in extreme trouble? His heart immediately went towards Draupati and with His divine “Anugraha”, the saree started increasing in infinite length! In fact, for Bhagawan’s “Anugraha”, Bhagawan need not be physically at that place wherever the devotee is! His “Naamam” (Divine names) are more than sufficient to obtain Bhagawan’s “Anugraha” from wherever He is! In fact, Bhagawan Krishna at that time, had gone to the “Shaalva Desha” for a war. However, He heard Draupati’s ardent calls and He responded to Draupati from where He was! This is the significance of “Naama-Sankeertanam”. Thus, through this instance, Sage Vyaasa indirectly drives home the deeper meaning and significance of “Naama-Sankeertanam” and this is how we’ve to view it. 

Thus, as Duchaasana removes metres and metres of Draupati’s saree, Bhagawan Krishna’s “Anugraha” ensures that she is completely covered and no insult happens to her amidst the public! Even as her five husbands desert her; Even as Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronaachaarya desert her; Even as King Dhridiraashtra is just a mute spectator – Draupati gets protected by Bhagwan Krishna at a time when she really needs it! Even as all the “Devatas” assembled there desert Draupati owing to the fear of Duryodhana, Bhagawan Krishna invisibly comes to the rescue of Draupati at the right moment! Thus, as mentioned before, Bhagawan Krishna isn’t there physically to save Draupati. But, His divine names save Draupati! Thus, the “Govinda-Naama” – If chanted with all our sincerity and devotion towards Bhagawan, would ensure that we are protected at all times! 

Thus, as Draupati is saved by Bhagawan Krishna and when the Paandavas realize it, Bheemasena gets up in a great fury! He has now had enough! Arjuna is simmering with anger on the other side as well. Yudishtra is angry within himself, but because of his earlier resolutions, he is not able to show it out to anyone. Bheemasena till this point was very patient and the moment he saw Draupati getting insulted this way, he decided that all hell should break loose! Now this is the time when a lot of fierce resolutions are going to be taken by the Paandavas one by one. This is the moment wherein the seeds are sown for the disastrous Kurukshetra war which is about to unfold after almost thirteen years from that day. 

So for today, let us celebrate the fact that Draupati is saved timely by Bhagawan Krishna and we shall wait till the next episode to witness what Bheemasena does as he stands up amidst the entire courtroom! We have a crucial set of events coming up in tomorrow’s episode! Stay tuned! 🙂