The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed how Duryodhana continued his feud with the Paandava brothers and how he went ahead to wage a battle against them. Inspite of the seniors like Bhishmaachaarya, Guru Dhronaachaarya, etc. warning Duryodhana not to invade the Drupada Desha at this time, Duryodhana went ahead and did it. Duryodhana’s game plan was to somehow invade the Paandava bastion at the Drupada Desha at a time when they would be in a state of desire with their newly married wife and defeat them! However, on the contrary to what Duryodhana thought, King Drupada sensed that there is an invasion on his territory, which prompted him to send his troops in defence. King Drupada did not want to disturb the Paandava brothers as they were now his son-in-laws and thus, he decided that his troops will take care of the war threat that was looming. King Drupada’s army was an extremely powerful unit and it made Duryodhana and Co. run for their money! Duryodhana wasn’t even able to withstand for a few hours in the battlefield, which left him red-faced and embarrassed. 

As Duryodhana returned back with bruises all over his body, Bhishmaachaarya understood what had happened. He was visibly angry at Duryodhana for disobeying his words, however, since Duryodhana was still a young boy, Bhishmaachaarya had some compassion upon him. Bhishmaachaarya gave Duryodhana a piece of advice thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Enough of this plotting and fighting against the Paandavas! You want to be the ruler ultimately, isn’t it? Your main insecurity revolves around whether Yudishtra would succeed King Dhirdiraashtra or not, isn’t it? Let us do one thing – I propose that we split this Hastinapura kingdom into two halves. Let Yudishtra rule one half of the kingdom and you may take the other half of it. This would end all the feud that is happening between both the camps!” 

This proposal was the first of its kind that was made at Hastinapura, in front of the entire courtroom, as King Dhirdiraashtra was listening too. Bhishmaachaarya continues with this proposal thus, “Oh Dhirdiraashtra! Please think here – You’ve already made Yudishtra the “Yuvaraja” of Hastinapura kingdom. This means, ideally, he should be the successor of the entire kingdom. However, since Duryodhana is staking a claim for it, which is also logical, I propose this split idea. However, if you give away the entire kingdom only to Duryodhana, you would be committing a great sin of “stealing” one’s property and giving it to another! This is a great “Adharma” that you would be doing to the kingdom and its people. As a leader, you should give a fair chance to both Yudishtra and Duryodhana. You shouldn’t take sides only towards your son and this is a dangerous act. Hence, Dhirdiraashtra! Please consider this idea of splitting the kingdom into two and giving it to both the Paandavas and the Kauravas. This is the best way to go about things, and this would bring peace, happiness and harmony amongst all the people!” 

As Bhishmaachaarya explains his thought process thus, Guru Dhronaachaarya immediately accepted it. Guru Dhronaachaarya got up and explained his stance thus, “Oh King Dhirdiraashtra! Whatever Bhishmaachaarya was telling till now is perfectly right. He has a fair point. If we’ve to put an end to this unnecessary feud between the two camps, this is the best solution. Hence, I would also extend the same advice as Bhishmaachaarya to go for the split. This would ensure that both the camps are happy. Moreover, now it is too late for you to deny Yudishtra the kingdom, as you’ve already crowned him as the “Yuvaraja” earlier! So please think about all these points and make an appropriate decision!” Listening to all these points, King Dhirdiraashtra too thought that it was a feasible option to go by what Bhishmaachaarya and Guru Dhronaachaarya said. His mind was convinced that the kingdom should be split between the two camps. 

However, within this split of a second when King Dhirdiraashtra was thinking thus, Karna immediately stood up! All of us know what kind of a relationship did Karna and Guru Dhronaachaarya share earlier. We’ve witnessed how both of them attacked each other at the “Ranga-Bhoomi” event immediately after the education period of the children under Guru Dhronaachaarya was over! That feud between Karna and Guru Dhronaachaarya continued unabated henceforth. Now as Guru Dhronaachaarya was trying to extend a piece of advice to King Dhirdiraashtra, Karna saw this as an opportunity to “pull his leg” and insult him in front of the courtroom! Standing up thus, Karna made a sarcastic remark at Guru Dhronaachaarya thus, “Look who’s talking! A Brahmana Rishi, who has zero knowledge on a king’s administrative affairs is trying to advise a king! Can there be a better mockery than this? A Brahmana Rishi should mind his own business and shouldn’t interfere in the duties that should be discharged by the king!” 

As Guru Dhronaachaarya heard Karna’s insulting words, he got infuriated beyond words! Guru Dhronaachaarya replies thus, “Oh Karna! You do not even have the basic “Guru Bhakti” that a student should have! Is this the way to insult a Guru in front of the public audience? The words that you had used are highly deplorable and unacceptable! In fact, you do not even have the right to open your mouth and talk to me! Who are you? What is your family background? You’re afterall a charioteer’s son, isn’t it? You’re not even qualified to be present in this esteemed courtroom wherein veterans are sitting! Hence, get out of this courtroom immediately!” As Guru Dhronaachaarya burst out in anger thus, Karna did not want to stand there even for a second! He was clearly insulted with his family background! He immediately walked out of King Dhirdiraashtra’s courtroom, even as Duryodhana was looking on! 

So for today, let us understand until this point, and in the next episode we shall continue this discussion to witness what was King Dhirdiraashtra’s decision! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Duryodhana coming to know that the Paandavas were very much alive and it was none other than Arjuna who had lifted that heavy bow and won over the Svayamvara event. Initially Duryodhana had this doubt at that very moment itself when Arjuna lifted the bow in his hand and employed it with ease with both his hands equally. Nobody in this world had mastered this technique as Arjuna had done. Duryodhana knew this very well as he has seen Arjuna in close quarters right from childhood days at Guru Dhronaachaarya’s Gurukula. Thus, with confirmation from multiple sources from the Drupada Desha, Duryodhana understood that it was none other than the Paandavas who had married Draupati. Understanding thus, he fumed with anger and frustration! He couldn’t digest the growing stature of the Paandavas day by day. He wanted to somehow put an end to it. With this in mind, Duryodhana called for a meeting with all the seniors at Hastinapura kingdom, including King Dhirdiraashtra himself, Bhishmaachaarya, Guru Dhronaachaarya, Sahuni, Ducchaasana, etc. During the meet, Duryodhana was steadfast in invading the Paandavas immediately who were at that moment stationed at Drupada Desha. However, the entire courtroom was against such a decision. Bhishmaachaarya opposed it vehemently by saying that if Duryodhana had better ways to outsmart the Paandavas, he might focus on them, but going for a war with them isn’t an option. Guru Dhronaachaarya seconded Bhishmaachaarya in this. He was also not in favor of attacking the Paandavas. 

As this intense conversation was going on, King Dhirdiraashtra quips in the middle thus, “Oh Bhishmaachaarya! Do you mean to say that we should bring the Paandavas back to Hastinapura along with their newly wed wife?” To this, both Bhishmaachaarya and Guru Dhronaachaarya said a resounding “Yes”! But as usual, Duryodhana fumed further! Duryodhana now sensed that this conversation is slowly sliding in favor of the Paandavas and if things go this way, the Paandavas are going to be back at Hastinapura in no time! Hence, Duryodhana decided that enough is enough! There was no use of continuing this conversation any further! It was a totally deadlock situation. He walked out and immediately called out for an all-out war against the Paandavas. The news reached King Drupada that Duryodhana is raging ahead with his army towards the Drupada Desha. Accordingly, King Drupada, on behalf of the Paandavas readied his troops and instructed them to counter-attack Duryodhana and Co. The Paandavas did not even enter into the battlefield and still, Duryodhana was completely taken aback by King Drupada’s army. Duryodhana faced heavy defeat and had to literally run back for his life! King Drupada’s army was way too powerful and too hot to handle for Duryodhana, who clearly lacked the skills and abilities to fight a full-fledged war! 

This was even a bigger insult to Duryodhana – The Paandavas did not even make it to the battlefield, but still were on the winning side! This was it! Duryodhana breached all limits of his anger towards them. He straightaway goes back to Hastinapura, but only to find more embarrassment waiting for him. Bhishmaachaarya was angry at Duryodhana’s decision to go for a war with the Paandavas. Bhishmaachaarya angrily replied to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Do you even have an iota of sense in you? I had repeatedly warned you not to go for a war with the Paandavas at this time. But you have disobeyed my words and have gone ahead with the war. This is heights of arrogance from your side of not paying heed to the words of elders! Now that you’ve faced defeat under their hands, I think this is the time to split the kingdom into two and give one half to them and the remaining to you!” 

This was the first time that Bhishmaachaarya opened up such a proposal of splitting the kingdom into two halves! Till now, such a proposal was never even thought of, either by Bhishmaachaarya himself or anybody else in the kingdom, including King Dhirdiraashtra. Bhishmaachaarya made this proposal in front of everyone and it is now for the others to raise their opinions to this. Most importantly, how is Duryodhana going to accept this? Let’s witness this interesting part of the conversation in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the grand wedding taking place between Draupati and the five Paandava brothers. After Sage Vyaasa cleared the air that this marriage was bound to happen, King Drupada and Co. were convinced and extremely happy. He thus gave his daughter in marriage to the five Paandava brothers amidst a grand wedding ceremony. Post that, as the married couples come home, Kunthi Devi offers some important words of advice for her newly married daughter-in-law. She explains to Draupati as to how important it is for the lady of the house to take care of the guests (Atithis) who make a visit. Similarly, it is also important to take care of the children, aged people, etc. equally with love and affection. Moreover, as a chaste wife, Draupati should also support her husbands in all the spiritual practices that they perform, including the “Raajasuya Yaaga”, “Ashwamedha Yaaga”, etc. regularly. Saying all this, Kunthi Devi showered her divine “Anugraha” on Draupati to be gifted with enormous wealth, good health, name and fame in the days and years to come. 

As Kunthi Devi was saying all this, Bhagawan Krishna made His way with all the gift items that need to be given as part of the marriage. Kunthi Devi accepts all the gifts with a lot of joy as it has come from none other than her own cousin brother. With this, the “Vaivaahika Parva” gets completed. We’ve already witnessed the “Svayamvara Parva” in a great detail. Subsequently we’re entering into the “Vidra-Aagamana-Raajya-Laabha Parva”. In this Parva, we’re going to witness how Vidura is going to start playing a crucial role in taking the lead of splitting the kingdom equally between the Paandavas and the Kauravas. This is something all of us know already, but let us witness the set of events in detail. As the marriage got over and people settled down, Duryodhana smelt something fishy. He understood that if there was one person in the world who could have won over the Svayamvara event, it should have only been Arjuna and nobody else. Also, he got some confirmed news from various sources that the Paandavas are alive and they had escaped the wrath of the “Laaksha Griha” episode. Duryodhana also understood that the Paandavas are leading a disguised life at the Vaaranaavatha Desha. As he came to know this, Duryodhana fumed in anger and frustration. He knew that whatever he plotted against the Paandavas were ending up in failure. This cannot go on like this. Duryodhana wanted to somehow put an end to this unprecedented growth story of Yudishtra and Co. 

Thus, Duryodhana calls for a meeting of all his people one day. This team of people included Shahuni (Duryodhana’s uncle), Duchaasana, Karna amongst the others. During the meeting, Duryodhana burst out in anger thus, “Oh people! Come on! Let us invade the Drupada Desha immediately and take the Paandavas on the battlefield. Let us show our prowess in our warfare techniques and kill all the five of them mercilessly. This is the only way to stop them from growing any further in their stature. I don’t want to see them alive anymore. They’re ruining my future completely. Moreover, this is the best time to go and attack them. They would be in the state of desire because they’re newly married. With this, they wouldn’t be ready for a fight. We shall use this opportunity to kill them!” As Duryodhana fumed thus, the others including Shahuni, Karna, Somadatthi, etc. approved of Duryodhana’s words. They also felt that if an enemy is seen loitering around anywhere closeby, he should be completely finished and weeded off from this earth. This is the only way to be safe and secure in this world! 

As this conversation was taking a dangerous turn thus, Bhishmaachaarya intervened in the middle. Till this time, he was also part of this team, listening silently to what was being discussed. However, when this conversation was taking a disastrous turn, he spoke out thus, “Oh Duryodhana and Co. Whatever you’re talking about at the moment is utterly foolish! Do you think you would be able to overcome Arjuna’s prowess just like that? You were not even able to win a Svamayvara event against him. Imagine how you would be able to succeed him in the battlefield? Moreover, the Paandavas are your own brothers. Why do you always want to feel jealous about them and their growth? If you wish to compete with them, please do so in terms of proving your worth equal to them, instead of trying to play tricks to pull them down!” As Bhishmaachaarya thundered thus, King Dhirdiraashtra asks thus, “Oh Bhishmaachaarya! Do you mean to say that we should bring the Paandavas back to Hastinapura along with their newly wed wife?” To this, both Bhishmaachaarya and Guru Dhronaachaarya said a resounding “Yes”! But as usual, Duryodhana fumed further! 

So for today, let us understand till this point. In the next episode we shall witness how Duryodhana reacted to Bhishmaachaarya’s words and how the conversation went ahead further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Vyaasa going one step further to make King Drupada obtain faith in what he was narrating. Sage Vyaasa had clearly explained the past happenings and how this marriage between the five Paandava brothers and Draupati was destined to happen according to Bhagawan Shiva’s divine will. Even after the detailed description that came from a great Sage, King Drupada wasn’t fully convinced. Thus, Sage Vyaasa blessed King Drupada with a pair of “divine eyes” with which he was able to see all whatever Sage Vyaasa narrated – The five Indras, Bhagawan Shiva, Goddess Parvati Devi, etc. This was the final conforming point and King Drupada did not have anything more to say. He was totally convinced with the words of Sage Vyaasa and Yudishtra and was very happy that he and his daughter were part of a larger ploy of Bhagawan Shiva and Goddess Parvati Devi. 

Thus, the entire gathering was now getting ready for the marriage to take place. Now that all the doubts were cleared, the stage was set for the grand marriage event to happen. Thus, the day wherein the “Pushya Nakshatra” fell was chosen as the auspicious day for the event. It was decided that first Yudishtra would get married to Draupati, and subsequently, Bheemasena, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadevi would marry her. The marriage happened with all the grandeur and with the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Krishna, Bhagawan Shiva, Goddess Parvati, all the Devas, great Maharishis, etc. Once the marriage is over, Kunthi Devi is going to do some “Upadesha” (Important pieces of advice) to the newly married Draupati. She says thus, “Oh my dear Krishnaa! Please listen to my words – Just like how Nala and Damayanti lived together always, just like how Sage Vasishta and Arundati lived together always, just like how Bhagawan Krishna is always with Rukmini Devi, you should always be with your husbands at all times. Firstly, you should understand how to feed the guests (Atithis) who would be visiting our house! I shall teach you that first!” 

We might wonder here, why Kunthi Devi is teaching something that might sound a bit silly. It is mentioned in the “Dharma-Shaastra” that if the lady of the house is not taking care of the guest properly and if the guest’s stomach isn’t satisfied of its hunger, all the property (“Selvam”) of the house would go away as the guest walks out of the house. We should always remember this point very carefully – “Athithi Sathkaaram” is very important as part of our “Sanaatana Dharma”. We should make sure that the guest who visits our house is well fed and well satisfied with the best hospitality possible. On the other hand, if we behave like a miser to our guests by not feeding them or by not taking care of them properly, Goddess Lakshmi Devi just walks out of our house by carrying away with her, all the “Punya” that we had accumulated over the past, along with all the wealth and property. This is why, Kunthi Devi makes sure that she starts her advice with this very important point. “Atithi-Sathkaaram” is one of the most important points that every lady of the house should ensure. Of course, men also have a part to play in this, but the responsibility falls more on the woman of the house, because, she would be managing all the kitchen activities mostly. Of course, in today’s scenario, this itself is a big question mark in many houses! However, the point here is that, we should take care of our “Atithis” and ensure that they are satisfied both in terms of food and hospitality. 

Apart from the “Atithis”, the lady of the house should also feed the children (Balas), teachers (Gurus) and aged people (Vriddhas). Thus, these four categories of people should be very carefully taken care of by the lady of the house. All these points should be noted down by all the women who are reading through this episode. These points are evolving from the advice of Kunthi Devi towards her daughter-in-law, isn’t it? Hence, this is extremely relevant for all of us in today’s scenario too. Moreover, Kunthi Devi continues with her advice thus, “Oh Krishnaa! This clan into which you’ve come, is a very important clan. All the ancestors and forefathers who had been part of this clan have been steadfast in their spiritual practices, like performing the “Ashwamedha Yaaga”, “Raajasuya Yaga”, etc. regularly. Hence, you should develop the thought and intention to support your husbands when they perform all these spiritual practices and “Dharma Kaarya”. Moreover, I’m blessing you with all the requisite wealth, good health, etc. to start and continue your married life with your husbands for a long long time. May you have a lot of kids as you progress in your married life!” 

Saying thus, Kunthi Devi advises Krishnaa with all these points of advice and in the meanwhile, Bhagwan Krishna comes with all the gift items that need to be given as part of the marriage event. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness what Bhagawan Krishna had to say when He arrived with all the gift items! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Vyaasa revealing an important fact as to who the Paandava brothers really were. Sage Vyaasa narrated the entire truth behind the birth of the five Paandava brothers, who were none other than the five “Indras” who were ruling the Deva Lokha at different points in time. Moreover, there is also this narrative that the Arjuna-Bhagawan Krishna combine is nothing but the “Nara-Narayana” combine of the famous Bhadrinaatha Kshetra. With all these facts being revealed one by one by Sage Vyaasa, the Paandavas, along with King Drupada and Drshtadhyumna were extremely happy to be part of this marriage event and talks. King Drupada realized how fortunate he was to give his daughter in marriage to such highly rated Kshatrya princes. Moreover, since it was Bhagawan Shiva’s divine will, it was bound to happen in some way or the other, and all the series of events that had taken place in the past, have correctly led to this marriage getting realized. 

However, even after Sage Vyaasa had explained so much, King Drupada had one final doubt in his mind. He again turns towards Sage Vyaasa and asks him thus, “Oh Great Sage! All the narratives that you had presented in front of us are all fine. But how do I believe that all of these have really happened in the past? I would like to have a visual treat before I finally believe your words!” As King Drupada expresses his wish thus, Yudishtra finally got angry! He immediately turns towards King Drupada and fires at him thus, “Oh King Drupada! Till now I was having extremely high regards upon you. But now you’ve gone to the extent of doubting Sage Vyaasa’s words. Isn’t Sage Vyaasa one of the greatest sages ever in this world? If you’re not going to believe him, who else in this world are you going to have faith upon? I did not know that you were such a “Naasthika” who doesn’t believe in the words of great sages and doubt them so easily!” 

As Dharmaputra fumes thus, Sage Vyaasa pacifies him. He immediately explains thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Please calm down and do not worry. I shall give King Drupada some visual evidence for him to see. Afterall he’s a father of a daughter, isn’t it? He would definitely have such doubts before he gives his daughter in marriage to someone, which is quite normal. He is talking all this because he doesn’t fully understand what has happened. Now I shall make him understand it in my own way!” Saying thus, Sage Vyaasa gifted King Drupada with a “divine pair of eyes”, with which he showed him Bhagawan Shiva, Goddess Paarvati Devi, the tunnel and the five Indras who came out of that tunnel. King Drupada was able to see everything in front of his divine eyes for 2 to 3 minutes and with this, he was shell-shocked! He did not expect such a visual treat to come through, wherein he would be able to see Bhagawan Shiva directly! This was more than enough! King Drupada fell flat and he finally came to a conclusion that he’s going to give his daughter to really deserving and divine people. 

As we see this, we might also remember that this same pair of divine eyes were given to great people for such visual treats in many other instances as well. During our first Valmiki Ramayana project, we had witnessed how Sage Valmiki had the divine eyes gifted by Bhagawan Brahma Himself, so that he could see all what Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita did each and every minute of their life. Valmiki Maharishi was able to see in front of his eyes, Bhagawan Rama smiling, laughing, crying, hugging, providing His divine “Anugraha” to all His devotees around, etc. Subsequently in this Mahabharatham project, we’re going to witness how this same Sage Vyaasa is going to gift a divine pair of eyes to Sanjaya when the Kurukshetra war was going on. With this only, Sanjaya was able to update each and every moment of the war happenings to King Dhirdiraashtra, who was blind. Similarly, we’re also going to witness during the Bhagawad Gita episodes wherein Bhagawan Krishna Himself is going to gift Arjuna a divine pair of eyes, while He revealed His “Vishwarupa Darshan” to Arjuna! Thus, at many instances we would be able to see in our Sanaatana Dharma literature that certain deserving people have been gifted with such a thing, so that they could see what has happened in the past. 

Similarly here also, we’re witnessing Sage Vyaasa gifting a divine pair of eyes to King Drupada, with which he was able to see in front of his eyes, all what Sage Vyaasa had narrated till now. So for today, let us understand up to this point and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an interesting conversation between Yudishtra and the others in the King Drupada camp, to determine whether it is right or wrong for the five Paandava brothers to marry Draupati, as Bhagawan Krishna and Sage Vyaasa were overseeing the entire event unfolding. King Drupada and Drshtadhyumna had earlier raised their concern for the same, and now Yudishtra had the opportunity to speak, as he quoted a couple of instances wherein such a thing had been in practice earlier as well. Moreover, since Sage Vyaasa had already hinted earlier that five people are going to marry Draupati, and that, it is Bhagawan Shiva’s divine will for it to happen, King Drupada and Drshtadhyumna were convinced. They were extremely happy that this marriage is going to happen and all the arrangements commenced for the same. 

Meanwhile, as Sage Veda-Vyaasa was also present amidst the discussion, he now gets to talk for a few minutes, wherein he is narrating the “remaining half” of the story that he had told about Draupati earlier to Yudishtra. He had explained how Yama-Dharma-Raja once entered into a deep state of penance and subsequently, the birth-death cycle in the world came to a grinding halt! Nobody was dying and the world’s population was on the rise uncontrollably. As the Devas were concerned, Bhagawan Brahma pacifies Indra and Co. that this was bound to happen, as the Kali Yuga was nearing. With the advent of the Kali Yuga, Yama-Dharma-Raja’s job would drastically be reduced – People in this world would automatically kill each other and the population would find its balance. After this, Indra meets a girl who was crying profusely near a beautiful waterfall. Upon questioning her for the reason, the girl takes Indra to a beautiful mountain that resembles Mount Kailash. In fact, it was the same Mount Kailash where Bhagawan Shiva and Goddess Paarvati Devi were residing. As the girl points out to Mount Kailash thus, she says, “Oh Indra! Look over there!” 

As Indra looks out, he happened to witness Bhagawan Shiva and Goddess Paarvati Devi deeply involved with each other in an embrace. Upon seeing this, Indra was waiting for Bhagawan Shiva to turn towards him and respond, however, this did not happen. Bhagawan Shiva was totally involved into Goddess Paarvati Devi and he did not give a damn to Indra. This infuriated Indra beyond words! He thus burst out in anger towards Bhagawan Shiva and fumed thus, “Oh! You don’t even have the courtesy to look at who has come to see you! What kind of respect do you have for the leader of the entire Devas? By not welcoming me to your place, you’ve insulted me!” As Bhagawan Shiva heard this from Indra, He too got angry and replied back thus, “Oh Indra! Till today I did not know that you were such a cheap person by character. Who are you to question me? You’re afterall a person without any significance. Just because you’re the leader of the Devas, what is the necessity that I should pay attention to you? I’m way beyond what you are, and you do not have any right to question me. I would pay attention towards you only when I feel it is required!” 

As Bhagawan Shiva too fumed back, a huge war of words broke out between the two of them! Bhagawan Shiva used his divine power to pull Indra towards Him, but Indra tried to escape from Bhagawan Shiva’s pull. Indra knew that if he would get trapped, he would be finished with Bhagawan Rudra’s immense power. Thus, Indra tried to enter into a tunnel that was nearby. However, as Indra was entering into that tunnel through one end, there were four other people who resembled Indra, who came out of the tunnel from the other entrance. Upon seeing them, Indra was surprised! Who were these four people? They seemed to be totally fatigued and it was as if they hadn’t consumed any food for so many days. These four people were none other than the “Poorvendras”, who were ruling the “Deva Lokha” prior to Indra. In other words, these “Poorvendras” were none other than Indra’s predecessors. As Indra saw this, he was horrified! He immediately turned towards Bhagawan Shiva and that girl who brought him there and asks thus, “Oh! I think the message is clear here – After my tenure is over, even I would be stuck inside this tunnel without food or water, just like these four others, isn’t it? If such is the case, why at all should I be the leader?” 

As Indra asks thus, Bhagawan Shiva replies immediately to him angrily – “Oh Indra! You’re thinking too much about yourself of late. This would be the case certainly for you as well, without any doubt. Just because you are “Indra”, there is no exception for you. If you misbehave with others because of your jealousy and pride, this same state of affairs that the other four are experiencing would dawn upon you in no time!” Upon saying this, Bhagawan Shiva pushed Indra into that same tunnel, along with the other four Indras! Indra was thus put to enormous suffering as he realized his folly! As time progressed, Bhagawan Shiva’s anger came down and he spoke to all the five Indras thus, “Oh people! I understand that you had done certain wrong things out of ignorance. All of you would go and take birth as normal human beings in this world very soon. At the same time, there was a girl who had asked me for “five noble husbands” and I had granted the boon earlier to her. All five of you would be marrying that girl!” 

Now we should connect the dots here – These five Indras were none other than the five Paandava brothers and the girl whom Bhagawan Shiva had mentioned was Draupati. Thus, it is between these people, the marriage is about to happen! Thus, Sage Vyaasa reveals the “Second half” of the background story and for today, we shall understand upto this point. In the next episode we shall continue this discussion forward to witness what happened after this! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we witnessed the commencement of the marriage talks between the Paandava camp and the King Drupada camp. The Paandava camp consisted of Bhagawan Krishna and Balarama and the King Drupada camp consisted of his council of ministers, Drshtadhyumna and the others. As the talks begin, King Drupada expressed his happiness that his daughter is going to get married into an extremely high-class Kshatrya family, but was concerned as to how five people can marry one girl. Drshtadhyumna also raised his concern saying that this is an unprecedented event and such a thing hasn’t ever happened in history. As both father and son raised objections, Yudishtra interfered and explained that there is a precedent in history wherein multiple people have married one woman. Here, Yudishtra is going to narrate two instances wherein such things have happened in the past. 

By doing so, he also indirectly conveys a message to the father and son duo that they have to do sufficient research before coming into a debate on sensitive matters. This is where we’ve to learn our lesson too. If we’ve to debate on some spiritual matters that are sensitive in nature, we should do so in a way that we do not end up hurting others’ sentiments, and also in such a way that we provide adequate justifications to whatever points we put forth on the table. Our points should be entirely backed up by sufficient and authentic research. Thus, before we get into such topics of discussions, it is important that we do our homework thoroughly and then talk. Yudishtra explains thus, “Oh King Drupada! There was someone by name Jatila, who belonged to the family lineage of Sage Gouthama. This Jatila had married seven Brahmana Rishis. The Puraanaas have extensive evidence explaining the significance of Jatila and how she lived happily with her seven husbands. Another example is of the “Dasha-Prachethas”. This “Dasha-Prachethas” is a set of ten people who married a woman by name “Maareecha”. Hence, there is sufficient evidence wherein a woman had more than one husband!” 

Yudishtra continues with the main reason now, as Sage Vyaasa himself makes his way to King Drupada’s place! As Sage Vyaasa comes in, King Drupada was extremely happy and received him with all the required hospitality. As Sage Vyaasa settles down, Yudishtra continues with this opinion, saying thus, “Oh King Drupada and Drshtadhyumna! You should also understand one more thing here – Sage Vyaasa had already predicted this to happen earlier. If he says something, it is bound to happen. It is “Bhagawad-Sankalpa”. Moreover, it is Bhagawan Shiva’s divine will as well. If such is the case, how can we stop that from happening? Hence, I feel that this is something that is beyond our control and let us not waste time debating whether this is correct or not. If “Mahatmas” have wished for it, it would definitely be for a “Dharmic” cause. Who are we to interfere in the middle to question their wish?” As Yudishtra clearly explains his stance thus, Drshtadhyumna and King Drupada accepted it. Since these words came out of Dharma-Putra’s mouth, nobody objected! The entire team of King Drupada was completely convinced and at this point, Sage Vyaasa got up to talk. He was till now acting as one of the most informed mediators between the two sides. Everyone was eagerly waiting for Sage Vyaasa to talk. 

Now Sage Vyaasa explains thus, “Oh Drupada and Drshtadhyumna! Whatever Yudishtra explained till now is completely correct. I had explained a few pointers to him in this regard when the Paandavas were at the Vaaranaavatha Desha. However, at that point in time, I had explained only one half of the story. Whatever happened between Draupati and Bhagawan Shiva-Parvati divine couple was just one part of what had happened. There is another half of the story that I had not told him earlier. Now I shall narrate that too, and with that, all of us would get the required clarity on this matter!” Readers should remember here that Draupati had asked Bhagawan Shiva for a noble husband “five times” and this resulted in Bhagawan Shiva granting her the boon that she would get five noble husbands, since she had repeated the boon five times. We had witnessed this story in our earlier episodes. However, Sage Vyaasa was extremely careful at that point to narrate only one half of the story. Now he narrates the second half in front of all the people at King Drupada’s courtroom. 

Sage Vyaasa explains thus, “Once upon a time, Yama-Dharma-Raja wanted to perform a deep penance for some reason and hence, he left his job of “granting death” to all the Jeevatmas just like that! With the departure of Yama-Dharma-Raja, the entire “birth-death” cycle of the world got disturbed as nobody was dying! Because of this, the population of the world started to increase rapidly and without any control. Concerned by this, the Devas raised concern with Bhagawan Brahma to see what could be done here. Bhagawan Brahma reassured the Devas by saying that since the Kali Yuga is about to start within the next few years, people would find their own ways to finish themselves off, and there is no requirement of Yama-Dharma-Raja to be there to ensure that people’s lives are coming to an end! At the same time, Indra met a girl who was crying near a beautiful waterfall. Indra asked her the reason behind her profuse crying, for which, she gives a peculiar reason!” 

Now what is the reason that she is going to give? Sage Vyaasa is continuing with his explanation further, and we shall witness this accord in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the Paandava brothers revealing their true identity to Drshtadhyumna and subsequently to King Drupada. The Paandavas were doing this for the first time ever since they had a miraculous escape from the burning “Laaksha Griha” (The Wax palace). All of us know by now that the Paandavas were living a disguised life at the Vaaranaavatha Desha, to be out of sight of Duryodhana and Co. for a certain period of time. Now that Arjuna had won the Svayamvara event of Draupati, and since Drshtadhyumna had sent a Brahmana Rishi to understand the Paandava brothers’ background, Yudishtra did not have any option but to reveal himself and his four brothers. Thus, Drshtadhyumna and King Drupada were extremely happy that Draupati was going to marry the best people in terms of warfare and other noble “Dharmic” qualities. We were witnessing in yesterday’s episode that King Drupada had invited all of them for a grand feast and even at that point, the Paandavas were put to test by King Drupada to understand whether they are really Yudishtra and co. or somebody else. 

Moving on further thus, King Drupada was extremely happy to understand their true identity and his hospitality towards them knew no bounds! King Drupada served them an extraordinary feast with the best of the best hospitality and as the Paandavas were consuming the food, King Drupada was closely observing them. The way in which the Paandavas were eating, the way in which they were interacting with each other, etc. proved to King Drupada that they were none other than Yudishtra and Co.! We should understand here that although the Paandavas have revealed their identity, they were still in the attire and appearance of Brahmana Rishis. That hadn’t changed yet.  As the feast was over, Bhagawan Krishna and Balarama arrived at the palace of King Drupada! As Arjuna spots Bhagawan Krishna for the first time after so many years, he was surprised to see Him there. 

Arjuna asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! How did you know that I was here at King Drupada’s place? How did you know that we were proceeding with the marriage talks with Draupati? Who told you all this?” Laughing out at Arjuna, Bhagawan Krishna explains to him in an indirect way thus, “Oh Arjuna! I know where you’ve been all these days, and I know where you are right now! I’ve been following you all these days because you and I have a “special connection” with each other!” Through this answer, Bhagawan Krishna “hints” to Arjuna that both of them were the “Nara-Narayana” combo of Bhadrinaatha Kshetra. However, Arjuna being in the midst of the marriage talks and the feast, did not understand the in-depth meaning of what Bhagawan Krishna said. However, he was very happy that Bhagawan Krishna “graced” the occasion at the right time. Thus, as Bhagawan Krishna settles down along with Balarama and with all the hospitality that was offered by King Drupada, the marriage talks formally begin. 

King Drupada starts talking and expresses his opinion thus, “Oh Paandava brothers and Keshav! I’m extremely happy today that I’m having an opportunity to be part of this gathering along with the Paandavas and Bhagawan Krishna. However, when it comes to marriage, it was Arjuna who had won over the Svayamvara, isn’t it? How can I give my daughter in marriage to all the five Paandava brothers? Moreover, there is no precedence in history that a woman is marrying five men. Of course, a man married many women as part of the “Kshatrya Dharma”, but the vice-versa is something that is unheard of. Hence, this is the part wherein I’m not convinced fully yet!” As King Drupada explains thus, Drshtadhyumna explains his stance thus, “Oh esteemed gathering! I concur with what my father says. I’ve also never heard of one woman marrying many men. This is where even my concern is!” 

As both of them express their concern thus, Yudishtra explains thus, “Oh King Drupada and Drshtadhyumna! Whatever you’re saying might not be exactly correct. Just because you’ve not heard of something, it doesn’t mean that there’s no precedent in history that a woman married more than one husband. I shall explain two instances wherein such a thing has happened in the past and there is nothing wrong if such a thing happens now!” This is where we’ve to understand one important point – If we’ve to enter into an argument or a discussion with someone on something, we should talk with facts and figures. Our conversations should always be “evidence-based” and not something that is merely hypothetical and in the air. For instance, if we’ve to substantiate a point from the Ithihasas or Puraanas or from the Vedas, we’ve to first understand clearly what the text says about it, and then come for a debate. I’ve explained this point earlier as well during our Ramayana project, in the context of Bhagawan Rama killing Vaali from behind. Many people start debating blindly as to whether Bhagwan Rama’s act of killing Vaali from behind is correct or wrong! However, if we read deeply through the Ramayana text, we would understand the exact reason as to why Bhagawan Rama did that. However, if we do not have in-depth clarity on the subject, it is better for us to keep quiet, rather than engaging in needless debating. 

This is exactly where Yudishtra clears the air. As King Drupada exclaims that there’s no evidence of such a thing happening in the past, Yudishtra is going to quote two instances wherein a woman had married more than one husband in the past. So for today, let us understand up to this point and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a crucial set of events wherein the Paandava brothers bring Draupati to the place where they were residing, only for Kunthi Devi to give a first-hand instruction that all the five of them should go ahead with her, without knowing the person with whom the Paandavas ha come home with. Even though Kunthi Devi relented later, Yudishtra and Co. decided that all the five brothers would go ahead marrying Draupati, since that was her first instruction. Also, since Bhagawan Shiva had already blessed Draupati with the boon of marrying five husbands, and also since Sage Veday Vyaasa had also indirectly indicated that Draupati would be having five husbands, Yudishtra decided that the marriage would happen in this way only. All the other brothers also accepted Yudishtra’s proposal. Meanwhile, we had also witnessed in the concluding part of yesterday’s episode that Drshtadhyumna had secretly followed these five “Brahmana Rishis” to their place, while they were taking Draupati along with them. He overheard the conversation between the Paandava brothers and Kunthi Devi, and also came to understand a very important thing as well. 

As Drshtadhyumna was overhearing the conversation thus, he allegedly heard Kunthi Devi addressing her sons by their respective names – Yudishtra, Bheemasena, Arjuna, etc. With this, Drshtadhyumna clearly understood that these five people weren’t Brahmana Rishis as they looked like, but are none other than the Paandava brothers. He also came to know that the person who won the Svayamvara event was none other than Arjuna himself! With this, Drshtadhyumna was extremely happy! He considered himself fortunate that he is going to give his sister in marriage to the Paandava brothers. But one thing struck in his mind – If it was only Arjuna who was going to marry Draupati, it’s fine. But how come all five of them will marry one woman? He was puzzled! Anyways – He had obtained the required information and background story, and with this, Drshtadhyumna rushed back to his father, King Drupada to convey the matter. As King Drupada hears Drshtadhyumna’s accord, he was also very happy that it was the Paandava brothers who had won Draupati’s hand. Till that point, King Drupada was also thinking that he is going to give his daughter in marriage to a Brahmana Rishi, which was primarily opposed by all the kings who had come for the event. However, now that the Brahmana Rishi was really a superb Kshatrya prince, King Drupada’s worries were put to an end. 

Thus, Drshtadhyumna had done his job! However, he was still having a mild doubt within himself, whether these so-called “Brahmana-Rishis” were really the Paandava brothers or not. He wanted a confirmation of the same. For this, initially Drshtadhyumna wanted to go all by himself again to the Paandava brothers to talk it out, however, he had a doubt whether Yudishtra would completely disclose himself or not. Thus, with the suggestion from King Drupada himself, Drshtadhyumna sent a Brahmana Rishi to find out the truth. According to the “Raaja-Dharma”, a Kshatrya shouldn’t lie to a Brahmana Rishi and if the five brothers were really the Paandava brothers, they shouldn’t lie, isn’t it? Thus the plan was made and the Brahmana Rishi was sent to the house of the Paandava brothers to find out who they really were. When Yudishtra sees a Brahmana Rishi, as expected, he too did not want to lie about himself or his brothers and eventually he disclosed their real identities. With this, Drshtadhyumna was extremely happy, and so was King Drupada. All of them were proud that Draupati is going to be given in marriage to extremely great Kshatrya princes. 

However, the same question surfaced again – How could one woman live with five husbands? Is it really feasible? A lot of debate took place in King Drupada’s courtroom and many people spoke many things – Both for and against the decision. Eventually, King Drupada called the five Paandava brothers for a grand feast at the palace, and an invite was sent through his messenger. Meanwhile, King Drupada wanted to conduct an indirect test to check whether these five people are really the Paandava brothers or not. Till that time, only Drshtadhyumna and the Brahmana Rishi had confirmed the Paandavas’ real identity, but King Drupada wanted to see it for himself. As the Paandava brothers arrived, he had already made all the arrangements with the food items on the table. However, King Drupada did something different – All along the way through which they walked through, he had kept some “Dharba” grass, some fruits, vegetables, etc. and towards the end of the passage at one corner, he had kept some weapons like the sword, bow and arrow, “Gadha”, etc. As the Paandava brothers walked through, their eyes fell directly only on the weapons and not on the fruits, vegetables and the Dharba grass! With this, King Drupada understood that if the five people would have been Brahmana Rishis, their attention would have gone towards the Dharba grass and the other items, but not on the weapons. It is only because these five people were Kshatryas by nature, their eyes directly went towards the weapons that were used for warfare. Thus, King Drupada concluded that these five people were not Brahmana Rishis as they appear to be, but are none other than the Paandava brothers themselves! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point. This is an important phase that we’re passing through, because, this is the first time since the “Laaksha Griha” (Wax palace) episode, the Paandavas are revealing their real identity to the outside world. We shall continue this discussion in the next episode to find out how King Drupada received the Paandava brothers with his famed hospitality! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna entering into an argument with all the kings who had assembled at King Drupada’s Svayamvara event. As key kings and princes including Shalya, Karna, Duryodhana, etc. falter in the Svayamvara event, it was Arjuna alone who was successful in lifting the bow and hitting the target as per the prescribed rules and regulations. While everyone started questioning the rules and regulations of the event and when Arjuna succeeded in it, all the kings felt insulted and frustrated in front of the entire courtroom. Also since everyone was under the impression that Arjuna was a “Brahmana Rishi”, it added to their woes and insult. This led to a huge argument as to how could a Brahmana Rishi stake claim to marry a Kshatrya woman. A huge war of words broke out between the kings and Arjuna, and in return, Arjuna threw an open challenge to engage in a fight with him then and there and win over him! Yudishtra came forward to offer help for Arjuna to fight, and Arjuna asked him to stand aside. Bheemasena too came forward, and Arjuna gave the same reply to him as well. Bhagawan Krishna Himself got up from His seat and came rushing down to the courtroom center where the entire argument was going on. With folded hands, Arjuna requested Bhagawan Krishna to “wait and watch”. Bhagawan Krishna too understood Arjuna’s message and decided to provide His “Anugraha” to Arjuna as a “mute spectator”. With this, Arjuna decided to take on all of them single handedly and prove his worth! 

The war begins – Not in the battlefield, but inside the courtroom itself. Karna came forward and Arjuna gave him a befitting reply. Duryodhana, Ducchaasana, Shalya, and the others too met with the same fate within a split of a second! This insulted the gathering even more, as none had the guts or the technique to take on Arjuna’s prowess with the bow and arrow. Looking at all of these, Bhagawan Krishna once again turns towards Balarama and explains thus, “Oh Balarama! Look at the way this boy is fighting! By the way his hand movements are and by the way with which he is handling the bow and arrow, he is undoubtedly Arjuna and nobody else! He is in a disguised form for some reason, but his prowess in the bow and arrow reveals clearly that he is none other than Arjuna himself!” 

As the war came to a close and as all the kings faced heavy bruises and embarrassing defeats, Arjuna takes Draupati’s hands and starts walking away with her! With this, Yudishtra and the other four brothers also followed Arjuna and all of them came back to the place where they were staying. Meanwhile, Kunthi Devi was waiting there with the stove on! She was waiting for her sons to bring in the “Bhiksha” for the day, so that she could cook it and make a meal out of it for all of them. However on that particular day, the Paandavas did not return on time for the meal and Kunthi Devi was concerned. As the Paandava brothers entered inside, Yudishtra exclaimed that they had brought “something” for all of them! Initially, Kunthi Devi did not understand what that “something” was. Without the knowledge that this “something” was none other than Draupati, Kunthi Devi replied from within the house saying thus, “Ok fine! Then you split it within the five of you and do the needful!” 

As Kunthi Devi says thus, Yudishtra decides on the spot that all the five brothers have to marry Draupati, since that was mother’s instruction! Actually, it should only be Arjuna who should be marrying Draupati because he was the person who won the “Svayamvara” event. However, since Kunthi Devi said thus, all the five brothers decided to marry Draupati. However, as Kunthi Devi turns back and sees what was happening, she was shocked! She came to know that this “something” was not some food item that she was thinking of! It was a woman walking along with them! She did not expect this to happen, and immediately tried to reverse her words thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I’m terribly sorry. I did not anticipate that you would come with a woman, and since Arjuna was the winner in the Svayamvara, it would be appropriate that he marries Draupati”. However, Yudishtra, Arjuna and all the five brothers were steadfast in their opinion of Draupati marrying all the five of them. Yudishtra explains thus, “Oh Mother! The moment you had given the first instruction, it stays forever. Words cannot be retrieved back! Moreover, this is exactly what Sage Vyaasa told us before we entered this place, isn’t it? He had explained clearly that this girl would end up marrying five husbands. Probably we are that set of five people. If we correlate his words and what has happened just now, I feel that Sage Vyaasa’s words are coming true. Moreover, this is Bhagawan Shiva’s wish and who are we to interfere in His wish? Let the marriage happen between Draupati and the five of us together!” 

As Kunthi Devi listened to it, she was satisfied. All her five sons were satisfied as well. Draupati also was satisfied with Yudishtra’s stance. With this, now the marriage talks begin, and as this happens, Drshtadhyumna had closely followed the whereabouts of these Paandava brothers and he secretly overhears these conversations between Yudishtra and the others! Now what is Drshtadhyumna going to do with this information? Did he understand that these five “Brahmana-Rishis” are none other than the five Paandava brothers? Let us wait till the next episode to witness a cracker of a discussion! Stay tuned! 🙂