The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Duryodhana facing a bitter embarrassment in the hands of Chitrasena and Arjuna. As Chitrasena drags Duryodhana towards the “Svarga Lokha” to give him some apt punishment, Arjuna stops him mid-way and engages in a fierce battle with Chitrasena in a bid to free Duryodhana. Chitrasena realizes quickly with whom he is fighting and reminds Arjuna about his past. Immediately Arjuna too realizes and the fight comes to an end. With this, Duryodhana is freed from the clutches of Chitrasena, according to Arjuna’s request. This incident wherein Duryodhana had to be saved by none other than an enemy himself gives him a lot of shame and embarrassment. On top of this, Karna assumes that Duryodhana had won over Chitrasena and when he starts praising Duryodhana’s “valour”, Duryodhana goes to the extent of deciding to commit a suicide! He doesn’t want to live with this embarrassment any further! He has been defeated left, right and centre, and has been insulted and humiliated too! 

Deciding thus, even as Karna and the others try to stop him, Duryodhana commences his journey towards the northern direction in his chariot, firm on what he wants to do. As Duryodhana drives on further and further, he becomes tired and fatigued after a point. This is also because he had taken a “Prathignya” (Vow) not to consume any food and water! Thus, after a point, Duryodhana falls almost unconscious mid-way and he is fast asleep now! At this time, the “Dhaanavas” (One community of Celestial Beings) were looking at what was happening with Duryodhana. They started thinking, “Oh no! If this Duryodhana dies now, the rest of the Kauravas will not be destroyed! Only if Duryodhana is alive and only if he wages a battle later on, will there be an opportunity for the Paandava brothers to destroy the entire Kaurava clan. Hence, we’ve to do something to revive Duryodhana’s health!” Thinking thus, the Dhaanavas come near Duryodhana and create a dream amidst his sleep. They created a dream as if Duryodhana is being gently carried by them and taken in front of the king of the Dhaanavas. 

Thus, upon seeing Durydhana, the Dhaanava King explains: “Oh Duryodhana! Till now I’ve been seeing you as a great warrior who is unfazed when it comes to a war. Now, just because you’ve been on the losing side with Chitrasena, why are you getting so unmotivated to an extent of going for a suicide? This is not a characteristic of a great warrior! You should get up, prepare yourself better next time and fight, rather than sulking like this! Moreover, if you’re taking such extreme decisions, imagine the plight of your 99 brothers who are waiting for you. Imagine what Karna will think of you! Don’t you have the responsibility of protecting and taking care of all of them as their elder brother? Moreover, you’re the one who is going to carry forward your father’s legacy as a great king! In future, you’re going to be a great king! This is just a one-off defeat and in the future, you’re going to have an extremely good time ahead! Hence, get up and brace yourself for a bright and a prosperous future! Get yourself prepared to be the next king of the Hastinapura kingdom!” 

Saying thus, the King of the Dhaanavas motivates Duryodhana in a wrong way! As Duryodhana sees this dream amidst his sleep, he suddenly wakes up! He feels so refreshed after seeing this dream and with this, Duryodhana assumes that these words of the Dhaanava king are really going to come true in the near future! Thus, Duryodhana gets rejuvenated and returns back to the kingdom with even more arrogance! As he returns back, he narrates this incident to a few people, however, he mars this incident to a few others, and with this, Duryodhana’s arrogance and jealousy towards the Paandava brothers increased multifold – Thanks to the encouraging and motivating words from the Dhaavana king! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well, to witness what is Duryodhana’s next course of action! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a marquee battle taking place between Arjuna and Chitrasena, with both of them not realizing whom they were fighting with. The fight is taking place to save Duryodhana from the clutches of Chitrasena, who is trying to drag him away to the “Svarga Lokha” for some “special treatment”! As Duryodhana cries for help, Yudishtra wants Bheemasena to go to his rescue, however, he refuses. Subsequently, Arjuna takes up the responsibility to save Duryodhana and the fight happens. Finally as Chitrasena realizes that he is fighting with none other than Arjuna, he calls truce immediately and introduces himself to Arjuna! Upon realizing that he is fighting with none other than Chitrasena, Arjuna too stops the fight immediately and both of them put down their bows and arrows. Arjuna asks Chitrasena thus, “Oh Chitrasena! What are you doing here in the Manushya Lokha? You are not supposed to come down to our Lokha isn’t it? Why did you come? What happened between you and Duryodhana? Why are you dragging him away? Please explain!” 

As Chitrasena explains all whatever happened earlier, Arjuna requests Chitrasena to forgive Duryodhana and leave him alone. Paying heed to Arjuna’s words, Chitrasena lets Duryodhana off his clutches and with this, Duryodhana is left alone! As this happens, Chitrasena bids farewell to Arjuna and leaves back to his “Svarga Lokha”. Now, the onus is upon Duryodhana to thank Arjuna for saving his life, isn’t it? But did Duryodhana do that? The answer is “No”! Shame is written all over Duryodhana’s face and he is completely embarrassed! Duryodhana thinks within himself thus, “Oh! Arjuna is my biggest enemy, but I’m being insulted in front of my enemy in this way! I can never take this any further!” Thinking thus, Duryodhana immediately leaves that place. On one hand, his anger towards Arjuna and Co. is simmering, and on the other side, he is unable to express it towards them because Arjuna was the person who had saved his life! Duryodhana is in a clear fix right now – Whether to apologize to the Pandava brothers and call them back, or, just take the embarrassment and move on with his agenda! Duryodhana chooses the latter! Even though an enemy has done something good for him, he is not in a mood to forgive that enemy unconditionally and accept him! This is the biggest fault that Duryodhana has in him! 

Thus, Duryodhana walks away in shame and embarrassment and on the way he meets Karna. Upon seeing Duryodhana bruised all over and in the absence of Chitrasena, Karna initially thought that Duryodhana had won over Chitrasena! Karna praises Duryodhana thus, “Oh wow! Duryodhana! What a victory you’ve obtained today! When none of us were able to stand in front of Chitrasena’s wrath, you’ve single handedly won over him! How was it possible? How did you ensure that you won the marquee battle?” In this way, Karna started praising Duryodhana, which actually made Duryodhana even more embarrassed! Duryodhana replies back thus, “Oh Karna! Please stop this nonsense! You do not know what happened, and don’t blabber something without knowing anything! I’ve been beaten and bruised by Chitrasena and finally Arjuna had to come and rescue me from him! I’m already deeply wounded and hurt by this insult and now you’re rubbing more salt on my injury! With this, I don’t think I have any more strength left in me to live a life! I can’t take this kind of a torture anymore! I’m deciding to commit a suicide and finish myself! I cannot live any further with this embarrassment that I obtained from Arjuna! Oh Karna! You know what? That Yudishtra was looking at me as if he had achieved something huge! Bheemasena was celebrating my loss to Chitrasena! He was looking at me as if he has accomplished something great! Such a coward he is – He doesn’t have the strength to call me for a one-on-one battle with me, but if someone else beats me up, he is celebrating as if it is victory! Can anybody be more cowardly than what the Paandava brothers are? Hence, instead of living any further with this insult, I’m going to finish off my life with this! I’ve had enough!” 

Saying thus, Duryodhana rushes out! Upon seeing Duryodhana’s condition, Karna and the others did not know how to react! All of them are stunned beyond bits! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall wait till the next episode to find out what happened to Duryodhana next! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Duryodhana being caught by Chitrarasa and his army and being dragged on to the “Svarga Lokha” for some “harsh treatment”. Duryodhana did not anticipate such a result as he severely underestimated Chitrarasa and his powers. He tried waging an unwanted war with Chitrarasa and to his horror, all his Kaurava army, including the likes of Karna and the others were beaten and bruised! Karna was defeated to such an extent that he had to run away to save his life! Finally, Chitrarasa caught Duryodhana by his collar and started dragging him away, which alerted Yudishtra and Co. As Duryodhana sounded for help, nobody came to his rescue. Yudishtra’s heart started melting with these helpless sounds from Duryodhana and requested Bheemasena to go and help Duryodhana out! Yudishtra tries convincing Bheemasena to go and help, by saying that he has to learn and forgive people for their flaws. Moreover, Yudishtra tried explaining to Bheemasena that even though there are feuds within the family, an outsider cannot be let to dominate our family members. But is Bheemasena ready to listen to all this? Let us continue from where we left! 

As Yudishtra explains his “Dharma” clearly, Bheemasena is unwilling to relent! The hurt that he had obtained from Duryodhana and the scene wherein Draupati was insulted in the public courtroom flashes in Bheemasena’s mind again and again. This mars him from accepting Yudishtra’s piece of advice. Bheemasena replies back, “Oh brother! Whatever you’re saying is correct! Your words are power-packed with “Dharma”. However, my mind is unable to relent from the injuries that it had obtained over the years. Duryodhana is not an ordinary criminal. He is doing blunder after blunder and is roaming scottfree. However, today he has got the treatment that he deserves. I’m not going to help Duryodhana in any way. Moreover, if there is one enemy I have in this world who is very prominent, it is Duryodhana, and nobody else! How can I go and protect my enemy, as I’m waiting for his downfall? Hence, I’m not interested to go and extend a helping hand to that crook!” 

As Bheemasena replies thus with anger, Yudishtra decides that there is no point convincing Bheemasena any further. Bheemasena is very stubborn and reluctant, and Yudishtra knows his character. Hence, he tries the next option – Arjuna! Initially Arjuna is also reluctant, but since Yudishtra is firm on his “Dharma”, Arjuna agrees to execute Yudishtra’s words. As Arjuna prepares to fight, Bheemasena also has no other option but to join Arjuna in the pursuit. Hence, both Bheemasena and Arjuna prepare themselves for the marquee battle and they set out in the direction where Chitrasena is dragging Duryodhana. A huge fight happens between Chitrasena and the two Paandava brothers. Chitrasena is an expert in the bow and arrow technique and he is showering the entire sky with his sharp and fast arrows. However, Arjuna, as all of us know, is also an expert in negotiating such situations and he too joins the show with his range of arrows. Thus, a huge fight happens and both Arjuna and Chitrasena are relentless in their pursuit. 

However, as this happens, Chitrasena is puzzled! He starts thinking within himself thus, “Oh wow! Who is this person with an enormous talent on the bow and arrow? I never expected anybody to be having this level of expertise in warfare! Perhaps, is it Arjuna with whom I’m fighting?” Initially, Chitrasena did not realize that the battle was with Arjuna, because both were at a distance from where they could not spot each other. However, upon moving a bit closer, Chitrasena realizes that it is Arjuna on the other side! Thus, Chitrasena stops the war all of a sudden and talks to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! Don’t you remember me? I’m Chitrasena, who taught you various art forms while you were in the “Svarga Lokha”! Upon seeing your expertise in warfare, I suspected that you might be Arjuna and nobody else, and my doubt has been clarified! Oh Arjuna! Please understand that you’re fighting with your own Guru! Hence, let us stop this battle here itself!” 

As Arjuna hears this, he too realizes that he is making a mistake here! Arjuna replies back thus, “Oh Chitrasena! My profound apologies first up! I did not know that you’re Chitrasena! Please come down and let us have a talk! What is happening, and why did you pick up a fight with my brother Duryodhana? What went wrong? Please come down and explain to us!” As Arjuna calls Chitrasena thus, Chitrasena too comes down to meet Arjuna and Bheemasena. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness what Chitrasena had to say to Arjuna and Bheemasena and we shall move on further from there on! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Duryodhana and Co. arriving at the forest area where Yudishtra and the others are residing. Of course, Duryodhana did not want to go straightaway to the near vicinity of the Paandava brothers, but stops at a distance. This is the place where Chitrasena, a “Gandharva” by nature, is playing with some of his female friends. We should remember here that “Gandharvas” are not ordinary human beings, but are celestial beings. Thus, as Duryodhana sees these pretty females there, he gets a desire to play with them as well. Meanwhile, Duryodhana orders tents to be put up, and all arrangements for some enjoyment in the form of drinks, dance, etc. are being made as well. Now, as Duryodhana sets his eyes on these ladies, Chitrasena senses something wrong. He sees Duryodhana at a distance and straightaway comes to him and warns Duryodhana to get out of this place. However, as all of us know, Duryodhana is adamant and he doesn’t pay heed to Chitrasena’s words. 

As Chitrasena’s words go deaf ears, Duryodhana and Chitrasena gear up for a head on! Chitrasena calls up his Gandharva army for a fight against Duryodhana and Co. Duryodhana instructs his soldiers to somehow approach Chitrasena, tie him to a tree and bang him! However, Chitrasena isn’t an ordinary person to handle, as Duryodhana anticipated! Chitrasena escapes from Duryodhana’s soldiers and his Gandharva army gets into a bitter battle with Duryodhana’s soldiers. All of Duryodhana’s soldiers are getting heavily injured in the fight. As this happens, Karna comes with his army and weapons and invites Chitrasena for a war! Chitrasena readily agrees and a huge fight endures! At the end of it, even Karna couldn’t withstand Chitrasena’s power and he had to run away for his life! Upon seeing Karna being defeated left, right and center, Duryodhana himself prepares to oppose Chitrasena. A marquee battle endures and at the end of it, Duryodhana too couldn’t stand in front of Chitrasena’s prowess. Duryodhana is getting beaten left, right and center by Chitrasena’s army and he is heavily injured and insulted! 

As Duryodhana gets defeated thus, Chitrasena doesn’t leave him there – He ties Duryodhana to his chariot wheel and starts riding it towards the “Svarga Lokha”. As Duryodhana cries for help, nobody is there to relieve him from the clutches of Chitrasena. Karna, who was there all this while, got bruised heavily and fearing Chitrasena’s wrath, he ran away back to Hastinapura in fear! Hence, Duryodhana is now left to fend for himself, even as Chitrasena mercilessly carries Duryodhana along! As Duryodhana cries louder for help, Yudishtra hears this clearly! Upon hearing a familiar voice shouting for help, Yudishtra rushes out of his home and checks what is going on. At a distance, he sees Duryodhana crying for help as he is getting dragged by Chitrasena! Within a flash, Yudishtra understands what is going on, and immediately calls Bheemasena. Yudishtra tells Bheemasena thus, “Oh Bheemasena! Isn’t that person our Duryodhana? Why is he getting dragged along like this by Chitrasena? Maybe you should go and relieve Duryodhana and come back!” 

As Yudishtra says thus, Bheemasena gets angry! He replies back angrily thus, “Oh brother! Of course, he is none other than Duryodhana. But why are you saying “our Duryodhana”? Who is he to us? He is our worst enemy! Chitrasena is doing what we should be doing to him! Do you still want me to go and protect our enemy? Let Duryodhana suffer in the hands of Chitrasena, and only then he will realize the pain that we are undergoing every passing day!” As Bheemasena replies angrily thus, Yudishtra quickly calms him down. He says thus, “Oh Bheemasena! Of course you’re right – Duryodhana is our enemy, I know that. But at this point in time, we shouldn’t look into that aspect. If someone is in danger, and even if that person is our enemy, it is our “Dharma” to go and protect him. Moreover, Duryodhana is our brother, and we might have “n” number of issues within our family. However, who is Chitrasena to punish Duryodhana? Chitrasena is a third person. Why should we allow a third person to dominate our family members? If Duryodhana and the Kauravas come for a fight with us, it is 100 vs. 5. However, if a third party like Chitrasena comes for a fight with us, it is 105 vs. 1. We should be united by leaving away all our differences at these crucial junctures. Whatever problems we have within us, this is not the time to seek revenge against Duryodhana. Time will come for that separately!” 

From this accord, we can see how Yudishtra stands by his “Dharma” of protecting anybody who is in dire need – even being his own enemy. However, the bigger question here is whether Bheemasena is going to accept Yudishtra’s words and protect Duryodhana or not. We shall wait till the next episode to continue this interesting accord! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had commenced witnessing what happened during the “Goshayatra Parva”. After Sage Markandeya finished his accord, and after Satyabhama and Draupati finished their conversation, we’re now entering into the Hastinapura scene and here, Duryodhana desires to mock at Yudishtra’s suffering. He wants to go and make fun of Yudishtra and Co. and thereby, induce anger and tension in them. With this, he plans to finish them off on the spot itself, because the Paandavas are in the forest without their arms and weapons. As Duryodhana plans thus, Sahuni cautions him of King Dhirdaraashtra’s potential bottleneck. Sahuni gives an idea of taking stock of all the cows that have returned from their routine grazing, and thereby with this excuse, go to the forest and see where Yudishtra and Co. are. Accordingly, Duryodhana takes this plan to his father and seeks approval. 

Duryodhana explains to his father thus, “Oh father! Since all our cows are coming back from their grazing stint, we’ve to take stock of all of them, whether all the cows have returned or not. For this, I’m planning to number each cow and ensure that all of them are back. For this, I’m planning to do a “Goshayatra”. Please grant me the permission to do so!” As King Dhirdaraashtra hears this, he immediately approves of it, as he thinks that Duryodhana is trying to do something constructive and he should favour it. Little did King Dhirdaraashtra know Duryodhana’s wicked intentions behind this plan. He was completely aloof to what Duryodhana was doing, and he had no clue of what is going to conspire. With this ignorance, King Dhirdaraashtra gives his approval and Duryodhana is jumping with joy! The plan given by Sahuni is working perfectly! All of them are rejoicing and simultaneously getting ready for the assault. 

As this happens, the army also gets ready for the journey and Duryodhana, along with Karna, Ducchaasana, Sahuni, etc. commence their journey. They trace the whereabouts of Yudishtra and Co. and are nearing that forest area. After a long journey, Duryodhana’s caravan reaches the vicinity of the forest where Yudishtra and Co. are residing. Duryodhana doesn’t want to go straightaway to see Yudishtra and orders for tents to be made in that place itself. As all the preparations are made, Duryodhana and Co. are relaxing themselves after a long journey with a lot of glamour and drinks. At this place where Duryodhana is staying, Chitrasena, who is a “Gandharva” by nature, is playing along with his female friends. Readers might remember who Chitrasena is – We’ve witnessed in our earlier episodes, wherein when Arjuna had gone to the “Svarga Lokha for five years, he learnt various art forms from Chitrasena, who was appointed by Indra. It is the same Chitrasena, who acted as a messenger for Urvashi to go and convince Arjuna. We’ve seen that upon seeing Arjuna, Urvashi fell in love with him and wanted Chitrasena to go and convey her love to him. However, Arjuna rejected her, and with this, Urvashi cursed Arjuna. We’ve seen all this earlier, and readers might recollect this “Charitra” from our earlier episodes. 

Thus, Chitrasena was enjoying his time with his female friends, and this somehow caught the eye of Duryodhana. Upon seeing the beautiful women around Chitrasena, Duryodhana has an inner desire to go near them. Hence, he orders his caravan to be shifted from this current place to the place where the beautiful women are. As this is happening, Chitrasena notices something wrong! He immediately senses Duryodhana’s arrival with a wicked intention and hence, orders him to go back. Chitrasena explains that this place is of the Gandharvas and normal people aren’t allowed to come here. However, Duryodhana is adamant as usual and braces for a fight against Chitrasena and Co.! 

So for today, let us understand upto this point and in the next episode, we shall witness what happened to this fight! Is Duryodhana going to win over Chitrasena, or vice versa? Stay tuned! 🙂  

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the conclusion of the “Draupati-Satyabhama-Savaadha Parva”, wherein we’ve witnessed very important and interesting answers from Draupati upon Satyabhama’s questions. Draupati explains how she has her husbands under her control completely with her behaviour and character, and not through any other means. She focuses on key points such as transparency between the couple, making sure that the husband is well-taken care of, compatible goals between the couple, cleanliness at home, etc., which are directly applicable for all of us in today’s context as well. If we follow these points in our everyday life, we will endure never-ending and continuous happiness with our family life. Hence, all of us should take this as an opportunity to reflect upon our own family lives and make amendments wherever necessary. With this note, we move into the next “Parva”, which is the “Goshayaatra Parva”. This is a small “Parva” only and we shall quickly skim through what happens in this “Parva” in today’s episode. 

This incident that we’re going to discuss now happens because of Duryodhana’s unnecessary “Ahankaara” (jealousy and arrogance). Let us see what happens. The term “Goshayaatra” indicates taking stock of all the cows when they come into the king’s territory. Every cow has a count or a tag, just to keep a tab on how many cows we have. Even today we do this practice, but of course, with technological advancements, we put RFID tags on the cow’s ears. However, in those days, the practice was a bit traditional. One day, a Brahmana Rishi comes to meet King Dhirdaraashtra at Hastinapura palace. For a long time now, we’ve only been witnessing what is going on at Yudishtra’s side, isn’t it? Now let us for a change go to Hastinapura and see what is happening on the other side. This Brahmana Rishi had first met Yudishtra and Co. in the forest before heading towards Hastinapura. Upon meeting King Dhirdaraashtra, the Rishi explains how Yudishtra and Co. are homeless in the forest, wandering from one place to the other without even properly getting three meals a day. Moreover, the Rishi explains how the forest wild animals are torturing the Paandavas every passing day and how they are negotiating all those threats. Upon hearing all this, King Dhirdaraashtra starts feeling bad and eventually he is in tears as well! Even though King Dhirdaraashtra is in tears that his brother’s sons are suffering this way, does he take any concrete action on ground as a king? He never does and all of us know the reason for King Dhirdaraashtra’s gross inaction too! 

As the Brahmana Rishi narrates all the sufferings of the Paandava brothers in the forest, Duryodhana is also present in the courtroom and hears all these accords. Internally, Duryodhana is extremely happy because this is what he wanted Yudishtra and Co. to undergo! Hence, Duryodhana had a desire – He somehow wanted to go and see Yudishtra and Co. and understand how much suffering they are undergoing! Upon seeing this, readers shouldn’t quickly come to a conclusion that Duryodhana is going to call Yudishtra back, out of mercy or compassion! 🙂 The purpose of Duryodhana’s desire is to have a hearty laugh at Yudishtra’s suffering! He wants to make fun of Yudishtra’s dire situation in person. As Duryodhana expresses this desire to his “companions”, Karna and Sahuni, they too get interested in this idea. 

As Duryoudhana convenes a meeting with his trusted aides, he says thus, “Oh Sahuni uncle! Oh Karna! Let us chart out a plan here – Let us go to the forest with all our army strength! Let us trace the location where Yudishtra and Co. live. We shall reach there and upon seeing all of them, we shall laugh out loud and make them feel embarrassed. Definitely Arjuna will not keep quiet, even though Yudishtra does. Arjuna will want to fight us down, however, they will not have their weapons and armours with them. We shall seize this opportunity to kill all of them there itself and finish the story!” As Duryodhana expresses his plan thus, Sahuni quickly intervenes – “Oh Duryodhana! All your plans look very good on paper! But before all of these, first go to your father and get his approval. The moment you say that you’re going to the forest, your father will shudder. He doesn’t want Yudishtra to be killed at any cost, because your father still has a soft corner towards the Paandavas! First go and convince your father, and then let us plan the rest!” 

As Sahuni says thus, Duryodhana is not very happy again. He asks back thus, “Oh uncle! I understand your point. Yes! My father is a stumbling block for all my plans! Now you only give me an idea as to how I can convince my father on this!” For this, Sahuni gives an idea – “Oh Duryodhana! Anyways, all the cows have returned back to Hastinapura after their seasonal grazing time. Maybe you can use this opportunity and tell your father that you’re in the process of taking stock of all the cows, whether they’ve returned back or not. In this pretext, you can say that some cows are missing and you’re going to the forest in search of them. With this, you can easily execute your plan!” 

As Sahuni gives this idea, Duryodhana rejoices, and goes with his proposal to his father! Now, the question is simple – Will King Dhirdaraashtra accept Duryodhana’s proposal blindly? Or, will he scrutinize his proposal and ask him some tough questions? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Draupati continuing to explain some of the secrets behind her successful relationship with Yudishtra and Co. Draupati explains how the husband and wife should have compatible goals to be achieved together, even though they might be individuals with different thought processes. Only if there is some commonality in the achievement-orientation of goals between the husband and wife, life would be happy and smooth. Moreover, Draupati also talks about how she feeds each and everybody who visits her with love and care. This includes Maharishis, to servants, to animals as well. In fact, Draupati also explains how she remembers each and every animal by its name, even though there are hundreds of them! She says that she calls each and every animal by its name and feeds them! These are some great qualities that people can have, isn’t it? 

Moving on thus, Draupati explains to Sathyabhama – “Oh Satyabhama! More than all these things, there is one important aspect that I’ve to take care of – Income and expenditure. I have the complete control to manage all the income and expenditure at home. My husbands have given that entire authority to me and hence I maintain things very clearly and with full transparency!” As Draupati explains this, Satyabhama looks at Bhagawan Krishna and smiles! As Satyabhama smiles, Bhagawan Krishna understands the intention behind her smile! We should understand here that as this conversation is going on, Bhagawan Krishna, as well as the Paandava brothers are very much present at that place. As Satyabhama smiles, Bhagawan Krishna understands her thought process. She is thinking thus, “Oh wow! Draupati maintains all the income and expenditure correctly! However, our husband doesn’t even care about all that! Maybe because He is a king!” Bhagawan Krishna thinks within Himself in return thus, “Oh wow! This Satyabhama doesn’t know who I am! She thinks that I’m just a mere husband of hers. In fact, my income is all my Bhaktas (Devotees) who come to worship me and exhibit “Sharanaagati”. My expenditure is when I’ve to go personally to meet all my devotees. Moreover, what is income and expenditure for me, if the whole world is mine? Very soon, I’m going to explain and reveal this to Arjuna, who is sitting nearby! Hence, Satyabhama is unaware of who her husband really is, and hence she casts a look like that!” 

Hence moving on further, Satyabhama is also satisfied with Draupati’s answers, and she appreciates Draupati for meticulously practising austerity when it comes to her family life, and her “Pathivratha Dharma” towards her husbands. Bhagawan Krishna and Yudishtra too acknowledge Draupati’s words and in turn, Bhagawan Krishna provides His divine “Anugraha” to her. With this, we come to the end of this Parva, and we now move into the next Parva called the “Goshayaatra Parva”. So for today, let us recall and understand all what we’ve witnessed as part of the “Draupati-Satyabhama Samvaadha Parva” and let us try to reflect some important points from here into our daily lives as well! These points are real eye-openers for today’s life and let us try and practise them meticulously. We shall wait till the next episode to witness what happened during the next “Goshayaatra Parva”! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the applicability of Draupati’s words in our everyday life and we had discussed how we’re deviating from the “Dharma” which Draupati is mentioning here. Readers can recall that Draupati had spoken about cleanliness and transparency as main aspects of “Dharma” as she goes on to explain her secret behind a successful relationship with her husbands. Moving on further from here, Draupati continues to explain a few more things to Satyabhama. She says thus, “Oh Satyabhama! For a relationship to be successful, there should be a common goal between the husband and a wife! Only if there is some commonality in what we’ve to achieve in life, will we have a hold in the relationship. Whereas, as individuals, if we have different personal goals and if they never match with our spouse’s, there is no point in living together. Of course, both the husband and the wife are individual human beings at the end of the day and both can have separate aspirations in their lives. I’m not denying that at all. However, when it comes to making a family and a home for ourselves, our goals should be compatible with each others’. There should be a mutual respect for what each other wants to do in life. If the husband wants to achieve something, the wife has to complement and support him. Similarly, if the wife has a certain set of aspirations, the husband should stand like a pillar behind her, in order to let her pursue her goals. None of them should be a stumbling block for each other, and this will happen only if the goals are compatible and mutually agreeable. The wife should like what the husband is doing, and vice versa. Only if this compatibility is there, will the relationship be successful!” 

This is something which we keep seeing today too – Especially with women working today, this has a lot of relevance. If the wife wants to achieve something, which the husband believes that it would add a lot of value to the family and relationship, definitely any husband would support it. Similar is the case with the wife as well. However, if there is no liking in what the husband does, how can the wife support? Thus, complementarity will arise only if there is a commonality between the goals of both the husband and wife. This is where mutual trust and respect develops between the couple over the long term. 

Moving on thus, Satyabhama asks Draupati back, “Oh Draupati! I agree with all your points! However, tell me one thing – You would have a lot of servants to support you, wouldn’t you? Since you’re a queen, and since you might have a lot of work to do!” For this, Draupati replies back thus, “Oh Satyabhama! You’re right! I’ve got a lot of work every day. Around 6000 Brahmin Pandits and Maharishis come in search of my husband, Yudishtra every passing day. Hence, my “Dharma” is to feed all of them a sumptuous breakfast or lunch or dinner – Depends upon when they come home. I’ll ensure that none of them go back without eating to their satisfaction here. Moreover, I also feed around 9000 animals including horses, elephants, etc. that are around in this forest. However, even as I feed so many people and animals, the treasury box at home will never see a dip. Resources will always be full and this will aid me in serving everybody. Moreover, if Maharishis come, I know which Maharishi likes what type of food items, and accordingly I prepare food for each of them! Thus, when it comes to feeding, I don’t see a difference in anybody. Afterall, all of us are humans, aren’t we? Irrespective of whether he / she is a servant or a Brahmana Rishi, I serve them with the same love and affection. You may check with Yudishtra if I had faltered in my “Dharma” at any cost. I would confidently say that he would say that Draupati hasn’t failed in her “Dharma” even for a single day! This is why Yudishtra loves me a lot. Moreover, when it comes to home maintenance, I know exactly which item is kept where. If Yudishtra or anyone for that matter asks me for something, I will be able to immediately take it and give it to them! Also, I know the names of each and every animal that are around – Including the cows, elephants, etc. I call each of them by their names, and they would immediately respond to my calling! Such is the control I have over all of them, and this is also something that Yudishtra likes a lot about me!”

This accord from Draupati is an eye-opener for all of us and it shows how intelligent Draupati is! We shall discuss the practical implications of Draupati’s points that we can take for our everyday life today, in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a variety of important points explained by Draupati to Satyabhama, with regards to how she ensures happiness and harmony with her husbands at all times. She explains how there is a mutual understanding between her and her husbands wherein, she never separates from them at any point in time. Even if they have to go out on a war or any other basis, they also know that Draupati is waiting for them and eventually they will be returning back as quickly as possible. Moreover, Draupati also explains that she has no hidden secrets within her that her husbands do not know. Everything is very transparent and even Yudishtra and Co. on their part do not have anything secret within themselves which she doesn’t know. Moreover, Draupati also talks about how cleanliness is very important for a wife to exhibit at home, especially in the kitchen. She explains that she would cook every morning only after taking a shower, and not without it. Moreover, she ensures that she exhibits the highest level of austerity while cooking and will never touch anybody or anything unwantedly while cooking. She performs all these because she knows that all the offering that she prepares is first given to Bhagawan and then to all her husbands and guests (if any) and finally to herself after everybody else at home consumes a sumptuous meal. 

As Draupati explains all these points, we should also think within ourselves – Are we following all these points in our daily lives too? If “No”, what is preventing us from following all these? We must first of all understand that all these aspects of “Dharma” are common for any “Yuga”, irrespective of “Tretha Yuga”, or “Dvaapara Yuga” or “Kali Yuga”. Even though Yugas keep changing, “Dharma” never changes. The way in which the “Dharma” is practised might change between “Yugas”, but the “Dharma” remains constant. Hence, let us not put the blame that we are in the “Kali Yuga” and it is difficult for us to follow all these. Yugas don’t matter. It is only the question of our will power (Vairaagya) to follow all these points. Hence, whatever Draupati is explaining here, is applicable to each and everyone of us who has a family life (Grihastha-Ashrama). First of all, are we practising some simple things today? At the basic level, are we even taking a shower before cooking? In our “urgent lifestyle” of today, what do we do? We either cook all the food the previous night itself for the next day! In the morning, we only reheat the already prepared food and consume. Or, in the worst case, in the morning, we cook food even without taking a shower! All these practices only bring about a lot of negativity into us and these negative vibrations are very powerful to ruin our spiritual progress. In fact, Bhagawan Krishna also talks about this in the Bhagawad Gita – He talks about six important types of food items that we should avoid – One amongst them is the food that is not offered to Bhagawan with due respect! We’re going to see this in detail later on, but for today’s context, this is important. 

Nowadays, we also have another practice – We tend to “skip” breakfast completely and have lunch and dinner outside in restaurants! Of course, I’m not saying that we should never have food in restaurants today, which might be gross injustice, however, we shall try and keep it to a minimal level. This is because, we never know who is preparing food at restaurants, and what kind of mood with which that person is preparing the food. Of course, the food might be extremely tasty, but there are certain intrinsic qualities that we imbibe through food, which might impact our “Rajo Guna” and “Satva Guna”. If we’re consuming food that is pre-cooked, chances are high that it might have become stale due to bacterial activity. If we consume stale food, what will happen? All of us know it, isn’t it? Hence, the food that we consume is extremely important for our spiritual growth and progress, and this is why, great spiritual “Saadhaks” would never prefer to eat food other than home-cooked food! So these are some important points that we need to keep in mind, pertaining to food. 

Now, when it comes to maintaining secrets, this too has become quite common these days amongst couples! Even while getting married, there are many instances wherein the girl’s mother advises thus, “Oh! You’re going into a new family! You should be careful not to disclose any of our family things! Moreover, for the first six months to one year, do not even disclose your financial aspects fully to your husband! This might be very risky and what if he takes away all your money and ditches you?” Such shallow advice is being given a lot by the girl’s parents, and it is extremely dismal and shocking to know this! Now we should think for a moment here – If by mistake, either the husband or the in-laws come to know of these secrets through some ways or means after marriage, what will happen to the relationship? Won’t the trust be broken off? If the basic trust is broken, what else is left in the marriage? This is why it is saddening to see many couples approaching the courts seeking divorce! 

Thus, it is important that such things should change. There should be complete transparency between the couple at any point of time. Only then the trust between the couple will build. So for today, let us ponder over these points once more in-depth and let us wait till the next episode to continue with what Draupati has to say further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Draupati conversing with Satyabhama with regards to how unconditional love, affection and selfless service towards the spouse will lead to a content and a happy married life, rather than taking short-cuts like trying to bring the spouse under control through “Mantras” or any other food substances. We should remember this always – There’s no short-cuts for success in life! This not only applies for our professional success, but is also the same for our personal life as well. A relationship takes time to build and we should slowly nurture it through love and affection towards each other. If one tries to dominate over the other, the trust factor and the affection factor start veering off as time progresses. If trust is broken even once, it is very difficult to rebuild it again. Hence, rather than resorting to risky means of dominating over the other, it is always better to play it safe, in such a way that we ensure long-term happiness. 

Moving on thus, Draupati continues to explain her behaviour that she exhibits everyday. She says thus, “Oh Sathyabhama! If I find someone with an evil intention, I won’t even go near them. I won’t talk to such people who like to just gossip and while away time simply. Moreover, I’m not a person who goes to everyone’s doorstep and gossips. I maintain my strict discipline at home and I only focus on my work and my husbands’ welfare. Moreover, no matter whoever comes to me, including the likes of Indra, Varuna, Skandha, etc., I would never encourage them beyond a formal welcome and a guest. My five husbands are my Gods, and I will never even dare to look at someone else with a wrong intention. Moreover, my “Dharma” is to first feed my husbands and other elders at home, whoever are present at any point in time. Only after I feed all of them, I shall consume my meal for the day. Moreover, if my husbands go out in terms of waging a war against somebody or for some other reason, I shall keep waiting for them eagerly to return home. Once they’re back home, I shall ensure that I feed them to their heart’s content. I ensure that they enjoy the meal that I make for them, because they would have come with a lot of tiredness. I should ensure that their tiredness is gone, isn’t it? 

Moreover, I ensure that I’m very neat and tidy. I carry myself with a lot of cleanliness. This is because I’m proud to be the wife of the Paandava brothers. Also, when I worship Bhagawan, I make sure that I’m clean. This is because, only if I’m clean, will the offerings that I make will also be pure. Hence, I ensure that I’m always neat and tidy at any point in time without any dirt. It is not only me – I ensure that my home is also neat and tidy. This is because, if the home has a lot of dust and dirt, it paves the way for a lot of negativity to creep in, which is detrimental for the people living in that home. Moreover, when it comes to my kitchen, I ensure that it is always neat and tidy. As soon as the meal is prepared and served, I ensure that all utensils are washed immediately then and there. I do not like to accumulate unwashed utensils in the kitchen. Every day I make sure that I clean the stove upon which I boil the food items. Also, I never cook before taking a shower every day. Moreover, while I cook also, I ensure that my clothes are very austere and I do not touch anyone unnecessarily. This is because, the first offering that I make after I cook food is to Bhagawan. If the offering is to be done for Bhagawan, we should do it with utmost respect, isn’t it? Hence, I ensure that I pay my respect towards Bhagawan in all these ways which are possible for me to exhibit!” 

Continuing thus, Draupati explains more aspects of the “Pathivrata Dharma” – “Oh Satyabhama! As far as possible, I always ensure that I live with my husbands at all times. I do not like it if I’ve to be separated from them for a longer period of time, even if it is out of a compulsion of a long assignment. Even then, I urge my husbands to come back to me as quickly as possible because I cannot live happily  in their absence for a long time. Moreover, they also know that I will be waiting for them, and they also will ensure that they come back home as soon as possible and will never ever leave me alone at any point in time. Moreover, most importantly, I do not keep any secrets within myself, which my husbands wouldn’t know! I ensure that we have utmost transparency within each other!” 

Now, these are important points that Draupati is explaining here! So for today, let us understand these points very clearly and in the next episode, we shall discuss them in a bit more of a detail and witness how these are applicable today in the present day! Stay tuned! 🙂