Drupada's Fire Sacrifice and Jarasandha's Vow : Episode 37 (10-11-13)

Bhishma, Drona and Kripacharya are shocked by the news of the death of the Pandavas along with Kunti. The Kauravas are jubilant to hear the news from the spy. Shakuni threatens to kill the spy to prevent the leak of their own involvement, but decides to spare his life.

The citizen who brings the news to the attention of the king's court does not mince words but directly accuses the king of plotting the Pandavas' death. Dhritarashtra is full of remorse for sending the Pandavas to Varanavata and, to that extent, he accepts his role in their death and asks for pardon. But Bhishma is furious with the accuser and threatens him with dire consequences unless he substantiates his accusation with proof. He effectively protects the king, and the crowd disperses.

Drupada has decided to intensify the penances and perform the harsh Rudragni Yagna instead of the more pacific Yagna he has been performing so far. Drupada's brother comes running to Drupada's wife and informs her about the severe penances performed by her husband. Both of them rush to the sacrificial site in a bid to stall the Rudragni Yagna. The wife pleads but Drupada does not heed to her entreaties. He continues with the austerities of the Yagna and stands amidst the fire.


The question of who will perform the death ceremonies of the Pandavas arises now. Dhritarashtra is reluctant, having incurred the suspicion and the displeasure of the people. Bhishma declares himself a non-householder and Vidura declines, citing the inappropriateness of his performing the ceremonies in the presence of elders such as Dhritarashtra and Bhishma. It is finally decided to send for Sage Vyasa.

When the messenger comes close to Vyasa's ashram, Vyasa divines his intentions and instructs his disciple Vaishampayana not to let anyone disturb his meditation. The messenger has thus to return to Hastinapura without Vyasa.

King Jarasandha, the father-in-law of Kamsa, has captured and imprisoned 86 kings so far, but is furious and disappointed that his daughters do not celebrate his victory. He questions them and they say that he should have first avenged the death of Kamsa at the hands of the cowherd Krishna. Seeing the distraught condition of his two daughters, Jarasandha vows that he would kill Krishna at the earliest.