Bhishma Stops Duryodhana From Fixing His Own Coronation : Episode 47

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Shakuni makes Dhritarashtra aware of Duryodhana’s secret plans, urging that the coronation be pursued now that the Pandavas are believed dead. In Ekachakra, Bhima volunteers to face Bakasura in place of the helpless Brahmana family. Meanwhile, Shikhandin’s marriage collapses when her bride discovers her true identity, forcing Shikhandin to leave and seek the destiny promised by Shiva.

Shikhandin’s Fate and Drupada’s Doubts

Drupada's flashback cocludes: after Narada challenges King Hiranyavarman to prove Shikhandin’s lack of masculinity, the king withdraws without evidence. Drupada and Prishata finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Back in the present, Drupada explains that he tried searching for Shikhandin but found no trace. Prishata chides him, saying he put more effort into revenge against Drona than searching for his own child. Dhritadyumna intervenes and tells her not to blame Drupada — Shiva’s divine play had unfolded exactly as destined, and their duty now is to support Drupada in his sorrow and confusion.

A sudden commotion interrupts them. Draupadi dances as though possessed, collapsing in exhaustion. She declares that she emerged from fire, is an incarnation of Durga, and a part of Krishna. She assures Drupada that her birth has a clear purpose — she will fulfil his long-held ambition. Drupada is overjoyed, saying he had doubted Sage Yaja’s words, but now his faith is restored after hearing Draupadi herself.

Kunti Reveals Bhima’s True Power

Kunti explains to Yudhishtra how Bakasura terrorizes Ekachakra, demanding a daily cart of food along with a human sacrifice from each household. The Brahmana family was next in line, each member ready to sacrifice themselves. Unable to bear their suffering, she volunteered Bhima instead.

Yudhishtra is shocked she chose Bhima without consulting him. Kunti then narrates Bhima’s childhood episode: drugged by Duryodhana, tied and thrown into the Ganga, Bhima sinks to the realm of Vasuki. Snake bites revive him, and after fighting them off, Vasuki reveals his lineage—Bhima is the grandson of his own clan through Kunti. Nagaraja offers Bhima the divine nagarasa, granting strength equal to a thousand elephants. Bhima drinks multiple pitchers, receiving immense power.

Kunti says the secret was kept because Nagaraja asked for discretion. The brothers now rejoice, reassured that Bhima alone can face Bakasura.

Bhima departs with the food-laden cart, escorted by soldiers who guide him to the rakshasa’s rocky dwelling and then retreat. Bhima calls out Bakasura, ready for confrontation.

Debate Over Duryodhana’s Coronation

Dhritarashtra tells Bhishma about the coronation plans. Bhishma objects, saying tradition requires at least three annual death rites—minimum one year must pass before any coronation. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari agree but fear Duryodhana’s anger. Bhishma reminds Dhritarashtra of his duty: if he does not guide his son, accusations of bias will only grow. They decide to speak with Duryodhana.

The New Throne and Rising Tensions

Karna commissions a new throne and proudly presents it to Duryodhana, urging him to rule from it. As Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, and Gandhari enter, Bhishma disapproves—the throne of the Kurus carries ancestral lineage and cannot be casually replaced. Dhritarashtra questions the haste. Duryodhana argues that with the Pandavas dead, nothing stops his coronation, and he expected his father’s approval.

Pressed for an answer, Dhritarashtra falters. Duryodhana appeals to Bhishma to support him. Bhishma hesitates — then Shakuni tells Duryodhana that they need to wait for a minimum period of one year after Pandavas death. Duryodhana is furious, but Shakuni tells him that though these words were spoken by him, Bhishma had already expressed them to Dhritarashtra।

Karna vows that as long as he lives, the throne belongs to Duryodhana. Bhishma rebukes him, saying he has no authority in state affairs and his misguided counsel only fuels Duryodhana’s reckless behaviour.