Draupadi's Swayamvaram Contest Announced : Episode 56

-

Recap of Previous Episode : Drupada meets Drona and seeks his help to design a swayamvara test suited to Arjuna’s unique skills. In Hastinapura, Bhishma and Vidura postpone revealing the Pandavas’ survival, while Shakuni forces the princes to perform rites for the supposedly dead Pandavas. In Panchala, Drupada makes special preparations for Arjuna and tells Draupadi why he believes Arjuna is the right choice, blending gratitude with political foresight.

Drupada’s Concern and the Old Wound

Drupada continues explaining the history of Panchala’s conflict with the Kuru dynasty. Long ago, Bhishma had stormed into Panchala and freed Vichitraveerya after he was captured for taking royal cows. Drupada knows he is no match for Hastinapur’s warriors — Bhishma, Kripa, Drona. If he must settle old scores, he needs Arjuna on his side. Only Arjuna can make that possible.

Bhishma’s Unease

Bhishma feels disturbed that he had to light a deepam before the Pandavas’ portraits even though they are alive. It goes against the scriptures, and Shakuni’s repeated remarks—“They burned at Varanavata” — made Bhishma feel a rising urge to strike him.

Vidura gently explains that Shakuni has been trying to confirm whether the Pandavas survived. And he adds something more: when Bhishma lit the lamp, he was actually thinking of Lord Subramania. Therefore the light was for the Lord, not for the Pandavas. Vidura says this is the very method Krishna once used while performing the final rites for the Pandavas. Bhishma feels comforted. At the potter’s home, the Pandavas take leave of Kunti and prepare to go to Panchala.

Draupadi’s Prayer and the Guests Arrive

In Panchala, Draupadi prays fervently that Arjuna should come for the contest. She sends her companion to look for him. The companion returns, unable to find any trace of Arjuna.

Drupada and his brother Satyajit watch the invited kings arrive. Jarasandha and Shishupala come first. One by one, the great warriors enter — Shalya, Pundraka Vasudeva, Duryodhana and Dushasana, Shakuni, Karna, Krishna and Balarama. Drupada quietly judges each one, wondering who could possibly pass the test.

Dhrishtadyumna brings Draupadi to the mantapa and, with a troubled face, tells her he has searched everywhere but cannot find Arjuna. Draupadi whispers that if she cannot marry Arjuna, she will return to the very fire from which she was born.

Drupada feels a moment of relief when he sees Krishna seated among the guests, but Karna’s presence unsettles him again. Krishna smiles and asks what troubles him, but his playful answers only confuse Drupada more.

Pandavas Among the Brahmins

After Drupada takes his seat, the Pandavas arrive with the other brahmins and sit quietly on the ground. From where he sits, Arjuna folds his hands and seeks Krishna’s blessings.

Draupadi Enters the Hall

When all the kings have taken their seats, Draupadi enters the hall. Every eye follows her as she walks to the central podium where Drupada and his queen sit.

Dhrishtadyumna steps forward and addresses the assembly: “There is a severe test awaiting every king here. The bow placed before you is called the simbura. To lift it demands extraordinary strength of body and steadiness of mind. Whoever performs the task successfully shall marry my sister. This is my vow.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Duryodha's Fall in the Mayan Sabha and Draupadi's Laughter : Episode 80

-
Recap of Previous Episode : Episode 79 traces the widening paths of destiny as joy, rivalry, and ambition shape both Indraprastha and Hastinapura. Arjuna’s marriage to Subhadra brings celebration, even as Duryodhana’s jealousy deepens. Duryodhana wins Bhanumathi in the Kalinga swayamvara, aided by Karna, while a new generation of princes is born—Abhimanyu in Indraprastha and Lakshmana and Lakshmi in Hastinapura. Yudhishtra expresses his wish to perform the Rajasuya Yagna, but Krishna explains that Jarasandha’s downfall is essential for it to happen. Disguised as Brahmins, Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna visit Magadha, leading to the long duel in which Bhima finally kills Jarasandha by tearing his body apart and preventing it from rejoining. Shishupala vows revenge upon hearing of his godfather’s death. With Magadha freed, preparations for the Rajasuya begin. Amid debates and objections in the Kuru court, Bhishma firmly declares Krishna the most deserving of the highest honor. As Yudhish...
Continue »

163. Karna Uses Nagastra But Krishna Saves Arjuna

-
Image
Recap of Previous Episode : Karna seeks blessings and joins forces with Ashwasena to kill Arjuna. Karna loses his son Vrishasena and vows revenge. Bhima kills Vikarna with sorrow, and Dushasana with ferocity, fulfilling Draupadi’s vow. Dhritarashtra collapses in grief. The stage is set for the decisive confrontation between Karna and Arjuna. Karna Rushes to Duryodhana Before Karna can recover from the shock of his son Vrishasena’s death, he learns that Dushasana has been slain. Setting aside his rage toward Arjuna, Karna hurries to console a shattered Duryodhana. Duryodhana’s Grief Duryodhana laments uncontrollably. Dushasana was his shadow, his most loyal supporter who never questioned an order. The mutilated body before him drives him into a frenzy of grief and rage. Gandhari breaks down and tells Kunti that she should have stopped Dushasana the very day he dragged and humiliated Draupadi. Her failure has cost them everything. Karna Confronts Yudhishtra Karna now faces Y...
Continue »

166. Duryodhana's Death and Beyond

-
Image
Recap of Previous Episode : Gandhari blesses with dharma, not victory. Krishna reveals the six forces that doomed Karna. Shakuni mocks fate and plays dice with Krishna. Krishna warns the Pandavas about Shalya and assigns Yudhishtra to face him the next day. Gandhari Attempts to Save Her Son Gandhari resolves to protect Duryodhana with the spiritual power earned through unwavering pativrata dharma . She asks him to bathe and come before her unclothed, so that the divine radiance from her eyes may harden his body like diamond. Krishna learns of her plan. In disguise as Dushala, He warns Duryodhana that appearing naked before his mother is shameful and advises him to cover his loins with a banana leaf. Gandhari, who has kept her eyes blindfolded since marriage, opens them at last, and her fiery gaze strengthens every part of Duryodhana’s body — until she sees the covered area. Horrified, she realizes Krishna has intervened. Duryodhana shrugs it off, believing he is still safe: ...
Continue »