Kunti Bids Her Sons to 'Share' Draupadi : Episode 59

Recap of Previous Episode :

Arjuna’s confrontation with Karna threatens to ignite a battle, but Krishna restores order and affirms Arjuna’s victory. Draupadi leaves with Arjuna, reassured by Krishna, while Duryodhana retreats in humiliation. The Pandavas reunite, and Drishtadyumna finally understands Draupadi’s true decision.

Drupada Sends Satyajit to Bring Pandavas to the Palace

Drupada is looking downcast when Drishtadyumna comes in excitedly with the news that Draupadi has indeed chosen Arjuna. Drupada is beside himself with joy. He sends his brother Satyajit to bring the Pandavas with full honor so that they could celebrate their marriage in a grand manner.

Krishna Arrives at the Potter’s Hut

The potter’s grandchildren are hungry, and Kunti prepares to cook dinner for them. As the potter leaves to fetch his wife, Krishna arrives, calling out to his aunt. Kunti is delighted and immediately asks about Vasudeva, Devaki, and Subhadra. Krishna explains that he and Balarama had come for Draupadi’s swayamvara. Balarama has already returned, sensing possible trouble from Jarasandha and Shishupala.

As Kunti cooks, Krishna playfully tries to take a snack. Each time, she gently tells him to share it equally with the three grandchildren. Krishna smiles, warmed by her effortless sense of fairness.

Just then, the Pandavas arrive with Draupadi. Yudhishtra announces, “Amma, we have brought kanni.” Mistaking kanni (maiden) for kani (fruit), Kunti instructs them to share it. When she steps out and sees Arjuna and Draupadi wearing garlands, she realises what she has said and explains her confusion. Since the brothers have always vowed to obey their mother’s words, she asks Yudhishtra to decide what is dharmic.

Yudhishtra says that since Arjuna won the contest, Draupadi should belong to him alone. Arjuna protests — how can he marry while his elder brothers remain unmarried? Bheema reminds them of his marriage to Hidimbi. Kunti counters that Hidimbi chose Bheema through gandharva rites; this case is different. Sahadeva supports Kunti’s perspective.

Finally, Yudhishtra says, “A mother’s word is to be upheld.”

Draupadi, who has been silently watching this, protests why everybody is quiet especially when Kunti said it unknowingly and unintentionally. Yudhishtra explains that they had taken the vow when they lost their father and stood on the doors of Hastinapur palace feeling like orphans and felt that only their unity would save them. That was when Kunti had asked her sons to take the vow. Arjuna says that disobeying their mother's command was akin to death.

Satyajit who had been watching the proceedings is shocked.

Joy in Panchala

Drupada sits worried when Drishtadyumna rushes in with joyous news—Draupadi has chosen Arjuna. Overwhelmed with happiness, Drupada sends his brother Satyajit to bring the Pandavas with full honour so that the marriage may be celebrated royally.

Dhritarashtra’s Turmoil

Dhritarashtra dreams that a messenger announces Duryodhana’s defeat. In frustration, he stabs the messenger — only to awaken in terror, believing the act real. He tells Gandhari about his troubled mind, and she seeks Vidura.

Dhritarashtra follows her and confesses to Vidura that he is torn between love for his sons and the demands of righteousness. He is anxious that the Kauravas have not returned from Panchala. “Will Draupadi become the daughter-in-law of the Kurus?” he asks. Vidura replies calmly, “She will indeed become the daughter-in-law of this dynasty.” Dhritarashtra feels greatly relieved.

Krishna Guides Kunti

Kunti worries about the consequences of Draupadi marrying all five brothers. Krishna explains that this situation is rooted in past karma. She asks whether Krishna himself made her utter the word “share.” She is worried that sharing a common woman create rifts between the brothers. Krishna laughs and says the rift would be created only if one of them, ie., Arjuana, marries Draupadi. He asks Kunti to recall which of her sons yearned to marry Draupadi. Kunti remembers how unsettled all of them were after Vyasa described Draupadi’s qualities.

Krishna advises her: “It is your duty to play the political chessboard with wisdom. If Draupadi questions you, speak from your own life—your struggles, your compulsions. When you trust that I am with you, your words will reveal truth.”

Vyasa Arrives

Drupada welcomes Vyasa into the palace. He and Prishata wash the sage’s feet respectfully. Vyasa closes his eyes and enters a deep meditation.