Karna's Curse by A Brahmin And Draupadi's Past Lives : Episode 60

Recap of the Previous Episode :

Krishna meets Kunti at the potter’s hut and joins the Pandavas just as Kunti accidentally instructs them to “share” Draupadi, creating a dilemma rooted in their old vow of unity. In Panchala, Drupada rejoices upon learning Draupadi has chosen Arjuna. Dhritarashtra, troubled by dreams and guilt, seeks reassurance from Vidura. Krishna explains to Kunti that Draupadi’s polyandrous marriage is linked to past karma and guides her on handling the situation wisely. Meanwhile, Vyasa arrives in Panchala to prepare for what follows.

Karna’s Anguish and the Old Curse

Karna seethes with hurt, replaying Draupadi’s words that mocked his birth. The insult burns even more because it belittles his foster parents — the people he reveres most in the world. He vows that one day he will humble Draupadi’s pride. Duryodhana supports him, but Karna confesses that nothing can quiet the storm inside him.

Duryodhana says Karna should have killed the Brahmin who won Draupadi. Karna refuses — he is already burdened by a Brahmin’s curse, and he would not risk another. Surprised, Duryodhana asks what happened.

Karna recounts the incident. During a hunt, he once tried to save a child from a snake, but his arrow missed and struck the boy instead. The child’s father, a Brahmin, accused him of cruelty. Karna begged forgiveness, but the Brahmin cursed him: in the middle of a great war, Karna’s chariot would sink into the earth just as helplessly as his own son had fallen.

That, Karna says, is why he avoided fighting the Brahmin at the swayamvara.

Shakuni remarks that the Brahmin may not have been a Brahmin at all. His confident stance and mastery of the bow raised doubts. Dushasana agrees. Shakuni reveals he has already sent spies to follow the man and confirm whether he was truly Arjuna.

Kunti Speaks of Chastity

Draupadi asks Kunti how she can remain chaste if she must marry all five brothers. Kunti replies that she never utters a word thoughtlessly. If destiny made her say “share,” then destiny must be guiding them.

Chastity, she says, is the purity of one’s intention. For a kshatriya woman, duty comes before personal likes or dislikes. Her choices must serve the kingdom’s welfare. Kunti then reveals her own story — how Pandu was cursed, how the Pandavas were born through divine intervention, and how Vyasa fathered Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura. Kshatriya women have always faced such trials, she says. Draupadi too must accept her role.

Drupada Learns the Truth

Drupada joyfully asks Vyasa to set the date for Draupadi’s marriage to Arjuna. But Satyajit rushes in with startling news: Draupadi is to wed all five Pandavas.

Drupada is angered and refuses to accept it. Vyasa calmly explains that it is ordained by divine will. Drupada cannot change what is meant to be.

Draupadi Questions Krishna

Weeping alone, Draupadi is visited by Krishna. She accuses Him of abandoning her and pushing her into misery. Krishna gently reminds her that He has come to remove her sorrow. She says all women of future ages will blame her, and Krishna explains that this path is not a punishment — it is the result of her own deep desire from a previous birth.

At the same time, Vyasa tells the same story to Drupada.

Draupadi was once Nalayini, the devoted wife of Sage Moudgalya. To test her chastity, he assumed a diseased form and subjected her to harshness. Her devotion never wavered. Pleased, he restored himself and granted her pleasure through five different forms. After her death, she was reborn as Indrasena and longed to fulfil the desires denied in her first life. She performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva, asking for a husband with many virtues. Each time she expressed a quality, Shiva granted it separately — five boons, five virtues, five husbands.

When she protested, Shiva told her she would be born of fire itself, beyond purity and impurity, and honoured by all.

Krishna assures Draupadi that her destiny is not a curse but a blessing. He then brings her back to the Pandavas, who also have doubts. How can one woman belong to all brothers without violating dharma?

Krishna reveals Draupadi’s true nature — she is made not of flesh and blood but of the five elements. Her form transcends ordinary rules. The Pandavas witness this revelation and their doubts are calmed.