Duryodhana Prepares For His Own Coronation : Episode 44

Recap of Previous Episode :

Krishna is crowned king of Dwaraka and grants Yashoda the boon of motherhood in his future incarnation. In Ekachakrapura, the Pandavas witness the despair caused by Bakasura while staying with the Brahmin Upaya. At Hastinapura, the death of Hidimba makes Shakuni suspect that Bhima—and therefore the Pandavas—may still be alive.

Shakuni Warns Against a Premature Coronation

Duryodhana and Dushasana approach Shakuni asking when Duryodhana can finally be crowned king. Shakuni advises patience, saying he is still unsure whether the Pandavas are truly dead, and rushing into a coronation might backfire.

Annoyed by Shakuni’s caution, Duryodhana and Dushasana decide to investigate on their own. They send a spy with secret instructions, then summon an astrologer to fix a coronation date. Nilava, Shakuni’s loyal informant, tries to extract information, but Duryodhana dismisses him.

Next, they call for a master jeweller and commission a throne that must surpass even Indra’s throne. Nilava overhears everything and rushes back to Shakuni, informing him about the astrologer and the grand throne. He warns that if Shakuni does not act soon, he may become irrelevant in the politics of Hastinapura.

The Burden of Begging and Bhima’s Hunger

The Pandavas prepare to beg for alms as ordained by Sage Vyasa. Feeling humiliated and hesitant, they begin as a group but soon realise no household can feed so many at once. They split up, gather food separately, and return to Kunti. She cooks from the combined collection and reminds them that they must always share and eat together, just as they once did in their royal days.

That night, Bhima cannot sleep due to hunger. He slips out quietly and drinks water from a nearby stream to fill his stomach. Kunti notices and is heartbroken; she tells him to carry a larger vessel the next day.

While Bhima seeks bhiksha again, a passerby mocks him for begging despite his strength, seizes his pot, and breaks it. Bhima burns with rage, but Yudhishtra pacifies him and gives him his own food collection. He sends Bhima back to Kunti, asking her to cook for him.

When Bhima narrates what happened, cries erupt in the family they are staying with — each member insists they should be the one sent to Bakasura, sacrificing their life for the others. Their despair moves Bhima and Kunti deeply.

Rukmini Prepares for Worship

In Vidarbha, Rukmini adorns herself for temple rituals and seeks permission from her father, King Bhishmaka. At the court, he sits in discussion with his son Rukmi, unaware of the destiny unfolding around his daughter.

Bhishma Detects Hidden Political Moves

At Hastinapura, Bhishma seeks the Army General, only to learn he has been sent away on official orders. The Finance Minister is also absent for the same reason. Bhishma senses that political manoeuvring is happening secretly behind his back.

Drupada Accepts Drona as Guru

Dhrishtadyumna, wanting to cheer his troubled father Drupada and fulfil the purpose of his birth, asks to be trained immediately for vengeance against Drona. Drupada says he needs a worthy guru — only Parashurama or Bhishma are capable, yet both are unsuitable.

Draupadi suggests an unexpected name: Drona himself.

Drupada objects, reminding her that Dhrishtadyumna was born specifically to kill Drona, and the guru would surely know this. Draupadi counters with examples — Parashurama trained Bhishma knowing he was a Kshatriya, and gods grant boons to asuras even knowing the consequences. Destiny does not prevent duty.

Convinced, Drupada happily agrees that Drona will be Dhrishtadyumna’s teacher. At that moment, a messenger arrives with news: Krishna has performed the final rites of the Pandavas.