Drupada's Message to Dhritarashtra To Ask Pandavas To Be Sent : Episode 63

Recap of the Previous Episode : Draupadi marries all five Pandavas following Vyasa’s instruction, receiving blessings from Kunti and Drupada. Dushasana secretly witnesses the wedding and later confirms the news to Duryodhana, who burns with humiliation and demands war. Bhishma and Vidura manage Dhritarashtra’s shock, while Shakuni warns Duryodhana that open conflict is impossible under the watchful eyes of Hastinapur’s elders.

Vidura’s Clever Words

Dhritarashtra eagerly asks about the outcome at Panchala. Vidura replies that “the Kauravas have won and Draupadi is now their daughter-in-law.” Bhishma also confirms the news, though puzzled by Vidura’s phrasing.

In private, Vidura explains: the word Kaurava truly refers to all descendants of the Kuru line — Pandavas included. Since Arjuna won Draupadi, the statement is not false. Bhishma is still unsure, but Vidura clarifies that the Pandavas are safe in Panchala and that he has already sent word to Drupada, requesting him to formally approach Dhritarashtra.

Bhishma is relieved. He prays for the Pandavas’ safe return. Vidura remembers Pandu’s plea years ago — that Vidura must stay in Hastinapura to guide Dhritarashtra and protect the kingdom. He feels he has finally fulfilled that promise. Bhishma tells him that the true guardian of Hastinapura is not himself, but Vidura.

New Allies for Duryodhana

In the forest camp, Shakuni fumes that while the Pandavas enjoy royal protection, the Kauravas suffer. He mocks Duryodhana’s idea of asking Dhritarashtra for troops and dismisses Karna’s fiery vows as empty bravado. Duryodhana then suggests seeking help from King Somadatta and his son Bhurisravas. Shakuni approves; both men had once supported Dhritarashtra’s claim to the throne and are hostile to Krishna. The thought of new allies lifts Duryodhana’s spirits, and both he and Karna feel renewed zeal to fight.

Shakuni and Duryodhana Reflect

Suddenly, Duryodhana turns on Shakuni, blaming him for every failure. Karna urges restraint. Shakuni quietly admits that he left Gandhara and sacrificed his life for his nephew — and perhaps made a mistake.

Duryodhana regrets his harsh words and bows for forgiveness. Shakuni gently chides him: a future king must not bow; others should bow to him. Their quarrel becomes a moment of painful honesty and renewed resolve.

Awaiting Vidura’s Guidance

In Panchala, Drupada, Kunti, and the Pandavas discuss their next steps. Bhima wants war. Drupada is ready to defend their rights. Kunti, calm amidst the tension, reminds them that well-wishers like Bhishma and Vidura are still in Hastinapura. They must wait for their counsel.

Sahadeva suggests peace talks, but Kunti warns that doing so now might imply acceptance of the Kauravas’ innocence. Ultimately, she says they must wait for Vidura’s message.

Just then, a messenger arrives with Vidura’s cryptic Tamil verse:
பாண்டவர் திருமணம் பார் எங்கும் பரவட்டும்
துருபத மாமன்னர் தூது அனுப்பட்டும்
வல்லவன் சொல்லுக்கு வலிமை உண்டு
உரைப்பார் உரைக்கும் முறைப்படி உரைத்தால் அழைப்பார் அழைக்கும் முறைப்படி அழைப்பார்
Drupada reads Sahadeva's message:
Let the news of the marriage spread. Let King Drupada send word of the Pandavas’ well-being. The message of a strong man carries strength. Drupada’s dignified message will bring Dhritarashtra’s dignified invitation.
The meaning is clear — the time has come for the Pandavas to step into the open.

Dhritarashtra Waits

In Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra wonders why no message comes from his sons. He suggests sending messengers, but Bhishma and Vidura urge him to wait.

A Quick Note on Somadatta, Bhurisravas and Satyaki

Somadatta is a respected elder of the Kuru clan and king of the Bahlika kingdom. Known for his loyalty to the throne of Hastinapura, he supported Dhritarashtra during the early succession debates and later stood firmly with the Kauravas.

Bhurisravas, son of Somadatta, is a powerful and seasoned warrior, admired for his skill and discipline. He shares a long-standing rivalry with Satyaki, which ultimately culminates in one of the memorable duels of the Kurukshetra war.

Satyaki (Yuyudhana) is a valiant Yadava warrior, a devoted ally of Krishna, and a beloved disciple of Arjuna. Loyal, fiery, and fearless, he stands firmly with the Pandavas throughout their struggles. His old family rivalry with Bhurisravas later becomes one of the notable duels of the Kurukshetra war.