Arjuna’s Exile and the Road to Subhadra : Episode 78
Recap of Previous Episode :
Satyavati, Ambika, and Ambalika encounter Shikhandi in the forest even as a priest recognises their true identities. Shikhandi confronts Shiva over his fate, while Bhoomadevi questions Krishna about delaying the great war. Meanwhile, a marriage proposal for Duryodhana begins to take shape, and the three elder queens meet their end in a forest fire.News of the Queens’ Death Reaches Hastinapura
The priest who witnessed Satyavati, Ambika, and Ambalika perish in the forest fire reaches Hastinapura. He informs Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, and the elders about the tragedy.
Bhishma performs the final rites, offering the ancestors their due libations. Afterwards, the priest meets him privately and tells him of Satyavati’s last encounter with Shikhandi — how she pleaded with him to let go of vengeance against Bhishma. The knowledge weighs heavily on Bhishma, though he remains silent.
Jarasanda's Son Seeks Krishna’s Help Against Jarasandha
Jarasandha’s son Sahadeva approaches Krishna with anguish in his eyes. He loves his father deeply, yet cannot bear the atrocities Jarasandha inflicts on innocent kings. He begs Krishna to intervene.
Krishna promises to do everything in his power to end Jarasandha’s tyranny, but he makes no promise about Jarasandha’s life. Sahadeva accepts the harsh truth.
Shakuni’s Proposal Reaches Dwaraka
Shakuni and Dushasana meet Balarama in Dwaraka. Balarama suggests that Duryodhana should come to train under him in mace fighting. During his stay, he would naturally meet Subhadra and perhaps win her affection.
Subhadra hears of all this and rushes to Krishna. She is alarmed by Krishna’s apparent indifference despite Shakuni’s presence. Krishna replies that he cannot openly oppose his elder brother’s decisions.
Subhadra breaks down and declares she would rather die than marry Duryodhana.
Duryodhana Arrives in Dwaraka
Shakuni shows Subhadra’s portrait to Duryodhana. Duryodhana becomes instantly infatuated. Shakuni urges him to go to Dwaraka, learn mace fighting, and be careful in dealing with Krishna — neither too friendly nor too distant.
Duryodhana arrives and begins training with Balarama. Subhadra, meanwhile, feels uneasy under his lingering, lustful gaze. Once again, she pleads with Krishna.
Rukmini steps in, speaking gently on Subhadra’s behalf. Krishna then reveals that Narada has already begun moving events in the direction they desire. Arjuna will soon leave Indraprastha and reach Dwaraka.
Narada Sets the Rule of Sharing Draupadi
Narada reaches Indraprastha. He tells the Pandavas that they must create a firm rule regarding Draupadi. Each brother will spend one year with her, and during that year none of the others should enter her chambers. If they do, they must voluntarily go on a year-long pilgrimage, during which they are free to marry.
The brothers agree.
Arjuna Violates the Rule
A distressed Brahmin rushes to the palace complaining that dacoits have stolen his cows. The princes must help him.
Narada suggests that Arjuna should fetch his weapons. Arjuna enters the inner palace — but Yudhishtra is with Draupadi at that moment. Although the purpose is noble, Arjuna’s entry violates the rule.
Arjuna accepts the consequence without hesitation. He dresses as a sanyasi and leaves for a year-long pilgrimage. Narada quietly departs, his task complete.
Arjuna’s Exile and His Secret Marriages
Vyasa, dictating the epic to Ganesha, describes the key events of Arjuna’s exile. During this year, Arjuna marries three women. One of them is Subhadra, whom he carries away by Gandharva rite on Krishna’s advice.
Winning Draupadi’s Approval
There remains one delicate matter. Narada had declared Draupadi the crown queen of Indraprastha. If Subhadra is to share that status, Draupadi must agree.
To avoid hurting Draupadi, Subhadra disguises herself as a milkmaid. She tells Draupadi that she has married a man through Gandharva rite, but the man’s first wife disapproves. Draupadi offers to speak to the unhappy wife.
Subhadra then reveals the truth — the first wife is Draupadi herself.
Arjuna appears and explains why they staged this small drama. Draupadi realises that Subhadra is Krishna’s beloved sister. Her resistance softens, and she accepts Subhadra not just as co-wife, but as sister.
Comments
Post a Comment