Jayadratha Captures Draupadi At Dwaitavana : Episode 101

Recap of Previous Episode :

Karna defeats the world and brings tribute to Hastinapur. Duryodhana performs the Vishnu Yagna. Karna swears a dreadful vow to kill Arjuna or die. Yudhishtra is deeply troubled by a sinister dream. Storm clouds gather toward the second dice game and exile preparations.

Yudhishtra Awakens from a Terrifying Dream

Yudhishtra wakes in panic from a troubling dream. He tells his brothers that he has seen Karna taking a vow before Agni that he will kill Arjuna. Arjuna brushes off the fear, convinced that Karna cannot defeat him in battle. Yudhishtra warns him not to underestimate Karna, who was born with kavacha-kundalas that make him invincible.

Arjuna answers quietly that even if he dies in battle, Bhima will surely fulfill Arjuna’s vow of killing Karna. Yudhishtra trembles and says he cannot bear the thought of life without Arjuna. Draupadi consoles them gently, and the rest of the night passes in uneasy silence.

The Story of Kuchela and Krishna

In another place, poverty overwhelms Susheela, the wife of Kuchela (Sudama). Unable to feed her children, she urges Kuchela to visit Krishna — his dear friend from Sage Sandipani’s ashram — and seek help.

Kuchela hesitates, but agrees. He carries a humble gift: Krishna’s favorite puffed rice, tied in an old cloth. When Krishna learns that Kuchela has come to Dwaraka, he rushes out joyfully with Satyabhama, embraces his friend warmly, and orders a grand feast in his honor.

A Plot to Target Draupadi

Meanwhile, Karna still smarts from Bhishma’s humiliating insult after the Ghosha Yatra incident. Burning with anger, he begs Duryodhana for permission to attack the Pandavas. Shakuni reminds them that attacking Pandavas now would be useless, because they are ordinary citizens living in exile without a kingdom.

However, Shakuni proposes a wicked strategy: Only six months remain before the start of Ajnatavasa, the year of hiding. If Draupadi is abducted, the Pandavas will emerge from hiding to rescue her, revealing themselves and forcing another 13 years of exile.

Dushasana suggests Karna for the job, but Karna takes offense. Shakuni then recommends Jayadratha, king of Sindhu — a drunkard and womanizer — who would happily commit such a disgraceful act.

Jayadratha Abducts Draupadi

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ayadratha, who is married to Dushala, daughter of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, is lured easily into the plan. He remembers Draupadi’s radiant beauty at her Swayamwara and readily agrees.

He rides to Dwaitavana and finds Draupadi carrying a pot of water. He propositions her shamelessly and insists she come away with him. Draupadi rebukes him sharply for his debased conduct and runs to the hermitage, seeking refuge with Sage Dhaumya.

Jayadratha ignores Dhaumya’s warnings, strikes the sage unconscious, and drags Draupadi toward his chariot.

Pandavas Discover the Crime

The Pandavas return to find Sage Dhaumya lying unconscious. When revived, he recounts the assault and the abduction. Fury rages through the brothers, and they set out immediately in pursuit.