162. Bhima Kills Dushasana and Draupadi Smears Her Hair With Blood
Recap of Previous Episode :
Karna reels under Shakuni’s accusations and vows to kill Arjuna. He demands Shalya as his charioteer. Krishna is confident that discord between Karna and Shalya will weaken Karna. Kunti seeks Karna’s mercy, but Karna prepares to unleash the Nagastra, promising she will always remain mother to five sons.Ashwasena Seeks Revenge
Karna offers prayers to Shiva. At that moment, a young serpent-warrior, Ashwasena, appears and expresses solidarity: both share the same mission — to kill Arjuna. Ashwasena is the son of Takshaka, and the sole survivor of the Khandava fire, in which his mother perished when Arjuna assisted Krishna in burning the forest.
Karna Seeks Blessings
Along with Duryodhana, Karna meets Kunti to take her blessings. Krishna and Arjuna arrive. Karna and Arjuna both seek Kunti’s blessings, each preparing to take the other’s life. Kunti blesses all three for long life.
Later, she privately asks Krishna whether both Karna and Arjuna can be saved. Krishna replies that it is possible only if she reveals Karna’s true identity. Kunti hesitates, unwilling to expose the truth. Arjuna is offended and accuses her of selfishness.
Seventeenth Day of Battle Begins
Arjuna burns with desire to face Karna, but Krishna asks him to wait for the right moment.
Karna orders Shalya to drive his chariot towards Arjuna. Shalya, rude and condescending, continually mocks Karna and belittles his skill.
Vrishasena Falls
Meanwhile, Karna’s son Vrishasena defeats Satyaki. Krishna advises Arjuna to intervene.
Arjuna challenges Vrishasena and slays him in a fierce duel. Heartbroken, Karna receives the news with his son’s severed head in his lap and vows to kill Arjuna.
Bhima Meets Vikarna
Bhima continues slaughtering the sons of Dhritarashtra. Vikarna, the righteous Kaurava who once protested the humiliation of Draupadi, comes forward. Bhima grieves at facing an opponent he respects. After a short but intense fight, Bhima kills Vikarna with sorrow in his heart.
Dushasana Meets His Fate
Dushasana rushes to defend his brothers. Bhima crushes him brutally and lifts him onto his shoulders. Calling loudly for Draupadi, he brings Dushasana before her.
Dushasana pleads for mercy, but Draupadi is unmoved — this is the moment she has awaited for thirteen years. In uncontrollable rage, Bhima tears open Dushasana’s chest and drinks his blood. Draupadi smears the blood on her face and hair, fulfilling her vow.
The news shatters Dhritarashtra. He collapses and writhes in unbearable grief.
Brief Note: Who Was Ashwasena?
Ashwasena was the naga prince, son of Takshaka. He escaped the burning of Khandava forest as an unborn child in his mother’s womb, while his mother perished in the fire set by Arjuna and Krishna. Since then, he vowed revenge against Arjuna and aided Karna in the seventeenth day’s battle.
Symbolism of Draupadi's Hair
In ancient Indian culture, a woman’s hair represented honour, dignity, and sacred feminine power. When Draupadi was dragged into the assembly and her hair was seized, the insult struck not only her personal dignity but also the very foundation of Dharma. Her vow to leave her hair untied until it was washed in the blood of the offenders became a symbol of restoring moral balance, not just personal vengeance.
Therefore, when Bhima fulfils the vow and Draupadi smears Dushasana’s blood into her hair, the act is not merely revenge. It marks the moment where personal suffering transforms into cosmic justice — where the humiliation of one woman becomes the turning point of the war for the restoration of Dharma.
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