The tragic tale of Draupadi’s distress must have a silver lining. Born of fire, she was endowed with the fiery power to reduce Duryodhana, Dusshaasana, Karna and Shakuni (besides whomsoever she wanted) to ashes in a second. But she willed otherwise! Those armed with divine power refrain from exhibiting their talent and resources. So did... Continue Reading →
Chapter 31 – Yudhishtira’s reply
“Draupadi! I have followed the path of righteousness not with any expectation of fruits. I have chosen the Vedic path. I have adopted the righteous path in the same way as other righteous ones have followed. By nature, my mind is fixed on the pursuit of dharma. Do not have doubts about dharma which is... Continue Reading →
Chapter 30 – Draupadi’s dig at dharma
Yudhishtira’s sermon on the qualities of kindness and mercy were not acceptable to Draupadi. She said: “I offer my salutations to Parameswara who has caused unrealistic attachments to your intellect, and to the inexorable fate (Prarabdha) responsible for your present unfortunate state. Although your intellect had to toe the line of your forefathers, it has... Continue Reading →
Chapter 29 – Quality of mercy
Yudhishtira continued his sermon to Draupadi: Kashyapa spells out Mercy’s “marma” Quality of mercy is man’s “dharma” Displaying the attribute is “dharana” Mercy personified is Vedic scripture One knowing this rises to ancient culture! Mercy is Brahman and verily the truth, Foundation for future and present path, In world’s operations aftermath! Mercy is... Continue Reading →
Chapter 28 – Anatomy of anger
Yudhishtira Uvaacha: “Enlightened one! Anger kills men: Conquest of ire Bales them out of fire! Flame is cause of all Men’s rise or fall! Whoever subdues anger Verily is bound to prosper! For one unable to zoom Ire spells the doom! The irritable one In a veritable sinner! Sans Introspection, ‘Speaks’ many a... Continue Reading →
Chapter 27 – Brahma Thejas and Kshaatra Thejas
The distress of Draupadi and of the Pandavas in the forest had a silver lining. The best among the Brahmins who were Vedic scholars had joined the Pandavas’s camp in the forest and were patronized by Yudhishtira and the entire clan of Kshatriyas. The forest which was reverberating with the soothing sound of Vedic hymns reminded... Continue Reading →
Chapter 26 – Four causes of distress
That Yudhishtira would recover his lost kingdom (after the forest life) from the Kauravas was also asserted by Markandaya Maharshi. Sri Krishna sought to assure Yudhishtira that the Pandavas would not have been lured into playing the accursed game of dice if he had been in Dwaravathi. He said he would have personally intervened... Continue Reading →
Chapter 25 – Draupadi cries before Krishna
There used to be many visitors to Pandavas in the forest. Draupadi and Arjuna once offered long prayers to Krishna. The Lord came to offer words of comfort. “Krishna!” said Draupadi shedding tears, “you are aware of the shame and distress caused to me in the august assembly the other day. In an inhuman... Continue Reading →
Chapter 24 – Dusshasana should beg Draupadi’s pardon
The scene at Hastinapur was somewhat different as tensions in Dhrutharashtra’s mind were mounting. Vidura gave a three-point formula for the King to follow to set matters right. The first was that Dusshaasana should, in an open court-hall filled with members, offer unconditional apology and seek the pardon of Draupadi and Bhimasena for the heinous... Continue Reading →
Chapter 23 – Draupadi’s distress in the forest
What was the factor that brought distress to Draupadi and the Pandavas? The people who found it difficult to part company with them had a unique answer. They had gone into the fundamentals of the problems. They had known that the Kauravas and Pandavas were poles apart in principles and qualities. Satsang “Dharmaraja!” said... Continue Reading →
Chapter 22 – Draupadi’s distress, crime and punishment
While Dhrutharashtra and Vidura were still in conversation with each other, Narada Maharshi heading a team of Rishis entered the royal auditorium and confirmed Draupadi’s prophecy and disappeared soon: “In the fourteenth year from now,” said the resplendent Narada, “as a result of Duryodhana’s sin against Draupadi and the Pandavas, all the Kauravas will be destroyed at... Continue Reading →
Chapter 21 – Draupadi’s farewell
How did Draupadi leave for the forest? How did Yudhishtira and his brothers migrate to the forest and what was their frame of mind? These were the questions that confronted Dhrutharashtra, son of Ambika, and for which he sought an answer from Vidura. “Maharaja!” answered Vidura, “Yudhishtira had his face covered at the time... Continue Reading →
Chapter 20 – Recollections of distress
Vidura felt very unhappy with the circumstances leading to Pandavas's bad time. But recovering his balance, he led Kunti to his house, with words of wisdom he was known for. Women’s protest in Kauravas’s camp The news from the women’s camp in the Kauravas’s palace was also one of great sorrow. They had known... Continue Reading →
Chapter 16 – Gandhari’s counsel
It is natural to expect a mother to be more attached to children than a father. Being an embodiment of tolerance, the mother forgets a son’s mistakes or lapses and forgives him. It is often said - and very correctly too - that when a mother goes to a temple or when she offers prayers... Continue Reading →
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