Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part C

As the Pandavas were living in exile in the forest, Krishna came to pay them a visit. As soon as he arrived, it was Draupadi who approached him first saying, "Duryodhana tried to make me his wife as my husbands stood their in silence, not moving a muscle. Is it not the duty of a husband to protect their wife? If so, why did they not even attempt to save me from the evil Duryodhana?"Krishna attempted to console Draupadi as she cried her eyes out. He told her, "Do not cry anymore as I am here to help your husband's family so you can once again be a queen."

Krishna then went to Yudhishthira and said, "I am deeply sorry I could not help you in your battle at Hastinapura. However, I am here now, what can I do to help?" After talking to Yudhishthira, Krishna makes his way back to his kingdom. Draupadi is still crying and upset at how her life is turning out. She does not like her current lifestyle and misses her old life. Therefore she goes to Yudhishthira to complain saying, "How did our lives end up like this? We used to enjoy the luxury of soft and silky beds, chairs of ivory, and beautiful robes. And now, what do we have? We are beggars now sleeping on stiff grass mats and wearing rags as clothes. I ask of you, Yudhishthira, that we go into battle and seek and take back what is ours."

Yudhishthira responded to Draupadi by saying, "Being angry and thoughts of destruction is bad and sinful. Do not think and talk this way. We have to love and forgive others." Draupadi said in return, "You might have a point, but how can I praise lords who have done us wrong? Those who have done evil are now happy, and we who are good people are now sad and in grief. I cannot give praise to the lords who have desired this inequality for us."

Yudhishthira said to Draupadi, "The gods are mysterious, but do not doubt your religion or the power of the gods."

Bhima then came up to Yudhishthira and Draupadi and said, "I agree with Draupadi. We must take down our enemies and take back what is rightfully ours."

Yudhishthira said in reply, "Even though we are suffering, I do want to fight for what is ours. However, I have given my word that we remain in exile. Therefore, my word is my word and we cannot escape."


Bibliography: "Public Domain Editions" Mahabharata by Laura Gibbs (link)

Krishna visits Draupadi. Source: Wikimedia Commons.