The story of Draupadi is one of the most famous stories of the Hindu epics. The story seems linear but actually represents many humanitarian principles that tend to be overlooked. Contrary to what many might think, Draupadi was not a typical damsel in distress. Rather, her story reflects self honor, demand for respect and a cry for justice.
Innocence and Marriage
Draupadi (also known as Panchali, Yajñaseni , or Sairandhri) is the devoted wife of the Pandavas, the five brothers born to Queen Kunti. Her name, Yajñaseni, literally translates to the one born from a yajña, a fire sacrifice. Draupadi’s childhood and innocence are celebrated as she enjoys the comforts of her surroundings.
Draupadi’s father, King Draupada, had organized a swayamvara (bridegroom-choosing ceremony) for her. He was secretly rooting for the third Pandava brother, Arjuna, to win his daughter’s hand. herefore, he presented the suitors with a challenge that no one but Arjuna could accomplish — to pierce the eye of a fish revolving around a pole, using a heavy bow that only few could lift. Moreover, the suitor could not look the fish in the eye, but had to rely on only the reflection in a water-filled vessel below.
When Draupadi attends her swayamvara, she is overjoyed to witness Arjuna accomplish this feat. As a result, Draupadi eagerly marries Arjuna. When Arjuna and Draupadi take the blessings of Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, she insists that Draupadi also marry her 4 other sons- becoming the wife of all five brothers. Understanding that this is her duty, Draupadi agrees.
The Infamous Dice Game
The Pandavas and their 100 cousins, the Kauravas, had a famously long-standing feud for the throne of Hastinapura. Unfortunately for them, their maternal uncle, Sakuni, had always taken sides with the violent Kauravas. In the most famous episode of the Mahābhārata, Sakuni is seen scheming with the Kauravas. He explains to them the secret to his consistent victory in a game of dice. The infamous dice player possessed a set of dice made from the bones and ashes of his family. Therefore, Sakuni could always roll any number he wished for by using these rigged dice.
Knowing the eldest Pandava’s weakness for gambling, Sakuni invites Yudhishtira to play a dice game. Yudhishtira willingly accepts the invitation. The first time he loses, Sakuni asks for his kingdom. Yudhishitra impatiently plays another round and loses again, betting away the crowns of all five Pandavas. After losing everything, he is goaded by the Kauravas to stake Draupadi. At the last round, he stakes his wife and loses again.
Protecting her Dignity
Amidst her menstrual cycle, Draupadi was resting in her chambers. Dushasana, the second eldest Kaurava, storms in and drags her to the assembly court. Draupadi chastises the great people of the court and adamantly argues the legality of staking her as a pawn in their game. The assembly takes the Kauravas’ side and shuts down Draupadi’s claims. Realizing her situation, Draupadi pleads for help with no avail. Duryodhana even goes as far as to chide Draupadi and invite her to sit on his lap in open court, patting and baring his thigh.
Duhsasana proceeds to grab Draupadi by the paita, the loose end of her sari, to disrobe her. Feeling hopeless, Draupadi surrenders herself to her sakhi, Lord Krishna, and beseeches him for his help. Draupadi and Lord Krishna have long held an immortal bond of friendship, unlike any other in Hindu mythology. They held a friendship of equals, always confiding in and supporting one another. At this tragic moment, Krishna comes to her assistance and supplies her with an infinite-length sari — thus ensuring she never loses her dignity in the court.
Analysis
Draupadi becomes a shared possession amongst five men and therefore splits her personality. A once charming girl, vibrant and full of life, becomes sunken and nonchalant. But as we can see, this story plays into the important themes of gambling and addiction, leading to the objectification of women. The story of Yudhistira tells us that even the brightest and most disciplined of men can succumb to the alluring plays of gambling.
Draupadi was not a typical damsel in distress merely awaiting the Lord to be her savior. After she was dragged into court, she stands up for herself demanding justice and respect for her honor. Instead of accepting defeat, she vehemently spoke up against authority in court though this was uncommon for a woman of her time. As a desperate final attempt, she turns to Lord Krishna, who had promised her endless security. This story of Mahabharata reiterates that though we may not find justice despite our best attempt, we can look to the eternal savior to our safety and honor.
*Please note: These stories and analyses are based on our interpretations of multiple texts and articles, as well as discussions from elders through oral traditions. Additionally, we have drawn inspirations from many writers and playwrights over the years. We are aware that there are many perspectives and interpretations to these characters. The following are links that we found helpful to aid in our understanding:
Links:
- Five Pillars of Chaste Feminine Divinity
- Wikipedia — Panchakanya
- What the Lives of the Five Virgins of the Ramayan and Mahabharat Can Teach Us
- Bond Between Krishna and Draupadi
Written by Manaswini Avvari and Meena Vemuri
Edited by Anjali Vemuri
Photography by Raama Srivatsan