'Mahabharat- Different Versions -Perspectives' - Page 25

The movie Rajneeti is said to be Prakash Jha's modern day rendering of the MB.

Originally posted by: mnx12

😆

Please post as much as you can & enlighten us on this untouched aspect of MB that is hidden in this beautiful, mysterious, Sanskrit language. Whatever is possible from your side, whatever you are permitted to part, please share your understanding in this thread & this is my request.

Thanks varaali.
Is there any book written on such hidden meaning of MB. Decoding the entire MB?

The Indonesian Drona Part 2


So when we left the story, Pandu and Sukesha were ruling at Hastinapur, Gandhamadan had returned to the bosom of his family and young Drona had stuck out for pastures anew.

With the self confidence of the youth, his own belief in his skills and recommendation of Bheeshma in his pocket. From the warrior ancestors, he had also inherited the powerful sword called Chandamanik and set of arrows called Sangkali. So, we see a picture of Knight bon vivant travelling the countryside, light of speech, friendly face, open purse and an increasing prestige as he battles some ogre here and there, righted few wrongs and was a bit of a playboy. Leaving a trail of broken hearts and boon friends who remembered him in their drinks, Drona was enjoying his walkabout. (Note Kumbhayana, his name is also a play on his fondness for Liquor which comes in Kumbha).

Eventually, Parasurama sent one of his dearest disciples to fetch and invite Drona to begin his second training. Drona accepted and arrived at the Dakshinapatya hermitage of Parasurama and began his training. (Note for Indonesian audience, they are the karam bhoomi of the epic and India is like heaven (literally janan janmabhmica svargdapi garyas). Sometimes, they revert and one of the islands become one of the crater- heavens, more about them later. Parasurama thus have hermitages in South, North, West and East)

Soon enough, Drona outshines all his colleagues and became the prized pupil of Parasurama. The easy going, friendly Drona of school days was now haughty, arrogant and even snobbish. The school friends were like brothers and brothers despite having rivalries are still brothers and happy for the achievements of their own. Winning and defeating Pandu, Sukesha and Gandhamadan never had the pleasure he now felt defeating other students who he hardly knew and he knew they were the crme de crme selected by Parasurama himself. This is a very good picture the editors paint of adult Drona and his burgeoning pride. Parasurama noting the change in behavior do not intervene despite protestations by his assistants. At the end of training, Parasurama call Drona and give him his bows, the bow of Indra, the bow of Varuna and the Axe. He exhorts Drona to realize that his potential is in teaching and not in politics and he should find perfect students to pass on these weapons. Drona notes the advice and takes his blessings.
He now resumes his journey back to home (In Indonesia) enjoying his stay in India. He wants to get back and meet his friend Sukesh again and renew his old friendships. He still behaves as he did before the training and is again bit of a playboy. He finally reaches the shore but is unable to find a boat or conveyance back to his homeland. Eventually, Devi Willuttoma (Wilutama) comes upon him meditating on the sea coast. One of the seven main Apsaras in the heaven who are among the best dancers and pride themselves in their skills. Willuttoma liked the handsome young Rishi and befriends him. Drona talks about his lost friends and his desire to return to his homeland. Willuttoma reveals that her shakti powers will enable her to take Drona to his homeland and Drona is delighted. Willuttoma becomes a horse and flew across the ocean to Drona's homeland. Drona is happy to set foot on his homeland and had fallen in love with the beautiful goddess. Agreeing to stay with him for some time, Willuttoma leaves Drona to return to the Heaven. Drona continues his journey towards Kuru kingdom learning bits and pieces of news of what had occurred in the interim. The news was shocking.

Gandhamadan was the crown prince of Panchala and was to marry Devi Prishdha and later other Panchala princesses when destiny struck. Literally. He was stuck down by leprosy. The disease was, is and will be still a burden borne by the humanity. Gandhamadan quit his kingdom and retired to forest and prayed to Lord Siva and Brahma. Soon, they heard his prayers and blessed him with cure but asked for something in return. Gandhamadan gave up the throne and being a big fan of Bheeshma (my edit), he also gave up the right to marry. Cured, he returned to joy and sadness of his parents. The situation in Panchala was problematic; the treaty which Sangara died for was now in tatters. Pandu and Sukesha came out to Kampilya and a new treaty was created. Sukesha, also a royal descendent of Panchalas will marry Gandhamadan's sister Gandhavati (this was always something Gandhamadan wanted) as well as Princess Prashadha and other Panchala Princess. Thus, Sukesha will inherit the throne on the death of King GandhaVayu. In return, with his position as PM vacant in Hastinapur, Pandu nominated Gandhamadan to be the Patih or PM of Hastinapur. Sukesha's situation was still not very easy, he was son and grandson of princes who fought against Panchalas but as most Panchala nobles contented that sins of the fathers should not be visited on the children, Sukesha was welcomed nonetheless.

Returning to Hastinapur, Gandhamadan found the situation where the chief of financial guild's son Arya Sumana was unhappy at acquiring a new boss. Arya Sumana was easy going, fond of gambling and a very tricky person. His father was expelled by his elder uncles from their homeland of Gandhara and now lived at the court of Hastinapur. So here we meet the first villain, Mr. Sakuni!

Long story short, that is not part of Drona's story but Sakuni's machinations and eventual schemes see Gandhamadana return in anger to Panchala, not before he had maimed the evil Sumana now called Sakuni. Gandhamadan saw his old friend and now brother-in-law daily insulted and humiliated by proud Panchala princesses and on their say so, ignored by the retainers and nobles. By his easy going nature, Sukesha, now King Drupada was forgoing and ignoring these small infractions. Not Gandhamadan. He started enforcing the Kurudharma and regularly beat up retainers and nobles who transgressed. His rule was now strictly enforced. All had to call the King, King Drupada and anyone mentioning him as Son of Sangara or Son of traitor or Sukesha was immediately punished. Sukesha had remembered the fun loving, twinkle in his eyes and always a joke on his lips friend called Gandhamadana, but the disease and the cure as well as the pressures of Patih in the hot house of Hastinapur politics had soured the twinkle, the smile seldom came to his face and humor now seemed as distant from him as sun is from earth. Gandhamadan was a grumpy dour but still a perfect administrator. His rules and adherence to them now become legendary and woe befalls the person who deviated from them.

Meanwhile, knowing that his friend was King now, Drona remembered the childhood vow on the banks of Sokalima hermitage where they had spent their formative years. He started his travels towards Panchala sampling local ale houses and milk maids as he took his sweet time. One day, stopping by a temple for the night, he was awakened at night by Devi Willuttoma herself. She explained that as an Apsara she cannot raise their child and gave the young boy who made sounds like the horse to Drona. The playboy was suddenly the Father. Willuttoma left in morning leaving a shell-shocked Drona behind. This is where the author initiates the next change in Drona. Our carefree youth, the hard drinking Rishi warrior, is now a responsible father.

Forgetting Sukesha and Kingdom, Drona hurries home to his father. He returns to Sokalima hermitage and is greeted by his ageing father and mother who are happy to see their young grand child. Drona also returns to find that his sister was now married to Lord Indra and looks like Willuttoma was their plan to bring the errant youth to boot. Little insulted by this but Drona was happy nay ecstatic to have Asvwathamma as the result of this stratagem. He loved the child more than anything he had loved in past, more than life itself. He settled down at the hermitage with his father and thought about the parting words of Parasurama. Subsuming his ambitions to the care of his aged parents and his new child, Drona changed the course of his life. He started training the children of the Ashram in arts of war and soon the name and fame of great teacher spread and thousands flocked to his Ashram. Years passed and the time turned a new circle. Drona cremated his parents in the mean time and swearing off all women, kept his attention on his teaching and his son, growing as an intelligent and strong boy. His ashram was a lively place with long series of houses built in woods around to house the ever increasing number of students. Only thing missing in his life was the perfect students that Parasurama had talked about. The students to pass his weapons to, many nights, as Drona recounted to Asvwathamma the story, the child was even more inspired to succeed and win the weapons for himself. He also thought about his mother sometimes, whether she really loved him or not. Drona had no answer.

One day, some Princes who attended Drona's school insulted young Asvwathamma, making fun of hair on his legs like a horse and his pedigree. Crying to his father that night, he asked how come his father's friends are kings but he is not. Drona mentioned his childhood oath and joked that he is anyway King of Half of Panchala. The child went to sleep happy. But, being a child, he mentioned the story to his friends and the new joke was the half Yuvaraj of Panchala in the school playground. One day, Drona returning from his studies and meditations saw the children's enactment of enthronement of Half the Yuvaraj with Asvwathamma starring. Something touched his heart. It might be child's play and children's games but he wanted to give him something more. The ambitions he had buried in his heart now burst forth. Every one wants to give the best for their children, leave a legacy, see that they are well cared for. Drona now wanted more. In Indonesia, on the wondrously fertile island of Java, the story of child drinking flour with water will not make sense. The nature's bounty has blessed that land like no other. It will be scarcely believable for common folk huddled around the fires looking at puppet plays. The story is the reawakened ambition of a Father.

Drona and his son set out for the capital of Panchala, the city of Kampilya. With his heart soaring on seeing his friends again after such a long time, Drona was dreaming of the presents he will be able to give his son. He was not seriously looking for a kingdom of his own. He was happy with Sokalima. Arriving in the city of Kampilya and reaching the main palace, Drona asked the guards that they inform his dear friend Sukesha, the son of Sangara that his friend is waiting for him. The guards initially warned the priest that he should not call the king by those names. Drona continued in that vein. Why wouldn't he call his best friend Sukesha, just because he is king does not change the fact. The angry and brutal guards with the brutality, small-mindedness of petty officials, the bureaucrats everywhere, attacked and started beating up Drona in front of his son. Controlling his anger, Drona allowed himself to be arrested and taken to prison. Hearing the commotion, Gandhamadan came out and enquired of the guards. They told him that someone was flouting his edict and belittling the King. Gandhamadan asked the prisoner to be brought in front of him next morning. The black night in the dark prison ate at the soul of the Drona. The darkness of the prison seeped into his psyche as the day broke. He was handcuffed, arrested and beaten in front of his young son. The son who had always seen him rule Sokalima in the robes of the teacher with his bow in his hand had witnessed his humiliation at hands of the basest of the officials. He would seek revenge. He would seek it on the whole kingdom, on the callous administration of his best friend Sukesha.

Brought in front of Gandhamadan next morning, Gandhamadan was shocked to see Drona. Immediately releasing him, Gandhamadan begged forgiveness but Drona was hungry, sleepy and Angry. He let loose a series of oaths and questioned the unwise and tyrannical rule which made the lowest of officials behave so. Instead of calming Drona or maintaining his own composure, Dour and humorless Gandhamadan also lost his temper and questioned the old friend's ability to understand what it is to rule and what it is to govern? Didn't he himself walked away from responsibility all those years back? Words were exchanged and Drona walked out with Asvwathamma. The heart was on fire and his breaths were quick and heavy. Many years back Panchala's power was crushed by Bheeshma. Drona took the road to Hastinapur. Many years back, Pandu had requested Drona to return to Hastinapur but he had refused. Pandu was no longer alive but he knew that in the outer village of Parmagrama, Five Pandavas lived with their mother and uncle Vidura away from the city of Hastinapur. He had already heard of the stories of their divine births and they would be the vehicles of his revenge on Sukesha and Gandhamadan. Leaving Asvwathamma at Sokalima, Drona travelled the lonely road of bitterness and revenge.

End of Part 2

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The Indonesian Drona part 3




Deep inside the border of Hastinapura State, there was a Kshetriyan aka an independent town, named Pankajvadyan (aka Garden of Lotuses or Lotus Village). That Kshetriyan was governed by Vidura who lived here with his wife Padmarini and two sons named Sanjaya and Yuyutsuh. (In Indonesia, these are ranks in bureaucracy). Under his leadership, Kshetriyan has become safe, serene, peaceful, just and prosperous. It was now an object of jealousy for the citizens of Hastinapur. One night, when most citizens were sleeping, unexpected guests arrived at the house of Vidura. They were Queen Kunti and her five children who had left Hastinapur after darkness informing few close relatives. Overcome with joy, Devi Padmarini welcomed her sister and nephews.

Slowly the news came pouring out of the young mother. The attacks on her family had forced Kunti to relocate to this serene town. The atmosphere was different from capital, with people not paying too much attention to rank and position and working sincerely. The principle of life is 'urip samadya, ora ngaya' which translates as Desired peaceful coexistence with mutual respect and mutual support. Early attacks on Bratasena had forced Vidura to send him to Vrindavan to live with Pandudeva, the eldest son of Pandu Devanatha. But, the fires of enmity emanating from Kauravas threatened to burn young Phalguni Pathaka and the babies too. A careless maid and a careless groundskeeper saw baby Pindan suddenly in middle of deep pool sinking while a crocodile swam towards him, a careless guard whose arrow would have hit Phaluguna swimming to save the baby instead of crocodile and but for Petruk, she would be two sons less. She remembered how Pindan would not leave Arjun's hand even in sleep for days on end till he only ran out of his room on hearing the unmistakable booming voice of Bratasena on his return. How Arjuna and Nakula had clung to the oldest and recounted their fright.

In Indonesian version, Pandu's children were named Pandudeva, Bratasena, Phalguna or Arjuna, Pindan (little pandu) and Tangsena on birth. They acquired their more famous names later. By this time, Bratasena was called Vrikodara for his hanging belly on a thin waist, Pandudeva was called Saumya or Saumyaji for his cool and patience (also dharma, dharmaputra, dharmakusum) and older Kaunteyas called their middle brother as Mayurpankha. The twins were still babes. By moving to Pankajudyan, Kunti could atleast call back the older boys and all five can live together again. Semar and the panokwans were also happy to be back in Hastinapur and journeyed back with the Kaunteyas.

(Semar and his three sons including Petruk, Gareng and Bagang are Indonesian inserts in the Epic, they are servants aka panukawans of Pandavas; Semar is either Siva's avatar or Siva's son and his sons are similar high gods came down to earth to help dharma. Semar technically a servant is more of an advisor to Dharmaraja and also cooks a great meal where his student is Bratasena himself. The Pandavas call him Grandfather and his sons as uncles. They are also the comedy track of the epic.)

Anyway, Pandavas are happy staying at this new place and Kauravas are happy that Pandavas are out of Hastinapur. But Sakuni is not and he continues to spy on Pandavas and is unhappy that relations like Bheeshma, Vyasa, and Bahalika now visit the Garden of Lotuses but not the City of the Snakes. (See the poetic allegory here). Soon enough, on hearing that Dharma is back in Hastinapur, Dhritrashtra gave him a fief to govern over the objections of Gandhari and Sakuni.

One fine day, when Dharamakusum and Arjuna were busy helping the locals make a bamboo bridge over the swollen river. A huge elephant appeared from direction of the flooded forest and charged towards them. Keeping his legendary cool, Dharmaraja calmed the elephant who picked the brothers up and put them on his back. Initially elephant started for Hastinapur but Semar forced it to turn back. Bringing the elephant back, Vidura recognized it as the Royal elephant of Antasura, the one who selects the Kings of Hastinapur. He had been driven to forests by Sakuni when he had refused to select Dhritrashtra. Now with Antasura sitting outside the house of Vidura, Sakuni's heartbeats started hammering louder. The public had heard of the "selection" of Antasura. Also, the happy prosperous people of Eldest prince's fief were adding ghee to the public rumor fires.

Dusk descended and oil lamps came on. As the people who wanted to see the Royal elephant increased in number. The old moon night wore on. Through the light of stars, under the dark sky, bright soil and fertility of this garden of lotuses was apparent to the dark shadows moving towards the house of Vidura. Common people work during the day, the night was like a thick blanket that provides comfort for sleeping in the bed, so that tomorrow can be working again with a clear mind and body fresh. However, the sleep was not so for those who have duties and obligations in the evenings, especially for the duty officers. For them, the night is mysterious shadows to watch out, because they can suddenly show very scary realization. To keep the night safe, they occasionally chant a mantra "Jagtey Raho".

The three dark shadows stepped into the light near the house and one paused in front of the elephant. The elephant also stirred as if awake as if looking at old acquaintance. Vidura stepped out of the house and greeted his elder brother the King of Hastinapur who would come furtively to meet his kin of blood out of fear of his kin of wedding.

"My brother Dhritrashtra"
"My true brother and not only mine, true to the State of Hastinapur."
"Do not make me, a lowly sudra become more smaller and stunted, because the praise of my brother King."
"It's true, you are born from the mother Lady Katri but you are no Sudra. Sharp, observational and wise, your vision is wide, you are truly like a Brahman. I need the advice of true Brahmin to allay my anxiety."
"What kind of anxiety keeps you up at night, my King?"
"My kids want the throne of Hastinapur", bluntly remarked Dhritrashtra.
"O brother, that anxiety is not yours alone, but it is shared by all people of Hastinapur. It will only lead to civil war".

Dhritrashtra gasped, his sightless eyes gazing far into the future, full of conflict for the throne of Hastinapur.

"Vidura, can civil war be avoided?"
"Sure, It all depends on you my King, no one else. Many years hence people will assign blame to many factors but they will all be wrong. Everything that will happen will happen because of one man's weakness . One man's Karma or lack of it. They will not accuse that person because Rishi ka rosha and Mata ka dosh has him suffer endlessly."

"What should I do?"
"My king has the answer, in the deepest of your heart." And the brothers parted.

As Dhritrashtra moved quickly towards Hastinapur with Gavalgana and Adhiratha, his feet firm and his mind made up. Tomorrow, He will bring sons of Kunti back to Hastinapur and send Sakuni and even Duryodhana away, ahh my sons whose hearts are closed by luxury and minds shackled by power.

Returning home, he met Gandhari in Chandrakirana Udyana and then retired for the night. Next day, Vidura waited for the messenger in vain as he had done many times in past after these night visits by Dhritrashtra. No one came from Hastinapur. Vidura remembered the look on Dhritrashtra's face when they had brought the boys back from Saptasringga and the cheers from the crowd chanting for their young King. Dhritrashtra's constant threats and abuses to Sakuni and then forgiving him every time he returns from resting in his favorite Chandrakirana Park.

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As usual, the next morning broke in Pankajudyana by the sound of birds. Especially Prenjak bird sounds exactly right in front of the house. (good omens) Semar reading the signs had the servants prepare everything for a grand welcome. And as if to prove him right, Ved Vyasa himself came from his Sapta-arga hermitage. He was planning a long stay and all his main disciples had come with him.

Vyasa was barely a week at Pankajudyana when the peaceful atmosphere of the Ksatriyan was shattered by arrival of PM Sakuni and the Kauravas. The stated reason was to meet their dear cousins the Pandavas but Sakuni was afraid that Vyasa had come to give the Sesame Tala oil to Pandavas and he wished to intercept that gift. Some Kauravas were assigned to keep each brother company and others to never let Vyasa alone. Sakuni explained to his nephews that this oil renders the wearer immune to all weapons. But however they tried, they were unable to find out where Vyasa had hidden the oil in a small bottle. (surahi). Three days of potty cleaning detail on Twins was enough for few of the Kauravas to start questioning their uncle. Sakuni was at his wits end, short of stripping Vyasa, there was no way to identify the oil his spies had reported Vyasa had prepared.

After waking one morning to find baby Nakula smearing his morning ablutions over his face and tasting of that whole morning and lunchtime, Dusshasana broke. He immediately rushed to where Vyas was sitting in deep conversation with Semar. He quickly reached and pulled at the turban worn as headgear by Vyasa and pulled his hair.
Suddenly from Vyas's hair out popped an oval luminous object, an intangible looking bottle falling and rolling on the floor. Dushasana deftly picked the bottle and running away chuckled at his grandfather "Vyas, It is true that you did not lie that you had brought any Sesame Tala oil, It is me who not brought it."

Soon Dushasana surrounded by few of his brothers, in excitement, started running down the road to Hastinapur with Shakuni cursing his luck and the Rishi who fathered this stupid brood on his sister who left their chariots behind. (This Rishi part was running joke between Sakuni and Kauravas.) Duryodhana also ran in and joined them hearing their cries.

Vyas and his pupils were left shell shocked, weak in body but strong in mind, Vyasa cursed his own crops "Is this result of your education, O Dhratrashtras? One day you will roll with your head trampled. And O Sakuni, as this has happened because of your mouth, your mouth one day will be wide as your body." The thunder suddenly accompanied by wind struck the serene atmosphere as if seconding Vyasa's curse.

Seeing the incident, Jaimini ran out and reported the facts to Bratasena. Bhima immediately started the chase.

Meanwhile, the Kaurava group was running down the road rocking the glowing oval object and throwing it to each other and dancing in happiness. The cultivators, who were caring for crops, chose to hid themselves, from the need to pay homage to the royal worship they did not like. Birds left the trees on the roadside flying to warn the subjects of roadside villages to stay away from the road.

Soon as the brothers and Sakuni started passing the bottle among them, they started realizing the small size of the bottle and the number of Kauravas. Soon, the brothers started hogging the bottle and fighting each other. They did not realize that Bhimasen had overtaken them.
Unlike Kauravas and their friends who were always abusing and talking tall tales, Vrikodara's anger was silent and deadly. The first realization Kauravas had of Bhima's presence when they saw few of their brothers suddenly take flight over them and try to match low flying crows while matching pigeons in execratory outputs. With few well aimed kicks and punches, Dushasana hit on the chest and Duryodhana in place where his future generations cried out saw Bhima seize the bottle and start running back. Sakuni in panic ordered his nephews to follow Bhima.

Bhima was too fast to catch and Sakuni too smart to let anyone escape. He challenged the true Kshatriya and Bhimasen stopped. Turning with upright chest and bottle in one hand, Bhima faced the rush of 90 odd Kauravas single handedly literally with one hand tied behind his back. He also knew that he cannot kill his cousins and they will continue to come and soon his energy will wane. He looked at where they were on the road and espied the Mount Sapta-Arga in the distance. The Kauravas attacked and started increasing their Father's medical insurance exponentially. Timing his exhaustion and strength perfectly, Bhima kept 60 plus Kauravas still at bay and threw the bottle high, fast and accurately towards Mouth Sapta-Arga in the distance. Sakuni and Kauravas were taken aback and surprised by his action. Like a stupid wolf pack chasing sheep, they started now running towards Mount Sapta-Arga. While Arjuna and the pupils of Vyasa caught up with action, Bhima was relieved that the bottle will break against the rocks and spill the contents.

Unfortunately, the bottle is unbreakable the pupils explained. As Sakuni espied and lost sight of the arc of bottle going over the hills, the Kauravas started the search.

By late afternoon, sesame Tala bottle was not yet found. Finally, Sakuni and the Kauravas were forced to stop the search as it was getting too dark and some of the injured required more than limp statements from their limping uncle. The night crept slowly. Duryodhana, Dushasana and Sakuni could not sleep a wink or rest as they knew the bottle is out there and someone may find it in night. The night seemed like a million lifetimes but the night went as usual, until the dark of the perfect point reached (Midnight). At that time, almost simultaneously, all three were struck by the bluish light that split the sky from the bottom up. The bottle was emanating the light. They can track it by the source of light. All three without wanting others to realize started moving towards the light when the dark intervened. Dushasana already clutching his chest stepped and broke a sleeping brothers leg. His cries woke everyone up in next three counties. Everyone saw the bluish light and started running towards it.

Meanwhile, Bhimasen and Arjuna and the disciples had returned home and informed Vyasa of what had happened. Advised by Vyasa that in total darkness they will see the bottle, Pandavas took early rest and then waited for perfect point to be reached. They were already encamped on Mouth Sapta-Arga as per Bhima's general guess and saw the blue light and found the bottle inside a well with a bearded priest standing by the well.

The priest laughed at seeing the Pandava princes and asked them why where they chasing the blue bottle in middle of the night. As Dharmakusum explained to the priest, he also asked Bhima to get a rope and pick the bottle up. The priest inquired why the great sons of Pandu do not use their arrows to pick the bottle out. Yudhishthara explained their tender years and lack of training has not given them these skills yet. Touched by the honesty and sincerity of the eldest, the priest then proceeded to use a series of grass stalks to create a rope and picked the bottle out of the well and handed it to Dharmakusum. The eldest Pandava requested the priest to accompany them t their house where he can rest, have his meals and they would request their elders to engage him as their teacher. The Brahmin said that why don't you ask yourself whether I will teach you or not. The eldest Pandava explained that they might not be worthy of being disciples and that by having their elders ask, the teacher has an option to refuse. By asking themselves, they put themselves as supplicants and as a Brahmin the teacher cannot refuse them even if they are not worthy.

"OHH, But you brothers are worthy. Have no doubt of that."

"My name is Kumbhayana, people call me Drona the teacher."

Vyasa welcomed his step-son at Vidura's house and being the author of all this immediately asked him to be the Guru to the Pandavas. Drona gladly accepted.

By this time, the Kaurava platoons had reached Vidura's house and to Shakuni's further dismay, not only this foreigner has rescued the bottle, he had taken Pandavas as his students.

Patih Sakuni also immediately approached Drona, introducing himself reverently, he said. "My name is Sakuni and in your youth dear teacher we had shared many a cup in the taverns around the shrine of Sword Pulanggeni where your esteemed father Rishi Bharadwaja had his hermitage. I am now the governor of Hastinapur, and around the wells are the sons of the King. In memory of our old acquaintance, where you had allowed myself to call you Kakang (Older brother), I beseech you to accept the Kauravas to as your students as well."

Actually, Drona's plans did not require 105 students, he was just interested in the Pandava five. But he had just suffered indignity at hands of a friend and would not visit the same in return on another old acquaintance. On top of this, being the teacher to Hundred Kauravas, he would be able to harness the power and greatness of Hastinapur for his personal purposes.

"Well Adhi Sakuni, I accept your offer, provided that my son Asvwathamma and Pandava five will study along side the sons of King without rancor or conflict."

Sengkuni objection on that condition but Drona stood adamant and Sakuni had to agree.

Kauravas and Pandavas agreed to travel to Sokalima and become students of Drona.

End of Part 3.



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The Molestation of Draupadi

Draupadi dragged to the Court
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After Draupadi was won on the stake, a jubiliant Duryodhan said to Vidur, "O Uncle, bring Draupadi, the dear wife of the Pandavas. Let the unfortunate woman now live with the serving maids."

Vidur retorted, "O wicked man, you do not see that by such words you are tying a noose around your neck. Do you not realize that being but a deer, you are provoking the anger of so many tigers? You have placed on your head five venomous snakes. Do not agitate them further or you will soon go to Yamaraja's abode."

Vidur looked around the assembly as he continued. "Draupadi cannot be considered a slave because Yudhishthir lost her after losing himself. He was therefore not in a position to stake the princess. Like the bamboo which bears fruit on the point of death, the foolish Duryodhan wins treasures at dice. Completely intoxicated, he does not see the terrors that this game will bring."

Vidur went before Dhritarashtra. "You should check your son now, O King. Only low-class men utter painful words which offend others. Kunti's sons never use the kind of harsh speech in which Duryodhan indulges. His behavior is condemned by those who are learned. Stones may float and boats may sink, but this foolish prince will never heed good advice. He does not see that dishonesty is one of the fearful gates to hell through which he is leading his brothers and the entire Kuru race. He will certainly be the cause of our destruction."

Duryodhan laughed. "Fie on the son of the maid who is unfortunately my uncle" he sneered. Looking around he saw the chief servant of the palace and he called out to him, "He Pratikami! Bring Draupadi here. You have nothing to fear from the Pandavas. It is only Vidur who raves in fear."

The Pandavas sat with their heads bowed. In the presence of Dhritarashtra, Bhishm and Drona, Yudhishthir remained silent, as they had done. He was stupefied with sorrow. His attachment for gambling had brought about utter ruin. Now, before everyone's eyes, the chaste Draupadi was about to be humiliated. Yet he was powerless now. With the sole exception of Vidur, his elders were saying nothing. If they, and especially Dhritarashtra, approved of Duryodhan's acts, then he was helpless. He had never transgressed their orders. To him, his superiors were as good as God. He accepted their commands as coming directly from the Supreme Lord. The terrible events unfolding must somehow be the Lord's arrangement. Seeing Yudhishthir sitting silently, his brothers also remained passive, although they yearned to stop Duryodhan from his intention to insult Draupadi.

Pratikami went to the ladies' chambers. Standing before Draupadi, he said in a trembling voice, "O Queen, maddened by dice, your husband has lost you to Duryodhan. Therefore come with me to Dhritarashtra's assembly, where you will be engaged in some menial work."

Draupadi stood up swiftly and dismissed the maid who had been tending her hair. Surprised, she said, "O Pratikami, how can this be true? Who would stake his own wife in a gambling match? Surely the king was intoxicated. Could he find nothing else to stake?"

"When he had already lost all his wealth, including his brothers and even himself, he staked you, O blessed princess."

Draupadi became angry. "Go back to the hall, Pratikami, and ask that gambler who has lost even himself if he was still my lord when I was staked. When I know the answer to this, I shall go with a sorrowful heart."

The servant assented to Draupadi's request and returned to the hall. Seeing him return alone, Duryodhan yelled, "Where now is the Panchala princess, foolish man?"

"She has sent me back with a question, O King," Pratikami replied, "Draupadi has asked whose lord Yudhishthir was when he staked her in the game? Did he lose himself first or her?"

Yudhishthir said nothing. He shook his head from side to side, seeming as if demented or deprived of his reason.

Duryodhan smiled slightly. "Let Draupadi come here and ask her question directly to Yudhishthir. We shall all hear his reply."

Pratikami again left the hall. Tears fell from his eyes as he approached Draupadi's room for the second time. He stood before the queen unable to speak. She asked him what Yudhishthir had said in reply. With difficulty the servant said, "O princess, the assembly is summoning you. It seems the destruction of the Kurus is close at hand. When the weak-brained Duryodhan wishes to take you before the assembly, he will surely no longer be able to protect his prosperity."

Draupadi looked with compassion upon the distressed servant. "He who is the great ordainer of the world has ordained this without doubt. Happiness and misery come in turn to both the wise and the unwise. Morality is said, however, to be the highest object in this world. If we preserve morality, it will pour blessings upon us. Let not that morality now abandon the Kurus. Go back, O suta, and speak these words to the virtuous Kuru elders. I am ready to obey whatever command those moral-minded men may give, for they are conversant with all the precepts of virtue."

The servant folded his palms and bowed his head. He turned and left the queen's chamber and went again to the hall. Standing before Dhritarashtra, he repeated Draupadi's words. No one replied. Seeing now Duryodhan's eagerness and Dhritarashtra's complicity, they all sat with downcast faces. Yudhishthir then said to the servant, "Go to the bitterly weeping Panchali and tell her that she should appear here, even though she is in seclusion and attired in only a single cloth. This is Duryodhan's command."

The Pandavas looked up at the Kuru elders who, even after hearing Yudhishthir's words, all remained silent. The brothers could not determine what to do. They were ready to challenge Duryodhan and his one hundred brothers to a fight, but seeing Yudhishthir still silent, they did not move. Bhima, however, could barely contain himself, and Arjuna, breathing like a serpent, seemed to be on fire.

Duryodhan laughed, enjoying every moment of his victory. He again addressed the Pratikami. "Go, O suta, and fetch the princess. She now has Yudhishthir's order."

The servant looked perplexed. He was always obedient to Duryodhan but he feared Draupadi's anger. He spoke hesitantly, "What shall I say to the queen for a third time?"

Duryodhan snorted angrily. He turned to Dushashana. "O brother, this foolish servant is afraid of Bhima. Go and bring Draupadi here. What can the Pandavas do now that they have become dependent on our will?"

Dushashana immediately rose and went straight to Draupadi like a dog entering a lion's den. He said, "Come, O princess, we have won you honestly. Cast aside your modesty and go before your new master Duryodhan. O beautiful lady, now you must accept the Kauravas as your lords."

Draupadi stood up, weeping loudly. She covered her pale face with her hands and ran toward Gandhari's chambers. Dushashana roared in anger and ran after her. He grabbed hold of her long, wavy hair and forcibly pulled her along with him. As he dragged Draupadi by her bluish locks, the shameless prince recalled how that same hair had been sprinkled with the sanctified water of the Rajasuya. Ignoring her plaintive cries, he pulled her out into the palace passageways. Draupadi spoke to him in a low voice. "O rude one, O wretch, you should not take me before the assembly. How can I appear there in my present condition, dressed only in a single cloth?"

Dushashana laughed. "It does not matter, O Panchali, whether you are attired in one cloth or naked. We have won you and you must now live among our servant women as best you can."

The Kaurava then dragged the wailing Draupadi into the assembly hall. Dushashana threw her before Duryodhan, where she fell with her cloth in disarray and her hair dishevelled. The Kuru elders could hardly look at her. Bhishm, Drona and Vidur were unable to maintain their composure and they wept openly. Dhritarashtra asked, "What is happening now? Is the Panchala princess here?"

Then Draupadi rose up like a flame and addressed the assembly in an angry voice. "All the persons in this assembly are learned in the scriptures and devoted to sacrifice. Some are my elders and gurus. How can I stand before them in this state? The high-souled son of Dharma is bound by the subtle rules of morality. Only those with clear vision can understand those rules. I am therefore unable to admit even an atom of fault in my husband."

Draupadi looked toward Dhritarashtra, her eyes filled with tears. By his side she saw Bhishm, Drona and Vidur, their faces torn by anguish. Everyone remained silent as she continued to reprimand them. "How do you all say nothing as this wretch drags me into the hall? Surely then you are all of the same mind. Shame on you! The Kurus' high morality has been destroyed by this act. Drona, Bhishm, Khattwa and the king have lost their greatness, for none of them condemn this most vile deed."

Draupadi fell to the floor of the hall, crying in helplessness and distress. The slender-waisted princess glanced at her enraged husbands. They were incensed to see her in such a state, and her glance inflamed them even more. Even the loss of their kingdom and wealth did not pain them as much as Draupadi's glance, which was full of modesty and anger.

When Dushashana saw Draupadi look at her husbands, however, he again dragged her toward the Kurus. "Slave, slave," he shouted. Duryodhan, Karna and Shakuni all applauded Dushashana and laughed along with him. Apart from those four, everyone else in the hall was afflicted with sorrow to see the princess treated in this way.

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The Predicament of Draupadi
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When Draupadi was dragged to the court unceremonious, she furiously asked the elder questions on how she was being treated like this.

First no one spoke and there was silence when everyone was looking at one another. Finally Bhishm spoke, "O blessed lady, one who has no wealth and a slave to other cannot stake what he does not own. At the same time, wives are said to be the followers of their husbands and always at their command. Therefore, O sinless one, I am unable to answer you. The ways and description of morality is subtle."

He continued, "Yudhishthir is himself the epitome of dharma and morality. He will abandon the whole world and wealth but never sacrifice morality. Yet he played with Shakuni knowing fully well that it was impossible to defeat Shakuni at dice. He has staked and lost both himself and you, O princess. Therefore I am confused upon this matter."

Bhishm looked up at Dhritarashtra, but the king remained ever silent. Draupadi spoke again, "Yudhishthir was summoned to this assembly by the king, and although he does not possess skill at dice, he was made to play with a skillful, wicked and deceitful gambler. How then can he be said to have staked anything voluntarily? He has been deprived of his senses by the contrivances of sinful men acting together. This act lacks all propriety and will be condemned by all wise men. Yudhishthir is also a guest and the wealth and honour of an honoured guest has been deprived by deceitful means. Here in this hall are many leaders of the Bharata race. Let them reflect on my words and answer my question."

Duhshasan began to harshly insult Draupadi. She wept grievously and looked toward her helpless husbands. Bheem was afflicted beyond all endurance. Finally, giving vent to his anger, he said to Yudhishthir, "Gamblers have in their houses many loose women but they never stake even those women at dice. They always remain kind toward them. You have staked and lost all of our gems, jewels, gold, armors, animals, weapons and whatever other wealth we possessed, including our very selves. Even at this my anger was not excited. But I consider your gambling with Draupadi abominable. Having obtained us as her husbands, this innocent girl does not deserve to suffer in this way. Only because of you is she now being persecuted by these low, despicable, cruel and mean-minded Kurus. Although you are my lord, I can hardly control my anger toward you."

Bheem turned his massive shoulders toward the twins. "I shall burn Yudhishthir's hands. Sahadev, bring me fire."

Arjun quickly caught hold of his brother. "O Bheem, do not speak in this way. You have never uttered such words before. Your morality has certainly been destroyed by these cruel foes. Do not fulfill our enemies' wishes. Practice the highest virtue and remain obedient to your elder brother. Remembering a kshatriya's duties, he has played today only on the king's command and against his own desire. Such an act will surely make him famous."

Bheem calmed himself. Checked by Arjun's reproach, he felt ashamed. "You are right, O Dhananjaya. Our brother has surely acted in accordance with duty. Had I not known this, I would long ago have snatched his arms and burnt them in a blazing fire." Both brothers looked at Yudhishthir in his distress. They knew he felt obliged by the presence of Dhritarashtra and Bhishm. If those two elders did not speak out against what was happening, then Yudhishthir would not object to the proceedings.

Duryodhan's hearty laughter rang out again. He was relishing his cousins' discomfort. He was especially enjoying Draupadi's distress, remembering how she had laughed at him in the Mayasabha. Draupadi buried her head in her hands and wept. Her husbands glared furiously at the insolent Duryodhan, but still the Kuru elders remained silent.

Finally, Dhritarashtra's son, Vikarna, spoke out. "O kings, answer Draupadi's question. If we do not decide a matter referred to us in the royal assembly, then we shall descend into hell. Father, Bhishm, Vidura - you are the eldest of the Kurus, yet you do not say anything. Why are Drona and Kripa silent? Let the kings who have assembled here from all directions leave aside their anger and give Draupadi a reply."

Vikarna looked around the assembly, but still no one spoke. He repeatedly asked that Draupadi's question be answered. Had she been won or not? Was she now the Kauravas' slave?

The silence in the great hall was broken only by Draupadi's sobs. After another agonizing minute had passed, Vikarna said, "If no one will respond, then I shall say what I consider just and proper. O best of men, it is said that there are four vices to which kings are prone: hunting, drinking, womanizing and gambling. The man addicted to these vices lives by forsaking virtue. Therefore, that which is performed by one under the sway of any of these sins cannot be taken seriously. Madly under the influence of gambling, and urged on by the sinful Shakuni, Yudhishthir staked this princess. She belongs to all the Pandavas and was lost after Yudhishthir had already lost himself. Nor was Yudhishthir playing the game willingly. Rather, the king invited him here to oblige him to play an unfair match. Considering all this, I say that Draupadi has not been won."

As Vikarna sat down, the assembly was in an uproar. Practically everyone applauded him and censured Shakuni.

Karna at once leapt up and waved his huge arms about to silence the assembly. His angry voice boomed. "O Vikarna, I have observed many improper things in this assembly, and your words are an example of one of them. Like fire springing from a log, your anger will simply consume you. All the great personalities among the Kurus are silent. Obviously this means they consider Drupad's daughter fairly won. You are immature. Therefore you rail in anger even though you do not know the laws of morality and speak like a fool. Yudhishthir has staked her as a fair bet and lost her."

Karna, like Duryodhan, still remembered his humiliation when Draupadi refused to allow him to compete in her swyamvar. The pain of that refusal still rankled. "Well," he thought, "the proud princess is now getting what she deserves." He turned to the assembly and said aloud, "Hear this O Kings, there was no sin in bringing Draupadi into the hall in her present state. She was already won fair and square and hence a slave. She had already accepted five husbands. What kind of moral woman is she? A woman who marries or cohabits with more than one person is unchaste." He pointed to Draupadi as he spoke. "For such a woman there is nothing wrong even if she is brought naked into an assembly. Indeed, she now belongs to the Kauravas and must obey our command. O Duhshasan, why not take off her robes? And remove also the Pandavas' royal dress, too. They are no longer kings."

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@varaali nice symbolic representation analysis

It is said Yudi knew at first sighting that Krishna was no ordinary mortal