Battle Beyond Kurukshetra | P.K. Balakrishnan

February 22, 2023Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Writer Jayamohan has extensively discussed and written about the novel ‘Ini Njaan Urangatte’, including during a discussion about his Venmurasu novel series at Ang Mo Kio library in 2016.

I didn’t think twice before borrowing this novel from the reference section of the library, which is allowed to be borrowed.

Jayamohan states that this novel is a deep lament; an emptiness. The emptiness that came after a loathed war. After the fierce conflict between the brothers had taken away everyone from this beautiful planet, this tranquil emptiness was an expression of overwhelming feelings. Agony and distress everywhere.

Karna is the protagonist of this novel, which tells the story of the aftermath of his tragic death in the Mahabharata. Karna was known for his unparalleled physical and mental strength and his ability to win over everyone with his charm. Despite his immense power, he ultimately lost and died. This story evokes the fascination of readers due to the unique circumstances of Karna’s life: despite being born into a high-status family, he was raised as the son of a charioteer, was ridiculed and shamed as a ‘suda-putra‘, and yet managed to remain righteous in the face of adversity, even when faced with difficult decisions. Karna’s story is sure to captivate any reader.

The novel begins with the death of Duryodhana, and within the first two paragraphs, it immerses the reader in its world. It is as if a tornado has swept us up, as the intensity of the scene draws us in. The novel enthralls its audience with the tale of Yudhishthira’s fraternal love. He is eager to uncover the truth behind Karna’s death, and he is filled with an overwhelming sense of guilt, despite other Pandava-s’ rage.

They questioned Yudhishthira, “Abhimanyu and the wise teachers who taught him battle strategies have perished, and Bhishma has fallen on a bed of arrows. Yet, you have never expressed sorrow for them, so why do you now grieve for your opponent Karna?”.

This novel contains exquisite places that evoke strong emotions in the reader.

The way author narrates the Narada’s rebuttal with Yudhishthira about Karna’s battle and the justice and injustice behind the same.
Meeting between Karnan and Kunthi
Meeting between Karna and Krishna
The humiliation of Draupadi
The agony of Duryodhana
The assasscination of Karna

The banks of the Ganges, ravaged by war, are a macabre sight during funerary ceremonies.

Kunti’s anxious expression appears intermittently throughout the novel. Upon learning that Karna is Yudhishthira’s elder brother, Kunti reveals the truth of his birth and requests him to perform the funeral rites for Karna first. Draupadi, like us, has many questions.

Why didn’t you let us know he was your son, Mom? Would it have been possible to prevent this devastating destruction if we had known about his family ties to you?
-Draupadi

During the Pandavas and Kauravas’ training in arms, the Pandava clan and their teachers humiliated Karna due to his birth reasons. Kunti fainted from her intense distress, but did not make any attempt to rescue him. Draupadi wanted to ask Kunti if she would react in the same way to Arjuna.

Yudhisthira was so overwhelmed with his love for his brother that he lost his calm. He wanted to throw away his bow and arrow and go into the forest. On the other hand, Kunti was grief-stricken by the death of her eldest son. The other Pandavas were taken aback when Karna humiliated them during the battle, yet gave them a chance to live.

As the Pandavas grieved for Karna, Draupadi – who harbored an intense resentment towards him – felt isolated. With her sibling and father gone due to the war, she had no one. The compassion the Pandavas felt for Karna, despite his having laughed at her humiliation, seemed paradoxical to her. She wondered if the anguish, deceit and sleepless nights she had endured had any purpose.

Krishna and Kunti reveal the secret of Karna’s birth to him not out of sorrow or affection, but rather to prevent an impending war of annihilation by convincing him to switch sides from the Kaurava camp to the Pandava camp. The scenes of Krishna trying to change Karna’s opinion are captivating.

I wish I had the ability to paint, my friends! If I did, I would have created a beautiful painting of Draupadi with the six Pandavas!

Draupadi questions herself; as a woman, she has grievances about the wrongdoing of her unrighteous husbands. She wonders what kind of dharma they are protecting by making her a pawn in the Hastinapur palace or during their exile. Draupadi’s flustered questions embody the essence of feminism.

She sees Karna’s death as a punishment for his betrayal. Despite her victory in the battle, she felt desolate. She deludedly questioned whether this was what she had wanted. Furthermore, Draupadi lamented her inability to care for her children as a mother. These are the emotional threads of this novel.

Krishna arrived in Hastinapur as a messenger, but was unable to prevent war and returned without success. Before departing, he met with Karna to disclose the truth of his birth. He tried to persuade him to transfer to the Pandava camp and become king, with Draupadi as his queen. However, Karna firmly refused and maintained his loyalty to Duryodhana, who had defended his honor in the Hastinapur arms skill event. When Karna thought about his foster mother Radha, I was brought to tears. I had to put the book down and close my eyes before I could continue. Despite Krishna’s attempts, he was unable to make him change his mind and had to go back.

Kunti encountered Karna while he was worshipping the Sun at midday and offering Dharma to those who are in need. She reiterated what Krishna had said.

It is a futile attempt to express longing for the dead by adorning the cremation bed with sandalwood. It is a senseless and cruel act of futility! Please let us finish this scene soon… What is your motivation for coming here? What should I do next? I am confident that I will agree with whatever you say, so please do not hesitate to provide me with your instructions and let us complete this quickly.
-Karna

The novel depicts Karnan conversing with her and holding back his anger with regret. Even though these are well-known stories, the way they are being narrated surprises the readers.

Karna is a Dharmavan, the elder Pandava and a responsible companion. But, he makes some mistakes. Due to unexpected situations, Draupadi has a grudge against him. She also refuses to marry him citing his birth. So, the deception on one side destroys the other!

As everyone was mourning the loss of Karna, Draupadi was in deep emotional distress, imagining an unexpected scene where she saw Karna seated on the throne and herself sitting by his side as his queen, surrounded by the other Pandavas, safe and secure. This vision occurred on the battlefield where so many had died, and the widows of the fallen were preparing their husbands’ funeral pyres. At one point, Draupadi felt as if she too was one of these widows. I was taken aback for a moment.

Let her rest with the worn-out deception and unfulfilled emotions. I will end my lament here!

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End of radiance – Karna’s end | Mahabharata Paintings

February 28, 2022Pandian Ramaiah 2 Comments

Karna took over as commander in chief of Kaurava army on the sixteenth day, after the fall of Drona. Kaurava army had much hope of recovery after the fall of their great chieftains, Bhishma, and Drona.

Kunti knew about the news. She understood that she could not prevent the clash between her sons. But she wanted to minimize the damage by meeting him. Maybe, I think she might have felt that discussing that with Yudhishthira would not earn her because he did not know the background. Some versions of Mahabharata say that it was Krishna who sent her to seek protection for Pandava-s.

It was early in the morning. Karna was in his morning prayers. Kunti came to meet him. Everybody knew that Karna would donate whatever had been asked. Karna understood her motive and asked her to express her wish in a grudge.

“சந்தனக்கட்டைகள் அடுக்கிய சிதையைக் காட்டி பிணங்களை ஆசை காட்டிடும் வீண்வேலை… அர்த்தமற்றதும் கொடூரமானதுமான வீண் உடற்பயிற்சி! விரைவில் நாமிந்த காட்சியை முடித்துக் கொள்வோம்… எந்த லட்சியம் கருதி நீ இங்கு வந்தாய் – என்பதைச் சொல். இனி நான் மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டிய செயல் என்னவென்பதையும் கூறிவிடு. அச்செயல் என்ன ஆயினும் நானதற்குப் பணிவேன் என்பதை நிச்சயமாக நம்பிக்கொண்டு, சொல்லவேண்டியதை விரைவில் சொல்லி முடித்துவிடு”

The futility of making a carcass happy by showing the pyre stacked with sandalwood. Meaningless and horrible futile exercise! We will finish this scene soon. Tell me what ambition you came here for. Please tell me, what you want me to do hereafter. Complete what you have to say as soon as possible, be confident that I will obey you no matter what.
Ini nan urangattum, BK Balakrishnan

Kunti requested him to come to Pandava‘s camp. Citing his bond with Duryodhana, Karna refused to oblige. She asked for the safety for Pandava-s. Karna assured her she will be known as mother of five sons even after the war, either with Arjuna or with him. Karna left to battlefield after that.

It was difficult for Pandava-s to fight with Karna. Kaurava‘s army had time to take breath after successive loses on the sixteenth day. There was a dispute between Yudhishthira and Arjuna about Arjuna’s failure in tackling Karna. All Pandava-s except Arjuna had fought with Karna and lost before this dispute. Though they lost, Karna did not kill then, as he promised to his mother. Unaware of the reality, poor Pandava-s felt humiliated by Karna.

Shalya – the Madra king and maternal uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva – was appointed as Charioteer for Karna by Duryodhana. Krishna raged a psychological war against Karna with the help of Shalya. As directed by Krishna, Shalya was praising Arjuna often. He pointed to his low birth as well to irritate Karna while fighting.

Karna had a powerful astra (weapon) to kill Arjuna. It had the capacity to Kill Arjuna as well. But it can be used only once. Shayla advised Karna to focus on Arjuna’s chest. Karna was confident about this target, so he focused on Arjuna’s neck and shot it. Krishna pushed Arjuna’s chariot a few inches down. As Shalya expected, the astra missed its target and hit Arjuna’s crown.

“கர்ணா, சிரசினை குறிவைத்து அந்த அஸ்திரம் நீ தொடுக்காதே. குறி தவறிவிடும்…” அதற்குக் கர்ணன் சொல்வான்: “மத்ரேசா உனது கூற்றின் பொருள் எனக்குப் புரிகிறது. ஆனால் லட்சியம் குறிவைத்து தொடுத்திட்ட சரம் தனை மாற்றி தொடுப்பது தர்ம நீதிக்கு உகந்ததல்ல. தொடுத்த அம்பினை கர்ணன் திருப்பி வைப்பதில்லை என்பதை நீ அறியவும்…”

“Karna, do not aim at the neck and shoot that arrow. ” To which Karna will say: “Madresa, I understand the meaning of your statement. But it is not in the interest of moral justice to change the string of my target. Know that Karna will not revoke the his arrow.
Ini nan urangattum, BK Balakrishnan

Unfortunately, the wheel of his chariot got stuck inside the pit. He sought help from Shalya to release it. He refused to help and started abusing Karna’s caste.

Karna highlighted the rules of war and asked Arjuna to hold for some time until he releases his wheel from the pit. While Karna was busy releasing his wheel by showing his back to Arjuna, Krishna asked Arjuna to shoot his arrow to kill Karna. Arjuna refused as Karna was armless. Krishna countered him by saying that poor Draupadi had not shown such dharma when she was disrobed in court. Outraged Arjuna shot his arrow at Karna, which pierced his heart (or beheaded him).

The beautiful and mighty warrior was born in right place at wrong time, faced humiliation allover, did not take anything from this world but donated a lot, ended his life in the battlefield miserably.

Arjuna Slays Karna, page from a copy of the Razmnama, Mughal period

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The lie that killed Drona | Mahabharata Paintings

February 27, 2022Pandian Ramaiah 2 Comments

It was the fifteenth day of war. Drona was unstoppable after he took over as commander-in-chief position after Bhishma. Being his teacher, Arjuna could not raise his bow against him. The cruel killing of the unarmed Abhimanyu changed his mindset. But he could not control his teacher and the cost of lives he imposed on Pandava army.

Krishna suggested a deceptive plan to eliminate Drona. Drona had immense affection for his son Ashwatthama. But he could not be won as he was an immortal warrior. If he died, Drona would lose his will power on the battle field. Krishna suggested to them to make some plan so that he would hear these words.

Bhishma killed an elephant by the name of Ashwatthama on the fifteenth day of war. Drona was surrounded by Pandava-s. They told Drona that Ashwatthama was killed. Drona did not trust their word. He verified with Yudhishthira, who was the Dharma raja among the warriors. Yudhishthira said ‘Yes’ loudly and murmured that he did not know if it was a man or an elephant, so that Drona would not be able to hear it.

Drona felt helpless. The man who killed a number of people during the war, became wordless for those deceitful words. He put his weapons down, sat down, and practiced penance.

Krishna asked Pandava-s to kill him. No one was ready, as Drona was not only a Brahmin but also their teacher. Krishna convinced them that he lived like a kshatriya (warrior), even though he was born as Brahmin. He further affirmed that Drona should die as Kshatriya as well. Dhrishtadyumna – Drupada’s son and commander-in-chief of Pandava’s army – took his sword out of his scabbard. He beheaded Drona to take revenge for his father’s death.

A lie killed Drona – who had an enormous amount of vengeance on his friend, who took Ekalavya’s thumb as tuition fee, and who trained the Kuru princess.

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Rules broken to kill Bhurishravas | Mahabharata Paintings

February 26, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

When Arjuna was in search of Jayadratha, he was hiding behind the Kaurava army. Arjuna got frustrated. Out of incapacity, Arjuna was a bit moody that day.

Bhurishravas was a prince of a Himalayan kingdom. He was part of the Kurukshetra war. He was ferociously fighting with Satyaki, Krishna’s follower. Satyaki’s sons were killed by Bhurishravas in the war field earlier. So as a father, his fatherly love pressured him to avenge Bhurishravas.

Bhurishravas and Satyaki were in a duel that day. Both of them lost their weapons during the scuffle. Later they started fighting with their hands. Bhurishravas hit Satyaki with his fist and dragged him inside the battle ground.

Alerted by Krishna, Arjuna – out of anger, and frustration – shot an arrow at Bhurishravas, which cut his arm. It was a worse violation of war rules to attack him when he is involved in duals that too, from his back. Arjuna should have been given a red card and pushed out of Kurukshetra.

Bhurishravas condemned Arjuna’s malpractice. He sat on the war field to perform Yoga. Satyaki made use of this moment and cut his head – another misconduct from Pandava side.

A prince from a faraway kingdom, fell prey to malpractice of Dharma and died on the red soil of Kurukshetra.

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Jayadratha’s head blown off | Mahabharata Paintings

February 25, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Pandava-s were unable to save Abhimanyu. The teenage boy was cruelly killed by Kaurava warriors. Yudhishthira tried to save Abhimanyu. But Jayadratha blocked his way. In a way, he wanted to take revenge for his humiliation by Pandava-s, when he wanted to abduct their wife, Draupadi. Arjuna was far away from the location. Finally, no one could save Arjuna’s son. Pandava-s believed Jayadratha should be avenged.

Jayadratha humiliates Draupadi - Raja Ravi Varma — Jayadratha humiliates Draupadi – Raja Ravi Varma

Arjuna took it more personally. He vowed to kill Jayadratha before the end of the fourteenth day war. Otherwise, he would kill himself. (Iravan/Aravan was also his son. He has been killed as well. Arjuna took it for granted. What a partiality!)

Knowing this, the Pandava’s army came with moral power to slash Kaurava-s. But Drona did the trick. He injected the complete Kaurava force between Jayadratha and Arjuna to keep both of them at a safer distance. His plan was to hide Jayadratha until the sun went down so that Arjuna would commit suicide as per his vow. It worked until darkness spread all over.

Arjuna was unable to find Jayadratha. He was frustrated. He had gone insane. He lamented to Krishna. Krishna asked him to calm down and listen to Jayadratha’s exultation in darkness carefully. He asked Arjuna to shoot his arrow in that direction. He also told him that it was not the end of the day as the solar eclipse occurred at that time.

Arjuna shot his arrow. Jayadratha was killed! He was beheaded, Arjuna shot arrow after arrow so that his head would be pushed high and fell on the hands of Jayadratha’s father before it fell down on the ground. As per his own boon, the head of Jayadratha’s father broke into thousands of pieces. Both Jayadratha and his father dead on the same day!

Jayadratha's head falls in his father's lap — Jayadratha’s head falls in his father’s lap

Why did Arjuna take Abhimanyu’s death seriously, while he took Aravan’s death for granted? It is an open question!

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A excruciating war starts | Mahabharata Paintings

February 22, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Pandava finished their exile life

Pandava-s sought refuge at Virata's palace — Pandava-s sought refuge at Virata’s palace and completed their incognito life

Gaurava-s sniffed about Pandava-s hiding in Virata. They attacked Virata without giving any opportunity for Pandava-s. There was a small war in which Arjuna fount as Brihannala. Virata-s won the war to save their kingdom with Brihannala/Arjuna’s help. With that, the 13 years of exile life came to an end!

They exposed themselves to Virata. Virata apologized for treating them as servants. In turn, Virata offered his daughter Uttara to get married to Arjuna. As Uttara was the taught by Brihannala, Arjuna said he could not marry her. But he would accept her as his daughter-in-law. Uttara married Abhimanyu later.

The messengers

Pandava-s took temporary shelter. They sent messengers to Hastinapur to ask Duryodhana to return Hastinapur. Duryodhana refused. Messengers came back empty handed. Krishna felt it was the final chance to avoid war. He himself went to Hastinapur as a messenger carrying Yudhishthira’s message.

Krishna meets Duryodhana

Duryodhana understood about Krishna’s arrival. He arranged for food and shelter on his way. But Krishna refused to enjoy his hospitality. Even after Hastinapur, he refused to stay at the palace. He stayed at Vidura’s house.

The negotiation started. Duryodhana was adamant in his claims. He was a good ruler. He rules both Hastinapur and Indraprastha without any concerns. He asked Krishna, why should he return his kingdom, while he offered good governance.

Krishna made it clear that he did discuss the good or bad governance there. The discussion is about his promise to give back Indraprastha after Pandava’s exile. It was a failed negotiation. Krishna asked for five villages, then five houses. Duryodhana refused to give even five inches of land. Krishna warned him not to pave the way for the destruction of families on both sides. It looked trivial argument to Duryodhana. Krishna then warned him that Pandava-s would meet them in Kurukshetra. Let that red soil decide who holds the dharma. Being angry at his statement, Duryodhana ordered his squad to arrest Krishna.

Krishna as messenger. Duryodhana issue orders to arrest Krishna. Satyaki protests. Image (c) Raja Ravi Varma

Krishna asked him, what did he think about him. Krishna transformed himself into Vishvarupa. The kings assembled over there were spellbound.

Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya what the kings saw there? As there was no reply, He asked Krishna himself if he could get vision to see him. He had been gifted with vision to see the Vishvarupa. He thought he did not want to see anything else with his eyes there after. He continued to be blind as usual. Kings saw Brahma, the creator god, Lord Shiva, the destroyer in Krishna’s Vishvarupa. The eyes, mouth and ears were fuming. They saw all the creatures inside. That was the end of negotiations. The kings dispersed from the negotiation hall one by one.

Krishna meets Karna

Krishna met Karna before he left Hastinapur. As a great warrior, Karna added an enormous amount of power to Kaurava-s. Krishna wanted to divide and rule Kaurava-s. He asked Karna, why did he support Duryodhana, even if he knows his way is against the Dharma. Karna asserted his commitment to Duryodhana, his friend.

Krishna told him the secret of his birth, the information he wanted to know, the information that will bring him out of his low-birth complaint. Krishna told him that he is the ender son of Kunti. By law, he came the son of Pandu, Hence he is the elder Pandava. He can be the emperor supported by all Pandava-s and Kaurava-s. Draupadi will accept to accept to him as well.

Karna was spellbound. But he recalled Duryodhana’s recognition since the day he appeared against Arjuna during a skill display ceremony. It was due to Duryodhana, he had been crowned as King, that helped him to come out of the low-caste derision. Even with that offer, Karna refused to change his camp.

Duryodhana was confident of his success in war because of Karna, Bhishma, Drona, and himself. Krishna’s effort to stop the war (or divide and rule) did not work out.

Krishna meets Kunti

Krishna met Kunti to ask her, if she had anything to inform his sons. She asked them to fight abiding by the law of war.

Kings taking sides

Both parties have started to finalize their alliance with friendly countries. Yadava army joined Kaurava-s. Krishna joined Pandava-s with a condition that he would not fight. Balarama did not join the war. Rukmi was rejected by both parties. The final collection of troops traveled to Kurukshetra.

Aravan kalapali

Both parties looked for an auspicious time to start the war. It was decided as well. Kaurava-s army has more akshauhini-s than those of Pandava-s. So there was a widespread demotivation among the Pandava army. To motivate the force, troop leaders a self-sacrifice to Kali, the goddess of war.

Self-sacrifice is a cruel form of killing a human being and offering him to God. All humans cannot do this. A man with a predefined set of anatomy would be chosen for this. Among the troops there were three persons with such body features – Krishna, Arjuna, and Iravan/Aravan. Krishna and Arjuna cannot be lost. So Aravan became the natural choice.

Aravan was the son of Arjuna through Ulupi, a Nagini during his visit to north eastern part of Bharatha khanda. Arjuna asked if he is ready to do a self sacrifice. He asked for three boons. To make him as a war warrior; to make arrangement so that he can view the war completely; To find a wife to cry after his death.

First option was agreed.

After he did self-sacrifice, his head would be kept in a place, from where the whole war field could be observed from a bird’s- eye perspective. So the second request was also agreed.

The third option was difficult. To find a bride for Aravan, that too in a war field, is not possible. As per the stories, Vishnu took Mohini form and married him. As per Jeyamohan’s Venmurasu, she was assumed as a third gender, and came with troops. The marriage was conducted. Aravan was given as a sacrifice to Kali by beheading him. The transgender woman cried out loud about her husband. This is celebrated as Aravan Kalappali festival in Tamilnadu, Sri Lanka and Singapore.

The war starts

Pandavas headed by Yudhistira and accompanied by Krishna ask Bhishma permission to start the war

The great war of Mahabharata began at Kurukshetra after blowing the conch Panchajanya by Krishna.

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy
Senna Vengai / Venmurasu by Jeyamohan

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Kichaka disgraced Draupadi | Mahabharata Paintings

February 21, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Pandava-s spent 12 years in forest and 1 year in incognito. They seceded themselves and approached Virata kingdom. Yudhishthira joined for a job as King’s advisor Kanka, the mighty Bhima as cook Ballava, Archer Arjuna as dance teacher Brihannala, Nakula as Horse keeper Granthika and Sahadeva as sage Tandibala. Draupadi became Sairandhri.

Draupadi served Sudeshna – the Virata queen – as a beautician. Kichaka – Sudeshna’s brother – was the commander in chief for Virata’s army. Pandava-s and Draupadi spent that one year by isolating themselves from each other.

But It was too difficult to hide Draupadi’s charming in incognito mode. She got into the #MeToo problem once again. This time, it was by Kichaka.

O beautiful one! Your supreme form and your youth are useless if you are alone, like a beautiful garland that is not worn. O beautiful one! Though you are handsome, you are lacking in radiance. O one with the beautiful smile! I will give up the wives I have had before. O beautiful one! I will station myself as your servant. O one with the beautiful face! I will always be under your control.
Kichaka to Draupadi – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

To save her modesty, Draupadi formed a perfect fable. She told Sudeshna that she is a wife of five Gandharva-s. They will safeguard her from all troubles.

But Kichaka troubled Sairandhri every day. Intolerable Draupadi complained to Sudeshna one day. Unaware of who she is, Sudeshna disregarded her and her complaint. Invariably, it is the female’s evilness towards another female. Although she is a queen to safe guard her own people, she convinced herself about Kichaka’s violation of modesty of a woman. In addition, Sudeshna envied her for her beauty.

O Kaikeyi! Act so that I can be united with Sairandhri. O Sudeshna! Otherwise, I will give up my life.
Kichaka to Sudeshna – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

One day Kichaka asked his sister to send a bottle of whine through Sairandhri.

Sudeshna force Draupadi to go to Keechaka's room with a wine jar - Image (c) Raja Ravi Varma — Sudeshna force Draupadi to go to Keechaka’s room with a wine jar – Image (c) Raja Ravi Varma

Predicting an awkward moment, she obliged Sudeshna.

Draupadi goes to Kichaka's room - Raja Ravi Varma — Draupadi goes to Kichaka’s room – Raja Ravi Varma

As expected, Kichaka tried to misbehave. She escaped and came to the hall, where King Virata and Yudhishthira was playing dice to seek refuge.

Keechaka misbehaves to Sairandhri,_1890 Raja_Ravi_Varma — Kichaka misbehaves to Sairandhri,_1890 Raja_Ravi_Varma

Bhima was also there. Kichaka chased her and kicked her in front of them. Bhima was about to lose his temper. Yudhishthira calmed him down and asked Draupadi to tolerate that as a trivial thing and directed her to go to Sudeshna’s abode.

O Sairandhri! Do not stay here. Go to Sudeshna’s abode. The wives of brave ones suffer on account of their husbands. Though suffering, they conquer the worlds of their husbands through their servitude. I think that your husbands do not see this as a time for anger. Therefore, the gandharvas, who are like the sun in their energy, are not rushing to help you. O Sairandhri! You do not know that this is not the right time and are prancing around like a dancing girl. You are disturbing the Matsyas, who are gambling in the king’s assembly hall. O Sairandhri! Depart and the gandharvas will act so as to bring you pleasure.
Kanka (Yudhishthira) to Sairandhri (Draupadi) – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Humiliated Draupadi was not happy with Yudhishthira and went to Bhima in the night. Observing the three major humiliations of Draupadi, Bhima took Draupadi’s stand always. While Yudhishthira’s attention is on perfect completion of incognito at any cost, she knows that Bhima would think about his wife, at least.

O Bhimasena! Arise! Arise! How can you sleep as if you are dead? The evil one, who molested the wife of someone who is not dead, is still alive. My enemy, the evil-doing general, is still alive.
Draupadi to Bhima – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Draupadi could not tolerate the miseries of being a servant in Virata’s palace. She burst into tears to Bhima to do something to save her.

While Dharmaraja looked on, Kichaka kicked me with his foot. … It was in your sight too. It was you who protected me from the terrible Jatasura and together with your brothers, also from Jayadratha. Kill the evil one who molests me in this way. … Destroy him like an earthen pot against stone. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! He is responsible for many of my miseries. If the sun rises tomorrow morning and he is alive, I will drink poison, rather than fall into Kichaka’s clutches.
Draupadi to Bhima – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Bhima gave a helping hand to Draupadi. He drafted out a plan to eliminate Kichaka. She play it very well. She acted as if she agree to Kichaka’s wish and asked him to meet her alone in dancing hall.

O Kichaka! I will agree. But you must accept a condition first. None of your friends or brothers must know that you have gone to unite with me. I am scared that the illustrious gandharvas may get to know. If you promise this, then I will come under your control.
Sairandhri (Draupadi) to Kichaka – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Dressed like Sairandhri, Bhima went to dancing hall to wait for Kichaka. Unware of this, Kichaka came and started talking to her (him) in romantic mood. Bhima came out with roaring laugh and finished him once and for all!

Kichaka’s death had shaken Virata. Sudeshna suspected Sairandhri for her brother’s death. She has been punished to burn alive in the fire along with his brother. Bhima came like a whirl and destroyed the one who was holding her hand, released Draupadi, without exposing his appearance!

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy

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Jayadratha’s audacity on Draupadi | Mahabharata Paintings

February 20, 2022Pandian Ramaiah 2 Comments

Draupadi – the mother goddess – went through a difficult life after marrying to the Pandava-s led by the gambler Yudhishthira. I pointed out why Yudhishthira is more harmful to Draupadi than Dushasana in my earlier post. Please see Yudhishthira, A Failed Gambler. Her problems did not go away even in her exile life.

Jayadratha – King of Sindhu – was a womanizer. He was the husband of Dusshala, the only daughter of blind king Dhritarashtra. When Pandava-s lived in Kamyaka forest (Somewhere in Haryana state) during their exile, Jayadratha crossed that area with his army.

Draupadi lived a simple life and crossed his way. Leered by her beauty, he enquired about her. He came to know that she is Draupadi. When Pandava-s went out to collect food, he went to meet her with lascivious thoughts. Unaware of his motive, Draupadi engaged him until her husband came back. Later he asked her to come with him to Sindhu and forced her to be his concubine. Enraged by his insolent breach of conduct, Draupadi shouted at him. But he forcefully took her in his chariot despite her protest.

… Come. Ascend my chariot and discover complete happiness. The Parthas are wretched and live in the forest. They have lost their fortune and have been dislodged from their kingdom…. You should not serve them. …. Out of affection towards them, you should not suffer that misery. O one with …. ! Be my wife. Abandon them and obtain happiness. With me, share the kingdoms of Sindhu and Souvira.
Jayadratha to Draupadi, The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Pandava-s chased him, after they came to know about him. Arjuna and Bhima scattered Sindhu’s army and punished Jayadratha severely. Yudhishthira came to rescue him, as he was the husband of their first niece. With unquenching anger, Bhima shaved one side of his head and mustache and left him alive.

Despite the entire episode being started by his uncivilized behavior, he wanted to take revenge.

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy

This blog post is a part of Blogchatter’s WRITE A PAGE A DAY campaign. (320 words)

Yudhishthira, A Failed Gambler | Mahabharata Paintings

February 19, 2022Pandian Ramaiah 2 Comments

Duryodhana was jealous about Pandava‘s wealth. In addition, he got humiliated when he fell down into water at the palace of Indraprastha. By mistake, he thought Draupadi mocked him with derision. He wanted to take revenge for this. Shakuni – his maternal uncle – consoled him. He ensured him that he can win Pandava-s with the Chinese policy of winning without firing a bullet.

Kunti’s son loves to gamble with dice, but does not know how to play. If challenged to play, that Indra among kings will not be able to refuse. I am skilled in gambling with dice, there is no one on earth, or in the three worlds, who is my equal. Challenge Kunti’s son to a game of dice. O king! O bull among men! With my skill in dice?! there is no doubt that I will win for you the kingdom and the blazing prosperity. O Duryodhana! Tell the king?? all this. And if your father permits, there is no doubt that I will vanquish him.
Shakuni to Duryodhana – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

Yudhishthira had been invited to play a game of dice, a gambling for fun! It was considered as a “virtual war”. Whatever lost is lost. Yudhishthira – so called dharma – practiced adharma (sin) here. He risked insignificant things at first, later he lost everything one by one. Explaining the way he lost his wealth is not the motive of this post.

We need to understand the situation of the gambler who lost what he risked. With single game, he wanted to set right everything, he failed miserably again. At one point of time, he risks his brothers, then himself, then his wife Draupadi in the game, even though Vidura advised him to stop the game.

I like the face of Yudhishthira in the above drawing!

When he lost wife, Duryodhana summoned Pandava‘s wife and the queen of honour, Draupadi. Draupadi was mensurating then. Her question was logical. She asked if he lost him first before he lost her. If he lost him first, did he had any rights over her? Unfortunately, none of Pandava-s and Kaurava-s were logical. Kaurava-s acted out of the their suppressed wrath and Pandava-s acted with utter foolishness.

Draupadi's humiliation — Draupadi’s humiliation. Image (c) Keshav

Logical questions of Draupadi irritated Duryodhana – ‘the new possessor’ of the lady, as agreed by the son of ‘dharma‘, Yudhishthira. He asked Dushasana to bring her to court. The young Kaurava broke all the rules of women’s court, trespassed there, pulled Draupadi’s hair as hard as he can. Draupadi resisted, but she was no match to him. She tried to make him understand that she is Panchala puthri (daughter of Panchala) and daughter-in-law of their house. It did not change his mind. It was an explosive situation, everybody was in its flow. She has been pulled, dragged in front of public and brought to court with improper attire.

Jeyamohan used to call it as ‘male-evil‘. It worked at its best. Duryodhana abused her to sit on his lap, as she is his slave, then. Kaurava-s told that slaves – Pandava-s and their wife – should not wear royal clothing. They made them undressed, including Draupadi. It was the greatest mistake to allow Dushasana to to disrobe Draupadi and challenged the modest of a woman, who was a queen, who was his own sister-in-law, who was a daughter in law of the greatest family of Bharatakhanda.

I do not believe the story of Krishna to issue the endless saree which made Dushasana to become tired. It was clean violation of modesty of woman in typical Indian way. Jeyamohan handled this piece in a more practical approach in his Mahabharata novel series, Venmurasu. It was Lakshmana – Duryodhana’s daughter – and other females of the royal family cover Draupadi with cloths by chanting the name of Krishna. ) I got into tears with much emotion when I read chapter 87 of Panniru Padaikalam novel of Venmurasu series.

The male evil will not stop its assault on female. We see that everyday. An innocent female get a rude husband and a soft male get an impudent wife. This seems to be naked truth.

I can point out several examples for such behavior from contemporary world as well.

A lady chief of a party was humiliated and disrobed in Tamilnadu assembly hall by the ministers of ruling party.
Lakbima – a popular Sinhalese daily printed vulger cartoon about a prime minister of India and a lady chief minister of Indian state
Acid was thrown at A lady IAS officer for being rough and tough by another political party in Tamilnadu

So, when a woman can not be won, a male will manhandle her habitually.

Except Bhima, every one in Kuru clan – including Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva kept quiet. Even after such grave incident, Yudhishthira accepted to gamble. We can understand how addicted he is. He lost it too. In turn he needs to live in exile for thirteen years. With deep distress in mind, hiding his face from his own people, the great adharmi Yudhishthira, left the city.

Abusing Duryodhana and Dushasana for disrobing Draupadi is not new. But do we have a soft corner for Yudhishthira to escape from this crime?

Did he ever realize his mistake?
Never. Even after this incident, he agreed to gamble. He lost that game also, in turn, entire Pandava-s were forced to live in exile for thirteen years.
Did he has any rights over Indraprastha on his own?
No. Although he is a king, he can not be a dictator. Kingdom is made of people. A gambler who risks his own people is not a good king. Calling himself as a dharma is inappropriate.
Did he build the city in his own money?
No. He is a beggar. The land belongs to his ancestors. Money to build the city came from Hastinapur, Panchala and Dwaraka. He did not give it back. Rather, he lost all of them to his addiction of gambling.
Did he discuss with Draupadi about gambling?
No.
Did he love Draupadi, at least?
IMHO, he is not a loveable man. He expressed himself as a pure opportunistic through out Mahabharata. He tried to find justifications from veda-s or smriti-s to cover up his selfish behavior. He is not skilled archer or wrestler or he did not excel in any martial arts. Draupadi was wife of Arjuna, by right. Yudhishthira shared among all by quoting so called Dharma.
He might have felt inferior because of these reasons. This might have forced him to take extreme decisions during gambling, to prove himself. Alas, he miserably failed.

Mahabharata text shows he used to praise Draupadi during different discussions. They look like a mode of public conduct – nothing else. I doubt if he loved his own wife Devika. No girl will love such a bored creature!
Did he respect advices of Vidura?
No. Remember – he is the reason for Pandava-s to return alive from the house of lac.
Did he understand the effort in building Indraprastha?
No.
- It took many rounds of negotiations to get a land from Hastinapur. Pandava-s could not get it. It was Krishna who lobbied for them.
- Khandavaprastha was a dense forest. Krishna and Arjuna put their effort in converting into a habitable land. They need to go on a war with Indra before doing it.
- If Yudhishthira put any effort to build it, he might have given a second thought, before risking it on gambling.
If Draupadi married Karna, would he gamble her like Yudhishthira?
- Krishna points out (during Pandava-s exile) that she too, reasonable for her own misery. As per his opinion, a great warrior like Karna will never gamble her away. But Draupadi rejected him during his Swayamvara on the basis of caste. Draupadi chose a priest in disguise over a charioteer. Unfortunately Arjuna, the priest in disguise, shared her among his brothers and gambled her. This is convincing for us.
Whom do we worship? Pandava-s or Yudhishthira?
- Draupadi is the goddess for our society.

It is not Dushasana to be blamed first, it is Yudhishthira, the gambler!

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy
Panniru padaikalam, Jeyamohan

This blog post is a part of Blogchatter’s WRITE A PAGE A DAY campaign.

Indraprastha | Mahabharata Paintings

February 17, 2022Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

After Pandava-s married Draupadi, they could not hide any more. They exposed themselves to external world. They stayed in Panchala for sometime. Accompanied by Krishna, they reached Hastinapur.

Khandavaprastha became Indraprastha

They appeared before the blind king Dhritarashtra. He blessed him. The bilateral negotiations about the ownership of the throne was started. Krishna lobbied for Yudhishthira through Vidura. Vidura advised Dhritarashtra to give up this throne and return it to Yudhishthira.

Dhritarashtra refused as per the story. He admitted to Vidura that his sons may not work under Pandava-s. This sounds logical to me as a reader. After negotiations, Dhritarashtra accepted to give some land from Hastinapur dynasty. It is Khandavaprastha.

Khandava means forest. As named correctly, it is a dense forest, an abode of all creatures, situated in the banks of Yamuna. Krishna ordered Pandava-s to burn the forest completely. All creatures were destroyed including the naga-s (serpents). The affected Naga-s sought Indra’s help. Indra accepted to help. He came up with in the form of thunderstorm. Probably, a worst rain might have lashed. Arjuna formed a shelter of arrows, so that rain does not disturb the fire. Finally, the forest is destroyed, so are the animals and rakshasa-s , except the Asura architect Maya. Maya sought refuge. In turn, he constructed a beautiful city – INDRAPRASTHA – for Pandava-s.

Khandavaprastha on fire. Krishna and Arjuna fought with Indra — *Khandavaprastha* on fire. Krishna and Arjuna fought with Indra

The wealth of Yadava capital Dwaraka (on which I named my blog!!) poured into the construction of Indraprastha. Panchala and Hastinapur might offer their own share as well. Finally there comes a beautiful – may be luxurious – city. It had ports in Yamuna river. It became abode of new dwellers, who came in as Indraprastha picked up. It became a market hub under the rule of Pandava emperor Yudhishthira and empress Draupadi.

Krishna in Indraprastha. Image (c) art-ma

Pandava-s with Draupadi, Raja Ravi Varma — *Pandava*-s with Draupadi, Raja Ravi Varma

Duryodhana’s humiliation

Many kings were invited to Indraprastha for Yudhisthira’s Rajasuya yagna. Kaurava-s were invited too as they were cousins. As per the text, Duryodhana was jealous at the wealth of Pandava-s while gazing at the palace.

The evil eye of fate turned to this beautiful city. Duryodhana did many mistakes there as the building used illusion to deceive someone’s eyes. He fell down into a water by mistake. Servants laughed by themselves and on the instructions of the king. Pandava-s – except Yudhishthira – laughed at him, instead of helping him. The unbearable Duryodhana left that place with humiliation. His mind was full of grudge and wrath. He was jealous at the wealth of Pandava-s and the way they showcased their luxurious life there. Evil thoughts were seeded into the mind of Duryodhana.

‘O extender of the Kuru lineage! On seeing the happiness of the Parthas, the submission of the kings, the love the worlds had for them, from children onwards, and the supreme splendour of the great-souled Pandavas, Dhritarashtra’s son Duryodhana turned pale. As he travelled, he thought intently about the sabha and the unrivalled prosperity of the intelligent Dharmaraja. Dhritarashtra’s son Duryodhana was so inattentive, that he did not respond when Subala’s son repeatedly spoke to him. On seeing him so distracted, Shakuni responded, “O Duryodhana! Why are you travelling with all these sighs?”

‘குரு வழியில் வந்தவரே! பார்த்தர்களின் மகிழ்ச்சியையும், அரசர்களின் பணிவையும், குழந்தைகள் முதல் அனைத்து மன்னர்களும் அவர்கள் மீது கொண்டிருந்த அன்பையும், பேரான்மா கொண்ட பாண்டவர்களின் உன்னதப் புகழையும் கண்டு, திருதராஷ்டிரனின் மகன் துரியோதனன் வாடிப் போனான். அவன் செல்லும்போது செய்யும் போது, அந்த சபையைப் பற்றியும், அறிவார்ந்த அரசன் தருமனின் நிகரற்ற செழிப்பைப் பற்றியும் ஆழ்ந்து சிந்தித்தான். திருதராஷ்டிரனின் மகன் துரியோதனன் மிகவும் கவனக்குறைவாக இருந்தான், சுபலரின்வின் மகன் அவனிடம் பலமுறை பேசியும் அவன் பதிலளிக்கவில்லை. அவன் மிகவும் கவனம் வேறு பக்கம் இருப்பதைப் பார்த்த சகுனி, “ஓ துரியோதனா! ஏன் இத்தனை பெருமூச்சுகளுடன் நினைவுகளில் நீந்துகிறாய்?”
Vaisampayana to Janamejaya – The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes

References / Gratitude:

The illustrated Mahabharata, Dorling Kindersley India, Penguin Random House, 1st Ed. 2017
The Mahabharata Set Of 10 Volumes, Bibek Debroy

This blog post is a part of Blogchatter’s WRITE A PAGE A DAY campaign.