Reading Notes: 17 Fascinating Women from The Mahabharata (B)

“17 Fascinating Women from The Mahabharata” by Sharath Komarraju

Something I didn’t expect from this reading was to realize how male-centric the Mahabharata is. This makes me think my natural instinct to write from the perspective of women characters about women characters and particularly their relationship to their male counterparts subconsciously came to this conclusion before this reading made it clear. What I noticed about the women whose chapters were selected for this book (Draupadi, Kunti, Ganga, Satyavati) is that their stories are related in many ways, whether that be in their childhoods, the critical incidents where they were involved in the epic, or similarities in their relationships. So while this reading is more of a summary or annotation of the Mahabharata, it also made some claims and pointed out some characteristics that differ between alternate renditions of the epic which were new to me. For example, most important for my own project is a part in Draupadi’s section that states that in the original text, the scene in which she is forcibly disrobed and her sari magically duplicates until it wore out her abuser was actually on account of her “own inner good that protects her from all harm.” In speaking about different interpretations taken by alternative authors, he uses language like “if we accept this more realistic ending…” which highlights for me that in reading a certain text does not mean it should necessarily be taken at face value. This separating fiction or myth from (more likely) fact with such a lens is something that I think would prove useful when I go to probe for meaning in the PDE which I had access to. These decisions on which “side” to take seem imperative for how a character is subsequently perceived by the reader. In the same way Komarraju made me rethink the significance of Draupadi, Kunti, Ganga, and Satyavati- I think it’s important to notice how my own rewriting might impact their image or reputation.

Bibliography:
Author: Sharath Komarraju
Title: "17 Fascinating Women from The Mahabharata"
Source: Kindle

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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Extra Credit Reading: Mahabharata, Part F

Mahabharata, by Epified on YouTube

- Duryodhan tried to disrobe Draupadi, which shocked and horrified the onlookers who covered their eyes as he started to pull on her garment. But because she chanted for Krishna’s help, the garment just kept coming and the fabric compiled into a stack that could make a hundred saris. Bhishm vowed to kill Duryodhan and avenge the humiliation that his wife suffered, and he smirked and laughed at this statement and ordered Draupadi to sit on his lap—a sight that angered the Pandava’s and made the swear that they would kill the Kauravas. Arjun pledged to kill Karn and Sahdev, Shakuni. Dhristhirastra tried to assuage the disagreement by asking Draupadi that he would grant her three wishes. She only wanted two things: Yudhisthir’s freedom and the Pandavas freedom and their kingdom.
- After the Pandava’s are released and return to Indraprasth with revenge on their minds, meanwhile at Hastinapur the Karuravas were plotting a second scheme through another game of gambling. The Pandavas were aware of the consequences should they lose this game of dice—twelve years of exile, plus one in hiding, yet the agreed yet again and lost as expected. They surrendered their kingdom in Indraprasth and headed for the forest, knowing that retaliation was 13 years away. Some Hastinapur’s tried to convince them to stay, while others said they’d rather suffer alongside them than remain under the rule of Duryodhan. Yudhisthir, knowing he wouldn’t be able to look after their welfare, sent them back to look after Kunti. Krishna visited the Pandavas and urged them to fight back to win back what belonged to them but was met with disagreement and was told that “anger and revenge did not fit his divine nature.” He was then talked down by Yudhisthir, who he pledged to support when the time came. Early on in their exile, they were faced with a rakshas (demon) named Kimira, whose brother Bakasur was killed by Bhim only months before. In the battle, the brothers combined their strengths to overcome the demon and decided that together this event showed that together they could defeat any opponent no matter how powerful. This lent them the confidence that the Kauravas would be no match against their powers. This thought was a glimmer of hope for them.
- While in the forest, they were not used to living like ascetics after always living on amble means, and sharing sparse resources led to some tension sometimes. They always accepted sages and saints who came to their hut. Once, the sage Ved Vyasa visited and told them about the virtues warriors should have and told Arjun would have to have access to the celestial weapons of Indra and Shiva. Arjun performed austerities in the Himalayan Mountains, where he was attacked by a wild boar. He brought him down with arrows, while another hunter did the same. This hunter was Shiva in human form. Arjun shattered the hunter’s crown while in a physical altercation. He was gifted the Pasupata weapon afterward. Before he left, he told him to pray to his father, Indra, for his respect. At his obedience, other Gods visited him, including Varuna, Yamraj, and Kuber. Varuna gifted him his noose (sieze demons and enemies in the past), Yamraj his mace, and then the Antardhan Astra (puts the enemy to sleep.) He was struck with wonder and gifted them sweets and flowers. From the clouds, a majestic chariot carried by a thousand horses came from the sky. The charioteer invited him to heaven, and said his father invited him to Indralok. On his way, he saw a streak of light, stars, celestial beings, rishis and apsaras in the clouds. At Indralok, he saw Indra’s elephant Airavat at the entrance. Here he was trained to use the thunder bolt and of his other weapons. After a bout of homesickness, Arjun decided to go back to his brothers.
- Arjun is cursed by Urvashi for rejecting her proposal for marriage, and his brothers travel to try to gain the grace of the Gods while he is still in Indralok. They reached a valley in the Himalyas, which while there they encountered a strong wind which carried fragrant flower petals. Draupadi was enchanted by the unearthy smells of the flowers, and she demanded he bring her more. He traced the path following the scent, making himself lost in the forest where he found a conch shell which he blew. He was met with a massive monkey who claimed he was Vayu and Kunti’s child. He found that this monkey was more powerful than him as he couldn’t even lift his tail, so he begged his forgiveness for his behavior and the monkey revealed his true form and told him he was Hanuman. At this point he granted him a boon which would aid him in his and his brothers fight with the Kaurava before they went separate ways.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part F (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of episode 45, YouTube)

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Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part E

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

- Though Balram was insulted at first about Subhadra and Arjun, he eventually approved of the alliance. Draupadi was not pleased that Arjun had married another woman, as was expected. To try to ease her feelings, Arjun made Subhadra a maid for her and it was said she was “moved by her simplicity,” and had even come to like her and consented to their marriage. Many people attended the ceremony.
- Not long after, Subhadra announced her pregnancy. They would name him Abhimanyu. When Arjun narrated to her of his stories and skills of war, little did the couple know that even while the pregnant woman was unconscious, the baby had received all of the knowledge that Arjun had shared with his wife. This was the start to unborn Abhimanyu’s life as a great warrior. Though, his fate had been decided since his father had failed to finish his thoughts when his pregnant mother had fallen asleep while he spoke.
- Yudhisthir was hesitant to perform the yagya he was suggested to have because he was concerned that his city might suffer the consequences of an unexpected revolt. When he learned of Krishna’s fear of Jarasandh’s power, he thought certainly that the Pandava’s certainly couldn’t be competent enough defeat him. However, he insisted that with the skills of 3 of his brothers combined would  be enough to take him. So Yudhishthir, Arjun, Bhim, and Krishna went to Magadh as brahmins where they challenged Jarasandh to fight where he was split in two and cleared the path for the Rajasuya Yagya. Yudhishtir was made the emperor.
- At Yudhishthir’s coronation, Shishupal objected to the honor granted to Krishna and disgraced the Pandava’s and Krishna. Krishna used his Sudarshan chakra to behead him and the event was resumed. As the city celebrated their new king, with the chariot carrying Yudhishthir to the Ganga, Duryodhan became even more spiteful and envious. While at the court, Duryodhan mistook a crystal floor for a pool of water and when he went to cross it he was embarrassed. When he saw a pool filled with lotuses, he was convinced that this too was an illusion and as a result fell in. Duryodhan was humiliated in front of everyone, including Draupadi who laughed out loud at him and added insult to injury. While most were making fun of him as he stormed out, Yudhishthir tried to stop him but it did nothing to mitigate his hate for his cousins.
- Shakuni, Duryodhan’s uncle, warned Duryodhan that even the strongest forces could not overcome the Pandavas in battle and thus it would be foolish for him to fight them as victory would surely be on their side. Thus, Shakuni hatched a plan to use Yudhishthir’s interest in dice to use his skills to take away their kingdom through not war but a game, which would prove deadlier than the sword. Dhritarashtra was made known of the plan and sent Vidur to Indraprasth to invite the Pandavas. Yudhishthir was a kshatriya, thus was bound to accept any challenge related to gambling and fighting, so despite the warning of deceit by the Karuvas brought by Vidur he accepted.
- Though Yudhisthir spoke against Duryodhan’s using Shakuni as a substitute for rolling the dice, as it went against the terms of the game, but conceded when he called him a coward and the came commenced. The Pandava’s lost their pearls, wealth, chariot, army and horses, and his kingdom to the Karuvas. After losing all his wealth and possessions, Yudhisthir was left with nothing else to wager. Until finally, to everyone’s shock he wagered his brother Nakul who was a powerful warrior and one of Yudhisthir’s prized possessions. Next was Sahadev. Even still, he was desperate to continue though he suspected foul play. Then Arjun and Bhim were lost despite those who told the Pandav to surrender. Yudhisthir even lost himself to Shakuni.
- Shakuni told Yudhisthir he could win himself back from their slavery by staking Draupadi, which against his better judgement succeeded to this suggestion but lost her as well in this final defeat. Vidur when told to fetch the woman refused and warned the Karuvas of the devastating consequences of the events that unfolded, but this fell upon deaf ears and he sent a guard in his place. She refused to go with him, but when he went back a second time he didn’t take no for an answer and dragged her out of her chamber to the assembly hall by her hair. Witnesses to the event were shocked and shaken to see what occurred, with her clothes torn, crying out for help, and hair disheveled while she tried to defend herself. After seeing the helpless faces of her husbands, she pleaded with the elders for help but none came to her rescue. Dhritirashtra and Bhishma could do nothing. “The ideals of morality and virtue had lost their meaning.”
- Draupadi was pointed at, mocked, and called names in the court by the Karuvas and she raged… “her words fell like fire” and on the floor she closed her eyes and prayed to Krishna for protection.  

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part E (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of Episode 44, YouTube) 

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Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part D

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

- Drupadi grows up to be a beautiful princess, and her father plans a swayamvar for her in Panchaal. Many princes of nearby kingdoms attended the contest, including Duryodhan and other Kauravas, as well as the Pandavas disguised as brahmins. The challenge was to shoot an arrow at a fish’s eye as it swam in a bowl of oil. All but Arjun could lift the divine bow, a surprise to all after all the other Kshatriya had failed, and he effortlessly completed the task.
- The events at Draupadi’s swayamvar was more than a simple ceremony, it was a turning point in the Mahabharata: “a point in time where paths of destiny converged and seeds of future devastation were sown.” Karna, King of Anga, was insulted by the princess who spoke that a “soot-putra” had no business in participating in the presence of kings and that he could not be worthy of her even with his archery skills. Little did she know of the future of war ahead after she said these unkind words. Krishna and Balram happened to be in the hall, not to take part but to observe. Krisha, in his all-seeing eyes saw “all that had happened, all that was happening, and all that was about to happen.” He was happy that Draupadi had received Arjuna as her husband.
- On their way home, the five Pandava brothers had to fight off hostile local princes. At their mother Kunti’s orders, the brothers were told to “share” Arjuna’s wife so as not to create strife among them. Yudhishtir, Bhim, Nakul, and Sahadev were hesitant because it seemed wrong since Arjuna was the one who won her hand in marriage. A sage who happened by their home told the family of Draupadi’s former life in which she had prayed for a spouse with five virtues, and thus he said having so many husbands was her destiny so the brothers agreed. Dhrishtadyumna, Draupadi’s brother, spilled the beans on his sister to their father who weren’t fans.
- The Kauravas tried to kill the Pandavas by burning down the palace (allegedly made of wax) that they had taken for shelter, but they exit safely and settle instead in Ekachakra as wandering brahmins. After word was spread about the multiple marriage of Draupadi and the Pandava’s, the Kauravas were angry and jealous. Draupad called Karna and the Kaurava’s, Bhishma, who said that they should divide their kingdom with the family. Drona, who was also part of the Kaurava council, sent Vidur for the brothers to Hastinapur as they were currently under the protection of the Panchaal king. The brothers agreed and were welcomed with open arms; they crowned Yudhishthir and were given the kingdom of Khandavaprasth. He agreed to move away from his cousins in Hastinapur to this wasteland cursed by Indra to prevent problems with his cousins that would result in war. This place was inhabited by asurs, rakhashas, and nagas.
- Krishna invited Vishvakarma, a divine architect,  to help the brothers build up the barren kingdom they inherited. During their time in the woods, Arjun and Krishna met Agni who in his hunger wanted to burn down the forest. As this would be beneficial to the brothers who wanted to rid their land of asurs, rakhashas, and nagas and thus approved clearing them through wildfire. Then the work began to construct the magnificent city they called Indraprasth since it was meant to resemble Indra’s own city which would entice many from Hastinapur to relocate to mansions given to them by generous Yudhishthir. Duryodhan, who was filled with envy blamed Dhritarashtra for giving Khandavaprasth to the brothers.
- Narad Muni visited the new kingdom at Khrishna’s request, who was sought for guidance in the administration of the kingdom. Upon meeting Draupadi, Narad was reminded of the story of the asura brothers Sundha and Upasundha. It was said these two were inseparable much like the Pandavas, and they thought that death could only touch them if it was at each other’s hands. The two fell in love with the same woman, Tilottama, who was created by Vishwakarma with millions of gems. In a deadly dual over the same woman. After Narad narrated the story, he warned the brothers that Draupadi’s beauty could cause the same dispute and that they ought to stand together despite all odds. Thus, after negotiation it was decided they would each keep her as his wife for a year and that if one should intrude he should be exiled for 12 years. After hearing from a balcony that a brahmins belongings were stolen by thieves, Arjuna went for his weapons in Yudhishthira’s chambers knowing that he would be punished because dharma was “above all” and he felt compelled to help the brahmin in need. He felt ashamed but happy to do the right thing and ready to leave Indraprasth because despite others urging he stay, he stuck to his principles.
- In the Himalayas, Arjuna and the band of brahmins stayed by the river Ganga. One day, he was pulled to the bottom of the water and was met with Ulupi, daughter of the Naga Kauravya and king of Naaglok. Arjuna gave in to temptation with the beautiful woman despite betraying Draupadi. After a few months he left, and the group had grown long beards and reached Kalinga where most were dropped off. Arjuna kept on until Manalur, where King Chitrasen’s daughter, Chitragandha stole his heart and he asked her hand in marriage. After 3 years and she gave him a child, he decided to go back to his brothers and stole away in the night.
- Krishna told Arjuna that all his experiences were predestined when they had met and dined at Prabhasa, on the outskirts of Dwarka. During this time he also told him of his desire to marry his sister, Subhadra, which was agreed to despite the knowledge that she was sought by Duryodhan too. Since gaining Balrams approval would be difficult if not impossible, Krishna told Arjuna to make the girl fall for him and then abduct her during a festival while disguised as a sanyasi.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part D (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of episode 27, Youtube)

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