Section CCII - Draupadi's Self-choice: Pandavas, allies & foes react
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
After Draupadi's marriage with the Pandavas, it was revealed that Arjuna had won her hand and Bhima had displayed his strength. The other monarchs believed the Pandavas to be dead due to the house of lac incident and were shocked to see them alive and thriving. Duryodhana and his brothers were dismayed by the outcome and returned to their capital in despair, blaming their failed schemes. Vidura, on the other hand, rejoiced at the Pandavas' success and informed Dhritarashtra of the situation.
Dhritarashtra, mistaken in thinking Duryodhana had won Draupadi, ordered preparations for her and the prince's welcome. Vidura corrected him, revealing that it was the Pandavas who had won Draupadi and were flourishing with alliances and support. Dhritarashtra expressed joy at the Pandavas' well-being and the alliances they had formed, acknowledging their strength and the advantage of having Drupada as an ally. Vidura encouraged the king to maintain his newfound understanding for a hundred years, praising his current stance.
Duryodhana and Karna, unable to speak freely in Vidura's presence, questioned Dhritarashtra's support for the Pandavas and urged him to plot against them to avoid being overpowered. They advised the king to act in a manner that weakens the Pandavas' power and protects their own interests. They emphasized the need for strategic planning to counter the strength and alliances of the Pandavas, fearing they would be engulfed by their enemies.
Full English translation:
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Section CCII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CCII:
What was the reaction of the monarchs upon hearing about Draupadi's marriage?
The monarchs were shocked to learn of Draupadi's marriage to the Pandavas. They also wondered how the Pandavas survived the house of lac fire.
How did Duryodhana and his brothers react to Draupadi's marriage?
Duryodhana and his brothers felt shame and regret that Arjuna had disguised himself to win Draupadi. They feared the Pandavas and Drupada's support.
How did Dhritarashtra initially misunderstand the situation regarding Draupadi's marriage?
Dhritarashtra mistakenly thought Duryodhana had been chosen by Draupadi. He ordered ornaments for her and Duryodhana, unaware it was the Pandavas who won her.
Daily life: Draupadi's Self-choice: Pandavas, allies & foes react:
The story from the Mahabharata where the Pandavas, presumed dead, return in glory after Draupadi's swayamvara, teaches several life lessons. The first lesson is about resilience and the ability to rebuild one's life from scratch, as the Pandavas did after escaping the fire. Their story encourages us to face adversities with courage and to rise above our challenges, using them as stepping stones towards our goals.
It also highlights the importance of disguises and strategies in achieving one's objectives. Arjuna's ability to disguise himself and win Draupadi’s hand shows the significance of adaptability and resourcefulness. We learn that sometimes, to overcome obstacles and reach our goals, we might need to employ unconventional methods and think outside the box.
The narrative further illustrates the consequences of jealousy and plotting, as seen in the actions of Duryodhana and his allies. Their inability to rejoice in the Pandavas' success and their constant scheming led only to their own despair and failure. This teaches us to focus on our paths and success without being consumed by the achievements of others.
Lastly, Vidura's joy and Dhritarashtra's initial misunderstanding show the value of clear communication and understanding the truth of a situation. It teaches us to seek out and recognize the truth, and to communicate clearly and effectively in our daily interactions, to avoid misunderstandings and foster positive relationships.