Section LXVI - Draupadi Disrobed in Sabha: Outrage in Kuru Assembly
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXVI 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:
Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, was dragged into the assembly by Dussasana, the son of Dhritarashtra, after being won in a game of dice. Despite being in her season and dressed in a single piece of cloth, she was humiliated and mistreated in front of all the elders and princes present. Yudhishthira, her husband, remained silent and unable to protect her due to being bound by promise. Draupadi, in her distress, questioned the morality of the situation and called upon the elders to decide her fate.
The Pandavas, distressed at the treatment of Draupadi, sought to protect her but were powerless in the face of the Kauravas' actions. Duryodhana and his allies, including Karna and Sakuni, approved and laughed at Draupadi's plight, showing no remorse for their actions. Bhishma, while acknowledging the subtleties of morality in the situation, was unable to offer a clear judgment on the matter. Draupadi made a passionate plea for justice, highlighting the deceitful and unfair circumstances under which she was staked in the game of dice.
Draupadi's appeal for justice was met with silence and indifference from most of the assembly, with only a few, like Bhishma, expressing doubts about the fairness of the situation. The Pandavas, torn between their obligation to uphold their word and their duty to protect their wife, struggled to find a way to resolve the injustice done to Draupadi. Despite her distress and humiliation, Draupadi remained defiant and resolute, challenging the assembly to answer her question about the fairness of her being staked in the game of dice. The story highlights the complexities of morality, loyalty, and justice in the face of deceit and manipulation.
In the end, Draupadi's courage and resilience in the face of adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and dignity of women, even in moments of extreme vulnerability and injustice. And the lack of action and justice from the elders and princes in the assembly leaves a poignant message about the consequences of remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing.
Full English translation:
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Section LXVI, 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 LXVI:
Is Draupadi mistreated in the assembly by Duryodhana and Dussasana?
Yes, Draupadi is dragged and humiliated by Duryodhana and Dussasana in the assembly.
How do the Pandavas react to Draupadi's humiliation?
The Pandavas are filled with terrible wrath and distress at seeing Draupadi humiliated.
Why does Bhishma struggle to make a decision in the assembly?
Bhishma is torn between the conflicting aspects of morality and loyalty in the situation.
What do the actions of Duryodhana and his allies reveal?
Duryodhana and his allies show their cruel and ruthless nature by mistreating Draupadi.
Daily life: Draupadi Disrobed in Sabha: Outrage in Kuru Assembly:
Draupadi's ordeal in the Kuru assembly teaches us several profound lessons applicable to daily life. At its core, the narrative emphasizes the importance of standing up for justice and the consequences of adhering blindly to flawed practices or norms, even if they are culturally or traditionally sanctioned. The silence and inaction of the elders and warriors in the assembly, despite witnessing Draupadi's humiliation, underline the danger of passive complicity in the face of wrongdoing. This serves as a powerful reminder to speak out against injustices, irrespective of the status or power of the wrongdoer, and to support those who are wronged or vulnerable.
The story also highlights the concept of individual responsibility and the need to question and critically evaluate societal norms and personal choices that may cause harm to others. Yudhishthira's decision to stake Draupadi, driven by addiction to gambling and a flawed interpretation of duty and honor, underscores the importance of self-awareness and the potential consequences of our actions on the lives of others. It teaches us the value of considering the impact of our decisions on our loved ones and communities.
Moreover, Draupadi's resistance and insistence on questioning the validity of her being staked in the game showcases the significance of asserting one's rights and questioning unjust practices, even in the face of overwhelming power dynamics. It encourages individuals to stand firm in their principles and advocate for fairness and dignity, reinforcing the idea that moral courage is essential in challenging oppressive systems and practices.
In essence, this story serves as an inspiration to uphold justice, practice empathy, and demonstrate moral courage by challenging injustices and supporting those in need, thereby contributing to a more equitable and compassionate society.