Section CLXLIII - Pandavas Decide to Marry Draupadi: The Mahabharata Story
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXLIII 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:
The narrative begins with the Pandavas returning home after the Swayamvara, presenting Draupadi as the alms they had obtained. Kunti, unaware of their identity, unwittingly blesses their union before realizing her mistake upon seeing Krishna. Anxious about the implications of her words, she seeks a solution to avoid sin and discomfort for Draupadi.
Yudhishthira suggests Arjuna marry Draupadi, but Arjuna refuses, proposing a solution where all brothers marry her in succession. As they contemplate Draupadi's fate, the God of Desire influences them, overwhelming their senses with her unparalleled beauty. Yudhishthira, sensing the potential for discord, declares Draupadi as their common wife to maintain unity. The Pandavas' acceptance of this decision reflects their commitment to righteousness and fraternal harmony. Meanwhile, Krishna and Valadeva, recognizing the Pandavas despite their disguises, offer guidance and blessings. They depart, leaving the Pandavas reassured of their safety and future prosperity.
Krishna's visit underscores the divine intervention guiding the Pandavas through their trials. His departure symbolizes their continued journey, fortified by unity and the blessings of their divine allies. Despite the challenges ahead, their bond with Krishna remains steadfast, serving as a beacon of hope and strength amidst adversity.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CLXLIII - Pandavas Decide to Marry Draupadi: The Mahabharata Story, have a look at the following articles:
Section CLXLIII, 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 CLXLIII:
Who did Kunti suggest should marry Draupadi in the story?
Yudhishthira followed Kunti's suggestion for Arjuna to marry Draupadi. However, each Pandava eventually married her.
Why did Krishna and Valadeva visit the potter’s house?
They suspected the five men they saw at Swayamvara were the Pandavas. They confirmed their suspicions when they met Yudhishthira.
What did Krishna advise the Pandavas after meeting them?
Krishna praised their escape from danger and urged them to grow in prosperity. He then left with Valadeva to avoid detection.
Daily life: Pandavas Decide to Marry Draupadi: The Mahabharata Story:
The story from the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas accidentally commit to sharing Draupadi as their wife due to a misunderstood comment from their mother, highlights the importance of clear communication and the need to think before speaking. It also illustrates how misunderstandings can lead to unexpected outcomes and the need for creative solutions to rectify them. In daily life, this can be applied by always ensuring that we communicate our thoughts and intentions clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
Whenever we find ourselves in situations where our words or actions have unintended consequences, it's critical to approach the resolution with empathy and consideration for all involved. Attempting to understand each other's perspectives and working together towards a solution is essential. The appearance of Krishna, offering support and guidance to the Pandavas, demonstrates the value of seeking advice and support from those we trust in times of confusion or conflict.
Additionally, the story underscores the importance of collective decision-making in families or teams, emphasizing the necessity of consensus to maintain harmony. By reflecting on these elements from the narrative, we can learn to navigate our daily interactions and decisions more thoughtfully, ensuring our communications are clear, and our actions are inclusive and considerate of the impacts they may have on others.