Draupadi Swayamvar - part of Traditional treasures - Dhronachariyar
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Bala Krishnan
Jan 16, 2012, 1:10:11 AM1/16/12
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There are several versions of Mahabharatha, the incomparable epic called as 5th Veda.
In a particular version i chanced to see, there is description how Krishna meticulously planned Draupadi's marraige ceremony. I give my brief understanding below:
---------------
King Drupad was humilated by Acharya Dhrona because of the humilation the king inflicted on his old friend Dhrona. Drupad out of yagna sacrifice gets one son to kill dhrona and another one daughter who will marry the hand of one who can defeat Dhrona in battle. Daughter is Draupadi and Son is Dhrishtadhyumna.
Draupadi, Dhrupad and Dhrishtadhyumna want Draupadi to be married to Krishna (Draupadi herself as a name "Krishnai") since Krishna just then had defeated Jarasandha, the most powerful, had successfully led Yadavas to Dwaraka almost single handedly. Let us see scenes one by one.
Scene-1
Pandavas escape the trap set by Dhuryodhan in Varanavat (arakku house) and escape to Rakshadhani. Bhima begets Ghatothkaja through Hidumbi - a rakshas princess. All pandavas live in hiding as whole of Hastinapur think pandavas have died. Not Vidura, Bhishma & sathyavati. They know the truth.
Scene-2
Krishna sends Uddhava on learning that Panadvas are alive, in search of them. Uddhava a great warrior himself, gets through naga kingdom, his ancestral kings and then finally to Rakshadhani. He informs Panadavas that they should come to Draupadi Swayamvar whenever it is held. A near collapse of things happen as rakshas are not interested in parting with their new king Bhima, before Vyasa intervens and saves Pandavas from Rakshasas, installs ghtothkaj as king. Pandavas wait for the dates of Swayamvar. In between Uddhav risks his life more than once
Scene-3
A yadava king was unnecessarily defeated in a battle by Dhuryodhan. Krishna sends Uddhava as a messenger to convey that this kingdom must be restored to Yadavas failing which they can meet in battle. Bhishma agrees that kingdom will be returned. Dhuryodhan is furious. Acharya is stunned for a reason as below.
Scene-4
Draupadi meets krishna and conveys that she wants to marry him. Krishna says he is happily married to Vaidarbhi Rukmini but does not refuse draupadi. He fears that if he refuse her, Drupad will seek Jarasandha's grandson megasandhi and that is a way to flourish of Adharm if panchala and magadha states unite under jarasandha. Krishna advice dhrupad to hold a Swayamvar and that he will be present. Drupad is speechless at the suggestion but respects Krishna's suggestion & agrees. Krishna tells Draupadi that He will always stand by her.
Krishna sends Shikhandi, sister of Draupadi to Dhrona to get him converted as male (Shikhandi a female was hidden and got married as male). Dhrona is humbled when shikhandi goes & says to Dhrona "krishna told me that you are the best acharya and that you will never refuse a worthy disciple". Dhrona sends Shikhandi to a friendly Yaksha & this male conversion happens. All without knowledge of drupad and Draupadi.
Scene-5
Dhrona is convinced that Krishna is a superlative man when he learns of Draupadi's swayamvar announced at the instance of Krishna. He smells some plans of Krishna mentally. He advices Dhuryodhan's daughter to seek the help of Krishna in preventing Dhuryodhan from marrying draupadi. Sakuni also seeks help of krishna as he feels that if Krishna tells a word, Drupad will blindly listen and get Draupadi married to Dhuryodhan. Dhuryodhan himself sends his wife to Krishna to take his help in getting Draupadi. Krishna handles the situation most brilliantly. This is the time Uddhava comes as messenger.
Scene-6
Sathrajit father of Sathyabhama fails to cooperate with Krishna in sending support to re-annexing of kingdom from Dhuryodhan. He tries to kill Sathyaki best lieutanant of Krishna to foil Krishna's plan. Lo! Sathyabhama saves Sathyaki & takes a pledge that he will help her to get married to Krishna. However no battle comes as Dhrona at the instance of Bhishma gives back kingdom to yadava king before Krishna. Krishna here promises Dhuryodhan's wife Bhanumathi that she need not worry about Draupadi getting married to Dhuryodhan. "It will not happen". He promises Sakuni that "he will give his best help in getting draupadi closer to Dhuryodhan". Krishna asks Ashwaththama to pledge before Dhrupad to say that if draupadi comes to hasthinapur as kuru princess then Dhrona will not leave from hasthinapur as enmity between Dhrupad & dhrona is not finished.
Scene-7
Draupadi is angered at plans of Krishna. Shikhandi is helped by Dhrona - her fathger's enemy, a kingdom is retaken from Hathinapur for yadavas - possibly to support dhuryodhan in swayamvar, a pledge is given by Ashwaththama that his father will not leave hasthinapur if she goes to hasthinapur and Sakuni wants to meet Dhrupad for a favour ---- all schemed by Krishna. She fumes at Krishna. Krishna tells Dhraupadi "Don't you have faith in me?" She is mesmerised at his words. She vows never to question Krishna again. The same fate goes to Dhrupad. Krishna wins the hearts of Panchali, Dhrupad, Shikhandi, Dhrishtadhyumna, Pandavas, Dhrona, Bhishma and even Sakuni & Dhuryodhan before Swayamvar starts. He only secretly arranges for a archery test through Sandipani for all the kings at Swayamvar.
Scene-8
Krishna meets Jarasandha alone and threatens to kill him if he takes part in Swayamvar. Jarasandha fears for his life & safely exits with honour. Draupadi is heartened but worried that still Dhurodhan is there. Pandavas are not yet seen on scene. Uddhava tells Krishna that he will attend (Uddhava is already married by then) Swayamvar if Dhuryodhan wins. Krishna asks why? He says that Krishna wants to make Drupadi married to Arjun and if it cannot happen he will kill himself at the mandap defiling the place so that marriage does not take place!!
Scene-9
All kings fail. Arjun without even asking for permission from his elder brother enters test and wins by arrowing through his left hand. Even Sathyaki could not believe that Arjuna has come back. After winning Arjun prostrates to Krishna. In a brahmin's gharb is Arjun. Because a Brahmin salutes a Kshatriya (which never happened then), everyone understand that He is Arjun. Then marriage take place happily.
There are various versions that Kunti unknowingly asked Pandavas to marry single lady. It is also said that the custom in Himachal was so (they had lived then there) and kunti took such a custom. Kunthi herself should have known about their sons's greatness because of their births. Even Swami Vivekanand writes that polygamy is not new. Vyasa appears on the scene to clear the air of doubt on previous births of Draupadi. Left to Draupadi she takes the choice. In a version, it is also said the before Arjun reached his house, his elder brother & Sahadevan were already with Kunthi.
A note also says that Draupadi is the Kali who drank the blood of all kauravas while it is the sudarshana of Krishna which actually killed everyone in the great battle finally. Draupadi not ordinary as are all her husbands. She is born of fire.
When Dhrona is killed while in meditation in battlefield, all get angry at Dhrishtadhyumna including Arjun. Only Krishna pacifies them by revealing the fate of Dhrona tied to Dhrishtadhyumna.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Acharya Dhrona drama at NGS was punctuated with great vachanas of the late Thespian Manohar. The choice of Bhishma and Draupadi left one to wonder how such a great art is failing among the masses to inspire because of cinematic industry.
These characters and dramas lift a person instantly. What it would have been had it been told by someone in person at length or if one has a glimpse of it?
My Guru enjoyed the drama from the beginning sitting in the front row beginning with Veda Vyasa and ending with the smiling Krishna.
Lifting of Bharath's citizens basic life still exists in such dramas only without doubt.
Maha Bharath ki Jai!
Balki
In a particular version i chanced to see, there is description how Krishna meticulously planned Draupadi's marraige ceremony. I give my brief understanding below:
---------------
King Drupad was humilated by Acharya Dhrona because of the humilation the king inflicted on his old friend Dhrona. Drupad out of yagna sacrifice gets one son to kill dhrona and another one daughter who will marry the hand of one who can defeat Dhrona in battle. Daughter is Draupadi and Son is Dhrishtadhyumna.
Draupadi, Dhrupad and Dhrishtadhyumna want Draupadi to be married to Krishna (Draupadi herself as a name "Krishnai") since Krishna just then had defeated Jarasandha, the most powerful, had successfully led Yadavas to Dwaraka almost single handedly. Let us see scenes one by one.
Scene-1
Pandavas escape the trap set by Dhuryodhan in Varanavat (arakku house) and escape to Rakshadhani. Bhima begets Ghatothkaja through Hidumbi - a rakshas princess. All pandavas live in hiding as whole of Hastinapur think pandavas have died. Not Vidura, Bhishma & sathyavati. They know the truth.
Scene-2
Krishna sends Uddhava on learning that Panadvas are alive, in search of them. Uddhava a great warrior himself, gets through naga kingdom, his ancestral kings and then finally to Rakshadhani. He informs Panadavas that they should come to Draupadi Swayamvar whenever it is held. A near collapse of things happen as rakshas are not interested in parting with their new king Bhima, before Vyasa intervens and saves Pandavas from Rakshasas, installs ghtothkaj as king. Pandavas wait for the dates of Swayamvar. In between Uddhav risks his life more than once
Scene-3
A yadava king was unnecessarily defeated in a battle by Dhuryodhan. Krishna sends Uddhava as a messenger to convey that this kingdom must be restored to Yadavas failing which they can meet in battle. Bhishma agrees that kingdom will be returned. Dhuryodhan is furious. Acharya is stunned for a reason as below.
Scene-4
Draupadi meets krishna and conveys that she wants to marry him. Krishna says he is happily married to Vaidarbhi Rukmini but does not refuse draupadi. He fears that if he refuse her, Drupad will seek Jarasandha's grandson megasandhi and that is a way to flourish of Adharm if panchala and magadha states unite under jarasandha. Krishna advice dhrupad to hold a Swayamvar and that he will be present. Drupad is speechless at the suggestion but respects Krishna's suggestion & agrees. Krishna tells Draupadi that He will always stand by her.
Krishna sends Shikhandi, sister of Draupadi to Dhrona to get him converted as male (Shikhandi a female was hidden and got married as male). Dhrona is humbled when shikhandi goes & says to Dhrona "krishna told me that you are the best acharya and that you will never refuse a worthy disciple". Dhrona sends Shikhandi to a friendly Yaksha & this male conversion happens. All without knowledge of drupad and Draupadi.
Scene-5
Dhrona is convinced that Krishna is a superlative man when he learns of Draupadi's swayamvar announced at the instance of Krishna. He smells some plans of Krishna mentally. He advices Dhuryodhan's daughter to seek the help of Krishna in preventing Dhuryodhan from marrying draupadi. Sakuni also seeks help of krishna as he feels that if Krishna tells a word, Drupad will blindly listen and get Draupadi married to Dhuryodhan. Dhuryodhan himself sends his wife to Krishna to take his help in getting Draupadi. Krishna handles the situation most brilliantly. This is the time Uddhava comes as messenger.
Scene-6
Sathrajit father of Sathyabhama fails to cooperate with Krishna in sending support to re-annexing of kingdom from Dhuryodhan. He tries to kill Sathyaki best lieutanant of Krishna to foil Krishna's plan. Lo! Sathyabhama saves Sathyaki & takes a pledge that he will help her to get married to Krishna. However no battle comes as Dhrona at the instance of Bhishma gives back kingdom to yadava king before Krishna. Krishna here promises Dhuryodhan's wife Bhanumathi that she need not worry about Draupadi getting married to Dhuryodhan. "It will not happen". He promises Sakuni that "he will give his best help in getting draupadi closer to Dhuryodhan". Krishna asks Ashwaththama to pledge before Dhrupad to say that if draupadi comes to hasthinapur as kuru princess then Dhrona will not leave from hasthinapur as enmity between Dhrupad & dhrona is not finished.
Scene-7
Draupadi is angered at plans of Krishna. Shikhandi is helped by Dhrona - her fathger's enemy, a kingdom is retaken from Hathinapur for yadavas - possibly to support dhuryodhan in swayamvar, a pledge is given by Ashwaththama that his father will not leave hasthinapur if she goes to hasthinapur and Sakuni wants to meet Dhrupad for a favour ---- all schemed by Krishna. She fumes at Krishna. Krishna tells Dhraupadi "Don't you have faith in me?" She is mesmerised at his words. She vows never to question Krishna again. The same fate goes to Dhrupad. Krishna wins the hearts of Panchali, Dhrupad, Shikhandi, Dhrishtadhyumna, Pandavas, Dhrona, Bhishma and even Sakuni & Dhuryodhan before Swayamvar starts. He only secretly arranges for a archery test through Sandipani for all the kings at Swayamvar.
Scene-8
Krishna meets Jarasandha alone and threatens to kill him if he takes part in Swayamvar. Jarasandha fears for his life & safely exits with honour. Draupadi is heartened but worried that still Dhurodhan is there. Pandavas are not yet seen on scene. Uddhava tells Krishna that he will attend (Uddhava is already married by then) Swayamvar if Dhuryodhan wins. Krishna asks why? He says that Krishna wants to make Drupadi married to Arjun and if it cannot happen he will kill himself at the mandap defiling the place so that marriage does not take place!!
Scene-9
All kings fail. Arjun without even asking for permission from his elder brother enters test and wins by arrowing through his left hand. Even Sathyaki could not believe that Arjuna has come back. After winning Arjun prostrates to Krishna. In a brahmin's gharb is Arjun. Because a Brahmin salutes a Kshatriya (which never happened then), everyone understand that He is Arjun. Then marriage take place happily.
There are various versions that Kunti unknowingly asked Pandavas to marry single lady. It is also said that the custom in Himachal was so (they had lived then there) and kunti took such a custom. Kunthi herself should have known about their sons's greatness because of their births. Even Swami Vivekanand writes that polygamy is not new. Vyasa appears on the scene to clear the air of doubt on previous births of Draupadi. Left to Draupadi she takes the choice. In a version, it is also said the before Arjun reached his house, his elder brother & Sahadevan were already with Kunthi.
A note also says that Draupadi is the Kali who drank the blood of all kauravas while it is the sudarshana of Krishna which actually killed everyone in the great battle finally. Draupadi not ordinary as are all her husbands. She is born of fire.
When Dhrona is killed while in meditation in battlefield, all get angry at Dhrishtadhyumna including Arjun. Only Krishna pacifies them by revealing the fate of Dhrona tied to Dhrishtadhyumna.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Acharya Dhrona drama at NGS was punctuated with great vachanas of the late Thespian Manohar. The choice of Bhishma and Draupadi left one to wonder how such a great art is failing among the masses to inspire because of cinematic industry.
These characters and dramas lift a person instantly. What it would have been had it been told by someone in person at length or if one has a glimpse of it?
My Guru enjoyed the drama from the beginning sitting in the front row beginning with Veda Vyasa and ending with the smiling Krishna.
Lifting of Bharath's citizens basic life still exists in such dramas only without doubt.
Maha Bharath ki Jai!
Balki
Bala Krishnan
Jan 16, 2012, 2:45:24 AM1/16/12
to friendindia
Scene-5
Dhrona is convinced that Krishna is a superlative man when he learns of Draupadi's swayamvar announced at the instance of Krishna. He smells some plans of Krishna mentally. He advices Dhuryodhan's wife Bhanumathi. Bhanumathi is adviced by both her husband Dhuryodhan and Guru Dhrona to seek the help of krishna. but in oppposite ways.
was written wrongly as daughter earlier
Dhrona is convinced that Krishna is a superlative man when he learns of Draupadi's swayamvar announced at the instance of Krishna. He smells some plans of Krishna mentally. He advices Dhuryodhan's wife Bhanumathi. Bhanumathi is adviced by both her husband Dhuryodhan and Guru Dhrona to seek the help of krishna. but in oppposite ways.
was written wrongly as daughter earlier
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