Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part C

Reading Notes Source: Public Domain Edition of the Mahabharata

  • The Court of King Virata
    • Finally, the 12 year exile of the Pandava's has ended and they begin their one year disguise. They spend this disguised in the court of King Virata. Ironically, Yudhishthira's role is as the kings dice companion, Bhima is disguised as the cook, and Nakula and Sahadeva play roles with cattle. Arjuna takes the name of Brihannala and lives as a eunuch, and Draupadi is the queen's hairdresser named Sairandhri. While in disguise, Draupadi is raped by Kichaka, the queen's brother. Bhima avenges her by squeezing Kichaka to death, almost ruining the groups chances of completing their year in disguise. 
  • Brink of War
    • Once again, the Pandavas find themselves on the brink of war and are bidding for peace. All Yudhishthira asks Hastinapura is that he be given 5 villages (instead of half of the kingdom which was the originally negotiating terms) in order to avoid war. The section ends with a lot of different people arguing about whether or not they should go to war or give Yudhishthira the 5 villages. War seems unavoidable, which could potentially be the doom of Dhritarashtra.
Draupadi and Pandavas


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