A few weeks ago, we discussed the episode in Mahabharata about the insult to Draupadi by the Kauravas. Recently, I was reading the Bhagavatam translation by Bhagawan Satya Sai Baba in his Bhagawata Vauhini. I am reproducing below the extracts relating to this episode. Since, from this, the Bhagavatam version appears to be slightly different from the Maha Bharata version, I am bringing it to the notice of members.
Dasan
Krishnaswamy M.K.
http://home.comcast.net/~mkkmkk/bhagavatavauhini/bhagavathavahini/bhagavatha068.html
???.. the Lord, took upon Himself the burden of rescuing her from distress; He moved in silent and unseen, and blessed her, unnoticed. And, wonder of wonders, the Sari which the human ogres were attempting to remove in order to disgrace her was rendered endless; every one, including the tormentors, were stunned at the demonstration of
"Can God permit the just and moral Pandavas to suffer humiliation? The harm that the Kauravas planned to inflict on the Pandavas recoiled on them only. This was the direct consequence of the grace that Lord Krishna showered on your grandfathers and grandmother and of the devotion and faith they had reposed in Lord Krishna."
"Intending to declare to the world the intense devotion of the Pandavas and its efficacy, and also to hold them up as examples for the Kali Age that was to come, the Lord contrived this thrilling drama; there is nothing more in this than that purpose of the Lord. You may be subjected to calumny, insult and dishonour; you may be plunged in poverty or pain; but, the person who has surrendered to the will of God will welcome each of these gladly and bear it with equanimity. The Lord will never give up His children; those devoted to God have to be patient and calm, under the most poignant provocations. The fact is the pious and the God-fearing are those who are visited by travails and troubles; in order to teach mankind these great truths,
http://home.comcast.net/~mkkmkk/bhagavatavauhini/bhagavathavahini/bhagavatha069.html
Sage Vyasa continued, "Listen O king!"
"Droupadi was overwhelmed with amazement when she experienced the grace of
"Meanwhile,
"At this, she fell at the Lord's feet, washing it with her tears darkened by the collyrium in her eyes; the tresses of her long thick hair, unloosened by wicked hands, fell over His feet and covered them. She rolled on the ground round the feet."
"Her furious contentment and her angry excitement steeped the assembly of courtiers and warriors in astonishment.
"She stood in the centre of the assembly and turning on
http://home.comcast.net/~mkkmkk/bhagavatavauhini/bhagavathavahini/bhagavatha070.html
"But, Krishna broke the silence. 'Then when do you dress your hair as of old? Sister! These loose tresses make you really frightening'. At this the heroic queen roared like a lioness, 'Lord! Pray listen! The filthy rascal who dared touch this hair, hold it in his foul hand and drag me into this hall must have his head broken into bits and his corpse gnawed by foxes and dogs; his wife must be widowed; she must unloosen her tresses and wail in unquenchable grief; that day, I shall dress this hair into a knot; and not till then'. Hearing this imprecation, the elders in the hall were alarmed at its terrible consequences. They covered their ears so as not to hear more; they pleaded, 'Pardon', 'Peace', 'Quieten yourself', for they knew how calamitous was the curse of a woman of virtue. The heart of Dhritharashtra, the old blind father of the wicked gang that insulted her, very nearly burst with fear; his sons tried to put on brave faces but, within them, they were struck down by a tornado of panic. A wave of dread swept over the assembly, for, they knew that her words must come true, the wrong must be avenged by the punishment she has pronounced."
"To reinforce this apprehension, Krishna too said, 'O! Droupadi! May it happen as you have said. I shall destroy these wicked men who caused so much sorrow to your husbands. The words you spoke now must come true, for you have not tainted your tongue with falsehood, even in fun, since the moment of birth. Your voice is the voice of truth; truth will triumph, in spite of everything.'"
"This was the assurance given to your grandmother by the Lord; the Kauravas were destroyed and the righteousness of the Pandavas vindicated, before the world. Where Dharma is, there the Lord is; where the Lord is, there victory is; this holy axiom was taught to the world by the Lord through this tragedy."
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