द्रौपदी की आत्मकथा

by Manu Sharma

द्रौपदी का चरित्र अनोखा है। पूरी दुनिया के इतिहास में उस जैसी दूसरी कोई स्त्री नहीं हुई। महाभारत में द्रौपदी के साथ जितना अन्याय होता दिखता है, उतना अन्याय इस महाकथा में किसी अन्य स्त्री के साथ नहीं हुआ। द्रौपदी संपूर्ण नारी थी। वह कार्यकुशल थी और लोकव्यवहार के साथ घर-गृहस्थी में भी पारंगत। लेकिन द्रौपदी जैसी असाधारण नारी के बीच भी एक साधारण नारी छिपी थी, जिसमें प्रेम, ईर्ष्या, डा

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

द्रौपदी की आत्मकथा by Manu Sharma- The book brings before the readers the story of Draupadi, a strong woman character from Hindu Epic Mahabharata. Draupadi is daughter of Drupad King of Panchal. In the book, she has been referred to as Panchali because she is the Princess of Panchal and as Yajnaseni because she has been born of yagn. Draupati is the main female protagonist of the Hindu Epic Mahabharata and the common consort of the five Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. She is noted for her beauty, courage, and a rare polyandrous marriage. In the book, Draupadi narrates her father Drupad and Dronacharya were students at the Ashram of Rishi Bhardwaj. The two were bosom friends. The pledged to help each other in time of need. However, later, when Drona approached Drupad at his Kampilya capital court, Drupad did not pay due respect to him. Angered by this behaviour of Drupad, Drona pledged to take revenge. Drona was appointed as teacher to Kuru kingdom. At Hastinapur, Bhishma, family elder, warrior was the protector of King Dhritrastra, who was blind from birth. At Kuru palace in Hastinapur, Drona’s brother -in- law, Kripacharya was Kulguru. Drona’s son Ashwasthama was also taught with the Royal children. Drona had learnt the art of war and use of weapons, arms, ammunition, horse riding, wrestling, fighting with mace, use of bow and arrow and use of some celestial weapons. Karn, son of Adhirath, who was a charioteer to King Dhritrashtra, could not join the class, as he was not from royal blood. On completion of their formal training, Drona demanded that they fight, defeat and bring Drupad before him as Gurudakshina. Kurus fail in their fight with Drupad while Pandavas lead by Arjuna is successful. Drupad bound in chains is brought before Drona. Drona takes northern half of the Panchal Kingdom and lets Drupad return to Panchal as king of Southern Panchal with Kampilya as capital. Drupad is aware that Drona and Arjuna are strong enough for him to defeat, therefore, he meet Rishi Yaga and Upyaga brothers who accept to perform yagn for Drupad for his wish that he would get a son who will defeat Drona. During the yagn, Fire God gave him one son Dristadumna, one daughter Draupadi and one ennuch Shikhandi. The three children were educated and brought in the palace. Dristdumna was taught in the palace where Draupadi also heard by sitting behind a curtain. Both brother and sister gained knowledge about mathematics, law, running of empire, manners of royalty- respect for Brahmins and teachers, love of citizens, how to hire servants, daily puja, visiting temples giving alms to the needy, taking part in yagna, drawing, painting, decoration of King’s halls and palaces and other subjects. Draupadi was trained in royal flower decoration, cooking with too many ingredients and cooking with minimum ingredients. She was trained to dress suitably and properly with many jewels and with minimum jewels. She was trained to maintain her body, face, charm. She was trained to Sanskrit and other local dialects. She learnt how to be a good wife and a great mother. Krishna, the Yadav king arrived at Kampilya and the invitation of Drupad. Krishna met the family and briefed them about the latest position of all kings in the country. Kurus, Pandavas, Matsya, Magadha, Chedi, Ang, Gandhar, Sindhu, Madra, Kamboj, Bahleek, Trigart, Pragjyotishpur, their kings, Princes and Princesses. Paintings of these kings, princes and princesses were with Drupad. Krishna informed that it is rumoured that Pandavas were burnt alive at Varanavat a city on the banks of Ganga River. There has been no news about their being alive. The intention of inviting Krishna was to plan how Draupadi can be married to Arjuna but in the circumstances, it was planned to organize a swayamvar for Draupati and invite all kings and princes to a competition. In a competition, a fish is hanged with a string from a wall. Below the fish, there is a water bowl is moving water. The archer has to view the image of the fish in the water pond, aim at the fish with a heavy bow and hit the fish’s eye. At the swayamvar, King of Magadh, Madra, Madra fail to achieve the target. Karn approaches walks towards the site but Draupadi informs that she is not prepared to marry a non-Kshitriya person. Amongst the kings, no one is ready to attempt, therefore, the competition is open to Brahmins. One young Brahmin approaches, picks up the heavy bow, views the shadow of the fish in water, aims at the fish and nails eye of fish in one shot. Dristdumna welcome him and Draupati garlands him as a sign of acceptance of marriage. Kshatriya kings are angered at this incident. They plan to seize Drapadi but four brothers of the Brahmin resist, defeat the miscreants and the five brothers and Draupadi leave the palace for their home. Dristdumna follows them. In the autobiographical book, Draupadi has described the incidents which occurred further. Draupadi remembered that Krishna was smiling as she moved ahead to lay the garland in the winner’s neck. This was an indication that these 5 persons must be Pandavas. These 5 men walk fast. Draupadi finds it difficult to keep pace with them. Panting for breath, they reach a house of a potter. The eldest son calls his mother and informs her that they have brought a prize for her. Brahmins beg for food at the houses. Later, they offer the food to God and divide the food among themselves to eat. Their mother replies that the brothers must divide the prize equally among them. She opens the door and finds that a royal lady Draupadi is with them. They enter their residence and offer their respect to their mother. On reaching home, Draupadi comes to know that they are Pandavas and mother is Kunti. Draupadi is an expert in cooking tasty dishes with less food items. They all eat and rest for the night. Dristdumna has followed and viewed the whole incident. He informs his father Drupad and Krishna. Drupad calls meeting of elders and informs the incident. It is decided that Pandavas should be invited to the palace. Dristdumna arrives with Brahmins and chariots and requests Yudhistar and the Pandavas, Kunti to be guests of Drupad kingdom. Kunti agrees to accept the invitation of Drupad. At the palace, they all are welcome. The question of Draupadi marring all five Pandavas is brought up. Ved Vyas and other Rishis are invited to examine the question and advice Drupad. Ved Vyas and his team advice that Draupadi should marry all five Pandava brothers. Draupadi ‘s marriage with all five Pandavas is performed following Vedic rituals. Ved Vyas laid the Polyandry law that Draupadi will remain the wife of each Pandav for one year by rotation. All kings are now aware that Pandavas who were attempted to be burned alive at Varnavat palace built by architect Purochana, have survived. They have married Draupadi daughter of mighty King Drupad. Dhritrashtra is afraid of social disgrace. He invites Bhishma and Kuri courtiers, lays down the facts. It is decided that Kuru emissary should be sent to bring back the Pandavas with the newly wed Draupadi. Vidur, the Minister and half- brother of Dhritrashtra is sent with team to invite and bring them to Hastinapur. Draupadi is informed that Duryodhana has been declared as the heir to the throne of Kuru Kingdom. But, now, Yudhistar being elder to Duryodhana the equation has changed. On arriving at Hastinapur, Draupadi understands the brewing tension among Duruyodhana poisoned by his uncle Shakuni, king of Gandhar. Under public pressure, Dhritrashtara divides the Kuru empire in two parts, first part is Hastinapur with Duryodhana heir and second part Khandava Pradesh. Khandava Pradesh is a hilly, dry, forest covered region with less arable land and no inhabitants. Kunti, Pandavas, Krishna and some citizens, rich men of Hastinapur accompanied their caravan. Draupadi had to cook and supervise the food and water to all members. Krishna and Arjuna studied the landscape and concluded that agricultural land and residential land has to withdrawn by burning the forest. Indra, Agni helped Krishna and Arjuna in this work. With help of firearms, the forest was burnt. Two persons were saved first King of Snakes, Takshak and Rakshas Architect Mayasur. While Takshak was angry and said that he will take revenge with Arjuna while Mayasur felt the obligation, so, he promised that he will design and construct a palace of illusions. Draupadi understood the Pandava family. She talked reasonably less with Kunti. Yudhistar was king and remained busy with court work. Yudhistar sometimes liked alcohol and dice. Bhim was kind and helpful to Draupadi. Arjuna had gone out for 12 years as punishment becaue he had entered the chamber of Yudhistar while Draupadi was with him. Nakul and Sahadev were same age as Draupadi. She jelled with both of them well. Nakul was handsome, learned and wise. He was an expert in horses. Sahadev was expert on cows. Draupadi dreamed of such a royal palace for Pandavas. Draupadi provided her suggestions about the kitchen, flowery designs and a palace of lot of illusions. The palace was constructed and the new capital was named Indraprastha. Draupadi took charge of Indraprastha administration with the help Nakul and Sahadev. Draupadi interviewed male and female servants before they were provided service in the palace or entry in Indraprastha. Draupadi is successful in maintain vigil that no secrets of Indraprastha are leaked out through spies of other countries. Rishi Narad arrived and informed that Pandavas should perform a Rajsuya yagn. Krishna arrived and the court assembled. With Magadh king Jarasandh alive, it was not possible to perform Rajsuya yagn. It was decided that Arjun, Bhim and Krishna will travel to Magadh dressed as Brahmins. When the trio reached Magadh, King Jarasandh welcomed them and enquired about their wish. Krishna said that they wished to invite to a duel. Jarasandh agreed to fight with mace with Bhim. Duel began next morning, maces broke. Wrestling began and continued for many days. When Bhim felt that Jarasandh is tired, Bhim pulled both Jarasandh’s legs, tore him apart and threw both parts of the body in opposite directions. Jarasandh was dead. Krishna released all 99 of his kings which Jarasandh had put in prison. Jarasandh’s son Sahadev was crowned and invited to Rajsuya yagn of Panadvas. The trio returns successful with message that the way to Rajsuya yagn is clear. The Trio is welcomed at Indraprastha. Rajasuya yagn horse moves round the country with Pandav brothers following them with an army. The yagn horse travels from Indraprastha to Yadav, Panchal, Matsya, Magadh, Chedi, Kunti, Ang, Gandhar, Sindhu, Madra, Kamboj, Bahleek, Trigart, Pragjyotishpur and returns victorious to Indraprastha. For Rajsuya yagn, Pandavas travel to Hastinapur and personally invite Dhritrashtra, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Ashwasthama, Duryodhana, Karn, Sanjay, the charioteer and all courtiers and citizen from Hastinapur. Specific duties towards guests are nominated to Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Ashwasthama, Duryodhana, Karn, Sanjay, Krishna and Pandavas as hosts. Kings from all over the country arrive. Draupadi has already constructed additional houses for the comfortable stay and dining for guests. Draupadi, as queen of Indraprastha had duty of overall supervision of all daily religious and entertainment programmes. King Drupad has arrived with his family members, army men and his courtiers. Draupadi was thrilled to meet her family members and renouned kings, Brahmins, Rishis and other guests. Yagn is complete and the group has to decide on which leader among them should be selected for Agrapuja. Bhishma suggests the name of Shrikrishna. Shishupal, king of Chedi, Shrikrishna’s cousin brother expressed his disagreement with this decision. He informed the Shrikrishna is not a king, he is not a Kshatriya but comes from a Yadav caste. Starting from childhood of Krishna, Chedi King uttered many false stories. Bhim wished to shut him down but Krishna stopped Bhim. Krishna counts the abuses uttered by Shishupal. Once the total of one hundred abuses is complete, Krishna beheads Shisupal with his Sudarshan charkra, a flying metal disc. There is silence all over. Agrapuja of Shrikrishna is performed by Yudhistar. All guests Rishis, Brahmins, Kings, Courtiers, businessmen dine. Then, each guest is thanked with a costly utility gift. Duryodhana wishes to leave but Yudhistar stops him for a few days.

[Yogi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good narrative on personality of Draupadi and commentary on status of woman and her role in society.

[Mehak Bhutra · Rating 4 out of 5]

panchaali.