Draupadi Vastraharan Katha – Chapter 5: Bhima's Vow and Unveiling of Anger

Unveiling Bhima's Vow and Wrath

Lord Krishna's miraculous garments saved Draupadi's honor, but the flames of insult continued to burn in the hearts of the Pandavas. Yudhishthira's loss in the dice game and Duryodhana's vile act were unbearable for Bhima. Draupadi's cry and Dushasana's despicable behavior were the limits of Bhima's patience.

The Volcano of Wrath

As Draupadi was covered by invisible garments, a deep silence fell upon the assembly. But this was the calm before the storm. Bhimasena, whose arms possessed the strength of ten thousand elephants, trembled with rage. His eyes turned red like embers, and sweat of anger flowed down his massive body. He felt Draupadi's insult as if it were an insult to his mother Kunti. The warrior within him had crossed the boundary of his tolerance.

Bhima took a deep breath, his chest expanding as if about to withstand a powerful explosion. "What is happening?" he thought. "Has Dharmaraja lost us in a dice game and made himself and Draupadi slaves? Will we now tolerate the insult of our sisters and mother as well?" His anger was growing within him with tremendous force.

The Threat of Dushasana's Demise

In a roaring voice, Bhima vowed, "I will tear open the chest of Dushasana, who pulled Draupadi's hair in the full assembly, with my mace and drink his blood! If I do not do this, may I not attain the state of my ancestors!" The entire assembly trembled with fear at Bhima's vow. Duryodhana and his companions were stunned. Dhritarashtra also became worried, for he knew that Bhima would surely fulfill his vow.

Lord Krishna indirectly calmed Bhima's anger. He awakened the memory of Dharma in the minds of those present in the assembly. He also ensured that Bhima's anger did not go out of control, so that it would not lead to further destruction. Krishna knew that Bhima's anger was necessary for the establishment of Dharma, but it was also important to guide it in the right direction.

Bhima's Terrible Vow

Bhima raised his mace, as if he would kill Dushasana right then. "This is my vow!" he roared. "I, Bhimasena, swear that in the war, I will break Duryodhana's thighs! My arrows will annihilate the Kaurava army! I will surely take revenge for Draupadi's insult!" The ten directions echoed with Bhima's vow. Silence fell upon the assembly. Yudhishthira's head bowed with shame. Arjuna's face became serious. Nakula and Sahadeva looked at their brother, with a mixture of worry and determination in their hearts. This vow of Bhima later became a major cause of the Mahabharata war and paved the way for the Pandavas' victory. Now, it remains to be seen what steps Dhritarashtra will take to control this situation.