Draupadi Vastraharan Katha – Chapter 6: Concessions and the Exile Order

Concessions and the Order of Exile

The fierce vow of Bhima and the insult to Draupadi had cast an atmosphere of fear in the Kaurava assembly. Dhritarashtra, blinded by paternal affection, still sensed the destructive situation that now stood at the door. Gandhari also signaled to Dhritarashtra with her blindfold that something needed to be calmed down now.

Dhritarashtra's Concessions

Sensing the calm signals of Queen Gandhari and the impending crisis for his sons, Dhritarashtra rose from his seat and announced, "Enough! No more! This assembly now ends here." Silence fell upon the assembly. Addressing Yudhishthira, Dhritarashtra said, "O Yudhishthira, whatever you have lost, I return it all to you. Your kingdom, your weapons, your servants, maids, take back everything. Now, you shall return to Indraprastha with honor with your brothers and wife." Dhritarashtra's voice was a mixture of remorse and fear. He tried his best to calm the situation from his end. Tears were in Draupadi's eyes—this was a way out of the humiliating situation.

Yudhishthira replied in a calm voice, "Your command is accepted, Maharaj. We respect your decision and are ready to return to Indraprastha." But anger was evident on Shakuni's face. Duryodhana was also enraged.

The Dice Game Again

Duryodhana could not bear for the Pandavas to escape so easily. He whispered in Dhritarashtra's ear, "Father, they have won even after losing! If the Pandavas leave, they will surely gather an army and attack us. We must give them another chance! One last gamble!" Dhritarashtra, bound by paternal affection, weakened again. Shakuni played another trick. He proposed a final game to Yudhishthira. The rule was that whoever lost would have to undergo twelve years of exile and one year of incognito living. If caught during the incognito period, they would have to undergo twelve more years of exile.

Yudhishthira, knowing his misfortune, could not refuse due to his addiction to gambling and adherence to Kshatriya dharma. Shakuni rolled the dice, and again the Pandavas lost. Crisis deepened in the fate of the Pandavas once more. Draupadi's heart trembled with fear, but she had complete faith in Krishna's grace. Krishna established peace in Draupadi's mind.

The Order of Exile

Yudhishthira, along with his brothers and Draupadi, bowed to Dhritarashtra and the entire assembly. With heavy hearts, they began preparations for their journey into exile. Bhima's anger was calmed by Arjuna. Nakula and Sahadeva were silent, as if their fate had been sealed. Draupadi, with firm resolve, walked towards the forest with everyone. Her mind was filled with the uncertainties of the future, but unwavering faith in Krishna gave her strength. This exile was a decisive turning point in the lives of the Pandavas, which would lead them even further towards dharma.