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| Bhima defends Draupadi from Kichaka Image Source |
Plot:
Dhritarashta finds out through his spies that the Pandavas have a plan with Arjuna concerning the weapons he is teaching them how to use. Shakuni encourages Durodhana to create a camp near the Pandavas to shame them. The gods have a different plan. They intend to send a gandharva to make Duryodhana act. The battle takes place and the gandharvas capture Duryodhana but then the Pandavas set him free. The plan backfires. While in the forest the Pandavas notice a brahmin walking who claims a large deer stole his staff and kindling to make a fire for sacrifice. The Pandavas try to capture the deer but fail. Nakula sees a lake but then a voice appears and say he must answer questions before drinking from the lake. Nakula, being thirsty, refuses to answer and drinks anyway. Sahadeva, Arjuna, and Bhima all do the same and all die. Yudhishthira runs over and find all brothers to have ceased from existence. Yama was testing them. The brothers rose again and then were given the gift of unrecognizability. After 12 years, the 13th year is spent at the court of King Virata. Yudhishthira plays a game of dice with him. Bhima is a cook, Nakula is a stable boy and Sahadeva is a cowherd. Arjuna lives as a eunich and a crisis happens where Draupadi is raped by Kichaka and Draupadi wants revenge. Kichaka is killed. The cattle raid happens. A war preparation happens with Balarama and Krishna and dissension at Hastinapura takes place. The Pandavas plead for peace and Yudhishthira tells Sanjaya to tell Hastinapura to give him five villages for the brothers. The sons are banished. Gandhari finally says war is over and Vyasa believes war will be the doom.
Characters:
Duryodhana-the eldest of the Kauravas
Dhritarashtra-King of Hastinapura, not easily persuaded
Bhishma and Vidura--
Ulupi-the naga princess who marries Arjuna--
Yudhishthira-new king of Indraprastha--
Maya-great ancient king of the asura, daitya and rākṣasa races--
Shakuni-Duryodhana's maternal uncle
Bhima-the second of the Pandavas--
Urvashi-an apsara who falls in love with Arjuna--
Nakula-the fourth of the five Pandava brothers
Yama--the god of death and of Dharma
King Virata-king of Virata Kingdom
Draupadi--hairdresser of Queen Sudeshna
Kichaka-Queen Sudeshna's brother
Setting:
Camp near the Pandavas
Forest near the lake
Virata Kingdom
Bibliography:
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