Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part B

     Draupadi is perhaps one of the most fascinating female characters in Mahabharata. Married to all the Pandavas, she spent years of exile with them. She was born to a powerful king Drupad, who intended to get her married to Arjuna. A Swayamwara was organised to find the ideal fit for her. The Pandavas, Kauravas, Krishna and Balarama were all present. Drupad set up a bow that only a powerful and skilled archer could lift. It turned out to be quite a challenge for everyone. Karna decided to give it a try but was called "lowly born" by Draupadi. Ultimately, Arjuna lifts the bow and wins Draupadi's heart. Karma works in mysterious ways, as Karna was the one to ultimately help in Abhimanyu's killing ( Arjuna and Draupadi's son). This story cuts into the caste system and questions the idea of privilege at birth. 

Arjuna and Krishna defeating the lord of the heavens ( Indra) is one of my favorite stories. It holds much significance to me as we grew up worshiping the Nagas. Agni ( the lord of fire ) had grown weak and pale due to hunger and wanted to consume the Khandava Vana ( a dense forest ). However, Indra would constantly extinguish the fire to protect the animals. Arjuna used a celestial bow from Varuna that had inextinguishable flames. They defeated Indra and Agni finally consumed the Khandava Vana, killing all animals except six. Ashwasena ( a naga ) and the son of Takshaka ( king of the Nagas), wanted to avenge the deaths. In the Kurukshetra war, Ashwasena sat in Karna's quiver to kill Arjuna. Krishna manages to save Arjuna with a quick insight. Another instance of Karma getting back.

Map showing the location of Khandava

Takshaka ( King of the Nagas) was away from the forest during the burning of Khandava. Instead his son- Ashwasena tried defending it.