THE MAHABHARATAM : 10. Swami Advayananda Acharyaji.

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Friday,April 08, 2022. 19:00.

Prelude to the Bhagavad Geeta :

Meditation on the Bhagavad Geeta.

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18 Episodes : 

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Episode 1: How the Writing Began

Episode 2: The Story of Bhishma

Episode 3: Amba Seeks Revenge on Bhishma

Episode 4: The Story of Vidhura

Episode 5: The Story of Queen Kunti

Episode 6: The Young Princes Grow Up Together 

Episode 7: The Development of Karna 

Episode 8: The “Wax Palace”

Episode 9: The Pandavas Enjoy Some Peace!

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Episode 10: Draupadi’s Swayamwaram

The Pandavas were on the move again. Soon they came to know of a Swayamwara at which the daughter of Drupada, Draupadi by name, was to be given in marriage. They knew Drupada as their close ally, so they were very keen to go and attend this Swayamwara. Drupada was the King of Panchal Disha. They joined the procession of Princes who were hopeful of winning the hand of Draupadi, a beautiful and very noble-minded Princess.

Among the various kings and princes who had gathered there were Duryodhana and Karna. Even Krishna had come because Draupadi was a cousin of His.

In a Kshatriya Swayamvara, all the suitors are checked out for their strength, prowess and valour, and only the best is taken.

Arjuna’s concentration was world-renowned. Even in his Gurukula days he had enormous capacity to concentrate and focus. Drona’s students often complained to him that he had an unfair partiality towards Arjuna. Dronacharya’s reply was that they will soon come to know why.

Dronacharya set up a surprise test for them all. He made a parrot out of cloth, with eyes painted on it, and set it up on a tall tree nearby. Calling all his students one by one, he asked them, “What do you see?” No one else knew what question was being asked nor what the replies were. He called Bhima first. Bhima said, “I see you, Arjuna, my brothers….”

That was enough; Dronacharya asked him to go and sit down. Duryodhana came next, and he also said he saw various things, and was asked to sit down. After all had come for their turn and failed, Arjuna was called up last.

“What do you see, Arjuna?”

“I see the eye of a bird.”

“Do you see the parrot?

“I see the eye of a bird.”

“Do you see the branches of the tree around it?

“I see the eye of a bird.”

“Then SHOOT, Arjuna! You will never miss.”

Arjuna was so focused that nothing would distract his attention. His whole mind was on the target that he was set. He saw nothing else. That is why Dronacharya had a special place for him in his heart. For the same reason it was Arjuna who was given the divine vision in the Geeta because there was a purity in his heart which was very rare.

Needless to say Arjuna won the hand of Draupadi by fair means. The successful Pandavas returned home to give the news to Kunti Mata. On entering, they said from the doorway, “Ma, look what we have brought for you today.” Kunti was busy in the kitchen and, without turning to see, she said, “O share it equally among all of you.” This is how Draupadi became the wife of all the Pandava brothers!

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Next -

Episode 11: The Pandavas Settle in Indraprastham

To be continued ....

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