Welcome to Episode 38 of Bhagavad Gita: Mahabharata.
In this series I outline the epic of the Mahabharata. The events that happened before and after the Bhagavad Gita.

For those that have not watched my Bhagavad Gita series you can find it on    • Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough  

For this series I have drawn inspiration from the works of
Sudipta Bhawmik and Avi Ziv in their series “Stories of the Mahabharata” https://shows.acast.com/thestoriesofm... as well as the illustrated “Mahabharata” by Manoj Publications www.manojpublications.com.

Many images are from the visually stunning Mahabharat by StarPlus available on Youtube

Music by ShidenBeatsMusic from Pixabay

Chapter 38 – The Abduction of Draupadi

In stark contrast to Duryodhana's ill-fated royal guard, the Pandava brothers proved to be vastly superior in strength and skill. They swiftly overwhelmed the enemy warriors. To Arjuna's surprise, the leader of the enemy army was none other than Chitrasena, the Gandharva, who had once been his music and dance teacher in the heavenly realms of Lord Indra.

"Young prince," Chitrasena praised, "you have once again displayed valor and skill. My army ranks among the very best in the realms, yet you and your four brothers have defeated us in open combat. What is your desire?"
Arjuna responded, "The prince you have captured is our cousin, Duryodhana, a member of the Kuru clan. As such, we are duty-bound to protect all our citizens. Release him and his companions immediately, and you may go on your way."

"As you wish, dear prince," Chitrasena complied, freeing Duryodhana and his companions. Although Duryodhana was relieved to be rescued, the humiliation of being saved by the Pandavas only fuelled his anger.
Meanwhile, in the Pandava camp, Draupadi received an unexpected visitor. Jayadratha, the husband of Duryodhana's sister, Dushasana, was on a journey through the forest and stopped by their dwelling to request some refreshments. When he saw Draupadi, he was overwhelmed by her beauty.
Recognizing Jayadratha as Dushasana's husband, Draupadi offered him refreshments. However, Jayadratha, consumed by lust, began to speak seductively.

“Why is such a beautiful woman living in such squalor? Your husbands are mere beggars. Come back with me to my palace and I will treat as a Queen should be.” “Scoundrel!” replied Draupadi, “How dare you speak to me in such a manner. You are married to Dushashana who is like a sister to me. My husbands will be back soon, and they will make you pay for your insolence”

But Jayadratha's lust had overcome his judgment, and he was determined to claim Draupadi for himself, even by force. He seized her arm and dragged her towards his chariot. Draupadi screamed for help, attracting the attention of a nearby Brahmin, who rushed to intervene. Meanwhile, the Pandava brothers had returned just in time to hear Draupadi's cries for help.

In hot pursuit, the Pandavas chased after Jayadratha, whose chariot was fast but unfamiliar with the forest terrain. They intercepted him further along the path, where Nakula rescued Draupadi, Arjuna destroyed the chariot with his mighty arrows, and Bhima violently pulled Jayadratha from the wreckage.

Jayadratha cowered in terror as he found himself surrounded by five powerful warriors and one furious Queen.